News by Subject Social & Behavior

UK researchers reported that men in Uganda and Nicaragua were generally less hung up about their body image and cared less about pursuing a muscular physique than British men. The study employed new body-imaging technology and machine learning to understand different cultural attitudes around the drive toward ideals of muscularity. Understanding variation between groups is important to ensure any strategies or interventions addressing negative behaviors are tailored to a specific cultural context.

While the COVID-19 pandemic has already resulted in mass layoffs in several industries, other essential industries will instead face critical workforce shortages, according to a new report.

Stroke survivors who engage in a lot of light physical activity -- taking leisurely walks or attending to nonstrenuous household chores, for example -- also report fewer physical limitations than their more sedentary peers, a new study finds.

The risk for violent clashes increases after weather extremes such as droughts or floods hit people in vulnerable countries, an international team of scientists finds. Vulnerable countries are characterized by a large population, political exclusion of particular ethnic groups, and low development. The study combines global statistical analysis, observation data and regional case study assessments to yield new evidence for policy-makers.

Researchers from King's College London have shown that how we respond to changes in nutrients at a molecular level plays an important role in the aging process, and this is directed by some key genetic mechanisms.

Palliative care physicians have created a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) palliative care plan as an essential tool to provide care and help manage scare resources during the pandemic. The plan, which focuses on eight critical elements -- 'stuff,' 'staff,' 'space,' 'systems,' 'sedation,' 'separation,' 'communication' and 'equity' -- is published in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).

Proteins classically associated with autophagy regulate the speed of intracellular transport.

Writing in 'Nature', researchers from Cologne, Texas and London describe their discovery of a new mechanism that could contribute to the pathogenesis of inflammatory diseases. The scientists found that ZBP1, a protein best known for defending against incoming viruses, is activated by sensing an unusual form of cellular genetic material (Z-nucleic acids), leading to cell death and inflammation.

Regenstrief Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine scientist Kathleen Unroe, MD, MHA, and colleagues lay out guidelines and best practices for healthcare providers and family caregivers who are providing care for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their recommendations are published in the Journal of Geriatric Emergency Medicine.