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Bonobos share and share alike

Researchers observed bonobos sharing meat across community borders for the first time, demonstrating cooperative behavior and social structure dominance by females. The study provides insights into how our last common ancestor may have acted when dividing food with others, shedding light on human origins.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateApr 5, 2018

Managing risky behavior reduces future incarceration among aggressive juvenile offenders

A two-week intervention program focusing on reducing risky behavior was found to be effective in reducing aggression and future incarceration rates among clinically aggressive juvenile offenders. The program, PHAT Life, taught youth to identify triggers for high-risk behavior and develop coping strategies.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 24, 2017

Abusive bosses experience short-lived benefits

Researchers found that abusive supervisors experience a sense of recovery from their behavior, which helps replenish mental energy and resources. However, this benefit is short-lived, lasting only a week or less, after which they start to experience decreased trust, support, and productivity from employees.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateSep 28, 2017

IUPUI study links juveniles' views of police with likelihood of aggressive behavior

A new IUPUI study found that juveniles who perceive police injustice are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior, particularly those who justify immoral actions. Intervention programs addressing perceptions of police injustice and moral disengagement may help reduce aggression among youth involved in the juvenile justice system.

SourceIndiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis School of Science·JournalChild Psychiatry & Human Development·DateSep 21, 2017

How the shape and size of your face relates to your sexuality

A new study published in Archives of Sexual Behavior found that men and women with square faces tend to have a stronger sex drive, are more likely to engage in casual sex, and report higher levels of sociosexuality. Researchers attribute these findings to variations in testosterone levels during puberty.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateSep 19, 2017

Delayed weaning reduces behavioral problems in cats

A new study by the University of Helsinki found that delaying weaning in cats until 14 weeks of age can significantly reduce behavioral problems. The research discovered that early weaning is linked to increased aggression and stereotypic behavior, suggesting a link between neurotransmitter changes and these behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2017

How pheromones trigger female sexual behavior

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered how a male pheromone enhances female sexual behaviors in mice by activating specific neurons in the brain. The study found that a single purified chemical called ESP1 is detected by a sole corresponding receptor, making it easier to track and understand its effects on behavior.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNeuron·DateJun 22, 2017

In organizations, bullying begets whining, study finds

Researchers at Northern Illinois University found a significant correlation between bullying and whining in teams, negatively affecting group dynamics. The 'poor-pitiful-me' routine can disrupt decision-making groups, while both behaviors should be considered aggressive tactics that can derail meetings and lead to suboptimal decisions.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalInternational Journal of Business Communication·DateJun 21, 2017

Banded mongooses target family members for eviction

Researchers found that dominant banded mongooses target close female relatives for eviction due to their ability to resist, reducing competition for offspring. This behaviour is in contrast to expected social norms and highlights the importance of latent threats on social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2017

Flat-footed fighters

A University of Utah study found that heel-down posture in great apes and humans is beneficial for fighting due to increased swinging force. This stance allows for more efficient application of rotational force, enabling physical competition to be costly and demanding peak performance from the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalBiology Open·DateFeb 15, 2017

IU study: 'Morning people' self-sabotage less at night, night owls' less at sunrise

A study by Indiana University researchers found that people are more likely to undermine their performance at stressful tasks when they're operating at 'peak capacity' based on their preferred time of the day. This behavior, known as self-handicapping, was more common among morning people in the morning and night owls in the evening.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateAug 30, 2016

Greenery in neighborhoods may reduce adolescent aggressive behavior

A new study found that adolescents living in neighborhoods with more greenery have less aggressive behaviors. The researchers linked the adolescents' residential locations to satellite data, measuring the levels of greenery and associated it with reduced aggressive behaviors.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 28, 2016

Woodpecker drumming signals wimp or warrior

Researchers at Wake Forest University found that woodpecker pairs coordinate their defense behavior based on the intensity of drumming sounds from intruders. A longer drum is perceived as a tougher opponent, prompting coordination and aggression, whereas a shorter drum signals weakness.

SourceWake Forest University·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMar 4, 2016

Switching on paternal behavior

A study in mice reveals that specific brain areas control paternal versus infanticidal behavior. The activation patterns of these areas determine whether a male mouse will show caring or aggressive behavior towards newborn pups. This discovery could have implications for understanding societal problems such as child-directed aggression...

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateSep 30, 2015

Chimps are sensitive to what is right and wrong

A study found that chimpanzees are sensitive to behaviors towards infants and react emotionally to violations of social norms within their own group. They show a 'bystander effect' when an infant from another group is harmed, but not otherwise.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Nature·DateJun 25, 2015