Some of the most harrowing cases of psychological and medical malpractice involve attempts to change a child’s gender or sexual identity. Not only have such misguided “therapies” often resulted in patients’ suicides, but they …
research
No Decline in Sperm Counts After All, Danish Data Show
In the dystopian book and film Children of Men, human beings suddenly stop being able to have children. There’s no real explanation given for the change — though there’s talk of a precipitous decline in sperm count quality — but the loss of the ability to reproduce essentially robs humanity of its future, and leads to the utter …
Jenny McCarthy, Vaccine Expert? A Quarter of Parents Trust Celebrities
Jenny McCarthy is a former Playboy bunny, not an academic expert, a doctor or a vaccine researcher. Yet 24% of parents surveyed recently by the University of Michigan say they place “some trust” in information provided by …
School Band Instruments are Teeming with Bacteria and Fungi
Playing a musical instrument is great for kids’ developing brains — think it’s sheer coincidence that Tiger Mom placed so much emphasis on piano practice? — but a new study shows it could be bad for their health.
Obese Women Are More Likely to Miscarry or Endure a Baby’s Death
Women are counseled not to be too thin or too heavy before getting pregnant, and new research gives even more reason for women to watch their weight: obese pregnant women stand a much greater chance of miscarrying or burying …
Children Sleep Right Through Fire Alarms, Study Shows
Recently, the super-sensitive smoke alarm near our kitchen started squalling in response to a charred bit of something overcooking in a saucepan. I cringed because my 6-year-old was asleep. A champion snoozer, she never flinched. …
Do People Really Make Life Decisions Based On Their Names?
What’s in a name? Letters that offer clues to one’s future decisions, apparently.
Study: Tai Chi Helps Fight Depression Among the Elderly
Save the karate for the kids. To stave off depression among the elderly, a new study proposes the practice of a gentler martial art — tai chi.
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 …
Good News, Guys: Spikes in PSA Don’t Mean Prostate Cancer
The National Comprehensive Cancer Network and the American Urological Association currently recommend that men who have a spike in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels get a biopsy to test for prostate cancer — even if their …
Why Hanging Out with Couple-Friends Enhances Romance
Want to spice up your romantic relationship? No need to spend money on long-stem roses or expensive dinners. Instead, spend time — not just with each other but with some really good friends.
Why Kids Bully: Because They’re Popular
Mean kids, mothers tell their wounded young, behave that way because they have unhappy home lives, or feel inadequate, or don’t have enough friends or because they somehow lack empathy. But a new study suggests some mean kids …