Latest science news in Psychology & Sociology
Childhood lead exposure causes permanent brain damage
A study using functional magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate brain function revealed that adults who were exposed to lead as children incur permanent brain injury.
Study reveals people`s thoughts on living longer
(PhysOrg.com) -- If people were given a pill to make them live longer what would they do with that extra time? According to a new study by University of Queensland...
‘Team Edward’ vs. ‘real’ vampire science
The belief in real vampires stems from superstition and mistaken assumptions about post-mortem decay Vampire - People - Otherkin - Arts - Horror
Early intervention for toddlers with autism highly effective, study finds
A novel early intervention program for very young children with autism -- some as young as 18 months -- is effective for improving IQ, language ability and social interaction, a...
Does a placebo gene exist?
A short time ago, Swedish scientists published a paper suggesting the existence of a genetic disposition to respond to placebo, thus giving rise to debate in the media about a...
Tactile input affects what we hear: study
Humans use their whole bodies, not just their ears, to understand speech, according to University of British Columbia linguistics research.
Report claims Wikipedia losing editors in droves
(PhysOrg.com) -- The findings of a Spanish study claiming that Wikipedia's editors are leaving at an alarming rate have been refuted by the Wikimedia Foundation and by Wikipedia co-founder Jimmy...
Sunscreen makes good economic sense
(PhysOrg.com) -- Applying sunscreen on a regular basis not only prevents cancer, but will save the government money.
Ari Kiev, a Psychiatrist, Dies at 75
Dr. Kiev applied visualization and relaxation techniques to coax faster times out of athletes, while helping them face down their fear of failure.
New brain connections form rapidly during motor learning
New connections begin to form between brain cells almost immediately as animals learn a new task, according to a study in which researchers observed the rewiring processes that take place...
Employers play Dr. Mom to limit swine flu impact
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) -- Big businesses are spending serious time and money trying to limit the swine flu pandemic's impact on operations, from bankrolling video on...
Former O.C. lawmaker's daughter found slain in Portland
Nancy Bergeson, 57, daughter of former state Sen. Marian Bergeson, was found strangled in her home Tuesday. The younger Bergeson was an assistant federal public defender in Oregon. ...
Supersize Orgasms?
A drug that makes you not only able but eager and willing isn't going to remain the exclusive property of the severely impaired. As with Viagra, there will be extensive...
In Support of Abortion, It’s Personal vs. Political
For the post-Roe generation, abortion has been a personal choice and not a political cause. This worries pro-choice leaders in and out of Congress.
For stars, high-tech gaffes hard to hide
(AP) -- So, you fail to take a deep breath and to count to 10 - and you post something you probably shouldn't on Twitter or Facebook, or somewhere...
Talking to ourselves: How consumers navigate choices and inner conflict
From simple decisions like "Should I eat this brownie?" to bigger questions such as "Should my next car be a hybrid?" consumers are involved in an inner dialogue that reflects...
Comforted by carpet: How do floors and distance affect purchases?
Consumers who stand on carpeted flooring feel comforted, but they judge products close to them to be less comforting, according to a new study.
Steven Poole's non-fiction roundup | Book reviews
Steven Poole on Why Animal Suffering Matters | Darwin's Dogs | SnailWhy Animal Suffering Matters, by Andrew Linzey (Oxford, £16.99)Those sceptical folk who doubt that anything of practical importance could issue from a...
Teachers begin using cell phones for class lessons
(AP) -- Ariana Leonard's high school students shuffled in their seats, eagerly awaiting a cue from their Spanish teacher that the assignment would begin. "Take out your cell phones,"...
Uruguay to provide help for classroom laptop use
The Uruguayan government has launched a new TV channel devoted to helping parents, teachers and children make the best use of laptops in the classroom.
Alzheimer's funding limbo called 'shameful'
Caregivers and family of people with Alzheimer's disease filled the public gallery of the P.E.I. legislature Thursday, but still didn't get an answer they've been waiting for since April.
Russell terrier hunts bedbugs
A little dog in Moncton is helping people sleep tight by sniffing out biting bedbugs.
Inverted Qualia
A couple of months ago I attended a lecture by Saul Kripke at CUNY’s Graduate Center. Kripke is one of the most influential philosophers of the late 20th century, someone who you...
Brooke Magnanti says she misses parts of old Belle de Jour life
Sex blogger Brooke Magnanti says in TV interview she was relieved at her unmasking as Belle de JourThe research scientist who outed herself as the anonymous sex blogger Belle de Jour has...
Facebook page lands Mount Pearl student in trouble
A junior high student from Mount Pearl, on Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula, faces possible discipline for promoting bullying through a website.
More clarity needed on law of assisted suicide
(PhysOrg.com) -- Doctors need more clarity on what they can and cannot do within the current law on assisted suicide, according to an editorial by Dr Richard Huxtable and Professor...
Hyperactivity associated with short sleep-time for young boys: study
(PhysOrg.com) -- Hyperactive boys don't get enough sleep, which can worsen their condition according to new research. Published in the November issue of Pediatrics, the study is the first to...
Natural remedy shows anticancer activity
Copper complexes of the traditional Chinese remedy plumbagin show enhanced anticancer activity, say Chinese scientists.