Proving a negative in science is really, really hard — and that may well be the task that researchers trying to evaluate the potentially carcinogenic effects of cell phone use may have before them.
health
How Economic Inequality Is (Literally) Making Us Sick
Imagine there was one changeable factor that affected virtually every measure of a country’s health— including life expectancy, crime rates, addiction, obesity, infant mortality, stroke, academic achievement, happiness and even …
How a Mother’s Love May Counter the Negative Health Effects of Poverty
Being raised in poverty can have lifelong negative effects on children’s health, increasing their risk of chronic disease in adulthood. But new research suggests one factor that may help protect poor kids from later illness: …
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Move Over, Alpha Males. Why Being a Beta May Be Better (at Least for Baboons)
It’s stressful at the top, at least for male baboons, according to a new study that finds that alpha males — those at the pinnacle of the social hierarchy — are significantly more stressed out than a group’s No. 2, or beta male.
Single Moms Have Worse Health, and Getting Married Doesn’t Help
Single mothers may face poorer health in midlife than married mothers, according to a recent national study published in the American Sociological Review. The finding is particularly notable, the authors said, considering that …
CDC: Why Gay and Bisexual Teens Are More Likely to Risk Their Health
In the largest study of its kind, government health officials report that gay, lesbian and bisexual teenagers are significantly more likely to engage in risky, unhealthy behaviors — such as smoking, drinking, using drugs, …
More Americans Are Praying About Their Health
More Americans are praying about health issues — both for themselves and for the health of others — according to a new study [PDF] published in the journal Psychology of Religion and Spirituality.
Why Frequent Business Travelers Are Fatter and Less Healthy
Like a lot of reporters, I spare a fair amount of a time on the road, maybe eight to 10 days a month on average. I like traveling — I wouldn’t have gotten into this line of work if I didn’t — and as TIME’s environment …
Q&A: Using Peer Pressure to Change the World
Virtually every day, a new study comes out suggesting that feeling close to others and having strong relationships boost health, happiness and longevity. From brain studies on the stress-relieving powers of the “love hormone” …
Smoking Ban at NYC Apartments? Health Experts Would Likely Approve
When the WSJ‘s Craig Karmin reported yesterday that at least half a dozen Manhattan co-ops may begin prohibiting residents from lighting up at home come spring, more than a handful of New Yorkers were no doubt peeved. Still, at …
The Secrets to Long Life: Worry, Work Hard and Marry Well (If You’re a Man)
Worrying is good for your health. Optimism is overrated. Women thrive post-divorce (men don’t). These are just a few of the unexpected findings that psychologist Howard Friedman explores in The Longevity Project, a new book based …
Dog Walkers Get More Exercise
If you’ve been thinking about getting a pet dog, here’s another reason to do it. A study in the Journal of Physical Activity and Health shows that dog owners are 34% more likely than non-owners to get the exercise they need.