less oxygen delayed animal rise
Geologists are letting the air out of a nagging mystery about the development of animal life on Earth. Scientists have long speculated as to why animal species didn't flourish sooner, once sufficient oxygen covered Earth's surface. Animals began to prosper at the end of the Proterozoic period, about 800 million years ago — but what about the billion-year stretch before that. “There is no question that genetic and ecological innovation must ultimately be behind the rise of animals, but it is equally unavoidable that animals need a certain level of oxygen,” said Planavsky, co-lead author of the research along with Christopher Reinhard of the Georgia Institute of Technology. “We're providing the first evidence that oxygen levels were low enough during this period to potentially prevent the rise of animals,” he said.
Meditation enhances creativity
Certain meditation techniques can promote creative thinking. This is the outcome of a study by cognitive psychologist lorenza Colzato and Dominique lippelt at leiden University. The study is a clear indication that you don't need to be an experienced meditator to profit more from meditation. The findings support the belief that meditation can have a long-lasting influence on human cognition, including how we conceive new ideas. But the results demonstrate that not all forms of meditation have the same effect on creativity. Test persons performed better in divergent thinking (thinking as many possible solutions for a problem) after Open Monitoring meditation (being receptive to every thought and sensation).
Fun games make for better learners
Four minutes of physical activity can improve behaviour in the classroom for primary school students, according to new research by Brendon Gurd. A brief, high-intensity interval exercise, or a “FUNterval,” for grade two and grade four students reduced off-task behaviours like fidgeting or inattentiveness in the classroom.“While 20 minutes of daily physical activity (DPA) is required in Ontario primary schools, there is a need for innovative and accessible ways for teachers to meet this requirement,” says Gurd, lead researcher and professor in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies. “Given the time crunch associated with the current school curriculum we thought that very brief physical activity breaks might be an interesting way to approach DPA. We were particularly interested in what effects a brief exercise bout might have in the classroom setting,” he says.
Universe may face a darker future
New research offers a novel insight into the nature of dark matter and dark energy and what the future of our Universe might be.Researchers in Portsmouth and Rome have found hints that dark matter, the cosmic scaffolding on which our Universe is built, is being slowly erased, swallowed up by dark energy. The findings appear in the journal Physical Review letters. In the journal cosmologists at the Universities of Portsmouth and Rome, argue that the latest astronomical data favours a dark energy that grows as it interacts with dark matter which appears to be slowing the growth of structure in the cosmos. Professor David Wands, director of Portsmouth's Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation said, “This study is about the fundamental properties of space-time. On a cosmic scale, this is about our Universe and its fate.”
Omega 3 helps children with ADD
Suppplements of the fatty acids omega 3 and 6 can help children and adolescents who have a certain kind of ADHD. These are the findings of a dissertation at the Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, which also indicates that a special cognitive training programme can improve problem behavior in children with ADHD. Between three to six percent of all school age children are estimated to have ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder). ADHD is a disorder that entails a difficulty controlling impulses and temper, sitting still, waiting, or being attentive for more than short periods at a time. There are various kinds of ADHD where disturbances in attention, hyperactivity and impulsivity have varying degrees of prominence. ADHD is often treated with stimulant medications, which are effective for most but do not work for everyone.