EurekAlert! News by Subject: Social & Behavior - Home

Social & Behavior

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 24-Oct-2026 23:17 ET (25-Oct-2026 03:17 GMT/UTC)

Osiris 41 brings together the histories of science and childhood studies

University of Chicago Press Journals
Peer-Reviewed Publication

“What does science owe children, and how can the history of science contribute to repaying that debt?” This question motivates the 2026 volume of Osiris, entitled “Histories of Science and Childhoods.” Edited by Andrea Graus, Violeta Ruiz, and Elisabeth M. Yang, the volume features a collection of articles that examine the interrelation of two categories: childhood and science.

Journal: Osiris

Poor housing conditions boost fall risk for elderly

PLOS
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Older adults living in homes with electrical or plumbing problems, insufficient space, or poor lighting are more likely to experience a fall, according to a new study published August 5, 2026 in the open access journal PLOS One by Javiera Cartagena-Farías of the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK, and colleagues.

Journal: PLOS One

Aging-related decline begins on average a decade earlier in Brazil than in Europe, highlighting social disparities which may impair healthy aging, per study of more than 30,000 over-50s

PLOS
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Aging-related decline begins on average a decade earlier in Brazil than in Europe, highlighting social disparities which may impair healthy aging, per study of more than 30,000 over-50s

Journal: PLOS One

Make it make sense: How humans process the extraordinary

PLOS
Peer-Reviewed Publication

One-fourth of people who undergo an extraordinary experience report immediate discomfort, but more than half claim the experience caused positive long-term effects, according to a study published August 5, 2026 in the open access journal PLOS One by Ronald Fischer Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino São Paulo, Brazil, and colleagues.

Journal: PLOS One

Zoo education strengthens people’s connection to nature

Goethe University Frankfurt
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Taking part in an educational program at a zoo can help people feel more connected to nature – particularly those who previously felt only a weak connection. That is the conclusion of a study by Goethe University Frankfurt, which analyzed data from educational programs at 20 zoological institutions across Europe. The researchers also found that direct encounters with animals, along with programs focusing on nature and species conservation, further strengthen this effect.

Journal: People and Nature

Firearm carrying accelerates suicide risk among high school students, NYU-led study shows

New York University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In this cross-sectional study of 23 232 high school students from 15 US states, firearm carrying was associated with suicide attempts by any method, independent of sex, grade in school, race and ethnicity, and state firearm laws.

Journal: JAMA Network Open

Psychotherapy for Impact of Killing During War

JAMA Network
Peer-Reviewed Publication

About the Study: Individuals in both treatments improved on measures of psychosocial functioning (WHOQOL-BREF and SDS). Those who received IOK evidenced greater improvements in work or school, social life, and home or family life (as measured by the SDS) compared to those in PCT at posttreatment. IOK participants also reported improved PTSD and MI symptoms. The findings suggest that IOK may improve several outcomes for those who experience distress due to killing in war.

Journal: JAMA Psychiatry