Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Music lessons make for sharper adults?
New study says older adults with musical experience perform better on cognitive tests
Does video game violence harm teens? New study weighs the evidence
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- How much scientific evidence is there for and against the assertion that exposure to video game violence can harm teens? Three researchers have developed a novel method to...
Valley families demand more drug treatment services
Grieving family members of prescription drug addicts are demanding better access to government-funded treatment programs in the Annapolis Valley.
Long-term poverty but not family instability affects children's cognitive development
Children from homes that experience persistent poverty are more likely to have their cognitive development affected than children in better off homes, reveals research published ahead of print in the...
Infants with persistent crying problems more likely to have behavior problems in childhood
Infants who have problems with persistent crying, sleeping and/or feeding known as regulatory problems are far more likely to become children with significant behavioural problems, reveals research published...
Consults: College-Bound and Living With Autism
Experts Fred Volkmar and Lisa Wiesner respond to reader questions about success in school and the long-term course of autism.
The Wal-Mart way
When Stephanie Odle realized she was being paid thousands of dollars less than her male counterparts in the same job, she took up the discrepancy with her boss. “He has a family...
Different views of God may influence academic cheating
Belief in God doesn't deter a person from cheating on a test, unless that God is seen as a mean, punishing one, researchers say.
Inappropriate psychotropics are more often used by elderly with low income, study suggests
Every fifth elderly person uses inappropriate psychotropic drugs with an increased risk for adverse events, despite that safer alternatives are available. Elderly with low income more often use such inappropriate...
Biological links found between childhood abuse and adolescent depression
New research reveals that a history of physical, sexual or emotional abuse in childhood substantially increases the risk of depression in adolescence by altering a person's neuroendocrine response to stress.
Study may help explain cultural differences in forming memory
(PhysOrg.com) -- People naturally sort words and objects into categories, a key process in forming memory. But when it comes to how things are mentally organized, cultures dramatically differ in...
Malaysia's science 'needs more work'
Despite huge potential, Malaysia is failing to implement its science strategies and has had only "moderate success", says a report.
Reform the PhD system or close it down
There are too many doctoral programmes, producing too many PhDs for the job market. Shut some and change the rest, says Mark C. Taylor.
Malaysia, Singapore to slash telecom roaming fees
Malaysia and Singapore have agreed to slash roaming charges for voice calls and text messaging over the next two years in a landmark accord, regulators said Wednesday.
Kraft Dinner mentions must stop, teacher told
Kraft Canada has asked the teacher of a class promoting healthy eating to stop referring to its macaroni and cheese product.
Breastfeeding tied to stronger maternal response to baby's cry
A new study finds that mothers who feed their babies breast milk exclusively, as opposed to formula, are more likely to bond emotionally with their child during the first few...
Repeated stress in pregnancy linked to children's behavior
New research has found a link between the number of stressful events experienced during pregnancy and increased risk of behavioral problems in children.
Functional MRI shows how mindfulness meditation changes decision-making process
Neuroimaging research shows that Buddhist meditators use different areas of the brain than other people when confronted with unfair choices, enabling them to make decisions rationally rather than emotionally.
Science writer's block
As a science writer you have weighty responsibilities. Dwell on them too long and they will paralyse you from the neck upYou will never write a word if you stop long enough...
Lost in translation: Scientist studies the neural origins of speech disorders
It can be heart-wrenching to watch a loved one try to verbally express him- or herself after suffering stroke-induced brain damage known as conduction aphasia.
ESHRE sets standards for cross-border reproductive care
The Guide aims to ensure high-quality assisted reproduction treatment as defined by the European Union criteria for good quality medical treatment and the ESHRE position paper on Good clinical...
I like your face -- but why? A new computer model pinpoints the reasons
(PhysOrg.com) -- Whether you're dating, job seeking, or running for office, an attractive face can get you far. But what makes a face attractive? Most studies have found were drawn...
Researcher finds the psychological effects of identity theft lingers with victims
(PhysOrg.com) -- In January 2010, Joanne McNeal received a series of persistent messages about her email accountseemingly from the account provider itself seeking verification of her name, address and password....
Ottawa to appeal Ont. marijuana ruling
Ottawa is appealing an Ontario court ruling that, if left to stand, could make the possession of marijuana legal in the province.
Non-partisan education evaluations are anything but, education professor says
(PhysOrg.com) -- An increasingly influential national organization evaluating and grading teacher education programs misleads its audience by claiming to be "non-partisan" when, in reality, the group is part of a...
Well: Think Like a Doctor: A Litany of Symptoms
A fiercely independent 76-year-old woman makes plans to move into a nursing home after a year of physical and emotional decline. Can you solve the case?
Medicare Panel Meets Bipartisan Opposition
President Obama wants to expand the board’s role, but opponents fear it would usurp the power of Congress.
Notes and queries: Pecking order: chicken's favourite snacks; skirting board as cognitive dissonance softener; Byron's trudge across the Tagus
Pecking order: chicken's favourite snacks; skirting board as cognitive dissonance softener; Byron's trudge across the TagusDo chickens have taste buds and if so, what would be their favourite snack?Chickens seem to have a...