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Obesity, type 2 diabetes epidemics spreading to developing world as more own TVs, computer

An international study found a strong association between household device ownership and increased rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in lower and middle income countries. The prevalence of these conditions rose with the number of devices owned, highlighting the need for health interventions to mitigate the effects of modernization.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 10, 2014

For viewers, Sochi will be first 'fully mobile' Olympics

The Sochi Winter Olympics are expected to be the first 'fully mobile' Olympics due to increased web and mobile viewing. However, traditional TV viewing is enhanced by social media usage, according to a new study. The Olympics attract diverse audiences and offer a unique experience that balances sports and social aspects.

SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateFeb 4, 2014

Small elliptical exercise device may promote activity while sitting

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that using a compact elliptical device while sitting can lead to significant weight loss and prevention of weight gain. The study involved 32 participants who used the device for one hour daily, resulting in an average weight loss of 5.2 pounds per year.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Science and Medicine in Sport·DateJan 21, 2014

Looks are all important for girls on tween TV

Research on tween television programs found that girls are portrayed as more attractive and concerned about their appearance, while boys are stereotypically depicted as brave in action-adventure genres. This can shape children's self-concepts and conceptions of gender roles.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateDec 4, 2013

Health news stories on local television news broadcasts are too short, MU researcher says

Researchers found that local TV health news stories are typically under 30 seconds long, which can lead to a lack of understanding about complex health topics. The study also revealed that gain-framed messages tend to promote positive behavior change, but loss-framed messages may be more effective for certain types of health information.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalHealth Communication·DateOct 21, 2013

Household chaos may be hazardous to a child's health

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that households with crowding, noise, and lack of routine are associated with poorer health outcomes in preschoolers. The study suggests that chaos in the home environment can lead to stress, which in turn can increase exposure to toxins and germs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateOct 9, 2013

Shopping in high heels could curb overspending

A recent study by Brigham Young University found that shopping in high heels can lead to more mindful consumer choices, resulting in a balanced approach between high-end and low-end products. By introducing physical sensations of balance, consumers are more likely to weigh options and avoid extreme spending

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateAug 26, 2013

Buying ad time just got easier

A new model predicts when consumers use media and even when they use two or more at a time, leading to improved ad buying accuracy. The study finds that people spend about 35% of their time consuming media, with TV being the most popular outlet.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMarketing Science·DateFeb 19, 2013

Peer pressure trumps 'thin' ideals in the media

A study published in Journal of Youth and Adolescence reveals that peer competition, rather than exposure to thin media ideals or social media use, is a significant predictor of body dissatisfaction and eating disorder symptoms among adolescent girls. Peer competition was found to predict lower life satisfaction as well.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateJan 30, 2013

How does family life influence consumer response to television advertising?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research finds that creative and skilled viewers can overturn and personalize commercial advertising meanings for family benefit. Researchers placed cameras in suburban homes to study viewer behavior during TV ad breaks, revealing the impact of family interaction on advertising response.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 15, 2013

Time restrictions on TV advertisements ineffective in reducing youth exposure to alcohol ads

New research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Dutch Institute for Alcohol Policy confirms that time restrictions on alcohol advertising actually increase teen exposure. Alcohol companies move their ads to late-night programming when most teens are watching, increasing ad exposure for high-risk youth.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Public Affairs·DateDec 13, 2012

When negative political ads work

A new study by Juliana Fernandes found that negative political ads work best when presented in moderation, allowing voters to process information carefully. The study revealed that larger time intervals between ad repetitions disfavor the target candidate, making it harder for them to be seen as unfavorable.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateOct 24, 2012

Strong female portrayals eliminate negative effects of violent media

A recent study found that positive depictions of strong female characters can mitigate the negative impacts of violent media on viewers' attitudes towards women. The research, conducted by Christopher Ferguson, surveyed 150 university students and showed that men and women exhibited less anxiety when viewing shows with positive female ...

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateAug 30, 2012

How JFK helped Barack Obama on his way to the White House

New research suggests that Barack Obama's image is shaped by the ideals of John F. Kennedy, reflecting a presidential legacy of elegance, sophistication, and success. The study explores how Obama's self-presentation is influenced by Kennedy's iconic imagery, including the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalComparative American Studies An International Journal·DateAug 8, 2012

TV habits predict kids' waist size and sporting ability

A study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that TV habits at age 2-4 predict waist size by grade 4 and sports ability by age 10. Excessive screen time is associated with increased waist circumference and decreased athletic performance, highlighting the need for policies targeting ...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 15, 2012

Could a larger waistline be a result of too much TV as a child?

A new study found that young children who watched more hours of TV had worse muscular fitness and larger waist sizes by adolescence. This correlation could lead to increased risk of adult health problems if left unaddressed. Researchers recommend reducing screen time for toddlers to promote healthy physical development.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateJul 15, 2012

In the final years of Franco's regime television acknowledged the republican's bravery

A study by Complutense University of Madrid found that Spanish public television began to portray republicans as brave combatants in the final years of Franco's regime. The researchers analyzed TVE archives and concluded that the topic of peace replaced war, highlighting a shift in how the Civil War was portrayed on TV.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalComunicación y Sociedad·DateMar 23, 2012