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Brigham Young University


Study shows why breastfed babies are so smart

A new study by Brigham Young University researchers reveals that breastfed babies perform better in school due to their mother's sensitivity to emotional cues and reading habits. The study found that these parenting skills can yield significant improvements in brain development by age 4.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateFeb 26, 2014

Finding a target for tumor suppression

Researchers at Brigham Young University have discovered a potential target for tumor suppression, Programmed Cell Death Protein 5 (PDCD5), which may help prevent cancer cell growth by blocking the production of tubulin. The study provides new insights into how PDCD5 functions and offers a promising direction for future research.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateFeb 3, 2014

Study: Pay kids to eat fruits and vegetables

Researchers found that directly paying students to eat fruits and vegetables increases consumption by 80 percent, while also reducing food waste by 33 percent. This approach is cheaper and more effective than traditional school lunch rules, which often result in a significant amount of wasted produce.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPublic Health Nutrition·DateDec 16, 2013

Supervolcanoes discovered in Utah

The discovery of supervolcanoes in southern Utah reveals massive eruptions that buried a vast region, affecting areas from central Utah to Nebraska. This research has significant implications for understanding geological history and the impact of volcanic activity on ecosystems.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 9, 2013

Too much texting can disconnect couples

A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers found that excessive texting can lead to lower relationship quality in committed relationships. For both men and women, using text messages to resolve conflicts or make decisions is associated with reduced relationship satisfaction.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Couple & Relationship Therapy·DateOct 30, 2013

Suicidal talk on Twitter mirrors state suicide rates

Researchers used Twitter data to identify 37,717 troubling tweets from 28,088 unique users, strongly correlating with actual suicide rates. The study suggests using social media as a complement to existing suicide prevention efforts, particularly on platforms like Twitter where public tweets can be addressed and responded to.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalCrisis·DateOct 9, 2013

How Instagram can ruin your dinner

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that overexposure to food imagery on Instagram and other platforms increases satiation, leading to a decrease in enjoyment with repeated consumption. This phenomenon, known as sensory boredom, can result in people becoming tired of certain tastes without even eating the food.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 3, 2013

Shopping in high heels could curb overspending

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that shopping in high heels can lead to more mindful consumer choices, resulting in a balanced approach between high-end and low-end products. By introducing physical sensations of balance, consumers are more likely to weigh options and avoid extreme spending

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateAug 26, 2013

Happily married means a healthier ever after

A new BYU study tracks health and marriage quality over 20 years, finding that happy marriages have a preventative component that keeps individuals in good health. The research suggests that marital conflict is a risk factor for poor health, emphasizing the importance of couples seeking professional help to reduce conflict.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 2, 2013

Babies can read each other's signals

Researchers found that infants as young as 5 months can match positive and negative emotional cues, including facial expressions and vocalizations. This groundbreaking study sheds light on early infant development and suggests babies are more attuned to emotions than previously thought.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalInfancy·DateJun 26, 2013

Want to move up at work? Be a true believer

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that employees who exhibit a strong belief in a brand's mission or cause become more influential in important company circles. Those who simply focus on their job performance without being invested in the organization's mission tend to be less influential.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalOrganization Science·DateMay 29, 2013

Genetic cause for migraines found

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine has identified a genetic mutation that makes people more susceptible to migraine headaches. This finding is significant because it represents the first demonstration of a genetic cause for migraines, which could lead to new research avenues and potential treatments.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 1, 2013

How stepdads can avoid missteps

A Brigham Young University study identified three key factors for closeness in stepfamilies: keeping arguments to a minimum, motherly involvement, and parental agreement. This approach allows stepfathers to build strong bonds with their children despite financial or educational challenges.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalSocial Work·DateApr 8, 2013

Feeling sick makes us less social online too

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that only 10% of internet users post reviews and 15% comment, question or share health information on social media. The researchers believe more collective wisdom from the crowd could improve health-related discussions online.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMar 25, 2013

Parents should do chores together, study says

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that couples who do housework together and spend quality time with their children are more satisfied with the division of labor. The researchers also discovered that fathers' involvement in childcare significantly contributes to a better marriage relationship.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateMar 20, 2013

Disease outbreaks trackable with Twitter

A recent study from Brigham Young University found that 15 percent of tweets contain accurate location information, which could aid in tracking disease outbreaks. The researchers used this data to demonstrate the potential of Twitter-based monitoring systems for public health.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJan 22, 2013

Biologists unlock 'black box' to underground world

Researchers analyzed 16 soil samples from around the globe and sequenced their DNA to understand the functional roles of microorganisms. The study reveals that different species perform unique jobs based on their environment, shedding light on the importance of biodiversity in maintaining ecosystem services.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 2, 2013

Hawaiian Islands are dissolving, study says

Research by Brigham Young University geologists reveals Hawaiian Islands are dissolving from within, with groundwater removing more mineral material than stream water. The study predicts Oahu will continue to grow for up to 1.5 million years before eventually declining in elevation.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateDec 21, 2012

Autism severity may stem from fear

A study by Brigham Young University found a strong correlation between the persistence of fears and the severity of classic symptoms of autism. Children with autism took longer to extinguish their original fear in response to a changing visual cue, highlighting the need to help them make emotional transitions.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAutism Research·DateNov 29, 2012

Church-going teens go further with school

Research found that church-affiliated teens are more likely to graduate high school and enroll in college, with mentors playing a significant role in their educational success. The study's findings highlight the importance of religious participation and spirituality in achieving higher education attainment.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal for the Scientific Study of Religion·DateNov 1, 2012

Measuring molecules with the naked eye

A new 'lab on a chip' developed by Brigham Young University researchers can detect extremely low concentrations of molecules, allowing for potential disease diagnosis. The device uses capillary action and receptor-lined pipes to measure molecule concentrations, providing an alternative to conventional lab equipment.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 25, 2012

BYU study: Exercise may affect food motivation

A new study from Brigham Young University found that moderate-to-vigorous exercise in the morning can decrease a person's motivation for food. The research measured neural activity in women while they viewed food images before and after exercise, revealing a lower attentional response to food pictures after the workout.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 12, 2012

March Madness brings September students

Researchers found universities receive a surge of 10% more SAT scores from prospective students following a stellar sports season. This phenomenon affects all demographic backgrounds, not just certain groups like males, black students, or those who played sports in high school.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateAug 23, 2012

Persistence is learned from fathers, study shows

Research from Brigham Young University found that dads play a crucial role in teaching their children persistence, which leads to better outcomes in school and lower rates of delinquency. The study examined 325 families over several years and showed that dads who practice authoritative parenting are more likely to instill this trait in...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateJun 15, 2012