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Sexist men and women -- made for each other

A new study by Jeffrey Hall and Melanie Canterberry suggests that women with negative attitudes towards their own gender are more likely to prefer men who adopt similar attitudes. Women who open to casual sex also tend to respond to aggressive courtship strategies.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateAug 23, 2011

Scared of the wrong things: Lack of major enzyme causes poor threat-assessment in mice

Researchers at the University of Southern California found that mice lacking a key enzyme are unable to properly assess threats, leading to defensive behaviors in response to neutral stimuli and reduced caution in the presence of danger. The study suggests that this deficiency may be related to an inability to adapt to environmental cues.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalInternational Journal of Neuropharmacology·DateAug 10, 2011

Squid pheromone sparks extreme aggression on contact

A new study in Current Biology found that male squid become aggressively after contacting a chemical on female eggs, revealing the first detailed evidence of an aggression-inducing pheromone in any aquatic animal. This discovery challenges previous theories on aggression and highlights the complex communication system of squid.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 10, 2011

Popular kids more likely to bully peers

A new study finds that popular adolescents, particularly those in the second tier of popularity, are more likely to engage in bullying behavior. The researchers argue that social status and aggression are linked, with students who occupy the center of the social hierarchy wielding power and potentially deterring retaliation.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateFeb 8, 2011

New ground broken on aggression research

A study by U of A Psychology researcher Peter Hurd found that less sensitive genes were associated with more aggressive behaviour, suggesting a possible link between fetal testosterone exposure and adult social behavior. The researchers also discovered subtle forms of aggression, such as indirect aggression through gossip-like behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBehavior Genetics·DateDec 7, 2010

Watching violent TV or video games desensitizes teenagers and may promote more aggressive behavior

Research published in the Oxford Journal Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience found that exposure to violent media can lead to decreased brain activation in regions involved in emotions and emotional responses. This desensitization can result in increased acceptance of violence and a reduced likelihood of forming consequences wi...

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateOct 18, 2010

An eye for an eye

Researchers analyzed killings and rocket attacks between Israel and Palestine, finding that each side's attacks lead to violent retaliation from the other. This challenges claims of a one-sided conflict, suggesting both Israelis and Palestinians play a role in perpetuating violence.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 4, 2010

Stereotyping has a lasting negative impact

New research from the University of Toronto Scarborough shows that prejudice has a lasting negative impact on those who experience it. Studies have found that people perform poorly in situations where they feel stereotyped, with lingering effects on behavior such as aggression, over-eating, and poor decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 10, 2010

More than 1/4 of elderly patients lack decision-making capacity at death

A study of 3,746 elderly Americans found that over one-fourth lacked the capacity to make end-of-life medical decisions. Those with advance directives, however, received care in line with their wishes most of the time. The study emphasizes the importance of preparing oneself and family for complex medical decisions at the end of life.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMar 31, 2010

Testosterone does not induce aggression

A study published in Nature found that testosterone actually encourages fair behaviors if it serves to ensure one's own status. The hormone increases sensitivity for status, leading to pro-social behavior in humans, rather than aggression. This challenges the long-held assumption that testosterone causes aggressive behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateDec 8, 2009

Being a standout has its benefits, study shows

Researchers found that individual wasps benefit from being recognizable, as they are less likely to be targeted in aggressive encounters. This finding suggests that diversity may promote group stability, extending beyond wasp societies to potentially influence human facial variation and social interactions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEvolution·DateOct 15, 2009

Babies understand dogs

Researchers found that infants can match angry snarl sounds to photos of aggressive dogs, while matching friendly yap sounds to welcoming body language. This study contributes to our understanding of how babies learn rapidly, recognizing emotions in their social world.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJul 20, 2009

Warriors do not always get the girl

An international team of anthropologists discovered that more aggressive warriors among the Waorani have lower indices of reproductive success than less warlike men. The research contradicts previous findings on Yanomamo men, who were found to benefit from their aggressive behavior in terms of acquiring wives and children.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2009

Psychologists' study finds TV ratings for kids' shows don't reflect aggressive content

A new study by psychologists found that TV ratings for kids' shows don't reflect the aggressive content, with cartoons containing higher levels of physical violence than general audiences. The researchers argue that ratings should be improved to address indirect aggression, a type of harm that is non-physical and often overlooked.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Applied Developmental Psychology·DateMar 3, 2009