Analyses of 18 positive psychology interventions -- including mindfulness, gratitude and optimism training -- finds that they can consistently improve blood pressure, inflammation markers and other cardiovascular disease risk factors within a matter of weeks. However, since these benefits are associated with lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and greater physical activity, the researchers suggested that ongoing reinforcements may be needed to stay on course long term.

JMIR Publications today featured a critical new story in its News and Perspectives section examining the recent waves of disruption to inclusive clinical trials and the emerging strategies to keep health equity on track

A new study led by Arizona State University challenges the traditional view that African papionin primates, such as baboons and geladas, live strictly in either single-level or multi-level societies, revealing instead a more complex spectrum of social structures. By compiling a large database spanning 135 years of observations across multiple species and sites, a team of international researchers used grooming behavior to map social networks and found that even single-level societies vary in cohesion and cliquishness. The study also highlights the influential role of females in shaping these social dynamics through their relationships and preferences. These findings provide deeper insight into primate social organization and offer valuable clues for understanding the evolution of human social systems.

How does one plan a space mission that involves visiting multiple celestial bodies which are constantly moving? Researchers at Bielefeld University have, for the first time, developed a precise mathematical approach to this problem. The publication in a leading international journal demonstrates that decision-support methods at the interface between economics and mathematics can advance space travel and transport planning – with implications extending far beyond space missions.