Articles tagged with Cultural Practices
Historian Dr Philippa Carter argues that jobs like food preparation, childcare, and dairy production left women exposed to witchcraft accusations. These occupations, often performed by women, were perceived as a threat to social order, increasing the likelihood of suspicion and accusation.
A new study suggests that collecting and sharing positive feedback among healthcare workers can increase mutual appreciation and improve the work culture. Researchers analyzed peer-to-peer positive feedback and found that it is a feasible way to foster teamwork, collegiality, and civility.
Researchers found specific epigenetic differences among Alaska Native participants who experienced intense symptoms of distress when reflecting on historic losses. Individuals with strong cultural identity reported better well-being. The study is the result of a close collaboration between scientists and members of two Alaska Native co...
Researchers found that footballers wearing jerseys featuring small numbers were rated as more slender, while those wearing big numbers were perceived as larger. The study suggests that visual perception may be influenced by cognitive biases.
A Neolithic necklace found on a child's grave in Jordan provides new insights into the social complexity of the time. The analysis of colorful stone and shell materials, amber beads, and other adornments reveals intricate craftsmanship and trade networks.
A new study examines the historical marketing of 'Indian remedies' in the 19th century, revealing a trend of cultural appropriation that continues in modern New Age spirituality. The author argues that individualistic approaches to Indigenous healing practices can be harmful and undermine community control over narratives.
A survey of clinician-researchers found concerning rates of sexual harassment and negative perceptions of climate in academic medicine, with a significant impact on mental health. Minoritized groups were disproportionately affected, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to transform culture.
The British Junior Cardiologists' Association (BJCA) and the British Cardiovascular Society (BCS) have issued a joint policy statement to address bullying, harassment, and discrimination in UK cardiology departments. The statement emphasizes that every team member has a duty to call out inappropriate behaviors to drive culture change.
A new study published in the American Journal of Epidemiology found that chemical hair straighteners may affect a person's ability to become pregnant. Black and Hispanic individuals were more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to use these products, leading to a slight reduction in fertility rates.
Researchers found previously unknown interactions among people in southern Africa between the 5th and 20th centuries, revealing a complex network of cultural exchange. The study used geochemical analyses on copper objects to reconstruct connectivity across the region, providing new insights into the history of the area.
New research by Anglia Ruskin University found that attending live sporting events boosts life satisfaction and sense of life being worthwhile, while reducing loneliness. The study used data from over 7,200 adults living in England and suggests that watching live sport can be an effective public health tool.
Researchers analyzed ancient Wari pottery to understand how the empire spread its aesthetic. They found that potters across the empire created their own ceramics, decorated in traditional Wari style, with distinct chemical signatures from different regions. This bottom-up approach highlights local agency and economies' importance.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that ethnic minority parents in Inner Mongolia prefer evidence-based knowledge on family education tailored to their local environment and culture. They sought information on how geographical features like the geomagnetic field influence children's growth and well-being.
Archaeologists have discovered the earliest example of angular notched trephination, a type of cranial surgery, in the Ancient Near East. The discovery, made at Megiddo, Israel, suggests that one brother may have had leprosy, making them potentially among the earliest documented examples of the disease.
A study by Oregon State University researchers found that synchronized fishing with dolphins in Brazil increases the number of fish caught and supports both species' survival. The cooperative relationship is specific to this population of dolphins and has been passed down through generations of fishermen.
A recent survey study of PhD students reveals that around a third of students have granted co-authorships to more powerful researchers despite little or no contribution. The practice is most prevalent in the medical sciences, with 49% of Ph.D. students reporting guest authorships.
A new study published in Frontiers found that parental methods to help toddlers sleep are related to their behavioral development. The researchers discovered that passive sleep-supporting techniques were associated with lower fussy temperaments and higher sociability scores, while active techniques were linked to more challenging tempe...
A recent audit by the University of Cambridge found that a third of church buildings cost more money each year than they can raise, with only one in five being financially profitable. Churches will need to find innovative ways to remain financially sustainable and be useful to communities if their future is to be secured.
Researchers from Northumbria University and Brunel University London have developed innovative strategies for emergency planning, including a toolkit for personal debriefing. Their work has helped organizations and councils improve their resilience and community engagement, moving away from traditional top-down approaches.
A new study predicts that climate change will make dangerous heat commonplace during the Arba'een pilgrimage by the end of the 21st century. Pilgrims may be exposed to extreme temperatures exceeding 24 degrees Celsius, posing a significant risk to their health.
A new study by Helena Miton and Simon DeDeo presents a model for the transmission of tacit knowledge, which is passed down with limited specification. The model captures how learners overcome constraints to succeed in complex practices, predicting stability over time with minimal information.
Researchers studied dietary patterns and offerings at a Roman necropolis, uncovering insights into Western Roman Empire's food culture. The study used anthropological and archaeozoological approaches to analyze ancient Roman cuisine and funerary practices.
The project empowers Indigenous youth to create films about locally available foods and other concerns, raising awareness of nutritional deficiencies and gender discriminatory norms. The initiative aims to improve dietary diversity and promote transformative change through self-expression and participation.
A new study suggests that developing culturally-sensitive interventions for Latino college students can help prevent problem drinking. The research found that ethnic pride was associated with significantly less drinking and alcohol-related consequences, while ethnic shame was linked to a higher likelihood of problem drinking. Familismo...
A study of remote Papua New Guinea communities suggests that major chords and melodies do not universally elicit a happier response, contradicting long-held assumptions. The findings highlight the cultural variability in emotional responses to music.
A multidisciplinary study of Roman period wine jars reveals the use of native grapes for wine production and foreign pine for waterproofing tar pitch. The analysis provides insight into the cultural practices of ancient winemakers in coastal Italy.
The University of Huddersfield is leading a €1.5 million global research project to understand the impact of platform-driven change on public service media. The project will analyze data from 130 interviews, programs, and policy documents across six countries to deliver recommendations for securing public value.
A decade-long analysis of hockey penalties reveals no evidence that in-game fighting reduces undesirable violence. The study challenges claims suggesting fighting serves as a deterrent, instead indicating it may contribute to more aggressive behavior.
A recent study reveals that 91% of athletes display dysfunctional breathing patterns, which can lead to increased risk of musculoskeletal injuries. The study emphasizes the importance of screening and addressing these patterns through targeted interventions and breathing training protocols.
A new study in Nepal reveals that the desire for a son can lead to shorter breastfeeding durations for girls, resulting in a greater risk of infant mortality. The research found that girls with only older sisters had the shortest breastfeeding duration.
Analysis of 136,000 films and TV shows reveals increased mentions of STEM, arts, sports, and entertainment occupations, while manual labor and military professions have decreased. The study provides insights into media depictions of professions over time.
Researchers developed a decision support program to reduce blood draws in pediatric intensive care units (PICU), leading to reduced antibiotic prescriptions without increasing sepsis risk. The program resulted in significant reductions in blood culture rates and unnecessary medication use.
A new study has developed a tool to evaluate and change names that may be rooted in white supremacy. Researchers analyzed over 2,000 place names in 16 US national parks, finding patterns of settler colonial mythologies including racism and genocide.
A University at Buffalo-led study recommends culturally relevant policies and practices to promote a safe environment for Black students. Interventions include co-creating school rules, mindfulness programs, and anti-bias training to address discipline disparities and bias.
Teenagers involved in arts activities are less likely to engage in antisocial behaviour up to two years later. They also exhibit better self-control scores and view antisocial behaviour negatively.
A study by Czech researchers reveals that faults in elite show-jumping horses are more likely to occur at jumps featuring both water and fences. The findings suggest a pattern of predictable errors, potentially informing training strategies for improved performance.
A new study at Tel Aviv University reveals prehistoric humans collected and recycled old stone tools, mostly to preserve the memory of their ancestors. The researchers propose that they had an emotional urge to collect old human-made artefacts, as a means for maintaining connectedness with place and time.
A new study reveals that corrections staff in Kentucky view incarcerated individuals as 'monsters' or 'evils', dehumanizing them to justify violent behavior. This us-them ideology can lead to abuse and harm, and has implications for prison management and the carceral system.
A special issue in Botany journal explores relationships among plants, people, science, and medicine, promoting decolonial approaches to ethnobotanical research. The collection highlights the healing potential of plants and emphasizes Indigenous-led projects on medicinally useful plants.
A new study reveals that medieval warhorses were bred for success in various functions, including tournaments and long-distance raiding campaigns. The research, published in the International Journal of Osteoarchaeology, found that breeding and training were influenced by biological and cultural factors.
A study of 8-12 year olds reveals that media multitasking is associated with worse mental health outcomes, while videogaming shows a positive correlation. The research highlights the importance of balancing screen time with other activities for children's overall well-being.
A new study examines factors contributing to breastfeeding disparities, citing a lack of acceptance in Black culture and experiences of racism in healthcare. The study encourages healthcare providers to address these disparities through trauma-informed care and acknowledging microaggressions.
The study investigates popular music's influence on everyday life and its embedding in cinema, tracing the lives of musicians like Franz Grothe under Nazi rule. It also explores the evolution of marching rhythms and swing elements in German popular music during this period.
A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.
Researchers found shell beads in Morocco dating back 142,000-150,000 years, shedding light on early human communication and cognitive evolution. The discovery suggests that humans have been using nonverbal cues to express identity and affiliation for hundreds of thousands of years.
Researchers found that Maya rulers altered their cities' structures and alignments to reflect their own desires and authority. Many temples were built on top of existing ones or abandoned altogether, shifting the focus from community ritual to ruler-centric politics.
Researchers study social support networks and health outcomes of over 670 Hispanic and non-Hispanic lung cancer patients to understand the Hispanic Health Paradox. The study aims to identify cultural differences in social interactions that influence health outcomes.
An international team reconstructed language families spanning over 10,000 years by combining genetics, linguistics, and musicology data. Grammar was found to reflect population history more closely than other cultural features, highlighting the importance of the grammatical factor in understanding human cultural evolution.
A study of ancient China's staple cereals reveals a complex history of environmental and cultural influences on food systems. Researchers analyzed isotopic data from human skeletal samples to infer patterns of changing cuisines over time and space.
A new paper by Berkeley Haas Prof. Jennifer Chatman and colleagues shows narcissistic leaders 'infect' their organizations' cultures, leading to decreased collaboration and integrity. The researchers reveal how narcissists create lasting damage on employee morale and performance.
Researchers found that societies with specialist cultures form densely connected networks, while generalist cultures result in sparser networks. Specialists have higher proficiencies due to learning from peers, but may be harmed by environmental changes.
The BMJ launches a 'give us a break' campaign calling for adequate rest breaks for doctors, addressing wellbeing and patient safety concerns. Nearly 36,000 junior doctors have reported working hour issues since 2016, highlighting the need for improved breaks.
Research led by NYU School of Medicine found that physicians in small independent primary care practices (SIPs) report dramatically lower levels of burnout compared to the national average. The study suggests that independence and autonomy may provide some protection against symptoms of burnout, highlighting the importance of creating ...
Boston University researchers identified risks associated with various cultural practices, including acupuncture, cupping, and moxibustion. Dermatologists need to be aware of these potential complications to provide effective care across diverse cultures.
Study finds that hospital ownership positively impacts practice work environment and burnout rates for staff. Clinicians in federally qualified health centers experience a more negative work environment, highlighting differences in perception of adaptive reserve.
Leaders who champion community health workers and a culture of innovation are key to their integration into medical home care teams. Community health workers' diverse roles, including outreach, education, and system navigation, can improve patient outcomes despite growing awareness needs.
A family physician advocates for prioritizing human connection in medical practices, shifting focus from productivity to relationships. He suggests viewing the practice as a unit of care, encouraging ingenuity and problem-solving skills among employees to strengthen cultures.
Research shows that Neolithic farmers in southern Scandinavia contributed to the development of Indo-European vocabulary before their own language went extinct. Words like 'pea', 'shrimp' and 'turnip' entered Indo-European from local cultures, highlighting cultural exchange between 2,800-2,600 BC.
A RAND Corporation study found that staff at federally qualified health centers, which serve the nation's poorest patients, are experiencing high levels of burnout and job dissatisfaction. The study surveyed clinicians and staff across 296 clinics, finding declines in professional satisfaction, work environment, and practice culture.
Primary care physicians identify barriers to deprescribing, including patient expectations and organizational constraints. Less experienced physicians face additional challenges, highlighting the need for supportive interventions to promote safer prescribing practices.