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Low oxygen triggers moth molt

A study by Duke University scientists found that low oxygen levels in caterpillars trigger a molt to the next stage of development, as their respiratory system is fixed in size. This discovery reveals a new factor regulating body size during specific developmental stages.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 22, 2011

College-educated undocumented young adults face same narrow range of jobs as their parents

A survey of undocumented young adults raised and educated in America found that they end up working in the same labor jobs as their parents, despite having a college education. The study highlights the challenges faced by these individuals due to their lack of legal status, which limits their career options and daily lives.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJul 26, 2011

For kids, it's more than just a game

Research by Jean Cæté found that positive youth sports experiences are associated with coaches creating inclusive team environments, assessing individual progress rather than comparison, and providing challenging practices. This fosters initiative, motivation, and citizenship qualities in young players.

SourceQueen's University·JournalThe Sport Psychologist·DateJul 20, 2011

Cancer survivors have lower employment rates and work fewer hours

A recent study found that cancer survivors have lower employment rates (8-9%) and work fewer hours (3-6 hours/week) compared to their peers without a history of cancer. The researchers suggest that the findings may be attributed to factors such as changing priorities, employment discrimination, or inadequate workplace accommodations.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Health Economics·DateJun 22, 2011

Study suggests link between childhood bullying and adult intimate partner violence perpetration

A study suggests a strong link between childhood bullying and adult intimate partner violence perpetration. Men who bullied peers in childhood are more likely to perpetrate violence against an intimate partner in adulthood. The study found that frequent bullies had 3.82 times the odds of perpetrating past-year IPV.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine·DateJun 6, 2011

New neurons take 6 months or more to mature in non-human primate brain

Researchers found that new neurons in adult monkeys take more than six months to mature, which challenges the notion that this process is related to the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. This finding suggests that the human brain may experience even longer maturation periods due to its larger size.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2011

Moral responses change as people age

Research shows that moral responses differ across ages, with young children being more inclined to punish perpetrators for intentional harm versus accidental damage. As people mature, their brain's response to moral situations changes, becoming more tempered and reflecting on the values linked to outcomes and actions.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateJun 3, 2011

Developmental disease is recreated in an adult model

Researchers successfully recreated Rett syndrome in adult mice by 'switching off' a critical disease-causing gene, challenging the notion that early expression of the gene protects against the development of symptoms. The study suggests therapies for Rett syndrome may need to be continuously maintained throughout an individual's life.

SourceRettsyndrome.org·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2011

Break up of New Orleans households after Katrina

A recent study reveals that households in New Orleans broke up more than double the national rate following Hurricane Katrina. The study found that extended-family households were especially vulnerable to breakups due to their composition and response to economic need.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMay 23, 2011

Study finds youth-mentor relationships particularly helpful for those experiencing hardship

A University of Georgia study found that informal mentor relationships significantly reduced behaviors like anger, substance abuse, and breaking the law among young adults experiencing hardship. These relationships helped youths develop self-control and set goals, compensating for difficulties in their own lives.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalAmerican Journal of Community Psychology·DateMay 12, 2011

It's a jungle out there

A comprehensive study of 20th century children's books found a significant bias towards tales featuring men and boys as lead characters. The findings suggest that even when animal characters are involved, they tend to be male, perpetuating the underrepresentation of females in literature.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateMay 3, 2011

Managing pain -- a family affair

A study found that parents' pain catastrophizing scores predict their adult children's results, regardless of actual pain levels. This suggests that families may develop a specific cognitive style of dealing with pain. The researchers assessed 285 participants, including 100 patients with chronic pain and their adult children.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 11, 2011

The new adulthood: Extended parental support as a safety net

A new study from the Journal of Marriage and Family finds that parental assistance in early adulthood promotes progress toward autonomy and self-reliance. Young adults who receive financial or housing help are more likely to form intimate partnerships, indicating they have moved into adulthood.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMar 15, 2011

6 different pathways to adulthood

A longitudinal study identifies six different pathways to adulthood among Finnish university students, shaped by career, partnership, and parenthood transitions. The study reveals that young adults with fast or on-time achievement of age-graded developmental tasks experience higher life satisfaction.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalAdvances in Life Course Research·DateMar 1, 2011

Happy children make happy adults

A new study found that teenagers rated positively by their teachers had higher levels of well-being later in life, including higher work satisfaction and more frequent social activities. Happy children were also less likely to develop mental disorders throughout their lives.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Positive Psychology·DateFeb 25, 2011

Kids with ADHD much more likely to develop substance abuse problems as they age

A comprehensive review of 27 long-term studies found that children with ADHD are two to three times more likely to develop serious substance abuse problems in adolescence and adulthood. The research, published in Clinical Psychology Review, analyzed data from approximately 4,100 children with ADHD and 6,800 without the disorder.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalClinical Psychology Review·DateFeb 11, 2011

Quantifying fragmentation of medical information

A retrospective study found that 31% of adult acute care visits in Massachusetts involved patients visiting two or more hospitals, resulting in higher costs and increased hospitalizations. The study highlights the need for health information technology to address fragmentation and improve patient safety.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 13, 2010

More than 600,000 deaths per year worldwide -- 1 perecent of all deaths -- caused by passive smoking, and around 165,000 of these deaths are among children

A study published in The Lancet reveals that passive smoking claims the lives of over 600,000 people each year globally, mostly among children. The research found that children are more heavily exposed to second-hand smoke than other age groups, and their exposure can have devastating effects on their health.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateNov 25, 2010