Researchers Dr. Sharday Mosurinjohn and Dr. Richard Ascough critique the 'psychedelic mysteries hypothesis' in a new article, arguing that it relies on circumstantial evidence rather than solid historical scholarship. They advocate for responsible curiosity and a focus on living traditions to unlock psychedelic wisdom.
The Seshat History of Moralizing Religion examines how societies across the world have answered ancient human questions about gods, morality, and the afterlife. The book reveals surprising insights into the development of religious traditions with a strong moral agenda, including Egypt's early adoption of divine punishment and reward.
The university has approved two new research units: one focusing on power and abuse in the Roman Catholic Church, and another exploring premodern Christian diversity. These initiatives will intensify research on topics such as vulnerability, systemic conditions, and theological foundations of power imbalances.
Researchers discovered a common cognitive feedback loop used by Buddhist jhāna meditation and Christian speaking in tongues practices to achieve profound focus and joy. This 'Attention, Arousal and Release Spiral' offers insights into cultivating deep states of tranquility and bliss.
A global survey of over 72,000 individuals across 68 countries found that a majority trust scientists, valuing their honesty, competence, and concern for public well-being. The study also reveals a desire for more engagement from scientists through communication and policymaking.
A study found that conflict-reducing practices in teaching evolution increased acceptance among college students. Emphasizing compatibility between evolution and religion was particularly effective for highly religious Christian students. The study suggests that instructors can play a key role in bridging the divide by adopting strateg...
Research suggests that high levels of religious intolerance are associated with a greater likelihood of rejecting scientific findings. Studies have shown that countries and counties with lower levels of religious diversity tend to have lower vaccination uptake and lower scores on standardized tests, such as the PISA.
New research reveals a profound connection between spirituality of science and positive wellbeing. The study found that scientific sources of spirituality may be psychologically similar to religious spirituality, paralleling the positive effects observed in religious people.
A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that engaged congregations are crucial in maintaining faith among youth as they age. The study found that youth groups and religious education courses lead to higher levels of personal religiosity in young people.
The International Association of Bioethics has proposed a framework to guide the selection of future conference sites, including those with anti-LGBTQ+ laws. The framework identifies multiple values and principles at stake, aiming to broaden conversation within bioethics about international conferencing ethics.
Professor Coppedè's appointment aims to enhance the journal's focus on cutting-edge genomics research, covering topics like genome sequencing and functional genomics. He will lead Current Genomics to greater success by staying at the forefront of genomics discoveries and advancements.
A new analysis suggests that being religious contributes to the link between morning preference and higher life satisfaction, with conscientiousness also playing a role. The study found that morning-oriented individuals are more likely to be religious and have higher levels of conscientiousness.
A new book argues that the belief in human exceptionalism contributes to environmental degradation. The authors contend that this mindset is analogous to racism and has led to the extinction of many species. They propose a more inclusive approach, valuing all life forms equally and recognizing our place within the natural world.
A survey of 5,500 Brazilian and Italian students aged 14-16 found that nationality, social perceptions of science, and household income were more influential than religion in rejecting evolutionary theory. The study published in PLOS ONE reveals a significant gap in understanding geological time between Italian and Brazilian Catholics.
A recent study by West Virginia University sociologists found that individuals with paranormal beliefs are more likely to be hesitant about vaccination. These beliefs, which include astrology and spirits, lead to a lack of confidence in science and vaccines, including the COVID-19 shot.
Researchers found data analysis, accounting, cleaning, and banking to be the most boring jobs, while religion, watching TV, and bird watching were among the dullest hobbies. Stereotypically boring people are often disliked and avoided due to preconceptions, leading to social ostracization and increased loneliness.
A study of 500 ultra-Orthodox Israeli adults during the COVID-19 pandemic found that using digital media, especially for essential purposes, increased compliance with government health regulations. Women and older individuals were more likely to follow guidelines.
Researchers at West Virginia University discovered a significant relationship between Christian nationalism and vaccine hesitancy, citing a national sample of 2,000 U.S. adults. They found that individuals embracing this ideology are less likely to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and express skepticism towards science.
A new study has identified the periaqueductal gray as a critical hub for changes in spiritual identification, surprising researchers who previously thought it was associated with higher brain regions. The discovery could have significant implications for understanding spirituality's role in managing physical and emotional pain.
Annette S. Lee receives the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement in Science for her culturally relevant and community-focused projects grounded in indigenous knowledge of the stars. Her initiatives, such as Native Skywatchers, improve education inequalities faced by native youth and promote cultural pride.
Dr. Guihua Yu, a materials scientist at the University of Texas, has developed new multifunctional polymeric nanostructures with unique physical properties that improve efficiency and function. His research focuses on organic nanomaterials and understanding structures down to their smallest scale.
Professor Teja Tscharntke, a renowned agroecologist at the University of Göttingen, has received the prestigious Marsh Award for his groundbreaking research on biodiversity and ecosystem services. His work focuses on understanding how landscape structure affects local biodiversity and pollination processes.
The book Rethinking Biology highlights how biology is often oversimplified, leading to a false public understanding of biological processes. The authors study children and adults' perceptions, journalists' writing, legal contexts, and religious world views to shed light on this issue.
A recent Arizona State University study suggests that scientific engagement can promote belief in a more abstract view of God. Researchers found that experiencing awe from science leads people to believe in an abstract God described as mystical or limitless.
The EurekAlert Fellowships provide opportunities for early-career science journalists from developing countries to attend the AAAS Annual Meeting and improve their skills. The program celebrates its 15th anniversary with five new winners, including those from China, India, Slovenia, and Egypt.
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.
A study found that evangelical and black Protestants, and Mormons, are more likely to consult religious sources for scientific questions. However, the general population is still more likely to seek answers from scientific sources.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University found that people's beliefs about scientifically-associated topics become increasingly polarized with education. Education was correlated with both political and religious identity for some issues, while others showed a correlation only with political identity.
Jane Lubchenco, OSU marine ecologist and advocate for science-based policies, is honored with the Public Welfare Medal for her efforts to bring together research communities and policymakers to address global environmental issues. She has dedicated her career to promoting public service and inspiring future researchers.
A majority of British scientists who mentioned Richard Dawkins during research interviews reject his public engagement approach, feeling he misrepresents science and its norms. The study's findings emphasize the importance of promoting science over personal attacks to effectively communicate scientific knowledge.
Research suggests that the brain's neural networks are at play when considering scientific evidence versus faith-based beliefs. Studies found that people with stronger empathetic connections tend to be more religious, while analytic thinking discourages acceptance of spiritual or religious beliefs.
Researchers found that thinking about how life might be worse if an event hadn't occurred led to increased faith and a stronger belief in God. This suggests that counterfactual thinking can play a role in shaping religious convictions, even for those who do not believe in a deity.
Kenneth Miller, a practicing Catholic and author of Finding Darwin's God, argues that science and faith are distinct. He defends evolution against Intelligent Design's claim that certain biological features are 'irreducibly complex,' citing examples where removing even one part makes the structure non-functional.
Professor Bill Brown from Columbia Seminary will present on 'Theological Reasons for Protecting Biodiversity' at the AAAS 2016 Annual Meeting. He argues that the crisis of biodiversity loss is underappreciated by people of religious faith, and institutions must develop theological grounding to value biodiversity.
A global survey of 9,422 scientists across eight regions found that more than half identify as religious, challenging the notion that scientists are atheists. The study also showed that scientists generally view science and religion as compatible, with 25% believing they can coexist and help each other.
A Pew Research Center survey found that people's perceptions of a conflict between religion and science are influenced by their views on other people's beliefs, rather than their own. Most Americans believe science and religion are mostly compatible, with 30% saying their personal beliefs conflict with science.
A new Pew Research analysis finds that public attitudes on climate change and energy policy are strongly intertwined with political party affiliation and ideology. However, politics play a more modest role on views about biomedical science, food safety, and space.
Research from Rice University and West Virginia University found that reading about scientist Francis Collins promotes a collaborative view of religion and science. In contrast, reading about Richard Dawkins had no impact on public perception.
New research from Rice University reveals that nearly 70 percent of evangelical Christians do not view the intersection of science and religion as being in conflict. A recent study found that only 21 percent of evangelicals see science and religion as entirely independent, while nearly half view them as complementary. The study's findi...
A study by Penn State researchers found that students from Catholic colleges were more reflective when discussing issues of faith and science, suggesting they may be better prepared to address evolution questions. The study suggests that incorporating faith into discussions about evolution can help build confidence in biology teachers,...
A study by the American Sociological Association finds that one in five U.S. adults hold a post-secular perspective, valuing both science and religion but rejecting certain scientific theories. These individuals are highly educated and scientifically literate, yet reject evolution and creation.
The AAAS has awarded grants to 10 Christian seminaries to integrate science into their core theological courses, impacting individual seminaries and ministries served by graduates. The project will provide faculty with scientist-advisers and resources, including short science-education videos.
Researchers developed a biodegradable nerve conduit using genipin-cross-linked gelatin and beta-tricalcium phosphate, combining it with diode laser therapy to repair long-gap sciatic nerves. The study found that this combination accelerated nerve regeneration, improved reinnervation rates, and enhanced muscle recruitment.
A survey of American views on religion and science found that only 27% of respondents believed in conflict between the two, while nearly half of evangelicals saw a collaborative relationship. Evangelicals were also more likely to turn to religious leaders for scientific questions.
A new survey of over 10,000 Americans found that nearly 50% of evangelicals believe science and religion can work together, contrary to public perception. The study also showed that scientists are more likely to practice their faith than the general population, challenging conventional wisdom.
Researchers are developing a general framework for secure, privacy-preserving wearable mHealth devices that complement smartphone capabilities. The Amulet project aims to provide seamless integration of health data into everyday life.
A study by Oxford University psychologists found that stress or anxiety increases a 'belief in science' in non-religious people, which may help them cope with adversity. The researchers suggest that this belief can offer comfort and reassurance, similar to the benefits of religious faith.
Kenneth Miller, a biologist and practicing Catholic, teaches evolution by tracing its development rather than presenting it as doctrine. He aims to help students understand the evidence and logic behind scientific theories. By taking a pragmatic approach, Miller has found that religious students can accept science more effectively.
According to the study, 17 percent of atheists with children attended a religious service more than once in the past year. Atheist scientists cite scientific identity, spousal influence, and desire for community as reasons for their involvement. They want their children to have choices and expose them to various religious traditions.
Researchers found that fragrant essential oils can produce small, ultrafine byproducts called secondary organic aerosols (SOAs), causing eye and airway irritation. The study also revealed that spa layout and ventilation significantly affect indoor air pollutant levels during aromatherapy
Francisco J. Ayala, a renowned evolutionary geneticist and UC Irvine professor, has donated $10 million to the School of Biological Sciences, the largest gift ever made by a UCI faculty member. The donation will fund four new research chairs in his name and support the department's efforts to recruit top talent.
A new study by Rice University suggests that only a minority of scientists at major research universities view religion and science as being in perpetual conflict. In reality, most scientists see both religion and science as valid avenues of knowledge that can bring broader understanding to important questions.
A University of Missouri study shows that religious beliefs still impact voting patterns, even as church attendance decreases. The study found that religion is a key factor influencing voter turnout and platform preferences, particularly on social issues.
Dr Jay Kennedy discovers a regular pattern of symbols in Plato's books, linked to Pythagoras' harmony of the spheres, revealing his philosophy on nature and God. This breakthrough challenges conventional wisdom and opens up new ways to unite science and religion.
Scientific research in the Islamic world faces challenges from political fragmentation and colonialism, but institutions like KAUST aim to revive basic scientific research. New projects also focus on promoting curiosity-driven research and tackling corruption.
Francisco Ayala, a renowned evolutionary biologist, has won the 2010 Templeton Prize for his contributions to affirming life's spiritual dimension through scientific research. He promotes mutual respect between science and faith, suggesting they are not mutually exclusive but rather complement each other.
Red and pink coral are in steep decline due to overharvesting; governments failed to grant trade protection despite scientific evidence. Conservationists urge the jewelry and design industries to act where governments have failed.
A team of researchers led by Bruce Macintosh has won the AAAS Newcomb Cleveland Prize for their groundbreaking discovery of multiple planets orbiting a distant star. The study, published in Science, provides new insights into the detection and characterization of exoplanets.
Marc Fischer and Sönke Albers received the MSI Practice Prize for their innovative solution to dynamic marketing allocation budget problem for multi-product, multi-country firms. Their winning presentation was presented at the January 2010 Marketing Science Conference.
A $580,000 NSF-funded project is transcribing and publishing John Tyndall's letters, which touch on topics like science and religion, professionalization of science, and government funding. The project aims to create an international community of Tyndall scholars and train graduate students in research methods.