Social Sciences

A majority of Southwesterners see undocumented immigration as a "very serious problem." Even so, they are sympathetic towards law-abiding immigrants in the U.S. who want to improve their lives, according to a new ASU phone survey. The survey polled more than 1,000 residents in AZ, NV, TX and NM about their views on immigration, the presidential race, and quality of life. --by Carol Hughes

The unknown health and environmental effects of
nanotechnology are a bigger worry for scientists than for the public,
according to a new report. --by Skip Derra

More than 15 million Americans care for a family member with a disability or illness, such as Alzheimer's disease. Caregiving exacts a heavy toll. Researchers have found that caregivers are at greater risk for depression, anxiety and physical ailments. The REACH II program is offering some hope for those caring for loved ones with dementia. --by Adelheid Fischer

Clear communication is the key to intercultural understanding. Poor translation can result in embarrassment or bigger problems. ASU sociology professor Victor Agadjanian studies HIV/AIDS in Africa. He also speaks 8 languages. --by Sheilah Britton

The discovery of a dozen 3-foot-tall "hobbit" skeletons in Indonesia generated heated debate among anthropologists. Do the fossils reveal a new species of early human, or were they simply modern humans with a shared genetic defect? The answers may lie in their wrist bones. Matt Tocheri is using 3D imaging technology to find out.--by Nicholas Gerbis

Steve Doig challenges his journalism students to use the computer to enhance their stories and give context to the larger issues facing society. He also conducts research to give American newspapers a view of whether their staffs represent the communities they serve. --by Candace S. Hughes

Some people bounce back well from traumatic events or from life's many defeats, large or small. Others lack the skill. ASU scientists are studying the natural capacity for "resilience" among older Americans. --by Adelheid Fischer

Diane Wolfthal peeps into people's bedrooms--15th century bedrooms, to be exact. By examining paintings that depict couples and the marital bed, she hopes to learn about how ideas of sex and gender have changed over the years. --by Diane Boudreau

Does praying on behalf of another person's mental or physical health really make a difference? After an exhaustive meta-analysis of research on the topic, David Hodge says the answer is yes. --by Stephen Des Georges

Many adolescents in the United States are already drinking alcohol or using drugs by the time they are exposed to prevention messages. But new research from ASU social workers shows that it's never too late to intervene. Their findings indicate that prevention messages can reverse the course of alcohol use even after students have started experimenting. --by Debra Palka