Articles tagged with Cultural Studies
The Material Minds Project investigates how cultural artefacts shape our minds and processing information. Using a unique blend of archaeology, vision science, and cognitive philosophy, the project tests the hypothesis that materiality drives cognitive change.
Chimpanzees exhibit diverse behaviours across various contexts, including tool use, foraging on insects and honey, and thermoregulatory habits. Environmental variability is positively associated with behavioural and cultural diversity, suggesting that species adapt to uncertainty through mechanisms like innovation and cognitive capacity.
A new study analyzing human portraits from 15th to 20th century European paintings found a widespread 'forward bias' in spatial composition, with more open space in front of depicted subjects than behind them. This bias increased over time, particularly after cultural norms favoring centering loosened.
China's wine culture dates back over 9,000 years, with archaeological evidence showing the oldest known alcoholic drink. Viticulture emerged around 8,000 years ago in Georgia, but China played a significant role in Eurasian wine history.
Griselda Pollock, a world-leading figure in feminist and queer interventions in art history, has been awarded the Holberg Prize for her profound influence on the field. She will receive the award of NOK 6,000,000 at the University of Bergen, Norway.
The journal special issue examines how contemporary trends in immigration affect aging populations, with a focus on social ties, filial obligation, and culturally accessible services. Strongest common themes include the importance of social connections for promoting health and well-being.
Researchers mapped emotion words across 2,474 languages to find significant variation in emotional expression across cultures. The human experience of emotions is shaped by both biological evolution and the words used to describe those feelings.
Researchers are digitally processing 1,400 cuneiform texts and fragments in the Akkadian language, with a focus on transcription and annotation. The project aims to provide high-quality data for academic communities and eventually enable automated translation of cuneiform text.
A recent study published in Economics and Human Biology suggests that the current obesity epidemic in adults may have been caused by excessive sugar consumption in childhood. The researchers modeled the increase in US adult obesity rates since the 1990s as a legacy of increased excess sugar consumption measured among children in the 19...
Researchers found that positive news about immigrants reduces prejudice, while negative reports increase it. Nouns also play a role in shaping opinions, with nouns used for ethnic descriptions leading to more pronounced prejudice than adjectives.
Research found men aged 58-85 were more accepting of their outfits as they aged, unlike women who perceive a 'cut-off point' for certain items. Men also had strong negative reactions to clothing that marked a decline in masculinity, such as elasticated trousers.
A team of researchers identified three sources of non-independence in cultural variables: phylogenetic non-independence, spatial autocorrelation, and covariation. By controlling for these factors, they found that parasites have no more explanatory power for cultural traits than other environmental factors like biodiversity and climate.
Researchers used a quantitative method to analyze over 140,000 artworks and found a temporal evolution of artistic styles reflecting divisions in style during Renaissance, Modern, and Contemporary art. The study demonstrates the utility of quantitative metrics in assessing artistic style evolution.
A new study by New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development finds that multilingual students have made remarkable progress in reading and math scores since 2003. The research debunks the common myth that these students have made little academic progress in recent years.
The Life Sciences - Life Writing research training group will receive EUR 2.2 million in funding to explore the correlation between new biomedicine developments and human boundary experiences. The program aims to generate alternative perspectives on what it means to be human, combining natural sciences, medicine, and humanities.
A study by the universities of Zurich and Geneva found significant differences in end-of-life decisions across Switzerland's three linguistic regions. In all regions, deaths were preceded by one or more end-of-life decisions, with a common legislative framework governing life-sustaining treatment and assisted suicide. The involvement o...
Researchers from Lund University have identified a previously unknown language in northern Peninsular Malaysia, dubbed Jedek. Spoken by 280 people, the language is an Austroasiatic variety with unique grammatical structures and vocabulary.
A new paper calls for cognitive researchers to engage with cultural sociology to better understand the impact of culture on poverty, ethics, and discrimination. The authors examine three prominent cognitive research models, highlighting their limitations and suggesting ways to advance research by incorporating cultural references.
Researchers have discovered that Bryde's whales employ a unique feeding strategy involving lifting their heads to tread water, allowing prey to flow in. This 'tread-water feeding' behavior is the first recorded passive feeding method in baleen whales.
Studies suggest that experiences of discrimination make feelings of insignificance worse, predicting an attraction to fundamentalist groups. Marginalization is also linked to lower levels of cultural integration, perpetuating a cycle of prejudice and extremism.
Researchers identify major transitions in human cultural evolution using computational methods and large cross-cultural datasets. The study reveals the complex processes underlying our cultural histories, including changes from small kin-based groups to colossal nation states.
Researchers found that US students perceive fewer communal opportunities in STEM careers than Asian students, who see them as essential. Emphasizing these communal aspects can close the cultural gap and increase interest in STEM fields.
Liza Grandia, a UC Davis associate professor of Native American studies, has received a $270,000 Mellon Foundation Fellowship to research toxicology and environmental epidemiology. Her project, 'Toxic Trespass,' aims to build cross-disciplinary bridges between indigenous communities and environmental health sciences.
The new centre will address social crises from four perspectives: socio-ecological transformation, social inequalities, violence and conflict resolution, and identity and region. It aims to carry out research together with academics from Latin America and promote the internationalization of the humanities.
A study by NYU's Steinhardt School found that adults with autism view their interests positively, believing they should be encouraged. These interests also alleviate anxiety in 92% of respondents and are used as strengths in career paths and educational settings.
A study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that adults with autism view their interests positively and believe they should be encouraged. Many participants reported anxiety relief through engaging in their preferred interests, highlighting the potential benefits of utilizing these strengths.
A team of anthropologists has uncovered a 38,000-year-old engraved image in a French rockshelter, revealing insights into the nature of modern humans during this period. The discovery provides new information on regional patterning of art and ornamentation across Europe during the Aurignacian culture.
A new study reveals that experiencing cultural distinctiveness can broaden an individual's definition of 'home' to include related cultural groups. This expansion allows consumers to fulfill the need to connect with their home culture by favoring brands associated with a related group.
A University at Buffalo research team explores the limitations of banning autonomous weapons, arguing that the actual problem lies in societal forces driving their development. They emphasize the need to examine cultural techniques and ideologies that lead to technological advancements.
Two recent studies by MGH psychiatrists improve treatment outcomes for Chinese American immigrants with depression. Culturally sensitive treatment combined with telepsychiatry shows significant improvement in depression symptoms, while stigma can reduce effectiveness. The studies suggest that stigmatizing attitudes may exert an indepen...
A new study by NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development found that patients who fell indoors had more chronic health conditions and were less likely to recover at home, whereas outdoor fallers were younger and healthier. The findings can inform targeted initiatives to lower the risk of falls in older adults.
A NYU study found stark disparities in access to children's books in high-poverty neighborhoods across the US, with low-income families facing severe shortages of age-appropriate books. The study highlights the impact of limited book availability on school readiness skills and summer learning loss.
Researchers are often hesitant to discuss shame, using terms like ostracism instead, according to UC Santa Barbara researcher Thomas Scheff. Scheff argues that conventional thoughts about shame see it as an emotion triggered by a particular stimulus, but he believes humans are built around shame and it's time to reclaim the term.
A study by NYU's Steinhardt School found that public pre-K attendance significantly increases the likelihood of taking the admissions test for gifted and talented programs. Students from disadvantaged backgrounds who attended public pre-K had a lower test-taking gap with their peers compared to those who did not attend.
A new study found that medical complications at birth, maternal education, early motor assessments, and early cognitive assessments are key predictors of later cognitive function and motor performance in children born premature. Research also shows that mild impairments remain a challenge for preterm children into later childhood.
Research found that people who experience cultural disfluency, such as encountering wrong holiday plates or non-traditional wedding photos, perform better on cognitive reasoning tests and are less likely to engage in mindless consumption. This shift to systematic thinking reduces stress levels and increases brainpower.
A New York University public health study found that 15% of cigarette packs sold in NYC have either counterfeit or out-of-state tax stamps. The majority were purchased from independent retailers, with a significantly higher percentage of illegitimate packs found in these stores.
The American Comparative Literature Association honored Lois Parkinson Zamora for her pioneering studies on hemispheric American studies and modern Latin American literature. Her work has been recognized nationally, with numerous publications and awards, including the John and Rebecca Moores Distinguished Professorship.
The presentation highlights how women are being portrayed as equals to men in superhero fiction, with characters like Juliette and Agent May exhibiting intelligence, strength, and practicality. This trend is long overdue, recognizing a loyal female comic book fan base that seeks to see women treated as heroes too.
A study by NYU Steinhardt School found that over a quarter of New York City retailers did not request identification from young adults buying cigarettes. Chain stores were more likely to comply with minimum age laws than independent vendors.
A new long-term project will systematically record and digitally inventory hieratic and cursive hieroglyphic characters from selected sources. The database will provide search options and facilitate international cooperation, while also offering metadata on sources.
A systematic review found no significant difference in the prevalence of verbal abuse between men and women, suggesting that societal factors rather than gender play a role. Men are more at risk due to adopting protective attitudes towards women in female-dominated workplaces.
Research by UK academics suggests that celebrity advocacy has limited ability to reach people and encourage them to care about distant suffering. Celebrities can make themselves more popular with the public, but their work often benefits from attention rather than promoting genuine causes.
Research reveals that various cultures have differing attitudes towards happiness, with some valuing it as a supreme goal while others avoid it due to superstition or fear of negative consequences. The study highlights the complexities of cultural differences in happiness aversion.
Researchers found that states adopting more alcohol and traffic laws had a 14.5% decrease in traffic fatality rates compared to those adopting fewer laws. The study suggests policymakers should focus on bringing weaker protection states up to speed, as lagging behind leads to more deaths.
Researchers found that expansive postures, like standing up and spreading arms, make people feel powerful across cultures. However, some postures that violate cultural norms, such as putting feet on desk, have little effect on individuals from East Asia.
New research suggests that eye contact can actually make people more resistant to persuasion, particularly when they already disagree. The study found that direct eye contact makes skeptical listeners less likely to change their minds.
Research found that pregnant women rely on common hearsay and entertainment media to shape their expectations about pregnancy. Women often cited ethnic-religious traditions and personal experiences in shaping their understanding of pregnancy mythologies.
Male superb lyrebirds' choreographed dance movements are linked to specific songs, with females selecting the best performers. The birds' dancing skills are crucial for mating, with years of practice before maturity.
Ana Bencomo, chair of UH Hispanic studies, has been awarded a Core Fulbright U.S. Scholar Grant to study the Mexican journalistic chronicle genre and its reporting on narco-violence. She will teach courses at the University of Guadalajara and conduct research, exploring the intersection of journalism, literature, and identity.
A study analyzed mood words in 20th century books and found a decrease in emotional words overall, but an increase in fear since the 1970s. Books written in American English are significantly more 'emotional' than their British counterparts.
A new SPB by COST and ESF explores LCS research's role in enhancing essential responses to Europe's broader challenges. Key findings highlight the importance of cultural literacy in shaping European identities and cultures.
New research suggests that Barack Obama's image is shaped by the ideals of John F. Kennedy, reflecting a presidential legacy of elegance, sophistication, and success. The study explores how Obama's self-presentation is influenced by Kennedy's iconic imagery, including the cover of Rolling Stone magazine.
Research suggests that dualist philosophy can lead to reckless attitudes towards health and exercise, and a preference for unhealthy diet. People primed with dualist beliefs also reported stronger mind-body separation, viewing bodies as disposable vessels.
The project aims to improve professional translators and mediators in navigating cultural differences and minimizing misunderstandings. Experts investigate the impact of language, body language, and cultural variables on mediation processes.
Two studies led by University of Pennsylvania scientists uncover new information about Native American and First Nations migration patterns, genetic impact of cultural practices and historical relationships among groups. The research provides the first clear evidence of shared markers in DNA of people living in the circumarctic region.
Chimpanzees exhibit fine-scale cultural differentiation, with neighboring groups preferring different tools for cracking nuts and varying in hammer size. These differences are maintained even among individuals moving between communities.
Research suggests that thinking about death can motivate positive changes and promote tolerance, egalitarianism, compassion, empathy, and pacifism. Additionally, increased awareness of mortality can lead to better health choices, such as using more sunscreen or increasing levels of exercise.
A new study by researchers at the University of Zurich has found that humans and great apes share a common evolutionary origin for their cultural behaviors. The research, which analyzed data from over 100,000 hours of orangutan behavior, suggests that genetic factors and environmental influences play a significant role in shaping behav...
A Northwestern University meta-analysis reveals that leadership continues to be viewed as culturally masculine, perpetuating barriers to women's advancement. The study finds that women are seen as less qualified or natural in leadership roles, and adopting masculine behaviors can lead to being viewed as inappropriate.