African agricultural research neglected by donor policies A lack of emphasis on agricultural research in development policy over the last quarter of a century is one of the main reasons for the deterioration of African farming, according to a UN report released this month (15 September).
Many Working Class in 'economic distress' More than one-quarter of Long Island households are economically distressed, as are 22.9 million households representing 60 million people nationwide, according to a study from the Center for Study of Working Class Life at Stony Brook University.
Grandparents boost kids' development: Aussie study Grandparents play a critical role in their grandchildren's lives, helping boost their development even through simple activities such as reading to them or going shopping together, an Australian study said.
Limits on Lawyer Presentations Enhance Jury Trial Process A 7th Circuit Bar Association study that tested alternative trial concepts, including allowing jurors to ask questions of witnesses during trials and limiting presentations by lawyers, generally showed that the new techniques enhanced the jury trial process. The study took into account survey results from 434 jurors, 86 lawyers and 22 federal trial judges who were involved in 50 civil jury trials.
Study finds women wield power at home Around the house, women rule. And men aren't putting up a fight about it, according to a new study from the Pew Research Center that looks at how gender and power play out at home. Of 1,260 couples surveyed this summer, women wield more decision-making power at home. Of 1,260 couples surveyed this summer, women wield more decision-making power at home.
Many NYC elevators fail inspections A study has found that elevators at several public housing developments have failed inspections.
Michigan voters lean toward approval of medical marijuana A majority of Michiganians are inclined to legalize marijuana for sick people, but a second statewide ballot proposal to relax restrictions on stem cell research in Michigan is a closer contest -- and the advertising blitz has just begun on that measure.
Strong Leaders Who Punish Freeloaders And Cheats Can Benefit Group A strong leader who punishes cheats and freeloaders can increase the cooperation and riches enjoyed by the rest of the group, according to psychology and economics research.
Research casts doubt over rural road safety push New research shows that rural drivers do not seem to be responding to road safety campaigns.
British society remains hostage to wealth and privilege Britain's social mobility has not changed over the past 30 years, but they are still better able to improve their lot than their U.S. counterparts, according to a study at the University of Surrey.
Math teaching needs boost A Michigan State University study found a correlation between teachers who took more courses in advanced math, and the performance of their students.
Longer School Days Improve Scores A Massachusetts State Department of Education report showed that lengthening the school day by 25 percent at 18 schools around the state increased English scores 10.8%; Math 7.2% and Science 4.7%
Teen Gambling a Growing Concern One out of every five young people aged 12 to 18 gamble, according to a New York State study.
Virgins 4 Drugs 20 Only 4% of U.S. adults were virgin at age 20, while 20% had tried hard drugs like cocaine and crack.
Illegality neither hinders nor encourages abortions A recent study found that abortion rates are virtually equal in rich and poor countries, and just as likely to occur where it is outlawed as in countries where it is legal.
Private Schools Do Give Poor an Edge Test scores and student data show no advantage for urban poor who choose private high schools over public schools.
Variety is best choice in foods A recent study conducted by Kinesiology Prof. Glen Gaesser concluded people who digest more carbohydrates tend to be thinner and healthier than people whose diets are low in carbs.
Peer-led programs reduce drug abuse The best people to dissuade teens from becoming drug addicts are other teens...
TV in bedroom numbs kids emotionally Forty-one per cent of the kindergarteners studied had a bedroom TV, and were found to be more likely to have behaviour problems, disturbed sleep and "less emotional reactivity" than those who do not.
Only 12% Believe the Global Food System is Safe Most consumers think local foods are safer than those from other countries.
Gap in Illness Rates Between Rich and Poor Grows At least in New York, the difference in health between those living in poverty and those with high incomes has widened in the past 15 years.
Few benefits from pre-school program U.K. early education programs like Sure Start, modeled on Head Start in the United States, which provided early education for poor children to improve their performance in school, have had little effect.
Obesity rates climbing in most U.S. states Obesity rates continued their climb in 31 of the 50 U.S. states plus D.C. last year, and the remaining 20 remained steady -- none declining. 22.8 percent of children aged 10-17 were obese, the highest percentage in the country. Among adults Mississippi had the highest obesity rate, just over 30 percent.
Americans optimistic about own futures Americans are optimistic about their own futures but are worried about the future of America. 80 percent of those surveyed believe global warming will be a problem of some degree, and 65 percent believe that a biological weapons attack will occur within the next 20 years.
Female tutors best for boys At least when it comes to reading skills, male students may improve more when tutored by women, according to research by Herb Katz, an education professor at the University of Alberta.
U.S. Adults Ignorant About World Politics A new Harris poll shows Americans are only slightly knowledgeable about U.S. politics and know even less about world issues.
Seniors still sexually active A University of Chicago study indicates that 73% of those ages 57 to 64, 53% of those ages 65 to 74 and 26% of those ages 75 to 85 said they were sexually active in the preceding year.
Schools Spend All They Can Get Andrew Coulson, director of the Cato Institute's Center for Educational Freedom and author of the study, said public choice theory (decision makers consult their own interests, just like a shopper) is 15 times more powerful as a predictor of spending than the benevolence theory (spending decisions based on needs).
Texas ranked No. 1 in DWI deaths U.S. Department of Transportation reports show Texas had had 1,354 deaths involving drivers and motorcycles operators with blood levels of .08 or higher, about 10% of the national total.
Nielsen Reports 12.7% TVs Nationwide Unlinked The national average for broadcast only TV households is 12.7%, while 26.7% have satellite, and the other 60.6% cable -- but that doesn't quite play in Milwaukee...
Montana winter wheat higher yields, lower test weights Montana State University research agronomists this year evaluated the new and existing winter wheat cultivars and found plants were taller than last year, and yields were higher but weather conditions resulted in low test weights.