Evidence-Based Living

Bridging the gap between research and real-life

The Bronfenbrenner Center for Translational Research

Global Review Finds Most People Need More Exercise

The World Health Organization finds that most people across the globe don't exercise enough—and the organization has a plan to solve that problem.

Are Carbs the Culprit?

A new study and meta-analysis unveils new evidence about the role of carbohydrates in a healthy diet.

Do Girls Perform Better in School?

Boys and girls across the nation are getting ready to go back to school. But does gender make a difference in performance?

Novel Research Methods Reveal More About Police Violence

You can’t miss news stories about violent interactions between police and civilians, but based on media reports, it can be difficult to understand the dynamics across the nation.

The Evidence on Kids, Sleep, and School Start Times

Science demonstrates that when young people begin puberty, their biological clocks shift. But school start times don't follow suit.

How To Treat the Growing Problem of Childhood Anxiety

A large body of research points to cognitive-behavioral therapy as the most effective treatment for anxiety among youth.

Do Violent Video Games Make Kids More Violent?

As violent video games continue to grow in popularity, do they lead to real-life violence?

Does Sunscreen Really Prevent Skin Cancer?

The evidence of how well sunscreen protects against skin cancer is mixed.

What Happens When We Separate Families

Unfortunately, separating children from their parents is nothing new. As a result, there is scientific data that describes the effects of separating children from their families.

Are Artificial Sweeteners Bad for Your Health?

You will find artificial sweeteners in diet sodas, yogurts, canned fruits, chewing gum, and ice cream to name a few. Research shows they may be safer than you think.

What We Know About E-Cigarettes and Health

Since their debut in 2004, electronic cigarettes or e-cigarettes have steadily grown in popularity. But are they really as harmless as they are touted to be?

Why Do Youth Self-Injure?

A new systematic review published earlier this month looks specifically at the reasons that youth injure themselves.

What We Know About Fasting For Weight Loss

Intermittent fasting is gaining popularity in the diet world. But does it work?

A New Look at the Connection Between Health and Alcohol

For decades, the U.S. Dietary Guidelines advised that drinking in moderation was healthy, but a new analysis finds otherwise.

How to Prevent Older Adults From Falling

Falls are a serious problem among older adults. What's the best course of action to prevent injury?

When Parents Read to Kids, Everyone Wins

A new body of research is finding even more benefits of reading to children—for both the kids and the parents.

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.