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Pusan National University study rethinks how household income needs are assessed for welfare support

A Pusan National University study explores how household composition and consumption type influence equivalence scales, suggesting a more nuanced approach to adjusting household income for welfare support. The findings have direct implications for Korea's National Basic Livelihood Security system, with potential applications for policy...

SourcePusan National University·JournalAsia Pacific Viewpoint·TypeObservational study·DateSep 10, 2026

No bosses, no problem! Pre-Hispanic farmers built giant water system bottom-up, archaeologists reveal

Researchers argue that policymakers in Colombia can adopt a similar cooperative strategy to solve the country's current water management crisis. The pre-Hispanic field systems of La Mojana cover an astonishing 500,000 hectares and were likely built by local communities in a short period of time through cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCommunications Sustainability·DateAug 11, 2026

Want a happier marriage? New study suggests one simple habit

Researchers found that couples who exercise together report better communication, stronger conflict resolution, and lower marital stress. Walking was the most commonly reported form of shared exercise among couples in the study, suggesting it's a simple way to create opportunities for positive interactions and conversation.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFamily Relations·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 10, 2026

Social bonds, recognition linked to reduced suicidal thoughts in teens

A new study by Penn State researchers found that strong social bonds and public recognition for achievements can reduce suicidal thoughts and behavior among teenagers. The study analyzed data from nearly 200,000 Pennsylvania teens and found that personal connections with family, school, and community can decrease suicide risk.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 4, 2026

Benefits of middle school program trickle down to next generation

A middle school substance-use prevention program led to wide-ranging benefits well into adulthood, including better communication with romantic partners and better-adjusted children. Parents who participated in the program reported lower levels of family conflict and higher levels of family cohesion.

SourcePenn State·JournalChild Development·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2026

When work and family collide, job flexibility helps shape who adjusts

Research reveals that job characteristics, including schedule flexibility and indispensability, influence how couples balance work and family responsibilities. The study found that women were more likely to make adjustments to support family needs, but this effect was attributed to differences in job characteristics rather than gender.

SourceRice University·JournalPersonnel Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

The digital therapy helping dementia carers

A digital therapy platform, iACT4CARERS, has been shown to reduce anxiety and depression in dementia carers after three and six months. The study, which involved almost 500 volunteers, found that carers using the platform had lower levels of anxiety and depression compared to those receiving usual care alone.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalThe Lancet Regional Health - Europe·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 11, 2026

Residential environment linked to subjective well-being through life-domain satisfaction

A new study by Keio University researchers explores the association between residential environments and subjective well-being, finding that better living conditions are linked to higher satisfaction with important life domains, which in turn is associated with greater overall well-being. The study suggests that housing design and poli...

SourceKeio University Global Research Institute·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 1, 2026

Training hands-on dads

A new study from the University of Tokyo finds that a one-off training session increased time spent by fathers on childcare and housework, freeing up mothers to use for their own work. The training corrected common misconceptions about paternity leave and led to significant behavioral change.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeSurvey·DateJun 18, 2026

International surrogates recruited on social media face emotional control in Georgia’s booming childbirth market, new Oxford study reveals

A new Oxford study documents the hidden systems of emotional control sustaining Georgia's transnational surrogacy market, where intermediaries govern emotions and discipline conduct. Most women enter surrogacy through advertising on Instagram and TikTok, while staged payments reinforce financial control over their mobility.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMobilities·DateJun 15, 2026

Ancient DNA reveals web of marriage and migration in Peru

A new study analyzing ancient DNA alongside archaeological data suggests that population movement along Peru's Pacific coast began at least 800 years ago, centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire. Genetic evidence reveals mixed ancestry between people from different coastal regions over subsequent generations.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2026

New study reveals strict selection patterns in social relationships

Researchers found that humans are extremely selective when choosing friends and partners, evaluating all identity characteristics positively before entering a relationship. The study used data from high school friendships and marriages to validate its findings, revealing that factors like grade level, ethnic background, and age play a ...

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2026

In mafias, marriages are strategic tools

Research on the 'Ndrangheta mafia network reveals that matrimonial ties between lesser-known clans play a vital role in maintaining the entire network's resilience. The analysis found that marriages between less influential families are significantly more critical to the network's cohesion.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateMay 6, 2026

Long-term study of COVID lockdown and family life shows unexpected, lasting effects on fatherhood

A new study by Lee Gettler of the University of Notre Dame found that COVID-19 lockdowns had a limited lasting effect on fathers' involvement in childcare, contrary to initial reports. The 15-year longitudinal data showed no significant change in fathering behaviors before and after the pandemic, with most dads resuming their pre-pande...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPLOS One·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 30, 2026

Emoji’s have feelings too, new study reveals

A new study by Bournemouth University found that the brain reacts to emojis in a way similar to seeing real human faces, with neural responses occurring within 145-160 milliseconds. This suggests that emojis can be processed by the brain as meaningful emotional signals during online interaction.

SourceBournemouth University·JournalPsychophysiology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 20, 2026

Could your housemates be changing your gut bacteria?

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that living with friends may alter your gut bacteria, with social closeness driving the exchange of anaerobic microbes. The research suggests that daily interactions at home, such as hugging and sharing food prep spaces, may encourage the transfer of beneficial gut bacteria.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalMolecular Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 10, 2026

Hat wars of early modern England revealed

A new study by Bernard Capp reveals that refusing to doff one's hat was a potent act of political defiance during the civil war era, with elite men both adopting and resisting the practice. In contrast, an 18th-century Englishman's hat remained a powerful symbol of personal protection.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalThe Historical Journal·DateApr 9, 2026

Rethinking Europe’s nature reserves

Researchers propose incorporating local knowledge into nature conservation through a biocultural approach. This involves collaborating with local people, considering traditional land-use practices and their impact on protected areas.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalConservation Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2026

Parenting programs can improve wellbeing for families from diverse backgrounds

A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that community-based parenting programmes like Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities can improve family wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Parents who participated reported higher levels of mental wellbeing and improved relationships with their children.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateMar 24, 2026

Hairdressers could be a secret weapon in tackling climate change, new research finds

Research from the University of Bath's Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations reveals that hairdressers can prompt climate conversations and inspire change. Salon owners reported successful conversations with clients about sustainability, leading to changes in habits such as water and energy usage, and even dietary choices.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeSurvey·DateMar 3, 2026

When safety starts with a text message

A study by the University of Texas at Arlington found that digital hotlines are providing anonymity, easy access, and a lower-pressure way for survivors to seek help. Advocates tailor their guidance to each person's situation, building a plan together while ensuring the survivor is in a safe space.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateFeb 26, 2026

How many times will we fall passionately in love? New Kinsey Institute study offers first-ever answer

A new study from the Kinsey Institute found that passionate love is relatively infrequent, occurring about twice in a lifetime. The research surveyed 10,036 single adults aged 18 to 99 and found that 14% had never experienced passionate love, while 28% experienced it once.

SourceKinsey Institute·JournalInterpersona An International Journal on Personal Relationships·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 10, 2026

Why parents turn to social media about kids’ drug use

A study by Harvard Medical School and the University of Texas at Arlington found that parents seeking advice on substance use from online peers can be misled by misconceptions. The research suggests that while social media offers a unique window into parental concerns, it should complement evidence-based guidance rather than replace it.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 3, 2026

Being close to someone with a gambling problem raises your own risk – new study

A new study by the University of Bath and Tampere University found that individuals exposed to problem gambling within family or friend networks are more likely to develop their own gambling issues. Strong family relationships significantly reduce this risk, whereas friendships do not provide a comparable protective effect.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 20, 2026

Has progress stalled on gender equality at work?

The study emphasizes the importance of reorganizing work to support prevention rather than perpetual recovery, particularly in the face of climate change and technological disruption. It also highlights the need for gender equity in technology design and governance to prevent job displacement and undervaluation of women's work.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Economic and Labour Relations Review·DateJan 14, 2026