Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Compassion, not sanctions, is best response to workplace anger
Challenging traditional views of workplace anger, a new article suggests that even intense emotional outbursts can prove beneficial if responded to with compassion.
Is culture or cognition really responsible for language structure?
(PhysOrg.com) -- Linguistic study has been, for many years, divided into two main theories - those following the belief of Noam Chomskys universal grammar and that of Joseph Greenbergs linguistic...
Gangs don't protect against crime, study suggests
Gang members are twice as likely to be crime victims than non-gang members and are more frequently subject to simple assault, aggravated assault and drive by shootings, according to a...
Obese people can suffer from social anxiety disorder due to weight alone
A new study shows that obese individuals with social anxiety related only to their weight may experience anxiety as severe as individuals with social anxiety disorder (SAD). The findings directly...
A judge's willingness to grant parole can be influenced by breaks
A judge's willingness to grant parole can be influenced by the time between their latest break and their current hearing.
Are your values right or left? The answer is more literal than you think
Up equals good, happy, optimistic; down the opposite. Right is honest and trustworthy. Left, not so much. That's what language and culture tell us. "We use mental metaphors to structure...
Dozens of Students to Showcase Work at Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity
Nearly 70 Providence College students from a variety of academic disciplines will display their research and creative work at the second annual Celebration of Student Scholarship and Creativity on Wednesday,...
Keeping beer fresh longer
Researchers are reporting discovery of a scientific basis for extending the shelf life of beer so that it stays fresh and tastes good longer. For the first time, they identified...
Why does brain development diverge from normal in autism spectrum disorders?
Rett syndrome, a neurodevelopmental disorder on the autism spectrum, is marked by relatively normal development in infancy followed by a loss of loss of cognitive, social and language skills starting...
Study Analyzes Non-Accidental Head Trauma in Infants and the Economic Recession/Child Abuse Connection
Tragically, infants experience severe or fatal head trauma as a result of intentional abuse. Shaken baby syndrome, now commonly referred to as non-accidental head trauma, is a serious form of...
Filters That Reduce 'Brain Clutter' Identified
McGill researchers suggest malfunctions in neurons that filter visual information may be responsible for diseases such as ADHD and schizophrenia
The Wellcome Trust/Guardian science writing competition: choosing your topic
Some advice that might be useful to those of you working on your essay for the 2011 Wellcome Trust/Guardian science writing competition: how to choose a topic So you've been thinking and dreaming...
Myth-busting the cybersafety debate
We know that most fears originate from a lack of understanding. We also know that social networking is a mystery to many people outside of Generation Y. So it should...
For a less biased study, try randomization
A new review of existing research confirms that the so-called gold standard of medical research the randomized controlled study provides a safeguard against bias.
Kids sending 3,000 texts a month
A recent series of high-profile cyber bullying cases in Nova Scotia revealed how much time young people spend online and texting. Students at a Halifax school said it's not unusual...
Governments must pay for clean-energy innovation
The current obsession with nuclear power is a red herring, says Marty Hoffert. The United States and others should instead invest in a clean-energy revolution.
Home-reared African Grey parrots vary 'speech,' nonword sounds, in a deliberate and socially relevant way
New research by scientists at the University of Georgia has shown, for the first time, that an African Grey parrot can develop a deeper understanding of the soundswhich we hear...
Reality Check: Which party wants to charge a $75 iPod tax? None
In a new ad, the Conservatives say Canada's other parties want to charge you a $75 tax on iPods and smart phones. Not so, in fact the record on this...
Money linked to health issues
A study shows less variety in the diets of Australians with lower incomes creates nutritional deficiencies and behavioural problems.
Toddler served alcohol instead of apple juice
The Applebee's restaurant chain says it's changing the way it serves juice after a toddler was mistakenly given a small amount of alcohol at a Detroit-area location.
Students shun tanning beds for prom
About half of the graduating class at P.E.I.'s Kensington Intermediate Senior High School have pledged not to get a tan as part of their preparations for prom night.
Sex in Australian prisons: the facts
We all know what goes on in prison. Or do we? A study examining sexual behaviour and sexual culture in jails in NSW and Queensland suggests that popular beliefs about...
Q&A with David Miliband on the war in Afghanistan
While riots and political upheaval in Libya have dominated international headlines recently, David Miliband, a member of the British Parliament and former foreign secretary for the United Kingdom, says Afghanistan “musn’t become the...
iPads take a place next to crayons in kindergarten
Kindergarten classes are supplementing crayons, finger paints and flashcards with iPads, a development that excites supporters but that detractors worry is wasted on pupils too young to appreciate the expense.
Comprehensive study reveals patterns in firefighter fatalities
Researchers found that cultural factors in the work environment that promote getting the job done as quickly as possible with whatever resources available lead to an increase in line-of-duty firefighter...
Tough Questions Ahead on Reshaping Medicare
The debate over Medicare is no longer whether or not to restructure the program, but rather how the changes will be implemented.
Babies who are good sleepers have both nature and nurture on their side, researchers say
If your child is a bad sleeper - one who can't fall asleep on her own, wakes up frequently at night, or insists on sleeping in your bed - is...
Corporate links of global health foundations may conflict with philanthropic interest
Major philanthropic foundations in global health, which often influence and shape the international global health agenda, have links with food and pharmaceutical corporations that could constitute a conflict of interest...