Learning strategies are associated with distinct neural signatures

ScienceDaily (2010-05-27) -- The process of learning requires the sophisticated ability to constantly update our expectations of future rewards so we may make accurate predictions about those rewards in the face of a changing environment. Although exactly how the brain orchestrates this process remains unclear, a new study suggests that a combination of two distinct learning strategies guides our behavior.

Blocking tumor's 'death switch' paradoxically stops tumor growth

ScienceDaily (2010-05-27) -- Every cell contains machinery for self-destruction, used to induce death when damaged or sick. But according to a new research study, a receptor thought to mediate cell suicide in normal cells may actually be responsible for the unrestrained growth of cancerous tumors. Blocking the activity of this "death receptor" can stop and even reverse the growth of tumors in human tissue culture and mice, scientists report.

Hey Jude: Get that song out my head!

ScienceDaily (2010-05-27) -- Some 98-99 percent of the population has, at some point, been "infected" with a song they just can't seem to shake off. This common phenomenon has rarely been researched, until now.

Household detergents, shampoos may form harmful substance in wastewater

ScienceDaily (2010-05-27) -- Scientists are reporting evidence that certain ingredients in shampoo, detergents and other household cleaning agents may be a source of precursor materials for formation of a suspected cancer-causing contaminant in water supplies that receive water from sewage treatment plants. The study sheds new light on possible environmental sources of this poorly understood water contaminant, called NDMA, which is of ongoing concern to health officials.

Case study analyzes why, where and when of leading shark attack site

ScienceDaily (2010-05-27) -- Shark attacks are most likely to occur on Sunday, in less than 6 feet of water, during a new moon and involve surfers wearing black and white bathing suits, a first of its kind study suggests.

Young assault victims often involved in subsequent violence

ScienceDaily (2010-05-27) -- When adolescents are treated in an emergency department (ED) after being assaulted, they have a significant chance of being involved in another violent encounter soon afterward.

Palaeontologists solve mystery of 500 million-year-old squid-like carnivore

ScienceDaily (2010-05-27) -- Researchers sheds new light on a previously unclassifiable 500 million-year-old squid-like carnivore known as Nectocaris pteryx.