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High fizzy soft drink consumption linked to violence among teens

Research published in Injury Prevention found that teens who consume high amounts of carbonated non-diet soft drinks are more likely to exhibit aggressive behavior. The study, which analyzed data from over 1,800 Boston teenagers, discovered a significant association between heavy soft drink consumption and violence perpetration.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalInjury Prevention·DateOct 24, 2011

Survey finds public support for geoengineering research

A new survey reveals that 72% of respondents approve research into climate-manipulating technique, with broad public awareness and surprisingly diverse political views. The study suggests that dialogue surrounding SRM needs to be broadened to include ideas of risk, values, and trade-offs.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateOct 23, 2011

Avoiding bias in medical research

A new statistical approach, stochastic frontier estimation (SFE), has been developed to address bias in self-reported medical research data. This technique can identify bias at specific times and individual levels, ensuring more robust double-blind placebo-controlled trials.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioural and Healthcare Research·DateOct 17, 2011

Increased responsibility could lead to decreased sexual activity among women

A recent study by researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found that married women's autonomy and decision-making power are linked to their sexual activity. Women who have more control over household decisions tend to have sex less often, with a significant increase in time since their last intercourse.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·DateSep 21, 2011

Happiness: All in who you know, goals

A study by Bernardo J. Carducci found that happy college students who are less outgoing focus on family and friends connections, positive thinking, and goal-oriented activities, leading to increased happiness. Additionally, goal-oriented students tend to be happier due to engaging in purposeful leisure and spiritual reflection.

Sexist men and women -- made for each other

A new study by Jeffrey Hall and Melanie Canterberry suggests that women with negative attitudes towards their own gender are more likely to prefer men who adopt similar attitudes. Women who open to casual sex also tend to respond to aggressive courtship strategies.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateAug 23, 2011

When a man's female partner becomes too buddy-buddy with his pals, his sex life may suffer

A study by Cornell University researchers reveals that men whose partners have stronger relationships with their closest friends are more likely to experience erectile dysfunction and difficulty achieving orgasm during sex. This phenomenon, known as partner betweenness, undermines traditional masculine values of autonomy and privacy.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateAug 8, 2011

College-educated undocumented young adults face same narrow range of jobs as their parents

A survey of undocumented young adults raised and educated in America found that they end up working in the same labor jobs as their parents, despite having a college education. The study highlights the challenges faced by these individuals due to their lack of legal status, which limits their career options and daily lives.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJul 26, 2011

Penn State leads in honey bee health initiative

The Bee Informed Partnership aims to reduce honey bee mortality, increase profitability, and enhance sustainable management systems. The project will use epidemiological methods to identify effective practices and create a dynamic Honey Bee Health database with an interactive web-based interface.

The power of placebos

A recent survey led by McGill Psychiatry Professor Amir Raz found that one in five respondents, mostly psychiatrists, have administered or prescribed placebos. The majority of responding psychiatrists (more than 60%) believe that placebos can have therapeutic effects.

SourceMcGill University·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateMay 12, 2011

The Population Bomb: How we survived it

Despite 50 years of rapid population growth, the world has successfully produced enough food and reduced poverty. Factors contributing to this include the green revolution, increased investments in education, and urbanization, which have allowed cities to absorb growth without triggering mass starvation.

Americans have higher rates of most chronic diseases than same-age counterparts in England

Researchers found that Americans experience higher rates of chronic disease and markers of disease than their English counterparts at all ages, despite the US having a higher healthcare spending. The study suggests that allocation of health care resources, lifestyle, and social conditions may play a role in the observed differences.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAmerican Journal of Epidemiology·DateMar 9, 2011

Spring break

A study published in the Journal of Youth and Adolescence found that students who have agreements with friends about using alcohol during Spring Break are less likely to binge drink. Women were more likely than men to report having understandings about safer behavior, such as agreeing not to get drunk.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateFeb 10, 2011

Resolved to quit smoking?

A new study using brain scans found that neural reactions to pro-health messages can accurately predict smoking quit success. The researchers tested 28 heavy smokers and found that neural activity in the medial prefrontal cortex predicted behavior change, outperforming people's own self-reported estimates.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJan 31, 2011

Scientists: Big city life may alter green attitudes

A new study published in British Environmental Conservation journal found that people with good jobs in large cities are more likely to engage in pro-environmental activities. The researchers analyzed data from China's General Social Survey, which showed employees who work for companies in big cities and hold leadership positions repor...

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalEnvironmental Conservation·DateJan 18, 2011

Johns Hopkins faculty highly value involvement of nearby urban community for improving research

A survey of Johns Hopkins faculty found strong support for working with the local community to make research more relevant and improve its quality. Faculty who conducted community-based research were more likely to hire and collaborate with local residents, and involve them in study design and dissemination.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Empirical Research on Human Research Ethics·DateDec 20, 2010

Living in certain neighborhoods increases the chances older men and women will develop cancer

A new study found that living in racially segregated neighborhoods with high crime rates increases the chances of developing cancer, particularly among older adults. The research, published in the American Journal of Public Health, also discovered a link between neighborhood segregation and heart problems for older women.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateDec 9, 2010

Walk places, meet people and build social capital

A study by Shannon Rogers and her team found that living in a walkable neighborhood is associated with increased civic involvement, trust, and social connections. Residents in more walkable areas reported better health, happiness, and community involvement.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateDec 7, 2010

Friends with cognitive benefits

A University of Michigan study found that brief episodes of cooperative social contact enhance executive function, a key component of mental activity. Engaging in conversations with a friendly tone results in improved performance on common cognitive tasks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateOct 27, 2010