PLoS ONE News and Blog Round-Up

This month in PLoS ONE: Mind Control in a Virtual World, The Network of the Global Economic Structure Revealed, and more!

Scientists at the University of Minnesota have developed technology that allows users to control movement of 3D objects using only their minds. Previous studies required the use of invasive techniques, involving surgically implanting electrodes in the user’s brain, whereas this research recorded brain signals via electroencephalogram (EEG). — This article was covered by ABC, Scientific American, and National Journal.

A new study finds that 147 companies control 40% of the world’s economy. Swiss researchers have produced a map of the global economic structure, showing the intricate, interconnectedness among companies, similar to the relationships found in nature. This article was covered by The Huffington Post, NewScientist, and Forbes.

How do woodpeckers avoid brain injury while pecking at high speeds? Scientists reveal how the woodpecker’s unique skull structure could provide insight to more effective headgear design. Watch the slow motion video illustrating the forces experienced during a woodpecker’s pecking. This article was covered by Wired, The Independent and International Business Times

Researchers collected and analyzed data from the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System (AERS) database, spanning 1998 through September 2010. The results indicate that of 3,249 reported cases of suicidal/self-injurious behavior or depression, 90% reported use of varenicline, an anti-smoking drug sold under the brand Chantix. While the results have previously been reported, experts believe the FDA should implement stricter policy when prescribing Chantix to smokers, and approve use only as a last resort. This article was covered by CNN, ABC News, and TIME.

New evidence reveals how unique vocal cord anatomy allows lions and tigers to roar loudly with little effort. Researchers previously thought that the enormous sounds were attributed to the large animal’s substantial vocal cords. However, a new study shows that this may not be the only factor. A layer of fat tissue, as well as a flat, square-shaped vocal cord, as opposed to the triangular shape found in most mammalian species, generates the terrifyingly loud and low vibrations.  This article was covered by The Smithsonian, Scientific American and The New York Times.

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Image credit: Figure 3 from manuscript e26322