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Reading the room: Humans struggle to identify aggression in dogs, other humans

Researchers found that while humans excel at categorizing interactions between humans, dogs, and monkeys, they struggle to predict aggressive behaviors in both species. Participants performed poorly on identifying aggression in dogs and humans, suggesting a potential bias towards assuming good intentions from others.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

New 3D model shows how cadmium exposure may affect heart development

Researchers developed a 3D organoid model that mimics human heart development, revealing how low levels of cadmium can block cardiomyocyte formation and induce heart abnormalities. The study supports decades of toxicology research on environmental exposures contributing to human diseases.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2022

In the transition to high school, eighth graders who move to a new building were less delinquent than peers who stayed in the same setting

A study found that students who moved to a new school location reported significantly less delinquency after the shift, with fewer delinquent friends and less unstructured socializing. The transition to a new academic setting might reduce levels of juvenile delinquency in the long run.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateOct 20, 2022

The unread Stasi Files

A study by the Max Planck Institute for Human Development and the Technical University of Dresden investigates why many people choose not to read their Stasi files. The researchers found that the majority of reasons for deliberate ignorance include concerns about social relationships, mistrust in information accuracy, and a desire to a...

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalCognition·TypeSurvey·DateSep 27, 2022

Babies react to taste and smell in the womb – new research

Scientists recorded facial expressions of 100 unborn babies to see how they reacted to carrot and kale flavours. Fetuses exposed to carrot showed more laughter-like responses, while those exposed to kale showed more crying-like responses. This study could help understand the development of human taste and smell receptors.

SourceAston University·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

Paleontologists at the University of Malaga reveal new data on the evolution of the hominid cranium

Paleontologists at the University of Malaga have found that humans uniquely combine increased brain size with a juvenile cranial shape. The analysis of four new hominid fossils and modern great ape samples shows changes in cranial development, including a negative growth of the neurocranium and a positive growth of the splanchnocranium.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalPeerJ·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022

NIH launches $8 million prize competition to reduce maternal deaths in regions that lack maternity care

The NIH is launching a $8 million prize competition to develop technologies improving postpartum healthcare in areas with limited access to maternity care. Diagnostic devices and wearables are prioritized to detect conditions like heart-related conditions, infection, and bleeding during the first year after delivery.

Risk of premature death in adulthood influenced by patterns of early childhood adversity, NIH study suggests

A NIH study of over 46,000 participants found that childhood poverty combined with crowded housing or parental separation increases the risk of premature death by 41-50%, compared to those without early life adversity. The study also identified a higher risk of premature death for individuals with multiple adverse childhood experiences.

Emotional AI and gen Z: The attitude towards new technology and its concerns

A new study found that over 50% of Gen Z respondents were concerned about the use of non-conscious data collection (NCDC), with attitudes varying by gender, income, education level, and religion. The study proposed a "mind-sponge" model-based approach to account for socio-cultural factors in assessing AI technology acceptance.

SourceAPU·JournalTechnology in Society·TypeSurvey·DateAug 23, 2022

Prenatal opioid exposure may trigger neurological, behavioral changes later in life

A new study at the University of Missouri found that prenatal opioid exposure can trigger long-term neurological or behavioral effects in children. The research suggests that opioids impact the developing fetus' gut microbiome, leading to changes in metabolic pathways and potentially affecting overall health and wellness.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalmSystems·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2022

The beginning of life: The early embryo is in the driver's seat

Researchers using 'blastoids' - in vitro models of the blastocyst - discovered that early embryonic signals induce placental development and prepare the uterus. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of human fertility and potentially improve IVF procedures, fertility drugs, and contraceptives.

Maternal microbiome promotes healthy development of the baby

A recent study published in Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences found that a specific type of gut bacteria, Bifidobacterium breve, plays a crucial role in regulating fetal growth and metabolism during pregnancy. The researchers discovered that the maternal microbiome promotes development of the placenta and healthy growth of the baby ...

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCellular and Molecular Life Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2022

Epigenetic switch helps keep early embryo cells on the right track

A study reveals an epigenetic switch that restricts early embryo cells from differentiating into certain tissue lineages. The research identifies PRC2 as a key regulator of gene expression in embryonic development, allowing for better control of stem cell specialization and blastoid formation.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Cell Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

How mother-youth emotional climate helps adolescents cope with stress

A University of Illinois study examines how mothers' emotional involvement helps youth cope with peer stressors during middle school. The research reveals that youth who experience positive mother-child interactions and high maternal affect are more likely to engage in active coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateJun 10, 2022

New insights on infant word learning reported in study

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences offers fresh insights into infant word learning. Researchers found that infants between 7 and 11 months old learn words by building up memory representations over time, rather than through repeated connections between words and objects.

SourceIndiana University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 7, 2022

Study finds psychopathic individuals are more likely to have larger striatum region in the brain

A study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research found a significant biological difference between psychopaths and non-psychopaths, with psychopaths having a larger striatum region in the brain. This finding is linked to increased need for stimulation, impulsive behaviors, and higher likelihood of violent behavior.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Psychiatric Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Relationship quality affects depressive symptoms in African American couples

A new study found that partner support significantly influences changes in depressive symptoms over time, but relationship satisfaction and effective arguing have a weaker effect. The research suggests strengthening partner support can improve mental health for individuals in committed relationships.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022

Mommy says easy does it

A study by Kyoto University researchers reveals that human fetuses develop slower shoulder growth before birth, alleviating complications during delivery. This adaptation allows for a safer passage through the birth canal, reconciling the incompatibility between wide shoulders and narrow pelvis.