Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Prenatal exposure to urban pollutants lowers IQ
Prenatal exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can reduce the IQ of unborn children by over 4 points
How Children Draw Conclusions From The Products They See
A new study examines children's tendencies to draw conclusions about social roles from the products they see.
What A Coincidence! Personal Connections Improve Sales
If a salesperson shares a birthday or a birthplace with you, you're more likely to make a purchase, and feel good about it, according to a new study.
Scientists Present First Genetic Evidence For Why Placebos Work
Researchers have found a new explanation for why placebos work -- genetics. They report that in people suffering from major depressive disorder, genes that influence the brain's reward pathways may...
Trash Or Treasure? Families And Their Beloved Possessions
Whether it's grandpa's piano or a Nintendo Wii, certain objects become a part of family routines and histories. A new study helps explain why some possessions wind up in permanent...
Advisory; Source for Stories Regarding Cell Phone Use and Driving
Reporters pursuing stories about the growing controversy over cell phone use while driving may want to consider talking to Steven Yantis, a psychology professor at The Johns Hopkins University.
Rates Of Secondhand Smoke Exposure High Among College Students
Secondhand smoke is not only a nuisance, but a potential health concern for many college students, and administrators should be taking steps to reduce students' exposure, according to a new...
Brain develops motor memory for prosthetics, study finds
"Practice makes perfect" is the maxim drummed into students struggling to learn a new motor skill - be it riding a bike or developing a killer backhand in tennis. Stunning...
Social Support Buffers Adolescent Depression After Terrorist Attacks
Researchers have conducted a "before and after" study of depression and terrorist attacks in adolescents, demonstrating that strong social support from friends is a buffer from depression in terrorism-related stress.
Babies Understand Dogs, Bark-matching Study Finds
A new study shows that babies understand dogs. The experiments found 6-month-olds can match the sounds of friendly and aggressive barks to corresponding pictures of dogs, which they accomplished on...
The Sounds Of Learning: Studying The Impact Of Music On Children With Autism
The power of music affects all of us and has long appealed to our emotions. It is for this reason that researchers are using music to help children with autism...
Nature? Nurture? Child Development Scientists Say Neither
It's easy to explain why we act a certain way by saying "it's in the genes," but a group of child development scientists say the world has relied on that...
Starve A Fever, Feed A Cold, Don't Be Stressed
Whether it's getting a cold during exam time or feeling run-down after a big meeting, we've all experienced feeling sick following a particularly stressful time at work or school. Is...
APOLLO 11 HOAX PHOTOS: 8 Moon-Landing Myths -- Busted
Forty years have passed since humans first walked on the moon, but many conspiracy theorists still insist that it was all an elaborate hoax. Examine the evidence, and find out why experts...
Researchers Train Minds to Move Matter
Experiments in monkeys demonstrate how thoughts can be used to control a computer cursor.
Study: Bilingual Ability Easier for Kids
Babies Lose Key Abilities to Distinguish Languages as They Age
Gene variations can be barometer of behaviour, choices
Researchers at Brown University and the University of Arizona have determined that variations of three different genes in the brain (called single-nucleotide polymorphisms) may help predict a person's tendency to...
Teens Fueled by Caffeine Use Too Much Technology and Don`t Get Enough Sleep
(PhysOrg.com) -- Fueled by caffeine teens are up late at night, and they aren`t just focusing on homework. Web surfing, text messaging and gaming are keeping them up for hours...
Chance of nuclear war is greater than you think: Stanford engineer makes risk analysis
What are the chances of a nuclear world war? What is the risk of a nuclear attack on United States soil? The risk of a child born today suffering an...
Social media could be used to spy: Iranian-Canadians
Many Iranian-Canadians have used the internet and cellphones to keep in touch with family during the turbulent post-election period in Iran, but some say they're also afraid the same technology...
Using Scientific Tools in an International War on Fake Drugs
A mass spectrometer can find bad medicine and may protect in other ways.
Researchers pioneer new treatment for social phobia and alcohol abuse
(PhysOrg.com) -- For many people, drinking is an essential part of a night out with friends. Alcohol is widely considered to be a social lubricant, so it's not surprising that...
Star Murders Reveal Truth about Homicide
Very few murders are committed by strangers — partly because murder is often motivated by revenge or passion.
Professional lobbyists: Pragmatic operatives or just another partisan resource?
The thousands of professional lobbyists working in Washington, DC on issues tend to be professional partisans who mobilize resources for one preferred political party exclusively. So finds a new study...
Sleep and the Brain
Sleep is actually a very important function of and for the brain. We need to generate enough sleep to feel rested, to have energy, to assist with mood, and to...
Americans Worried About Flu’s Impact on Finances
Most adults are concerned about the financial hit they will take if illness or school closings keep them home from work.
Getting Fat? Blame the Recession
Science has confirmed what we suspected — financial stress has a way of turning into body fat.
Space Program, Going in Circles, Needs Bold Moves
Many say send humans back to the moon and beyond, but money and motivation are lacking.