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Emoji use may depend on emotional intelligence and attachment style

A study found that individuals with higher emotional intelligence and secure attachment styles tend to use emojis more frequently, while those with avoidant attachment styles send fewer emojis. The study also revealed a gender gap in emoji use, with women using emojis more than men, particularly in interactions with friends and family.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateDec 4, 2024

With a quarter-century of data on gun usage, new study examines when and why people start carrying guns and if they persist in doing so

A new long-term study of gun usage found that most gun carriers began to carry in adulthood, not adolescence. Adult-onset carriers were more persistent in their carrying and had a different pattern of exposure to violence, whereas adolescent-onset carriers were associated with direct exposure to gun violence.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 4, 2024

Why some individuals believe fake news and conspiracies

A study published in PLOS Global Public Health found that individuals with high credulity are more susceptible to fake news and vaccine hesitancy. Mistrust was also linked to conspiracy thinking and difficulty distinguishing between real and fake news, particularly in those exposed to childhood adversity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 4, 2024

Over 4 million US adults with chronic liver disease can be grouped into unique risk groups based on barriers to care

A new UCLA study categorizes people with chronic liver disease into four unique risk groups based on barriers to outpatient care, increasing the likelihood of hospitalization. The study highlights the need for interventions aimed at reducing avoidable hospitalizations among the highest-risk individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 20, 2024

It’s my brain’s fault! Why teenagers make often unwise decisions

A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that teenagers often make suboptimal choices due to limited cognitive resources. As they grow older, these 'noisy' decisions decrease and are replaced by more sophisticated choice behaviors. This improvement is linked to increased performance across learning tasks.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

The Lancet: Without immediate action nearly 260 million people in the USA predicted to have overweight or obesity by 2050

The Lancet predicts devastating trends at the population level, with 43.1 million US children and adolescents and 213 million adults expected to have overweight or obesity by 2050. Without significant reform, the prevalence of overweight and obesity is set to continue and even increase in some states.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 14, 2024

How to reduce social media stress by leaning in instead of logging off

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that young people's mental health benefits from thoughtful social media management and intentional online interactions. The study showed that users who managed their online interactions more intentionally experienced reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024

Can everyday physical activity improve cognitive health in middle age?

A new study found that middle-aged people who engage in everyday physical activity show improvements in cognitive processing speed, which can counteract the natural decline in cognitive abilities with age. The study, led by Penn State researcher Jonathan Hakun, used ecological momentary assessment to track participants' daily activitie...

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 12, 2024

Effects of preterm birth extend into adulthood, study finds

A study of over 2.4 million individuals born in Canada found that preterm birth is associated with lower employment income, university enrollment, and educational attainment through age 28. The findings suggest that long-term supports are vital to mitigate the effects of preterm birth on socioeconomic outcomes.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2024

Restricting sugar consumption in utero and in early childhood significantly reduces risk of midlife chronic disease

A new study finds that restricting sugar consumption in utero and early childhood significantly reduces the risk of midlife chronic diseases like Type 2 diabetes and hypertension. Low sugar intake by mothers before birth and continued restriction after birth increased health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2024