Culture | Page 2474 | Science Codex

Evolutionary psychology: Violent cavemen led to preference for physically strong leaders now

New evolutionary psychology claims are that physical stature affects our preferences in political leadership. A paper published in Social Science Quarterly says that a preference for physically formidable leaders, or caveman politics, may have evolved to ensure survival in ancient human history.

The paper by Gregg R. Murray and J. David Schmitz from Texas Tech University focuses on evolutionary psychology, the study of universal human behavior related to psychological mechanisms that proponents say evolved to solve problems faced by humans in ancient history.

One in six mobile phones in the UK is contaminated with fecal bacteria

One in six mobile phones in Britain is contaminated with faecal matter, according to new research released ahead of Global Handwashing Day.

Experts say the most likely reason for the potentially harmful bacteria festering on so many gadgets is people failing to wash their hands properly with soap after going to the toilet.

The findings of the UK-wide study by scientists from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Queen Mary, University of London also reveal a tendency among Britons to lie about their hygiene habits.

Halo effect: Family members of gastric-bypass patients also lose weight

STANFORD, Calif. — Family members of patients who have undergone surgery for weight loss may also shed several pounds themselves, as well as eat healthier and exercise more, according to a new study by researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine.

A year after the 35 patients in the study had Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery, their obese adult family members weighed on average 8 pounds less, the researchers say.

Links in the chain: Global carbon emissions and consumption

Washington, D.C. — It is difficult to measure accurately each nation's contribution of carbon dioxide to the Earth's atmosphere. Carbon is extracted out of the ground as coal, gas, and oil, and these fuels are often exported to other countries where they are burned to generate the energy that is used to make products. In turn, these products may be traded to still other countries where they are consumed. A team led by Carnegie's Steven Davis, and including Ken Caldeira, tracked and quantified this supply chain of global carbon dioxide emissions.

Identifying with your car can lead to aggressive driving

A new study by a Temple University Fox School of Business professor finds those who view their car as an extension of themselves have stronger aggressive driving tendencies.

The study, "Aggressive Driving: A Consumption Experience," is thought to be the first to comprehensively examine how personality, attitude and values contribute to aggressive driving behaviors. Driving is one of the most common consumptive behaviors, and aggressive driving causes a third of all accidents that involve personal injuries and two thirds of all fatal accidents in the United States.

Archaeologists find blade production earlier than originally thought

Archaeology has long associated advanced blade production with the Upper Palaeolithic period, about 30,000-40,000 years ago, linked with the emergence of Homo Sapiens and cultural features such as cave art. Now researchers at Tel Aviv University have uncovered evidence which shows that "modern" blade production was also an element of Amudian industry during the late Lower Paleolithic period, 200,000-400,000 years ago as part of the Acheulo-Yabrudian cultural complex, a geographically limited group of hominins who lived in modern-day Israel, Lebanon, Syria and Jordan.

1 in 4 children exposed to family physical violence

DURHAM, N.H. -- More than 1 in 4 children have been exposed to physical violence between their parents at some time, 1 in 9 of them during the past year, according to new research from the University of New Hampshire Crimes against Children Research Center.

The research was reported in a new bulletin released by the U.S. Department of Justice. The bulletin was part of The National Survey of Children Exposed to Violence.

Interpretation: Avoiding bias in medical research

Most people are rather vague when reporting on food and drink consumption, smoking and exercise habits but general practitioners are skilled at interpreting phrases such as "I only have a few drinks rarely" and "I get to the gym regularly" and can estimate based on symptoms and a person's physical appearance just how precise those claims are.

However, for healthcare research and epidemiology that relies on patient self-reporting it is important to find a more objective way to identify bias in self-reporting - which would also avoid bias from the person doing the interpretation.

Multiple riders, lack of helmet use, and faster ATVs contribute to pediatric injuries

BOSTON - As all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use continues to grow, so does the number of injuries. Children comprise about one-third of the 130,000 to 150,000 ATV-related emergency department visits each year and one-quarter of the more than 800 deaths. In fact, more children are injured from ATV crashes each year than from bicycles.

Two research abstracts, presented on Monday, Oct. 17 at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Boston, provide insights into the potential causes of ATV crashes as well as much-needed safety precautions.

Critical look at medication safety in US homes

BOSTON -- Nearly 30 percent of homes with young children have acetaminophen products stored unsafely, and nearly all homes included at least one expired medication, according to a research abstract presented Monday, Oct. 17, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Boston.

Knee injuries on the rise in school age athletes

BOSTON – Sports-related knee injuries in children and adolescents seem to be increasing at an alarming rate. Researchers at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia noted a more than 400 percent increase in these injuries at their institution over the last decade, according to new research presented on Sunday, Oct. 16, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition in Boston.

Minority children less likely to wear a car seatbelt

BOSTON -- Less than half of pediatric car passengers suffering injuries from motor vehicle crashes were restrained, with the lowest rates among blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans, according to a research abstract presented Saturday, Oct. 15, at the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) National Conference and Exhibition (NCE) in Boston.

You knew this: Heavy drinking undergraduates at high risk for alcohol problems

Researchers used an anonymous online survey to examine drinking patterns and personality traits.

Results identified three groups, two of which drank at fairly high levels.

The group with higher levels of impulsivity and aggression appears most at-risk for future alcohol problems.

You knew this: Moderate and heavy drinkers at greater risk of serious injury

Researchers know that alcohol impairs coordination and the ability to perceive and respond to hazards, and that hangovers impair neurocognitive performance and psychomotor vigilance. This study closely examined alcohol-related injuries admitted to hospital, finding that alcohol greatly increases risk for serious injury.

Even more lawsuits would make corporations behave, claims academic

Many contend the lawsuit industry is out of control and certainly it is to blame for ballooning health care costs but one academic feels like more lawyers would be better.