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Parents preach prudence -- peers promote pleasure

A study found that parents typically focus on negative aspects of sex, while peers promote positive messages. Parents are strongest supporters of abstinence and provide information on pregnancy and fertilization, but fail to discuss other topics. Peers encourage non-relational sex and promote sexual freedom, while the media reinforces ...

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateMay 9, 2007

Sex on the brain

A recent survey of over 250,000 people from around the world has shed light on sex differences in brain function and behavior. The study found that men and women exhibit distinct patterns in mental abilities, with men scoring higher in visual-spatial tasks but women excelling in object location memory.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateMay 7, 2007

The power of speaking ladylike

A new study by Dr. Carmelia Suleiman explores the role of gender in media interviews with politicians Bill and Hillary Clinton. Researchers found that language choices and habits in conversation were influenced more by the interviewers' perspectives than the interviewees' genders.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Psycholinguistic Research·DateApr 24, 2007

Homing pigeons get their bearings from their beaks

A new study reveals that homing pigeons have a complex three-dimensional pattern in the sensory dendrites of their beak skin that reacts to the Earth's magnetic field vector. This allows them to identify their geographical position without relying on visual cues.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateMar 14, 2007

Female chimps keep the bullies at bay

A study by Akiko Matsumoto-Oda found that female chimpanzees do not synchronize their reproductive activities, reducing opportunities for less-desirable males to coerce them into mating. This strategy allows females to mate with higher-ranking males who possess desirable social and physical characteristics.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 7, 2007

Webb scope looks out of this world

The James Webb Space Telescope will enable fundamental breakthroughs in our understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies, stars, and planetary systems. The telescope will complement and extend the discoveries of the Hubble Space Telescope with longer wavelength coverage and greatly improved sensitivity.

SourceSpringer·JournalSpace Science Reviews·DateJan 15, 2007

It's enough to turn your neighbors green

A study by Nives Dolsak and Maureen Dunn finds that developed countries invest in developing countries' greenhouse gas emission-reduction projects mainly due to economic reasons, such as reducing air pollution and transaction costs. The authors suggest policy makers to consider regional pollution dynamics when designing international r...

SourceSpringer·JournalPolicy Sciences·DateDec 14, 2006

Blue eyes -- A clue to paternity

Researchers found that blue-eyed men rate blue-eyed female models as more attractive than brown-eyed models. In a second study, blue-eyed men were more likely to have romantic partners of the same eye color.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 23, 2006

Down syndrome: It's not just the age factor

Research by Markus Neuhäuser and Sven Krackow found that the number and age of existing siblings significantly influence Down Syndrome risk. The study suggests that older mothers with a larger gap between pregnancies are more likely to have children with developmental defects.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateOct 12, 2006

Bad blood between boys and girls

Research by S. Kankova and colleagues found that Toxoplasma positive mothers give birth to more boys than negative women, with a probability of up to 72 boys in every 100 children born. The increased survival of male embryos may be attributed to the parasite's modulating effects on the immune system.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateOct 11, 2006

Planning ahead: Having the healthiest baby possible

A new supplement provides essential information on preconception care, emphasizing the importance of women's health before pregnancy. The supplement covers topics such as folic acid supplements, vaccinations, and screening for HIV, as well as measures to avoid harmful substances like alcohol and anti-epileptic drugs.

SourceSpringer·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateSep 18, 2006

All work, no perks for Hispanic forest labor in the US

A recent study published in Policy Sciences examines the ethnic differences in job quality among US forest workers. The research reveals that Hispanic workers face more onerous jobs with fewer benefits, including less job security and no health insurance compared to white workers.

SourceSpringer·JournalPolicy Sciences·DateAug 2, 2006

Shoot up and cool down

A new study suggests injecting sulfur into the stratosphere could cool the planet by reflecting solar radiation. This method, known as albedo enhancement, has been observed during volcanic eruptions and could start taking effect within six months.

SourceSpringer·JournalClimatic Change·DateJul 27, 2006

Eyeballs vs footballs: The final

Researchers found that goalkeepers are unable to accurately predict the trajectory of a spinning football, relying on the ball's current heading direction. The study suggests that inherent limitations in the human visual system hinder this ability.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateMay 19, 2006