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Research explores why daughters in Chinese families of son preference fail to break from sustained exploitation

Research reveals Chinese families' strong son preference can lead to daughters' emotional and financial exploitation, causing severe mental health consequences. Daughters are socialized from birth to prioritize their family's needs over their own, resulting in feelings of debt and low self-esteem.

SourceLancaster University·JournalMarketing Theory·TypeContent analysis·DateSep 1, 2023

Deep-sea volcanoes: Windows into the subsurface

Research at Brothers submarine arc volcano reveals distinct microbial communities shaped by magmatic gases and hydrothermal fluids, highlighting the complexity of subsurface geology in forming high biodiversity. Over 90 new bacterial and archaeal families are discovered, providing insights into life's evolution on Earth.

SourcePortland State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020

Pride and prejudice at high altitude

A new study suggests that attitudes towards altitude sickness began to form over 200 years ago, with British explorers fueling distrust towards Himalayan peoples. The early 19th-century writings of British surveyors and travellers reveal a complex web of exploitation and competition between Europeans and locals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalItinerario·DateJan 23, 2020

Sexual-orientation study

A new study from Professor Doug VanderLaan's lab found evidence for at least four different subgroups of men, each with distinct biomarkers associated with same-sex attractions. The study suggests that there are multiple and distinct pathways influencing male sexual orientation in men.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019

New findings concerning hereditary prostate cancer

A study of over 50,000 brothers of men with prostate cancer found that those with a family history were at increased risk of developing the disease. The risk was particularly high for those with an affected father or brother, and may be underestimated due to lack of awareness.

SourceLund University·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJul 11, 2016

Missing molecule prevents puberty

Researchers discovered a genetic fault preventing SEMA3E from working correctly in two brothers with Kallman Syndrome, leading to the loss of nerve cells regulating sexual reproduction. The study demonstrates a powerful method for identifying genetic causes without relying on large statistical samples.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 18, 2015

For sea turtles, there's no place like magnetic home

Researchers found that sea turtles imprint on the unique magnetic field of their natal beach as hatchlings and then use this information to return as adults. The study suggests that tiny magnetic particles in the turtles' brains respond to the Earth's field, providing a basis for their magnetic sense.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 15, 2015

My brother's keeper

A study by Concordia University found that siblings naturally teach each other skills like counting, building towers, and recognizing shapes. The researchers observed spontaneous interactions between two children aged four and six, revealing that both older and younger siblings initiate learning activities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Cognition and Development·DateJul 9, 2014

Flies with brothers make gentler lovers

Researchers at Oxford University found that flies living with their brothers cause less harm to females during courting than those living with unrelated flies. This is because related flies are more relaxed in their mating approach and spend less time harassing females, resulting in fewer fights and reduced fecundity for females.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateJan 22, 2014

Super song learners

A study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that treating juvenile zebra finches with nerve growth factor 'BDNF' enhances their ability to copy songs from their fathers. The treated birds showed a higher similarity with the song of their fathers compared to normally reared juveniles.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateOct 23, 2013

Fraternal singing in zebra finches

Young zebra finches can learn their fathers' songs via their brothers, and this learning process is similar to human speech acquisition. The study found that juvenile siblings with no father exposure learned the same song as those exposed to a brother's song for a short period.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 12, 2013

Beanballs and the psychology of revenge

A study by Brown University psychologist Fiery Cushman found that 44% of baseball fans approved of a pitcher targeting an innocent player to avenge a teammate. The researchers suggest this 'vicarious punishment' may be driven by honor or deterrence, rather than moral responsibility.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 5, 2012