ScienceDaily: Strange Science News

---

• Monkeys also believe in winning streaks, study shows
• Astronomers closer to proving gravitational waves with precise measurements of rapidly rotating neutron star
• The science of walking on walls and ceilings
• Synchronised imaging techniques: One more chance for rhinoceroses' foot treatment
• Downside to Disaster Relief: Why Do Photos of Attractive Children Backfire?
• Those with episodic amnesia are not 'stuck in time,' says philosopher
• Crab, other crustacean shells, may hold key to preventing, treating inflammatory bowel disease

Monkeys also believe in winning streaks, study shows Posted: 27 Jun 2014 10:31 AM PDT Humans have a well-documented tendency to see winning and losing streaks in situations that, in fact, are random. But scientists disagree about whether the "hot-hand bias" is a cultural artifact picked up in childhood or a predisposition deeply ingrained in the structure of our cognitive architecture.

Astronomers closer to proving gravitational waves with precise measurements of rapidly rotating neutron star Posted: 27 Jun 2014 08:27 AM PDT When Albert Einstein proposed the existence of gravitational waves as part of his theory of relativity, he set in train a pursuit for knowledge that continues nearly a century later. These ripples in the space-time continuum exert a powerful appeal because it is believed they carry information that will allow us to look back into the very beginnings of the universe. But although the weight of evidence continues to build, undisputed confirmation of their existence still eludes scientists. Researchers have now provided another piece of the puzzle with their precise measurements of a rapidly rotating neutron star: one of the smallest, densest stars in the universe.

The science of walking on walls and ceilings Posted: 26 Jun 2014 06:33 PM PDT Students show Wallace & Gromit 'Wrong Trousers' are scientifically possible for a short period of time. In the classic 1993 Wallace & Gromit film The Wrong Trousers Gromit receives a pair of ex-NASA robotic Techno Trousers from Wallace for his birthday which allows for its wearer to walk on walls -- and physics students have found that scaling walls and ceilings using the technology would indeed be scientifically possible, albeit for a short period of time.

Synchronised imaging techniques: One more chance for rhinoceroses' foot treatment Posted: 26 Jun 2014 06:57 AM PDT A new imaging strategy of synchronizing computed tomography with digital radiography helps to diagnose and initiate appropriate treatment of foot diseases in mega-vertebrates. Despite their long history in captivity, extending at least to Roman times, the fate of some rhinoceros species in zoological collections is still uncertain. Captive rhinos are confronted with chronic foot diseases, a group of severe disorders previously thought to be confined to soft tissues and recently shown to include diverse severe bone pathologies.

Downside to Disaster Relief: Why Do Photos of Attractive Children Backfire? Posted: 25 Jun 2014 10:21 AM PDT When it comes to asking a stranger for help, being young, pretty, and the opposite sex greatly improve your odds. But when it comes to children suffering from the likes of natural disaster, poverty, or homelessness, a new study reveals that less attractive children receive more help than their cuter counterparts.

Those with episodic amnesia are not 'stuck in time,' says philosopher Posted: 24 Jun 2014 02:23 PM PDT It has generally been assumed that people with episodic amnesia experience time much differently than those with more typical memory function. However, recent research disputes this type of claim. 'There are sets of claims that sound empirical, like 'These people are stuck in time.' But if you ask, 'Have you actually tested what they know about time?' the answer is no.'

Crab, other crustacean shells, may hold key to preventing, treating inflammatory bowel disease Posted: 24 Jun 2014 07:52 AM PDT Microparticles in crab, shrimp and lobster shells have anti-inflammatory mechanisms that that could lead to the development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies for those who suffer from inflammatory bowel disease. Since these shells are abundant and a major waste in the seafood industry, they may provide an alternative to costly drugs that don't always work.

You are subscribed to email updates from Strange & Offbeat News -- ScienceDaily To stop receiving these emails, you may unsubscribe now.	Email delivery powered by Google
Google Inc., 20 West Kinzie, Chicago IL USA 60610