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Brain scans show birds of a feather do flock together

Researchers at Virginia Tech Carilion Research Institute found that brain signals predict the likelihood of conforming to others' choices, with individuals more likely to follow risks if they like taking risks and safer options if cautious. The study sheds light on how social support systems can encourage healthy choices.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 18, 2015

Who should pay the price?

Researchers devise a replicator dynamics model to analyze the effects of incentives and meta-incentives on resolving social dilemmas. The study finds that allowing a reward-to-reward linkage can resolve the dilemma without any social costs, making it an efficient solution for real-world applications.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 14, 2015

Seven in 10 take early pension payout

A Michigan State University study found that 71% of Croatian retirees chose smaller, earlier pension payouts when given the option, with those who were poor or distrusted the government more likely to make this choice. The study provides crucial insight into individuals' preferences and reasoning when early payouts may be offered

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Financial Economics·DateMay 12, 2015

The science and practice of people-centerd health systems

A new supplement published in Health Policy and Planning presents the latest research on people-centred health systems, emphasizing the importance of patient and community involvement. The studies reveal four key themes: ensuring people have a voice, putting people first in healthcare design, recognizing social relationships within hea...

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalHealth Policy and Planning·DateOct 1, 2014

Firelight talk of the Kalahari Bushmen

A University of Utah study suggests that stories told over firelight helped human culture and thought evolve by reinforcing social traditions and promoting harmony. Researchers analyzed scores of daytime and firelight conversations among !Kung Bushmen, finding that nighttime discussions involved more storytelling and imaginative thought.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2014

Targeted campaigns provoke judges to cater to majority sentiment on the death penalty

Researchers found that judges are more likely to side with public majority sentiment on the death penalty after being targeted by moneyed interest groups. The study used a large dataset of over 12,000 votes from 27 years and found that judicial behaviors changed with the rise of new-style campaigns.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateFeb 17, 2014

When diffusion depends on chronology

Researchers found that temporal characteristics, particularly bursts of activation events, significantly impact diffusion processes. This new understanding can help build more accurate metrics for analyzing real-world network data.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 15, 2013

Global networks must be redesigned

Helbing's research reveals that global networks can amplify vulnerability to disasters, making it difficult to predict and control complex systems. By redesigning these networks with real-time data, we can enhance transparency, adaptive control, and mitigate catastrophic failures.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateMay 1, 2013

Social science important for health-systems research

The article highlights the importance of social sciences in Health Policy and Systems Research (HPSR), emphasizing approaches to generalization, policy learning, and enhanced research quality. Social science perspectives are vital for acknowledging the complex nature of health policies and systems.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateAug 23, 2011

JAMIA reports on people, their information needs and social networks

The May issue of JAMIA features research on protecting provider identities during disease surveillance, rapid outbreak detection, and disparities in internet patient portal use in diabetes. The study highlights the importance of understanding people's information needs and social networks in improving healthcare services.

SourceAmerican Medical Informatics Association·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateMay 6, 2011

Rocking the cradle after 45

Despite associated risks, newborns of older moms (45+ years) can overcome complications, research from Tel Aviv University reveals. The study found that most older women deliver healthy children with minimal health risks affecting the baby after three days.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateDec 7, 2010

Study: Employers, workers may benefit from employee reference pool

A centralized reference pool could help employers and workers by providing a legal safe harbor for employees and allowing them access to references while also enabling recourse through a neutral third party. This system would promote the flow of accurate information with low transaction costs, making labor markets more efficient.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe American Journal of Comparative Law·DateNov 17, 2010

Researchers find genetic link between physical pain and social rejection

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a genetic link between physical pain sensitivity and social rejection. Researchers found that individuals with a rare form of the OPRM1 gene are more sensitive to rejection and experience increased brain activity in response to rejection.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 17, 2009

Homelessness is not just a housing problem

A systematic review found that homeless people in the US, UK, mainland Europe, and Australia have higher rates of mental health problems than the general population. The editorial argues that 'imaginative and collaborative solutions' are needed to address these complex needs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateDec 22, 2008

Health care reform: No revolution in sight

A new study of 21 countries reveals that public attitudes toward government involvement in health care vary widely, but ultimately support a role for the state in ensuring access. The findings suggest that any major overhaul of health care systems is unlikely due to cultural and historical factors.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 24, 2008