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Stereotypes lower math performance in women, but effects go unrecognized, IU study finds

A recent IU study found that gender stereotypes about women's ability in mathematics negatively impact their performance. However, surprisingly, both men and women incorrectly believe these stereotypes will motivate women to perform better. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these misperceptions to red...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 26, 2015

Prescription for living longer: Spend less time alone

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that loneliness and social isolation are major risk factors for mortality across all ages and income levels. The research analyzed data from over 3 million participants and found that the lack of social connections presents an added risk, while the existence of relationships provides a po...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateMar 11, 2015

Protective brain protein reveals gender implications for autism, Alzheimer's research

A Tel Aviv University study found that a mutated gene regulating over 400 proteins affects male and female brains differently, leading to sex-specific learning and memory differences. The research suggests analyzing men and women separately in clinical trials to find cures for diseases due to potential gender differences.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateFeb 3, 2015

She thinks friends, he thinks sex

A recent study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that both men and women tend to misinterpret each other's social signals. Women reported being misinterpreted as sexually interested approximately 3.5 times a year, while men reported being misinterpreted less often. The results suggest that these miscommunicati...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateJan 29, 2015

What can your online avatar say about your personality?

A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that some personality traits are more accurately communicated through online avatars than others. Outgoing individuals tend to create avatars that convey their personality, while those high in neuroticism struggle to express themselves accurately. Customizing an avat...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJan 9, 2015

Job authority increases depression symptoms in women, decreases them in men

A study by the American Sociological Association finds that job authority increases symptoms of depression among women due to interpersonal tension and negative stereotypes. In contrast, having job authority decreases symptoms of depression among men, as they are viewed as strong leaders with consistent status beliefs.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalJournal of Health and Social Behavior·DateNov 20, 2014

Testosterone plays modest role in menopausal women's sexual function

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism suggests that testosterone has a limited impact on menopausal women's interest in sex and sexual function. Psychosocial factors such as emotional well-being and intimate relationships are found to be stronger contributors to sexual health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateNov 20, 2014

Using technology to decrease the knowledge gap between Ugandan men and women

A University of Illinois study found that combining video and lecture-demonstration training methods significantly narrowed the gender knowledge gap. Video training alone improved women's knowledge scores but did not close the gap between them and men.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of International Agricultural and Extension Education·DateNov 18, 2014

More physical activity improved school performance

A study by the Sahlgrenska Academy found that two hours of extra physical activity per week can improve school performance in twelve-year-olds. The results showed a larger proportion of students from schools with extra physical activity achieved national learning goals in all subjects compared to control groups.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of School Health·DateOct 14, 2014

Media celebrate female NFL referee, but fumble deeper issues

A study by Penn State researcher Dunja Antunovic found that the media mostly celebrated female NFL referee Shannon Eastin's debut, but failed to provide comprehensive analysis of gender issues in sports. The research highlights structural barriers that hinder women's participation in traditionally male roles.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Sports Media·DateOct 8, 2014

Parents drive kids' car choices

A new study by Michigan State University economist Soren Anderson found that children are 39% more likely to buy a particular car brand if their parents bought that brand. This inherited brand loyalty could impact automakers' marketing strategies, with potential implications for pricing and product offerings.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Industrial Economics·DateOct 2, 2014

Computer games give a boost to English

A Swedish study found that young people who play interactive computer games for more than an hour a week have a larger English vocabulary compared to those who do not. The study also revealed a major difference between boys and girls in terms of their gaming habits, with girls spending more time on language-related activities online.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalReCALL·DateAug 28, 2014

Orphaned children can do just as well in institutions

A three-year study across five low- and middle-income countries found that orphaned children in institutions are as healthy as those in family-based care. The type of residential setting was a poor predictor of child well-being, with country, neighborhood, and community being stronger predictors.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 27, 2014

Shift work linked to heightened risk of type 2 diabetes

Research suggests that shift work is associated with a heightened risk of developing type 2 diabetes, particularly among men and those working rotating shift patterns. The study found a 37% increased risk for men and a 9% increased risk for all participants compared to working normal office hours.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateJul 24, 2014

Teen dating violence cuts both ways: 1 in 6 girls and guys are aggressors, victims or both

A new study found that 1 in 5 young women and 1 in 8 young men reported being victims or aggressors in violent dating situations, highlighting the need for healthcare providers to screen both genders. The study also suggests that those with depression or substance abuse issues are more likely to engage in violent behavior.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJul 7, 2014

Research reveals a gender gap in the nation's biology labs

A new study found that women are greatly underrepresented in the labs of high-achieving male biology professors, despite being overrepresented overall. This discrepancy may be due to self-selection or unconscious bias, and institutions can take steps to address these issues by making their labs more welcoming to female scientists.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2014

New research proves gender bias extraordinarily prevalent in STEM careers

A new study from Columbia Business School reveals that hiring managers in STEM fields possess an extraordinary level of gender bias, often choosing less-qualified men over superiorly qualified women. The study demonstrates the cost of discrimination, leading to a less diverse workforce and detrimental effects on companies.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014