Research suggests that poverty has a greater impact on the mental development of children exposed to cocaine before birth, even when controlling for IQ scores and preschool attendance. Children who had been exposed to cocaine performed no worse than low-income children without cocaine exposure in problem-solving tests.
The report focuses on crucial problems such as science and technology in society, development, and the environment. It examines how social sciences are organized, financed, and practiced worldwide. The World Social Science Report provides overviews of broad regions, including Latin America, Southern Asia, and Africa.
A new instrument helps children understand the difference between truth and lies, and recognize the importance of telling the whole truth. The Lyon-Saywitz Oath-Taking Competency Picture Task has shown that children as young as five can be trusted to understand what they're promising in a court of law.
A new University at Buffalo study found that body mass index, refined sugar, and saturated fat intake are directly associated with the formation of gallstones. Conversely, physical activity and a diet high in monounsaturated fat and insoluble dietary fiber were protective against gallstones.
Dr. Keith Wailoo, a UNC associate professor, has been awarded a $1 million James S. McDonnell Centennial Fellowship to study disease and biomedicine in the 20th century. He will investigate how people's ideas about illnesses like breast cancer and sickle cell anemia have changed over time.
A study of over 400 premature and low birth-weight children found that early intensive intervention significantly improved short-term academic achievements. However, by age 9, the benefits of this intervention had faded, leaving further investigation into long-term outcomes needed.
A recent study of nearly 400 South Carolina women reveals that serious crime victims are at a high risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other emotional disorders. The effects were strongest for rape and life-threatening crimes, with robbery and burglary not linked to an increased risk.
The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation awards Wake Forest University School of Medicine a $1.9 million grant to develop a national technical assistance program for adult day centers, building on successful programs from 1987 and 1992.
Researchers found that DES exposure suppresses a gene crucial for normal reproductive tract development in mice, leading to changes similar to those seen in women exposed to DES before birth. These changes can result in infertility and an increased risk of developing clear cell adenocarcinoma of the vagina or cervix at a young age.
Rapid population growth is projected for Africa, Asia, and Latin America due to high fertility rates and declining mortality rates. In contrast, developed countries like Europe, North America, and Japan face below-replacement levels of fertility, but may experience modest increases in population.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a model to predict refugee migrations, identifying long-term root causes such as weak governments and economic dependence. The model also finds that large migrations are often preceded by generalized violence or civil wars.
A study found that postmenopausal women with excess body hair are 33% more likely to develop breast cancer. Excess sebum production also increases the risk in premenopausal women, while an 'apple' shape is linked to a higher risk of breast cancer in this age group.
The largest generation of adolescents is at risk of premarital pregnancy, STDs, and adverse health effects. Key findings include increased time between first intercourse and marriage, low contraceptive use among teens, and the influence of peers and partners on adolescent sexuality.
The first investigation of estrogen metabolism in prostate cancer will determine if differences exist between healthy men and those with the disease. The study aims to find potential new strategies to prevent this important disease.
Research highlights the link between nutrition and nonmelanoma skin cancers, with dietary fat and antioxidant vitamins identified as key factors. Studies have shown that reducing fat intake and increasing consumption of Vitamin C, beta-carotene, and selenium may help lower cancer risk.
Linguistics professor John Rickford presents evidence that black and white vernaculars in America exhibit distinct differences, even in island enclaves with frequent contact. He argues that limited social interaction and powerful social norms contribute to these divergences, which have been developing over centuries.
Research finds that areas with trees and grass support creative forms of play and encourage adult supervision, leading to improved child development.
A new RFF issues brief highlights the potential impacts of climate change on agriculture, with estimates suggesting a modest reduction in grain production in developing countries and improvements in industrialized nations. However, the author notes that regional changes are highly uncertain due to varying climate models.
A study from Rockefeller University found that a specific altered gene, COMT, may increase the risk of OCD in men. The researchers discovered that this gene affects the production of dopamine and norepinephrine, leading to a biochemical imbalance that contributes to the development of OCD.
Research reveals family characteristics and early child care experiences have a greater impact on the mother-child relationship than non-maternal child care. High-quality care reduces negative effects, but family traits and child temperaments play a significant role.
The collaboration aims to develop methodologies and models for managing ecosystems sustainably. The consortium will utilize the MAB biosphere network, research facilities at Biosphere 2 Center, and existing projects in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
A novel mechanism has been initiated at UC Davis to pool university and industry resources, compensating nations for valuable genetic material. The Genetic Resources Recognition Fund will finance graduate fellowships for students from countries that originally provided the genetic material.
According to sports psychologist David Yukelson, athletes can master a quick mental turnaround in a game situation by recognizing problem situations, practicing positive coping strategies, and evaluating their own progress.
The US South's economic transformation from rural farm to industrialized society was driven by government policies, including infrastructure investments and trade protection. Despite initial success, social inequalities persisted, with poverty rates for Black Americans remaining three times those for Whites.
Research by Cybele Raver found that children whose parents actively directed their visual attention spent more time distracting themselves away from a source of distress. These strategies are indicative of social competence and lead to better relationships with peers.