I am a huge fan of randomized controlled trials and about as hard-core as it gets in supporting evidence-based interventions whenever possible. But I was nonetheless troubled by the study Science published last week, in which Romanian orphans were randomized to receive either foster care or to stay in an orphanage.
Unsurprisingly, the research found a large 8 point difference in IQ between those given foster parents and those left behind and confirmed all the results from animal research and unfortunate “natural experiments” which show that the longer a baby languishes without specific parental care, the more damaged he is likely to be.
Continue reading 'Disturbing research on orphans from Science' >
In a near-complete waste of Australian time and money, researchers at Griffith University surveyed students 18-29 about their motivations for using or not using marijuana. Users reported that they smoked up to "fit in with their friends, feel relaxed, forget their worries, and enjoy themselves." Non-users, meanwhile abstained because "work and study" remained powerful deterrents. Wow, Griffith U. — got any more brain-busters? 
