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Eating to impress

A Cornell University study found men will eat significantly more food in the company of women than other men, consuming 93% more pizza and 86% more salad. When dining with men, many women felt they overate and were rushed through their meal.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateNov 17, 2015

Not so happy old age?

A recent study published in Psychology and Aging suggests that depressive symptoms continue to increase throughout old age, contrary to previous studies which only examined the issue up to age 85. The research found that levels of physical impairment, medical conditions, and death's approach significantly contribute to these increases.

SourceUniversity of Bradford·JournalPsychology and Aging·DateNov 13, 2015

Anti-smoking messages can backfire, research suggests

Research highlights the potential backfire of stigmatizing smoking in public health campaigns, which can lead to increased stress and resistance to quitting. Vulnerable groups may benefit from anti-smoking programs focusing on giving up benefits rather than negative stereotypes.

SourcePenn State·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateNov 2, 2015

Racial bias in crosswalks? Study says yes

Researchers have found that drivers tend to discriminate based on race when stopping for pedestrians at crosswalks, with African-Americans experiencing a 32% longer wait time before yielding. The study, which controlled for age, clothing, and socioeconomic factors, suggests that implicit racial bias plays a role in driver behavior.

Computers match doctors in predicting patient discharges

A new study from the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University finds that computers can accurately predict patient discharges, improving hospital resource management. The model uses fewer than 30 variables, including patient demographics and medical history, to make predictions, outperforming doctors in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateOct 14, 2015

Link between height and cancer

A large-scale Swedish study has discovered a link between height and cancer risk in both men and women. The research found that taller individuals have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancer, including breast cancer and melanoma, with the risk increasing by up to 30% per 10 cm of height.

Estrogen, shrubbery, and the sex ratio of suburban frogs

A Yale study reveals that suburban ponds experience a gender revolution due to elevated levels of estrogen in shrubbery and lawn areas. The research shows that female frogs outnumber males, likely caused by endocrine disruption from phytoestrogens produced by plants commonly found in lawns.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2015

Brain waves behind indecisiveness

A new study by neuroeconomists from the University of Zurich found that the precision and stability of preference decisions depend on the intensity of communication between two areas of the brain. The researchers used transcranial alternating current stimulation to test subjects' ability to make preference-based or sensory decisions.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2015

Behaviors linked to adult crime differ between abused boys and girls, study finds

A new study from the University of Washington suggests that abusive children can exhibit either 'externalizing' (arguing, disobedience, fighting) or 'internalizing' (depression, withdrawal) behaviors, which are predictors of later criminal activity. Abused girls who internalize their emotions are more likely to commit crimes as adults.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateAug 11, 2015

Genders differ dramatically in evolved mate preferences

A recent study found that sex differences in mate preferences are much larger than previously appreciated and stable across cultures. Men generally favor younger, physically attractive mates, while women seek older, financially secure partners. These findings highlight the significant role of gender in shaping human mating behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 6, 2015

Why female physicians are paid less than men

A US survey found female physicians work fewer hours, prioritize collegiality over substantial pay, and are more likely to be pediatricians or divorced. The pay disparity remains after controlling for age, geography, specialty, and clinical work.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Hospital Medicine·DateJul 30, 2015

Managers beware of gender faultlines

New research reveals that gender faultlines can appear when individuals share demographic traits and professional interests, leading to a stronger sense of in-group identity among employees. The study found that such faultlines have a negative effect on employee loyalty, but a supportive diversity climate can mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJul 23, 2015

What effect does marijuana really have on weight gain?

A new study by University of Montreal researchers found that long-term cannabis use is associated with weight gain, but this effect varies depending on factors such as gender and level of use. The study also showed that concomitant cigarette smoking can alter the relationship between cannabis use and weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·DateJun 29, 2015

NYU researchers examine obesity perceptions among Chinese-American adults in NYC

A recent study by NYU researchers found that approximately one-third of Chinese Americans incorrectly perceive their body weight. The study explored the accuracy of body weight perception and its impact on obesity among 162 participants, revealing significant differences among participants in terms of gender, age, and education years.

SourceNew York University·JournalObesity Research & Clinical Practice·DateMay 27, 2015

No association between lung cancer risk in women and reproductive history or hormone use

The study of over 160,000 postmenopausal women revealed no significant link between lung cancer risk and reproductive history or hormone therapy. However, some subgroups showed reduced risks for specific types of lung cancer, emphasizing the need for further research into complex relationships.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Lung Cancer·JournalJournal of Thoracic Oncology·DateApr 8, 2015

UH study links Facebook use to depressive symptoms

A University of Houston study finds that excessive Facebook use and social comparison are associated with depressive symptoms. The research suggests that individuals who spend more time on Facebook and engage in social comparisons may experience heightened levels of depression.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Social and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 6, 2015