http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/popular_culture/ A scientific view of popular culture. Read about the role of popular culture, mass media and public opinion on society. en-us Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST Wed, 15 Feb 2012 18:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/popular_culture/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210111258.htm A recent study examining whether speaking French influenced how children assigned gender to objects yielded some interesting observations. Researchers found some differences between the monolingual English children and the bilingual French-English children they surveyed. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:12:12 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210111258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110038.htm Excessive consumption of phosphate is damaging to health. Therefore, food that contains phosphate additives should be labeled, researchers recommend. Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120210110038.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092552.htm Online dating has not only shed its stigma, it has surpassed all forms of matchmaking in the United States other than meeting through friends, according to a new analysis of research on the burgeoning relationship industry. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:25:25 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092552.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131150031.htm Despite the fears of some scholars and pundits, most political partisans don’t avoid news and opinion sources that contradict their own beliefs, according to a new study. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131150031.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092410.htm Research shows a storyline that really makes the viewer pay attention may score the highest. Marketing narratives are more likely to trigger a positive response when following the storyline requires some mental work. Tue, 31 Jan 2012 09:24:24 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120131092410.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm A new position statement issued by the American Academy of Neurology calls on neurologists to begin screening their patients for abusive or violent treatment by family, caretakers or others. Types of abuse include elder abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, cyberbullying and violence. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092044.htm Short, fast, and frequent: Those 21st-century demands on publication have radically changed the news, politics, and culture -- for the worse, many say. Now a new article aims a critique at a similar trend in psychological research. Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111229092044.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140453.htm New research suggests obesity can be seen as one of the unintended side effects of free market policies. A study of 26 wealthy nations shows that countries with a higher density of fast food restaurants per capita had much higher obesity rates compared to countries with a lower density of fast food restaurants per capita. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:04:04 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221140453.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105800.htm Researchers who studied the growth of the newly hatched Twitter from 2006 to 2009 say the site's growth in the United States actually relied primarily on media attention and traditional social networks based on geographic proximity and socioeconomic similarity. In other words, at least during those early years, birds of a feather flocked -- and tweeted -- together. Wed, 21 Dec 2011 10:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111221105800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216234655.htm New research by academics has looked at whether a song can be predicted to be a "hit." Fri, 16 Dec 2011 23:46:46 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111216234655.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141625.htm North Americans and Western Europeans love a good mix of alpha-terpineol, 4-methylpentanoic acid and ethyl propionate for dinner, flavor compounds shared in popular ingredients like tomatoes, Parmesan cheese and white wine. Authentic East Asian recipes, on the other hand, tend to avoid mixing ingredients with many shared flavor compounds, according to new research. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 14:16:16 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215141625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113510.htm The double terrorist attack in Norway last July, which claimed 77 lives, has moved violent acts committed by single individuals up the political, media and now research agendas. Known as "lone wolf terrorism," these acts are carried out independently of established terrorist organizations. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207133055.htm Psychopathic personalities are some of the most memorable characters portrayed in popular media today. These characters, like Patrick Bateman from 'American Psycho,' Frank Abagnale Jr. from 'Catch Me If You Can' and Alex from 'A Clockwork Orange,' are typically depicted as charming, intriguing, dishonest, guiltless, and in some cases, downright terrifying. But scientific research suggests that psychopathy is a personality disorder that is widely misunderstood. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207133055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131406.htm The sounds produced by a fiddle are not always musical, but the fiddle is still nevertheless regarded as a musical instrument. However, if one uses sticks or car engines to create music – do they become musical instruments? Tue, 06 Dec 2011 13:14:14 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206131406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206115053.htm The better the looks of United States Congresspersons, the more television coverage they receive, shows a new study. The reason behind this? Television journalists think their viewers prefer to see physically attractive people. "Physical appearance ranked third in the criteria for gaining television coverage, and ranked higher than seniority, position in Congress and legislative activity in this respect," noted the authors of the study. Tue, 06 Dec 2011 11:50:50 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111206115053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125352.htm New research shows that Internet users often do not make the conscious decision to read news online, but they come across news when they are searching for other information or doing non-news related activities online, such as shopping or visiting social networking sites. Thu, 01 Dec 2011 12:53:53 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111201125352.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130095251.htm A functional magnetic resonance imaging analysis of long-term effects of violent video game play on the brain has found changes in brain regions associated with cognitive function and emotional control in young adult men after one week of game play. Wed, 30 Nov 2011 09:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111130095251.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128115258.htm Results of extensive study reveals gender divide in use of social media -- and how celebrities exploit social media to connect with their fans. Young women are leaders of change in styles of storytelling in the new digital economy, a social media expert has found. Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:52:52 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111128115258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103143255.htm This fall, Hoopes and his students have watched two predicted cataclysmic dates -- Oct. 21 and 28 -- come and go with little fanfare. Oct. 21 was a date selected by California evangelist Harold Camping after his original May 21, 2011, prediction passed without calamity. Swedish pharmacologist, self-help advocate and self-taught Maya cosmologist Carl Johan Calleman was among those predicting that Oct. 28 would usher in a worldwide unified consciousness. Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:32:32 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111103143255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025210917.htm While smoking remains legal, the number of smokers is never going to fall significantly, argues a public health doctor. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 21:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025210917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024213401.htm Teens who drink more than five cans of non-diet, fizzy soft drinks every week are significantly more likely to behave aggressively, new research suggests. This includes carrying a weapon and perpetrating violence against peers and siblings. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024213401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084239.htm An innovative kitchen that gives step-by-step cooking instructions in French could spark a revolution in language learning in the UK. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 08:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024084239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125715.htm Consumers who feel powerless will choose larger size food portions in an attempt to gain status, according to a new study. But there is hope for convincing them that a Big Gulp won't translate to higher ranking. Fri, 21 Oct 2011 12:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111021125715.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020191854.htm Violent deaths are outpacing traditional causes of maternal mortality, such as hemorrhage and preeclampsia, and conflicts with intimate partner are often a factor, researchers report. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 19:18:18 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020191854.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024129.htm In a new study, researchers reported that the average US adolescent is heavily exposed to alcohol brand references in popular music. Branded alcohol references are most common in rap, R&B, and hip hop songs, and they are commonly associated with a luxury lifestyle characterized by degrading sexual activity, wealth, partying, violence and the use of drugs. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:41:41 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020024129.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017111608.htm In the racy television hit show, "Sex and the City," Carrie, one of the main characters tells her best girlfriends that "Men who are too good looking are never good in bed because they never had to be." This is just one of the many gender stereotypes that audiences were exposed to in this show. The show challenged many stereotypes about sex and gender and refrained from the gender caricatures that typify so much television fare. Now, a new review article examines how such gender stereotypes fueled the sexual revolution started by women in the 60s, now carried on proudly by Carrie and her gang. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 11:16:16 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017111608.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092231.htm A total of 223 middle school students completed surveys on their aggression, preferred media, time spent viewing media, perceived aggression in their favorite shows and games, beliefs about profanity and profanity use. The results showed a direct link in the viewing of media with high profanity, profanity use and subsequent aggression. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092231.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080034.htm A new study into the use of social media in street protests and riots has revealed how it is effective for both protesters and police. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013153950.htm Workplace violence continues to be a topic of great importance to many companies, as tales of extreme cases hit the media. Today's human resources departments spend a great deal of time preparing for these cases. However, a new study questions whether time might be better invested in further investigation. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013153950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013085117.htm Researchers wanted to find out whether there is a way to make the intrusion of our personal space on the subway (underground railway) more tolerable. Their results reveal that listening to music through headphones can change people’s margins of personal space. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 08:51:51 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013085117.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012185621.htm Television ads featuring cute chimpanzees wearing human clothes are likely to distort the public's perception of the endangered animals and hinder conservation efforts, according to researchers. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 18:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012185621.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124019.htm After excessively violent events, shoot 'em up games regularly come under scrutiny. In Norway, several first-person shooter games disappeared from the market for a while after the killings. Does intense fighting on a flat screen display also result in aggressive behavior in real life? Researchers have found brain activity patterns in heavy gamers that differed from those of non-gamers. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124019.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113802.htm Researchers have long claimed that physical abuse and marginalization lead to criminal activity. However, women in prison are taught to overlook socioeconomic issues and blame only themselves for their behavior, according to a new study. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012112918.htm Can teenagers' relationship with their mother protect them from the negative effects that television has on their sexual attitudes? It depends on their gender, according to a new study. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:29:29 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012112918.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132154.htm Even after women have separated from an abusive partner, the violence still costs Canadians an estimated $6.9 billion a year, according to new research. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 13:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011132154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011121412.htm Today the citizens of Liberia will participate in just their second presidential election since the country emerged from a brutal civil war in 2003, and in such an environment the specter of violence or other unrest is never far away. But what if social media, a professor is asking, could identify and even help prevent dangerous situations from occurring? Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011121412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010075458.htm Media companies are increasingly targeting adolescents with TV shows that feature violence, alcohol and drugs. An interdisciplinary research project, with researchers from Sweden and colleagues from the UK, is looking closer at how society and other actors should react to the link between young people's media habits and their alcohol consumption. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 07:54:54 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010075458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006084330.htm Directly advertising food items to children worries many parents and health care providers, and the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Psychological Association have expressed concern about the negative impact of advertising on children's healthy food choices. A new study explores the relationship between fast food advertisements, parental influence, and the food choices made by children. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 08:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006084330.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930103159.htm Both young men and women experience peer pressure to share sexual images via the new phenomenon of "sexting," according to preliminary findings. Fri, 30 Sep 2011 10:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110930103159.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929144713.htm In looking for the culprit as to why people tend to display tinges of racism, sexism or ageism, even towards members of their own group, a research team found that our culture may be partially to blame. Thu, 29 Sep 2011 14:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110929144713.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928190110.htm Soon-to-be released Hollywood film Contagion stars Kate Winslet as a doctor battling the horrors of a global pandemic -- but real-life scientists are urging people to complete a survey to help scientists track how contagious diseases spread in the real world. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 19:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928190110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928105709.htm The drinking habits of a romantic partner's friends are more likely to impact an adolescent's future drinking than are the behaviors of an adolescent's own friends or significant other, according to a new study. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 10:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928105709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927192347.htm New online research reveals that over 200,000 people living in Britain may have fallen victim to online romance scams -- far more than had been previously estimated. The study is believed to be the first formal academic analysis to measure the scale of this growing problem. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 19:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927192347.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927124916.htm Over half of the residents of battered women's shelters in the United States are children, according to statistics. Now, a new, innovative online training program aims to elevate children's voices, so that service providers may better hear, understand, and respond to the children and families they serve. Tue, 27 Sep 2011 12:49:49 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110927124916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926151737.htm A new show "Breaking Bad" makes chemistry entertaining but is not improving chemistry's tarnished public image, according to a new article. Mon, 26 Sep 2011 15:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110926151737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921144601.htm The media may portray text messaging and social networks as powerful new weapons for freedom fighters, but these new communication tools may not be as uniformly beneficial or as robust as suggested, according to researchers. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921144601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113734.htm New research reveals brands and logos are highly important to some children, influenced by family attitudes, peer pressure and celebrity culture. Thu, 15 Sep 2011 11:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110915113734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914161733.htm After analyzing more than three million tweets, gigabytes of YouTube content and thousands of blog posts, a new study finds that social media played a central role in shaping political debates in the Arab Spring. Conversations about revolution often preceded major events, and social media has carried inspiring stories of protest across international borders. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 16:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914161733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914154404.htm Certain brands bring to mind particular cultures, and consumers react more positively to brand extensions when products match expectations about cultures, according to a new study. That's why a Budweiser barbecue sauce might be a more successful product than a Sony cappuccino maker. Wed, 14 Sep 2011 15:44:44 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110914154404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912075658.htm Young children who watch fast-paced, fantastical television shows may become handicapped in their readiness for learning, according to a new study. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912075658.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104003.htm News coverage of Washington politicians and their rhetoric appears to have less influence on the American public compared to other news coverage, according to a study by a political scientist. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907163912.htm Violent crime could be reduced significantly if policymakers at the local level limit the number of neighborhood liquor stores and ban the sale of single-serve containers of alcoholic beverages, according to separate U.S. studies. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907163912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907124618.htm A new review article assesses the extent to which alcohol plays a causal role in sexual assault perpetration. Results found that men who are already prone to anger, who have hostile attitudes toward women, and who are in social environments that accept sexual aggression are most likely to engage in sexual aggression when intoxicated. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 12:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907124618.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144602.htm A new article combines advanced supercomputing with a quarter-century of worldwide news to forecast and visualize human behavior, from civil unrest to the movement of individuals. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906102456.htm Do sexualized lyrics in popular music have an impact on the sexual behavior and attitudes of adolescents? Researchers recently took a look at the trend of increasing use of sexually explicit lyrics in music. Their findings provide food for thought for educators whose focus is to promote healthy sexual development. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:24:24 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906102456.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906085348.htm Homicide and suicide remain in the top ten leading causes of death for people from birth to age 64. How do you combat an issue that takes so many forms and has so many causes? The National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC) in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine (published by SAGE) have developed a special issue to take a closer look at violence prevention. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906085348.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110903103152.htm Despite declining sales of newspapers and shrinking broadcast audiences for the largest channels, new research shows that public support for the media is still based on arrangements put in place 30 or more years ago -- before the arrival of the internet. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 10:31:31 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110903103152.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829114714.htm While most research into video games and aggressive behavior has focused on violent games, competitiveness may be the main video game characteristic that influences aggression, according to new research. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829114714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828171208.htm In this International Year of Chemistry (IYC), writers and producers for the most popular crime and science-related television shows and movies are putting out an all-points bulletin for scientists to advise them on the accuracy of their plots and to even give them story ideas. Sun, 28 Aug 2011 17:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110828171208.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110824191733.htm The public should view crowd estimation with skepticism, say the authors of a new study, as they suggest more reliable alternatives to current estimating methods. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110824191733.htm