News from the Department of Biobehavioral Health at Penn State
Thoughtful words help couples stay fighting fit
Couples who bring thoughtful words to a fight release lower amounts of stress-related proteins, suggesting that rational communication between partners can ease the impact of marital conflict on the immune system. "Previous research has shown that couples who are hostile to each other show health impairments and are at greater risk of disease," said Dr. Jennifer Graham, assistant professor of biobehavioral health. "We wanted to know if couples who use thoughtfulness and reasoning in the midst of a fight incur potential health benefits." >>Read more.
Study to Examine Whether High-Antioxidant Spices Improve Health
Antioxidants are often touted for their anti-aging effects. However, little is known about how antioxidants from foods actually work inside the body. A new $400,000 study being conducted in Penn State’s College of Health and Human Development is testing how much our bodies actually benefit from eating one group of high-antioxidant foods: spices. >>Read more.
Scientist receives lifetime achievement award in behavior genetics
Dr. David A. Blizard, senior research associate in Penn State’s Department of Biobehavioral Health, was presented the Dobzhansky Memorial Award from the Behavior Genetics Association at its 39th Annual Meeting held in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in June. The award, known to the international association as the "Doby," is awarded to a member for a lifetime of outstanding scholarship and achievement in behavioral genetic analysis. >>Read more.