Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Obama Arrives at Climate Talks, Seeking to Wrest a Deal
The world is looking to the president to wrest some credible success from climate negotiations, and there were some signs that a meaningful political deal might be at hand.
Power Law Explains Insurgent Violence
The timing of attacks all over the world fits a similar pattern [Read more]
Learning styles debunked
Are you a verbal learner or a visual learner? Chances are, you've pegged yourself or your children as either one or the other and rely on study techniques that suit...
How to Hide Your Friends List on Facebook
Facebook Made Friends Lists Available to All Under New "Privacy" Regime; Here's How to Keep It Private (Except to Friends)
Report: Arizonans make good neighbors, but not good citizens
(PhysOrg.com) -- Polls consistently show that Arizonans take pride in their state, enjoy their quality of life, and like and trust their neighbors. Yet despite such positive outlooks, the percentage...
Mom and Dad not equally to blame for some bad genes
Depending which parent passes on a trait, disease risk could go up or down
How do we understand written language?
How do we know that certain combinations of letters have certain meanings? Reading and spelling are complex processes, involving several different areas of the brain, but researchers have now identified...
Brain imaging shows kids' PTSD symptoms linked to poor hippocampus function
Psychological trauma leaves a trail of damage in a child's brain, say scientists. Their new study gives the first direct evidence that children with symptoms of post-traumatic stress suffer poor...
For older adults, participating in social service activities can improve brain functions
Volunteer service, such as tutoring children, can help older adults delay or reverse declining brain function, according to a new study. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), the researchers found...
No More 'Social Media,' More Single Log-ins for Multiple Platforms
(PhysOrg.com) -- As more people use social media platforms, they will begin moving away from using the term 'social media' in the new year, predicts Dr. Karla Gower, associate professor...
NSAIDs: Take 'em early and often when competing? Think again
Athletes' superstitions and rituals can help them get psyched up for contests, but when these rituals involve non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), which many athletes gobble down before and during events,...
Interview: At home with microfluidics
Andrew deMello discusses lab-on-a-chip devices, the changing face of medicine and spin-out companies
Pronoun Sleuth
George Washington always refers to George Washington. The pronoun he, on the other hand, can refer to George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, or anyone else who is male (not...
MCG scientists decode memory-forming brain cell conversations
The conversations neurones have as they form and recall memories have been decoded by Medical College of Georgia scientists...
Delay makes aged care frail
A recent study found that New Zealanders stay independent longer than they used to – so people in aged care are more frail.
Psychotherapy offers obesity prevention for 'at risk' teenage girls
A team of scientists at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and the National Institutes of Health have piloted psychotherapy treatment to prevent excessive weight gain in teenager...
What's wrong with wellbeing? | Juliet Michaelson
The ultimate goal of government should be promoting wellbeing. It's not 'surreal' to make policies on that basisCatherine Bennett is unconvinced that "it is the state's business to meet those psychological needs" that...
Earliest proven case of leprosy found in Israel
The DNA of a shrouded man from the first century found in Jerusalem has revealed the earliest proven case of leprosy, Israel's Hebrew university announced on Wednesday.
Feature: Feeling no pain
Every week some AFL players need painkilling jabs to get on the field, writes Dr Jodi Richardson.
Text Retrieval Expert Named Distinguished Scientist by Computing Group
Ellen Voorhees, leader of the text retrieval group in the Information Technology Laboratory at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), was recently recognized as a "Distinguished Scientist" by...
Music and the arts fight depression, promote health
If you paint, dance or play a musical instrument – or just enjoy going to the theater or to concerts -- it’s likely that you feel healthier and are less...
Letters: Scientific approach to Darwin and the origin of natural selection
Such generalisations (Letters, 11 December) only serve to fuel the Darwin myth. Let's be specific. Darwin's claim that he had understood the concept of natural selection for 20 years was dishonest. Darwin's use...
Time for a new view of late-life dementia
Two new studies published in the December 16, 2009 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association point to the need for a broader scientific perspective on late-life dementia,...
Pension fund switch to decentralized management right way to go, landmark study finds
As pension funds have grown and become increasingly complex many have turned to using multiple, often pricier specialist managers to steer their investment decisions.
Parents encouraged to avoid purchasing lottery tickets as gifts for minors
(PhysOrg.com) -- In the flurry of activity before the holidays, some well-meaning family members consider buying lottery tickets and scratch cards as affordable, colourful, and potentially promising gift options for...
Experiential learning teaches change and adaptation
MADISON, WI, December 15, 2009 -- Economics, environmental impacts, social dynamics, and production levels are all major factors that influence the overall success of an agroecosystem. Positive or negative,...
Experiential Learning Teaches Change and Adaptation
This study analyzed the impact of experiential learning on students through a study of an agroecology course. Via a mixed-methods analysis, researchers determined that the course measurably impacted participating...
Psychologist to examine childhood depression
Research by Binghamton University psychologist Brandon Gibb could provide new weapons for the fight against childhood depression. Working with colleagues around the country, he hopes to identify the causes of...