Articles tagged with Cultural Practices
The restitution follows several years of collaborative provenance research under the Benin Initiative Switzerland, which showed that the objects were most likely looted from the Kingdom of Benin during the British attack in 1897. The returned artefacts will be displayed at the National Museum in Lagos and temporarily stored in Edo State.
A new study analyzing ancient DNA alongside archaeological data suggests that population movement along Peru's Pacific coast began at least 800 years ago, centuries before the rise of the Inca Empire. Genetic evidence reveals mixed ancestry between people from different coastal regions over subsequent generations.
Atimiaphobia is a culturally specific psychological concept tied to honor cultures and shame societies, manifesting as intrusive thoughts and compulsive conformity to social norms. Researchers validated the Atimiaphobia Scale, revealing positive correlations between atimiaphobia and anxiety, as well as lower social intelligence.
A new AI-based approach developed by UC Riverside professor Demetrius Lewis helps correct the misclassification of creative works due to shifting genres. The tool provides a more accurate representation of how a work was originally intended and received, reducing the risk of undervaluation for boundary-pushing projects.
A new report highlights the need for schools to embed Indigenous knowledge and practices into their curriculum and training programs. The Moombaki Cultural Learnings Project, led by Curtin University, demonstrates how authentic community-led programs can transform Aboriginal children's wellbeing and sense of belonging.
A new study by the University of East London reveals that gay men's desirability shifts depending on their location and digital platforms. Queer men of colour may receive more attention abroad, but this boost is often short-lived and tied to novelty rather than lasting confidence.
Researchers propose incorporating local knowledge into nature conservation through a biocultural approach. This involves collaborating with local people, considering traditional land-use practices and their impact on protected areas.
A team of archaeologists used uranium–thorium dating to establish precise construction timelines for houses built out of coral in French Polynesia. The findings reveal previously hidden patterns of architectural development and cultural life in Pacific societies, challenging earlier theories about coral reuse.
Patients with neurological diseases face profound questions about identity, purpose, and meaning, but neurologists often lack training and tools to address these concerns. A new paper offers practical strategies for incorporating spiritual assessment into routine neurological care.
The German Research Foundation (DFG) is funding the Specialized Information Service (FID) Jewish Studies for another three years, strengthening research infrastructure. The FID provides tailored information services to researchers in Jewish history, culture, and Israel studies.
A new study synthesizes multinational research across five countries, finding that teacher noticing varies significantly across different cultural settings. The analysis emphasizes the importance of culturally responsive noticing, valuing diverse student thinking and participation.
The album marks a new era for the singer, exploring themes of performance, love, and empowerment. Scholars analyze Swift's shift from teen country singer to showgirl persona, finding optimism and hope in songs like 'Eldest Daughter' and 'Opalite'.
A new study by the University of Bristol highlights how bereavement experiences and support needs among Black British and Black Caribbean communities are poorly understood. The research found that structural racism, cultural misunderstanding, and lack of tailored end-of-life support intensify grief, leading to mistrust in services.
A study by the University of Göttingen explores how people experience nature in protected landscapes, finding that these areas foster local identity, support learning about nature, and provide spaces for recreation. The research identified five central narratives: learning, regional heritage, care, multifunctional use, and collaboration.
The article highlights the mismatch between psychedelics and economic drug development principles. Pharmaceutical companies are developing short-acting compounds and neuroplastogens to engineer trips out of the experience altogether. Dr. Sandy Hager's research suggests investors should remain cautious due to weak intellectual property ...
A new longitudinal study found that young people who engage in gaming habits with gambling-like elements are more likely to gamble with real money. The research team urges policymakers to broaden regulations beyond loot boxes and includes social casino games, prize wheels, and gambling videos in the scope.
An international team led by University of Arizona archaeologists has discovered a large ritual construction, Aguada Fénix, dating back to 1,000 B.C. The monument measures nearly a mile long and features a cross-shaped pit with ceremonial artifacts, including jade axes and pigments associated with cardinal directions.
Socially engaged arts challenge complex problems by facilitating dialogue and collaboration across disciplines. This approach can contribute to societal transformation, strengthening social cohesion and human development while countering polarisation and promoting inclusivity.
The book, 'The Nine Lives of Christopher Columbus,' examines the public perception of the Italian explorer's life and legacy. Restall separates fact from fiction to understand why Columbus continues to mean different things to different people.
A new study has created a culturally-informed approach to screening for food insecurity among Navajo Nation patients, reducing stigma and improving patient comfort. The alternative screener reflects local food traditions and community food access better, capturing unique aspects of the issue.
A large international study found that arts-based programs can make health messages more memorable and relevant to people's lives, improving health behaviors and cultural relevance of disease prevention programs. The study suggests that arts could be a vital part of the toolkit for promoting health and preventing disease.
The American College of Chest Physicians (CHEST) has been recognized for its successful initiatives promoting cultural humility and community connections. The First 5 Minutes: Cultural Humility training modules equip healthcare providers with tools to foster respect and empathy in patient interactions.
A cross-sectional study found that prenatal depression diagnosis and moderate to severe depression symptoms differ by maternal nativity and racial/ethnic background. Non-U.S.-born mothers tend to have better neonatal outcomes, but this association may not hold true for prenatal mental health conditions.
A new study found that vibrato is the most significant vocal attribute in determining an opera singer's score, while acoustic features like SPR and HNR have a greater impact than previously thought. The research provides objective insights into how judges evaluate performances and offers tools for vocal training.
A new study found that 89% of children and young people play video games, with loot box purchases linked to enhancement, distraction/compulsion, and FOMO. The yRAFFLE scale validated the motivations of children and young people who buy chance-based items in games.
A study by Waseda University researchers found that cultural cognitive biases impact the explicit aspects of visuomotor adaptations, influencing motor learning outcomes. The findings suggest that verbal reports used in rehabilitation and sports training may be misinterpreted due to cultural prejudices.
An ethnobotanist from the Pataxó Hã-Hã-Hãi Indigenous Land in Brazil has revived ancestral healing knowledge to treat diseases like parasitic worms, diabetes, and hypertension. He discovered 43 medicinal plants used for these diseases, with 79% consistent with recent scientific literature.
Researchers Dr. Sharday Mosurinjohn and Dr. Richard Ascough critique the 'psychedelic mysteries hypothesis' in a new article, arguing that it relies on circumstantial evidence rather than solid historical scholarship. They advocate for responsible curiosity and a focus on living traditions to unlock psychedelic wisdom.
Researchers discovered traces of betel nut compounds in dental calculus from a 4,000-year-old burial site in Thailand, shedding light on the ancient practice. The study used new methods to analyze ancient teeth and found evidence of psychoactive plant use that was previously invisible to archaeologists.
A cross-cultural study of 800 people from 37 countries found that tourists from rule-based cultures like China and India support green features in B&Bs more strongly. In contrast, Western cultures prioritize rooftop gardens over eco-friendly facilities. The study highlights the importance of considering cultural values when marketing s...
A UN-backed study highlights the lasting effects of Gambia's state-sponsored witch hunt, including stigma, social exclusion, and trauma. Researchers found a strong desire for official recognition and reconciliation, with recommendations for reparations and rebuilding social roles.
A new study reveals the personal diaries of teenage boys in Stalin's Russia, offering insights into their daily lives, family struggles, and experiences under Soviet rule. The diaries, written between 1930 and 1941, provide a unique perspective on life during this tumultuous period.
Two 15th-century Orit books, the oldest found to date, were discovered by Tel Aviv University's Orit Guardians program. The books were written in Ge'ez and are considered 'living books' in Ethiopian Jewish communities, with their owners risking their lives to preserve them.
A new study by Michigan State University found that people's personality perceptions of tattooed individuals are often inaccurate. Researchers discovered that those with quirky or wacky tattoos were accurately judged as open-minded and open to new experiences, despite not aligning with other traits.
Researchers challenge claims of an incestuous ruling elite in Neolithic Ireland, citing a lack of evidence and unsuitable comparisons. The study argues that burial practices were not strictly determined by lineage, but rather reflect the community's social dynamics.
A new study reveals that US Muslims show moderate openness to psychedelics in mental health therapy, with higher education correlating with favorable attitudes. Providing education about psychedelic therapies may help lower barriers to considering this treatment.
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that sports fans' emotional arousal peaks during pre-game rituals, not during the game itself. Physiological data from a Brazilian soccer fan club shows sustained arousal levels comparable to the game.
Dr. Deanna Kaplan's innovative voice-capture app, Fabla, captures unstructured voice narratives to study how clinical interventions influence daily life. The platform has found applications across diverse health domains, including veteran experiences and healthcare provider burnout.
Researchers found that playing Dixit helped evoke emotions in autistic participants, covering three main themes: anxiety, social relationships, and sensory experiences. The study suggests the game could be an effective tool for bridging gaps between autistic and neurotypical people.
A cohort study of 4 countries found that both maternal and paternal higher education levels were linked to reduced cognitive decline, with own education mediating these associations. The study highlights the long-term impact of parental education on offspring cognitive health across diverse cultural contexts.
Researchers from Japan conducted a cross-cultural analysis to compare mentalizing difficulties in British and Japanese autistic and non-autistic adults. They found that Japanese autistic participants outperformed both groups of British participants, suggesting cultural differences in interpreting social cues.
A comprehensive study explores reciprocity with nature worldwide, highlighting its impact on sustainability and social well-being. The research showcases diverse cultural practices that foster reciprocal relationships with nature, offering hope for a more sustainable future.
A study by Kobe University found that Japanese wasp larvae feed on a diverse range of species, including birds, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. The research used DNA metabarcoding to identify the gut contents of larvae from wild and reared nests, revealing significant differences in prey composition between the two.
The study highlights key findings that British poets have long explored the relationship between humans and nature through lawnmower poetry. Key examples include Andrew Marvell's 'Upon Appleton House' and Philip Larkin's 'The Mower', which reflect on cycles of violence, pastoralism, and societal problems.
A decade-long study of snowsport instructors reveals that pursuing a career in a field you enjoy can be taxing, requiring financial, mental, and physical sacrifices. However, the research also found that participants reported experiencing significant personal growth and fulfillment.
A six-year US longitudinal study suggests that religious and spiritual engagement are associated with better physical health outcomes. The research found no evidence to support the notion that religion or spirituality leads to improved physical well-being.
Researchers found no evidence of dancing or infant-directed song among the Northern Aché population in Paraguay. However, they do use playful speech and other methods to calm infants. The study suggests that dance and lullabies are learned behaviors that require cultural transmission.
Researchers identified risk factors for sudden unusual mental or somatic experiences, including past psychedelic use, reality distorting practices, and extensive spiritual practice. These findings can help clinicians diagnose and treat associated suffering, and inform the development of practical guidelines.
A new study suggests that most US school shooters came from social backgrounds where guns were a key part of their lives, often for family bonding. Researchers found that all shooters had easy access to the firearms they used, which contributed to the tragedy.
Research reveals Nubian women from the Kerma culture (2500-1500 BCE) carried heavy objects and children on their heads daily, using techniques like head straps known as tumplines. This study supports a growing perspective that sees the human body as a biological archive of lived experiences.
A new international study reveals that cultural and family influences shape body image differently across societies. Middle-Eastern women reported stronger body appreciation compared to their Western counterparts, potentially reflecting cultural values and close relationships that promote self-acceptance.
A recent study in Ghana highlights key factors influencing maternal nutrition and infant feeding practices, revealing food insecurity and economic constraints as significant challenges. The study emphasizes the importance of creating tailored nutrition education programs that address the specific needs of young mothers.
A study analyzing nearly 1,000 Syriac manuscripts finds that scribes played a key role in organizing knowledge, adapting texts for new purposes, and shaping Syriac literary culture. The research introduces a new metric, Excerpts Per Manuscript (EPM), to quantify how frequently non-authorial agents engaged in excerpting.
A recent study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior emphasizes the value of braiding cultural food values with nutrition education to promote healthy eating among the Osage Nation community. The study's findings highlight five key concepts crucial to healthy eating, including food accessibility, community food values, and...
This theme issue explores digital health solutions to address social isolation, health literacy, and cultural influences on aging health. Contributors are encouraged to submit their work by September 30, 2025.
Dr. Melissa Perreault's research combines cutting-edge science with Indigenous knowledge, pioneering sex-specific biomarkers, neuroethics, and psychedelics research in neuropsychiatry. Her work aims to promote inclusive methodologies that consider diverse worldviews and cultural understandings of health.
Researchers outline critical safeguards needed to balance public health benefits with Indigenous data sovereignty rights. The study highlights the risks of DNA persistence in wastewater samples, which can reveal sensitive information about community health.
Researchers created a Spanish-language Android app called Impacto to support Hispanic smokers in quitting. The app's pilot test shows promising results, decreasing daily smoking rates and improving cessation rates among participants.