Other things to think about

Edition: US - Today's top story: Supermoons are big and bright, but not as rare as the hype would suggest [Click here to view this message in your web-browser]. Edition: US 13 November 2016 [[The Conversation]Academic rigor, journalistic flair] Editor's note There is still much to be written and read about [the election], but for those who want a break from it all before the week begins, we offer this selection of interesting, non-political research. Joel Abrams Project Manager Top story Enjoy the full moon’s glow. mstollenwerk [Supermoons are big and bright, but not as rare as the hype would suggest] Christopher Palma, Pennsylvania State University Full moons are good reason to look up – and the one on Nov. 14 is no exception. Arts + Culture - [Pleasure is good: How French children acquire a taste for life] Marie-Anne Suizzo, University of Texas at Austin If you're in an abstemious mindset when it comes to enjoyment these days, consider a pleasure recalibration based on 'l'éducation du gout.' Education - [Group work gets kids more engaged in STEM] Allison Master, University of Washington A study with pre-school children found that their motivation and interest improved when they believed they were part of a group. - [What causes mind blanks during exams?] Jared Cooney Horvath, University of Melbourne; Jason M Lodge, University of Melbourne Your mind goes blank in response to a perceived threat. The chemical process that takes place essentially clears out your working memory, quiets logical processes, and walls off memory. Science + Technology - [Sexual assault enters virtual reality] Katherine Cross, City University of New York Underlying online harassment is the false idea that events that happen on internet aren't real. But whenever people are interacting, it's all real. - [In defence of racer snakes – the demons of Planet Earth II (they're only after a meal)] Rhys Jones, Cardiff University Audiences cheered on the iguanas' escape, but won't somebody think of the poor snakes? - [How should we teach our kids to use digital media?] Jenny Radesky, University of Michigan The lead author of a new American Academy of Pediatrics statement summarizes important guidelines for children's use of electronic devices. Environment + Energy - [The oceans are full of plastic, but why do seabirds eat it?] Matthew Savoca, University of California, Davis Thousands of seabirds die every year from consuming plastic trash in the oceans. But why do they eat plastic? New research shows that decaying plastic produces odors that are also indicators of tasty food to some birds. Health + Medicine - [Alcoholism research: A virus could manipulate neurons to reduce the desire to drink] Yifeng Cheng, Texas A&M University ; Jun Wang, Texas A&M University Heavy drinking causes brain changes that make you want to drink more. But using a virus to deliver a gene into specific neurons in the brain may be a way to change the brain back. [The Conversation on Twitter] [The Conversation on Facebook] 3.7 million unique visitors a month You’re receiving this newsletter from [The Conversation]. Not interested anymore? [Unsubscribe instantly]. We’ll miss you. 745 Atlantic Ave. 8th Floor Boston, MA 02111