Researchers found that mentalizing scores increase gradually over time, peaking in young adulthood, with females consistently outperforming males. The study also discovered significant positive correlations between mentalizing capacity and personality traits such as Agreeableness, Openness to Experience, and Conscientiousness.
The article discusses the growing challenge of food security in Africa, particularly with regards to rice production and consumption. The research reveals that socioeconomic developments have a more substantial influence on rice availability than gradual climate change, but climatic anomalies pose a significant threat to stability. Div...
A new study at Tel Aviv University found that older bats do indeed suffer from age-related hearing loss, but at a relatively slow rate compared to humans. The researchers believe that bats have developed special adaptations to cope with their noisy environment, which could provide insights into human hearing loss.
Research by West Virginia University professor Sean Tu found that orphan drugs earn pharmaceutical companies almost as much as those marketed to the general public. The Orphan Drug Act incentivizes companies with tax credits, longer patent exclusivity, and easier FDA review for treating rare diseases.
A new study from Washington University in St. Louis offers a fine-grained scale to understand how people use social media, revealing four categories: belief-based, consumption-based, image-based and comparison-based. Each category is associated with unique personality traits and behavioral characteristics.
A team from UNIGE created a book with tactile illustrations that associate sounds with objects, enabling visually impaired children to identify them more easily. The combination of gestures, shapes, and sounds helps bridge the gap between visual and tactile experiences.
A UK study of 3,745 families reveals significant inequalities in young people's financial capabilities depending on socio-economic background. The research highlights the need to develop financial skills in disadvantaged children as early as primary school.
Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that daycare centers using SAGA and Pikkuli interventions strengthened children's ability to help others, reduced internalising problems, and advanced social orientation. The studies showed positive experiences among early childhood educators, leading to further development of the methods.
A national study published in Sleep Health found that screen habits linked to better sleep include keeping devices out of the bedroom and avoiding screens before bedtime. The study analyzed data from 10,280 preteens aged 10-14 and found that 15.5% reported trouble falling or staying asleep in the past two weeks.
The SLU Institute for Healing Justice and Equity has launched a new podcast called Critical Futures, which explores alternative futures and anti-racist health policies. The first episode features discussions on reimagining community partnerships and addressing disparities in Black maternal health.
A recent study found that a person's epistemic thinking style can be shaped by their social, political and economic environment during the first 25 years of life. The research suggests that those who experienced a transition to democracy in middle age tend to exhibit absolutist thinking, while younger generations with higher education ...
The article highlights the risks of AI misuse, including its impact on democracy, job loss, and social division. Experts warn that self-improving AGI poses an existential threat to humanity, and call for regulation to minimize harm and maximize benefits.
A Rutgers study found that childhood trauma has a significant impact on the development of justice-involved Black youth, influencing risky sexual behaviors and substance misuse. The study suggests that trauma-informed education can improve wellbeing and reduce rates of incarceration for these youth.
A study by the University of Helsinki identifies nature-based solutions that work best as carbon sinks and for biodiversity conservation in urban areas. Community engagement is vital to ensure acceptable plans, according to the researchers.
Research finds that endocannabinoids protect against addiction in individuals exposed to childhood maltreatment. The 'resilient' group showed increased function of the endocannabinoid system and different brain activity compared to other groups.
A new study calls for internet access to be declared a basic human right to address socio-economic disparities. In developing countries, internet access can determine education, healthcare, housing, and employment outcomes. The study advocates for free internet access and digital skills training to ensure equal opportunities.
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a type of cell that plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment. The authors suggest that understanding CAFs is essential for developing effective cancer therapies. Research targeting CAFs has shown promise, but challenges remain due to their complex nature.
A recent study published in Journal of Animal Ecology has identified disease avoidance strategies in various animal species, including humans. The research provides insights into how emotions like disgust help protect against diseases and has implications for human health and conservation efforts.
A study by Cornell University researchers found that using AI in conversations improves communication efficiency and positive emotional language, but participants perceive their partner as less cooperative when suspected of using AI-suggested responses.
The unemployment rate for persons with disabilities in the US is more than double that of those without a disability, particularly youth. New research highlights the importance of community and business awareness of vocational services to increase work participation and quality of life.
A new study by the University of East Anglia found that large infrastructure projects can create lasting local impact when they offer place-based micro-enterprise training and employment support. The project, INCREASE VS, has helped over 4,500 participants start their own businesses and access work and education opportunities.
A new national study finds that lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) youth are twice as likely to report trouble falling or staying asleep than their straight peers. This is attributed to greater depression, stress, and family conflict among LGB youth, which can make it harder for them to get a good night's sleep.
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that most people migrate short distances within their own country to adapt to climate change. The research reveals that everyday mobility is a crucial aspect of managing different shocks and stresses, including increasing climate variability.
A global study has found that greater gender equality is associated with longer life expectancy for both women and men. The study, published in the lead up to International Women's Day, suggests that addressing longstanding gender inequality can help extend longevity for all genders.
A new study published in BMC Public Health suggests that problematic social media use in preteens is linked to both positive and negative alcohol beliefs. Researchers found that 97% of social media posts display alcohol in a positive context, contributing to positive perceptions among adolescents.
Primary care physicians recommend screening adolescents and young adults for cyberbullying and social media misuse, citing the need for timely intervention due to underreported incidents. Screening tools like R-OBVQ, CBVS, CABS, and MARC can help identify potential risks.
Research shows that parental social support and psychological control significantly impact LGBTQ youth's depressive symptoms. High psychological control, however, was linked with more depressive symptoms in those whose parents did not know their identities.
A new study by WVU economist Zachary Porreca found that gentrification can displace organized criminal activity, leading to a surge in gun violence in nearby neighborhoods. The study analyzed data on shootings and real estate across Philadelphia neighborhoods between 2011-2020.
The war in Ukraine may trigger a new global land race, threatening rural livelihoods and the environment. Large-scale land acquisitions could exacerbate conditions of water scarcity and land degradation, prompting concerns about policy implications and long-lasting effects on rural development.
A large international study suggests that social and economic disadvantage may explain the higher risk of dementia in women. Women, particularly in low- to lower-middle income countries, have a higher likelihood of developing dementia due to factors such as limited education and occupational opportunities.
A Chinese Medical Journal study analyzed the temporal and spatial distribution of epilepsy across China, finding significant increases in incidence and prevalence rates between 1990 and 2019. The study also showed a general decrease in age-standardized DALY rates with increasing socio-demographic index.
A nationwide Finnish study found that around 58% of people with low educational attainment by age 30 will have a diagnosis of a mental disorder by age 52. The study also showed a stronger association between lower socioeconomic position and later diagnoses of substance misuse or schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023
A study found that communities experiencing sudden and significant job losses in manufacturing are less likely to engage in sustainability planning and meet sustainability-related goals. This is attributed to deep-rooted connections between industry and community identity, making it difficult for these communities to transition.
A new research project aims to promote dual-language development for children with autism in bilingual families. The study will examine the type of bilingual environment and factors related to their ability to speak or understand both languages.
Research reveals that prairie voles can form enduring pair-bonds and provide parental care without oxytocin receptor signaling, contradicting previous studies. While mutant voles lack milk release, they still nurse and rear pups to weaning age, suggesting species-specific roles of oxytocin receptor signaling.
A reading project that pairs school-age children with older adults has been found to boost wellbeing among both groups. The Silver Stories programme built relationships between generations and helped children develop social skills and confidence, while also fighting loneliness for listeners.
Researchers found that abnormal methylation processes lead to disruption of gene expression essential for brain development in people with Williams syndrome. The study suggests targeting treatments to correct these disruptions.
A Florida Atlantic University study found that urban noise exposure during development affects the color of songbirds' beaks, which influence social interactions and mate choice. Males developed less bright beak coloration, while females developed brighter orange coloration than untreated birds.
A new longitudinal study examines neural-based correlates and risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. The study found that greater amygdala reactivity during anticipation of social punishment predicted NSSI engagement one year later, particularly in those with lower peer-nominated social preference.
Children as young as two engage in pretend play, demonstrating ability to distinguish between pretence and reality. This cognitive skill allows them to adopt different perspectives, even in the presence of others, suggesting early-stage development of social cognition.
The study suggests that increased demand for energy transition metals could be more disruptive to some communities than winding back production of thermal coal. An additional 115.7 million people would be at risk from disruption by ETMs.
A new study by Bayes Business School found that co-working spaces can initially support collective exploration but ultimately inhibit collaborative practices. The study suggests that firms leave the space as interactions become less meaningful and stilted over time.
Researchers aim to provide the highest quality of care possible by understanding the sound environment of child care centers. A 48-hour monitoring period and staff evaluations helped identify factors influencing child and provider experiences.
A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that different styles of social media use—passive, reactive and interactive—are related to psychological well-being. Interactive users reported greater feelings of social connectedness than passive or reactive users.
Researchers discovered that ant pupae secrete a fluid that is consumed by both adults and larvae, highlighting the interconnectedness of different developmental stages within an ant colony. The fluid, derived from molting, is rich in nutrients and psychoactive substances, essential for larval growth and adult metabolism.
A Finnish study found that cumulative adverse psychosocial factors in childhood are associated with poorer learning and memory in midlife. Specifically, poor self-regulatory behavior and social adjustment in childhood linked to poorer learning ability and memory decades later.
A new animal study points to a gene that controls early social behaviors and may be linked to autism. Exposure to certain drugs during embryonic development can alter this gene, leading to social behavior changes similar to those found in individuals with autism. Researchers were able to reverse some effects using an experimental drug.
Research on over 11,000 UK students reveals a sharp decline in well-being and self-esteem between ages 11 and 14, linked to the transition to secondary school. Students with higher self-esteem at age 11 experienced less significant drops in well-being.
A new IIASA-led study estimates that global climate goals can be met in a cost-effective manner with fair financial flows, but current pledged funding is insufficient. The researchers recommend increasing financing from rich countries to poorer regions to meet the Paris Agreement targets under most equity considerations.
An international study found that housing cost to income ratio is strongly associated with preventable deaths and suicide in developed countries. However, social spending on pension and unemployment benefits can lower these risks. Housing policy measures such as public housing stock and rent controls also show protective effects.
SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 16, 2022
A study from University of Cambridge found that young people who feel poorer than their friends have lower self-esteem and are more likely to be bullied. Feeling economically equal among peers had the best outcomes for mental health and social behavior.
The study proposes a multidisciplinary developmental perspective to understand leadership in adolescence, highlighting the importance of studying youth leadership and its impact on society. Researchers aim to develop leadership interventions to maximize potential and facilitate better diversification of the leadership pipeline.
A study published in The EMBO Journal reveals that the anterior cingulate cortex is activated in female mice acquiring maternal behavior through repeated experience with pups. This discovery provides a potential basis for developing therapeutic options for postpartum depression and other conditions disrupting mother-child bonding.
A new study by the University of Arizona found that tropical cyclones often follow extreme heat, which can be a major hazard after a storm. The research team analyzed 53 tropical cyclones and found that cities' heat index values were always warmer than average after the storm.
A new study led by Linda Pagani found that watching violent TV during the preschool years can lead to later risks of psychological and academic impairment. Exposure to typical violent screen content at a critical time in brain development can predict later psychological distress and academic risks.
A team of researchers from Rice University, Baylor College of Medicine, and Northern Illinois University are developing an open source system called FLASH to objectively measure children's screen-viewing behaviors. The five-year grant includes funding for three long-term studies on the impacts of screen use on young children.
Researchers found that the universal behavior of singing to infants synchronizes caregiver-infant social engagement, supporting social development. Infants as young as 2 months old show a synchronized eye-look to caregivers' eyes when singing is rhythmically predictable.
Germ-free zebrafish larvae have altered neural connections due to reduced microglia pruning by immune cells. Reintroducing normal microbiota restores normal development and social behavior. Microorganisms stimulate microglial activity, promoting neural connection remodeling.
The Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) has shown positive results in helping poor households develop proactive coping strategies before and during natural disasters. Researchers found that the existing program strengthened financial capital but had limited impact on human and physical capitals, highlighting the need for integrated social p...
A collaborative effort aims to lower rates of obesity and diabetes by increasing access to locally produced fruits and vegetables in the Mississippi Delta. The $6.6 million NIH grant will fund community-based programs to expand local production and consumption of healthy foods, targeting high-risk areas with high rates of these diseases.