family

Researchers discover new immune system molecule that can help or harm health

Researchers have identified a new member of the important B7 family of immune system “co-stimulators.” Co-stimulators are molecules that are capable of turning the immune system on or off — and in the process, profoundly affecting human health. Mayo Clinic researchers named this newest molecule B7-H4. It inhibits the action of T cells, the immune system warriors whose basic job is to attack invaders. Turning off T cells helps transplant patients accept foreign organs. But turning off T cells harms cancer patients — their tumors continue to grow without defensive attacks by T cells. The Mayo Clinic report appears in the June 17 issue of Immunity.

The more things change, the more marriages stay the same

Despite major economic and social changes, the overall quality of marriage in the United States has not changed in the last 20 years, according to Penn State researchers. “People are as happily married now as they were 20 years ago, but they also are just as divorce prone,” said Alan Booth, distinguished professor of sociology, human development and family studies and demography. “While we identified a number of specific positive and negative features in marital quality, they balance off, resulting in little major change.”

More than half of young women retain 'traditional' view of family life

Over half of young women see the ideal family situation as one where mothers either work part-time or not at all. And despite being better educated and enjoying wider career opportunities than previous generations, they also continue to take responsibility for most housework and childcare. Young male and female workers are also divided between a minority of ‘stay at home’ types with little education and a majority of adaptable careerists who move to find the right job.