WEIRD STUFF

Newspapers lower dementia risk

A study in the US revealed that reading newspapers frequently boosts both memory and attention span in older people and that they had a lower risk of the condition over time if they did so.

British care experts Alderberry Care are now imploring households to have a weekly "newspaper hour" to allow minds to remain active.

The company said: "Buy a newspaper once a week. Make it a ritual - same day, same time.

"A weekly print habit is easy to remember and aligns with evidence that reading at least weekly is linked with better long-term cognition.

"Mix print with long-form reads. If you prefer digital, choose weekend features or long reads (not just headlines) to keep the cognitive challenge high - then talk about what you read with family or friends. Social discussion adds another protective layer.

"Add puzzles and letters. Crosswords, quizzes and even write a letter amplify the benefits seen in studies tying varied cognitive activities to lower dementia risk and later onset."

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Aggression is contagious

Experts have found that people who frequently witness combative behaviour are likely to partake in violence themselves - but only if they are men and know who is causing the trouble.

Scientists carried out an experiment in which male mice watched their 'friends' attack intruders and recorded activity from neurons in the part of the rodent's brains that is thought to lead to aggression.

However, these neurons were only active in male mice who noticed other creatures they were familiar with acting aggressively.

Dr Jacob Nordman, from Southern Illinois University in the US, said: "We previously found that these neurons are involved in an 'aggression priming' effect, meaning that being a perpetrator of an attack increases the likelihood of attacking again.

"For example, imagine getting in an argument with a co-worker or family member.

"Afterwards, your agitation and frustration make you more likely to have another outburst."

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Car racing games can improve driving skills

Research has revealed that young people who spend over 10 hours per week playing racing games are safer behind the wheel in the real world.

Experts at Playcasino.com claim that the "right video games could sharpen the exact skills that keep you safer on the road".

The team added: "It won't replace lessons or the Highway Code. But a growing stack of peer-reviewed studies suggests targeted gaming can improve lane-keeping, speed control and split-second decision-making - the bread and butter of safe driving."

A study published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Science compared young adults who play more than 10 hours per week with "lighter gamers" by getting both groups to use a professional road-driving simulator.

The group who gamed more often spent four per cent less time out of their lane than those who spent less time per week playing racing games.