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Social media and self-harm: Study finds need for more control over content and safe spaces for connection and support

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that potential harms co-exist with opportunities for crisis support on social media platforms. Researchers are calling for more control over content and safe spaces for connection and support, with a focus on empowering young people to make informed online choices.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 11, 2026

Refugees reveal how community shapes success in Canada

A University of Toronto study explores the experiences of 42 older Hungarian and Vietnamese refugees, finding that strong social connections, supportive communities, and opportunities for belonging played a crucial role in their success. The research highlights the importance of policies that strengthen community connections and suppor...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalArchives of Gerontology and Geriatrics Plus·DateAug 6, 2026

Race and ethnicity modify the association between US socioeconomic status and metabolic disease

A new study finds that higher education and income have varying health benefits across different racial and ethnic groups in the United States. For non-Hispanic Black participants, higher educational attainment was only associated with a 4% reduction in type 2 diabetes prevalence, while higher income was linked to increased obesity rates.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeObservational study·DateJul 8, 2026

UK’s younger generations likelier to experience poor health earlier in life than previous cohorts – decades of research shows

Decades of research on UK birth cohorts suggest a 'generational health drift' where more recent generations experience poor health earlier in life, particularly obesity and mental ill health. This trend is driven by worsening social and environmental exposures rather than improvements in healthcare.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalPopulation Studies·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 21, 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

Rich more likely to use AI study finds, as experts warn these burgeoning technologies are increasing social inequality

A recent study reveals that individuals with higher education or income are more aware of and use AI tools, exacerbating social inequalities. The researchers recommend increasing engagement with AI-related topics through outreach campaigns, educational programs, and community workshops to reduce this new digital divide.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 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

Counting the silence: How years of data crunching led to female artists making up majority of Brit Award nominees

A decade-long analysis reveals a significant gap in solo female Irish artists reaching number one on charts, but data-driven intervention has led to a shift in Brit Awards nominations. The study highlights the impact of commercial mechanisms like airplay on public recognition and industry trends.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 7, 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

People in need of disability benefits are facing new barriers – and government cuts and overhauls are to blame

The federal disability benefits system has become more difficult to navigate due to staffing reductions and administrative changes. Researchers found that 16 million people, including those in severe medical crises or on the edge of homelessness, are facing increased barriers to accessing desperately needed cash assistance. The report ...

SourceBinghamton University·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2026

Stronger together: How social connections and physical activity team up to boost older adults’ health

A comprehensive literature review by Texas A&M University researchers finds strong social networks and physical activity are deeply intertwined, reducing feelings of loneliness and improving well-being. The study suggests treating these factors as linked, with a focus on designing interventions that use connections to encourage movement.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAmerican Journal of Health Promotion·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 21, 2026

Social environment impacts sleep quality

Researchers found that mice higher in their social hierarchy benefited from isolation, while those lower did not. The team also discovered that being alone can disrupt the brain's ability to stabilize its internal rhythms during sleep, which may be relevant to human mental health.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2026

Learning about public consensus on climate change does little to boost people’s support for action, study shows

A new study based on data from Germany found that learning about widespread public support for climate action policies initially makes people think such policies are more politically feasible, but these effects are small and short-lived. The study challenges common expectations about the power of public consensus to drive climate action.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 15, 2026

8 in 10 Irish people identifying as LGBTQI+ report having experienced at least one form of identity abuse, and more than half have experienced multiple forms of abuse within their lifetime

A study published in PLOS One reveals that 8 in 10 Irish people identifying as LGBTQI+ have experienced at least one form of identity abuse. Over half have faced multiple forms of abuse within their lifetime. The Being LGBTQI+ in Ireland study highlights the need for improved support and protection for these vulnerable communities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·DateNov 26, 2025

Study finds Kansas City fare-free bus policy attracted new riders, increased overall use

A study by the University of Kansas found that Kansas City's zero-fare bus policy attracted 17% of respondents who started using bus service, particularly among younger people and white residents. The policy also increased overall bus use, with new users without vehicle access making more trips per week than those with access.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTransport Policy·TypeSurvey·DateNov 10, 2025

Double disadvantage hurts more than twice as much

A new study from the Complexity Science Hub finds that belonging to more than one marginalized group can significantly harder forming social connections. The researchers developed a mathematical model and tested it using friendship data from around 40,000 U.S. high school students, revealing how overlapping disadvantages can interact.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 5, 2025

Shared genetic mechanisms underpin social life in bees and humans

A recent study found that genetic variants associated with social behavior in honey bees are also linked to social behavior in humans. Researchers used genome sequencing, brain gene expression analysis, and behavioral observations to investigate the genetic mechanisms underpinning variation in social behavior in western honey bees.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2025

Stalking, obtaining restraining order linked with increased cardiovascular disease risk in women

Women who experienced stalking and/or obtaining a restraining order had a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, according to a new study. The study found a 41% increase in CVD risk among women who experienced stalking and a 70% increase among those with restraining order history.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalCirculation·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2025

Bilbao's urban elements determine the physical activity of its inhabitants

A University of the Basque Country study found that Bilbao's urban elements significantly impact physical activity levels. Citizens prioritized green areas, multi-purpose facilities, and accessibility, highlighting the importance of proper management and maintenance. The research also emphasized the need for pedestrian-friendly infrast...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalLandscape and Urban Planning·DateJun 2, 2025

How could artificial intelligence be used globally to increase fairness in the distribution of public social services?

The AI FORA project analyzed how AI-based social assessment varies across nine countries and four continents, highlighting the need for flexible, dynamic, and adaptive systems that reflect social stakeholders' perspectives. The research aims to improve AI in addressing fairness and discrimination issues in public social services.

Despite high employment rates, Black immigrants in the United States more likely to be uninsured, USC study shows

A recent USC study found that Black immigrants in the United States have a 9% higher likelihood of being uninsured compared to U.S.-born white adults, despite having a 70.2% employment rate. The disparity is attributed to wage penalties and systemic barriers related to race and immigration status.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalHealth Affairs·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 3, 2025