Research from Florida Atlantic University suggests that older adults living in walkable neighborhoods with greenspaces benefit from increased physical activity, with 5.4 minutes of daily neighborhood walking associated with African Americans and 3 minutes for whites
A new study found that changes in children's facial expressions of emotion after sleep restriction predict more social problems concurrently and over time. Emotional expression plays a crucial role in social communication, and poor sleep quality takes a toll on this aspect.
A UC Davis MIND Institute study suggests telehealth evaluation can help families access care and diagnose autism earlier. The research found that telehealth approaches in the first year of life improved access to care for infants with elevated autism risk, reducing waitlists and parental stress.
Researchers found that Disney films combine entertainment with life lessons about love, friendship, and social values. The study suggests using Disney movies as tools for parents to improve communication with children about difficult topics, such as death, loss, and acceptance of differences.
A new study investigates the experiences of Hispanic/Latinx youth during the pandemic, identifying seven themes related to racism, family support, and coping mechanisms. The research suggests that cultural factors may offer important protection against COVID-19-related stressors.
A systematic review of social media research identified 46 harmful effects, ranging from psychological harms like jealousy and loneliness to security and privacy issues. The study highlights the need for user moderation and software development strategies to mitigate these negative effects.
Research published in Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that autistic children with difficulties integrating narrative context with facial expressions, leading to inaccurate emotion recognition. This highlights the importance of contextual cues in social exchanges for effectively managing interactions.
A 27-year study suggests that income inequality is linked to lower maths scores among US children, with even richer students experiencing negative effects. The study found that states with higher income gaps saw poorer maths results, while reading grades were not associated with income inequality. Policymakers may need to consider redu...
An agent-based study found that a committed minority can influence the majority to overturn long-standing practices. The researchers created an online game where participants voted on a product launch, with a small group of 'activists' able to sway the majority. The study's findings may help stimulate sustainable behavior.
Children do not understand theory of mind until age 6 or 7, according to Arizona State University researchers. They rely on perceptual access reasoning, which involves using visual cues to make decisions, rather than understanding others' mental states.
Ancient human societies adapted to tropical ecosystem dynamics, revealing their adaptability and resourcefulness. By studying these past interactions with the environment, scientists can better understand how to conserve tropical environments.
A parent-led therapy for early signs of autism has significantly reduced the likelihood of an autism diagnosis at age three. The iBASIS-VIPP program uses video-feedback to support social development and unique abilities, resulting in increased parental sensitivity and language development.
A team of NTU Singapore scientists developed a predictive computer model called NSGA-II, which proposed strategies to reduce COVID-19 infections and deaths by an average of 72%. The model recommended timely and country-specific advice on interventions such as home quarantines and social distancing measures.
A study by SMU Associate Professor Marko Pitesa aims to understand and improve job search skills among mid-career workers from families of lower socioeconomic status. The research highlights the impact of life circumstances, such as social obligations and constraints, on career trajectories and mobility.
Researchers have sequenced the shea tree's genome, providing a valuable resource for genetic improvement and breeding. The new tool will enable faster development of high-performing shea varieties, addressing the species' slow growth rate and high demand.
In the Brazilian Amazon, small towns are practicing a self-sustaining circular economy by converting waste into inputs for production. The Carauari community produces 100 metric tons of processed fish per year, generating resources from waste that fuel other activities.
A University of Massachusetts Amherst scientist suggests that rising social stress may contribute to the projected global population decline starting in 2064. Stress from social media and other social interactions may be leading to changes in reproductive behavior and physiology, resulting in decreased reproduction rates.
A study using nationwide mobility data in China examined extreme fluctuations in population movements during the Lunar New Year travel season and COVID-19 lockdowns. The results showed that high-tier prefectures retained stable clusters, while low-tier prefectures had larger population flows to these areas.
Research reveals that young adults with ADHD are 69% more likely to develop a substance use disorder than their peers without ADHD. More than one-quarter of those with ADHD also experience major depression.
New research published in eNeuro found that premature babies' brain connections at birth can predict their future emotional and social development. The study discovered a link between the strength of the uncinate fasciculus, a white matter tract involved in emotional regulation, and emotion moderation skills in preschoolers.
New research at Penn State found that close, supportive relationships with parents, especially dads, can help stave off certain adjustment problems during adolescence. The study showed that father-adolescent intimacy was associated with fewer depressive symptoms and weight concerns across most of adolescence.
Researchers found that combining personalized goals with a game and financial incentives increased veterans' daily step counts by an average of 1,224. However, progress was short-lived, as neither group sustained their gains after the intervention period ended.
A new study from Oregon State University found that recess quality plays a major role in student behavior and social-emotional development. Schools with high-quality recess measures saw positive outcomes in classroom behavior and socio-emotional markers, including higher scores in resilience and self-control.
Researchers propose a new approach to predicting election outcomes and identifying social trends by analyzing people's perceptions of their friends' voting intentions. By asking about a person's social circle rather than individual beliefs, they can gather highly accurate information on emerging trends.
The Global Water and Climate Adaptation Centre will focus on ecosystem resilience, nature-based adaptation measures, and transfer strategies. The centre aims to secure water accessibility in a changing climate for humanity, industry, agriculture, and nature.
In a behavioral study on common marmosets, researchers found that the infantile development of vocalizations includes an extended flexible phase, without which language development in humans would not be possible. This phase is critical for human language development, influenced by social interactions with parents.
A new case study reveals how Syrian refugees in the Za'atari camp leveraged social capital to create informal economic systems, improving their quality of life. The study dispels the notion of refugees as passive aid recipients, instead asserting a refugee camp as a society with complex social systems.
Researchers from the Center for BrainHealth developed a virtual platform, Charisma™, to enhance social skills in middle school students. The study found that participation in virtual training sessions led to improvements in students' confidence, participation in the classroom, and ability to communicate with peers and teachers.
A study replicated Paleolithic lighting systems using archaeological evidence, revealing diverse features among the different systems. The researchers found that wooden torches worked best for exploring caves, while grease lamps were suitable for lighting small spaces over a long period.
A new study by Associate Professor Daniel Russo highlights the importance of strengthening developers' social and technical skills for Agile project success. The study also emphasizes the critical role of top management commitment in providing an adequate organizational setting.
A study by researchers at the National Institutes of Health found that open, expressive family life can moderate the effects of pre-adoption adversity on adopted children's cognitive ability and development. In contrast, rule-driven households with conflict may increase the risk for behavioral problems.
The OIST-BNV Innovation Hub will provide financial investment and tailored business services to deep-tech startups, aiming to create high-tech industry and generate 10-20 new companies in the next few years. Startups can apply via an online portal from June 2021.
The Huygens Institute is digitizing the Dutch East India Company's vast archive of 25 million pages, providing insights into colonial history and early-modern interactions between Europe and non-European actors in Asia.
Researchers found that adolescents and older adults pay less attention to social cues than young adults, leading to impaired social interaction. This can result in isolation, loneliness, and poor health, particularly during adolescence and older adulthood.
A new study found that almost half of women with babies under six months old met the threshold for postnatal depression during the first COVID-19 lockdown. Social isolation and lack of support were significant contributors to this increased risk.
A team of UMass Lowell students won the Rist Campuswide DifferenceMaker award for their invention of TrueFIT, a product that detects and seals leaks in ill-fitting face masks. The team aims to protect people in their everyday lives as well as workers in various industries.
Children born preterm remain at high risk of developmental difficulties affecting behavior and learning ability. Rates of neurodevelopmental disabilities increase as gestational age decreases, with 28% severe to moderate disabilities among those born 24-26 weeks.
Researchers found that Pueblo farmers persevered through droughts, but when social tensions were increasing, even modest droughts could end an era of development. The study suggests that societies with internal divisions are more susceptible to climate challenges, and warns of the relevance of this finding in today's world.
Researchers found that eye contact causes a distortion in temporal perception, making time seem shorter than it really is. In contrast, deviated gazes do not impact time perception.
A new study found that subsistence consumers' effective participation in markets requires knowledge and skills, leading to increased wellbeing and entrepreneurship. Brief programs can aid the development of marketplace literacy and generate substantive outcomes.
A field experiment in Uganda shows that marketers can increase sales, profits, assets, and employees for small-scale entrepreneurs. The study highlights the positive impact of marketers on business growth in emerging markets.
Research highlights social resilience as key factor in overcoming climate adversity, with aridification sparking development of agriculture and complex social structures. The study shows that population surged around 3,900 to 3,500 years ago due to human adaptations and innovations.
A NYU-led study shows that a first-of-its-kind parenting program significantly improves parent-child interactions in low-income families. The Smart Beginnings Project addresses early childhood development challenges, providing a comprehensive approach to promoting school readiness and equity.
A major study led by the University of York reveals that Kenya's Standard Gauge Railway project has caused significant environmental damage, including soil, water, and air pollution. The research highlights the need for more effective mitigation strategies to minimize ecological impacts on future infrastructure projects.
Researchers recorded neuron activity in patients with Parkinson's disease to understand how individual neurons represent others' beliefs. They found specialized neurons that respond when assessing another's false beliefs and those that encode information to distinguish between one's own and another's thoughts.
Dr. Genova will develop a strength-based intervention to improve job interview skills for adolescents with autism spectrum disorders. The K18 award supports her research project at the University of Michigan School of Social Work's Level Up Lab.
A team from the University of Michigan has created nine COVID-19 guidebooks based on the wisdom and experience of people who have lived through the disease or served as caregivers. The guides offer practical advice and places to record important information for hospital and post-hospital care.
A preschool enrichment program, REDI, has been shown to boost social and emotional skills that still have positive effects years later. Children attending Head Start preschools with the REDI program were less likely to experience behavioral problems and emotional symptoms by seventh and ninth grade.
Research found healthcare workers 7 times more likely to develop severe COVID-19 than non-essential workers, with social care and transport sectors at elevated risk
Singapore's smart city initiatives harness data and digital tools to design a greener, more livable and sustainable city. However, experts caution that these technologies must be balanced with material infrastructure development to address issues like inequality.
Simon Fraser University professors Paul Tupper and Caroline Colijn found that physical distancing reduces COVID-19 transmission in all settings. Social bubbles are more effective in high-transmission settings but less so in low-transmission settings or activities with mixing.
Research finds no direct link between early language environment and literacy skills at age 11, but suggests identifying 'learning pathways' during primary school can help teachers devise personalized strategies to support children who fell behind. The study used data from over 7,000 children to map out the interdependencies between ea...
Ali Abolmaali, chair of UTA's civil engineering department, is a recognized authority on computational mechanics and synthetic fiber reinforced concrete pipes. He has secured over $36 million in research funding from various agencies.
Researchers created a Hostile Bias Modification Training protocol to reduce anger and aggression in ambiguous social conflict situations. The study, published in Cognitive Therapy and Research, found that the training was effective in reducing hostile attribution bias, anger, and reactive aggression.
A new study by the University of Kent found that English practices with expanded sizes have not achieved better access to care or provided a better overall experience. The proportion of patients saying they can see their preferred GP fell by 10% in expanded practices compared to 7% in unchanged practices.
A University of Córdoba study found that chronic school bullying victims experience deteriorated peer relationships, decreased social status, and loss of friendships. Maintaining quality friendships can act as a protective factor against bullying.
A team from UTEP has been awarded a $1.5 million NSF grant to develop strategies for seniors to learn and adopt technology, addressing social isolation due to age-related barriers. The project aims to create informed approaches to increase meaningful social connectedness among seniors, promoting their health and welfare.
The Gerontological Society of America invites media representatives to attend its 2020 Annual Scientific Meeting Online. The event will feature hundreds of scientific sessions and live discussions with researchers. Registration is free and provides access to all scientific sessions and the virtual exhibit hall.
The COVID-19 pandemic has undermined the Chilean uprising's potential for reform, as protests have been stymied by fear of the virus and its economic consequences. The regime may gain a new lease on life, but the question remains whether mass mobilization can regroup and win reforms.
The Institute for Healing Justice and Equity (IHJE) aims to address systemic disparities and promote healing through research, training, community engagement, and policy development. Key findings include the importance of incorporating healing practices into equity measures to combat psychological and physical harms of oppression.