Sense of smell, Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker’ , foil on your teeth, and sleep deprivation- just another typical eclectic mix of recent SciNews. Happy holidays from STAO!!!!!!! SciNews is published every Monday and Thursday. Stay tuned for more
Biology
Scents may affect how appealing tobacco is. Science News for Students
Most smokers know they should quit. Unfortunately, the nicotine in tobacco is addictive. That makes quitting really hard. Scientists have known that it’s even harder for people who light up menthol cigarettes. The question has been why, notes Brandon Henderson. He’s a neuroscientist in Pasadena at the California Institute of Technology, or Caltech. Read more…
Could playing Tchaikovsky’s ‘Nutcracker’ and other music improve kids’ brains? Science Daily
In a study called ‘the largest investigation of the association between playing a musical instrument and brain development,’ a child psychiatry team has found that musical training might also help kids focus their attention, control their emotions and diminish their anxiety. Read more…
Chemistry
Why Chewing on Foil Hurts Your Teeth. About Chemistry
Have ever experienced that ‘zing’ in your mouth from chewing on foil? It only happens to some people and not others. Here’s why that is and what causes the painful reaction. Read more…
Physics
Light-emitting e-readers before bedtime can adversely impact sleep. Science Daily
Use of a light-emitting electronic device (LE-eBook) in the hours before bedtime can adversely impact overall health, alertness, and the circadian clock which synchronizes the daily rhythm of sleep to external environmental time cues, according to new research that compared the biological effects of reading an LE-eBook compared to a printed book. Read more…