FABBS reports on items of interest to many communities – scientists, policymakers, and the public. In our news, you will see updates on science funding and policy, articles that translate research for policy, and descriptions of the research contributions of scientists at all stages of their research careers.
Looking Beyond Treatment to Understand Relapse
Treatment for problematic behaviors like drug and alcohol addiction, self-injury, and childhood aggression costs individuals and society millions of dollars a year. Well-designed treatments often work in the short term, but relapse is common. Understanding the reasons why is critical, because when people take up their old bad habits, it causes distress for patients, families, and community members. But one significant factor is rarely considered by clinicians, because it isn’t about the
read moreWhen Seasons Change, We Do, Too
When Tyler Stevenson was a child, he was fascinated by the seasonal rhythms of his native Ontario, amazed that some animals knew when to leave for the winter while others stayed and adapted in order to survive. Little did he know that fascination would turn into a career that would advance understanding of how the environment shapes human, animal, and plant behavior. Stevenson’s research has shown that seasons affect far more than whether birds (and people) go south for the winter. Seasons
read moreSpotting Early Warning Signs of Psychosis
Schizophrenia, a debilitating disorder characterized by hallucinations, intrusive thoughts, and illogical behaviors, affects about 1% of the population. That might sound like a small number, but to psychologist Vijay Mittal, it isn’t small at all – and neither are its consequences. “In a room of 100 people, one is likely to have schizophrenia and several more are related to someone with the disorder,” Mittal points out. “We don’t talk about it very often, but it is so detrimental to
read moreIn speech therapy, what’s best for the bottom line might also be best for kids
Speech-language impairment affects millions of school-aged children in the U.S., not just limiting their ability to communicate, but posing a risk for their future achievement. Children with untreated speech-language issues go on to have more trouble with reading and math, as well as social and behavioral skills. Fortunately, access to treatment has become nearly universal, because the Individuals with Disabilities Act guarantees school-based services to any child whose educational performance
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