US: ‘empty nest’ syndrome reversed Washington: Economic recession is reversing the reality of ‘empty nest’ of past generations, wherein grown up kids fended for themselves. Empty nest syndrome is associated with the general feeling of loneliness among parents when their children leave home to live on their own for the first time.

Today these nests are full — kids who can’t leave, can’t find a job and aging parents who need more help than ever before. A life stage of new freedoms, options and opportunities has largely disappeared, suggests a Oregon State University research.

An economic recession and tough job market have made it hard on young adults to start their careers and families. At the same time many older people are living longer.  IANS


2 science projects win over $1 billion

Brussels: Two science projects one to map the human brain, the other to explore the extraordinary properties of the carbon-based material graphene have won an EU contest to receive up to $1.35 billion each over the next years.

The projects were selected from four finalists who were chosen from 26 proposals.

“Europe’s position as a knowledge superpower depends on thinking the unthinkable and exploiting the best ideas,” European Commission Vice President Neelie Kroes said.  AP


Monkeys copy peers’ movements

London: Monkeys can synchronise their movements with each other just like humans do when they hit the dancefloor, a new study has found.

Humans unconsciously modify their movements to be in unison with others. For example, people adapt their pace to walk in step or clap in unison at the end of a concert.

Researchers at the RIKEN Brain Science Institute in Japan have now shown that pairs of macaque monkeys will also spontaneously coordinate their movements using a simple push-button.  PTI