Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Schizophrenic Patients' Frozen Faces Harm Social Interactions
Non-verbal communication, in the form of facial expressions, may be impaired in people with schizophrenia. Researchers writing in Behavioral and Brain Functions have shown that deficits in non-verbal expressivity in...
Personal disaster preparedness
A recent survey by Medical College of Wisconsin researchers of over 1,800 patients seen in the Froedtert Hospital Emergency Department revealed that Metro Milwaukee residents may not personally be as...
The total package: A skillful, compassionate doctor
Patients and their families want physicians who are gifted in diagnosis and treatment and who are caring individuals with the interpersonal skills needed to communicate complex information in stressful circumstances...
Infants draw on past to interpret present, understand other people's behaviour
The old real estate maxim 'location, location, location' also plays a role in how infants learn to understand the ambiguous actions and behaviour of other people...
I quit, we quit - what works better for smokers?
A study from the University of Bath has found that smokers are twice as likely to kick the habit if they use a support group rather than trying to give...
'Sunshine vitamin' link to cognitive problems in older people
Researchers from the Peninsula Medical School, the University of Cambridge and the University of Michigan, have for the first time identified a relationship between Vitamin D, the 'sunshine vitamin,' and...
Video games linked to poor relationships with friends, family
A new study connects young adults' use of video games to poorer relationships with friends and family – and the student co-author expresses disappointment at his own findings. read more
'Abusive behaviour' towards people with dementia by family carers is common
Half of family carers of people with dementia report some abusive behaviour towards the person they are caring for and one third report 'significant' levels of abuse, according to new...
Teleportation Milestone Achieved
Scientists have come a bit closer to achieving the "Star Trek" feat of teleportation.
Instant Messages Reveal Relationship Health
Instant messages can reveal whether your relationship is healthy or on the rocks.
Coming soon: Pope on YouTube
(AP) -- The Vatican is launching its own YouTube channel to engage more with the digital generation and better control Pope Benedict XVI's online image.
Yvonne Roberts: Misunderstanding female sexuality – again
Sometimes – especially when it comes to analysing female desire – scientists appear to be looking down the wrong
Have You Ever Shruck?
"Remember the time in 2003 when Bartlett came to work all hung over?" Laughs. "Nothing ever changes." [Bush] continued: "We never shruck—" "Shirked!" someone yelled. "Shirked," Bush corrected, smiling. "You might have shirked;...
List of countries warning of cellphone risks for children grows
Some international authorities are recommending that parents restrict the amount of time their children spend on cellphones as a precaution.
Alcohol exposure in the womb affects 'teenage' booze behaviour
Rats whose mothers were fed alcohol during pregnancy are more attracted to the smell of liquor during puberty. Researchers writing in BioMed Central's open access journal Behavioural and Brain Functions...
How do you picture yourself in a virtual world?
Art and media students doing fieldwork in Second Life (SL) and educators wanting to explore creative approaches in the virtual environment are to get a boost from research at the...
How wireless technology can affect the body
Most people don't think twice about talking, texting or e-mailing on the go - sending waves of radiation into the environment, and their bodies, as they stay connected through mobile...
'Spore' computer game evolving
A "Spore" computer game that lets people play God by designing life forms is evolving to offer versions tailored for children, space hunters, and fans of Nintendo Wii consoles.
Community-based Internet forums are great for new mothers, but could marginalise fathers
Researchers believe that local online forums could play a key role in helping new mothers to share experiences and concerns, according to a study published in the January issue of...
Early childhood diet may influence future health
If you have trouble keeping weight off and you're wondering why - the surprising answer may well be the cheeseburgers you ate - when you were a toddler...
Nature and Its Knockoffs
Also in today's links: measuring the effectiveness of IVF, checking the predictive ability of brain imaging, and more. read more
Psychology study shows that violence does not motivate video game players
The next time a loved one brandishes a virtual shotgun in their favourite video game, take heart. That look of glee, says a new study, likely stems from the healthy...
Trust in the media promotes health
Trust in the media promotes health. A study of people from 29 Asian countries, reported in the open access journal BMC Medicine, has shown that individuals with high levels of...
UN humanitarian chief tours Gaza destruction
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) -- The U.N.'s humanitarian chief Thursday launched a first-hand examination of the devastation wrought by Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip...
News Analysis: Scientists Welcome Obama’s Words
Many of the Bush administration’s restrictions on science will take time to be removed, but many scientists are exuberant over President Obama’s vow to “restore science to its rightful place.”
Saturday Science Academy cultivates minds for medicine
A ceremony celebrates 150 students' completion of an annual program that teaches classes on anatomy and other sciences. All receive white coats for their dedication. ...
Get some balance - make flexible work policies work
(PhysOrg.com) -- Most organisations' flexible work policies sit idly in policy documents, employees too uncomfortable to implement them because they might be frowned upon by employers or co-workers for deviating...
Personal Best: Fitness Isn’t an Overnight Sensation
There are many examples of people who took up exercise and markedly changed their appearance. But how long does it take?