EurekAlert! News by Subject: Social & Behavior - News by Subject: Social & Behavior

Social & Behavior

Updates every hour. Last Updated: 2-Nov-2025 06:11 ET (2-Nov-2025 11:11 GMT/UTC)

21-May-2025

Study explores how to use AI to listen to the ‘heartbeat’ of a city

University of Missouri-Columbia
Peer-Reviewed Publication

In a recent study, researchers at the University of Missouri took a fresh approach to urban research by using artificial intelligence to explore the emotional side of city life. Their goal was to better understand the link between a city’s physical features and how people feel in those environments.

Journal: Frontiers in Computer Science

21-May-2025

New clues to autism: epigenetic study identifies RABGGTB as a novel candidate gene

University of Fukui
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Environmental factors and DNA methylation are known to play a role in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While environmental factors are known to alter neuronal activity in the dorsal raphe of the brain, researchers have now observed differentially methylated regions in key brain areas as well as heightened expression of RABGGTB—a gene related to autophagy and synaptic function. These findings shed light on the interplay of environmental and genetic factors in ASD.

Journal: Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences
Funder: Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan

21-May-2025

Can engaging in social activities prolong life?

Wiley
Peer-Reviewed Publication

A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society indicates that social engagement may help older individuals live longer.

Journal: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society

21-May-2025

More than half of US workers say job insecurity causing stress

American Psychological Association
Reports and Proceedings

A majority of U.S. workers (54%) said job insecurity has had a significant impact on their stress levels at work, and more than a third (39%) said they are concerned they may lose their job in the next 12 months due to changes in government policies, according to the American Psychological Association’s 2025 Work in America™ survey.

20-May-2025

Landmark report reveals key challenges facing adolescents

Murdoch Childrens Research Institute
Peer-Reviewed Publication

Poor mental health, rising obesity rates, exposure to violence and climate change are among the key challenges facing our adolescents today, according to a global report.

Journal: The Lancet
Funder: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Human Sciences Research Council, Exemplars in Global Health

20-May-2025

Thinking peers drink more drives risky behavior

University of Texas at Arlington
Peer-Reviewed Publication

The study explores how social influences, particularly peer pressure, impact substance use—and misuse—among young adults. A confidential online survey on alcohol use was given to 524 students at a large public university (not UTA).

Journal: Substance Use & Misuse

20-May-2025

Differentiate on social media and win: Why brands must have unique content strategies on platforms like X

American Marketing Association

Firms that diverge from their competitors’ social media strategies benefit from higher engagement and attract new followers more quickly.

Journal: Journal of Marketing