News that Vexes: 08/01/2015 - 09/01/2015

News that Vexes

It's so tiresome to read 'new studies' that reveal Smoking, Stress or Obesity are Bad for you. Yet these studies appear all the time. It's time to take back the newswire from so-called Scientists!

Thursday, August 20, 2015

This is why we Science

In the past, we here at News That Vexes have tried to shine the harsh light of Vexation on the charlatans and simpletons who make Science that is Not Science (e.g., smoking is bad, exercise is good).  Rarely do we cover hard-hitting science results we can use in our daily lives.  So we are elated, overjoyed, dare I say it, cock-a-hoop! about this 10 year old study that we've only just become aware of.

Eating Cheese Before Bedtime Lets You Choose Your Dreams.

This research was done in 2005 by Nutrition Scientist Judith Bryans.  Drop her a note of congratulations at jbryans@dairyuk.org

Some highlights:
Cheddar, officially Britain's most popular cheese with 55 per cent of the market, enhanced dreams about celebrities.
Red Leicester is likely to have you dwelling on the past and Lancashire will get you focused on the future.

My favorite part of the article:
With more than 700 varieties of British cheese it seems there is much left to discover.

Yes - WE NEED MORE SCIENCE!  (This could actually be the foundation for a great Science Fair Project.)

Sunday, August 02, 2015

Secrets for learning math finally revealed

This startling new research from the Florida International University is chock full of groundbreaking information.

Here's the article, titled FIU study: Encouragement key for math students.

Since this is the internet, I will preface this with SPOILER ALERT!

This article says students will do better learning math if they have "clear explanations of concepts and — just as important — encouragement or interest."  Yes, that's a direct quote.

Another gem: "She’s even seen non-math majors develop an interest in math once they understand the subject."  Yes, things can actually be interesting if we understand them!

This blockbuster report was written by Professor Zahra Hazari - drop Professor Hazari a note of congratulations if you wish.  Though Professor Hazari interviewed 9000 (!!!) students to reach these stunning conclusions, she also relates this personal anecdote:
Hazari nearly failed learning fractions in sixth grade. Her seventh-grade teacher, however, pulled her aside and explained them to her in a way she understood. She didn’t struggle again after that.
“Once it all made sense, it was easy,” Hazari said.
Yes - once it makes sense, it makes sense.

Read more here: http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/education/article29241421.html#storylink=cpy"