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Do political insults pay off? New research shows what politicians actually gain from divisive political rhetoric

A new study finds that personal attacks in politics are strongly associated with greater media coverage, but show no correlation with fundraising or policy success. Researchers discovered an asymmetric pattern of conflict entrepreneurs, who use antagonistic rhetoric to gain media attention and become 'media celebrities'.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 20, 2026

CHEST Is honored with two 2025 Power of Associations Awards

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.

SourceAmerican College of Chest Physicians·DateSep 22, 2025

The rise of "gut feelings" in US political rhetoric

The study analyzed eight million congressional speeches, finding a significant decline in fact-based language and an increase in intuition-based rhetoric. This shift has been linked to decreased legislative productivity and growing economic inequality.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 10, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dehumanizing rhetoric on immigration harms public health

Stigmatization increases stress, causing physical and mental health problems such as heart disease, anxiety, and depression. Doctors must be aware of these impacts and work to create welcoming healthcare environments for immigrant patients.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the American Medical Association·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 1, 2024

Political beliefs shape the way the public interprets history

A study by Dr Francesco Rigoli found that right-wing supporters tend to evaluate the past as more positive than left-wingers, while left-wingers are more optimistic about the future. This effect is observed across various countries, including the USA, UK, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, and Poland.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateMar 24, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Political rhetoric changes views on democratic principles, study finds

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that exposure to norm-violating rhetoric from politicians like Donald Trump can reduce support for certain core democratic principles. The researchers found that Trump supporters who were shown his antidemocratic tweets indicated less support for partici...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2023

Nostalgia — a rhetorical tool for populists and the radical right

Research shows that nationalist nostalgia is a key rhetorical tool for the radical right, emphasizing a superior past and linking it to issues like immigration and economic decline. This type of nostalgia can be exclusionary and polarizing, targeting migrants and oversimplifying complex social problems.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalSociological Forum·TypeCase study·DateOct 27, 2022

Authors blame hyperpartisanship for death of political apology

Two researchers argue that hyperpartisanship has led to a decline in political apologies, making it difficult for politicians to acknowledge wrongdoing and seek redemption. This shift away from apology is attributed to the influence of social media and partisan echo chambers, which reward silence over accountability.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPhilosophy and Rhetoric·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 29, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Anti-Asian hate tweets during COVID-19

A University of Utah-led study found a surge in anti-Asian hate language on Twitter between January and March 2020, with clusters of hateful tweets spreading across the US. The researchers identified 15 geographic regions where anti-Asian hate was statistically higher than expected.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2022

Incivility, threats doubled against 'The Squad' after Trump tweet

A study found that uncivil tweet replies to congresswomen of color doubled after Trump's initial derogatory remarks. The majority of replies contained stereotypes and threats, with a chilling effect on women who might speak out or run for office.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternet Research·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 23, 2022

How Black Lives Matter protests sparked interest, can lead to change

New research found that Black Lives Matter protests led to a surge in online searches for anti-racist terms and topics, with spikes in searches continuing even after the initial protests. The study also showed that these increased search volumes were correlated with higher daily visits to Wikipedia pages on related topics.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2022
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.

Choosing ‘good migrants’ for ‘Global Britain’

The UK's new visa for Hong Kongers is framed as a haven for Britain's former colonial subjects, but Professor Michaela Benson warns of 'undoubtedly colonialist overtones'. The visa scheme has been criticized for its selective nature and perceived biases towards certain migrants.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCurrent Sociology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 20, 2021

Study: Candidates’ pro-gun stances, NRA funding influence voters

Researchers found that candidates' pro-gun messages and NRA funding influence voters' evaluations, with racial resentment moderating the effects. Voters who own guns or are racially resentful were more likely to support candidates with similar views, while those low in racial resentment preferred pro-gun control candidates.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology·DateAug 17, 2021
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Populist anti-foreign aid rhetoric has an impact on the public - but only among fans of populist politicians, study shows

A new study by A. Burcu Bayram and Catarina Thomson found that international aid institutions should not be worried about the impact of populism on global development cooperation. Those wanting to convince the public about foreign aid should focus on transparent communication and local partnerships.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateJul 8, 2021

When and why do politicians use emotive rhetoric in parliamentary speeches?

The study analyzed two million parliamentary speeches in the UK and Ireland, finding that politicians use emotive language more in high-profile debates like PMQs to attract a wider audience. In low-profile debates, emotional rhetoric is less pronounced as politicians mostly address colleagues.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateJun 30, 2021

Right-wing rhetoric and the trivialization of pandemic casualties

High-level government officials and influential commentators in the US trivialized pandemic casualties by adopting a tone that suggested premature death was normal. This misleading rhetoric ignored the collective costs of unchecked disease transmission and offered false reassurance about the risk of infection.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Anthropological Research·DateMay 31, 2021

Health care use among undocumented patients

Researchers found that increased anti-immigrant rhetoric during the 2016 presidential campaign led to a significant increase in healthcare services usage among undocumented patients. The study suggests that this association may be attributed to decreased trust and increased stress related to immigration policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 5, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

2016 presidential campaign emails reveal strategy, surprises

Researchers analyzed 10 months of campaign emails to find varied strategies and goals, with the Clinton campaign making a surprising decision to stop emailing inactive supporters. Trump campaign e-mails were more participatory, while Clinton sent eight emails a week to active supporters at peak.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalJournal of Information Technology & Politics·DateMay 4, 2020

Conspiracy beliefs could increase fringe political engagement, shows new study

New research suggests that conspiracy beliefs can lead to more willingness for non-normative political actions, such as illegally blocking public entryways. In contrast, those who accept a low-conspiracy worldview are more likely to engage in typical political activities like voting and participating in rallies. The study's findings ha...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateFeb 28, 2020

Research debunks myth of Super Bowl sex trafficking, improves media narrative

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin and University of Minnesota debunked the myth of a correlation between Super Bowls and sex trafficking, citing empirical evidence that shows no causal link. A study found that online ads for sex may temporarily increase during large public events, but this is not the same as trafficking.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAnti-Trafficking Review·DateOct 30, 2019
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.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric puts Latino patients' health at risk

A UCSF study found that anti-immigrant rhetoric from the White House harms Latino patients' perceptions of safety and access to emergency care, with 75% of undocumented immigrants feeling unsafe. The study also showed that patients were afraid to come to the ED for care, delaying treatment by two days on average.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 30, 2019

White Americans see many immigrants as 'illegal' until proven otherwise, survey finds

A survey found that many white Americans assume immigrants from certain countries are 'illegal' due to stereotypes and lack of documentation, leading to discriminatory treatment. The study highlights the impact of social perceptions on immigrant standing in American society, revealing a new source of ethnic-based inequalities.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateOct 11, 2018

Tea Party movement has paved the way for racialized language in US politics

Italian researchers found that Tea Party supporters exhibited greater racial resentment towards non-white individuals and relied on it when evaluating Obama. The study suggests the Tea Party movement paved the way for mainstream acceptance of racially hostile content, contributing to Trump's communication strategy.

SourceSpringer·JournalRace and Social Problems·DateFeb 8, 2018

The rhetorical signature of Donald J. Trump

Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Doron Taussig analyze Trump's rhetoric, finding it both disrupted political norms and created challenges for governing. Trump's signature traits include spontaneity, accountability dodging, and demonization, which have led to concerns about his mental acuity and speculation about invoking the 25th Amendment.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPolitical Science Quarterly·DateNov 15, 2017
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.

Authoritarian regimes use rhetoric to legitimize their power

Experts argue that authoritarian leaders effectively mobilize public support using discourse that aligns with the country's history and traditions. The study analyzes Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan's presidents' rhetoric between 1997-2015.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalCentral Asian Survey·DateNov 30, 2016

Study finds little change in the IMF's policy advice, despite rhetoric of reform

A new study has examined International Monetary Fund policies over three decades and found that the IMF has increased structural adjustment conditions to pre-crisis levels. The researchers argue that the IMF's 'reforms' are superficial and do not address the root causes of economic instability in borrowing countries.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalReview of International Political Economy·DateMay 23, 2016
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.

Religious rhetoric not helpful in anti-alcohol messages

Research by Michigan State University's Saleem Alhabash suggests that adding a religious message to an anti-alcohol warning does not discourage viewers from drinking. Gain-framed messages, which focus on benefits, are more effective than loss-framed messages in this context.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Religion and Health·DateApr 19, 2016

Nixoncare vs. Obamacare: Comparing the rhetoric and reality of 2 health plans

A new study compares Nixon's health plans with Obamacare, revealing that while both aimed to provide coverage for the uninsured, Nixon's proposals were more 'liberal' and preserved the insurance industry's role. The ACA faced intense opposition, with some Democrats initially rejecting it as too moderate.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJul 13, 2015

CEOs who motivate with 'fightin' words' shoot themselves in the foot

A BYU business study found that using violent language by CEOs can lead to unethical behavior among rival employees, but not when the CEO uses such language with their own team. The research highlights the impact of leadership rhetoric on employee ethics and encourages CEOs to reconsider their communication strategies.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateJul 22, 2014

Politicians have less influence through news media

A recent study by Michigan State University's Corwin Smidt found that news coverage of Washington politicians' rhetoric has limited influence on public opinion. Instead, citizens are swayed by stories about grassroots protests and local events.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalPublic Opinion Quarterly·DateSep 8, 2011

Weak supporting evidence can undermine belief in an outcome

Researchers found that weak supporting evidence can make people less likely to believe in an outcome, even if they have no evidence at all. This effect, known as the 'weak evidence effect,' influences professional persuaders and public perceptions of policy.

SourceBrown University·JournalCognition·DateMar 7, 2011
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.

White House rhetoric is important in forming foreign policy opinions

A new study by University of Missouri researchers found that well-informed citizens are less swayed by White House rhetoric, while the general public is more susceptible to manipulation. Simple and compelling language used by presidents can significantly increase public support for military actions overseas.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateDec 1, 2009
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.

Happy 60th, NHS ... possibly

The UK's National Health Service (NHS) is turning 60, but its future is uncertain due to a lack of scientific focus on health-system reform. The Editorial calls for a radical change in the NHS's training system and culture to address its fundamental problems.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJan 10, 2008