Body lotions, mothballs, cleaning fluids and other widely used products contain known toxic chemicals, study finds

Manufacturers don’t usually have to disclose what’s in products like shampoo and household cleaners, but a new study finds that these products can contain hazardous ingredients.

Ruthann Rudel, Visiting Scholar, Social Science Environmental Health Research Institute, Northeastern University, Northeastern University • conversation
May 2, 2023 ~8 min

Hopelessness about the future is a key reason some Black young adults consider suicide, new study finds

New research points to feelings of failure, hopelessness, loneliness and sadness as some of the potential reasons Black young people are considering or carrying out suicide at unprecedented rates.

Janelle R. Goodwill, Assistant Professor of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, University of Chicago • conversation
April 20, 2023 ~5 min


Infant formula shortages forced some parents to feed their babies in less healthy ways

Many families in the US encountered empty shelves when they went in search of infant formula during COVID-19.

Jennifer Hahn-Holbrook, Assistant Professor of Psychology, University of California, Merced • conversation
March 23, 2023 ~5 min

A friend who's more boss than BFF may be harmful for teens' mental health

Friendships are important, but are they always healthy? New research finds that teens who feel dominated by their friends experience lower self-esteem and more symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Alexandra Ehrhardt, Ph.D. Candidate in Psychology, Wayne State University • conversation
March 21, 2023 ~5 min

Increases in opioid overdoses in Pennsylvania varied by county during the COVID-19 pandemic

Pennsylvania has long had one of the highest death rates from drug overdose in the US. But new studies suggest counties throughout the state have different rates of opioid deaths.

Ruchi Patel, Doctoral Student in Geography, Penn State • conversation
March 21, 2023 ~6 min

Faster-than-reflexes robo-boots boost balance

If you want to use an exoskeleton to improve balance, a study finds that superhuman reflexes can help you stay upright.

Owen Beck, Assistant Professor of Kinesiology and Health Education, The University of Texas at Austin • conversation
Feb. 15, 2023 ~6 min

Adults judge children who tell blunt polite truths more harshly than they do liars

Kids need to learn when little lies are the right choice. But research suggests parents may not be clear in the messages they send about how they value the truth.

Laure Brimbal, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and Criminology, Texas State University • conversation
Feb. 8, 2023 ~4 min

Medicaid coverage is expiring for millions of Americans – but there's a proven way to keep many of them insured

Evidence from Massachusetts suggests that a multistep process discourages enrollment. The findings could help policymakers stave off a sharp decline in coverage when COVID-19 policies change.

Mark Shepard, Associate Professor of Public Policy, Harvard Kennedy School • conversation
Jan. 31, 2023 ~5 min


People blame and judge parents for children's heavier weights

While excess weight arises from a complex interplay of genes, environment, diet and activity, new research finds Americans hold parents responsible for excess weight in their kids.

Devanshi Patel, Ph.D. Candidate in Clinical Psychology, Oklahoma State University • conversation
Jan. 26, 2023 ~6 min

Climate change trauma has real impacts on cognition and the brain, wildfire survivors study shows

A new neuropsychology study on California wildfire survivors found chronic cognitive problems in addition to anxiety and PTSD.

Jyoti Mishra, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego • conversation
Jan. 18, 2023 ~6 min

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