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Social Sciences - 19.09.2023
Social Sciences - Politics - 14.09.2023
Health - Social Sciences - 11.09.2023 
Hobbies linked to lower depression levels among older people
Having a hobby is linked to fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of happiness, self-reported health and life satisfaction among people aged 65 and over, and this holds true across 16 countries on three continents, according to a new study led by UCL researchers. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine , aimed to see if the benefits of hobbies were consistent in different national settings, and looked at data from 93,263 people aged 65 or over who had enrolled in five existing longitudinal studies in England, Japan, United States, China and 12 other European countries.
Environment - Social Sciences - 04.09.2023 
Imperial experts to study air pollution exposure inside 100 London homes
A groundbreaking Imperial-led study is looking at indoor exposure to air pollution in more than 100 homes in West London. The WellHome study, led by Imperial College London's world-leading Environmental Research Group , is a first-of-its-kind community-based study focusing on assessing air quality inside and outside of homes, as well as identifying various contaminants such as chemicals, biological agents, and microplastics that are present within the home environment.
Pedagogy - Social Sciences - 04.09.2023
Social Sciences - 04.09.2023
Health - Social Sciences - 04.09.2023
Pedagogy - Social Sciences - 01.09.2023
Health - Social Sciences - 24.08.2023 
Children receiving care and support in Wales more likely to be immunised
Children receiving services under a care and support plan had higher overall vaccination rates and were more up to date with immunisations than the general population of children in Wales, finds a new study involving UCL researchers. The research, published in Frontiers in Public Health , is the first data linkage study to explore vaccination coverage in children under social care services in Wales.
Health - Social Sciences - 17.08.2023 
FGM identified as a leading cause of death in African countries
Female Genital Mutilation is causing thousands of unnecessary deaths every year - researchers are calling for extra effort to stop the practice. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a leading cause of death in the countries where it is practised, with over 44,000 additional women and young girls dying each year, a new study reveals.
Social Sciences - Health - 10.08.2023
Health - Social Sciences - 02.08.2023
Health - Social Sciences - 01.08.2023
Social Sciences - Career - 17.07.2023
Life Sciences - Social Sciences - 10.07.2023 
Same-sex behaviour is widespread and heritable in macaque monkeys
Observations of a wild colony of macaques over three years show same-sex sexual behaviour among males is widespread and may be beneficial. The results, published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution , suggest same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) has evolved and may be a common feature of primate reproduction.
Psychology - Social Sciences - 10.07.2023
Social Sciences - Sport - 03.07.2023
Social Sciences - Psychology - 29.06.2023
Psychology - Social Sciences - 27.06.2023 
Reading for pleasure early in childhood linked to better cognitive performance and mental wellbeing in adolescence
Children who begin reading for pleasure early in life tend to perform better at cognitive tests and have better mental health when they enter adolescence, a study of more than 10,000 young adolescents in the US has found.
Social Sciences - 22.06.2023
Social Sciences
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Researchers issue urgent call to save the world’s largest flower -Rafflesia - from extinction
An international group of scientists, including botanists at the University of Oxford's Botanic Garden, has issued an urgent call for coordinated action to save the iconic genus Rafflesia , which contains the world's largest flowers. This follows a new study published this week which found that most of the 42 species are severely threatened, yet just one of these is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List of Threatened Species.
An international group of scientists, including botanists at the University of Oxford's Botanic Garden, has issued an urgent call for coordinated action to save the iconic genus Rafflesia , which contains the world's largest flowers. This follows a new study published this week which found that most of the 42 species are severely threatened, yet just one of these is listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s Red List of Threatened Species.
Study uncovers link between anti-immigrant prejudices and support for LGBT+ rights
Cross-national research carried out by the University of Southampton and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) into public opinion on LGBT+ rights has shown that anti-immigrant prejudices, particularly towards Muslims, contributes to explaining some of the widespread shifts in tolerance towards the LGBT+ community.
Cross-national research carried out by the University of Southampton and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VUA) into public opinion on LGBT+ rights has shown that anti-immigrant prejudices, particularly towards Muslims, contributes to explaining some of the widespread shifts in tolerance towards the LGBT+ community.
Having a hobby is linked to fewer depressive symptoms and higher levels of happiness, self-reported health and life satisfaction among people aged 65 and over, and this holds true across 16 countries on three continents, according to a new study led by UCL researchers. The study, published in the journal Nature Medicine , aimed to see if the benefits of hobbies were consistent in different national settings, and looked at data from 93,263 people aged 65 or over who had enrolled in five existing longitudinal studies in England, Japan, United States, China and 12 other European countries.
A groundbreaking Imperial-led study is looking at indoor exposure to air pollution in more than 100 homes in West London. The WellHome study, led by Imperial College London's world-leading Environmental Research Group , is a first-of-its-kind community-based study focusing on assessing air quality inside and outside of homes, as well as identifying various contaminants such as chemicals, biological agents, and microplastics that are present within the home environment.
Education about domestic abuse improves knowledge and motivation to respond to victims
Education about domestic abuse equips and empowers friends, colleagues, and neighbours to respond in positive and helpful ways when someone discloses experiences of abuse, finds a new study by researchers from UCL and SafeLives. The study, published in the journal Trauma, Violence & Abuse , synthesised the findings of 11 existing studies from around the world that examined the effects of domestic abuse training for colleagues, neighbours, or faith leaders.
Education about domestic abuse equips and empowers friends, colleagues, and neighbours to respond in positive and helpful ways when someone discloses experiences of abuse, finds a new study by researchers from UCL and SafeLives. The study, published in the journal Trauma, Violence & Abuse , synthesised the findings of 11 existing studies from around the world that examined the effects of domestic abuse training for colleagues, neighbours, or faith leaders.
New research paints bleak picture of repeat violence in Scotland
Repeat victims of violence do not report to the police, even in cases involving serious injury and hospitalisation, a new study has found. Repeat victims of violence do not report to the police, even in cases involving serious injury and hospitalisation, a new study has found. Researchers based at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR) discovered that those experiencing repeat violence do not seek support due to a mistrust of authorities, social rules around 'no grassing' and the risks associated with identifying as a victim.
Repeat victims of violence do not report to the police, even in cases involving serious injury and hospitalisation, a new study has found. Repeat victims of violence do not report to the police, even in cases involving serious injury and hospitalisation, a new study has found. Researchers based at the Scottish Centre for Crime and Justice Research (SCCJR) discovered that those experiencing repeat violence do not seek support due to a mistrust of authorities, social rules around 'no grassing' and the risks associated with identifying as a victim.
Shocking impact of family courts on women’s health exposed
A devastating study involving 45 women who accused their partners of domestic abuse has highlighted serious health problems they have suffered as a result, they say, of biased family court proceedings. While the study is qualitative and self-reported and so not generalisable to the wider population, the women's experiences now indicate a need for further research.
A devastating study involving 45 women who accused their partners of domestic abuse has highlighted serious health problems they have suffered as a result, they say, of biased family court proceedings. While the study is qualitative and self-reported and so not generalisable to the wider population, the women's experiences now indicate a need for further research.
Deprived teens with poor learning skills at greatest risk from email scams
Disadvantaged teenagers are at greater risk of email scams and need better protection, according to an international study by a UCL researcher. The findings, published in the British Journal of Educational Studies , were based on more than 170,000 students aged 15 and show that one in five from low-income families or deprived areas could fall victim to phishing.
Disadvantaged teenagers are at greater risk of email scams and need better protection, according to an international study by a UCL researcher. The findings, published in the British Journal of Educational Studies , were based on more than 170,000 students aged 15 and show that one in five from low-income families or deprived areas could fall victim to phishing.
Children receiving services under a care and support plan had higher overall vaccination rates and were more up to date with immunisations than the general population of children in Wales, finds a new study involving UCL researchers. The research, published in Frontiers in Public Health , is the first data linkage study to explore vaccination coverage in children under social care services in Wales.
Female Genital Mutilation is causing thousands of unnecessary deaths every year - researchers are calling for extra effort to stop the practice. Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a leading cause of death in the countries where it is practised, with over 44,000 additional women and young girls dying each year, a new study reveals.
Tackling loneliness requires a new approach which addresses societal inequalities
A review into loneliness inequalities conducted by some of the UK's leading scholars in the field has highlighted key social and societal factors that lead to loneliness inequalities. Significantly, this departure from viewing loneliness as an individual problem to be treated by interventions such as befriending services or behavioural therapy suggests that loneliness could be improved by policy changes that reduce inequalities.
A review into loneliness inequalities conducted by some of the UK's leading scholars in the field has highlighted key social and societal factors that lead to loneliness inequalities. Significantly, this departure from viewing loneliness as an individual problem to be treated by interventions such as befriending services or behavioural therapy suggests that loneliness could be improved by policy changes that reduce inequalities.
The socioeconomic gap in behaviours that contribute to diseases is widening
New research shows increasing levels of inequality in risk factors that causes higher levels of health conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Findings published in the BMC Public Health have shown an increasing divide across England - with those in lower socioeconomic positions (SEPs) recording more behaviours that put them at increased risk of diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.
New research shows increasing levels of inequality in risk factors that causes higher levels of health conditions such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Findings published in the BMC Public Health have shown an increasing divide across England - with those in lower socioeconomic positions (SEPs) recording more behaviours that put them at increased risk of diseases including cancer, diabetes, heart attacks and strokes.
Gypsy Traveller group faced a higher risk during the COVID-19 pandemic
New research shows, for the first time, a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation or death for the White Gypsy/Traveller ethnic minority group New research shows, for the first time, a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation or death for the White Gypsy/Traveller ethnic minority group. The research, which looked at over 4.3m people in Scotland, was led by the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit at the University of Glasgow and published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
New research shows, for the first time, a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation or death for the White Gypsy/Traveller ethnic minority group New research shows, for the first time, a higher risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation or death for the White Gypsy/Traveller ethnic minority group. The research, which looked at over 4.3m people in Scotland, was led by the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit at the University of Glasgow and published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
Men ’less satisfied with life’ when their female partner is the only earner - new study
Analysis from Dr Helen Kowalewska and Dr Agnese Vitali looked at the link between breadwinner status and wellbeing in heterosexual couples. Men report lower wellbeing when women are the sole earner in a relationship, versus where both partners are employed or the man is the main breadwinner, according to a revealing new study.
Analysis from Dr Helen Kowalewska and Dr Agnese Vitali looked at the link between breadwinner status and wellbeing in heterosexual couples. Men report lower wellbeing when women are the sole earner in a relationship, versus where both partners are employed or the man is the main breadwinner, according to a revealing new study.
Observations of a wild colony of macaques over three years show same-sex sexual behaviour among males is widespread and may be beneficial. The results, published today in Nature Ecology and Evolution , suggest same-sex sexual behaviour (SSB) has evolved and may be a common feature of primate reproduction.
In-person mindfulness courses help improve mental health for at least six months
Adults who voluntarily take part in mindfulness courses are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the programmes, compared to adults who do not take part, a new analysis pooling data from 13 studies has confirmed. This study is the highest quality confirmation so far that the in-person mindfulness courses typically offered in the community do actually work for the average person.
Adults who voluntarily take part in mindfulness courses are less likely to experience symptoms of anxiety and depression for at least six months after completing the programmes, compared to adults who do not take part, a new analysis pooling data from 13 studies has confirmed. This study is the highest quality confirmation so far that the in-person mindfulness courses typically offered in the community do actually work for the average person.
Report: Cricket inequalities in England and Wales are untenable
Writing in The Conversation, Dr Michael Collins (UCL History) shares the report he co-led which recommended ways to address the ongoing and historic racism, elitism and sexism prevalent in English and Welsh cricket. After more than two years of research, interviews and evidence gathering, a landmark report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) was published on June 27 2023.
Writing in The Conversation, Dr Michael Collins (UCL History) shares the report he co-led which recommended ways to address the ongoing and historic racism, elitism and sexism prevalent in English and Welsh cricket. After more than two years of research, interviews and evidence gathering, a landmark report by the Independent Commission for Equity in Cricket (ICEC) was published on June 27 2023.
Adverse childhood experiences are ’strong predictor’ for adolescent cannabis use
A new study from psychiatric epidemiologist Dr Lindsey Hines calls for greater support to help young people avoid problematic drug use. Young people who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences between the ages of 0 - 12 years, including parental drug misuse, are at highest risk for developing problematic adolescent cannabis use as teenagers, according to a new study.
A new study from psychiatric epidemiologist Dr Lindsey Hines calls for greater support to help young people avoid problematic drug use. Young people who are exposed to adverse childhood experiences between the ages of 0 - 12 years, including parental drug misuse, are at highest risk for developing problematic adolescent cannabis use as teenagers, according to a new study.
Children who begin reading for pleasure early in life tend to perform better at cognitive tests and have better mental health when they enter adolescence, a study of more than 10,000 young adolescents in the US has found.
Ice Bucket Challenge increased charitable giving and volunteering
Around one million people donated money with hundreds of thousands volunteering for charitable causes as a result of the Ice Bucket Challenge, research has found. Academics from Cardiff University used data from Understanding Society , a large household survey representative of the United Kingdom (UK) population, to assess the impact the social media craze had on viewers.
Around one million people donated money with hundreds of thousands volunteering for charitable causes as a result of the Ice Bucket Challenge, research has found. Academics from Cardiff University used data from Understanding Society , a large household survey representative of the United Kingdom (UK) population, to assess the impact the social media craze had on viewers.
