T Murphy - Slashdot User

Submission + - Candy Linked to Violence in Study (usnews.com)

Submitted by T Murphy on Wednesday October 07, 2009 @09:25AM

T Murphy writes: A study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry links daily consumption of candy at the age of 10 to an increased chance of being convicted of a violent crime by age 34. The researchers theorize the correlation comes from the way candy is given rather than the candy itself. Candy frequently given as a short-term reward can encourage impulsive behavior, which can more likely lead to violence. An alternative explanation offered by the American Dietetic Association is that the candy indicates poor diet, which hinders brain development. The scientists stress they don't imply candy should be removed from a child's diet, although they do recommend moderation. The study controls for teachers' reports of aggression and impulsivity at age 10, the child's gender, and parenting style.

The study can be found here: http://bjp.rcpsych.org/cgi/content/abstract/195/4/366 but full text is behind a paywall.

Submission + - Wind farms can interfere with Doppler radar (dailyherald.com)

Submitted by

T Murphy

on Sunday August 30, 2009 @02:27PM

T Murphy writes: "Wind farms can appear like storms or tornadoes on Doppler radar when placed too close to the radar. Tornado alley is a good area for wind farms, and good terrain for the turbines is also ideal for Doppler radar. With many new farms being constructed, the problem is growing. A false tornado warning was issued in Kansas by a computer, although canceled by a meteorologist aware of the problem- there are fears that false positives will grow. Worse would be a tornado ignored as a wind turbine. While meteorologists are trying to work with wind farm owners to shut off the turbines during bad weather, they have no control over the placement or operation of the turbines. Efforts are being made to improve detection technology to avoid further problems."

Submission + - Best thing before sliced bread?

Submitted by

T Murphy

on Wednesday July 29, 2009 @07:50PM

T Murphy writes: "What was the best thing before sliced bread?
-The wheel
-Bacon
-Caffeine
-Unsliced bread
-Serif fonts
-Cowboy Neal
-Towels"

Submission + - If you discovered a new law of science...

Submitted by

T Murphy

on Tuesday June 23, 2009 @04:56PM

T Murphy writes: "If you discovered a new law of science, you would name it after:
-Yourself
-Loved one
-Hero/Mentor
-Fictional character
-Highest bidder
-Nemesis"

Submission + - ACLU sues over patents of breast cancer genes (aclu.org)

Submitted by T Murphy on Tuesday May 12, 2009 @11:56PM

T Murphy writes: The ACLU has filed a lawsuit, claiming patents on genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 are unconstitutional. The suit is against the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, Utah-based Myriad Genetics and the University of Utah Research Foundation. Mutations in the genes are linked to breast and ovarian cancers. The ACLU goes on to say the patents limit the medical options for patients, as Myriad charges for tests and must grant permission for others to look at the genes. Myriad even claims the rights to future mutations of the BRCA2 gene. The ACLU hopes to use this case to invalidate all patents on genes.

Submission + - Does TPB make money off of copyright infringement?

Submitted by T Murphy on Monday April 20, 2009 @10:54AM

T Murphy writes: I know the court decided they don't, but regardless of what laws say, do people consider TPB to be making money off of copyright infringement? To me they are, since the site is intentionally set up to help people illegally copy media and they have ads and merchandise. Arguments about what is legal are irrelevant, only your (logic-supported) opinion counts.

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