From http://eurekalert.org:
Public Release: 16-Sep-2008
Child Development
Parenting program for low-income families reduces toddlers' problem behavior
A study among 731 low-income families in the Women, Infants, and Children program found less problem behaviors in toddlers whose families participated in the intervention program known as the Family Check-Up, versus families receiving services as usual. Family Check-Up is a brief, motivational program to encourage positive parenting practices that is tailored to a family's needs and less expensive than traditional parenting interventions. Families with the highest-risk toddlers were most responsive to the program.
http://www.eurekalert.org/...
Public Release: 15-Sep-2008
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
No helicopter moms among Rutgers mutant mice
First, he discovered a gene that controls innate fear in animals. Now Rutgers geneticist Gleb Shumyatsky has shown that the same gene promotes "helicopter mom" behavior in mice. The gene, known as stathmin or oncoprotein 18, motivates female animals to protect newborn pups and interact cautiously with unknown peers. Shumyatsky's newest finding could enhance our understanding of human anxiety, including part-partum depression and borderline personality disorders.
Charles and Johanna Busch Memorial Fund, New Jersey Governor's Council on Autism, National Alliance for Research on Schizophrenia and Depression, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
http://www.eurekalert.org/...
From http://arxiv.org via http://arxivblog.com:
Image of another universe being observed through a wormhole throat
Authors: Alexander Shatskiy
(Submitted on 2 Sep 2008)
Abstract: We consider a technique of calculating deflection of the light passing through wormholes (from one universe to another). We find fundamental and characteristic features of electromagnetic radiation passing through the wormholes. Making use of this, we propose new methods of observing distinctive differences between wormholes and other objects as well as methods of determining characteristic parameters for different wormhole models.
Comments: 5 pages, 1 figure
Subjects: Astrophysics (astro-ph)
Cite as: arXiv:0809.0362v1 [astro-ph]
http://arxiv.org/...
The Cepheid Galactic Internet
Authors: John G. Learned, R-P. Kudritzki, Sandip Pakvasa, A. Zee
(Submitted on 2 Sep 2008 (v1), last revised 2 Sep 2008 (this version, v2))
Abstract: We propose that a sufficiently advanced civilization may employ Cepheid variable stars as beacons to transmit all-call information throughout the galaxy and beyond. One can construct many scenarios wherein it would be desirable for such a civilization of star ticklers to transmit data to anyone else within viewing range. The beauty of employing Cepheids is that these stars can be seen from afar(we monitor them out through the Virgo cluster), and any developing technological society would seem to be likely to closely observe them as distance markers. Records exist of Cepheids for well over one hundred years. We propose that these (and other regularly variable types of stars) be searched for signs of phase modulation (in the regime of short pulse duration) and patterns, which could be indicative of intentional signaling.
Comments: 5 pages, 3 figures
Subjects: Astrophysics (astro-ph); High Energy Physics - Phenomenology (hep-ph); Popular Physics (physics.pop-ph)
Cite as: arXiv:0809.0339v2 [astro-ph]
http://arxiv.org/...