Month: May 2014
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Peter McGraw, University of Colorado – A Science of Humor
Can we accurate codify why things make us laugh? Dr. Peter McGraw of the University of Colorado Boulder draws on his work with Caleb Warren and The Humor Research Lab (HuRL) to answer the question, “What makes things humorous?” Dr. Peter McGraw is an expert in the interdisciplinary fields of judgment, emotion, and choice. He…
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Nancy Low, McGill University – Inactivity and Depression
Can leading a sedentary lifestyle contribute to depression? Dr. Nancy Low, assistant professor in the department of psychiatry at McGill University, is studying the correlation between these two afflictions. Nancy Low is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at McGill University, Clinician-Researcher at the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), and Staff Physician in…
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Robin Read, Plymouth University – Robotic Communication
In the world of science fiction, humans and robots converse freely. Robin Read, research fellow at Plymouth University in the UK, is studying the nature by which robots communicate. Dr. Robin Read is a Research Fellow in the Centre for Robotics and Neural Systems at Plymouth University, UK, where he works on the FP7 ALIZ-E Project.…
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Arun Bhunia, Purdue University – Better Salmonella Detection
Salmonella outbreaks can be devastating. To reduce this danger, Arun Bhunia, professor of food microbiology at Purdue University, is working on new techniques and technology that will more quickly identify the infectious strain Dr. Arun Bhunia is a professor of food microbiology at Purdue University. His research focuses on pathogen detection and mechanism of pathogenesis.…
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Daniel Hahn, University of Florida – “Sexy” Fruit Flies
Apparently, you can sterilize flies too well. In today’s Academic Minute, Daniel Hahn, assistant professor in the University of Florida’s department of entomology and nematology, discusses a new and improved fly sterilization methodology. Dr. Daniel Hahn is an assistant professor in the University of Florida’s department of entomology and nematology. He is broadly interested in…
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Dan Peppe, Baylor University – Proconsul Fossils
Of all fossils, the Proconsul is among the earliest ever discovered. Dan Peppe, assistant professor of geology at Baylor University, is studying these fossils to help understand the evolution of all primates. Dr. Dan Peppe is an assistant professor in the Department of Geology at Baylor University. His research interests are focused on reconstructing ancient climates and ecosystems in North…
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Georgia Panagiotaki, University of East Anglia – How Culture Shapes Understanding
Many factors influence how a child understands and interprets the human body and its related physical behaviors. Georgia Panagiotaki, lecturer in psychology at the University of East Anglia, studied a diverse pool of children to make conclusions about their bodily comprehension. Dr Georgia Panagiotaki is a lecturer in psychology at the Norwich Medical School, University…
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Susan Kalisz, University of Pittsburgh – Recipe for Invasive Plant Species
Species interaction dictates a great deal of a location’s biodiversity. Susan Kalisz, professor of biology at the University of Pittsburgh, is linking the diet of deer to the success of the animals’ surrounding flora. Susan Kalisz is a professor of biological sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. She received her Bachelor’s degree from the University…
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Lauren Dutra, University of California, San Francisco – E-Cigs and Real Cigs
E-Cigarettes are rapidly gaining popularity. Lauren Dutra, post-doctoral scholar at the University of California, San Francisco’s School of Medicine, is studying the correlation between usages of these different tobacco products. Lauren Dutra’s research interests include disparities in smoking and smoking-related disease, the targeted marketing of vulnerable populations by tobacco companies, and new tobacco products, such…
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Dr. Raj Morey, Duke University – Traumatic Brain Injuries
Direct trauma clearly has negative effects on the brain. Dr. Raj Morey, associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Duke University, discusses the potential harm that may arise even from indrect exposure to explosions. Dr. Rajendra Morey is an associate professor in Duke University’s Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, the Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences,…