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Lionfish invading the Mediterranean Sea

A recent study published in Marine Biodiversity Records reveals that lionfish have colonized almost the entire southeastern coast of Cyprus within a year, thanks to rising sea temperatures. The invasive species can outcompete native fish and reduce biodiversity in the area.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Biodiversity·DateJun 28, 2016

Why are blacks at higher risk for cognitive impairment?

A national study led by Michigan State University sociologist Zhenmei Zhang found that blacks are 2.52 times more likely to develop cognitive impairment than whites due to childhood disadvantages and lower socioeconomic status in adulthood. Reducing racial gaps in socioeconomic resources is crucial to addressing this issue.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateMay 31, 2016

Poverty marks a gene, predicting depression

A study by Duke University scientists reveals a biological pathway for depression in adolescents from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. The research shows that these individuals accumulate epigenetic tags on a gene linked to depression, leading to increased amygdala activity and higher risk of depression symptoms.

SourceDuke University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateMay 24, 2016

Want to eat better? Sorry, we're closed

Research from Ohio State University found that stores in low-income areas are often closed too early, limiting access to healthy food options. The study suggests that extended store hours and transportation services could help meet consumers' needs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Professional Geographer·DateApr 28, 2016

Being short or overweight linked to reduced life chances

A study by the BMJ found that shorter height and higher BMI are associated with lower levels of education, job status, and income, particularly among men and women. The research suggests that taller stature is linked to higher social position, while being overweight or short can lead to socioeconomic disadvantages.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 8, 2016

Universities' messages about socioeconomic diversity can affect academic confidence

A Northwestern University study finds that universities' messages about socioeconomic diversity can affect academic confidence and sense of self-worth in students from low-income backgrounds. Students perceived as 'warm' versus 'chilly' towards socioeconomic diversity reported different levels of academic confidence and expectations.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 14, 2015

Inequalities in alcohol-related mortality in Europe

A European study reveals alcohol-related conditions significantly contribute to socioeconomic inequality in total mortality among men in some countries. Rates of alcohol-related mortality are highest in individuals with less education or manual occupations across 17 European countries. The disparities are particularly pronounced in Eas...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 1, 2015

Study: How students of different backgrounds use strategies to strengthen college applications

Students from high socioeconomic backgrounds use more college enhancement strategies, such as AP exams and extracurricular activities, to strengthen their college applications. These strategies may be contributing to socioeconomic stratification in college admissions, but overall high use of these strategies is an important factor.

SourceNew York University·JournalResearch in Higher Education·DateNov 16, 2015

Parents' belief that a child will attend college plays big role in early academic success

A UCLA study reveals that parents' long-term goals for their children play a significant role in predicting math and reading abilities. Children from poorer families tend to perform worse despite similar family incomes, due to factors like younger mothers, reduced parental interaction, and limited access to educational resources.

High socioeconomic status increases discrimination, depression risk in black young adults

A study found that high socioeconomic status, particularly in highly educated families, increases the risk of depression and discrimination among black young adults. Despite parental education's protective effect on white youth, high SES can lead to increased perceptions of being discriminated against, cancelling out its benefits.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateDec 18, 2014

Tobacco cessation outreach to disadvantaged smokers

Researchers identify a proactive approach to help low-SES smokers quit smoking, with telephone-based motivational counseling and free nicotine replacement therapy increasing quit rates. The study found that community resources, such as physical activity and job counseling referrals, were crucial in promoting tobacco cessation.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateDec 15, 2014

Anti-bullying policy must focus on all of society

Researchers from the University of Warwick warn that socio-economic status is not a reliable indicator of bullying behavior, contrary to common assumptions. The review found that bullies come from all social backgrounds and are only marginally less likely to be from high socioeconomic levels.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateApr 29, 2014

Higher social class linked to fewer bone fractures among non-white women

A UCLA-led study found that higher education levels are associated with lower rates of bone fractures among non-white women. The study followed over 2,000 pre-menopausal women for nine years and found that those with at least some postgraduate education had an 87% lower non-traumatic fracture rate than those with less education.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateApr 4, 2014