Researchers found that parents' use of exaggerated vowels and animated baby talk in one-on-one conversations with children is linked to better language development. Infants who heard more baby talk knew more words at 2 years old, on average, compared to those in families with less baby talk.
A long-running study of nearly 1300 rural children found that parenting deteriorates when families face multiple risk factors, leading to poor intellectual, emotional, and social development. The study's findings highlight the importance of supporting parenting and social context in bolstering child development.
A Michigan State University sociologist argues that neighborhood integration and cohesion cannot co-exist due to how people form relationships. The study suggests that finding a balance between the two is necessary, as integrating neighborhoods often leads to decreased social cohesion.
Researchers identified declining attention to others' eyes in infants later diagnosed with autism, starting from 2 months old. This finding has profound implications for early intervention strategies and suggests that interventions could build on existing levels of eye contact.
Clemson University's National Dropout Prevention Center/Network will analyze and enhance rural dropout prevention efforts in 15 states. The project aims to develop solutions and resources for state education departments and school districts, particularly in areas with high percentages of schools in rural and remote regions.
The Quality Health Services for Haiti (SSQH) North project aims to increase the use and quality of primary care services in rural areas. URC will support the Haitian Ministry of Public Health and Population with quality improvement and results-based financing approaches.
Wildfires in Cordoba province, Argentina, cause evacuation of 480 people due to strong winds and heat. Firefighters struggle with flames, one man seriously injured after being struck by a tree.
The Center for Brains, Minds and Machines (CBMM) will focus on understanding human intelligence from multiple perspectives. The center aims to develop a computational understanding of intelligence through research in vision, language, motor skills, neurobiology, electrical engineering, and more.
A multidisciplinary team will investigate production of social behavior in the brain using honey bees, mice, and stickleback fish. The study aims to identify shared gene actions guiding social behavior across species.
A Penn study finds that shutting off GABA neurons helps bullied mice overcome symptoms of depression and anxiety. The research suggests targeting GABA neurons as a new potential drug target to treat patients with depression and other mood disorders.
Research finds that social connection enhances generosity by fostering positive feelings in donors. The study suggests that donors feel happiest when giving to a charity via a friend or relative rather than an anonymous donation. This research has implications for not-for-profit organizations seeking to maximize donations.
A new study by Indiana University found that student loan debt significantly affects college students' experiences, leading to three distinct categories: play-hard, disengaged, and serious students. Students with debt tend to prioritize social life over academics, while those without debt live a more balanced lifestyle.
Research found that every extra hour of TV beyond recommendations decreases vocabulary and math skills, classroom engagement, victimization by classmates, and physical prowess at kindergarten. Existing viewing recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics are not sufficient to prevent these negative effects.
A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that people express more positive feelings towards a robot that takes care of them than one that needs care. Researchers observed 60 interactions between college students and a social robot, Nao, to determine how human perception of robots changed based on their role.
Researchers found that participants adjusted their grasp location to avoid uncomfortable postures when working in collaboration. The study suggests an implicit social awareness that supports collaboration across individuals, enabling extended planning to achieve comfortable outcomes.
A new study led by the University of East Anglia finds that companies claiming social responsibility should also prioritize transparency over their tax arrangements. The researchers propose key elements of a responsible tax strategy, including avoiding tax havens and country-by-country reporting.
Researchers will develop computerized models of social tasks requiring physical coordination and social interaction to understand the link between cognition and action.
A 3.5-year-long study found that employees with high social support at work have a 22% lower chance of developing type 2 diabetes, while those with low social support are 18% more likely to develop the disease. The study highlights the importance of finding the right balance in terms of workload and providing necessary social support.
A new framework combining engineering criteria with ecological and social concerns could minimize the impacts of hydrocarbon development in the Amazon. Extended Reach Drilling and other best practice components may reduce project-related deforestation by over 75%, according to a recent study.
A new University of Arizona study in the journal Science challenges two prevailing theories on how the ancient Maya civilization began, proposing that its origins are more complex than previously thought. The research suggests that both Ceibal and La Venta, two ancient Mayan sites in Guatemala, were part of a broader cultural shift occ...
A Patient Centered Medical Home model is proposed to assess and promote health by incorporating social determinants of health into clinical guidelines. The model aims to reduce socioeconomic disparities in healthcare for all patients.
Researchers from Michigan State University found that people's visual biases change when surrounded by members of their own group, perceiving threats as less serious. The study shows that having a group or coalition reduces the perceived distance of potential threats.
Researchers investigate early social experiences and their impact on adolescent brain function, exploring factors like negative life events and relationship quality. The study aims to understand long-term associations between early social experiences and later brain development.
Research examines how social media influences child development, including social-emotional learning, interpersonal dynamics, and emotional connections. The symposium explores the impact of new forms of media on social skills, value systems, and relationships among children and young adults.
A University of Michigan study examines how community size affects interracial friendships and found that larger groups discourage such relationships. Researchers tested a theoretical model using data from 4,745 US high school students, revealing the impact of group size on friendship formation.
Cognitive Enhancement Therapy (CET) is being tested as a potential treatment for schizophrenia, targeting brain-based impairments and social cognition skills. The study aims to compare CET with Enriched Supportive Therapy in addressing core impairments.
BMC Psychology is the first solely dedicated open access psychology journal, covering all aspects of psychology. The new journal will practice open peer review and welcome submissions of replications and null findings in addition to positive results.
The 'SocIEtY' research project aims to assess the quality of life of young people aged 15-24 across 11 European countries. Researchers will analyze how social mechanisms impact their participation in society and access to opportunities.
A new study projects that Alzheimer's disease cases will increase from 4.7 million in 2010 to 13.8 million in 2050, with 7 million cases expected in people aged 85 or older. The increasing number of dementia cases poses a significant burden on society and highlights the need for more research, treatments, and preventive strategies.
The European Science Foundation proposes a new model of integrated care support for citizens' health through linked social and health care. Key priorities include personalized care delivery, effective use of ICT applications based on user acceptability, and ensuring respect for formal and informal carers.
Yale researchers identified social attention deficits in six-month-old infants with autism spectrum disorders, suggesting an early warning sign. The study's findings may pave the way for earlier interventions and treatment strategies.
Researchers found juvenile bonobos (ages 3-7) displayed more consolation behavior than adults, suggesting sensitivity to emotions emerges early without advanced thought processes. Bonobos raised by their biological mothers showed higher comfort levels towards others.
The International Society for the Social Studies has selected Elsevier as publisher for its journal The Journal of Social Studies Research, beginning in January 2013. The peer-reviewed journal will foster research dissemination and ideas related to social studies education.
A mobile app named Picaa has been developed to support children with autism-related disorders or Down Syndrome. The application has shown significant improvement in perception, vocabulary acquisition, phonetic and syntactic performance, memory development and eye-hand coordination among its users.
A longitudinal study will investigate the development of social inequalities across 12 years, combining psychological and sociological research traditions. The study will analyze the interaction between genetic and social influences on five central life domains.
Online role-playing game developers can increase player loyalty by providing gamers with more opportunities for social interaction, collaboration, and character ownership. The study found that strategies such as cooperative play and guilds built loyalty and social identity among players.
A recent study found that men's facial prominence is higher in photographs from more gender-equal cultures, with women's bodies being more prominent. The bias is likely due to unconscious influences and can be reduced by awareness and education.
Research by Professor Tony Bebbington found that social movements in Peru and South Africa have successfully addressed issues of poverty, with many focusing on affordable services like water and sanitation. These movements often begin with specific missions and can achieve positive change through collective action.
A University of Illinois professor developed simple contracts to clarify expectations, avoid misunderstandings, and protect farmers and customers in CSAs. The downloadable contracts aim to provide a baseline for successful CSAs.
Scientists have assembled a large collection of research to examine how experiences interact with biology from before birth, affecting life course trajectories. The study provides new insights into the interaction between experience and biology in the early years, setting a direction for future research.
SourceCIFAR·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 8, 2012
Researchers at UCSB's Center for Evolutionary Psychology report new findings on human behaviors, supporting the individual cooperation account over group cooperation theory. The studies involved structured social interactions with over 200 participants, who showed a preference for trusting individuals likely to cooperate, not those who...
A recent study found that moderate political groups receive less attention in newspaper articles compared to more radical groups, leading to a skewed perception of their importance.
SourceSAGE·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Quarterly·DateSep 6, 2012
The University of Toronto team has developed a novel, waterless toilet design that uses a sand filter and UV-ray disinfecting chamber to process liquid waste and incinerate solid waste. The design is sustainable, easy to use, and can be repaired by people with limited resources and training.
A study by NYU and Princeton researchers found that hearing generic language about a social category leads children to develop essentialist beliefs, which can lead to stereotyping and prejudice. The researchers suggest that changing the way we speak about groups could help reduce societal prejudice.
A study published in Neuron found that a brain region involved in empathy, the temporoparietal junction (TPJ), is linked to individual differences in altruism. The size and activation of this region predict an individual's setpoint for altruistic behavior.
Dafna Lemish has partnered with UNICEF to develop a free resource package for creating quality media for children, based on her research on effective communication strategies. The initiative aims to improve children's lives by providing guidance on age-appropriate content and holistic approaches.
A Wayne State University researcher is investigating the influences of conscientiousness-related personality traits, cognitive ability, and social investment on patterns of excessive alcohol use over time. The study aims to develop interventions that can help foster maturation by increasing normative social investment.
A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers found that managing negative thoughts and emotions is crucial for a successful job search. Effective self-management strategies, such as seeking social support and developing daily routines, can increase the likelihood of landing employment and sustaining motivation over time.
A new study by researchers at the University of Manchester found that orangutans build nests with a high degree of sophistication, using strong branches for structural parts and weaker ones for linings. The apes' choice of branch was dictated by its diameter and rigidity, indicating possible knowledge of mechanical properties.
Arizona State University's Global Institute of Sustainability will develop and deploy solutions to sustainability challenges, including energy and climate change. The $27.5 million Walton investment will support four strategies to educate future leaders in sustainability.
A new study from Rice University and the University of Colorado found that economic growth in developing nations can lead to increased obesity among lower socio-economic status individuals. This is attributed to different cultural values and norms, with being large considered a status symbol in developing countries.
A new NIH grant will help Missouri University School of Medicine students learn how to address public health issues, become lifelong learners, and deliver effective patient-centered care. The program will also enhance training in behavioral and social sciences with a focus on cultural competency and narrative-based learning.
A study by Michigan State University's Institute for the Study of Youth Sports found that coaches who prioritize player self-improvement over competition create a sense of teamwork, social skills, and identity among young athletes. The research suggests that focusing on player development can lead to positive outcomes in life skills an...
A Queen's University study found historic legal rulings failed to promote the rights of people with disabilities, in contrast to racial and gender-based protections under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The researcher analyzed 1986-2004 cases to identify unequal treatment against individuals with disabilities.
A recent study conducted in the Netherlands has found a striking link between migrating at a young age and an increased risk of psychotic disorders. Those who migrated before the age of five had a twofold higher risk than those who immigrated as adults.
A recent NIH-funded study found that engaging peers in social skills intervention may be more effective than training children with ASD directly. The study showed that children with ASD who interacted with trained peers had improved social outcomes, including reduced time alone on playgrounds and increased classmate friendships.
Researchers have developed an interactive environment using multi-touch screen technology to help autistic children develop social skills beyond their anticipated levels. Children interact with virtual characters in real-time, allowing researchers to compare their reactions with those displayed in real-world situations.
A study found that fast-evolving genes in social insects like fire ants and honeybees are responsible for their developmental differences. These genes exhibit elevated rates of evolution, even before they are recruited to produce diverse forms.
A new study found that providing infants with 'sticky mittens' enhances their interest in faces, indicating advanced social development. This suggests that early motor training can benefit infants at risk for autism spectrum disorders.
IQWiG identified various aspects that could be supplemented and specified, including recommendations on blood glucose levels and treatment of macula oedema. The report's findings suggest no compelling need for revision of the current DMP.