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Secular countries can expect future economic growth, confirms new study

A new study published in Science Advances has shown that a decline in religion is linked to a country's future economic prosperity. Secularisation precedes economic development, but only when accompanied by tolerance for individual rights like abortion, divorce, and homosexuality.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 18, 2018

Five new research units and two new humanities centers for advanced studies

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is funding seven new research units and two new humanities centers focused on pressing issues in various fields. The research units will explore topics such as quantum thermodynamics, sustainability, and pruritus, while the humanities centers will investigate the reciprocal influences of religi...

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateJul 17, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

One thing you'll find in the obits of many long-living people

A nationwide study found that people with religious affiliations lived nearly four years longer than those with no ties to religion. The boost was attributed to various factors, including volunteerism, social organization involvement, and stress-reducing practices such as gratitude, prayer, or meditation.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 13, 2018

UTSA researcher studies the impact religion has on sleep quality

A new study by UTSA researcher Christopher Ellison analyzes the impact of religious involvement on sleep quality, concluding that people with higher levels of religious involvement tend to have healthier sleep outcomes. The research suggests that religion benefits mental health by reducing stress, promoting social engagement and provid...

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateJun 13, 2018

Older men with higher levels of sex hormones could be less religious

A new study found that men with higher levels of testosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) had weaker religious ties. The research analyzed data from over 1000 men and suggests that physiological factors, such as hormones, may play a role in shaping religiosity later in life.

SourceSpringer·JournalAdaptive Human Behavior and Physiology·DateMay 30, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Rising religious 'none' rates linked to conservative Christian politics

A new study from University at Buffalo finds a correlation between conservative Christian politics, same-sex marriage bans, and a rise in people identifying as religious 'none.' The research suggests that the public salience of the Christian right drives up the rate of nones.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateMay 10, 2018

Where you live is more influential than where you worship in shaping racial attitudes

A Baylor University study reveals that living arrangements have a more significant impact on shaping racial attitudes than congregational composition. The study found that attending white-only churches decreases comfort with non-white individuals, while living near diverse neighborhoods increases friendships across racial lines.

SourceBaylor University·JournalSociology of Race and Ethnicity·DateApr 23, 2018

'Peace agreements have always only succeeded with genuine trust'

Historian Prof. Dr Gerd Althoff argues that peace agreements have historically been successful when opponents establish genuine trust, rather than relying solely on confidence-building measures. This approach emphasizes forgiveness, mutual visits, and friendly conversation to create a foundation for long-term peace.

SourceCluster of Excellence "Religion and Politics"·DateApr 19, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Some black and Latino Christians rely on religion for healing

A study by Rice University found that 80% of black and Latino Americans believe in the healing power of religious faith, while Korean-Americans see it as primarily supportive. The research aimed to understand the role of church in health promotion and explored how racial representation shapes distrust of medicine.

SourceRice University·JournalReview of Religious Research·DateFeb 12, 2018

Portland State study points to connection between religion and risk

A Portland State University study found that counties with more religious populations tend to have less risk-averse hedge fund managers, resulting in smaller and younger funds. Despite this, these funds produce returns comparable to the industry average, suggesting a link between local religiosity and organizational risk-taking.

SourcePortland State University·JournalJournal of Corporate Finance·DateFeb 6, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Evidence: Chaplains crucial for advance care planning in medical practice

A quality improvement project found that 80% of patients completed advance directives after discussing their wishes with a hospital-based chaplain. Chaplain-facilitated conversations provided patients with peace of mind and reduced family member guilt, as they documented their wishes in a shared document.

SourceRush University Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 1, 2018

Racism linked to uptake of smoking in young people

A new study published in PLOS ONE found that adolescents who experienced racism between 11-23 years old are more likely to take up smoking. The study analyzed questionnaire and interview data from over 6500 pupils, revealing a strong link between racial trauma and the development of smoking habits.

SourceKing's College London·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 24, 2018

Married veterans more at risk of suicide than single soldiers

A new study finds that married veterans are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts and behaviors compared to their single counterparts. The research, which analyzed responses from 772 recently returned veterans, also highlights the importance of addressing spiritual struggles in veteran suicide prevention efforts.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalArchives of Suicide Research·DateJan 23, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

LGBQ* women's sexual desire particularly impacted by social and cultural pressures

A recent study published in Sexuality & Culture explores how LGBQ* women's sexual desire is influenced by sociocultural factors such as sexism, religion, and body image. The research reveals that these factors have a significant impact on the lives of LGBQ* women, particularly those who identify as women of color or bisexual.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·JournalSexuality & Culture·DateDec 6, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Some Latinos believe science may negatively impact their kids' faith

A recent study by Rice University sociologists found that over a third of Latino respondents believe science education may negatively impact their children's faith. The study aimed to understand the relationship between STEM education and religious faith among blacks and Latinos, two groups with high levels of religiosity.

SourceRice University·JournalReview of Religious Research·DateNov 13, 2017

Shared custody equals less stress for children

A recent study by Stockholm University's Demography Unit found that shared custody arrangements reduce stress levels in children. Children living with one parent are more likely to experience stress due to the lack of resources and relationships, while shared physical custody allows for regular contact with both parents, promoting stab...

SourceStockholm University·JournalJournal of Divorce & Remarriage·DateAug 30, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Coke or Pepsi? Partner's choices can make you miserable

A new study found that partners who have low power in their relationships are stuck with their partner's preferred brands, leading to a death-by-a-thousand-cuts feeling and decreased happiness. The researchers used brand preferences in various products to study individuals and couples over two years.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 14, 2017

Ontarians still skeptical of flu shot

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that half of those who avoid flu shots do so due to concerns over vaccine effectiveness and personal immune systems. The study also revealed that moral and religious reasons, as well as past poor vaccine experiences, contribute to avoidance.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalJournal of Health Communication·DateJun 12, 2017

Religious coping may affect couples dealing with type 2 diabetes

A new study found that spousal engagement in healthy diet planning and shared glycemic control activities can help manage type 2 diabetes. Positive religious coping by the nondiabetic spouse is also linked to higher levels of shared activities, while negative coping is associated with lower participation.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Marital and Family Therapy·DateJun 7, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Religious individuals regret having casual sex only slightly more

A recent Norwegian study found that religious individuals regret casual sex only slightly more than non-religious individuals. However, women regret their most recent one-night stand much more than men do, while men regret missing an opportunity much more than women do.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateJun 1, 2017

Gang members, domestic extremists vastly different, says CU Boulder study

A University of Colorado Boulder study compares domestic extremists to street gang members, finding significant differences in age, education level, religiosity, and ethnicity. The research also suggests that policies targeting gangs may not be effective for countering domestic extremism.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateMay 18, 2017

Is religion an evolved domain or instinct?

Researchers propose that religion is an evolved domain or instinct, while intelligence allows people to rise above instincts. This association is supported by historical evidence and recent survey data across different countries and groupings.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateMay 17, 2017
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Atheism might be more common than assumed...but it's complicated

Researchers used an indirect measurement technique to estimate atheism prevalence in the US, finding that it may be as high as 20-35%, which challenges prevailing theories. The study's findings suggest that people may be reluctant to disclose their lack of belief due to stigma, leading to underreported rates.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMay 16, 2017

The impossibility of immorality

A new study by Harvard University researchers suggests that people tend to view immoral actions as impossible, leading them to make more moral decisions. When given time for reflection, participants rate one-quarter of immoral actions as impossible, but with less time, they call half of them impossible.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Researchers find video games influence sexist attitudes

A new study of over 13,000 adolescents found a link between video game exposure and sexism. The research suggests that repeated exposure to media influences how we perceive social realities, and that video games can shape attitudes towards women.

SourceIowa State University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 28, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Religious participation may serve to strengthen social bonds

A new study finds that active religious participation correlates with stronger social support networks in communities. Regular religious activity is viewed as trustworthy and generous, leading to more sought-after support from others.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMar 6, 2017

Evangelicals are more skeptical of evolution than of climate change

A recent study from Rice University reveals that evangelicals are significantly more skeptical of evolution (70% false) compared to climate change skepticism (28%). This finding challenges the common perception that anti-evolution and anti-climate change views are linked.

SourceRice University·JournalEnvironment and Behavior·DateDec 13, 2016
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

This is your brain on God: Spiritual experiences activate brain reward circuits

A study published in Social Neuroscience found that devout Mormons' spiritual experiences are associated with activation in the nucleus accumbens, a critical brain region for processing reward. The researchers also found that spiritual feelings activate regions linked to focused attention and moral reasoning.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalSocial Neuroscience·DateNov 29, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Carefully chosen wording can increase donations by over 300 percent

A study published in Marketing Science found that leveraging psychological theories on sympathy when drafting a fundraising letter can significantly increase donations. The experiment involved varying the content of fundraising letters and measuring the response, resulting in a 300% increase in donations.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateNov 7, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Religious actions convey pro-social intent, finds study

A study published in Evolution and Human Behavior found that regular churchgoers are perceived as more generous and hardworking compared to others. The researchers suggest that this is due to the potent signal sent by these individuals, demonstrating their generosity, devotion, and commitment to contributing to their communities.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·DateAug 22, 2016

Religion shown to steer adolescents away from pornography

A new study by University of Calgary researchers finds that adolescents who attend religious services are less likely to view pornography. The study, which surveyed over 3,000 teenagers and their parents, suggests that religious attendance acts as a social control factor that discourages porn usage among young people.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalJournal of Adolescence·DateJul 5, 2016

Does discrimination increase drinking?

Researchers at the University of Iowa have found a significant link between discrimination and heavy drinking among minority groups. The study, published in Social Science & Medicine, analyzed 97 peer-reviewed studies that showed a clear connection between racism, sexism, and homophobia and increased alcohol abuse.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 30, 2016
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Queen's researcher finds truth to age-old maxim 'work hard, play hard'

A study published in The Open Psychology Journal found a strong correlation between motivation to work and attraction to leisure. Researchers discovered three distinct groupings of individuals based on their strongest motivational factors, suggesting that the 'work hard, play hard' motivation could serve an evolutionary purpose.

SourceQueen's University·JournalThe Open Psychology Journal·DateJun 29, 2016

Stanford study finds support across ethnicities for physician-assisted death

A Stanford University study found that the majority of California and Hawaii residents supported physician-assisted death, with no significant differences in support across ethnicities. Older adults were more likely to support the practice, while those who reported less importance of spirituality were more likely to be supportive.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Palliative Medicine·DateJun 9, 2016

Frequent religious service attendance linked with decreased mortality risk among women

A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that women who attended religious services more than once per week had a significantly lower risk of both cardiovascular and cancer-related mortality. Frequent attendance was also associated with increased social support, reduced depression, and a more optimistic outlook on life.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateMay 16, 2016