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Uncovering the roots of discrimination toward immigrants

A new study in Germany found that religious differences can drive anti-immigrant bias, even when immigrants follow local social norms. The researchers used an experimental approach to measure bystanders' behavior and found that Muslim immigrant women who wore a hijab received less assistance than native German women.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Islamic values play a significant role in the travel decisions of Muslim tourists

A new study by the University of Portsmouth reveals that Islamic values play a significant role in Muslim tourists' travel decisions. The research found that Muslim travelers prioritize halal facilities, prayer spaces, and adherence to Sharia law when choosing destinations, driving growth in the global halal tourism market.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalInternational Journal of Tourism Research·DateJun 24, 2019

Responding to extremist attacks: For Muslim leaders, 'It's damned if you do, damned if you don't'

A University of Michigan study found that expressing empathy for victims after an extremist attack can alleviate negative responses from non-Muslims. However, accepting group responsibility can cultivate perceptions of collective guilt and backfire, increasing the perception that Muslim Americans are to blame for terrorist acts.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMedia Psychology·DateApr 30, 2019

Women who wear Muslim garments in court are viewed as more credible witnesses

A study by Lancaster University and Memorial University found that women who wear the hijab or niqab while testifying in court are perceived as more credible than uncovered women. The researchers suggest several possible explanations for this bias, including the idea that religious garments signal honesty and dispel common rape myths.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCanadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue canadienne des sciences du comportement·DateFeb 1, 2019

Intravascular ultrasound-guided percutaneous coronary intervention: An updated review

The use of intravascular ultrasound guidance during percutaneous coronary intervention has been shown to improve clinical outcomes, particularly in reducing ischemia-driven target lesion revascularization. IVUS guidance has also been associated with a decrease in intraobserver variability in angiographic borderline lesions.

SourceCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·JournalCardiovascular Innovations and Applications·DateSep 10, 2018

The God of small things

Researchers found that religious people regularly assign significance to unremarkable events, leading to positive emotions like gratitude and contentment. The study suggests that giving meaning to everyday events is a general phenomenon across religious groups.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalJournal of Personality·DateAug 29, 2018

Muslims face high rates of discrimination in Canada

A recent study from the University of Waterloo found that Muslims are the least liked group in Canada, with higher rates of discrimination than most other demographic groups. Residents of Quebec and those with conservative views hold more negative feelings towards Muslims.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCanadian Review of Sociology/Revue canadienne de sociologie·DateMar 19, 2018

High-speed quantum encryption may help secure the future internet

Researchers have developed a high-speed quantum encryption system that can transmit encryption codes five to 10 times faster than existing methods, potentially securing the future of the internet. The system uses photons of light and advanced detectors to encode and decode keys, making it secure from common attacks even with imperfect ...

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 24, 2017

'European Muslims perceive the EU more positively than other Europeans'

A study by the Cluster of Excellence found that European Muslims have a more positive view of the EU compared to other groups. This is largely due to their satisfaction with living conditions and higher political interest. The study also highlights the importance of successful integration in maintaining trust in EU institutions.

SourceCluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"·JournalEuropean Union Politics·DateOct 27, 2017

Religious devotion as predictor of behavior

A study published in Evolutionary Psychology Science suggests that sincere religious beliefs are not associated with hostile attitudes toward outsiders. In contrast, those who use religion for non-religious goals, such as social status or group membership, tend to exhibit greater out-group hostility.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateMay 24, 2017

Evidence of early medieval Muslim graves found in France

Researchers from PLOS ONE discovered three skeletons buried in medieval graves in France that may have belonged to Muslims, with DNA analysis revealing paternal lineage from North Africa. The burials follow Islamic rites and radiocarbon dating suggests the skeletons are from the 7th-9th centuries.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2016