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Brigham Young University


Want a happier marriage? New study suggests one simple habit

Researchers found that couples who exercise together report better communication, stronger conflict resolution, and lower marital stress. Walking was the most commonly reported form of shared exercise among couples in the study, suggesting it's a simple way to create opportunities for positive interactions and conversation.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFamily Relations·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2026

Do parents really have a favorite child? Here’s what new research says

New research from Brigham Young University found that parents tend to show favoritism towards younger siblings, daughters, and more agreeable children. This bias can influence sibling relationships and individual well-being. By recognizing these patterns, parents can foster stronger family bonds and make adjustments to benefit everyone.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 16, 2025

Cracking the carb code: Researchers create new glycemic index database to improve dietary awareness

Researchers at BYU created a national glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) database to improve dietary awareness. The study found that high-GI foods contribute to Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and weight gain, highlighting the importance of prioritizing low-glycemic carbohydrates.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2024

Study visually captures a hard truth: Walking home at night is not the same for women

A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers shows that women tend to focus more on potential safety hazards when walking home at night, as opposed to men who look directly at their destination. The study used heat maps to visualize participants' attention patterns, providing clear visual evidence of the differing experiences.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalViolence and Gender·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

Just in time for Halloween: Researchers document the power of 'ghostly encounters' on organizations

Organizational ghosts are admired former leaders who embody an organization's values and identity, continuing to influence members long after they've departed. Researchers found that these ghostly encounters can safeguard organizations from risky decisions and legitimize current leaders.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 2023

AI helps reduce online harassment by enhancing conversation courtesy

Researchers at BYU and Duke University found that AI can improve conversation quality and promote civil dialogue in online interactions. By using AI-generated rephrasings of users' messages, participants exhibited greater willingness to listen to opposing viewpoints and reported higher conversation quality.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2023

Poverty alleviation breakthrough: How a switch to a 'growth mindset' empowers entrepreneurs in developing nations

A randomized controlled experiment found that growth mindset training significantly improved the confidence of entrepreneurs in Tanzania, leading them to take more action in applying new skills. This breakthrough has implications for entrepreneurship training and teaching more generally.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2023

Banks still offer Black entrepreneurs inferior loans, service even when they are better qualified than peers

A new study reveals that banks continue to offer Black customers subpar loan products and services, even when they have stronger financial profiles than White customers. However, the study also identifies specific strategies minority small business owners can use to signal sophistication and secure better loans.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023

What type of GIF user are you?

Researchers at Brigham Young University categorized GIF users into three types: Enthusiasts, Searchers, and Referentialists. Enthusiasts use GIFs to express themselves and impress others, while Searchers enjoy the thrill of finding the perfect GIF for a situation. Referentialists rely on pop culture references to respond to GIFs. Under...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalConvergence The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies·TypeSurvey·DateMar 2, 2023

New AI technology could change game prep for Super Bowl teams

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed an AI algorithm that can accurately locate players and determine formations in football game footage. The system has achieved over 90% accuracy on player detection and 85% accuracy on formation identification, potentially eliminating the need for manual annotation and analysis.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalElectronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2023

New study debunks the assumption that menstrual cycles disqualify women from exercise research

A new study from Brigham Young University researchers found no variability in endurance thresholds or performance among women across their menstrual cycles. Women's performance was consistent with men's, challenging the long-held assumption that hormonal changes during menstruation affect exercise capability.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Who's really driving conversations on social media?

A new study from Brigham Young University found that most people on social media self-censor their comments to avoid conflict, while those on the margins fuel online dialogue. The study suggests a shift towards polarized conversations and encourages users to focus on solutions rather than defending identities.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Media + Society·TypeSurvey·DateNov 30, 2022

Exercise science researchers pinpoint method to 'prescribe' aerobic exercise like medicine

A new system to create personalized workouts and 'prescribed' exercises has been unveiled, with results showing greater improvement in endurance and long-term benefits. The approach, based on 'critical power,' aims to provide predictable results for each individual's exercise, helping people achieve their fitness goals.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2022

Media messages that humanize outgroups don’t combat prejudice, new study finds

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers found that media messages designed to humanize outgroups do almost nothing to increase empathy in people with high animosity towards the group. However, these messages do increase empathy in those who already view the group positively. The study suggests that dissonance, or discomfort...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Children with autism benefit when parents are trained to provide at-home interventions

A study by Brigham Young University found that parent-led interventions significantly improve social and communication skills in children with autism spectrum disorder. The meta-analysis of over 50 studies included 2,895 child participants who received about 90 minutes of intervention training each week.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 6, 2022

Student research solves an icy dwarf planet mystery

A team of researchers from Brigham Young University has solved the mystery of Haumea's origin by re-evaluating assumptions about its formation. By considering the dwarf planet in the context of the broader solar system creation, they proposed a new explanation that explains why Haumea is one of the fastest spinning objects and covered ...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 27, 2022

Praising essential workers — nurses, grocery workers, corrections officers — is not just a good thing, it’s critical to their recovery from burnout

A new study finds that public praise energizes essential workers, while those who don't receive it experience negative emotions and poor coping mechanisms. Essential workers in less visible fields like corrections officers face significant challenges due to lack of appreciation.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

National Parks Study: 'Every Kid Outdoors' program is increasing family hiking, but not for everyone

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that the Every Kid Outdoors program is increasing family hiking, with a seven-fold jump in frequency among high-income and white families. However, minority and lower-income families have not seen a similar significant increase in hiking frequency.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 6, 2022

Study: Exercising at the start of fast can help people reach ketosis 3.5 hours faster

A new study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that exercising intensely at the start of a fast can maximize health benefits by speeding up the transition to ketosis. Participants who exercised reached ketosis on average three and a half hours earlier, producing 43% more B-hydroxybutyrate.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Study: Algorithm can predict when an adolescent will become suicidal with 91% accuracy

Researchers developed an algorithm that predicts suicidal thoughts and behavior among adolescents with 91% accuracy, analyzing data from 179,384 students. The study reveals online harassment and bullying as leading predictors of suicidal ideation and behavior, with females more likely to experience suicidal thoughts.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 3, 2021

As diversity increases in workplaces, so do discrimination complaints; A new study finds ethical leaders mitigate those issues

A new study by Brigham Young University and Inha University found that diverse organizations with ethical leaders reduce conflict and racial discrimination. Ethical leaders model integrity, honesty, and respect, which employees emulate to treat others fairly.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Public Administration Research and Theory·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2021

Study finds praising middle school students improves on-task behavior by up to 70%

Middle school teachers who praised students more often than reprimanding them saw a significant improvement in class-wide on-task behavior, with some classrooms experiencing improvements of up to 60-70%. The study also found that high-risk students benefited from increased praise, leading to improved grades and reduced behavioral issues.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateAug 25, 2021

Researchers create world's most power-efficient high-speed ADC microchip

Researchers at Brigham Young University have developed the world's most power-efficient high-speed analog-to-digital converter (ADC) microchip, reducing power consumption by three times while increasing speed. This breakthrough technology has vast applications in fields like autonomous vehicles, smart wearables, and implantable devices.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalIEEE Solid-State Circuits Letters·DateMay 21, 2021