Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Can money buy happiness? Gallup poll asks, and the world answers
A worldwide survey of more than 136,000 people in 132 countries included questions about happiness and income, and the results reveal that while life satisfaction usually rises with income, positive...
Psychological research conducted in WEIRD nations may not apply to global populations
A new University of British Columbia study says that an overreliance on research subjects from the U.S. and other Western nations can produce false claims about human psychology and behaviour...
Memory links to 40 winks
When it comes to executing items on tomorrow's to-do list, it's best to think it over, then 'sleep on it,' say psychologists at Washington University in St. Louis...
Brain freezer in Russia claims secret of eternal life
"I don't ever want to die... It wouldn't suit me," said Innokenty Osadchy. Fortunately, the 35-year-old investment banker is certain he has found a loophole out of death.
Man accused in sex infections faces 30 charges
A man who Ottawa police say infected several sexual partners now faces more than 30 criminal charges, including four counts of attempted murder.
Experiencing different cultures enhances creativity
Creativity can be enhanced by experiencing cultures different from one's own, according to a new study.
Anger drives support for wartime presidents, study finds
It's no secret that Americans tend to throw their support behind a sitting US president when the nation is thrust into a war or other potentially violent conflict with a...
Where are commuters feeling the most pain?
Science editor Alan Boyle's Weblog: The latest "Commuter Pain" index indicates that Beijing is more of a traffic nightmare than L.A. — but scientists are working on ways to lessen...
Russian spies hid secret codes in online photos
The alleged Russian spies recently arrested by the FBI are accused of encoding messages into otherwise innocuous pictures, marking the first confirmed use of this high-tech form of data concealment...
It’s nice to be noticed – even in Florence AL
As a science writer, I am always pleased when someone notices my work and recommends it. That was the case today when a writer for the Times Daily newspaper in Northwestern...
'A baby at last!': New couples' guide to getting pregnant
Infertility affects about 7 million Americans -- that's about one in six couples during their childbearing years. There are many reasons for infertility, with equal chances it's his medical issue...
Acts of God: Why Lightning Strikes Religious Symbols
Some modern religious leaders believe that Acts of God (a legal, not theological, term) are divine retribution for mankind's wickedness and immorality.
Desire and dread: Brain's computer has separate keyboard to control powerful emotions
(PhysOrg.com) -- Controlling powerful emotional reactions is often difficult because the brain's computer has a separate "keyboard" that controls feelings within extreme emotions like desire and dread, according to University...
Kilimani Sesame has positive impact on children in Tanzania: study
There are 8.3 million children who are 5 years and younger living in Tanzania. With limited access to formal education, can media intervention make a positive and significant impact...
Death of a salesman? Social media debunks views of advertising
(PhysOrg.com) -- More than 70% of people find advertising 'sinister' and 'devian' if they dislike the company and social media enhances those feelings, a University of Melbourne study has found.
Pathologists call for new training program to support personalized medicine
Doctors have issued "a call to action" for the medical profession to catch up with the technology and business communities in the application of genomics to personalized health care.
What do astronauts want to be when they grow up?
Astronauts are filling football stadiums and doing a great job starting children down the road to careers in science. What is it about them that still holds us spellbound, wonders Tom WhyntieYou'd be...
Cinema In 2500 BC
True or false: The cinema was invented in the late 19th century. It's only true if you consider the cinema to be artificial projection. It turns out that the original...
Insurers' Group Skips Endorsement of Medicare Nominee
The insurers trade organization didn't join in supporting Donald M. Berwick, the nominee to head Medicaid and Medicare.
No-stress stress sensor
Biosensor that monitors stress hormone levels could transform diagnostics and treatment of stress disorders
Divorce Not Always Bad for Kids
In marriages with a lot of conflict, "staying together for the kids" might do more harm than good in terms of the children's future adult relationships, a new study suggests.
Loathing cripples good ads
When people dislike a company, advertising won’t change their minds, according to a new study – people just became more angry.
Shaken baby syndrome: New theories proposed
A new research project in the UK will revisit and consider new hypotheses for the causation of subdural hematomas (bleeding in the brain) in Shaken Baby Syndrome (SBS).
Why trans is in but tranny is out - the language of transgender
To outsiders, debates over the language of transgender may seem trivial. In fact, says Roz Kaveney, linguistics is a vital battlefieldAs a trans man or woman, you soon notice how many people have...
Tigers reliever Zumaya lost for season to injury
By JON KRAWCZYNSKI 2010-06-29T23:09:24Z MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Joel Zumaya let another one of his famously blazing fastballs fly and...
Scholar calls for a new legal, ethical framework for research with human tissue specimens
A bioethics expert says a new legal and ethical framework needs to be placed around the donation and banking of human biological material, one that would more clearly define the...
Smarter lunchrooms lead kids to eat more salad
In a year-long study in an upstate New York middle school, researchers examined the effect of moving the salad bar to a more prominent location in the cafeteria. Results show...
Response: Science's success is society's gain. We are not motivated by money
It is ludicrous to compare us to a religion. We base our arguments on evidence, not faithSimon Jenkins argues that scientists justify investment "by faith, not reason" and points out that "no claim to...