A Baylor anthropologist's research reveals that hunter-gatherer societies maintain equality through social pressure and demand sharing, rather than altruism. The study, which tested the Hadza population in Tanzania, found that people were more likely to take resources than give them when they had more.
The Global Flourishing Study dataset, spanning two waves and 200,000 participants across 22 countries, is now publicly available. Researchers can access the data without pre-registration, expanding the study's impact on understanding human flourishing.
Two Baylor University researchers, biologist Dwayne D. Simmons and anthropologist Samuel S. Urlacher, have been elected as AAAS Lifetime Fellows for their distinguished scientific contributions. They were recognized for their research in auditory neuroscience and life history tradeoffs in human physiology.
Scientists discovered a built-in 'avoid' switch in the mosquito brain that is highly tuned to detect borneol, a naturally occurring organic compound found in aromatic plants. This finding could lead to the development of more effective mosquito repellents protecting human health.
Researchers have developed a novel approach to fight colorectal cancer using modified Listeria bacteria as a courier to deliver potent cancer-killing proteins into tumor cells. This method has shown significant anti-tumor activity and could potentially lead to the development of a safe and effective oral treatment.
A six-week self-hypnosis program significantly reduced menopausal hot flashes by 53.4%, with a larger treatment effect seen in women with breast cancer history. The study suggests hypnotherapy as a safe and effective alternative to hormone replacement therapy.
A study from Baylor University and New Mexico State University reveals that dinosaurs in North America were not fading away before the asteroid impact, but instead living in vibrant ecosystems. The research found that dinosaur communities across the continent were divided into bioprovinces based on temperature differences.
New research from Baylor University shows that social support provided to women before childbirth can significantly reduce working mom guilt and improve job and family satisfaction months later. Early support from supervisors, coworkers, and spouses has a lasting impact on reducing guilt and boosting satisfaction.
A new study by Baylor University's Jeremiah J Minich reveals that stable gut bacteria in early life predict undernutrition risk in Malawian children. Advanced long-read DNA sequencing allows for unprecedented insight into how bacteria shape childhood growth.
A Baylor University/Dell Medical School study reveals that digital technologies are associated with reduced cognitive decline and a lower risk of dementia for older adults. Digital technology use correlates with better cognitive aging outcomes, promoting behaviors that preserve cognition.
Julie Hoggarth, a renowned Maya archaeologist, has been elected as an AAAS Fellow for her groundbreaking research on the linkages among ancient demography, climate, environmental change, precise chronology, and Maya history. Her work aims to develop long-term dynamics of climate change and sociopolitical organization of ancient societies.
A Baylor University study investigates how social media impacts loneliness over time, finding that both active and passive use contribute to increased feelings of loneliness. The research suggests that the quality of digital interactions may not fulfill social needs met in face-to-face communication.
A new study by Baylor University researchers reveals that a parent's self-view plays a crucial role in shaping education spending, regardless of ethnicity or culture. The study identifies key factors such as personal identity threats and how well personal and parental identities fit together to either strengthen or weaken this effect.
The research enables ultra-clean combustion for fuels that are typically difficult to burn due to their high viscosity. The Swirl Burst injector achieves complete and clean burn by producing fine droplets, significantly reducing emissions of harmful pollutants like CO and NOx.
A Baylor University researcher has earned a transformative research award to develop personalized treatments for gut microbiome diseases. The project aims to identify specific bacteria that perform restorative activities and develop targeted fecal microbiota transplantations tailored to individual needs.
Researchers at Baylor University found that coyotes possess a well-developed muscle for raising their inner eyebrow, similar to dogs, contradicting the idea that this feature evolved specifically during domestication. The study suggests that 'puppy dog eyes' may be an ancestral trait shared by multiple species in the Canis genus.
Researchers have made groundbreaking insights into the reproductive behaviors of a mysterious apex predator, leopard seals. A two-hour courtship interaction between a male and female leopard seal in Laguna San Rafael, Chile, revealed complexity in their behavior, including in-air calls by females and underwater vocalizations.
A Baylor University chemistry professors develop a codex using lithophane, converting images from scientific textbooks into tactile formats for students with blindness. The study found that students with blindness can accurately describe, recall and distinguish high-resolution data and imagery at an average accuracy of 88%.
Baylor University researchers found that the benefits of paroxetine in treating hot flashes are comparable to those of a placebo response. The study, which analyzed six clinical trials, suggests that most of the benefit of paroxetine is due to non-specific placebo effects rather than drug-specific effects.
A Baylor University biochemist has discovered the structure of a novel DNA enzyme linked to infertility and certain cancers. The research provides new insights into the function of the MCM8/9 enzyme complex and its connection to disease, offering a roadmap for future studies.
Researchers from Baylor University studied cortisol levels in leopard seals and found significant variations based on sex, diet, and body mass. The study provides crucial baseline data on this enigmatic Antarctic species.
Researchers found that adolescents with incarcerated mothers are at higher risk of depression, withdrawal, substance abuse, and delinquency. The study suggests that modifying sleep patterns, dietary behaviors, and physical activity can mitigate these risks, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions in this population.
A new study from Baylor University's Sleep Neuroscience and Cognition Laboratory reveals that chronotypes can fluctuate across a semester, with evening-type students showing worse sleep quality and duration. Engaging in healthier daytime behaviors can lead to better sleep, improving daytime life and academic success.
A recent study by Baylor University researchers found that college students with religious tattoos have a stronger faith and engage in regular religious practices, yet they also exhibit surprising levels of deviance, including increased marijuana use and sexual activity. Tattoes are seen as a way to express strong emotions and identity.
Researchers found that telepresence drives addictive behavior on both platforms, with 28% of Instagram users and 24% of TikTok users qualifying as addicted. Immersion in social media experience displaces meaningful relationships, which can be detrimental to well-being.
Researchers found evidence of C4 grasses in eastern Africa dating back to around 15 million years ago, contradicting the long-held idea that open habitats proliferated later. The findings suggest that early apes lived in a variety of habitats and that C4 grasses played a significant role in shaping their evolution.
A new model developed by Baylor researchers can help church leaders understand the factors associated with decisions to use smartphones during church services. The study found that individual behavior is more important than what others think, and demonstrated how smartphones can be an easy and useful tool enhancing the worship experience.
Researchers at Baylor University have synthesized a new, one-step Lewis superacid called tris(ortho-carboranyl)borane (BoCb3), which has applications in the production of common plastics. The compound is more efficient to produce, safer for the environment, and could potentially save billions of dollars in manufacturing costs.
Researchers found that smartphones and social media can exacerbate feelings of attachment and anomie, rather than providing purpose and meaning. Identifying a satisfying purpose in life can provide a protective effect against these negative effects.
A team of scientists has discovered that adult female leopard seals are 1.5 times larger and longer than males, while females spend more time on ice and land to rest. The study also found high variability in movement patterns and dive behavior among the seals.
Researchers at Baylor University have developed a method to create tactile graphics that can be visualized by both blind and sighted individuals, enabling universal access to scientific data. The study used lithophane and 3D printing to convert scientific data into glowing, high-resolution images that can be interpreted through touch.
A national study found that religious believers who hold accountable to God experience higher levels of mattering, dignity, and meaning in their lives. This relationship is stronger among those who pray more often, suggesting a powerful combination for well-being.
A Baylor University-led study found significant deficiencies in organizational listening, particularly among women and non-managers. The survey revealed that employees are reluctant to share concerns due to a lack of responsive management and inauthentic approaches to feedback.
A Baylor University researcher led a study comparing pinniped craniofacial musculature and its potential role in aquatic feeding, revealing unique adaptations in suction- and biting-specialist species. The study provides foundational data for further research on pinnipeds and their evolution of functional morphology.
A Baylor University study assesses the relationship between large-scale renewable energy and biodiversity conservation. The research suggests that while some renewable energy sources, like hydropower, have been well-studied, others, such as solar, have unknown impacts on local ecosystems.
A Baylor University study found that organizational support for adoption positively affects employees, their families, and the organization itself. The research showed that commitment to the organization is greater when employees receive financial reimbursement or leave policies supporting their adoption of a child.
A recent analysis of Venus' surface found evidence of tectonic motion in the form of crustal blocks that have jostled against each other, indicating that Venus is still geologically active. This discovery provides insight into exoplanet tectonics and the earliest tectonic activity on Earth.
Researchers found that people who experience earworms regularly at night are six times more likely to have poor sleep quality. Instrumental music is more likely to lead to earworms and disrupt sleep than lyrical music. Moderating music listening or engaging in cognitive activities can help alleviate the issue.
A breakthrough study uses oral tactile visualization of complex 3D structures to improve accessibility in STEM education for blind and visually impaired students. Students recognized structures by mouth at 85.59% accuracy, similar to recognition by eyesight using computer animation.
During the pandemic, a Baylor University study found that managers should talk less and listen more to employees. The researchers emphasized the importance of protecting confidentiality and building trust through empathetic listening.
A new study finds that racial diversity within a church is associated with higher average attendance over time, contradicting previous research. Methodist churches with more racial diversity had higher attendance, while those in white neighborhoods had lower attendance. The study's findings challenge the popular assumption of the Churc...
A study by Baylor University researcher Matthew A. Andersson found that US work-family policies are inadequate, leading to significant gaps in children's health between rich and poor families. Cash transfers, while important, do not provide the same benefits as paid parental leave and flexible work hours.
A Baylor University study reveals that amoral management, where leaders fail to respond to ethical situations, leads to a lack of moral courage among employees and increased unethical behavior. Organizations can prevent this by providing clear messages on ethics and engaging supervisors in conversations with their team members.
A Baylor University study finds that variation in consumption of market-acquired foods is reliably related to indigenous Amazonian children's body fat, while energy expenditure remains relatively stable. The study suggests that change in diet may be the dominant factor driving childhood obesity globally.
A well-preserved specimen of a new ichthyosaur species, Thalassodraco etchesi, has been identified from the Late Jurassic period in England. The creature may have been capable of diving very deeply due to its deep rib cage and large eyes.
A Baylor University study finds that cynical hostility may prevent a healthy response to stress over time, leading to increased cardiovascular strain. This type of hostility is characterized by negative beliefs and attitudes towards others' motives and trustworthiness.
Racially diverse congregations have more than tripled in the United States over the past 20 years, with approximately a quarter of evangelical and Catholic churches now multiracial. However, despite these increases, difficulties persist in achieving racial desegregation within American religion.
Researchers found a connection between daily spiritual experiences and overall well-being, with both stable and fluctuating experiences contributing to mental well-being. Daily spiritual experiences, such as feeling God's presence or inner peace, were associated with lower depressive symptoms and higher levels of flourishing.
A new method for analyzing soil organic matter can help scientists predict how soils store carbon and how this affects climate change. The study analyzed data from over 40 soils across North America, revealing patterns in chemistry that hold true across climates.
Research by Baylor University finds that people who experienced parental divorce during childhood have lower oxytocin levels and correlate with attachment style responses, suggesting a link between early experience and future emotional attachments.