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Advanced wearable technology improves support for people with dementia and their caregivers

A new pilot study assesses how caregivers use advanced wearable technology to support people with dementia, finding that it reduces emotional strain and increases caregiver satisfaction. The technology, called Theora Care, provides a wearable device and smartphone application that alerts caregivers when the person has wandered.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Alzheimer’s Disease·DateFeb 3, 2025

A caving expedition yields valuable insight into the challenges of field research

Researchers conducted a caving expedition to gather data on the effects of environmental stressors on human cognition, collecting useful insights despite logistical challenges. The study proposed a framework for future field-based cognitive science research, offering lessons beyond traditional lab settings.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 3, 2024

New imaging study finds evidence that emotion regulation is not always the most effective strategy to mitigate suicidal ideation

Researchers found that individuals with depression who engage in reflexive emotion regulation experience increased suicidal thoughts during daily stressful events. In contrast, adaptive responses to stress were observed when participants used reappraisal strategy.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 25, 2024

Social isolation, loneliness and frailty in older adults have a complex and sometimes mutually reinforcing relationship

A new study analyzed 21 years of data from over 2,300 older Dutch adults, finding that physical frailty can lead to social isolation and loneliness, while also being an indicator of future social isolation. Lifestyle changes such as better nutrition, exercise, and social activities can reverse these conditions.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAge and Ageing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 14, 2024

Pennington Biomedical partners with US Army Research Institute of Environmental Medicine on army-wide health and nutrition study

Researchers are conducting a comprehensive health and nutrition examination study to assess the status of active-duty service members. The study will gather data on dietary intake, nutritional status, cardiovascular health, and other measures to guide evidence-based screening and intervention strategies for improving health in the mili...

Childhood trauma linked to major biological and health risks

A new study found that childhood trauma can have specific consequences for biological health and risk of developing 20 major diseases later in life. The study's findings differ by sex and type of stressor, highlighting the need for a precision medicine approach based on patients' sex and specific stress profile.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalBrain Behavior and Immunity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 17, 2024

This desert moss has the potential to grow on Mars

A new study reveals that a type of desert moss called Syntrichia caninervis has the potential to grow on Mars due to its ability to tolerate extreme temperatures, radiation, and dehydration. The researchers tested the moss's resilience in various conditions and found it to be one of the most radiation-tolerant organisms known.

SourceCell Press·JournalThe Innovation·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2024

NIH funds critical center in Detroit to lead efforts to investigate and mitigate health impacts of community-voiced chemical and non-chemical stressors

The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) has awarded a four-year, $5.2 million grant to Wayne State University's Center for Urban Responses to Environmental Stressors (CURES). The CURES team will investigate the basis for urban environmental health disparities and the human health impact of environmental exposure...

How do high-profile incidents of racial discrimination affect the eating habits of Black women?

Researchers found that Black women living near areas of unrest experienced higher levels of emotional eating and stress, while those in safer neighborhoods engaged in cognitive restraint. The study suggests that vicarious racial discrimination can lead to race-based traumatic stress and poor mental and physical health outcomes.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateJun 27, 2024

Can LSD confer psychological strength and resilience?

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that lifetime LSD use is associated with a higher likelihood of severe psychological distress after losing one's job. The study analyzed data from over 15,000 adults and found that prior LSD use was linked to greater symptoms of psychological distress.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJun 20, 2024

When mothers and children talk about problems, environment matters

A new study from the University of Illinois found that adolescents and their mothers preferred specific locations for discussing problems, with the house in general, bedroom, kitchen, and living room being top choices. These environments were perceived as safe spaces where conversation could flow more easily. Families also considered e...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·TypeObservational study·DateJun 4, 2024

Let widgeongrass be a weed in the seagrass yard -- making seagrass restoration more resistant to rising temperatures using generalist grasses

New research demonstrates that incorporating widgeongrass into seagrass restoration efforts can increase the portfolio of species diversity and enhance long-term success. The study found that seeding widgeongrass in the fall with minimal pre-treatment resulted in highest survival and growth rates.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024

SMART researchers pioneer sensor multiplexing for real-time decoding of different plant stresses

SMART researchers develop a nanosensor that selectively detects salicylic acid in live plants, vital for stress response. The sensor combines sensors for H₂O₂ and salicylic acid, enabling simultaneous monitoring of plant hormones and aiding in early diagnoses to improve crop resilience.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024

Your unsupportive partner is physically stressing you out

A new study from Binghamton University found that couples who receive more negative social support tend to experience higher levels of cortisol, a hormone associated with stress reactions. In contrast, those who receive positive support exhibit lower cortisol levels and feel more understood, validated, and cared for by their partner.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Social and Personal Relationships·TypeObservational study·DateApr 8, 2024

Perinatal women of Mexican descent propose solutions to pandemic-related stressors affecting Latinos

Perinatal Mexican-American women discussed challenges facing their families during the pandemic, including accessing food, medical information, and mental health treatment. The study recommended actionable policies and programs to meet the needs of Latino communities during future emergencies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeSurvey·DateApr 4, 2024

Going ‘back to the future’ to forecast the fate of a dead Florida coral reef

Researchers reconstructed a Late Holocene-aged subfossil coral death assemblage and compared it to modern reefs in Southeast Florida. The study reveals significant differences in coral composition between the two periods, suggesting that modern reefs may not be able to support range expansions of temperature-sensitive species.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024

BU study finds coping is related to longevity in older men

A new study from Boston University found that older men's ability to cope with stressors is crucial for their longevity. The researchers analyzed data from 743 men and discovered that the overall effort put into coping was more important than specific strategies or perceived stress levels. This finding suggests that older adults who st...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Gerontology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Study tracks shifts in student mental health during college

A four-year study by Dartmouth researchers tracks changes in student mental health during college, identifying key populations and stressors. The study found that first-year and female students are at risk for high anxiety and low self-esteem, while sophomores experience increased social activity but higher stress levels.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2024

How discrimination, class, and gender intersect to affect Black Americans’ well-being

A new study explores how discrimination, gender, and social class intersect to affect Black Americans' personal and relational well-being. Researchers found that racial discrimination and financial strain were associated with lower levels of psychological well-being.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 22, 2024

Older adults with a history of stroke at high risk of pandemic-induced depression

A new study from the University of Toronto found that older Canadians with a history of stroke experienced depression during the COVID-19 pandemic. Among those with no lifetime history of depression, immigrant status and family stressors were associated with an increased risk of incident depression.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalInternational Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 21, 2024

Monterey Bay Aquarium study reveals how kelp forests persisted through the large 2014-2016 Pacific marine heatwave

A recent Monterey Bay Aquarium study found that denser and more sheltered kelp forests can withstand severe stressors from warming ocean temperatures. The research also showed that persistent kelp forests are better equipped to handle multiple stressors, including sea urchin outbreaks and marine heatwaves.

SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society of London B Biological Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2024