ScienceDaily: Society - May 28, 2024
Top society research news
Stress bragging may make you seem less competent, less likable at work
While work is occasionally stressful for everyone, some people wear stress as a badge of honor. They're taking one for the team and want to tell you all about it. New research found people who brag about their stress levels are seen as less competent and less likable by their co-workers.
AI poised to usher in new level of concierge services to the public
Concierge services built on artificial intelligence have the potential to improve how hotels and other service businesses interact with customers, a new paper suggests.
An exploration into the national U.S. dataset on children ever diagnosed with ADHD has revealed an 'ongoing and ever-expanding' public health issue.
The global clean water crisis looms large
Water scarcity will intensify with climate and socioeconomic change, disproportionately impacting populations located in the Global South.
Image: DOERS/Shutterstock.com
Children struggling at school entry more likely to face disadvantage at age 16-17
Children who were behind in their development at age 4-5 were almost three times as likely to have been out of education, employment, or training at age 16-17, analysis of pupil data has found.
How family economic insecurity can hurt child mental health
Economic difficulty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a cascade of connected problems for some parents -- resulting in mental health problems for their children, a new study suggests. Researchers found that economic insecurity was linked to higher levels of depressive symptoms for parents, which was then associated with poorer relationship quality for the couples. That was linked with more harsh parenting and then to increased internalizing behaviors for their children.
Primarily due to the impact of urbanisation and global warming, urban heatwaves have become a challenging issue worldwide, with Hong Kong persistently experiencing record-breaking high-temperature days. Mitigating urban heat through green and blue infrastructures is essential for creating a sustainable environment. Researchers have conducted a study on the effectiveness of green interventions in cooling urban heat across various regions that can assist policymakers in prioritizing effective interventions to develop sustainable cities.
Subtle cognitive decline precedes end to driving for older adults
Even slight cognitive changes can affect an older person's decision to stop driving, according to a new study. The findings suggest that routine cognitive testing -- in particular, the kind of screening designed to pick up the earliest, most subtle decline -- could help older adults and their physicians make decisions about driving that maximizes safety while preserving independence as long as possible.
Half of Americans feel unprepared to help in a life-threatening emergency
A new survey finds many Americans are ill-prepared to help in emergency situations.
Health and economic benefits of breastfeeding quantified
Breastmilk can promote equitable child health and save healthcare costs by reducing childhood illnesses and healthcare utilization in the early years, according to a new study.
New method for diagnosing sleep disorders in children
Research has resulted in a new method of screening for sleep disorders in children. The tool, the first of its kind, allows health professionals to assess children for multiple sleep problems at once, resulting in a quicker evaluation and more targeted treatment recommendations.
Australian study proves 'humans are planet's most frightening predator'
A new study demonstrates that kangaroos, wallabies and other Australian marsupials fear humans far more than any other predator.
Social networks can influence perception of climate-change risk
Short but severe episodes of flooding from hurricanes in Texas and Florida triggered a nationwide increase in flood insurance sign-ups depending on how socially connected a county was to the flooded counties.
One in two children with ADHD experience emotional problems
Scientists have shown that problems regulating emotions -- which can manifest as depression, anxiety and explosive outbursts -- may be a core symptom of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
New study highlights significant increases in cannabis use in United States
A new study assessed cannabis use in the United States between 1979 and 2022, finding that a growing share of cannabis consumers report daily or near-daily use and that their numbers now exceed those of daily and near-daily alcohol drinkers. The study concludes that long-term trends in cannabis use parallel corresponding changes in policy over the same period.
Transitioning gender identities is not linked with depression
A landmark longitudinal study of LGBTQ+ youths has found that transitioning gender identities is not associated with depression and that about 1 in 3 gender-minority youths change their gender identity more than once. In fact, the study found higher rates of depression among transgender youths are more closely associated with bullying and victimization.
Sewage overflows linked to increase in gastrointestinal illnesses
A new study has found that residents living in the downstream communities that border the Merrimack River are at a substantially increased risk of developing acute gastrointestinal illnesses (AGI) in the four days following large-volume combined sewer overflows (CSOs).
Conservation of nature's strongholds needed to halt biodiversity loss
To achieve global biodiversity targets, conservationists and governments must prioritize the establishment and effective management of large, interconnected protected areas with high ecological integrity, researchers argue in a new essay.
Lung cancer study offers further evidence on importance of screening
Researchers have demonstrated the benefits of lung cancer screening across socioeconomic groups. Evidence in the new study illustrates the value and importance of screening, especially for those who live in areas of economic deprivation.
Climbing the social ladder may slow dementia
Researchers analyzed data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study and found that socioeconomic status (SES) transitions affect dementia risk. Specifically, upward SES mobility is greater associated with reduced dementia risk and extended healthy aging with dementia-free lifespan, while downward mobility increases risk. The study of 9,186 participants found that lifestyle, comorbidities, and social factors mediate this relationship, highlighting the importance of SES in cognitive health and preventing dementia.
Green infrastructure plans need to consider historical racial inequalities
Urban greening projects should consider historical development patterns and past discriminatory practices to avoid exacerbating the unequal distribution of environmental benefits, says an urban and regional planning professor.