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Vaccinating children against rotavirus may indirectly protect adults too, study finds

A new study published in Clinical Infectious Diseases found that vaccinating children against rotavirus indirectly protects unvaccinated adults from severe diarrhea and vomiting. The study suggests pediatric immunization may be more cost-effective than previously thought due to reduced health care costs among adults.

SourceInfectious Diseases Society of America·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 24, 2013

Increasing concerns surrounding surrogacy

The UK's rapid increase in surrogate births over the past six years poses a risk of exploitation, particularly in informal arrangements lacking professional back-up. Overseas surrogacy arrangements are also a concern due to potential financial, physical and emotional risks to adults and children involved.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Social Welfare and Family Law·DateJan 18, 2013

Your brain on Big Bird

Researchers used brain scans to study how children's brains develop intellectual abilities like reading and math while watching Sesame Street. The study found that children whose neural maps resembled those of adults scored higher on standardized tests, suggesting that the brain develops along predictable pathways as we mature.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJan 3, 2013

New studies reveal critical insights to improve care of patients with sickle cell disease

Research identifies key challenges in providing adequate care to adult SCD patients, including increased reliance on emergency departments and hospitalizations. The studies suggest that targeted interventions can reduce unnecessary medical utilization and promote long-term disease management, ultimately improving health outcomes for th...

5 year olds are generous only when they're watched

Research found that children as young as five behave generously when recipients can see their actions, not when sharing with an anonymous recipient. They also preferred transparent containers to opaque ones, indicating strategic decision-making about generosity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2012

Grandmas made humans live longer

A new study provides mathematical support for the 'grandmother hypothesis,' which proposes that humans evolved longer adult lifespans due to grandmothers' care. The simulations indicate that with only a little bit of grandmothering, animals with chimpanzee lifespans evolve into humans in less than 60,000 years.

Does true love wait? Age of first sexual experience predicts romantic outcomes in adulthood

Research suggests that the timing of first sexual experience can predict the quality and stability of romantic relationships in young adulthood. A study found that individuals who had their first sexual encounter later were more likely to have higher educational attainment, live with a partner, and be satisfied with their relationship.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 17, 2012

Head start for little language learners

Infants can automatically detect and learn complex syllable dependencies in spoken language, a skill lost in adulthood. Young infants also exhibit stronger brain responses to pitch changes, suggesting a link between basic auditory skills and sophisticated rule learning abilities.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 10, 2012

Advanced maternal age not harmful for adult children

Research finds that a mother's education and years of survival are more influential on her child's adult health than maternal age. Children born to older mothers have a higher incidence of health conditions if they lose their mother at an early age, but this effect is statistically insignificant when adjusted for these factors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalDemography·DateSep 6, 2012

Girls with ADHD more prone to self-injury, suicide as they enter adulthood

Research from UC Berkeley reveals that girls with ADHD are more likely to struggle with internalized issues, such as low self-esteem and difficulty with relationships, as they mature. Longitudinal study finds high rates of self-injury and suicide attempts in young adulthood, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring and treatment.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateAug 14, 2012

Do ovaries continue to produce eggs during adulthood?

A new genetic study suggests that ovaries can form new eggs throughout adulthood, increasing the number of oocytes with age. This finding contradicts the long-held assumption that females are born with a fixed number of eggs and supports postnatal oocyte renewal in mammals.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·DateJul 26, 2012

In utero exposure to diesel exhaust a possible risk factor for obesity

Research published in the FASEB Journal found that pregnant mice exposed to diesel exhaust were more likely to have obese offspring with insulin resistance. The study suggests a link between air pollution exposure in utero and metabolic disorders in adulthood. Males were particularly affected, while females only showed increased weight...

Sexual minority women are often victims of abuse

A new study reveals that lesbian and bisexual women, particularly those who identify as more butch or femme, are at higher risk of childhood abuse and adult sexual assault. The research highlights the importance of considering gender identity and expression in targeted assessments and interventions for this vulnerable population.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateJun 14, 2012

A father's love is one of the greatest influences on personality development

Research reveals that fatherly love is critical to a person's development, with rejection having a significant impact on anxiety, insecurity, and relationships. The study suggests that the influence of one parent's rejection can be greater than the other's, highlighting the importance of fathers in child care.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateJun 12, 2012

WSU researches patterns of heavy alcohol use and life commitments in at-risk young adults

A Wayne State University researcher is investigating the influences of conscientiousness-related personality traits, cognitive ability, and social investment on patterns of excessive alcohol use over time. The study aims to develop interventions that can help foster maturation by increasing normative social investment.