Mealtime Rituals Impact Obesity

This Chicago Tribune article entitled "Mealtime Rituals Might Make a Difference in Obesity, Researchers Say," reviews research that found families who ate dinners in the kitchen or dining room had lower BMI rates than families who ate elsewhere (e.g., in front of the TV). What factors might be involved? If research keeps showing that family mealtime is a positive activity (it also reduces risk of childhood substance abuse, for example), how do we help families respect mealtimes and sit down together?

Clue to SIDS in Hearing

The Puget Sound Business Journal published an article entitled "Seattle Children's researcher finds a clue to the mystery of SIDS" that discusses the work by Dr. Daniel Rubens, who explores the role of inner ear dysfunction in SIDS. He proposes that babies who die of SIDS may not have neurological issues, but rather a issue with hearing and the inner ear. What is the implication of this research for SIDS prevention? What are the challenges in applying this research in practice?

1 in 3 Older Adults Experience Discrimination

This Chicago Tribune article entitled " One in three older adults report age discrimination" explores research that finds one-third of older adults have experienced one of five types of discrimination, including being treated with less respect, receiving poorer service in public stores/restaurants, poorer service in hospitals, being treated as less clever and overt harassment. What are the implications of this research? How can we change attitudes towards aging and reduce age discrimination?

Sunshine linked to lower rates of ADHD

This Columbus Dispatch article entitled "Sunshine, lower rates of ADHD correlated" looks at research indicating that sunshine is correlated strongly with lower rates of ADHD, even when ruling out other factors. The researchers speculate that the role of sunlight exposure in sleeping difficulties is the underlying variable relating to both. What do you think? What third variable could contribute? What are the flaws in this study?

Yelling Equivalent to Spanking?

This research study reviewed in the Washington Post, entitled "Study says yelling as harmful as spanking in disciplining kids" reveals that harsh verbal discipline is shown to contribute to depression for children. What is the best way for parents to discipline children?

To Boost Reading, Learn a Beat

This Chicago Tribune article entitled "To boost those reading skills, learn to keep a beat" reports on research that finds that beat-keeping skills and reading skills are in sync in the brain. How could incorporating music into reading classes in school improve skills of students? What downfalls might exist?