Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Study reveals dramatic changes in global attitudes toward domestic violence

A study published by the American Sociological Association reveals that global attitudes towards domestic violence have changed significantly between 2003 and 2008, with Nigeria experiencing the largest shift. Attitudes among men were more likely to reject domestic violence than those of women in many countries, particularly in urban a...

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateApr 25, 2013

In sex, happiness hinges on keeping up with the Joneses, CU-Boulder study finds

A CU-Boulder study found that people reported higher levels of happiness as they reported higher sexual frequency, but also believed their peers were having less sex than them. This 'relative aspect' of sex frequency increases happiness, suggesting social comparisons play a role in the relationship between sex and happiness.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalSocial Indicators Research·DateApr 15, 2013

Restaurant service linked to customer demographics, race, Wayne State research finds

Researchers analyzed survey data from 200 servers in 18 restaurants, finding that sensitivity to demographic differences predicted service levels. The study highlights the problem of poor service to African-American customers and suggests a solution by promoting tipping norms for specific levels of service quality.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateMar 26, 2013

3-year olds know rules of sharing but don't follow them until older

A new study found that 3-year-olds endorse equal sharing norms, but fail to follow them until they reach 7-8 years old. Researchers gave stickers valued by children of all ages and asked about sharing, finding consistent endorsement across ages. However, actual behavior showed a gap between endorsed and followed norms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 20, 2013

Sharing HIV research findings with participants

Researchers orally disseminated their HIV research findings to 477 participants, who enthusiastically received the information and identified new areas for investigation. The dissemination conference was funded by several organizations, including the National Institutes of Health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 5, 2013

HIV infection appears associated with increased heart attack risk

A large study of veterans found that HIV infection is independently associated with an increased risk of acute myocardial infarction (AMI or heart attack), even after adjusting for standard risk factors. The study also identified other risk factors, including low CD4 cell count and hepatitis C virus, as contributing to the increased risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMar 4, 2013

Using millions of gigs of data to improve human health

The National Institutes of Health is launching a $700 million project to develop a common data-sharing framework for biomedical research. This framework aims to integrate millions of gigabytes of data from various disciplines, enabling researchers to tap into a gold mine of information and improve disease treatment and cure rates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateFeb 20, 2013

New study examines victims and cyberstalking

A new study reveals that cyberstalking victims experience increased self-protective behaviors, including changing jobs or email addresses, and face higher financial costs compared to traditional stalking victims. The study also finds that cyberstalking victims exhibit greater fear over time, suggesting a more severe condition.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateFeb 12, 2013

Magnetic map guides salmon home

Researchers found that sockeye salmon imprint on the magnetic field they experience when first entering the sea as juveniles, using it as a homing mechanism. This discovery has practical applications for predicting salmon distribution and understanding the impact of environmental changes on their navigation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 7, 2013

'Listening to your heart' could improve body image, says study

A recent study published in PLOS ONE found that women who are more aware of their internal bodily signals, such as their heartbeat, tend to have lower levels of self-objectification. This increased awareness is linked to a reduced tendency to think of one's body as an object, rather than a source of physical competence and health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2013

Marriage linked to better survival in middle age

A new study by Dr. Ilene Siegler and colleagues found that having a partner during middle age is protective against premature death. Married individuals had a significantly lower risk of dying early compared to those who never married or lost their partner, even after controlling for personality and health behaviors.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateJan 10, 2013

Brown eyes appear more trustworthy than blue

A study published in PLOS ONE found that people judge men's trustworthiness based on face shape and eye color, with brown-eyed faces appearing more trustworthy than blue eyes. The researchers tested various combinations of eye color and face shape to determine which features contributed most to the perception of trustworthiness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 9, 2013

Chronic worriers at higher risk for PTSD

A recent study published in Psychological Medicine found that individuals with chronic anxiety are more vulnerable to developing PTSD. The research analyzed data from over 1,000 participants and found that those who scored higher on neuroticism as the study began were more likely to develop PTSD.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPsychological Medicine·DateDec 17, 2012

Reading history through genetics

Researchers developed a new method to analyze genetic data to learn about population history, using the Ashkenazi Jews and Masai people as test subjects. This approach allows for detailed events in recent history to be recovered within the last few centuries.

SourceColumbia University·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateDec 5, 2012

Working towards happiness

A new study by Dr. Elizabeth Mokyr Horner found that individuals experience a large improvement in well-being and life satisfaction after retirement, but this benefit stabilizes at age 70 regardless of the individual's retirement age. The researcher concludes that well-being may be affected minimally by increasing the retirement age.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateDec 4, 2012