Evidence-Based Living

Bridging the gap between research and real-life

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research

What's the Best Way to Treat Mental Health Problems in Kids?

Many mental health problems that continue into adulthood actually begin during childhood and adolescence. Can treating youth early on help?

What Do We Really Know About Mindfulness?

Many people see meditation as a magic bullet that can reduce pain, relieve depression, and sharpen our focus. But in fact, the evidence on meditation is flawed.

The Evidence on Melatonin for Insomnia

If you have ever experienced insomnia, you know the agony of trying to fall asleep when your body will not cooperate. Melatonin is a popular solution, but does it really work?

Do Firearm Laws Reduce Gun-Related Deaths?

The school shooting in Parkland, Fla. last month re-ignited the national dialogue on gun control. But what does the evidence says about guns, violence, and safety?

Are Nutrition Labels an Effective Weapon Against Obesity?

Millions of Americans want to lose weight, and research shows changing our environments may be the place to start.

Boost Your Health With a Pet

Millions of Americans own pets. But what's the benefit?

New Evidence Finds Vitamins Are Often Unnecessary

Americans spend more than $36 billion a year on vitamins and nutritional supplements – all in the hopes for leading healthier lives. But do vitamins actually work?

What Happens When Children Care for Sick Loved Ones

For children and adolescents, caring for a family member with a chronic illness can be especially taxing.

Meditation Doesn't Make You a Better Person

Many people think of meditation as a magic bullet. But in reality, the evidence on meditation is mixed.

New Evidence Links Sugary Drinks and Obesity

Media campaigns may be one way to help Americans consume fewer sugary drinks. No matter the method, convincing people to avoid soda would improve their health.

How the Flu Spreads

Researchers took an in-depth look at how the influenza virus spread through on Pennsylvania school.

Is “Man-flu” a Real Phenomenon?

Last month, a doctor and medical professor took an in-depth look at actual research into “man flu.”

How to Keep Your New Year's Resolutions

New Year's resolutions are popular, but do they help you meet your goals?

New Evidence Finds Dementia Treatments Fall Short

The body of evidence on dementia treatments concludes no current treatments work.

Sexual Harassment Training Is Largely Ineffective

Employers are increasingly focused on strategies to prevent sexual harassment, but do they work?

What We Know About the Holiday Blues

The holiday blues are a real phenomenon, but they are likely to have different effects than you might think.

What We Do and Do Not Know About Phones and Driving

More people are dying in car crashes for the first time in decades. What can we do?

Giving Is Good for You

It's a popular time of year for making donations. What does the evidence say about charitable giving?

How to Beat the Common Cold

There are hundreds of studies on the best ways to cope with the common cold. The body of evidence points to some solid strategies.

What to Do About Cyberbullying

The body of evidence on teens and social media finds that cyber-bullying is a serious problem. As a society, what can we do?

#MeToo: What We Know About Sexual Harassment

Is sexual harassment more prevalent than we realize?

Examining the Link Between Racism and Health

There is a growing body of evidence that racial discrimination triggers a chronic stress response, leading to a variety of health problems.

The Evidence on Reducing Gun Violence

As the nation reels from last week's shooting, some are calling for new laws while other want to protect gun-owners rights. But what does the data say about reducing gun violence?