ScienceDaily: Mind & Brain News

Readiness to change is a vital facet to committing to New Year's resolutions Posted: 30 Dec 2014 10:29 AM PST Whether it is losing weight or quitting smoking, one employee wellness director says it can be done with the will to do so. About half of the most popular resolutions made each year are health-related, according to the United States government. In addition to losing weight and quitting smoking, they include eating healthier foods, getting fit, managing stress and drinking less alcohol.

Children with autism who live with pets are more assertive Posted: 30 Dec 2014 10:28 AM PST Dogs and other pets play an important role in individuals' social lives, and they can act as catalysts for social interaction, previous research has shown. Although much media attention has focused on how dogs can improve the social skills of children with autism, a researcher recently found that children with autism have stronger social skills when any kind of pet lived in the home.

Molecular network identified underlying autism spectrum disorders Posted: 30 Dec 2014 04:57 AM PST A molecular network that comprises many of the genes previously shown to contribute to autism spectrum disorders has been identified by researchers. The findings provide a map of some of the crucial protein interactions that contribute to autism and will help uncover novel candidate genes for the disease.