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Adulthood with autism

A recent study by MU researcher Nancy Cheak-Zamora found that many young adults with autism struggle to achieve independence due to a disconnect between caregiver support and individual efforts. The research recommends shifting the perception towards strengths and skill sets, providing opportunities for mastery of tasks like cooking an...

Changing weight-loss strategies, attempts

The proportion of adults who tried to lose weight increased from 1999 to 2016. Despite this surge, observational study findings suggest the results may not be reliable due to limitations in self-reported data. Commonly reported weight-loss strategies included eating less food, exercising, and drinking more water.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateNov 13, 2019

Living a long chimpanzee life

Researchers at Kyoto University analyzed data from over 1,000 captive chimpanzees in Japan, revealing an average life expectancy of 40 years for adults, with males reaching 41.5 years and females 39.2 years on average. The study highlights the importance of providing long-term care to these intelligent, long-lived creatures.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPrimates·DateOct 3, 2019

Today's obesity epidemic may have been caused by childhood sugar intake decades ago

A recent study published in Economics and Human Biology suggests that the current obesity epidemic in adults may have been caused by excessive sugar consumption in childhood. The researchers modeled the increase in US adult obesity rates since the 1990s as a legacy of increased excess sugar consumption measured among children in the 19...

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateSep 23, 2019

Nonverbal signals can create bias against larger groups

New research from the University of Georgia finds that preschool children develop biases towards entire groups after being exposed to biased nonverbal signals. The study suggests that this process can occur as early as early childhood, prior to first grade, and may be an important mechanism for transmitting group biases within culture.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 23, 2019

A single dose of yellow fever vaccine does not offer lasting protection to all children

A study found that a single dose of yellow fever vaccine may not offer lasting protection to all children, with levels of protective antibodies decreasing substantially over time. The research suggests that booster shots may be necessary for young children, and maintaining immunity is crucial for preventing epidemics.

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age

Research tracks narcissism from young adulthood to middle age, finding that certain personality traits, such as vanity and entitlement, are associated with negative outcomes. However, most people experience a decline in narcissism over time, particularly those who enter into serious relationships or have children.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 11, 2019

New insights: Improving function, independence and quality of life of individuals with cerebral palsy

This special issue in the Journal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine highlights the importance of multidisciplinary care in managing cerebral palsy. The articles cover various topics, including scoliosis care, goal setting, exercise programs and nutritional care, to improve outcomes for individuals with CP.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine·DateAug 22, 2019

A serious mental disorder in one's youth can have a lasting impact on employment prospects

A Finnish study of over 2 million individuals reveals that mental disorders experienced in adolescence and early adulthood can have a lasting impact on employment. Individuals who were hospitalised for serious mental disorders before turning 25 had significantly poorer job prospects, with less than 10% employed after 25.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalActa Psychiatrica Scandinavica·DateAug 21, 2019

College spending habits may predict when 'adulting' starts

A study found that fourth-year college students with good financial habits were more likely to see themselves as adults five years after graduating. Financial behaviors during this period continued to have a positive impact on emerging adults' adult identity formation, including lower symptoms of depression and higher relationship sati...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateJul 22, 2019

Teens at greater risk of violence, injury during sexual assaults than previously thought

A recent study of 563 sexual assault cases in Massachusetts found striking similarities in the types of injuries and violence experienced by adult and adolescent victims. Teenage victims were more likely to experience violence, force, and choking, with significant increases in use of force as age increased.