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Social & Behavior

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 11-May-2026 21:16 ET (12-May-2026 01:16 GMT/UTC)

Is low fertility really an economic threat?

International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a new commentary, two deeply rooted assumptions in global demographic debates are challenged: that fertility will rebound as societies develop, and that “replacement-level fertility” is an ideal to be pursued. Drawing on the latest evidence, the authors show that neither view is supported by available data and argue that persistently low fertility can be sustainable and even economically desirable.

Journal: Nature Human Behaviour

Ranked in the World University Rankings by subject for the second consecutive year

Okayama University of Science
Grant and Award Announcement

Okayama University of Science has been ranked for the second consecutive year in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings by Subject 2026. The university was evaluated in Life Sciences (1001+) and Physical Sciences (1251+). Among private universities in Western Japan, OUS tied for first place in Life Sciences and third place in Physical Sciences. The results highlight the university’s continued international recognition for research excellence and impact in these fields.

Science reveals why you can’t resist a snack – even when you’re full

University of East Anglia
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) may finally explain why we still reach for the biscuit tin, even when we’re full. A new study reveals that the human brain continues to respond to tempting food cues even after we’ve eaten enough. In a world of endless adverts and snack cues on every corner, the team say their findings shed light on why so many of us struggle to maintain a healthy weight.

Journal: Appetite

$3 million NIH grant funds national study of Medicare Advantage’s benefit expansion into social supports

George Mason University
Grant and Award Announcement

With funding from the National Institute on Aging, George Mason health economist Jeah Jung will evaluate how Medicare Advantage’s new non-medical benefits like food and transportation impact health care use and patient outcomes.

Boys are more motivated, while girls are more compassionate?

Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In Year 8 of school, boys score higher on everything related to motivation. Girls do best when it comes to compassion. However, the picture is a little more nuanced than that.

Journal: Frontiers in Education

Changing the past in your imagination: Working with memories reduces the fear of failure

SWPS University
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Certain imagery-based techniques can reduce the fear of failure that results from difficult childhood memories, according to research by scientists from SWPS University and the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology. The researchers described their findings in a paper published in the prestigious journal Frontiers in Psychology.

Journal: Frontiers in Psychology
Funder: National Science Centre, Poland

Political polarization can spur CO2 emissions, stymie climate action

University of Colorado at Boulder
Peer-Reviewed Publication

An analysis of more than 20,000 power plants across 92 democratic countries found that in nations with more political incivility, power plants emit more carbon.

Journal: American Sociological Review