A new study from ANU found that sagittal crest size in male gorillas and orangutans is linked to their social behavior. Females prefer larger crests, indicating a possible form of social signalling related to sexual selection.
A Penn study found a link between social network structure and brain activity, revealing that individuals with diffuse friend networks show more dynamic brain responses than those with close-knit social circles. The research used fMRI to examine the brain's response to social exclusion, finding that participants with sparse networks ex...
High testosterone levels are associated with competitive, status-seeking social behaviors, while low testosterone is linked to cooperative behaviors. Researchers found that mixed populations with a balance of high and low-testosterone individuals are more likely to form effective social hierarchies.
A study found childhood lead exposure was associated with lower adult IQ scores and socioeconomic status, indicating cognitive decline and downward social mobility. The research suggests long-term effects of lead exposure on brain health and socioeconomic trajectories.
A study published in Teaching and Learning in Medicine found that a social media course had a significant impact on the online behavior of first-year medical students, with 94% reporting increased awareness of their social media habits. The course aimed to empower students to use social media professionally and responsibly.
A new study by Monell Center researchers found that older U.S. women with poor olfactory function tend to have fewer social connections and a poorer social life score. The study suggests that maintaining a vital social life can help improve mental and physical health in older adults.
A study found that busy work lives are viewed as a status symbol in the US, while Italians prefer a life of leisure. The researchers discovered that conspicuous consumption of time, such as working long hours and avoiding leisure, can convey high status.
A new study found that adolescent and young adult cancer survivors often experience prolonged social difficulties, persisting even after treatment. Despite initial improvements in social functioning during the first year post-diagnosis, these patients tend to remain socially impaired relative to their cancer-free peers.
A national analysis found that frequent social media use is associated with increased social isolation, even when controlling for demographic factors. The researchers suggest that social media may displace authentic social experiences and elicit feelings of envy, contributing to feelings of isolation.
Researchers found African-American women were more likely to report loneliness, financial stress, and lower social status compared to non-Hispanic white women. These findings highlight the need for tailored interventions to address social disadvantages on loneliness in vulnerable populations.
A new study reveals that successful treatment of social anxiety disorder alters key brain structures involved in processing and regulating emotions. Cognitive behavioral therapy, a central therapy for social anxiety disorder, has been shown to restore balance between cortical and subcortical brain areas.
Researchers found that Trinidadian guppies developed stronger and more stable social bonds when they thought predators were in the area. This coincided with smaller social groups, indicating a possible trade-off between forming strong relationships and living in larger groups.
A new study found that negative first impressions formed by potential social partners may reduce the quality of social experiences for people with autism. People with autism were rated similarly on trustworthiness and intelligence but less favorably on likeability and awkwardness.
A study of 1.7 million people found that low socioeconomic status is associated with reduced life expectancy, comparable to physical inactivity and smoking. Governments should consider socioeconomic status as a key risk factor in health policies.
Researchers have quantified social genetic effects on over 100 phenotypes in laboratory mice, finding that up to 29% of variation is explained by the social environment.
A Princeton University study found that people's perceptions of social mobility affect their willingness to defend the current system. Those who believe Americans have ample opportunities to change their place in society are more likely to support the status quo, while those who think people are mostly stuck are less likely to defend i...
Researchers found that female rats prefer dominant males who have experienced stress in adolescence, but reject submissive males with a history of stress. This study provides insight into the effects of environmental stress on reproduction and may lead to a better understanding of human reproductive capacity.
A study of 62 studies with over 13,000 individuals found that narcissism correlates with a range of social media behaviors, including the number of friends and selfies posted. Grandiose narcissism positively relates to time spent on social media, while vulnerable narcissism does not show a relationship.
A study of 9,119 men and women found that participating in civic activities was associated with better cognitive function at age 50. The researchers also found that low socio-economic status as a child and worse mental well-being in adulthood were linked to poorer cognitive outcomes.
A study by University of Montreal researchers found that social status affects the immune system, leading to different responses to infection. Low-social status macaques showed a stronger pro-inflammatory response, while high-social status individuals had a stronger antiviral response.
A study on rhesus macaques found that low-status animals exhibit greater antibacterial responses, while high-status animals have stronger antiviral responses. Social subordination stress influences immune-related gene expression in low-status individuals.
A new study reveals that social status affects immune cell gene expression and response to infection in rhesus monkeys. The research found that improving social standing can reverse health disparities caused by low social status.
A study by University at Buffalo School of Management found that social media popularity, even negative posts with high engagement, significantly impacts purchases. Combining social media with traditional TV and email marketing efforts boosts customer spending and cross-buying.
A Penn-led team will use game theory, evolutionary modeling, and massive datasets to develop reproducible methods for studying human social behavior and collective identity. The project aims to improve the speed, scale, and rigor of social science research.
A new study of over 14,000 childhood cancer survivors found that while treatments have extended their lifespan, patients do not report better health status. The study, which looked at three decades of therapy, highlights the need for interventions to improve quality of life and health outcomes for these survivors.
Despite decades of improved survival rates, childhood cancer survivors continue to report poor physical and mental health status. Researchers found that patients treated in earlier decades had better health outcomes than those treated in later decades, suggesting a link between access to follow-up care and reported adverse outcomes.
Researchers found that 78% of consumers admit comparing the upgrade to the status quo is necessary, but fail to do so in decision-making. When explicitly reminded to compare features, the likelihood of upgrading decreases. The study suggests overcoming comparison neglect requires accurate marketing and awareness.
Researchers found that uncertainty about social status may be harmful to top-ranking monkeys but offer opportunities for low-rank monkeys. This study suggests that social hierarchy and rank uncertainty are key risk factors for chronic diseases.
A study of wild chimpanzees found that female chimps maintain a stable social rank throughout their lives, whereas males' ranks fluctuate as they age. This unique strategy suggests that females consider long-term reproductive success over short-term gains.
A new study from Rice University found that individuals with low socio-economic status as children are more likely to experience poor health in adulthood. The researchers discovered a correlation between early adversity and biological capacity to regulate emotions, which can lead to compromised adult health.
Researchers have found that frequent users of online social media do not experience decreased attention spans or sociability compared to occasional users. The study suggests that modern communication tools do not interfere with primal instincts, such as long-term attitudes and concentration.
The Center for Behavioral Neuroscience has received a grant from NIMH to develop transgenic and gene-targeted Syrian hamsters for understanding complex social behavior. The technology will enable molecular interrogation of genes regulating social behavior, leading to progress toward better understanding of psychiatric disorders.
A study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that an intervention pairing caregivers with navigators to address family social needs decreased reported needs and improved child health status. Caregivers assigned to the intervention group reported fewer social needs and better overall child health compared to those in a control group.
Research found that patients with low socioeconomic status have a 36% lower risk of a second event compared to those in the highest income quintile. Being divorced increased the risk by 14%, while education level was also associated with a lower risk, but only after adjusting for income.
A new study found that infants expect people to share food preferences unless they belong to different social groups. However, disgust reactions are expected to transcend social boundaries. This early understanding has important implications for public health policies on obesity.
A University of Kansas study suggests people can distinguish between social media and face-to-face interactions, with most interactions being in-person. Most social media activities, such as 'liking' posts, are considered passive behaviors.
A simple phone checklist can help detect telltale changes in health status of people receiving nonmedical home care, according to a pilot study. Changes in clinical status occur relatively common, with 2% of caregiver shifts and 2% of recipients affected.
Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science identified a stress mechanism that regulates social behavior in mice, determining their willingness to form new relationships. The findings suggest that similar mechanisms may operate in humans, potentially informing treatments for social anxiety and other disorders.
Research by Michigan State University scholars found that high-status individuals who don't feel they deserve their position are more generous. Generosity can alleviate feelings of inequity and promote a sense of fairness.
Researchers studied two contemporary groups of hunter-gatherers, the Agta of Philippines and Mbendjele of Republic of Congo, revealing surprising similarities in their three-tiered social networks. This multilevel structure appears to buffer individuals against day-to-day shortfalls in foraging returns.
Research reveals that Urocortin-3 influences how mice interact with familiar and stranger mice, potentially shedding light on human social anxiety disorders. The study suggests a molecular mechanism regulating social behavior may be involved in coping with social challenges.
Researchers found that networks based on affiliative behaviors, like preening and sharing food, play a major role in transmitting information among ravens. These social connections, especially between siblings, emphasize the importance of family ties in learning.
Researchers develop mathematical model of animal social networks, finding that newborns copy their mother's connections to form social relationships. The study captures key properties of observed networks in four diverse species, suggesting a simple 'social inheritance' mechanism drives social structure.
Children with epilepsy experience significant long-term socioeconomic consequences, including higher healthcare costs. The study found that people with epilepsy are unable to catch up with their peers in overall health, education, and social status.
A UT Austin study suggests teaching teens that socially relevant traits are malleable can help them cope with social challenges. The research found that teens who learned this lesson reported feeling less threatened, exhibited higher cardiac efficiency, and performed better academically.
A new study from University of Pennsylvania researchers found that proper nutrition during childhood has a positive impact on social behaviors and development. The study analyzed 1,795 3-year-old children in Mauritius and found that those with better nutritional status had improved social behavior and cognitive function.
Researchers found that psilocybin decreases the brain's reaction to social exclusion and pain, which can help improve therapy for social problems in psychiatric disorders. The study used fMRI and MRS to investigate the effects of psilocybin on the brain's processing of social conflicts.
A new mathematical model suggests that competition for social status is a key driver of declining fertility rates worldwide. As the cost of achieving social status increases, people invest more in material goods and less in children, leading to lower family sizes.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers suggests that the distance between coworkers in terms of status is more important than their relative positions when it comes to helping each other. This finding challenges traditional assumptions about how status affects workplace relationships.
A new study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found a significant association between social media use and depression among US young adults. Participants who spent more time on social media had a higher risk of depression, with some platforms showing stronger correlations than others.
A study by the BMJ found that shorter height and higher BMI are associated with lower levels of education, job status, and income, particularly among men and women. The research suggests that taller stature is linked to higher social position, while being overweight or short can lead to socioeconomic disadvantages.
A study published in Social Science & Medicine found that social support can reduce depressive symptoms but also lead to feelings of loss of control, increasing symptoms. This contradictory effect is more pronounced for women than men, highlighting the need for policy-makers to consider both positive and negative effects.
A study published in Journal of Social Science and Medicine found that older adults who participate in social activities, such as attending religious events, tend to get better sleep. This suggests that engaging in social connectedness can be an important factor for promoting healthy aging.
The American Epilepsy Society has released a new guideline to help physicians effectively treat patients with prolonged seizures. The guideline recommends a three-phase approach to treatment, prioritizing rapid termination of seizure activity to reduce neurological injuries and deaths.
A recent study published by the University of Pittsburgh found a significant link between social media use and sleep disturbances in young adults. Participants who checked their accounts frequently or spent more time on social media had three times and twice the likelihood of sleep difficulties, respectively.
Research suggests that social anxiety disorder has a high genetic component, with environmental factors playing a significant role in its short-term development. The study found that while the risk of developing social anxiety is strongly influenced by genetic factors, environmental events have little impact on stability over time.
Researchers found that DNA methylation plays a key role in regulating social dominance in cichlid fish. By altering gene expression, these fish can change their social status, which is linked to better health and quality of life.
A new UNC-Chapel Hill study shows that social relationships reduce health risk across the lifespan. The research found that strong social connections are vital for overall well-being, particularly in adolescence and old age, while quality of relationships matters in middle adulthood.
A recent IU study analyzing over 100 million Web clicks and 1.3 billion public posts reveals that social media news consumers access a narrower range of sources, contributing to the rise of collective social bubbles. This trend is attributed to people filtering their access to information through social media platforms.
Research suggests that social networks play a significant role in student academic performance. Students tend to perform better when surrounded by high-achievers, who inspire them to try harder. On the other hand, befriending underachievers can lead to a drop in grades over time.