Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Psychologists show how accent shapes our perception of a person
The accent someone talks in plays a crucial role in the way we judge this person, according to psychologists in Germany. "The accent is much more important than the way...
Study links emotional and neural responses to musical performance
It is well known that music arouses emotions. But why do some musical performances move us, while others leave us flat? Why do musicians spend years perfecting the subtle nuances...
Astronomer Sues the University of Kentucky, Claiming His Faith Cost Him a Job
Whether certain beliefs legally render people unfit for jobs are among the questions raised by the case.
Controversial Study Suggests Our Universe is One of Many
Scientists claim to have found evidence of an earlier universe that existed before our own.
More parents ban internet as punishment: study
Parents are now restricting their kids' internet access in much the same way as they limit television viewing as a form of punishment, according to a study.
Proximity to freeway associated with autism
Living near a freeway may be associated with increased risk of autism, according to a new study. The study examined the locations where the children's families' lived during the first,...
Can sleep deprivation help prevent post-traumatic stress disorder?
A study suggests that a sleepless night can block the consolidation of traumatic memoriesThe functions of sleep have long been elusive, but we now know that it is closely associated with memory,...
Individuals who are victimized -- especially in childhood -- likely to abuse alcohol and other drugs
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study finds strong associations between victims' experiences -- such as unwanted sexual activity, neglect and physical violence -- and substance use disorders.
Keeping genomics in perspective
Reporting healthcare genomics in the real world — tips from K.S. Jayaraman on uncovering hype, tackling the issues and staying relevant.
The New Old Age: Empathy 101
An unique program offered by Bay Area universities matches medical students to "elder mentors."
Climate talks: still far to go
The modest achievements of last week's climate talks in Mexico must not create a false sense of complacency.
Support for genetic tests with new study
A majority of Australians would seek testing to establish their genetic susceptibility to depression, despite social stigma and questions about the tests validity, a national study has found.
The high price of sleep disorders
Danish sleep researchers at the University of Copenhagen and the Danish Institute for Health Services Research have examined the socio-economic consequences of the sleep disorder hypersomnia in one...
Researchers find medical educational changes dramatically improves academic achievements
Underrepresented minority medical students, including Hispanics and particularly African Americans and women, show the greatest benefit from comprehensive medical education reform according to researchers at the University of Texas Medical...
Dogs can tell canine size through growls
(PhysOrg.com) -- New research has demonstrated that dogs can tell the size of another dog by listening to its growls. They are able to do this so accurately they can...
Better spaces for older people
Urban planning needs to consider how older people use walking routes as well as public areas, concludes a Research Council UK-funded research project from the New Dynamics of Ageing Programme....
China to step up efforts to control Mother Nature
China plans to step up a weather-manipulation programme that has stirred debate about tinkering with Mother Nature, state media said on Friday.
The power of the Pentatonic Scale
This video shows that humans have a universal appreciation and understanding of music, independent of culture and trainingThis video shows that humans have a universal appreciation and understanding of music. In this live...
Perils Of Science Outreach
While you sit there, I am simultaneously providing this blog post, this podcast, and this AGU talk. All on the same topic-- how can we get scientists to provide science...
Child/teen sexual and physical abuse linked to fibroids in premenopausal women
Researchers have found that both physical and sexual abuse history were positively associated with a higher incidence of uterine fibroids later in life.
Computers Start To Read Minds: Privacy Is Over
The future could be "like living in a mental nudist colony," if these scientists are successful. They're mapping brain activity and programming computers to reveal thoughts. Skynet may soon...
Researchers suggest diagnostic criteria for posttraumatic stress disorder are lacking
(Boston) - Current diagnostic procedures for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) fail to adequately reflect research into the broad nature of a traumatic event, according to a study that will appear...
Clinical trial for Rett syndrome launched
Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston have begun a randomized, placebo-controlled trial to test a potential drug treatment for Rett syndrome, the leading known genetic cause of autism in girls. The...
Brief clarifies Social Security’s value for women
Without Social Security, research indicates that about half of women age 65 and older would be living in poverty. With the program in place, the poverty rate for women falls...
Exploring how partners perceive each other’s emotion during a relationship fight
Some of the most intense emotions people feel occur during a conflict in a romantic relationship. Now, psychologists show that how each person perceives the other partner's emotion during a...
Brighter pupils raise the bar for classmates
Primary-school pupils in England typically do better in key stage 2 English and maths tests when they are taught with more able children. But children who are close to the...
Wonderfest 2010: Science Laughs with Brian Malow
Science comedian Brian Malow cites an example from the original 'Star Wars' to riff on the poor science often on display in sci-fi movies.
Japanese Diagnosis: Fear of One's Own Glance
Japanese scientists describe a phobia in which people fear their own glance.