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Early spatial reasoning predicts later creativity and innovation, especially in STEM fields

A new study found that early spatial reasoning skills at age 13 predict creative and innovative achievements, especially in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains. This unique skill contributes to the development of new knowledge and innovation above traditional measures of mathematical and verbal ability.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 15, 2013

Happily married means a healthier ever after

A new BYU study tracks health and marriage quality over 20 years, finding that happy marriages have a preventative component that keeps individuals in good health. The research suggests that marital conflict is a risk factor for poor health, emphasizing the importance of couples seeking professional help to reduce conflict.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateJul 2, 2013

Higher genetic risk tied to lifetime asthma suffering

A new study found that children with higher genetic risks for asthma are not only more likely to develop the condition at a young age but also experience persistent symptoms in adulthood. Those with higher risk scores had poorer quality of life, missing work and school, and were hospitalized more often due to asthma.

SourceDuke University·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJun 27, 2013

Teacher collaboration, professional communities improve many elementary school students' math scores

A study by UNC Charlotte researchers found that teacher collaboration and professional communities can significantly improve math performance among elementary school students. However, many schools fail to provide such environments, leading to persistent achievement gaps between racial and socioeconomic groups.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·JournalSociology of Education·DateJun 7, 2013

Live and learn

A new University of Michigan study found that more than one in 10 GenXers are enrolled in classes to continue their formal educations, with 48% taking continuing education courses. The study also revealed that GenXers have earned graduate and professional degrees at a higher rate than any previous generation.

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

Boomers and beyond

The Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) is a comprehensive study on aging that will investigate factors affecting health and quality of life in Canadians. The Montreal component, launched by the Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, will collect data from 3,000 people between ages 45-85 for a 20-year period.

Risk-glorifying video games may lead teens to drive recklessly, new research shows

New research published by the American Psychological Association suggests that playing mature-rated, risk-glorifying video games can lead to increased rebelliousness and sensation seeking among adolescents. These traits are strongly associated with risky driving habits, automobile accidents, police stops, and a willingness to drink and...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateSep 11, 2012

More grandparents fill caregiver role

A new study by the University of Chicago shows that 60 percent of grandparents provided some care for their grandchildren during a 10-year period. Grandparents with less income and less education are more likely to take on care for their grandchildren, highlighting the diversity in grandparent care.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Family Issues·DateSep 6, 2012

Feeling fat may make you fat

A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that normal-weight teenagers who perceive themselves as fat are more likely to become obese as adults. The researchers analyzed data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Study, finding a significant association between perceived weight and actual obesity.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Obesity·DateAug 8, 2012

Why chronic pain is all in your head

A Northwestern University study found that chronic pain develops when two brain sections communicate excessively, increasing the likelihood of chronic pain. Researchers predicted with 85% accuracy which participants would develop chronic pain based on brain scan data.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJul 1, 2012

Alcohol intake in the elderly affects risk of cognitive decline and dementia

Longitudinal studies suggest that light-to-moderate alcohol consumption may lower the risk of cognitive decline and dementia by approximately 35-45%. Moderate drinking patterns may also offer cardiovascular benefits. However, further research is needed to understand the optimal pattern of drinking for protection against cognitive decline.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPsychiatry Investigation·DateMay 22, 2012