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Annenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania


One in 4 Americans supports MAHA, but three times as many share food-related concerns

Supporters of the MAHA movement prioritize health policies, including regulating additives in food and labeling ultra-processed foods. Non-supporters, on the other hand, express concerns about food-related issues, such as additives and chemicals. These findings suggest a distinction between support for the MAHA movement and support for...

Views of science help explain partisan differences over vaccine safety and effectiveness

A new study found that partisan differences in perceptions of Covid-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness are more pronounced than those for MMR and flu vaccines. The study suggests that positive perceptions of science and scientists are more strongly associated with vaccine perceptions among Republicans than among Democrats.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateOct 19, 2026

Public health strategies used against cigarettes could help reduce appeal of firearms, paper argues

Researchers argue that reducing firearm portrayals in entertainment and challenging firearm-related beliefs can complement efforts to reduce firearm violence. A universal public health approach could challenge the perception of firearms as a safe means of self-protection.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 7, 2026

State HIV prevention policies may benefit racial and ethnic groups unequally

State policies aimed at reducing discrimination and increasing social acceptance of LGBTQ+ individuals are more effective among white adults in using HIV prevention measures, but their impact is weaker among Black and Latino populations. Practical steps to expand resources and community-based prevention services may be necessary to add...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalAIDS and Behavior·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 24, 2026

In hottest summer on record, 2 in 3 Americans say climate change is increasing heat-related illnesses

A survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that climate change is increasingly affecting Americans' daily lives, from electricity bills to outdoor activities and sleep. The survey also reveals that 76% of respondents report that extreme outdoor heat affected their daily activities at least sometimes in the past year.

A third of Americans cannot name the three branches of government

According to the 2026 Annenberg Constitution Day Civics Survey, 35% of U.S. adults cannot name all three branches of government, while 65% can name the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The survey also found that 73% cite freedom of speech as the only First Amendment right they can name, with 24% naming none of the rights.

Public confidence in Fauci declines since spring, but still exceeds RFK Jr.

According to the Annenberg Public Policy Center survey, Americans' confidence in Dr. Anthony Fauci has declined to 50% since spring 2026, with a 5 percentage point decrease from 55% in April 2026. However, Fauci still maintains higher confidence than Kennedy, the secretary of health and human services, with a 12 percentage point gap.

Americans split on fluoridation; opposition by MAHA supporters notable

A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds Americans sharply divided over the use of fluoride in public drinking water. Supporters of the Make America Healthy Again movement are notably more skeptical about fluoridation's health effects, while a majority trust the American Dental Association's stance on its safety.

Many Americans pessimistic about AI’s impact – and want more regulation

A new survey finds that Americans are broadly pessimistic about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), with only 17% believing it will have a positive impact on the United States over the next decade. Nearly two-thirds (65%) say the government has done too little to regulate AI, and there is bipartisan support for regulation.

Scholars focus on credit, accountability, and transparency in scientific authorship guidelines

A multidisciplinary team proposes three principles for responsible authorship: transparency, credit, and accountability. The guidelines aim to address issues like gift or honorific authorship, ghost authorship, and coercive authorship, and promote a culture of trustworthiness in science.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2026

Stark divide: Americans more confident in career scientists at US health agencies than leaders

A new survey from the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds that Americans are more confident in career scientists at federal health agencies such as the CDC, NIH, and FDA, than in their leaders. The survey also reveals a significant gap in confidence between career scientists and agency leaders, with only 5% of Americans expressing

Updated "Treating and Preventing Adolescent Mental Health Disorders" published by Oxford

The updated edition provides a comprehensive overview of major mental health conditions that emerge during adolescence, discussing treatment strategies and prevention methods. The book emphasizes the importance of addressing stigma, promoting evidence-based treatments, and integrating positive youth development into policy agendas.

As measles cases rise, views of MMR vaccine safety and effectiveness -- and willingness to recommend it -- drop

A new survey by the Annenberg Public Policy Center finds a small but significant drop in the proportion of the public that would recommend getting the MMR vaccine, citing concerns over its safety and effectiveness. The survey also shows declines in perceived safety and effectiveness for other vaccines, such as seasonal flu and Covid-19.

Although public overwhelmingly supports hepatitis B vaccine for a newborn, partisan differences exist

A national survey of adults found that three-quarters support vaccinating newborns against hepatitis B, but Republicans are less likely to recommend the vaccine. The survey also found that most respondents believe the vaccine protects against liver disease, and there is little evidence justifying delaying vaccination.

Americans more likely to accept guidance from AMA than CDC on vaccine safety

A survey of adults in the US found that most people prefer the American Medical Association's (AMA) guidance on vaccine safety over the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC), citing concerns about the CDC's recent changes to its website. According to the survey, 35% of Americans would accept the AMA's recommendation, while...

‘Mental model’ approach shows promise in reducing susceptibility to misconceptions about mRNA vaccination

Researchers tested a 'mental model' approach to counter unwarranted fears about mRNA technology. The study found that exposing people to visual models of how vaccines work and/or how cells protect DNA from foreign fragments undercuts the effect of exposure to misconceptions.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2025

Most Americans favor MMR vaccine requirement for public school, Annenberg survey finds

A recent Annenberg Public Policy Center survey found that 70% of the public supports vaccine requirements for MMR in schools. The percentage increased from 63% in August 2023. The survey also showed that over 7 in 10 U.S. adults support a policy making it mandatory for parents to vaccinate their children against preventable diseases.

Rise in gun violence in top U.S. movies parallels growth in gun homicides among young people

A study by Annenberg Public Policy Center found that firearm use in popular US movies increased by 200% from 2000 to 2021, mirroring the rise in firearm homicide rates among young people aged 15-24. The research suggests that portrayal of guns in entertainment may play a role in promoting their use for violent purposes.

AI used for real-time selection of actionable messages for government and public health campaigns

Researchers developed an AI tool to automatically generate HIV prevention and testing campaign messages for counties in the US, leveraging real-time social media data. The method was tested in three studies, showing that AI-selected messages were perceived as more actionable and effective by target audiences than control messages.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2025