Infotrak

Are mass multiplayer online games a colossal waste of time or does gaming offer crucial long term benefits in the real world? Melika Shirmohammadi, PhD, Assistant Professor at the University of Houston College of Technology, shares the results of a recent study that challenges the notion that online games are worthless.

An unregulated substance may be purchased at many smoke shops nationwide, despite federal warnings that it can trigger toxic results, seizures and even death. Matthew Rossheim, PhD, Associate Professor of Health Administration & Health Policy at the University of North Texas Health Science Center at Fort Worth, outlines concerns about a a substance called kratom.

Each year in the US, over half a million people have a first stroke; however, up to 80% of strokes may be preventable. Cheryl D. Bushnell, M.D., Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the department of neurology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine explains what risk factors increase the chance of having a stroke and what should you do to lessen the chances.

A 50-year landmark study compared young kids who got an intense early education with other children who did not and tracked the results into adulthood. Craig Ramey, PhD, Research Professor and Distinguished Research Scholar at the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute at The Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine, shares the fascinating results of his research.

Protein bars, shakes and powders are increasingly popular among adults. Many teens may be jumping on the bandwagon, too. But is that a good idea? Sarah J. Clark, MPH, Research Scientist in the Department of Pediatrics at the University of Michigan, Co-Director of the C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital National Poll on Children’s Health offers advice for parents to navigate the complex world of teen nutrition and supplementation.

It's been called the daycare myth, thinking that childcare and education are separate. But what if many of today’s education policies made the wrong assumptions? Are we shortchanging the nation's children? Dan Wuori, author of "The Daycare Myth: What We Get Wrong About Early Care and Education (and What We Should Do About It)" shares some wise advice for parents.

Nowadays there's an epidemic of scams, schemes and cons. Daniel J. Simons, PhD, Professor in the Department of Psychology at the University of Illinois, author of “Nobody's Fool: Why We Get Taken In and What We Can Do About It” says if you think only stupid and gullible folks get scammed, the reality is you could fall for one of those scams just as easily.

Recent research reveals a disturbing trend: Men who live in rural areas are less healthy and typically die two years earlier than urban men. Jack M. Chapel, PhD, postdoctoral scholar at the Schaeffer Center for Health Policy & Economics at the University of Southern California, outlines possible solutions to the problem.

More kids than ever are playing organized sports, but Chris Knoester, PhD, Professor of Sociology at Ohio State University, found that much of the growth seems to be among more privileged, educated families. He'll explain the possible reasons behind this trend.

Freedom of speech, forever enshrined in The First Amendment, is considered our nation's most cherished right. But a surprising number of Americans believe the First Amendment goes too far. Keith E. Whittington, PhD, David Boies Professor of Law at Yale Law School, explains why freedom of speech is so important and how it affects some of today's most contentious issues.

An opioid overdose can be deadly, but there is a way to reverse the effects and save a life, even without medical training. Ashish R. Panchal, MD, PhD, Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine at Ohio State University, explains why the use of Narcan by Good Samaritans has risen rapidly.

Middle-aged Americans suffer greater loneliness than Europeans of the same age. What are the reasons? Frank Infurna, PhD, Associate Professor of Psychology at Arizona State University, discusses the epidemic of loneliness and suggests ways to increase social connection.

Many older Americans live with a disability, but roughly 40% of older black adults are in that position, compared to only one-third of older adults overall. Sheria G. Robinson-Lane, PhD, RN, gerontologist from the Department of Systems, Populations and Leadership in the School of Nursing at University of Michigan, shares her recent study that examined racial disparities among older adults who are aging at home and what may help.

Stroke deaths happen to women more frequently than to men. What are the reasons and how can you take steps to prevent a stroke? We’ll get information you need to know, from Parneet Grewal, MD, Assistant Professor of Vascular Neurology at Medical University of South Carolina.

Electric scooters can be fun to ride, but risky too, with injuries becoming more and more common. Alexander Lauder, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Denver Health Medical Center, explains who is most at risk and what time of day is most dangerous.

If you or someone you know is looking for work, you may already be aware that it can take months and hundreds of applications to land a new job. Derrick Mar, Cofounder of Pathrise.com, shares tips and advice to help speed up the employment process.

Phones can be useful tools in classrooms but at the same time, they can be a huge distraction. Ryan Redner, PhD, Professor and Program Director of the Behavior Analysis and therapy program at Southern Illinois University, discussed his recent study that found that a one-minute "technology break" can help keep students more focused in class and do better in tests.

Your family may be dealing with a nightmare if they can't access all your digital passwords when the worst happens. Mary James, writer for AllAboutCookies.org explains why login credentials for phones and computers, crypto wallets, investment portfolios, mobile banking and even social media accounts can be a real headache when someone dies.

Most people look forward to their golden years when they can finally set aside work and career. But Christine Benz, Director of Personal Finance and Retirement Planning for Morningstar, Inc., and author of "How to Retire: 20 lessons for a Happy, Successful, And Wealthy Retirement," says it's vital for you to make retirement plans and goals because they can keep you happy and healthy in your senior years.

Local zoning boards affect your life profoundly in ways you may not realize. How can you get involved in your community's decisions? Sara Bronin, architect, attorney, Law Professor at Cornell University, author of "Key to the City: How Zoning Shapes Our World," explains.