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X-ray optics on a chip

Researchers have successfully fabricated a millimeter-sized chip capable of splitting a beam of X-rays. The chip features fork-shaped channels that efficiently transport and split the beam, producing interference patterns similar to those in classical Young's double-slit experiments.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section A·DateAug 18, 2016

How can a family function better? Get outside together

Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that spending time in nature together as a family can restore attention, reduce irritation, and promote self-control, leading to better family relationships. Regular family-based nature activities can also foster a sense of identity and belonging within the family.

Disney princesses: Not brave enough

A recent study from Brigham Young University reveals that preschoolers exposed to Disney Princess culture are more susceptible to limiting female gender-stereotypical behavior, which can be detrimental in the long term. However, the study also suggests that princesses can provide a counterbalance to hyper-masculine media for boys.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalChild Development·DateJun 20, 2016

The Witch Report 1600 -- Yorkshire headed the list

Attitudes towards witchcraft varied by social class in 17th-century England, with the educated elite playing a significant role in shaping legal systems. In Yorkshire, there was a greater propensity to believe in covens of witches, as evidenced by a 1621 book titled Deamonologia. The common people, however, focused on practical deeds l...

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalPostgraduate Perspectives on the Past·DateJun 8, 2016

More males born to Indian-born women in Canada who already have daughters

A large study in CMAJ found that Indian-born women living in Ontario, Canada, who already have two daughters are more likely to have a boy. The likelihood of male births increases if women had an induced abortion before the birth. Birth ratios fell within natural ranges for Canadian-born and immigrant women from most other countries.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateApr 11, 2016

Despite poaching, elephants' social networks hold steady

Researchers found that elephants' social networks remained resilient due to the ability of daughters to fill their mothers' roles, driven by vertical transmission of social roles. This adaptability provides optimism for elephant recovery from human disturbance once pressure is alleviated.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 2015

Mothers use variety of strategies to mitigate risks to daughters' body image -- Ben-Gurion University

Research by Ben-Gurion University shows that Jewish mothers employ various protective strategies to mitigate the risk of eating disorders in their daughters, including filtering, positive reinforcement, and discussion. These methods help build resilience and promote a positive body image.

Mountain gorilla mamas sidestep having inbred offspring

In a study of mountain gorillas, researchers found that females avoid mating with their fathers to curb inbreeding. On average, seven out of ten offspring in groups with multiple males are sired by the dominant male, but none of his daughters' offspring

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateMay 20, 2015

Does having daughters cause judges to rule for women's issues?

A recent study of 224 judges found that those with daughters vote more in favor of women's issues than their counterparts without daughters. The effect is most pronounced among Republican judges, suggesting personal experiences play a role in judicial decision-making.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateSep 15, 2014

What matters for making milk

A Harvard University study found that cows which gestated back-to-back daughters produce as much as 1,000 pounds more milk than those that give birth to sons over the first two lactations. This could lead to significant economic benefits for U.S. dairy farmers if artificial insemination techniques are used to increase female calves.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 3, 2014

Death of an adult son increases depressive symptoms in mothers, but not fathers

A recent study found that the death of an adult son significantly increased depressive symptoms in mothers, but not fathers. Mothers who relied heavily on their sons for support experienced greater declines in overall health and wellbeing. In contrast, the loss of a daughter had no impact on parental wellbeing.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateDec 4, 2013

Cultural differences shed light on non-completion of HPV vaccination in girls in low-income families

A study published at IDWeek 2013 found that low-income girls from Spanish-speaking families were less likely to receive the HPV vaccine due to a lack of encouragement from healthcare providers, while English-speaking parents cited concerns over vaccine safety and perceived risk. The findings highlight the importance of culturally sensi...

No sons linked to lower contraception use in Nepal

A study from the University of California, San Diego found that Nepalese women who do not have sons are less likely to use birth control, with young wives being among those least likely to use contraceptives. The preference for sons over daughters is rooted in cultural bias and historical practices, affecting reproductive decision-making.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalInternational Journal of Gynecology & Obstetrics·DateMar 14, 2013

Parents of teen girls more accepting of birth control pills than other contraceptive methods

A recent study from UCSF found that parents are more accepting of oral birth control pills (59%) than other forms of contraception. The most effective methods, such as implants and IUDs, were less acceptable to a minority of parents. Parental recognition of their teen's autonomy was the only predictor of acceptability across all methods.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateFeb 11, 2013

What it is to be a queen bee?

A new study by Nayuta Brand and Michel Chapuisat found that queen sweat bees restrict the amount of food provided to their first brood, resulting in smaller female workers. This 'choosing' behavior ensures that daughters become workers rather than queens.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalFrontiers in Zoology·DateDec 9, 2012

How JFK helped Barack Obama on his way to the White House

New research suggests that Barack Obama's image is shaped by the ideals of John F. Kennedy, reflecting a presidential legacy of elegance, sophistication, and success. The study explores how Obama's self-presentation is influenced by Kennedy's iconic imagery, including the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalComparative American Studies An International Journal·DateAug 8, 2012

Study suggests poor mothers favor daughters

A Michigan State University study found that poor mothers produce fattier milk for their daughters than sons, supporting a 1973 hypothesis. In contrast, wealthy mothers prefer to invest resources in sons who are more likely to increase their status through marriage.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateJun 21, 2012