Washington: A massive 6.7 percent of the US population suffers from depressive disorders each year. Along with causing pessimism, irritability, and exhaustion, depression also affects people’s communication and their ability to maintain relationships. “The Role of Relational Uncertainty in Topic Avoidance among Couples with Depression,” published in the National Communication Association’s journal, Communication Monographs, evaluates how depression and relational uncertainty within couples correspond with communication behaviors.

Silver Spring: In an attempt to address the significant problem of childhood obesity in the United States territory, Puerto Rican officials have proposed a $500 - $800 fine for parents whose children have obesity and have not improved after parent-focused education. The legislators supporting the bill under debate say it is intended to improve children’s health by encouraging parents to make healthier choices for their families. While some public and pediatric health organizations have called the bill “unfair,” The Obesity Society (TOS) and The Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) go further to call it a misguided policy that ignores the core scientific understanding of obesity as a disease.

London: Having good teeth and hair is more important to British women searching for a partner than British men, who rank a nice set of pearly whites and glossy locks outside the top five most attractive female features.

Manhattan: Chances are that if you made a New Year's resolution, you've already failed. Only about 8% of Americans achieve their goal, according to research from the Journal of Clinical Psychology. But there is still hope — a few simple steps can get you through the year, says a Kansas State University kinesiologist.

Washington: Gender is a large part of our identity that is often defined by our psychological differences as men and women. Not surprisingly, those differences are reflected in many gender stereotypes – men rarely share their feelings, while women are more emotional – but an Iowa State University researcher says in reality men and women are more alike than we may think.

Washington: Young lovers walking down the aisle may dream of long and healthy lives together, but close friends in the wedding party may have a better sense of whether those wishes will come true, suggests new research on personality and longevity from Washington University in St. Louis.

Columbus: A new study assesses a town-gown relationship as if it were a marriage: asking community members just how much comfort they felt with people from the campus community and how much effort they put into getting along.

Salt Lake City: The sexual stereotype, in line with evolutionary theory, is that women want commitment and men want lots of flings. But a study of the Makushi people in Guyana shows the truth is more complex, with men more likely to seek long-term relationships when women are in short supply.

Washington: Smart phones and social media may help college-age adults make healthier choices when it comes to food and physical activity, according to Kendra Kattelmann, professor of health sciences and nutrition and director of the South Dakota State University dietetics program.

Columbus: The amount of fast food children eat may be linked to how well they do in school, a new nationwide study suggests.