Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
In minutes a day, low-income families can improve their kids' health
When low-income families devote three to four extra minutes to regular family mealtimes, their children's ability to achieve and maintain a normal weight improves measurably, according to a new study....
Why Does It Get Dark?
In a comment on You, Andromeda, And The Largest Structure In The Universe, Mike Crow posted a picture of Andromeda, made from 40 hours of his exposure, 5 minutes at...
AUDIO: Can crabs and prawns feel pain?
Scientist Bob Elwood told BBC Radio 5 live Breakfast that crustaceans including crabs and prawns can feel pain.
Spring break excess may be stereotypes gone wild
The popular perception that college students are reaching new levels of self-indulgence and risky behavior during spring break excursions may [...]
Toronto doctor sexually assaulted sedated woman, trial hears
The husband of one of the 21 women who allege they were sexually assaulted by a Toronto anesthesiologist testified Wednesday that right after surgery his wife told him what...
Gender issues in children's literature
Writers, publishers, teachers and parents need to closely scrutinise gender construction in children's literature so that young children are presented with stories that promote equality and respect for both sexes...
Finding his voice
Eric Trac’s senior year at MIT has been a busy one. He’s finishing his coursework in chemical engineering, applying to medical school, and researching a gel that can help heal scarred vocal...
Choose open access: publishing your science behind a paywall is immoral | Mike Taylor
As a scientist your job is to bring new knowledge into the world. Hiding that knowledge behind a paywall is unacceptablePublishing science behind paywalls is immoral. There, I said it.I know, I know....
Public Outcry Over Science-Art In Museum?
In the spring of 2012, the last time I checked, Barnett Newman's acrylic painting* of what I perceive to be a long flag, Voice of Fire, was still prominently displayed in Ottawa's...
Freeze on gun violence research eased
A little-known kibosh on government research into the public health effects of gun violence is expected to be lifted after President Barack Obama called Wednesday for renewed scientific inquiry --...
When King came to Harvard
Martin Luther King Jr., the martyred civil rights icon whose national day of commemoration is Monday, was no stranger to Harvard University. He attended classes as a special student in 1952 and 1953,...
Harvey's 'Health Check' burgers questioned
A University of Windsor professor, who has done extensive research into children's nutritional habits, is cautioning parents about a recent Health Check ad campaign launched by the Harvey's hamburger chain.
PR professionals are not 'yes men' when pressured to be unethical, study finds
Public relations professionals who have provided ethics counsel to senior management are at least as fervent about serving the public interest -- sometimes more so -- as they are about...
Popping the question is his job: When it comes to marriage proposals, young men and women hold fast to traditional views
Would women rather "pop the question?" Apparently not. With marriage proposals in the air around the new year, researchers at UC Santa Cruz report that both women and men tend...
Sugar consumption really does affect weight
Cutting sugar consumption pays off in weight loss for adults, while eating more produces weight gains, a new review that supports limits on intake has confirmed.
Fukushima: Fallout of fear
After the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan kept people safe from the physical effects of radiation — but not from the psychological impacts.Nature 493 290 doi: 10.1038/493290a
Choice of partner affects health
Individuals tend to choose partners of equal socio-economic status. This factor may also be significant in terms of health.
Stress makes exhausted women over-sensitive to sounds
Women suffering from stress-related exhaustion exhibit hypersensitivity to sounds when exposed to stress. In some cases, a sound level corresponding to a normal conversation can be perceived as painful.
Parents' financial help linked to lower college GPAs, higher graduation rates
College students who aren't studying hard may have their parents' financial support to blame.
Workplace mental health guide sets national standard
Canadian employers and unions wishing to promote mental health in the workplace can now turn to a new national standard to help boost the well-being of employees.
PokerStars parent company wants to buy US casino
The owner of the world's largest online poker website wants to add a brick-and-mortar casino to its portfolio.
New maths qualification needed to improve England's poor participation in maths post-16
The solution to England's poor participation rate in post-16 maths education could lie in a new qualification that provides a clear and attractive alternative for students who don't currently go...
Scientific families: Dynasty
Bob Paine fathered an idea — and an academic family — that changed ecology.Nature 493 286 doi: 10.1038/493286a
Do online comments hurt – or aid – our understanding of science? | Alice Bell
The 'trolling makes you stupid' story appealed to many, but having read the research, I remain in favour of blog commentsThere was something slightly ridiculous about the way the "evidence that trolling makes...
Choosing the right people to go to Mars
When humans eventually travel to the Red Planet, the voyage will be long and difficult. The simulated Mars500 mission showed that every detail must be planned, including diet and sleep....
Breaking Link of Violence and Mental Illness
Forestalling violence by keeping closer tabs on those with mental illness is an appealing idea, but it poses more difficulties than are at first apparent.
Ask Well: Help for the Deskbound
What's the best way to avoid a sore back from sitting at a computer all day? What are some good exercises for the deskbound? Tara Parker-Pope responds to reader questions.
Surprising Number of Young Adults Want Guns
Depression, lots of video game time, linked to more interest in gun ownership.