Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Using Disney movies to help with child development

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.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalChild and Adolescent Social Work Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2021

The dark side of social media networks

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.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Global Information Management·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 12, 2021

Autistic children struggle with hidden emotions

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.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Income inequality can harm children’s achievement in maths – but not reading, 27-year study suggests

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...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEducational Review·DateOct 5, 2021

How a committed minority can change society

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.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

NTU Singapore scientists develop ‘optimal strategies’ computer model that could significantly reduce future COVID-19 infections and deaths

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.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2021

New study: Developers' skills and top management commitment lead to Agile project success

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.

SourceDepartment of Computer Science, Aalborg University·JournalACM Transactions on Software Engineering and Methodology·DateJun 8, 2021

Open, expressive family life may reduce social deprivation effects among adopted children

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.

Learning pathways could guide children who miss best start to improved literacy by age 11

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...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalOxford Review of Education·DateNov 11, 2020