ScienceDaily: Society - March 04, 2025
Top society research news
Africa is a multilingual continent and many adults speak several languages fluently. An empirical study by a psycholinguist now shows that the roots of this multilingualism can be found in infancy: In Ghana, most babies grow up multilingually, with most of them coming into contact with two to six languages and just as many regular speakers of each language. The researchers also showed that the babies heard some languages primarily indirectly -- i.e. via radio, television or background conversations -- while other languages were used by their caregivers to directly communicate with them.
The extensive loss of biodiversity represents one of the major crises of our time, threatening not only entire ecosystems but also our current and future livelihoods. As scientists realize the magnitude and scale of ongoing extinctions, it is vital to ascertain the resources available for conservation and whether funds are being effectively distributed to protect species most in need.
Teaching kids how to become better citizens
In the race to meet the growing global demand for lithium -- a critical component in batteries for electric vehicles -- a team of researchers has developed a breakthrough lithium extraction method that could reshape the industry. In their study, the researchers demonstrated near-perfect lithium selectivity by repurposing solid-state electrolytes (SSEs) as membrane materials for aqueous lithium extraction. While originally designed for the rapid conduction of lithium ions in solid-state batteries -- where there are no other ions or liquid solvents -- the highly ordered and confined structure of SSEs was found to enable unprecedented separation of both ions and water in aqueous mixtures.
Research indicates effects of PTSD on body vary by culture
Anthropologists, social scientists and veterans are analyze the relationship between the hormones cortisol and testosterone and PTSD in a non-industrialized society.
Sometimes, when competitors collaborate, everybody wins
A framework helps rail system operators or other planners identify the best joint infrastructure projects to collaborate on with other firms. Their tool can tell an operator how much to invest, the proper time to collaborate, and how the shared profits should be distributed.
Violence alters human genes for generations, researchers discover
First study of its kind reveals epigenetic signatures of violence passesd to grandchildren.
Associative learning: Primary school children outperform all other age groups
The ability to make the connection between an event and its consequences -- experts use the term associative learning -- is a crucial skill for adapting to the environment. It has a huge impact on our mental health. A study shows that children of primary school age demonstrate the highest learning performance in this area. The results pave the way for a fresh perspective on associative learning disorders, which are linked to the development of mental illness later in life.
Different analytical methods have a significant impact on the results of scientific studies. This is demonstrated by a study conducted by an international research team. In the study, more than 300 scientists compared 174 independent analyses of the same dataset. The findings reveal that different methods can lead to highly variable conclusions.
The latest chemicals used in refrigerants and aerosols can break down into pollutants, scientists say.
Influencer marketing can help tourism industry mitigate waste, pollution
Social media influencers who are passionate about environmental causes can help the tourism industry inspire tourists to engage in pro-environmental behavior to help mitigate waste and pollution, according to a new study.
Problem-based learning helps students stay in school
Education experts are encouraging schools to consider problem-based learning (PBL) in a move to improve engagement and creativity among high school students. New research demonstrates how hands-on, community-based projects can deliver successful learning outcomes for disengaged students.
A team of researchers has developed an advanced physics-based AI-driven tool to aid the forensic investigation of traumatic brain injuries (TBI).
Environmental impact of unexploded ordnance in the Baltic Sea
The south-western Baltic Sea has about 3,000 kilograms of dissolved toxic chemicals released from unexploded ordnance, according to a new study. The substances were detected in almost all water samples taken in 2017 and 2018, with particularly high concentrations in the Bights of Kiel and L beck. The levels are still below thresholds for health risk, but highlight the urgent need for munitions clearance to minimize long-term risks.
Siamese fighting fish need more space in pet shops, study shows
Scientists have found Siamese fighting fish are typically kept in containers just one-quarter the size they need to thrive, challenging decades of retail practice in the ornamental fish industry worldwide.
Gender plays a role in long-term unemployed individuals' perception of their capabilities
A study shows that long-term unemployed individuals perceive their capabilities as weaker than the general Finnish population. Capabilities refer to the opportunities to achieve important things in life, such as health and well-being. Additionally, the study found that long-term unemployed men perceive their capabilities as weaker than long-term unemployed women.
Rising wages drive innovation in automation technology
Labor market policies shape firms' innovation dynamics. A new study shows for the first time that higher minimum wages for low-skill jobs drive firms to develop automation technologies. Rising wages for high-skill labor, in contrast, can hamper this effect.
Lifestyle choices during pregnancy can impact child's motor development up to the age of 5-6 years
A healthy diet in early pregnancy supports the child's motor development at the age of 5-6 years. Higher maternal body fat mass, on the other hand, has an adverse effect on the child's motor development.
We need a new definition of dyslexia, research says
A new definition of dyslexia is needed to more accurately describe the learning disorder and give those struggling with dyslexia the specific support they require, says new research.
Misplaced neurons disrupt wiring of the brain
Research reveals why misplaced neurons in the brain are overactive and lead to developmental disorders.
Clashing with classmates: Off-putting traits spark enemy relationships
Making enemies isn't random. Traits like emotional instability, aggression, and disruptive behavior early in life can lead to antagonistic relationships. Research on students aged 9-14 found that negative behaviors, such as lack of empathy, increase the likelihood of mutual antagonisms, a pattern seen across genders and school levels. Emotionally struggling students were 35% more likely to develop enemies, showing that how we manage emotions and interact with others early on can have lasting social and emotional effects.
Researchers unravel menopause timing, shedding light on ovarian aging and fertility
The research team has developed a theoretical framework that quantitatively predicts menopause timing. By analyzing how ovarian follicles transition through different stages, the researchers' model explains why menopause occurs and sheds light on individual variability and cross-population differences. These insights could improve fertility planning, inform health care decisions related to hormonal therapies and enhance our understanding of age-related health risks associated with ovarian aging.