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Concordia University


Hands-on dads give kids an edge

A Concordia University study found that fathers who actively engage with their children can positively influence their development, leading to fewer behavior problems and higher intellectual abilities. The study also highlighted the importance of mothers and other caregivers in child-rearing.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement·DateAug 30, 2011

Workplace stress a growing health hazard

A study by Concordia University economists found that workers in high-stress jobs visit doctors more often, with a 26% increase in healthcare utilization. The study also estimated that workplace stress costs US companies $68 billion annually and reduces productivity by 10%.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBMC Public Health·DateAug 25, 2011

Can blaming others make people sick?

Concordia researchers Carsten Wrosch and Jesse Renaud find that persistent bitterness can lead to global feelings of anger and hostility affecting physical health. They propose recognizing bitterness as post-traumatic embitterment disorder (PTED), requiring therapeutic intervention for affected individuals.

Higher cigarette taxes don't deter all smokers

A Concordia University study found that higher cigarette taxes prompt low-and middle-income earners to quit smoking, but not wealthier smokers or those in their 20s to 40s. The research team analyzed data from Statistics Canada's National Population Health Survey and found that the middle-aged group is largely unresponsive to taxes.

SourceConcordia University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJul 13, 2011

Concordia research accelerated

Nadia Bhuiyan and Yves Gélinas, two Concordia professors, have received NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement awards to advance their research in lean manufacturing and coastal aquatic ecosystems. The awards will support Bhuiyan's study on product development and Gélinas' research on estuaries and microbial composition.

Do kids prefer playmates of same ethnicity?

A study by Concordia University researchers found that Asian-Canadian and French-Canadian preschoolers tend to interact more with children of their own ethnic group. The children were observed to be more competitive when playing with peers of the same ethnicity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEuropean Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateJun 21, 2011

Preteens surrounded by smokers get hooked on nicotine

A new study from Concordia University and the University of Montreal found that preteens surrounded by smokers are more likely to develop symptoms of nicotine dependence. The study, which surveyed 327 sixth or seventh graders, also found that tweens who observe smoking in others are more likely to start smoking themselves.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJun 13, 2011

Dangerous and under the radar

A new report examines the ways to protect sex workers, highlighting the need for decriminalization and policy changes. The study, conducted by Concordia University and University of Windsor researchers, reveals that sex work is increasingly dangerous and unprotected, with many sex workers facing marginalization and violence.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie·DateJun 7, 2011

Of moose and men

Researchers found that removing all road-side salt pools can reduce moose-vehicle collisions by as much as 79 percent. Moose are attracted to the high sodium concentration in salt pools, posing a significant risk to human and vehicle safety.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEcological Modelling·DateMay 17, 2011

A comforting swan song

A new study published in Music and Medicine found that palliative care patients experience enhanced pain relief, comfort, relaxation, and mood through a unique music therapy project. The project, led by Concordia University's Sandi Curtis, combined students with professional musicians to provide individualized music therapy sessions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalMusic and Medicine·DateMay 10, 2011

Mom or dad has bipolar disorder? Keep stress in check

A new study led by Concordia University suggests that children of parents with bipolar disorder are more sensitive to stress due to elevated cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone produced in response to anxiety and was previously found to be higher in these children, but this study is the first to show its role in mood disorders.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateMay 5, 2011

Teen consumer patterns in China and Canada

A study published in the Journal of Business Research found that Chinese adolescents are heavily influenced by their parents, while Canadian teens are more likely to make independent decisions. Parenting practices and cultural values play a significant role in shaping teen outlooks and decision-making patterns.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateMay 3, 2011

Spring-cleaning the mind?

A Concordia University study reveals that a cluttered brain can hinder memory, with older individuals struggling to recall and process information. The research suggests that reducing mental clutter and engaging in mentally stimulating activities may help improve memory and cognitive function.

SourceConcordia University·JournalQuarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology·DateApr 19, 2011

What the world needs now? More wisdom

Research from Concordia University reveals that wisdom has an impact on how people cope in situations and whether they are more or less satisfied with life. Hallmarks of wisdom include knowledge, deep understanding of human nature, empathy, and the flexibility to see issues from others' perspectives.

Good vibrations?

Researchers have found that exposure to vibrations from power tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, a condition that leads to numbness, loss of dexterity, and discoloration in the extremities. A study by Concordia engineer Subhash Rakheja suggests that simple seat upgrades can reduce exposure by up to 60 percent.

New way to detect epileptic seizures

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel algorithm to detect epileptic seizures in real-time, analyzing EEG recordings of patients' brains. The new method has been shown to be highly accurate, detecting every seizure while scoring extremely low false positives rates, and may have applications beyond epilepsy.

New technology to predict future appearance

A Concordia researcher has developed a highly effective computer program to age photographic images of people's faces, improving the accuracy of age-estimation for missing-child investigations and national security. The technique combines active appearance models and support vector regression to predict future facial appearance.

Identifying 'anonymous' email authors

Researchers at Concordia University have developed a novel technique for identifying anonymous email authors with high accuracy. By analyzing unique patterns in a suspect's emails, they can create a 'write-print' that is like a fingerprint, allowing investigators to determine the author's gender, nationality, and education level.

SourceConcordia University·JournalDigital Investigation·DateMar 8, 2011

Regrets? Study examines how people can cope

A new study from Concordia University found that people who focus on others who are worse off with similar regrets tend to experience fewer physical symptoms and improved emotional well-being. The study, published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, suggests that downplaying others' regrets can be a protective coping mechanism.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateMar 1, 2011

How do women fend off domestic violence?

A Concordia University study finds that wealth is not a guaranteed escape from an abusive relationship, but rather one of many factors that can help a woman resist violence. The research also highlights the importance of women's negotiation tactics and challenging societal authority to create effective resistance.

SourceConcordia University·JournalReview of Radical Political Economics·DateFeb 15, 2011

Playtime helps bind generations

A new study from Concordia University and Wilfrid Laurier University confirms that shared leisure time between grandparents and their adult grandchildren is key to forming strong intergenerational relationships. This common activity allows for knowledge sharing, mutual understanding, and the development of empathy.

SourceConcordia University·JournalFamily Relations·DateFeb 14, 2011

A second language gives toddlers an edge

Bilingual toddlers as young as 24 months exhibit comparable vocabulary in both languages and show cognitive advantages over unilingual peers. This early bilingual advantage is likely due to infants' experience with two languages, providing a competitive edge in executive functioning.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateJan 19, 2011

Can engineered bugs help generate biofuels? Study holds promise

Concordia University researchers have made a breakthrough in converting plant material into biofuels using engineered bacteria. By introducing structural proteins on the surface of Lactococcus lactis, scientists can create a stable surface for chemical activity, paving the way for more efficient bioprocessing and organic material break...

SourceConcordia University·JournalMicrobial Cell Factories·DateDec 1, 2010

Additional cardiac testing vital for patients with anxiety and depression

A new study published in the Journal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention found that patients with anxiety disorders are more likely to have undetected heart problems during electrocardiogram tests. The study suggests that administering a brief questionnaire before conducting ECGs can help identify patients at risk.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation and Prevention·DateNov 11, 2010

New regulator of circadian clock identified

Researchers at Concordia University have discovered how the brain chemical dopamine regulates daily sleeping and eating patterns by altering PER2 protein activity. The study, published in Journal of Neuroscience, may have implications for individuals with Parkinson's disease who experience disrupted 24-hour rhythms.

Nurses critical in assuring health needs of LGBTIQ youth

A Concordia University professor argues that nurses can advocate for better healthcare and services for teenagers who are LGBTIQ, reducing transmission of sexually transmitted infections by discussing safe sex practices. Nurses should be nonjudgmental, tolerant and supportive of LGBTIQ individuals in the clinic and community.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Nursing·DateOct 12, 2010

Can't focus? Maybe it's the wrong time of month

A study by Concordia University researchers found that high estrogen levels are associated with an inability to pay attention and learn in female rodents. Human females experience similar difficulties during ovulation, suggesting a direct link between estrogen and cognitive function.

SourceConcordia University·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateSep 24, 2010

New research: What does your avatar say about you?

Researchers at Concordia University found that avatar-creators tend to create avatars that resemble their own personalities, with physical characteristics like hair length and clothing style providing clues about the creator's traits. This correlation has implications for companies looking to reach both virtual and real-world audiences.

SourceConcordia University·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateJul 26, 2010