This first computer in 1948 could hold a whopping 8kb.
Here is what I am reading today:
“The human ear cannot hear these infrasound signals. However, by playing the data faster than true speed, Georgia Tech faculty member Zhigang Peng increased the sound waves’ frequency to audible levels. The Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology’s Data Managment Center provided the data.
“The sound started at about 10 hours after the explosion and lasted for another 10 hours in Georgia,” said Peng, an associate professor in the School of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences. He’s confident that the sound is associated with the meteor impact because a slow propagation of the sound waves can be seen across the entire collection of USArray stations, as well as other stations in Alaska and polar regions.”
“”We think this one type of cell may be useful in treating several types of neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders in a targeted way,” said Arnold Kriegstein, MD, PhD, director of the Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research at UCSF and co-lead author on the paper.”
“”The human capacity for complex symbolic math is clearly unique to our species,” says co-author Jessica Cantlon, assistant professor of brain and cognitive sciences at the University of Rochester. “But where did this numeric prowess come from? In this study we’ve shown that non-human primates also possess basic quantitative abilities. In fact, non-human primates can be as accurate at discriminating between different quantities as a human child.””
“”It is unclear why so many physicians who specialize in the management of ADHD — child neurologists, psychiatrists and developmental pediatricians — fail to comply with recently published treatment guidelines,” said Andrew Adesman, MD, senior investigator and chief of developmental and behavioral pediatrics at Cohen Children’s Medical Center in New Hyde Park. “With the AAP now extending its diagnosis and treatment guidelines down to preschoolers, it is likely that more young children will be diagnosed with ADHD even before entering kindergarten. Primary care physicians and pediatric specialists should recommend behavior therapy as the first line treatment.””
“”Athletic participation may prevent involvement in violence-related activities among girls but not among boys because aggression and violence generally might be more accepted in boys’ high school sports,” said senior author Tamera Coyne-Beasley, MD, MPH, FSAHM, FAAP, professor of pediatrics and internal medicine at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.”
“”Texting while driving has become, in the words of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, a ‘national epidemic,'” said principal investigator Alexandra Bailin, a research assistant at Cohen Children’s Medical Center of New York.
Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of death among teenagers, and using a phone while driving significantly increases the risk of accidents in this age group. The specific act of texting while driving has been found to raise the risk of a crash by 23 times, leading many to conclude that texting while driving is more dangerous than driving while intoxicated.”
21 Comments
jhaskett · May 6, 2013 at 2:46 pm
Response to Camaraderie of Sports Teams:
This article definitely stood out to me because I was a very active participant in high school athletic teams and youth recreation centers. I am a firm believer that there is a correlation between positive involvement in the community and association with a sports team, at least with the people I came across. Most of the people on my teams were in very good academic standing, were involved in school clubs, and mostly shied away from alcohol and drugs in general. However, I found it interesting that the article said sports teams could reduce violence in girls but not boys. I would definitely like to see the raw data on those findings, but nevertheless a really fascinating article.
jhaskett · May 6, 2013 at 2:52 pm
Response to Texting and Driving Article:
After mentioning this in my Psy 340 class, I definitely wanted to read this article because it causes so many deaths a year and affects people around me, especially teens. The fact that 43% of high school students drive and text is astonishing, though maybe not so much because I can honestly say I have done it a few times. Honestly, I really was not thinking because that one, probably meaningless, text could definitely have resulted in an accident, though teens usually do not think anything will happen to them. Somehow these statistics and casualties need to sink in with drivers because one mishap could be the end; as depressing as that may sound it is the reality.
rileywenger · May 6, 2013 at 4:11 pm
When reading the Benefits of Sports Teams, I was very surprised by the reported findings. Though the article reported that the female athletes were less likely to be bullied and carry weapons, there were no differences between male athletes and non-athletes. I found this intriguing, as most males in that do play sports enjoy the sport, and therefore do not engage in activities that would possibly cause hem to get expelled or suspended from the sport. Many schools may have a minimum GPA for student athletes, so it would be interesting to further the study by examining the grades of athletes vs. non athletes.
rileywenger · May 6, 2013 at 4:32 pm
While reading the texting and driving article, I was very surprised at the fact hat laws against texting and driving had such a small effect. The statistics regarding female vs. male texting and driving was also surprising, as prior to this article I assumed females texted more while driving than males. I was not surprised that the 18 year old drivers reported higher rates than younger drivers, as they have been driving long enough to feel comfortable in a car, though that is no excuse nor reason to text and drive.
JeremyBrooks · May 6, 2013 at 10:57 pm
(In reference to the “benefits of sports teams” article) Students who get along with their peers will be more likely to play sports. Therefore, I question whether the sports are teaching students to avoid fights or students less likely to fight play sports because they can work well with others. Personally, high school team sports taught me to appreciate my teammates and promoted teamwork among the players. However, I was involved in multiple altercations with players from other clubs when our teams broke out into conflict. While being on a team can promote cohesion among members, it can also foster aggressive behavior to people outside the group when the members’ competitive nature is evoked. This was my experience in soccer during high school.
JeremyBrooks · May 6, 2013 at 11:03 pm
(In reference to texting and driving… its what some kids do) I occasionally text while driving. I know it is illegal and dangerous, but my boss often communicates through text and I respond to him when on my way to play at gigs (I work as a DJ). I think people need to develop a more serious attitude about this terrible habit, including me. The fact that it increases the risk of an accident 23 times seems astounding. However, on second thought it isn’t too surprising. My neighbor’s toyota was totaled when a girl, who was driving and texting, lost control of her vehicle and crashed into his car.
bmgibbs · May 7, 2013 at 2:41 pm
After reading the article about growing brain cells in mice, I have to say I am really hopeful and excited for more progress to be made! As someone who had a grandmother with Alzheimer’s that passed away last summer, this gives me great hope for the future for neurogenerative and neurodevelopmental diseases to be treated. I understand that some people are against stem cell research, but I definitely am not. Working with stem cells could potentially better peoples’ lives and also allow for longer, healthier lives. I say, why not? It would be amazing for people with Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, Parkinson’s and other diseases to be able to be treated someday.
bmgibbs · May 7, 2013 at 2:52 pm
While reading the article about sports teams deterring violence and bullying, I was at first surprised that team sports seemed to only correlate to girls and having less violence and weapons. However, after reflecting and reading on, it made more sense that boys would still have more violence and be more likely to carry weapons because I have seen how physically aggressive boys’ team sports usually are. For instance, in high school I played lacrosse and we wore only a small face mask and a mouth guard as protection on the field because there were a lot of rules and regulations when it came to girls’ lacrosse. On the other hand, boys’ lacrosse is much more violent and they have to wear a lot of body padding and helmets when playing since they are allowed to whack each other with their lacrosse sticks. This aggressive behavior on the field could potentially lead to more aggression off of the field as well. Hopefully, schools can find better alternative ways for boys to decrease the likelihood of violent acts.
ketom · May 8, 2013 at 8:46 pm
“Don’t Text N Drive”
Ray LaHood’s description of texting while driving as an “epidemic” really caught my attention. The statistics show that this action causes more deaths than many other activities which are believed to be more dangerous. Although I rarely text and drive, I used to think of it as something I really should not do but as long as I do not get caught and no one is injured I can ignore my conscience. With further research presented in this article it seems that texting while driving is just the beginning. This can possibly spiral down to other reckless behaviors leading to more trouble. Placing these thoughts into the context of other life threatening actions and life itself, texting and driving is not a combination I want to continue doing especially at the expense of life.
ketom · May 8, 2013 at 9:10 pm
“Sports Teams”
Reading this reminds me of the stories many professional athletes tell in interviews. Playing on a team and developing relationships with teammates kept them focused and out of trouble for the most part. Many of these athletes attribute their success to influences within their own sports teams while growing up. Even though most people become professionals in routes other than sports, participating in team activities allows these members to be and feel a part of some greater picture. Many life long friendships develop and psychologies about life become altered in positive ways from my own experiences. This most definitely can turn people. especially at young ages, away from violence and bad attitude toward fellowship and forgiveness.
n_angel · May 10, 2013 at 4:48 pm
In response to texting while driving,
The sad truth of the matter is teenagers do text and drive! (along with other risky behaviors) However, I think it is more than just teenagers participating in these risky behaviors. When I am driving I see adults on the phone or texting and driving. What makes it any safer for them to be driving while texting then teenagers? Doesn’t it produce the same “drunk” effect that it produces on teenagers? In addition, in saying that males are more likely to text and drive, did the researchers consider that women maybe less likely to admit to doing something criminal; whereas guys might find pride in this act? I feel like more information is needed to draw conclusions.
n_angel · May 10, 2013 at 4:54 pm
In response to Benefits of Sports Teams:
After playing sports for most of my life I understand the benefits of sports teams. I found it interesting that woman who participate in individual and team sports are less likely to be violent and carry a weapon in the past thirty days, but not men. Men being less likely to be bullied if they participate in teams sports however makes great sense if you think of the classic jock stereotype (which I am aware is an awful way to think), but if a person has a team supporting them and working together, that person has a band of friends that is there for them possibly protecting them from otherwise being bullied.
karlyalysonchapman · May 10, 2013 at 5:54 pm
Response to Don’t Txt N Drive:
This article was especially intriguing to me because texting and driving has become such a recent and increased danger. The last time I went home to visit my parents there was a spot on the side of the road with plenty of flowers, candles, and pictures and my mom told me that a young boy had been texting and ran off the road killing two adults who were out for their morning walk. This story was devastating to me and it once again pointed out the seriousness of texting and driving. I wasn’t too shocked when the article said that 43% of teens text and drive, but what was surprising was reading that males are more likely to text (46% vs 40%). It was also shocking to read that texting and driving has become more dangerous than drinking while intoxicated. That point alone shows how much this “epidemic” needs to be solved and is blatantly stating how much it truly is a distraction. The fact that it is 23 times more likely to have a crash while texting and driving seems to be an obvious reason as to why it is so important not to do so. Like the end of the article stated, since laws aren’t decreasing rates of drinking and driving something more (technology or new innovations) must be installed to help reduce these risks. Ultimately, I think it comes down to combining these new ideas with increased awareness and knowledge on the topic to have any type of effect in the positive direction.
karlyalysonchapman · May 10, 2013 at 8:55 pm
Response to Camaraderie of Sports Teams May Deter Bullying, Violence
This article was both very interesting and surprising to me. The most shocking part of the article was finding out that there is no difference in physical fighting or weapon carrying in boys but how there is a difference in those two factors with women. On the one hand this does fit some past research that I have read such as the catharsis hypothesis. This research states that letting off steam, or showing one’s frustrations, will actually lead to a reduction in that frustration however, the results show contrary. Therefore, reading that sports lead to no reduction in violence fits with the results that I have previously seen, however, the gender difference causes difficulties with those ideas as well. Later in the article, it states that the reason for this is due to the socialization of men and violence. To this I would agree, and being that I just took psychology of gender this past school year, there is plenty of evidence that supports the social norm and acceptance of this behavior. For men, it is better to be violent as a way to show true masculinity (according to our society) however, for women that is quite contrary. Overall, this article has me seeing multiple views and looking to past things that I have learned in order to understand the results.
On the one hand the results fit into some past research that I have read about such as catharsis (letting off steam) but on the other hand, the gender differences were more of a surprise.
deykholt · May 11, 2013 at 2:20 pm
“Counting Peanuts”
What surprised me more than the findings of this study was the baboons’ willingness to participate in research. I had always assumed primates were great research subjects because of their close resemblance to humans, but I did not pay attention to the temperament of primate species. I think it’s really neat how much primates, like these baboons, enjoy human interaction as much as we do.
With the article’s comparison of primate counting abilities alongside the abilities of human children, it makes me wonder exactly how children determine quantity. I question if children do know “what cup has more” and “which is bigger,” but lack the language skills to understand exactly what is being asked of them. With primates, there is no language, and therefore, no language barrier either, in the sense that miscommunications do not occur.
mparisi · May 13, 2013 at 10:02 am
ADHD Crisis:
My brother was diagnosed with ADHD around the age of 15, so I find this topic quite interesting. I’ve always questioned the reliability of this diagnosis though. Based on his history of depression, I believe that the lack of motivation and inability to focus comes more from his depression than ADHD. With this, he takes Ritalin as he pleases, which doesn’t seem like a very safe method to get through day to day activities.
mparisi · May 13, 2013 at 10:20 am
Texting and Driving:
In my opinion, teenagers and young adults are texting while driving because the implications don’t seem as severe as if drunk driving or driving while under the influence of drugs. Texting is an activity that usually takes about 10 seconds…and when you are a teenager who thinks they can do anything and get away with it, those 10 seconds seem rather insignificant. It is something that needs to be taken more seriously.
deykholt · May 13, 2013 at 10:37 am
“texting while driving”
I think most teens are well aware of the statistics surrounding distracted driving. The problem is the invincibility fable common in adolescents. From my experiences with friends, those who text while driving think they have superior driving skills, superior multitasking skills, and are just superior in general. This goes hand in hand with the part of the article that points out engagement with other risky behaviors.
Teens that are overconfident are likely to hold the same perspective in a wide array of activities they are involved in. Texting and driving, unfortunately, can happen to anyone who does it. Those who think they are exempt from the rule are still human, and cannot possibly have their eyes on text and on the road at the same time. At the very least, they cannot be as alert as a focused driver.
mrabie · May 18, 2013 at 3:59 pm
Texting While Driving:
The thing I found most interesting while reading this article is that people have reported driving while texting to be more dangerous than driving while intoxicated. Since the cerebellum is mostly affected while being intoxicated, most people would think that it does not compare. However, with texting, the frontal lobe is being use to process and write a text message. Since multitasking is out of question when it comes to driving, this can have detrimental effects for the driver as well as other drivers on the road.
Another interesting fact was that males are more likely to text and drive. In my interpersonal communications course, we learned that women like to self disclose and be more specific when conversing in a social setting. However, it is contradictory with texting. I think a good explanation for this would be that, since men are less likely to disclose, they would prefer texting as a medium over talking on the phone or talking in person.
mathesonbliss · May 19, 2013 at 1:39 pm
I found the article ‘Don’t Text N Drive’ pretty interesting and I admit that I text and drive fairly often. However, the amount of time I talk on the phone while driving has decreased since California passed the law prohibiting it and perhaps in the future people will decrease the amount of time they spend texting in the car. It will be harder to persuade people to stop this bad habit though, because of the fact that it’s easier to get away with. I’ve heard of ideas of blocking incoming and outgoing texts from cell phones while in automobiles, but technology like that would take years to implement and probably wouldn’t prevent all people from texting while driving. Another interesting thing written in the article was about other types of risky behaviors besides texting and driving. I thought it was a bit random that the author including indoor tanning as a risky behavior. I am also slightly confused on how identifying high risk behaviors, such as artificial tanning, is associated with combating the texting-while-driving epidemic.
ncamat · May 19, 2013 at 11:26 pm
reply to a second helping of insects
This is the second time this week that I have seen an article talking about this target. I wonder if in the future insects will indeed become a new normal food. One thing that does make me not consider the idea is that insects may cause some danger. Some may carry harmful bacteria (which may contain spores that are still viable at very high temperatures) or parasites.