Mar-17: AROUND THE WORLD
CZECH REPUBLIC
Opposites don’t attract if you are in a relationship
A study published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology found that people in relationships are more likely to be attracted to faces resembling their own. But, for single people, opposites attract. Researchers from Charles University in the Czech Republic showed photographs of both sexes to participants and asked them to rate the photographs for attractiveness. The photographs were digitally manipulated so that there was resemblance to the participant.
The findings revealed that participants who were not in relationships found dissimilar faces more attractive. This effect was observed when participants rated both same-sex and opposite-sex faces. The researchers believe our preference for people similar to us is part of a relationship-maintenance strategy.
USA
Texting can change your brain waves patternÂ
Sending text messages can change the rhythm of brain waves in humans, according to a study published in Epilepsy and Behaviour. This has significant implications for brain-computer interfacing, gaming and driving.
Researchers from the Mayo Clinic found a unique ‘texting rhythm’ in people who used their smartphone to text messages. The brain waves of 129 patients were monitored for activities such as message texting, finger tapping and audio cellular telephone use in addition to tests of attention and cognitive function. Only text messaging produced the newly observed brain rhythm, which was different from any previously described one.
 UK
Just 15 minutes of TV may kill creativity in kids
Children who watch TV for 15 minutes or more a day may become less creative as compared to those who read books or solve jigsaw puzzles, according to reports from Staffordshire University.
The study compared children who watched slow and fast paced episodes with children who were left to play with books and jigsaws. They then tested the children for creative and original ideas. There was clear evidence that the children came up with less original ideas immediately after watching television although these effects seemed to disappear after a short time.
SWEDEN
Tax breaks for repairsÂ
The Swedish government is introducing tax breaks on repairs of everything from bicycles to washing machines. So, it will no longer make sense to throw away old or broken items and buy new ones. The government proposes to slash the VAT on repairs of bicycles, clothes and shoes from 25% to 12%.
Also, people will be able to claim back from income tax half of the labour cost on repairs for fridges, ovens, dishwashers and washing machines. It is believed that this could substantially lower the cost and make it more rational economic behaviour to repair goods.
