“Science Times” synthesis

School might (almost!) be out for the summer, but research, innovation, and discovery are always in session. So before you head out to a Memorial Day barbecue, brush up on this week’s “Science Times” synthesis and learn about video games, leeches, neural circuits, and more!

Week of May 10, 2011

Hazy recall as a signal foretelling depression: An “overgeneral” memory has been identified as an indicator of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Fixated by screens, but seemingly nothing else: A growing body of research on attention deficit hyperactivity disorder suggests that it is not uncharacteristic for sufferers to find video games more gratifying than non-sufferers.

In digestion, leeches show sophisticated side: New research indicates that leeches actively seek out environments with temperatures that aid digestion.

Regimens: Looking twice at supplements for infants: Research into infant feeding practices determined that nearly one in 10 babies are given unproven supplements or plant-based teas during the first year of life.

Week of May 17, 2011

A new gauge to see what’s beyond happiness: In a new take on well-being, some researchers believe the desire for accomplishment overrides the desire for happiness.

Control desk for the neural switchboard: Using the emerging technology of optogenetics, researchers are gaining control over neural circuits and making advances into disorders such as anxiety and Parkinson’s disease.

A blood test offers clues to longevity: Controversy surrounds a new blood test that promises to reveal an individual’s biological age by measuring telomere length.