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Poor Odds For Continued Recovery Among Addicts Who Start Young, Minorities, O/R Study Confirms

A recent study by researchers at UCLA and Catholic University found that younger addicts, particularly those from minority groups, have lower chances of long-term recovery. The study analyzed data from over 800 narcotics addicts in California and identified key factors influencing relapse rates, including age of first use and ethnicity.

Prejudice Has Unexpected Effect When People Evaluate Minorities

A study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that low-prejudice people are more critical of weak arguments made by minority group members, while high-prejudice individuals ignore such statements. Low-prejudice individuals notice flaws in arguments from minority groups and are motivated to ensure their responses are not prejudiced.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 14, 1998

To Retire Well, Invest In Making Friends

A University of Michigan study suggests that post-retirement changes in life satisfaction are common and influenced by the size of a person's social support network. Recently retired individuals with larger networks tend to be more satisfied, while those with smaller networks may experience decreased life satisfaction.

HIV-1 Levels In Semen Don't Correspond To Viral Levels In Blood, Say Pitt Researchers In A Report At 12th World AIDS Conference

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that HIV-1 viral load in semen can fluctuate greatly and does not correspond to viral levels in blood, requiring new testing methods to monitor transmission risk. Testing viral load levels in semen may offer physicians a better way to assess transmission risk and target treatments.

Higher Prices Won't Stop Teenage Smokers

A new Cornell University study finds that higher taxes on cigarettes will have a statistically insignificant impact on reducing teenage smoking rates. Higher taxes are estimated to reduce the number of new teen-age smokers by less than half a percentage point or two percentage points, respectively.

Hospitals Discourage Consumer Questioning Of Bills, Study Suggests

A recent study found that hospitals use various tactics to discourage patients from questioning their bills, including intimidating images and bureaucratic roadblocks. Hospitals may also use friendly communication to downplay the need for formal inquiry, but these efforts are often successful in deterring consumer challenges.

Research Shows Homework Does Boost Academic Achievement; But Overemphasizing Grades And Performance May Lead To Cheating

A study by Eric M. Anderman and colleagues found that students who prioritize grades and performance are more likely to cheat, while those using deep-level cognitive strategies are less likely. Additionally, research by Harris Cooper and colleagues shows that homework completed is positively related to achievement in school.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateFeb 27, 1998

More Education, More Headaches

A recent study found that people with advanced degrees are more likely to experience tension headaches, particularly women with graduate school educations. The study surveyed over 13,000 people in Baltimore County, Md., and found that 38.3% met criteria for episodic tension-type headaches (ETTH) in the last year, with rates declining a...

It Doesn't Add Up: First Study Of Talented Young Mathematicians Shows Boys Out-Perform Girls

A study of mathematically precocious young children found that boys significantly outperformed girls in math talent, with a gender disparity present from the start. Despite being enrolled in enrichment programs to foster their abilities, math-talented girls failed to catch up with their male counterparts in the first two years of school.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGifted Child Quarterly·DateFeb 2, 1998

In Spite Of Computers, Handwriting Instruction Is Important Because Of Carry-Over To Composition

A study by University of Washington professors Virginia Berninger and Robert Abbott found that handwriting instruction, combined with composition practice, significantly improved writing accuracy and quality in first-graders. The research also showed a direct carry-over from handwriting to compositional skills throughout the elementary...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Educational Psychology·DateJan 29, 1998

Holiday Cards Really Do Spread Cheer, Study Says

A Penn State study found that holiday cards can bring moderate pleasure and enhance feelings of well-being, even from distant contacts. The researchers discovered that recipients drew meaning from the cards as a way to maintain social ties and derive comfort from the continued existence of social connections.

Overfeeding Normal Infant Rats Affects Three Generations: Permanently Changes Basic Metabolism, Interferes With Reproduction

A study of genetically normal rats reveals that overfeeding during infancy can lead to changes in basic metabolism and reproductive issues in subsequent generations. The research, led by Elsie Taylor at the University of Washington, shows that even without genetic abnormalities, conditions during development can have lasting consequences.

Frontier Geology Uncovers Mesozoic Asia

A team of Stanford scholars presents a comprehensive study on the forces that shaped Asia during the Mesozoic era, revealing the dynamic processes that formed mountain ranges and volcanic island arcs. The research provides new insights into the region's geology and its potential for oil and gas reserves.