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'Women my age tend to drink -- it's normal'

Research found that middle-aged and young-old women tend to consume alcohol at levels exceeding low-risk guidelines. They prioritize appearing respectable and in control over the quantity of alcohol consumed. Health advice needs to acknowledge that women may socially construct their drinking practices to focus on non-biomedical impacts.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalSociology of Health & Illness·DateFeb 10, 2020

African grey parrots spontaneously 'lend a wing'

Researchers found that African grey parrots voluntarily help each other achieve a goal without immediate benefit, showing innate helping behavior. The parrots' ability to understand when help is needed and transfer tokens to others demonstrates their complex social intelligence.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 9, 2020

Penn team discovers epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine discovered an epigenetic pathway that controls social behavior in carpenter ants. The study found that Major ant soldiers can be successfully reprogrammed up to 5 days after they hatch, but not beyond 10 days, revealing a narrow window of epigenetic plasticity.

For better research results, let mice be mice

A new study from the University at Buffalo found that how mice are raised affects their acoustic behavior, which can inform research on human communication disorders. Socially isolated mice required more time to learn to discriminate between ultrasonic vocalizations than socially housed mice.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournaleNeuro·DateOct 24, 2019

New study suggests the original location of the Bayeux Tapestry is finally solved

A new study published in the Journal of the British Archaeological Association suggests that the Bayeux Tapestry was designed to be hung along the north, south, and west sides of the nave of Bayeux Cathedral. The research confirms that the tapestry was intended for a specific area of the cathedral and sheds light on its original displa...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the British Archaeological Association·DateOct 23, 2019

Police less proactive after negative public scrutiny, study says

A new study found that police officers become less proactive when they perceive negative public scrutiny, even if they are motivated to help people. The researchers surveyed 183 police officers and 238 firefighters across the southern US, finding a significant link between perceived public understanding and officer proactivity.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateAug 19, 2019

How we care for the environment may have social consequences

Researchers found that men and women were more likely to question each other's sexual orientation if they engaged in non-conforming environmental behaviors. Women were also more likely to avoid men who preferred masculine behaviors. The study highlights the social consequences of gendered pro-environmental behaviors.

SourcePenn State·JournalSex Roles·DateJul 30, 2019

Modulating a hormonal pathway improves social function in 2 clinical trials of adults and children with autism spectrum disorder

Two clinical trials found that modulating the vasopressin hormone's biological pathway enhanced social functioning in adults and children with ASD. The studies showed improvements in social behavior, adaptive skills, and reduced anxiety symptoms in treated individuals.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 1, 2019

Study explores why 'progressive teetotalers' may emerge from college engineering programs

A recent study by the University of Kansas researcher Margaret Kelley found that first-year engineering students who hold progressive attitudes, including those about gender equity, are more likely to drink less. The researchers argue that this behavior becomes in conjunction with their more progressive attitudes on women in the profes...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalSociological Quarterly·DateMar 25, 2019

Savoring ... It's not just for dinner

Researcher Maggie Pitts explores how people savor different types of communication, identifying seven categories including aesthetic, presence, nonverbal, recognition, relational, extraordinary, and implicitly shared communication. She finds that savoring can boost mood and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Language and Social Psychology·DateFeb 26, 2019

Live long and prosper: Mongooses enjoy lifelong benefits of 'silver spoon effect'

A new study shows that banded mongoose pups who receive consistent care in their first three months of life have a life-long advantage, including increased fitness and reproductive success. This 'silver spoon effect' is particularly beneficial for female pups, with more care leading to higher reproductive success.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateFeb 25, 2019

To halt malaria transmission, more research focused on human behavior needed

A recent review article suggests that understanding human behavior is crucial to preventing malaria transmission. Researchers found that while bed nets have been effective, they only work when people sleep under them, and there are gaps in knowledge about when and where people are exposed to malaria-transmitting mosquitoes at night.

What can a tau mouse model reveal about the effects of repetitive brain injury?

Researchers have developed a mouse model expressing human tau protein to study the effects of repetitive brain injury on cognitive function, motor dysfunction and white matter damage. The study found that repetitive concussive injuries resulted in chronic disruptions in white matter and associated neuroinflammation.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Neurotrauma·DateNov 5, 2018