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Behind the Lens
Keith Maitland has a blind ambition. The filmmaker and liberal arts alumnus (B.A. Creative Writing, ’98) wants you to keep an eye out (or an ear) for his forthcoming film, “Keep Your Ear on the Ball.” The ensemble documentary offers an intimate look at the lives of four blind teens and will premiere on PBS…
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Psychology as Commodity
Why it’s time for scientists to market for the masses Psychology is part of everything we do. But, despite our daily use of memory, attention, language and social interaction, most of us do not know much about the field and its innovative researchers. This is unfortunate, because many of the most pressing problems in business…
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The Aging of America
Sociologists examine population’s challenges In 2011, the first Baby Boomers will reach age 65, and the population aged 65 and older will grow rapidly during the next two decades. How the country responds to this new demographic reality will shape the fabric of American life and culture for years to come, says Robert Hummer, chair…
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The Language of Love
From diaries to online chats, writing about your romantic relationship may help it last Millions of lovelorn people turn to selfhelp books, searching for the magic words that might save a relationship. But their own writing may provide the key to everlasting love, according to researchers at The University of Texas at Austin. In a…
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Bringing Up Baby
Researchers delve into the psychological world of children Most parents will attest to the routine of a baby’s life: sleep, eat, diaper change. Precious though they may be, infants are not generally considered the most complex individuals. Humorist Dave Barry offered a cynic’s take on child psychology when he quipped that a baby’s head is…
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Science of the Senses
Psychologists examine how our perceptual systems make sense of the world Your alarm rouses you, and you open your eyes to shadows stretching across the ceiling. The coffee pot gurgles in the kitchen, birds chirp outside the window, and the dog runs circles around your feet. You open the cabinet and scan for your favorite…
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The Real Indiana Jones
Anthropologist separates fact from fiction From the moment Indiana Jones performed his first death-defying stunt on the big screen in 1981, moviegoers and archaeologists alike have been enthralled by the globetrotting, whip-cracking action hero. From recovering ancient biblical artifacts to rescuing damsels-in-distress, the fictional archaeologist stops at nothing to save the world from political…
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Deep Roots?
New DNA tests may reveal your ancestry, but researchers urge caution when interpreting results From 1892 to 1954, More than 12 million immigrants entered the United States through Ellis Island in New York Harbor. They left behind a huge repository of records that for many years has been the first stop for Americans researching their…
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Tuberculosis: Anthropologist Discovers Oldest Case
500,000-year-old fossil points to modern health concerns As Turkish workers cut into a block of travertine stone destined for the international tile market, they uncovered a 500,000-year-old fossil, which anthropologist John Kappelman is using to expand scientists’ understanding of tuberculosis–and how the infectious disease may affect people who migrate. “Tuberculosis has re-emerged as a global…
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Society and Psychology
Got Game? Scholars enter the field of competition From the football stadium to Wall Street, Americans are well-known for their competitive drive. Researchers at The University of Texas at Austin examine the science behind the success—or failure—on the field. John Hoberman (left), chair of Germanic studies, examines where sports, science and politics meet. The author…