A longitudinal imaging study found that early risk factors, such as inhibited behavior and blunted ventral striatum activity, are associated with later depression. Inhibited children who showed reduced brain activity in response to rewards were more likely to develop depression in young adulthood.
A mathematical model suggests that social interactions between sedentary and moderately active people can stimulate higher levels of overall physical activity in a population. The model found that interacting with moderately active individuals helped sedentary populations become more physically active over time.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022
Research reveals that pregnant smokers decrease their daily cigarette count by an average of one cigarette per day before realizing they are pregnant. This trend continues in the month following pregnancy recognition, with a decline from nine to five cigarettes per day on average.
A new study found that babies born below the 25th percentile for birthweight are at a higher risk of developmental concerns compared to those born in the middle range. The researchers suggest that better birthweight surveillance and support during childhood may help reduce these risks.
SkillFlix for Educators is a digital training platform designed to address trauma and adverse experiences in the classroom. The platform provides educators with communication skills and trauma-informed strategies to create healing-centered classrooms, leading to healthy behavior change.
A study by University of Missouri researchers found that storytelling can help college students make sense of the pandemic and reduce stress. The study involved first-year college students who used stories to express personal growth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, reporting less stress and more confidence in their schoo...
The American College of Physicians recommends increasing funding for health services and prioritizing health promotion in Indigenous communities. Community-driven public policy is also necessary to address historical trauma, social determinants of health, and inadequate access to healthcare services.
Researchers have identified a previously unknown biological contributor to postpartum depression: impaired autophagy, which limits the body's ability to clean up old genetic material. This finding may lead to new treatments and early identification of women at risk before they become ill.
Researchers identified 7 core categories of behaviors important for human-dog bonds, including attunement, communication, and physical affection. These behaviors may be incorporated into robotic systems to provide mental health benefits for humans.
A new study shows the first-of-its-kind program led to significant declines in anxiety for those with food allergies and improvements in quality of life. The Food Allergy Bravery (FAB) program provides individualized, cognitive behavioral treatment that encourages children to take small steps towards facing allergen-related fears.
The use of voice control smart devices in children may impede critical thinking, empathy, and compassion. Devices can't teach children how to behave politely and lack non-verbal communication skills.
A $1 million NIH grant will help MU researchers analyze the effectiveness of a HIPAA-secure text messaging platform in nursing homes. The study aims to improve quality of care and prevent costly hospital transfers by speeding up decision-making.
Researchers uncovered a unique story behind Marra Wonga rock art site, featuring animal tracks, lines, grooves, and hand-related stencils. The site's composition appears to be linked to the Seven Sisters Dreaming story, with designs spread across the length in a particular order.
A systematic review of 82 scientific publications found that palm oil boosts local economies and poverty reduction while exacerbating social inequalities. Sustainable palm oil production practices facilitate achievement of SDGs like quality education and access to clean water.
The MEMEX project promotes social cohesion by using AI and interactive tools to share community stories linked to cultural heritage. The exhibition features audio-visual stories from Lisbon, Barcelona, Paris, and Genoa participants who co-created their own digital content.
Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that children who experience a mild traumatic brain injury are more likely to develop emotional and behavioral problems. The study, which analyzed data from thousands of children, revealed a 15-percent increased risk of these problems in kids with a mild TBI.
A new study finds that older children are more likely to effectively test surprising claims made by adults, suggesting an increase in skepticism and intentional exploration. As a result, their exploration becomes more targeted and efficient.
Researchers found that a common autism screening test consistently excludes more women than men from research studies, creating a 'leaky pipeline' for diagnosis and treatment. This bias is attributed to the test's origins in male-dominated samples, which may not accurately capture female phenotypes.
A new Northwestern University study finds that pregnant women with fluctuating stress levels have infants who exhibit more fear, sadness, and distress at three months old. The researchers measured mothers' stress in real-time and found a link between lability and infant temperament.
A new study published in Information, Communication and Society journal found a strong link between economic inequality and problematic social media use among adolescents. The research, involving over 179,000 schoolchildren from 40 countries, suggests that new strategies are needed to reduce the impact of deprivation on social media use.
Experts argue that flawed narratives and premature scientific conclusions led to ineffective public health measures, care home deaths, and lax vaccination policies. The UK's response fell short of its potential, with a death toll approaching 200,000, due to a lack of evidence-based decision-making.
Researchers found that providing default alternatives and using ordering and partitioning together can improve consumer choice. This study aims to provide a more efficient way for consumers to make better decisions about healthcare products, ultimately improving health outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system.
A NIH study of over 46,000 participants found that childhood poverty combined with crowded housing or parental separation increases the risk of premature death by 41-50%, compared to those without early life adversity. The study also identified a higher risk of premature death for individuals with multiple adverse childhood experiences.
Researchers have found that children with autism show significant differences in their pupillary light reflexes, which can be used as a potential screening biomarker. The study demonstrates the parameters of interest that matter for detecting autism and validates earlier findings using monocular technology.
A study from the Alpha Generation Lab found that hyperactive children are more likely to use digital devices, while fidgety children may be more prone to social problems. The researchers suggest a two-way street where digital devices and behavior problems influence each other.
A study by Tel Aviv University researchers found a unique oral microbiotic signature in the saliva of veteran soldiers with PTSD, which may help diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder objectively. The study also showed that people with PTSD exhibit the same picture of bacteria in their saliva as those who have experienced combat stres...
Researchers at UNH will develop and test social assistive robots to aid in the care of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia in their own homes. The robots will be equipped with smart home devices, artificial intelligence, and wearables to track patients' activity levels and health management.
Mothers with personality disorder symptoms have a higher likelihood of insecure attachment with their adolescents, who are more likely to experience depression, anxiety, and substance use problems. Maternal recalled experiences with caregivers also play a mediating role in this relationship.
A new scientific statement from the American Heart Association finds that social isolation and loneliness are associated with a 30% increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Younger adults, including Gen Z, experience increased social isolation and loneliness due to higher social media use and less in-person engagement.
A cooperative-based organization of various stakeholders helps coastal communities develop without increasing pressure on resources, supporting resilience to stock changes. Northern shrimp Indigenous fisheries in eastern Québec demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in fostering community resilience.
Newborn marmosets practice face and mouth movements needed to call for help before birth. Human-like crying movements have been observed in the womb, suggesting a potential link between primate and human vocal development.
Researchers found that farm management practices like crop diversification and native plant presence support wild bee conservation. Urban agriculture can benefit local bee populations if managed sustainably.
Researchers at University of Zurich found that the presence of parents and caregivers mitigates pandemic's negative effects on social development in infants. Infants born during COVID-19 pandemic exhibit similar social behavior as same-aged infants before pandemic, with no significant behavioral differences detected.
A cluster of studies published in BMJ Group found that universal UK school-based mindfulness training had weak evidence for effectiveness and short-lived benefits. The research suggests that other approaches, such as social-emotional learning (SEL), may be more suitable for building psychological resilience in young people.
A new survey found that views on the January 6 Capitol attack can be predicted by support for Black Lives Matter and gun ownership, with BLM supporters more likely to label the rioters as extremists. White gun owners were significantly less likely to do so compared to non-gun owners.
Researchers found that socially isolated bumblebees exhibited an increase in affiliative behavior, unlike expected aggression. The brain development of isolated bees showed similarities with group-reared bees, suggesting controlled chaos in the absence of social environment.
A new study suggests that developing culturally-sensitive interventions for Latino college students can help prevent problem drinking. The research found that ethnic pride was associated with significantly less drinking and alcohol-related consequences, while ethnic shame was linked to a higher likelihood of problem drinking. Familismo...
A UTSA professor will use a five-year $550,000 grant to study natural language processing and develop NLP models tailored to specific population groups. The goal is to improve the accuracy and relevance of these models in everyday applications.
A study by Florida Atlantic University psychologists found that classroom seat assignments have a significant impact on the formation of friendships among elementary school children. Students who were seated near each other were more likely to become friends, even after changes in seating arrangements were made.
A multidisciplinary study by the University of Minnesota found that girls and boys show similar rates of concerns for autism spectrum disorder when screened earlier. The research identified subtle differences in core symptoms but corrected for these biases to reveal a 'high concern' group with an equal sex ratio.
A comprehensive online survey of people with multiple sclerosis found that improving social integration and reducing social isolation can promote and maintain health and wellbeing. The study suggests that these social factors significantly predict health and wellbeing, even when accounting for demographic factors.
A new study suggests that losing a grandmother may have a significant impact on adolescent boys, leading to a 50% increase in depressive symptoms. The researchers also found that the loss of a grandparent can be a risk factor for teen depression and other negative outcomes.
Researchers found four large groups of social and emotional effects resulting from difficulty eating in groups among people with disabilities. Difficulty eating can lead to feelings of loneliness, shame, and reduced self-esteem, emphasizing the importance of considering these issues in healthcare.
A University of Illinois study examines how mothers' emotional involvement helps youth cope with peer stressors during middle school. The research reveals that youth who experience positive mother-child interactions and high maternal affect are more likely to engage in active coping strategies.
The Flinders-designed QOL-ACC tool assesses six key quality of life dimensions and has been implemented with over 1000 older Australians, delivering improved standards and transparency in aged care. The results show that the tool performed strongly in a pilot trial, with lower scores for those with poorer self-reported health status.
A large-scale study has found that social isolation is directly associated with changes in brain structures involved in memory and learning, making it a clear risk factor for dementia. Socially isolated individuals have a 26% increased likelihood of developing dementia compared to those with regular social connections.
A new study found that children with older siblings are less likely to develop behavioral problems, suggesting a positive impact of sibling relationships on child development. The study also highlights the importance of early intervention policies to reduce maternal stress and promote healthy child development.
A study analyzing reviews of therapeutic interventions found that certain types of early therapies can promote communication and social interactions in young children with autism. However, the quality of evidence was often limited, leaving families to navigate different approaches.
A new study found that childhood circumstances and personality traits are significantly associated with loneliness in older age, accounting for 10.42% and 7.50% of the variance respectively. Life experiences during childhood, such as having few friends or a poor relationship with parents, can increase the risk of loneliness later in life.
A new screening tool has been developed to identify pregnant women at risk of eating disorders, allowing for early intervention and treatment. The Prenatal Eating Behaviors Screening (PEBS) tool, created by WVU researchers, uses a 12-question screener to assess symptoms and emotions associated with eating disorders.
A community-focused approach led by Boston Medical Center significantly improved COVID-19 vaccination uptake in historically disinvested Black and Latino communities. The initiative administered over 100,000 first doses, with a focus on mobile vaccination events and community-based clinics.
Scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center used advanced brain imaging techniques to study the impact of prenatal opioid exposure on infant brain development. The study found that treatment with medications like buprenorphine and methadone can minimize brain abnormalities in newborns exposed to opioids prenatally.
A study published in Journal of Psychiatric Research found a significant biological difference between psychopaths and non-psychopaths, with psychopaths having a larger striatum region in the brain. This finding is linked to increased need for stimulation, impulsive behaviors, and higher likelihood of violent behavior.
Research suggests that reducing adult-to-child ratios and group sizes in early childhood education may increase positive adult/child interactions, reduce coercive interference, and promote prosocial child behavior. However, high-quality studies are scarce, highlighting the need for more contemporary research on this topic.
A new machine learning model uses anonymized data to identify key risk factors for substance abuse, including family relationships and social connections. The research aims to provide policy-makers with better information to design effective programs to address substance abuse issues.
A new study found that symbolic counting skills are strongly related to young children's fair sharing behavior. Researchers developed a counting intervention that improved sharing behavior in preschoolers, suggesting that learning to count may be a key factor in developing this social skill.
A study of over 3.5 million Welsh citizens found that those who self-harmed during the COVID-19 pandemic were less likely to seek help and faced difficulties accessing in-patient treatment. The research used linked electronic health records to investigate healthcare contacts with self-harm during this period.
Research using Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study data found that urban environments with socioeconomic challenges increase psychotic-like experiences in pre-adolescent children. Early prevention is crucial as these exposures are already present in late childhood.
Experts warn that recent progress in child and adolescent health is under threat without comprehensive reform. A holistic approach that spans preconception to adulthood is needed to reduce mortality and improve health outcomes. Strong health systems must partner with social systems to support children's development.
A study found that fetuses with single-ventricle congenital heart disease are more susceptible to social-emotional problems compared to those with two-ventricle congenital heart disease. Infants with impaired prenatal brain growth also experience worsened language, cognitive, and motor outcomes by 18 months.