There are two types of scientists. Many of them are dedicated to hard work to make our lives better, while others are doing... well, it's hard to say what are they doing.
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In two new studies, presented at the gastroenterology annual meeting in San Diego, researchers explored the connection between high stress, high exposure occupations and long-term gastrointestinal disorders. The result: the researchers found a significant association between them. I think that you can imagine this situation: after very stressful day at work you have a terrible pain in your stomach. You can also feel a terrible pain when reading not-so-clever research. The conclusion: stress affects your gastrointestinal organs. Our study took ten seconds. Cost: nothing.
A new study has found that chronic disruption of one of the most basic circadian rhythms, the day/night cycle, leads to weight gain, impulsivity, slower thinking, and other physiological and behavioural changes in mice. "Our findings have implications for humans," said lead author, and we say "Who the hell founded that research?" I mean, we humans know that. And mice? Will they stop to buy airline tickets because of jet lag? A very hard situation for airline companies.
A research study conducted in a large clinic tried to find the answer how a consultation room design could affect the consultation between patients and clinicians. The researches saw that patients felt more informed when they viewed the computer screen. So, when you see the screen you "feel" that you are informed. Amazing conclusion. A very "important" research get another meaning if we know that the study was conducted with the support of furniture manufacturer that works for hospitals. It's like after a very important date: a very noble idea and a very poor performance.
Teachers are at greater risk for hurting their voices - they are 32 times more likely to experience voice problems, according to one study. If you were at school, and our researchers certainly were (not), you know that teachers use their voice very actively several hours every day. Since vocal cords are not made of steel it is clear that such strain is hard to bear. If you don't believe me read the research by the National Center for Voice and Speech. The researchers managed to extend those two sentences in a large heap of scientific data. Amazing.
"Young people seek friends who are similar to themselves. Young people with a preference for non-mainstream music such as hip-hop or heavy metal will frequently become friends with young people who share this musical taste." Let's read this again: "Young people seek friends who are similar to themselves." We know that for at least 5,000 years. The researchers should return all money spent for that study and be sent to a very distant place. Say, Mars. ■