Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Sugar can be addictive, Princeton scientist says
A Princeton University scientist will present new evidence today demonstrating that sugar can be an addictive substance, wielding its power over the brains of lab animals in a manner similar...
Thanks ... and Best Wishes for the Holidays!
SETI is truly grateful for all gifts and memberships received this year.
Genetics: Why Some Drinkers Feel Effects Of Alcohol Strongly, And Why Some Are Prone To Alcohol Abuse
Researchers have identified a region on the human genome that appears to determine how strongly drinkers feel the effects of alcohol and thus how prone they are to alcohol abuse.
Boy-girl Bullying In Middle Grades More Common Than Previously Thought
Much more cross-gender bullying -- specifically, unpopular boys harassing popular girls -- occurs in later elementary school grades than previously thought, meaning educators should take reports of harassment from popular...
Complex Decision? Don't Think About It
It may be surprising to learn that recent studies have suggested that the best way to deal with complex decisions is to not think about them at all -- that...
Abused women have nowhere to run
A lack of funding and emergency housing is forcing many domestic violence victims to choose between the streets or an unhappy home, a study has found.
When it's more than the 'terrible twos'
We all know how infants can act up during their terrible twos, but when these behaviours are accompanied by developmental setbacks, they could point to something more serious...
Study reveals effects of unconscious exposure to advertisements
Fads have been a staple of American pop culture for decades, from spandex in the 1980s to skinny jeans today. But while going from fad to flop may seem like...
Financial incentives appear effective for short-term weight loss
A preliminary study suggests that economic incentives appear to be effective for achieving short-term weight loss, according to a report in the 10 December issue of JAMA...
'Right to science' deserves more support
We must clarify the 'human right' to science — and remind governments of their contractual obligation to uphold it.
Fear of nuts creating hysteria of epidemic proportions
Measures imposed to reduce exposure to nuts are often based on irrational fears of nut allergies and are becoming increasingly sensationalist, according to a doctor on bmj.com today...
Thinking like a president: How power affects complex decision making
Presidential scholars have written volumes trying to understand the presidential mind. How can anyone juggle so many complicated decisions? Do those seeking office have a unique approach to decision making?...
Psychologists report that a gender gap in spatial skills starts in infancy
Men tend to perform better than women at tasks that require rotating an object mentally, studies have indicated. Now, developmental psychologists at Pitzer College and UCLA have discovered that this...
A New Light On Work-related Fatigue
A research group from Taiwan examined the associations between the objective health indicators and the high need for recovery (NFR) after work. They found that for apparently healthy workers, high...
When 2 + 2 = Major Anxiety: Math Performance In Stressful Situations
New research indicates that working memory is a key component of math anxiety. These findings suggest that worrying about a situation (such as solving an arithmetic problem in front of...
Gift Guide: Smart phones for work and play
(AP) -- Navigating all the "smart" phones out there and picking one for yourself can be tricky, and purchasing one for someone else can be even more daunting.
Need a Special Gift for a Special Person? UB Developed Products Make Life (and Giving) Easier
(PhysOrg.com) -- Is there someone on your gift list who could use a little help opening the jar of candied cherries for the holiday fruitcake? Or needs to raise the...
Fearing the fear of nanotechnology
Hard data could help dispel scientists' preconceptions about the public, argues Richard Jones.
Researcher uncovers what athletes need to perform well
(PhysOrg.com) -- Watching her father qualify for the 1988 Olympics was what inspired UQ PhD graduate Dr Caroline Ringuet to research the needs of high-performance athletes.
Researcher Helps People See Beyond the 'Typical' Divorce
(PhysOrg.com) -- According to a University of Missouri family researcher, there is no “typical divorce.” Realizing this, friends and family members of people experiencing divorce should be aware of the...
Well: Beyond Cupcakes: Children in the Kitchen
A new batch of cookbooks aimed at children has a worthwhile health message.
Of Sex and Sleep
I once read in Cosmo that men get sleepier post-orgasm than women do. Is this a bunch of bull? It's not like men crash after masturbating. Could it be attributed...
People who want access to the NHS should behave more responsibly, says expert
Patients should recognise they have to take responsibility for their own health if they want access to free healthcare, says a leading academic.
President Bush: Creation and Evolution Not Incompatible
President George W. Bush said his belief that God created the world is not incompatible with scientific proof of evolution.
Jessica Shepherd wonders why women are leaving science
At the age of eight, Farrah Bhatti would take the contents of her parents' fruit bowl into school to test its acidity.
Natural Hormone Reduces Stress Hormones In Arguing Couples
A dose of the hormone Oxytocin reduces the stress hormone Cortisol in arguing couples. In addition, Oxytocin strengthens positive behavior, as researchers have discovered. Various studies in recent years have...
Smart Pills: The Truth About Cognitive-Enhancing Drugs
Drugs used to make people smarter are riddled with side effects.
MySpace Suicide Prosecutors Used Wrong Law
Larry Magid says what Lori Drew allegedly did to Megan Meier was despicable, but it didn't justify her conviction for violating federal laws designed to keep hackers from invading computer...