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Discovery points to new approach to fight dengue virus

Researchers have discovered that rising temperature induces key changes in the dengue virus when it enters its human host, leading to a new approach for designing vaccines against the aggressive mosquito-borne pathogen. The study found that the virus's bumpy form is more efficient at infecting mammalian cells.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2013

Seeing happiness in ambiguous facial expressions reduces aggressive behavior

A study found that encouraging young people to see happiness rather than anger in facial expressions leads to a decrease in their levels of anger and aggression. The researchers also discovered that this effect can be induced in healthy adults, suggesting that emotion processing plays a causal role in anger and aggressive behavior.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 27, 2013

Fine hands, fists of fury

A University of Utah study suggests human hands evolved not only for manual dexterity but also for making fists and fighting. The research found that human fists provide a performance advantage in punching, with increased force delivery and protection for delicate hand bones during combat. This evolution may have been driven by selecti...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 19, 2012

Male chimpanzees choose their allies carefully

A new study reveals that male chimpanzees who form coalitions with males who don't form coalitions themselves are more likely to sire offspring and increase their dominance rank. This suggests that the chimps recognize the value of making strategic social connections.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateDec 3, 2012

Discrimination from one's manager really bites

A study by University of Leicester researchers found that discrimination from managers has the largest impact on anxiety, depression, and emotional exhaustion among mental health workers. Meanwhile, discrimination from patients' visitors causes more distress than from patients themselves.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateOct 3, 2012

Fluoxetine increases aggressive behavior, affects brain development among adolescent hamsters

A study published in Behavioral Neuroscience found that repeated fluoxetine administration to adolescent hamsters increased offensive aggression and altered brain areas related to aggression control. The research suggests that clinically relevant doses of fluoxetine during adolescence can dramatically alter brain circuitry implicated i...

SourceNortheastern University College of Science·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateOct 1, 2012

Researchers investigate aggression among kindergartners

A study by Penn State researchers found that kindergartners' aggressive behavior can be attributed to varying levels of verbal ability and physiological arousal. The team identified two groups: one characterized by low verbal ability and the other by high emotional reactivity.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopment and Psychopathology·DateSep 27, 2012

Researchers questioning the link between violent computer games and aggressiveness

A study by researchers at the University of Gothenburg found that cooperation is key to success in violent computer games. Successful gamers exhibit strategic and technical knowledge, as well as good timing, to outperform their opponents. The findings question the long-standing debate on the link between gaming and aggression.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalInternational Journal of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning·DateApr 2, 2012

Circumcision may help protect against prostate cancer

A new analysis suggests that circumcision before a male's first sexual intercourse may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer. Men who were circumcised had a 15% lower risk of developing prostate cancer compared to uncircumcised men, with reduced risks for both less aggressive and more aggressive cancers.

SourceWiley·JournalCancer·DateMar 12, 2012

Want to limit aggression? Practice self-control!

A new review article examines the psychological research on self-control and aggression, finding that depleting self-control can increase aggressive behavior, while strengthening it can reduce it. Practicing self-control through techniques like using the non-dominant hand or improving posture can also improve impulse control.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateMar 8, 2012

Study shows mean screens prime the brain for aggression

A new study by Iowa State University researchers found that watching mean screens can activate aggressive scripts in the brain, leading to increased aggression. The study showed that both physical and relational aggression on screen can prime the brain for aggressive behavior, which has significant implications for today's societal norms.

SourceIowa State University·JournalAggressive Behavior·DateMar 7, 2012

Aggressive traumatic brain injury care improves outcomes, reduces long-term costs

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers finds that aggressive treatment for severe traumatic brain injuries significantly improves outcomes and reduces long-term costs. The study suggests that invasive interventions like ICP monitoring and decompressive craniotomies are cost-effective across all patient populations, inclu...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMar 6, 2012

Winning makes people more aggressive toward the defeated

A recent study found that individuals who emerge victorious in competitive tasks tend to display more aggressive behavior towards their vanquished peers. Conversely, losers exhibited no significant increase in aggression against the winners. The research suggests that winning may trigger a surge in aggressive tendencies.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 29, 2012

Secluding aggressive young offenders is always the last resort says 4-country study

A four-country study published in the Journal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing found that verbal intervention was the favoured technique for dealing with aggressive episodes involving young offenders. The research team also recommended continuous education, sufficient resources, and further studies to improve practices.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Psychiatric and Mental Health Nursing·DateNov 3, 2011