Even Professors Can Be Crappy Science Writers

The headline and opening to this article are great examples of how science reporting and the (perhaps unconscious) agenda of the writer can plant ideas in the public consciousness that aren't reflected in the study being reported on.

In this case, the study measured hormone levels to determine whether ovulation was taking place and had the study participants choose what to buy. To repeat, *every* participant was told to choose things to buy. Therefore, the study says *nothing* about the impulse to head for the mall as the headline would suggest. Instead, it says, for women already shopping (or, in this case, forced to shop), whether or not they are ovulating will determine the makeup of what ends up in the trunk on the way home.

A slap on the wrist to Prof. Douglas T. Kenrick for sloppy, irresponsible writing. The interesting combination of his use of "in heat," which is normally applied to animals and the subtitle "Women: Hide your credit when you’re ovulating!" make me wonder about the author's relationship to, and view of, women... Kinda of ironic for a blog with the subtitle, "Exploring the simple selfish biases that make us caring, creative, and complex." Professor, study thyself.

Source: http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/sex-murder-and-the-meaning-life/201011/when-women-are-in-heat-the-economy-warms

Being Bullied Changes the Developing Brain

This really isn't the least bit surprising. Considering the way in which experiences and emotions make changes in the brain, it makes sense that chronic bullying would show up in the bullied person's brain.

Source: http://www.boston.com/bostonglobe/ideas/articles/2010/11/28/inside_the_bullied_brain/?page=1

More Bad News For TV Watchers

There's already research showing that TV watching is not actually relaxing. Add anxiety and a greater focus on material things.

Source: http://www.bakadesuyo.com/does-watching-tv-make-us-happy

Staircase Storage (I need this in my kitchen!!!)

I love this thing - human factors and cool engineering rolled into one. Now, how can I get this idea translated to the kitchen cabinets, so I can stop standing on my counters?

Source: http://www.likecool.com/Staircase_Storage--Store--Home.html

Lego Sculptures

Wow. These are amazing!

Source: http://www.likecool.com/Lego_sculptures_by_Nathan_Sawaya--Toy--Gear.html

I Could Do That... But It Would Never Occur to Me

How many times have I looked at some interesting piece of artwork and said, "I could do that, but it never would have occurred to me if I hadn't seen it done"? Now there's a poster for people like me.

Source: http://www.dudecraft.com/2010/11/modern-art.html

Print a Brick Road

I'm just sure I need one of these. And a good-sized town to go with it.

http://www.dudecraft.com/2010/11/road-printer.html