Video games may not directly induce violence, but hearing bad jokes can. Yes, telling bad jokes can seriously get you hurt. In extreme cases, as some professional comics may attest to, it could get you maimed, bruised, and maybe even bleeding. (They don't call it a "tough crowd" for nothing!) But why is this? A recent study by linguist Nancy Bell of Washington State University may shed light on this horrific punchline. Somebody gonna get a hurt...

Video games can affect the behavior of gamers, that much is known - if not widely accepted by the gaming populace (thanks to the likes of Jack Thompson). However, video games do have that influence, and Re-Mission may be the best proof of it. Re-Mission is a video game made for cancer patients, helping to promote positive behavior and - get this - improve their biology. Story in the full article.

The brain is a powerful organ, more sophisticated than a computer, but it seems even the brain experiences lag. A lag between the time light hits our eyes and our brain translating those signals into visual images explains some types of optical illusions, a new study says. Story in the full article.

What exactly characterizes video game addiction? Writer and researcher Neils Clark recently tackled this and other related questions at the 2008 Games for Health Conference. In his talk, Clark elaborated on the problem, its elements, real world relationships and possible solutions. More on those in the full article after the jump.

One distinguishing quirk of human beings is that our preferences tend to change over time. While there is usually nothing wrong with this, it can spell danger as far as end-of-life treatment decisions are concerned. False memories apparently play a part in complicating things. If you prefer, you can read more about it in the full article after the jump.

The Cold War may have ended a long time ago, but that doesn't mean that spies can rest on their laurels. In fact, US intelligence agents have been keeping busy lately. Doing what, you may ask? Why, studying video games in order to improve their analytical skills.

It seems that DIA analysts have now joined the likes of surgeons in using video games for training. More on this unorthodox method of training in the full article after the jump.

There's always been some cases of discrepancy between tennis players and the judges on whether a line call was properly made or not. A recent study from Sussex University explained how the science behind motion perception can shed some light behind this very competitive sport. You can find out the results of the study in our full article after the jump.

Forget the battle of the sexes - now is the time for boys and girls to stick together while learning, according to a Tel Aviv University study. The reason? The presence of girls in the classroom apparently has a beneficial effect on members of both sexes. More gender studies follow after the jump.

Some people may have misinterpreted the recent findings in a recent study conducted by Dr. John Charlton and Ian Danforth. To help clear up any possible confusion, Charlton recently released a statement explaining the aim of the study, which links gamers' addiction with some traits exhibited by those who have Asperger Syndrome. For more information, you can read our full article after the jump.

The next time you're out on a date, be careful what kind of facial expression you wear. According to a collaborative study conducted by researchers from the Universities of St. Andrews and Aberdeen, "face value" can either make it or break it. Face the facts in the full article, right after the jump.