Add BrightSurf on Google Email

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

Learning about public consensus on climate change does little to boost people’s support for action, study shows

A new study based on data from Germany found that learning about widespread public support for climate action policies initially makes people think such policies are more politically feasible, but these effects are small and short-lived. The study challenges common expectations about the power of public consensus to drive climate action.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 15, 2026

Innovative strategy trains bilingual clinic staff as dual-role medical interpreters to bridge language gaps in primary care

A new training program equips bilingual staff with medical interpretation skills, increasing qualified interpreter status to 72% among participants. The innovative approach leverages heritage-speaking staff's linguistic and cultural strengths to address the high need for qualified medical interpreters in primary care.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 24, 2025

As World Alzheimer’s Month approaches, supporting personhood for family members with dementia is key

A new study from UConn researcher Amanda Cooper provides suggestions for families to communicate effectively with loved ones living with dementia while upholding their personhood. The study recommends reminiscing about past experiences, expressing gratitude, and adjusting communication approaches based on the individual's current capab...

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Family Communication·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 26, 2025

Some people could sound angrier when complaining, new study finds

Researchers found that speakers from different cultures convey emotions differently when complaining. Complainers use specific vocal expressions to convey negativity, with Québécois sounding more angry and French speakers sounding sadder. The study highlights the importance of tone of voice in social interactions and may have implicati...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2025

Baby talk – a human superpower?

A study by researchers from the University of Zurich found that humans are the most frequent users of child-directed speech among five species of great apes. However, non-human great ape infants may acquire language through surrounding communication and gestures, similar to human children.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2025

What does "that" mean in "Did you see that?"

A study from Kyushu University finds that children focus on literal meaning when interpreting phrases like 'Did you see that?', while adults use a more integrated approach to resolve ambiguity. The findings have implications for dialogue robot development and support systems for individuals with communication difficulties.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPLOS One·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 25, 2025

Can a joke make science more trustworthy?

A new study published in JCOM found that humor can aid scientists' communication efforts, but only if people think they're funny. The research shows that humor can simplify complex concepts, making them more relatable and easier to understand, and has the potential to dispel misinformation in a friendly manner.

SourceSissa Medialab·JournalJournal of Science Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2025

PING

Professor Andrew Brodsky's book 'PING' offers a four-part framework to transform research insights into action. The framework includes Perspective, Taking, Nonverbal cues, and Goals, which help individuals communicate more effectively in virtual environments.

Zoom fatigue is linked to dissatisfaction with one’s facial appearance

A study published in PLOS One found that individuals dissatisfied with their facial appearance experience increased Zoom fatigue, leading to more use of impression management features and reduced intention to adopt virtual meeting technologies. The study highlights the need to address worker well-being in virtual communication environm...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS One·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 5, 2025

Brits still associate working-class accents with criminal behavior – study warns of bias in the criminal justice system

A recent study published in Frontiers in Communication reveals that people with non-standard accents are more likely to be associated with criminal behaviour, but perceptions vary between accents. The researchers found a significant link between class or status, negative traits, and expected behavior, particularly when it comes to crime.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateJan 17, 2025

Magicians don’t mind sharing the secrets behind tricks – if they are their own

A new study reveals that magicians are willing to share their own trick techniques, but not those invented by others or deceased individuals. They believe it's acceptable to reveal secrets for good causes, such as enhancing wellbeing or scientific research, and that mass online tutorials have reduced the need for traditional secrecy.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalJournal of Performance Magic·TypeCase study·DateOct 27, 2024

When dogs and humans find a common language

Researchers found that dogs slow down their speech rate when addressed by humans, while humans' speech rhythms meet in the middle. Dogs process human language only within the delta band (1-3 Hz) and with phonological content, debunking myths about prosody sensitivity.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 4, 2024

Influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media should be differently regulated, study says

A new study recommends that influencers promoting sustainable lifestyles on social media be differently regulated to better protect consumers. The current EU consumer protection measures are inadequate, and the proposed changes would provide more legal certainty and facilitate additional training for content creators.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consumer Policy·TypeSystematic review·DateSep 11, 2024

Technological innovations and stakeholder collaboration in research can enhance the daily lives of people living with aphasia

Research collaborations between academics, clinicians, and individuals with aphasia aim to bridge the digital divide and develop accessible technology. The special issue showcases innovative approaches to aphasia research, assessment, intervention, and participation.

SourceIOS Press·JournalAdvances in Communication and Swallowing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

Not sure how to stand out as a leader on Zoom calls? It starts with how you communicate, new study shows

A new study by Binghamton University researchers found that virtual team members who receive inspiring responses from others are more likely to be viewed as emergent leaders. To become an effective leader in a virtual setting, it's essential to pay attention to how the audience responds to your message and support others' ideas.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAcademy of Management Proceedings·DateAug 27, 2024

Postconcussive symptoms after early childhood concussion

A study of 303 early childhood children found concussion associated with more postconcussive symptoms than typical development up to three months after injury. The study used developmentally appropriate manifestations and behaviors to track postconcussive symptoms and aid in concussion diagnosis in young children.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 21, 2024

Can we decode the language of our primate cousins?

Researchers discovered that humans can differentiate between primate vocalizations based on acoustic similarity to human speech. The study suggests that the human brain processes primate calls more efficiently when they are closer in frequency to human language, not just phylogenetically close.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalCerebral Cortex Communications·TypeNews article·DateDec 19, 2023

Brain-computer interface restores control of home devices for Johns Hopkins patient with ALS

A brain-computer interface (BCI) has been successfully used to restore control of home devices for a patient with ALS, allowing the individual to navigate a communication board and smart devices without recalibration. The BCI device was implanted on the surface of the brain areas responsible for speech and upper limb function, enabling...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAdvanced Science·DateOct 25, 2023

Improving follow-up of abnormal cancer screening results

A multilevel primary care intervention, including electronic health record reminders and patient outreach, improved timely follow-up of overdue abnormal cancer screening test results for breast, cervical, colorectal, and lung cancer. The intervention was found to be effective in reducing missed screenings.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateOct 10, 2023

Social media helped contribute to UPND gains in 2021 Zambia elections, analysis shows

A new analysis shows that social media facilitated information flow across a controlled media ecosystem, while face-to-face communication remained key. The study highlights how UPND's online messaging resonated with users, portraying Hakainde Hichilema as an electorally viable alternative to President Edgar Lungu.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Eastern African Studies·TypeSurvey·DateAug 7, 2023