Myopia Exercise Leeches Bribed Children Athletes
Why Athletes Are Geniuses by Carl Zimmer (Discover): We usually think that athletes are so good because of their peak physical condition; but a whole lot of what makes them geniuses is their ability to make the right decision (“hit it now!”) with no time to weigh up the evidence.
Weighing The Evidence On Exercise by Gretchen Reynolds (New York Times): Exercise doesn’t seem to do much to help people lose weight, according to Reynolds - mathematically, more exercise should reduce weight, but it also increases your appetite. However, exercise seems to do a lot to stop people putting on weight.
Williams Syndrome Children Show No Racial Stereotypes Or Social Fear by Ed Yong (Not Exactly Rocket Science): In a way, Williams Syndrome is the opposite of autism; kids with Williams Syndrome are incredibly social, but are a little slower than the rest. In general, kids are little racists - it seems natural for them to gravitate towards people who are like them, and to be wary around those who aren’t. Williams Syndrome kids, however, are different - they show no such reactions.
Should Kids Be Bribed To Do Well In School? by Amanda Ripley (Time): No-one really likes the idea, of course - the person behind kid bribing schemes in the US has gotten death threats - but the answer appears to be yes. In certain situations. [via]
What Alcohol Does To Your Mind: Attentional Myopia by Jeremy Dean (PsyBLOG): People told they were drinking alcohol act as if they’re drunk, and alcohol can make people less likely to engage in risky behaviour; the reason for this is that alcohol, rather than making you disinhibited, makes you much more focused on what is right in front of you.
T. Rex Of Leeches Found In Amazon Swimmers’ Noses by Brandom Keim (Wired): Tyrannobdella Rex is a leech the size of your pinkie finger that has a habit of entering the orifices of people swimming in the Amazon. Warning: the article (and the pictures included) is not for the faint of heart. [via]
