Evidence-Based Living

Adolescence

Knowing Themselves Helps LGBTQ+ Teens Thrive

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on April 17, 2026

New research looks at the changes that occur for both LGBTQ+ and cisgender heterosexual high school students during their first years of high school.

New research looks at the changes that occur for both LGBTQ+ and cisgender heterosexual high school students during their first years of high school.

Sleep

Teen Sleep Is Worsening, and Screens Aren't the Whole Story

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on April 7, 2026

Modern life creates a perfect storm of sleep difficulties for teens.

Modern life creates a perfect storm of sleep difficulties for teens.

Social Media

How Social Media Really Impacts Teen Mental Health

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on March 25, 2026

Social media is a double-edged sword which can both support and harm youth mental health. What matters most, according to the evidence, is how teens use it.

Social media is a double-edged sword which can both support and harm youth mental health. What matters most, according to the evidence, is how teens use it.

Education

Does Technology in the Classroom Actually Help Kids Learn?

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on March 11, 2026

A large body of evidence demonstrates the use of technology in schools is nuanced, with more downsides to technology use than most people expect.

A large body of evidence demonstrates the use of technology in schools is nuanced, with more downsides to technology use than most people expect.

Punishment

What Really Happens When Parents Spank Their Kids

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on February 25, 2026

Even years later, more aggression and acting out in kids.

Even years later, more aggression and acting out in kids.

Child Development

Why Play Matters More Than Ever for Child Development

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on February 15, 2026

In an era of packed schedules, screen time, and intense focus on school readiness, many children are playing less than in previous generations, which harms development.

In an era of packed schedules, screen time, and intense focus on school readiness, many children are playing less than in previous generations, which harms development.

Health

Why So Many People Don't Get Flu Shots

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on February 4, 2026

New research finds vaccination decisions aren't primarily driven by weighing facts, but by what researchers call "gist"—the feelings people have about vaccination.

New research finds vaccination decisions aren't primarily driven by weighing facts, but by what researchers call "gist"—the feelings people have about vaccination.

Depression

For Depression, Exercise Can Be as Effective as Medication and Therapy

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on January 27, 2026

Starting small and recruiting friends can help build a routine.

Starting small and recruiting friends can help build a routine.

Adolescence

Why Confidence About Puberty Matters for Teens

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on January 21, 2026

Teens who feel confident in managing the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with puberty report fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Teens who feel confident in managing the physical, emotional, and social changes that come with puberty report fewer symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Child Development

What Kids Need Most from Adults, and How to Deliver It

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on January 14, 2026

Secure relationships are essential for helping children grow into healthy, happy adults.

Secure relationships are essential for helping children grow into healthy, happy adults.

Wisdom

Holiday Lessons From Older Americans: What Really Matters

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on December 22, 2025

The Cornell Legacy Project — the largest systematic collection of elder wisdom ever assembled — offers advice for living well and tips to connect with relatives over the holidays.

The Cornell Legacy Project — the largest systematic collection of elder wisdom ever assembled — offers advice for living well and tips to connect with relatives over the holidays.

Adolescence

Making a Meaningful Contribution Boosts Mental Health

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on December 15, 2025

A Cornell research project has identified a surprisingly simple approach to boosting the mental health of young people: focus on contributing to others.

A Cornell research project has identified a surprisingly simple approach to boosting the mental health of young people: focus on contributing to others.

Adolescence

How the Pandemic Changed Puberty for Girls

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on December 4, 2025

New Cornell research reveals something unexpected about the deeply social nature of adolescent development.

New Cornell research reveals something unexpected about the deeply social nature of adolescent development.

Consumer Behavior

Virtual Artwork Influences Online Shopping

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on November 25, 2025

As Black Friday approaches, new research finds that digital artwork encourages consumers to make purchases.

As Black Friday approaches, new research finds that digital artwork encourages consumers to make purchases.

Trauma

What We Know About Residential Care for Vulnerable Youth

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on November 18, 2025

Residential care facilities provide the structured, intensive care required for young people who have experienced trauma and cannot remain safely in a home environment.

Residential care facilities provide the structured, intensive care required for young people who have experienced trauma and cannot remain safely in a home environment.

Academic Problems and Skills

What Cell Phone Bans Mean for Students

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on November 11, 2025

Public schools across the country are banning cell phones. What do we know about how these bans impact kids?

Public schools across the country are banning cell phones. What do we know about how these bans impact kids?

Psychosis

The Mental Health Cost of Racism

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on November 6, 2025

A new systematic review finds racial and ethnic discrimination significantly increase the risk of psychosis.

A new systematic review finds racial and ethnic discrimination significantly increase the risk of psychosis.

Race and Ethnicity

What Native American Teens Say About Stereotypes

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on October 29, 2025

A groundbreaking new study about stereotypes of Native youth takes a new approach, revealing familiar prejudices and surprising local narratives that previous research has missed.

A groundbreaking new study about stereotypes of Native youth takes a new approach, revealing familiar prejudices and surprising local narratives that previous research has missed.

Dementia

New Evidence Links Pollution to Dementia Risk

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on October 8, 2025

The question isn't just, Are you exercising and eating well? But also, what air are you breathing as you age?

The question isn't just, Are you exercising and eating well? But also, what air are you breathing as you age?

Bias

Can We Train Students’ Brains to Be Less Biased?

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research on September 23, 2025

A new systematic review finds classroom interventions provide a small but significant improvement in reducing the likelihood of bias among students.

A new systematic review finds classroom interventions provide a small but significant improvement in reducing the likelihood of bias among students.