Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Social media & archaeology -- a match not made in heaven

Archaeologists are using social media to save sites, but a new study warns of potential harm from naive initiatives without strategic oversight. The use of online platforms puts archaeologists at risk of harassment and exploitation, and local communities face unequal access to their heritage.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Archaeology·DateMay 27, 2015

Friendships start better with a smile

A study led by Belinda Campos found that people are highly attuned to others' positive emotions and can form new social bonds based on these displays. Awareness of others' positive emotions can provide important relationship information, helping individuals feel secure in their relationships and resolve conflicts.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateMay 26, 2015

Lowly 'new girl' chimps form stronger female bonds

A new study of social relationships in wild apes reveals that low-ranking female chimpanzees form stronger bonds with other females of similar status. The researchers analyzed daily records for 53 adult females over 38 years and found that these low-ranking pairs were more likely to seek each other out than those from higher social ranks.

SourceDuke University·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateMay 21, 2015

The Lancet: WHO's new End TB Strategy

The World Health Organization's End TB Strategy aims to eliminate tuberculosis through optimized implementation of current tools, universal health coverage, and adequate research investment. By implementing these approaches, the authors assert that ending the tuberculosis epidemic is achievable within two decades.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 23, 2015

Social support: How to thrive through close relationships

Researchers Brooke Feeney and Nancy L. Collins identify two support functions that help individuals thrive through close relationships: source of strength (SOS) support and relational catalyst (RC) support. SOS support enables individuals to cope with stress, while RC support fosters opportunities for growth and positive well-being.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateSep 5, 2014

Female mice prefer unfamiliar male songs

A study found that female mice prefer songs from males of different families, suggesting an innate preference for avoiding close relatives. This preference is influenced by the female's reproductive cycle and scent-based cues from the male.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 5, 2014

Digging Into Data award winner

Barton's team will develop interconnected, web-based analysis and visualization tools to discern complex relationships among societies and their environments. The project aims to create new insights into socio-ecological systems and make them accessible to the general public, policymakers, and stakeholders.