Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Happiness is contagious, research finds
A study of the relationships of nearly 5,000 people tracked for decades in the Framingham Heart Study shows that good cheer spreads through social networks of nearby family, friends and...
Study proves men care about health
A study has revealed that Australian men are interested in their health, despite stereotypes, and are just looking for the right GP.
Collaboration Of Soloists Makes The Best Science
For the success of a major research university, which is better: large, well-funded laboratory empires with many investigators working toward the same end, or the individual scientist toiling alone in...
Scientists can be sexy
Adam Rutherford: A new report says male science students are less likely to be sexually active than others. Nerds, go forth and fight the stereotype
Students drink (heavily) to relax
A University of Canberra study has revealed that around 43 per cent of students drink at dangerous levels, often for social reasons or relaxation.
Couples ambivalent about surplus embryos
DURHAM, N.C., Dec. 5 (UPI) -- A study of patients at nine fertility clinics in the United States finds that many couples are unhappy with the available alternatives...
Genes determine whether placebos work
It is well-known in drug trials that individuals can respond just as well to placebos, sugar pills, as to the active drug. On the other hand, it is difficult to...
Talking in New Tongues -- How Easy is It?
Today's post is written by a guest, Kelly Kilpatrick, about language learning. read more
Myth about 'dirty old men' supported by science
Middle-aged men want younger women, often touting their intelligence and their high income. read more
UCLA expert blames American values for health-care crisis
To heal our ailing health care system, we need to stop thinking like Americans. That's the message of two articles by UCLA's Dr Marc Nuwer, a leading expert on national...
Probing Question: Did Shakespeare really write all those plays?
“Done to death by slanderous tongues.” So wrote William Shakespeare in his play, Much Ado About Nothing. Or did he? Even people who have never actually read Shakespeare have heard...
Northern Saskatchewan villages reeling from suicides
Leaders in northern Saskatchewan say they are shocked by a recent series of suicides among young people and are looking for ways to stop the trend.
Supreme Court refuses to hear appeal in autism lawsuit
The country's top court has rejected the latest appeal from parents who want their autistic children to receive specialized therapies from Ontario school boards.
Unlocking the mysteries of memory
Stop and think for a moment. What do you remember about your breakfast this morning? One part of your brain will recall the smell of coffee brewing, while another will...
Cross-cultural partnerships must talk to build trust
Academic partnerships bring knowledge and drive economic growth, but success depends on good communications that build trust, says Tim Gore.
Swimming kids not watched closely
According to a recent study, a quarter of New Zealand children are not properly supervised at the beach, with many parents unaware of tides or other factors.
Erratic cricket balls spoil batting
A researcher has found that cricket balls can have a great deal of variability, even within the same model of ball – enough to put unsuspecting batters on a sticky...
Stereotypes, bias and personnel decisions
In an article in the December issue of the journal Industrial and Organisational Psychology, Frank J. Landy questions research that is said to demonstrate that stereotypes about social groups bias...
Cosmic Log: Pick your top geek gift
Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: 3G? GPS? USB? Which acronym-laden gadget will be chosen as the top geek gift of 2008? Cast your vote, and help someone win a geeky...
New research reveals humans really can smell fear
The smell of fear, one of the most terrible cliches of pulp fiction, is actually founded in fact, scientists claim today.
The phone that feels the flu before you do
(AP) -- Did your parents tell you to remember your scarf when you went out, so you wouldn't catch a cold? Today, the advice might be: Remember your cell...
Mental agility plays key role in avoiding falls, study finds
An agile mind may be as important as strong limbs when it comes to the crucial task of preventing falls.
Scientists ask: Is technology rewiring our brains?
(AP) -- What does a teenage brain on Google look like? Do all those hours spent online rewire the circuitry? Could these kids even relate better to emoticons than...
The votes are in on worst business decision ever
I hardly know where to start. Business brains have made so many bad decisions over the years that it's a wonder there are any going concerns left on the planet....
Researchers work on developing sign language for cell phones
Texting over your cell phone works fine to instruct, remind or arrange a meet time. If you want company or context, however, you use it the old-fashioned way and speak....
Pilot project sheds light, warmth on Vanier's prostitutes
An aboriginal community organization is reaching out to Vanier's prostitutes as part of a city-funded project to find out more about the women who sell sex on the streets of...
AU takes 'controversial' lead in African S&T programmes
A move by the African Union to coordinate science and technology in the region signals "grudging cooperation" between two key bodies.
The triffids walk again: why do we have a love affair with man-eating plants?
A new television adaptation is being made of The Day of the Triffids, but why are we still prepared to believe in a post-apocalyptic world roamed by flesh-eating semi-sentient plants?...