554 posts · 172,269 views
I have big dreams [don't we all?], I want to change the world. That is why I started Lunatic Laboratories, a little project that I hope will one day be a household name. Who knows, maybe it will work out, but even if it doesn't, at least it will be fun to try.
Lunatic Laboratories
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- May 16, 2015
- 01:22 PM
- 287 views
The relationship between CEO greed and company performance
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
That gut feeling many workers, laborers and other underlings have about their CEOs is spot on, according to three recent studies which all suggest that CEO greed is bad for business.But how do you define greed? Are compassionate CEOs better for business? How do you know if the leader is doing more harm than good? And can anybody rein in the I-Me-Mine type leader anyway?... Read more »
Haynes, K., Hitt, M., & Campbell, J. (2015) The Dark Side of Leadership: Towards a Mid-Range Theory of Hubris and Greed in Entrepreneurial Contexts. Journal of Management Studies, 52(4), 479-505. DOI: 10.1111/joms.12127
Haynes, K., Josefy, M., & Hitt, M. (2015) Tipping Point: Managers' Self-Interest, Greed, and Altruism. Journal of Leadership . DOI: 10.1177/1548051815585171
Takacs Haynes, K., Campbell, J., & Hitt, M. (2014) When More Is Not Enough: Executive Greed and Its Influence on Shareholder Wealth. Journal of Management. DOI: 10.1177/0149206314535444
- May 15, 2015
- 03:13 PM
- 236 views
The fingerprint drug test
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Researchers have demonstrated a new, noninvasive test that can detect cocaine use through a simple fingerprint. For the first time, this new fingerprint method can determine whether cocaine has been ingested, rather than just touched.... Read more »
Bailey, M., Bradshaw, R., Francese, S., Salter, T., Costa, C., Ismail, M., Webb, R., Bosman, I., Wolff, K., & de Puit, M. (2015) Rapid Detection of Cocaine, Benzoylecgonine and Methylecgonine in Fingerprints using Surface Mass Spectrometry. The Analyst. DOI: 10.1039/C5AN00112A
- May 14, 2015
- 02:52 PM
- 174 views
Educating the immune system: A vaccine for allergies
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
With the arrival of spring, millions of people have begun their annual ritual of sneezing and wheezing due to seasonal allergies. However, a Canadian research team is bringing them hope with a potential vaccine that nudges the immune response away from developing allergies. The findings have major clinical implications since allergies and asthma are lifelong conditions that often start in childhood and for which there is presently no cure.... Read more »
Michael H, Li Y, Wang Y, Xue D, Shan J, Mazer BD, & McCusker CT. (2015) TGF-β-mediated airway tolerance to allergens induced by peptide-based immunomodulatory mucosal vaccination. Mucosal immunology. PMID: 25783968
- May 13, 2015
- 04:07 PM
- 235 views
Can drinking alcohol harm the child before the mother knows she is pregnant?
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
These days pregnant “moms to be” have lots of things to worry about, from second hand smoke to the chemicals in their make-up. Well they can unfortunately add one more thing to that list, a new study finds that alcohol drunk by a mouse in early pregnancy changes the way genes function in the brains of the offspring. The early exposure was also later apparent in the brain structure of the adult offspring. The timing of the exposure corresponds to the human gestational weeks 3-6 in terms of fe........ Read more »
Heidi Marjonen, Alejandra Sierra, Anna Nyman, Vladimir Rogojin, Olli Gröhn, Anni-Maija Linden, Sampsa Hautaniemi, & Nina Kaminen-Ahola. (2015) Early Maternal Alcohol Consumption Alters Hippocampal DNA Methylation, Gene Expression and Volume in a Mouse Model. PLOS ONE. info:/10.1371/journal.pone.0124931
- May 12, 2015
- 02:21 PM
- 195 views
Rethinking the rebound: The unexpected effects of rejection
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
It’s portrayed in movies again and again – a character gets rejected by someone attractive and then falls willingly into the arms of someone perhaps less attractive. According to a new study, it’s not so simple: Rejection by an attractive man actually led women to socially distance themselves from an unattractive man, even when he offered acceptance.... Read more »
Geoff MacDonald1, Patricia L. Baratta, & Rebecca Tzalazidis. (2015) Resisting Connection Following Social Exclusion Rejection by an Attractive Suitor Provokes Derogation of an Unattractive Suitor. Social Psychology and Personality Science. info:/10.1177/1948550615584196
- May 11, 2015
- 04:02 PM
- 241 views
GMO beef with the heart benefits of fish, why not?
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Sometimes you just want beef, but beef is high in omega-6 fatty acids and low in the omega-3 type. Conversely, different types of fish are high in omega-3, but we all know they don’t compare to that tasty burger flavor. So what’s a beef lover to do, well if you’re in China you might have some options! Chinese scientists have reared beef rich in the beneficial fatty acids associated with fish oils.... Read more »
Cheng, G., Fu, C., Wang, H., Adoligbe, C., Wei, S., Li, S., Jiang, B., Wang, H., & Zan, L. (2015) Production of transgenic beef cattle rich in n-3 PUFAs by somatic cell nuclear transfer. Biotechnology Letters. DOI: 10.1007/s10529-015-1827-z
- May 10, 2015
- 03:16 PM
- 176 views
Surprise! More sex does not mean more happiness
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Countless research and self-help books claim that having more sex will lead to increased happiness, based on the common finding that those having more sex are also happier. However, there are many reasons why one might observe this positive relationship between sex and happiness. Being happy in the first place, for example, might lead someone to have more sex (what researchers call ‘reverse causality’), or being healthy might result in being both happier and having more sex.... Read more »
Loewenstein, G., Krishnamurti, T., Kopsic, J., & McDonald, D. (2015) Does Increased Sexual Frequency Enhance Happiness?. Journal of Economic Behavior . DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2015.04.021
- May 9, 2015
- 03:58 PM
- 212 views
What would Optimus Prime do? A business leadership model
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
According to new research, there is more than meets the eye when it comes to the impact of Saturday morning cartoons. The research examines how fantasy-based stories, in particular the popular 1980s cartoon series The Transformers, can shape children’s perceptions of what behaviors are associated with effective leadership. It also could provide a basis for workplace-training programs.... Read more »
Peter D Harms, & Seth M. Spain. (2015) Children’s Stories as a Foundation for Leadership Schemas: More Than Meets the Eye. ReserachGate. info:/ResearchGate
- May 8, 2015
- 04:32 PM
- 207 views
(More) bad news for Vets: PTSD linked to accelerated aging
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Before PTSD had a name there was shellshock. It was mysterious and much like today, not everyone showed symptoms and for the most part, it was written off. In recent years however, public health concerns about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have risen significantly, driven in part by affected military veterans returning home. While this has opened the door for better care for people suffering from PTSD, it has also lead to some startling revelations about the extent of damage. New researc........ Read more »
Lohr, J., Palmer, B., Eidt, C., Aailaboyina, S., Mausbach, B., Wolkowitz, O., Thorp, S., & Jeste, D. (2015) Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Associated with Premature Senescence? A Review of the Literature. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2015.04.001
- May 7, 2015
- 03:17 PM
- 275 views
Nanoparticles in products can significantly alter normal gut microbiome
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Nanoparticles, it’s the new buzzword that cosmetics and even consumer “anti-aging” products use to promote their brand. As the word suggests, nanoparticles are small and it shouldn’t be too surprising that these nanoparticles are causing problems in nature because of their prevalence. In that light, it might not be a surprise that there could also be some serious health issues associated with these nanoparticles.... Read more »
Taylor, A., Marcus, I., Guysi, R., & Walker, S. (2015) Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Induce Minimal Phenotypic Changes in a Model Colon Gut Microbiota. Environmental Engineering Science, 2147483647. DOI: 10.1089/ees.2014.0518
- May 6, 2015
- 03:26 PM
- 295 views
Researchers find new clues in treating chronic pain
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
A chemical in the brain typically associated with cognition, movement and reward-motivation behavior — among others — may also play a role in promoting chronic pain, according to new research. The chemical, dopamine, sets the stage for many important brain functions, but the mechanisms that cause it to contribute to chronic pain are less well understood.... Read more »
Kim, J., Tillu, D., Quinn, T., Mejia, G., Shy, A., Asiedu, M., Murad, E., Schumann, A., Totsch, S., Sorge, R.... (2015) Spinal Dopaminergic Projections Control the Transition to Pathological Pain Plasticity via a D1/D5-Mediated Mechanism. Journal of Neuroscience, 35(16), 6307-6317. DOI: 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.3481-14.2015
- May 5, 2015
- 02:36 PM
- 237 views
Mind reading: Researchers observe moment a mind is changed
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Researchers studying how the brain makes decisions have, for the first time, recorded the moment-by-moment fluctuations in brain signals that occur when a monkey making free choices has a change of mind. The findings result from experiments led by electrical engineering Professor Krishna Shenoy, whose Stanford lab focuses on movement control and neural prostheses – such as artificial arms – controlled by the user’s brain.... Read more »
Kaufman, M., Churchland, M., Ryu, S., & Shenoy, K. (2015) Vacillation, indecision and hesitation in moment-by-moment decoding of monkey motor cortex. eLife. DOI: 10.7554/eLife.04677
- May 4, 2015
- 07:22 PM
- 360 views
Fracked, shale-drilling additives in drinking-water taps near leak
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Shale oil has helped the US see lower gas prices and even an opportunity to start exporting. However, it isn’t as great as it might sound, hydraulic fracturing — also known as fracking — has been scrutinized by environmentalists since it’s inception. As it turns out, for good reason, substances commonly used for drilling or extracting Marcellus shale gas foamed from the drinking water taps of three Pennsylvania homes near a reported well-pad leak, according to new analysis from a team of........ Read more »
Garth T. Llewellyn, Frank Dorman, J. L. Westland, D. Yoxtheimer, Paul Grieve, Todd Sowers, E. Humston-Fulmer, & Susan L. Brantley. (2015) Evaluating a groundwater supply contamination incident attributed to Marcellus Shale gas development. PNAS. info:/10.1073/pnas.1420279112
- May 3, 2015
- 03:54 PM
- 312 views
Procrastinate much? Science offers a way to stop
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Procrastination is the thief of time that derails New Year’s resolutions and delays saving for college or retirement, but researchers have found a way to collar it.
The trick? Think of the future as now. ... Read more »
Lewis, N., & Oyserman, D. (2015) When Does the Future Begin? Time Metrics Matter, Connecting Present and Future Selves. Psychological Science. DOI: 10.1177/0956797615572231
- May 2, 2015
- 03:48 PM
- 262 views
Walking an extra two minutes each hour may offset hazards of sitting too long
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Eat less, workout more, these are the messages we are being sent almost on a daily basis. But how do we quantify “more” and who really should listen to that advice? Well a new study suggests that engaging in low intensity activities such as standing may not be enough to offset the health hazards of sitting for long periods of time. On the bright side, adding two minutes of walking each hour to your routine just might do the trick.... Read more »
Beddhu, S., Wei, G., Marcus, R., Chonchol, M., & Greene, T. (2015) Light-Intensity Physical Activities and Mortality in the United States General Population and CKD Subpopulation. Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology. DOI: 10.2215/CJN.08410814
- May 1, 2015
- 03:05 PM
- 224 views
US clinics avoiding government oversight of ‘stem cell’ treatments
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Clinics across the United States are advertising stem cell treatments that attempt to take advantage of what they perceive as exceptions in FDA regulations.The therapies in question are adipose-derived autologous stem cell treatments, in which fat cells are removed from a patient, broken down to separate components that purportedly contain stem cells, and are then reinjected into the same patient.... Read more »
Turner, L. (2015) Federal Regulatory Oversight of US Clinics Marketing Adipose-Derived Autologous Stem Cell Interventions: Insights From 3 New FDA Draft Guidance Documents. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 90(5), 567-571. DOI: 10.1016/j.mayocp.2015.02.003
- April 30, 2015
- 04:26 PM
- 263 views
Pesticides alter bees’ brains, making them unable to live and reproduce adequately
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
A new report suggests that a particular class of pesticides called “neonicotinoids” wreaks havoc on the bee populations, ultimately putting some crops that rely on pollination in jeopardy. Specifically, these pesticides kill bee brain cells, rendering them unable to learn, gather food and reproduce. The report, however, also suggests that the effects of these pesticides on bee colonies may be reversible by decreasing or eliminating the use of these pesticides on plants pollinated by bees and........ Read more »
Moffat, C., Pacheco, J., Sharp, S., Samson, A., Bollan, K., Huang, J., Buckland, S., & Connolly, C. (2015) Chronic exposure to neonicotinoids increases neuronal vulnerability to mitochondrial dysfunction in the bumblebee (Bombus terrestris). The FASEB Journal. DOI: 10.1096/fj.14-267179
- April 29, 2015
- 03:12 PM
- 295 views
Psychologists share the three secrets to healthier eating
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
You don’t need a crazy diet to lose weight. In fact, your typical fad diet won’t help you keep weight off long term and could be harming your health. If you want to know the secrets of healthier eating, think of the kitchen fruit bowl. A fruit bowl makes fruit more convenient, attractive, and normal to eat than if the same fruit were in the bottom of the refrigerator.... Read more »
Wansink B. (2013) Convenient, attractive, and normative: the CAN approach to making children slim by design. Childhood obesity (Print), 9(4), 277-8. PMID: 23865529
- April 28, 2015
- 02:44 PM
- 210 views
The adolescent brain on alcohol: Changes last into adulthood
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Repeated alcohol exposure during adolescence results in long-lasting changes in the region of the brain that controls learning and memory, according to a research team at Duke Medicine that used a rodent model as a surrogate for humans. The study provides new insights at the cellular level for how alcohol exposure during adolescence, before the brain is fully developed, can result in cellular and synaptic abnormalities that have enduring, detrimental effects on behavior.... Read more »
Risher, M., Fleming, R., Risher, W., Miller, K., Klein, R., Wills, T., Acheson, S., Moore, S., Wilson, W., Eroglu, C.... (2015) Adolescent Intermittent Alcohol Exposure: Persistence of Structural and Functional Hippocampal Abnormalities into Adulthood. Alcoholism: Clinical and Experimental Research. DOI: 10.1111/acer.12725
- April 27, 2015
- 02:03 PM
- 260 views
Google searches for ‘n-word’ associated with black mortality
by Dr. Jekyll in Lunatic Laboratories
Google searches could unveil patterns in Black mortality rates across the US, according to a new study. Researchers found that those areas with greater levels of racism, as indexed by the proportion of Google searches containing the “n-word,” had higher mortality rates among Blacks. The study is the first to examine an Internet query-based measure of racism in relation to mortality risk.... Read more »
Chae, D., Clouston, S., Hatzenbuehler, M., Kramer, M., Cooper, H., Wilson, S., Stephens-Davidowitz, S., Gold, R., & Link, B. (2015) Association between an Internet-Based Measure of Area Racism and Black Mortality. PLOS ONE, 10(4). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0122963
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