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Children's interactions more complex than predicted

Researchers studied kindergarten children's social exchanges to understand dynamics of complex interactions, finding evidence of non-traditional hierarchies and reciprocal pairings such as leadership/followship and aggression/submission. The study suggests people do not always behave in a hierarchical manner, with some 'leaders' showin...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 6, 2016

Bromances may be good for men's health

Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley found that moderate stress can make male rats more social and cooperative, leading to increased oxytocin levels. This effect is comparable to the benefits seen in romantic relationships, suggesting that bromances may have healthful effects similar to those seen in human friendships.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 3, 2016

Is there a digital hood?

A novel study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing reveals a dynamic interplay between physical and digital neighborhoods, where negative interactions are reproduced and amplified. The study found that social media can make tensions worse, but also limit positive opportunities.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalNew Media & Society·DateFeb 18, 2016

Octopuses shed their asocial reputation

Researchers discovered that octopuses use body language to communicate during disputes, with darker colors associated with aggression. The species Octopus tetricus was found to be highly interactive, with more than 186 recorded interactions in a single location.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 28, 2016

The importance of children at play

Research highlights the importance of interactive peer play in preschool for Latino children from low-income households, showcasing their strengths rather than deficits. The study found that these children displayed high levels of positive learning behaviors and social engagement during play.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalEarly Childhood Research Quarterly·DateJan 20, 2016

Chimp friendships are based on trust

A study found that chimpanzees extend trust selectively to their closest friends, showing similar characteristics to human friendships. The researchers observed interactions among 15 chimps over 5 months and used a modified trust game to assess their behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 14, 2016

No two faces are the same

A study published in PLOS ONE reveals that the causes of congenital face blindness can be traced back to an early stage in the perceptual process. People with this condition are unable to use facial features to identify others, but their brains respond differently when shown a face.

Why bartenders have to ignore some signals

A new study at Bielefeld University investigates how a robotic bartender can understand human communication and serve drinks socially appropriately. Participants played the role of robotic bartenders, making decisions based on sensor data, to find that ignoring some data can be beneficial.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 25, 2015

Better business is linked up

A recent study examines the use of LinkedIn for professional development, finding adults are receptive to sharing knowledge and meeting professionals. However, negative experiences such as unwanted advertisements and unsolicited invitations were also reported.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments·DateOct 26, 2015

Mental math helps monk parakeets find their place in pecking order

A study by the National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis found that monk parakeets develop an understanding of rank after about a week of interactions. They use social feedback to refine their behavior, avoiding fights with higher-ranked birds while targeting those closely matched in rank.

Mental math helps monk parakeets find their place in pecking order

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that monk parakeets use a complex system of mental math to determine their place in the pecking order. By analyzing aggression patterns, researchers discovered that birds can infer rank based on chains of interactions and adjust their behavior accordingly.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateSep 10, 2015

Doing good deeds helps socially anxious people relax

A study published in Motivation and Emotion found that performing acts of kindness can help socially anxious individuals reduce their desire to avoid social situations. This intervention showed a greater reduction in patients' avoidance goals compared to those only exposed to social interactions without engaging in good deeds.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateJul 1, 2015

How do toddlers use tablets?

A team of University of Iowa researchers analyzed over 200 YouTube videos to understand toddler tablet use. They found that by age two, most children can moderate their ability to use a tablet, while younger toddlers require more guidance.

Social networking against cancer

Researchers used social network analysis to identify cancer biomarkers in patient genomic microarray data, dramatically decreasing the number of features to analyze. The approach has been successfully demonstrated for three types of cancer: lymphoma, colon cancer, and leukemia.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Data Mining and Bioinformatics·DateJun 4, 2015

Study finds those who believe in pure evil support more harsh criminal punishments

A Kansas State University study found that individuals with a strong belief in pure evil are more likely to support harsh sentences, including life in prison without parole and the death penalty. This belief overrides stereotypes about the offender's character, suggesting that perceived retribution and demonization play a significant r...

SourceKansas State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMay 14, 2015

Crowdsourced tool for depression

A new peer-to-peer networking tool has been developed to build online support communities and practice therapeutic techniques for depression. The tool, called Panoply, yielded better outcomes in training subjects to use cognitive reappraisal and improving mood in those with severe symptoms.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMar 30, 2015

Understanding loneliness through science

The special section reviews current scientific research on loneliness, exploring its biological, genetic, social, and behavioral aspects. Studies demonstrate a link between social isolation, loneliness, and mortality, as well as the effectiveness of various interventions to prevent or mitigate loneliness.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMar 12, 2015

Sexism -- it's in his smile

A study by Jin Goh and Judith Hall found that men who display benevolent sexism are perceived as more approachable, warmer, and friendlier, while those with hostile sexism are less friendly. The researchers also discovered that men with benevolent sexism use positive emotional words and are more patient, despite appearing harmless.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 9, 2015