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Detecting the snake in the grass

Researchers found that adults and young children can rapidly identify snakes among harmless images, but struggle with detecting them in cluttered environments. This innate ability may be linked to our ancestors' survival and reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 3, 2008

Short birth length more than doubles risk of violent suicide attempts

A cohort study of over 320,000 Swedish men found that short birth length more than doubles the risk of violent suicide attempts. Catch-up growth during childhood does not mitigate this risk. The study also suggests a link between low serotonin levels and impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behavior.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateJan 17, 2008

T. rex had teen pregnancies

Researchers found medullary bone in T. rex specimens, indicating dinosaurs reached sexual maturity earlier than thought and had short lifespans of 3-4 years in adulthood. This discovery sheds new light on the evolution of birds and reproductive strategies.

SourceOhio University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2008

Religion habit cuts anxiety in women

A new study by Temple University finds that women who stopped being religiously active were more than three times likely to suffer generalized anxiety and alcohol abuse/dependence. Conversely, men who stopped being actively religious experienced decreased major depression.

SourceTemple University·JournalSocial Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology·DateJan 1, 2008

Humans appear hardwired to learn by 'over imitation'

A Yale University study found that children follow adults' actions faithfully, even when they are unnecessary, leading to confusion and difficulties in learning. The research suggests that children's ability to imitate can actually hinder their learning process if they observe an adult performing inefficient behavior.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2007

Sex, sugar and metabolic disease

A study reveals that excess sugar consumption decreases SHGB production in the liver, a protein regulating sex steroid entry into tissues. This reduction is associated with increased fat palmitate levels and inhibited by inhibiting palmitate generation.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 8, 2007

Brain cell growth diminishes long before old age strikes, animal study shows

A Princeton University study found that brain cell growth in adult monkeys begins to decline soon after reaching adulthood, but it does not have to stop altogether. The team's research suggests that stimulating the human brain to generate neural cells more rapidly may be possible through methods such as exercise and socialization.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2007

Fat still on the children's menu

Research suggests that children can safely consume fat as part of a healthy diet, contrary to concerns over obesity. Children's bodies are more efficient at burning fat relative to energy expenditure due to their high growth rates and higher protein synthesis needs.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalNutrition Journal·DateAug 15, 2007

Farmers unhappiest of all self-employed workers

A study published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine reveals that farmers scored lowest on measures of productivity, health status, and quality of life. Despite having more control over their work, farmers experience high levels of stress and need increased social and emotional support.

SourceBMJ Specialty Journals·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 30, 2007

Harry Potter and the terrorist attacks

A study suggests that JK Rowling's Harry Potter series draws subtle parallels with contemporary society, including the British government's post-9/11 response to terrorism. The author believes that the series reflects unfair and unjustifiable measures taken by the government in the name of the war on terror.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Liability and Scientific Enquiry·DateJul 18, 2007

Turn-ons and turn-offs for neurons

Researchers found that genes in the adult brain can be silenced or unsilenced by regulating gene accessibility without changing DNA sequences. This discovery has significant implications for studying gene function and neuronal physiology.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 19, 2007

Adult brain cells rediscover their inner child

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have found that newly made nerves in an adult brain's learning center experience a one-month period of child-like learning. This discovery suggests that new adult nerves play a deeper role than simply replacing dead ones, and may help explain how adults adapt to new experiences.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMay 23, 2007

New adult brain cells may be central to lifelong learning

A study suggests that new adult brain cells play a crucial role in lifelong learning by exhibiting plasticity similar to young brains. The researchers found that these cells have a critical period of adaptability before settling into mature properties, enabling them to contribute to specific brain functions throughout life.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 23, 2007

High-quality child care for poor children found to offset the risk of later depression

A study found that high-quality early childhood care reduced depressive symptoms in young adults from low-income families. The intervention also moderated the negative effects of their home environments on mental health, highlighting the importance of investing in high-quality early childhood experiences for poor children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 17, 2007

Delayed treatment of childhood-onset bipolar disorder results in negative outcome in adults

A study published in The Journal of Pediatrics found that delayed treatment of childhood-onset bipolar disorder results in longer periods of depression, more episodes, and increased substance abuse risk. Adults with untreated childhood-onset bipolar disorder experienced poorer quality of life and were less responsive to treatment.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 1, 2007

1 out of every 3 arthritis sufferers is affected in ability to work

A new study estimates that 6.9 million US adults have arthritis-attributable work limitation (AAWL), with 1 in 20 working age adults reporting AAWL, and 1 in 3 among those with arthritis. Adults with AAWL have poor physical health and function, including high body mass index, joint pain, and frequent doctor's office visits.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateMar 29, 2007