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Personality traits may explain how individuals accumulate daily physical activity and sedentary behavior

A study from the University of Jyväskylä found associations between personality traits and daily physical activity and sedentary behavior. Individuals with high conscientiousness and extraversion tend to accumulate longer periods of both, while those with higher neuroticism interrupt their sedentary behavior more often.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateOct 30, 2024

The ‘urban revolution’ was slow in Bronze Age Arabia

The ancient town of al-Natah in northern Arabia provides insights into early urbanization, characterized by a central district, residential districts, and protective ramparts. The site represents a transitional stage between mobile pastoralism and complex urban settlements, with estimated 500 residents.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 2024

Are autistic adults more vulnerable to criminal exploitation?

A recent study by Flinders University researchers challenged the common assumption that autistic adults are more prone to criminal exploitation due to difficulties in reading others' intentions. The study found that verbal intelligence and Theory of Mind were critical factors influencing vulnerability to crime, not autism diagnosis.

SourceFlinders University·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

Many rural Washington state youth engage in socially acceptable firearm-related behaviors

A study by Washington State University found that rural adolescents in Washington state generally engage in pro-social firearm-related behaviors, such as hunting and recreation. The study used a mix of qualitative and quantitative research to understand rural youths' interactions with firearms and their perceptions of firearm-related s...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 24, 2024

Different types of teenage friendships critical to wellbeing as we age, scientists find

Scientists studying teenage socializing found that teenaged friendships lay essential foundations for wellbeing in later life. Perceived social acceptance in early adolescence and close friendships in late adolescence predicted adult wellbeing, with lower levels of social anxiety and romantic insecurity. Timing is critical, as self-per...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Developmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 11, 2024

Older people are more swayed by the impulsive actions of others when making financial decisions – new study reveals

A new study published in Communications Psychology found that older adults (60+ years) are more susceptible to social influence when making impulsive financial decisions. In contrast, younger adults tend to stick to their original preference even after seeing others opt for the impulsive option.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2024

Elucidating the process of smart livestock technology adoption by livestock farmers

The study reveals that farmers' decisions to adopt smart livestock technologies are driven by their understanding of the technology's benefits, ease of use, and financial resources. A generational divide is also identified, with younger farmers being more open to adopting new technologies.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2024

Study shows SIM models improve health data

A study by Tarang Parekh found small but significant improvements in capturing social determinants of health using Internal Classification of Diseases codes. This breakthrough research aims to better understand the impact of social factors on health outcomes and target interventions more effectively.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateSep 17, 2024

Identifying body-scan postures suitable for people with hyperactivity tendency

Researchers found that participants with hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency perform body-scan meditation better in supine and upright postures, which can alleviate anxiety and depression. The study developed scales to assess the ease of mindfulness meditation, aiding psychiatrists and therapists in choosing suitable interventions.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJapanese Psychological Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Risky play in childhood exercises an ancestral need to push limits

Dartmouth anthropologists argue that jungle gyms and monkey bars are essential for childhood development, allowing children to build resilience and confidence through risk-taking play. The research cites fossil evidence showing early humans spent extensive time in trees, and modern nonhuman primates exhibit similar climbing skills.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEvolution Medicine and Public Health·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 11, 2024

Smart researchers unveil study linking EV charging stations to increased local business activity

A study by Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology found that installing EVCS boosted spending at nearby establishments by 1.4% in 2019, leading to an overall increase of USD 6.7 million. Strategically placed EVCS also stimulated consumer spending in underprivileged areas, creating potential catalysts for economic growth.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 10, 2024

Scientists call for an update in environmental decision making that takes human rights into account

Researchers call for a rethink of environmental decision-making to consider foreseeable harm and integrate key scientific and ecological evidence, including local community knowledge. The update aims to address biodiversity loss as a human rights issue and align with advances in international human rights law.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·Journalnpj Ocean Sustainability·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 23, 2024

Autism spectrum disorders linked to neurotransmitter switching in the brain

Researchers at University of California - San Diego have discovered a link between environmentally induced autism and altered neurotransmitter expression in the brain. The study suggests that manipulating these neurotransmitters early in development can prevent autistic-like behaviors.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2024

The power of face time: Insights from zebra finch courtship

Researchers at McGill University found that zebra finches deprived of early social experiences can still form strong bonds with a partner later in life. Female finches developed a preference for their partner's song only when they lived together, suggesting quality time is essential for forming strong bonds.

SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2024

Positive effects of rhythm and music in brain disorder

A scoping review from the University of Gothenburg found that music-based movement therapy, known as the Ronnie Gardiner Method, can improve rehabilitation outcomes in individuals with brain disorders. The method has been shown to be challenging, motivating, and enjoyable for participants, leading to improved recovery and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalDisability and Rehabilitation·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 21, 2024

Support at work does not make ‘stuck’ employees less likely to retaliate – study

A new study by The Pennsylvania State University and the University of Birmingham found that organizational support policies do not reduce retaliation intentions among 'stuck' employees. Stuck employees, who want to leave their jobs but cannot due to barriers, are more likely to retaliate against perceived organizational injustice.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 19, 2024

AI model aids early detection of autism

A new AI model developed by Karolinska Institutet can predict autism in young children with an accuracy of almost 80% for those under two years old. The model uses a combination of limited information to identify patterns and strong predictors of autism, such as age of first smile and eating difficulties.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 19, 2024

Parents’ eating behaviour influences how their children respond to food, according to new research at Aston University

A new study at Aston University found that parents' eating styles can shape their children's eating behavior, with parents who exhibit 'avid' or 'avoidant' eating patterns more likely to pass on similar traits. The research suggests that parents can help create a healthy food environment by modeling balanced eating habits.

SourceAston University·JournalAppetite·TypeObservational study·DateAug 12, 2024

Women at risk of ‘digital overload’ – new research reveals

A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunity Work & Family·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2024

UVA Engineering receives $900,000 grant to create character-building initiative

The University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science will create a character-building initiative with the new grant. The ECSI aims to develop future leaders who are prepared and motivated to apply values in professional contexts. UVA Engineering is committed to integrating character education into its undergraduate curr...

Dance, dance revolution: New Drexel research shows dance and movement therapy can increase emotional and social intelligence in middle school students

A new Drexel University study reveals that dance and movement therapy (DMT) can foster empathy, positive peer relationships, and cultural self-efficacy among middle school students. The program, developed by Nalini Prakash, aimed to address ethnic bullying and promote cross-cultural connections.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Sciences & Humanities Open·DateAug 5, 2024

When the last pit is closed

Researchers investigate four European regions experiencing demographic decline, exploring how relationships between generations and places change over time. The study uses participant observation and participatory action research methods to gather insights from families and local residents.

Names may shape facial appearance over time new study suggests

Researchers found that adults' faces can be matched to their names at above-chance levels, but not in children. Machine learning algorithms revealed greater similarity between adult faces sharing the same name. The study suggests a 'self-fulfilling prophecy,' where social expectations shape physical appearance over time.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJul 30, 2024

Good lives can be provided to the whole world’s population while reducing environmental damage

A new study suggests that ending mass human deprivation and providing good lives for the whole world's population can be achieved while reducing environmental damage. The research proposes that only 30% of current global resources and energy use are required to provide universal access to basic goods and services.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalWorld Development Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024

Size doesn’t matter for mammals with more complex brains, according to new study

A recent study published in Nature Communications found that mammals with more developed brains tend to exhibit smaller sexual size dimorphism (SSD), meaning there is less difference in size between males and females. This suggests that complex brain development may be linked to other traits such as social behavior and mate selection.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2024