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Can engaging in social activities prolong life?

A study of 2,268 US individuals aged 60+ found strong association between social activities and low 4-year mortality risk. High social engagement, such as charity work and sports participation, was significantly linked to reduced risk of dying.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 21, 2025

Certain traits in romantic partners can amplify the impact of a person’s genetic risk for alcohol problems

Research led by VCU and Rutgers University found that romantic partners' substance use habits, personality traits, and mental health status can enhance or diminish a person's genetic predisposition to binge drinking. The study suggests that couple-based interventions could be more effective when addressing environmental influences.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 5, 2025

Rats are more motivated to help their friends

Researchers found that rats are more likely to aid distressed peers if they have previous positive social interactions with them. Helper rats showed increased activity in brain regions associated with empathy and motivation compared to less helpful rats. Oxytocin signaling may play a role in motivating rats to care for others.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateApr 28, 2025

Face processing abnormalities identified in autism dog model

A new study has revealed that Beagle dogs carrying mutations in the Shank3 gene exhibit face processing abnormalities, similar to those observed in human ASD patients. The research provides direct experimental evidence that mutations in Shank3 lead to ASD-like deficits in face processing, contributing to social impairments.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025

An app can change how you see yourself at work

A study from the University of California, Riverside, found that a smartphone app can subtly reshape a person's self-image at work. The app, called MindTAPP, uses associative conditioning to pair users with positive affirmations, leading to more favorable views of their workplace abilities and a heightened sense of self-efficacy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateApr 2, 2025

New study challenges the ‘monogamy-superiority myth’, as non-monogamous people report just as happy relationships and sex lives

A comprehensive meta-analysis of 35 studies involving 24,489 people across the U.S. and Europe found no significant differences in relationship or sexual satisfaction levels between individuals in monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. Non-monogamy is often viewed as inferior to monogamy due to stereotypes and media narratives.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateMar 26, 2025

Parents’ advice benefits African American youth – when they seek support

A study found that African American youth who sought parental advice and received elaborate cognitive restructuring guidance had more positive social appraisals. Practitioners can equip parents with tools to enhance their parenting strategies and provide supportive guidance.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSocial Development·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2025

Can a joke make science more trustworthy?

A new study published in JCOM found that humor can aid scientists' communication efforts, but only if people think they're funny. The research shows that humor can simplify complex concepts, making them more relatable and easier to understand, and has the potential to dispel misinformation in a friendly manner.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2025

Music-based therapy may improve depressive symptoms in people with dementia

A new Cochrane review has found evidence that music-based therapy may benefit people living with dementia, particularly by improving symptoms of depression. The review suggests that music therapy probably improves depressive symptoms and may improve overall behavioural problems by the end of treatment.

SourceCochrane·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 6, 2025

Urban exodus during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study by Dr. Haruka Kato found that households with children during the COVID-19 pandemic prioritized migration destinations with favorable communities and strong community ties. Social interaction-related factors emerged as significant determinants of migration, contrasting with work, environment, and housing determinants.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPopulation Space and Place·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2025

How ‘self-silencing’ your opinion may change behavior

A recent study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that individuals with minority viewpoints may self-silence themselves in conversation, leading to changed behavior that contradicts their true opinions. The study, led by Kristin Hurst, involved 248 undergraduate students and showed that participants who felt the...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2025

3 Ways to reduce child sexual abuse rates

A new study published in JAMA Pediatrics found that coordinated, community-wide primary prevention efforts can significantly reduce child sexual abuse rates. The study showed a 17% decrease in substantiated cases and a 34% drop in unsubstantiated cases compared to a control group.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2025

The math behind social distancing: the rules that influence epidemic behavior

A research team identified simple rules governing decision-making during epidemics, which balance infection costs and social distancing. The guidelines predict population behavior based on disease reproduction number and infection cost, offering a new tool for governments to design intervention strategies.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 27, 2025

Clashing with classmates: Off-putting traits spark enemy relationships

A new longitudinal study from Florida Atlantic University finds that students who exhibit off-putting behaviors are at elevated risk of antagonizing others and becoming involved in enemy relationships. Emotional reactivity and poor school performance are also strong predictors of later participation in an enemy relationship.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2025

Impacts of workplace bullying on sleep can be “contagious” between partners

Research by the University of East Anglia found that exposure to workplace bullying can lead to increased symptoms of insomnia in both individuals and their partners. The study also highlights the 'contagious' nature of sleep issues between partners, where one person's sleep problems can influence the other.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2025

New therapy reduces reoffending in male offenders with antisocial personality disorder

A new psychological therapy, MBT-ASPD, has been found to reduce rates of violence and aggression among male offenders with antisocial personality disorder. The treatment showed a significant decrease in symptoms and reoffending rates, offering a promising new approach for treating this challenging condition.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Aspects of marriage counseling may hold the key to depolarizing, unifying the country, study finds

A recent study found that 'reciprocal group reflection' - an intervention inspired by marriage counseling - helped reduce affective polarization among opposing political parties. Participants showed reduced signs of division and increased willingness to support depolarization efforts, even after six months.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPolitical Behavior·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 30, 2025

Could online technology be a clue as to why boys in Norway are outperforming girls in learning English as a second language?

A new study found that Norwegian boys are outperforming girls in learning English as a second language, with the gap increasing at age 13. The researchers suggest that online gaming and digital technology may be contributing factors, contradicting conventional wisdom about gender differences in language acquisition.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalAssessment in Education Principles Policy and Practice·DateDec 8, 2024

Illinois researchers examine teens’ use of generative AI, safety concerns

Researchers found that teenagers use generative artificial intelligence for emotional support, social interactions, and academic purposes. However, they also reported significant misconceptions about generative AI among parents and children. Parents had little to no understanding of their children's use of GAI, and they viewed AI as a ...

Why the powerful are more likely to cheat

A new study finds that those who feel powerful in their relationships are less dependent on others, think more highly of themselves, and are more confident that they are desirable. This can lead to a higher interest in alternative partners and a greater willingness to engage in infidelity.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024

Political opinions influence our choice of chocolate

Research at Linköping University shows that people distance themselves from neutral products if they are liked by those with opposing political views. This phenomenon affects choices even when irrelevant to politics. The studies also found that people unconsciously behave this way to maintain a consistent self-image.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeSurvey·DateNov 25, 2024

Overthinking what you said? It’s your ‘lizard brain’ talking to newer, advanced parts of your brain

A new Northwestern Medicine study found the 'lizard brain' is connected to newly evolved social cognitive network regions, which are involved in thinking about other people. This link helps shape the function of the social cognitive network by giving it access to the amygdala's role in processing emotionally important content.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 22, 2024

Northerners, Scots and Irish excel at detecting fake accents to guard against outsiders, Cambridge study suggests

A Cambridge study suggests that people from Northern Ireland, Scotland, and Ireland are better at detecting fake accents than those from London and the Southeast. The study found that participants were able to detect fake accents with an accuracy of around 60%, varying by region and cultural homogeneity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·DateNov 19, 2024

Traditional Mayan practices have long promoted unique levels of family harmony. But what effect is globalization having?

Research by UC Santa Cruz psychologist Barbara Rogoff finds that globalization has reduced collaborative interactions among Mayan families, but they still prioritize harmonious relations and community involvement. The traditional practice of Learning by Observing and Pitching In remains a key strength for Indigenous communities.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalChild Development·DateNov 15, 2024

Grabbing pizza with coworkers isn’t just fun — it could boost your teamwork skills

A new study by Binghamton University Assistant Professor Matthew Lyle highlights the benefits of shared memories among employees from different departments. The research found that such experiences can motivate cross-occupational coordination, foster a sense of belonging, and ultimately improve teamwork skills.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Management Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 12, 2024

African voices in ink

The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.