ScienceDaily: Society - October 17, 2023
Parents of elementary-aged children may engage in more helicopter parenting than they think
While most parents agree that kids benefit from opportunities to be independent, they may be engaging in more 'helicopter parenting' than they realize, suggests a new poll.
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Sexism and poorer parenting: Study suggests a link
Fathers and mothers who believe men should hold the power and authority in society and the family were less responsive to their children during family interactions, according to University of Auckland research.
The emotional function of dreams is not the same everywhere
Why do we dream? A product of our brain's neurophysiology, dreaming is a complex experience that can take on many emotional tones and simulate reality to varying degrees. As a result, there is still no clear answer to this question. A study compared the dreams of two forager communities, in Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of Congo, with those of individuals living in Europe and North America. It showed that the first two groups produced more threatening, but also more cathartic and socially-oriented dreams than the Western groups. These results show how strong are the links between the socio-cultural environment and the function of dreams.
Forensic evidence can survive underwater for weeks
Forensic fibers can survive underwater for much longer than previously thought -- which could help criminal investigators uncover vital evidence. New research has found that fiber evidence can survive on fabrics underwater for several weeks.
Rising seas will tighten vise on Miami even for people who are not flooded, says study
A new study that examines both the physical and socioeconomic effects of sea-level rise on Florida's Miami-Dade County area finds that in coming decades, four out of five residents may face disruption or displacement, whether they live in flood zones or not. As inundation spreads, the effects will be felt predominantly by lower-income people as habitable areas shrink and housing prices rise, says the study. Only a small number of affluent residents will be able relocate from low-lying or waterfront properties, while many others without sufficient means may be trapped there, it says.
Flagship individual animals can boost conservation
'Flagship' individual animals like Cecil the lion or Freya the walrus can boost conservation, new research suggests.
Experts warn of risk of civil unrest in UK due to food shortages
Food shortages caused by extreme weather could lead to civil unrest in the UK, according to a new study which has surveyed some of the country’s leading food experts.
Study reveals shyness could impact young children's performance on language tests
Shyness can influence a child’s performance in language assessments, depending on the level of social interaction required to complete the test.
Tens of thousands of endangered sharks and rays caught off Congo
Tens of thousands of endangered sharks and rays are caught by small-scale fisheries off the Republic of the Congo each year, new research shows.
'Ultrashort' PFAS compounds detected in people and their homes, study shows
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have become ubiquitous throughout the environment, and increasing evidence has demonstrated their deleterious effects. A group of smaller, fluorinated compounds are becoming replacements for these 'forever chemicals,' though research suggests the smaller versions could also be harmful. Now, a study reports that the levels of these substances in many indoor and human samples are similar to or higher than those of legacy PFAS.
An AI tool that can help forecast viral outbreaks
EVEscape predicts future viral mutations, new variants using evolutionary, biological information.
Study shows testimonials can open acceptance to differing opinions on controversial topics
Researchers led a study in which they surveyed people on their views about a controversial topic, in this case, physician-assisted suicide. Participants then randomly red either a personal testimonial or informative article on the topic, also randomly assigned as either pro or con regarding the issue. Those who read a testimonial opposed to their original viewpoint showed to be the most open to considering the views of those different than theirs in post surveys. The results shows testimonials featuring peoples' lived-experience can be an effective way for communicators to reach people on controversial, yet important topics, and can be effective for those without large communications budgets.
Killing remains a threat to Bornean orangutans
New research has found despite considerable conservation efforts, the illegal killing of critically endangered orangutans on Borneo may be an ongoing threat to the species.
Powering AI could use as much electricity as a small country
Artificial intelligence (AI) comes with promises of helping coders code faster, drivers drive safer, and making daily tasks less time-consuming. But a recent study demonstrates that the tool, when adopted widely, could have a large energy footprint, which in the future may exceed the power demands of some countries.
New study offers improved strategy for social media communications during wildfires
New research offers an improved strategy for social media communications during wildfires and contradicting existing crisis communication theory.
How to cope when your values clash with your co-workers'
In our increasingly polarized society, more people may find themselves in a workplace where they are one of the few conservatives or few liberals around. A new study found that those whose values -- political or otherwise -- don't match the majority in their organization felt they received less respect and as a result were less engaged at work. Moreover, their co-workers noticed their lack of engagement.
Race to find world's oldest mammal fossils led to mud-slinging
The hunt for the world’s most ancient mammals descended into academic warfare in the seventies, researchers have discovered.
Scientists says identifying some foods as addictive could shift attitudes, stimulate research
Scientists have published an analysis with a timely and controversial recommendation: It's time for an international shift in the way we think about ultra-processed food and its addictive properties.