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‘Politicians in robes’: How a sharp right turn imperiled trust in the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court's shift to the right has led to a significant erosion of public trust and legitimacy, with Democrats seeing the court as less legitimate and Republicans viewing it more positively. The court's dramatic change since the 2022 Dobbs ruling has polarized the public along partisan lines for the first time in decades.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·TypeSurvey·DateMar 8, 2024

The atlas of internet surveillance

A German-American research team created an 'atlas of internet surveillance' by mapping the global ownership of internet service providers. The study shows that authoritarian states control more influential internet service providers than democracies, and often use state-owned transit networks to surveil and censor content. Additionally...

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 5, 2024

Infotainment is coming for your news, warns Concordia Ph.D. student Robert Marinov

A new study found that 51% of Canadian newspaper coverage during the 2019 federal election was classified as infotainment, featuring personal foibles and horse races alongside substantive coverage. Infotainment categories include personalization, sensationalization, and decontextualization, with significant impacts on voter information.

SourceConcordia University·JournalCanadian Journal of Political Science·TypeCase study·DateMar 5, 2024

How Americans really feel about the teaching of controversial topics in schools

A new USC study found that Americans are united on core principles of public education, but diverge on sensitive topics like LGBTQ+ inclusion and racial justice in K-12 curricula. The survey revealed deep partisan divides, with Democrats generally supporting teaching controversial topics, while Republicans were less supportive.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 21, 2024
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.

Navigating Israeli security and foreign policy: Before and after October 7th

A new study conducted by Dr. Ofek Riemer finds that Jewish Israeli citizens experience decreased levels of security after exposure to the new defensive-oriented foreign policy approach, highlighting the importance of understanding the link between foreign policy and citizens' sense of security.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPolitical Studies·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 20, 2024

Influence of voting advice web tools is limited during elections with authoritarian candidates, study shows

A new study published in Electoral Studies found that voting advice applications have short-term effects on voter attitudes and choices in competitive authoritarian regimes. However, these effects are relatively small and dissipate within two months, limiting their practical value in such contexts.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalElectoral Studies·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Disinformation can reinforce polarization in society

New research from Aalto University reveals how disinformation and conspiracy theories persist despite external threats, bridging partisan divides only when shared democratic norms are condemned. The study found that social bubbles built on disinformation can be difficult to break, even in the face of dramatic events.

SourceAalto University·JournalEPJ Data Science·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 24, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

News media trigger conflict for romantic couples with differing political views

A study by University of Illinois professor Emily Van Duyn found that news media consumption can trigger conflicts in couples with differing political views. Couples often struggle to decide which media to follow, leading to disagreements over news sources and content. This conflict can also affect the relationship, causing individuals...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPolitical Communication·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2024

International recognition played a crucial role in giving Libyan political actors sovereignty, study shows

A new study reveals that international recognition played a crucial role in shaping Libya's conflict, with contact and support from other countries affecting political actors' identity, resources, and legitimacy. The study argues that non-recognition can create change and is geopolitically inevitable.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Studies Review·TypeSurvey·DateDec 18, 2023

Public opinion polls may not be as straightforward as you think

A new study on the role of polls in South Korea highlights the limitations of polling in a democratic society. The research finds that technology, methodology, intentions, and reporting can affect poll results, leading to a social construction of public opinion influenced by pollsters and media.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPolitics & Society·TypeSurvey·DateDec 18, 2023
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.

Female MP pioneers lost unique appeal to voters because of increasing party control over campaigning, study shows

Research suggests that early women parliamentary candidates struggled to make distinct appeals as parties increasingly controlled campaigning. The study examines how mass observation surveys and election addresses reveal the challenges faced by female politicians during the early decades of mass democracy.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalGender & History·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 15, 2023

New heat map charts unequal civic opportunity in the US

A new report maps civic opportunity across the US, finding patterns of inequality tied to race, class, and education. Faith institutions and social organizations are top providers of civic opportunity, but may be overlooked by politics.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateNov 13, 2023

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
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.

K-pop fans helped COVID-19 public health messaging go viral

A Dartmouth-led study found that tweets featuring K-pop group BTS generated 111 times more virality than similar tweets without the artist's name. This highlights the power of entertainment in driving public health messages and bridging cultural divides.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalOnline Social Networks and Media·DateOct 5, 2023

New UC Davis study looks at attitudes towards political violence

A new UC Davis study investigates the complex mix of attitudes and concerns about the state of democracy in the US. While most respondents reject political violence altogether, some believe it is usually or always justified to advance political objectives.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalInjury Epidemiology·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2023

Can public financing for political campaigns affect voter participation?

Research in Seattle's Democracy Vouchers program found a significant increase in voter turnout, with candidates relying more on small contributions. The study suggests that public financing programs can help address problems of low voter turnout and disproportionate influence of big donors.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateOct 4, 2023
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Stretching the truth: New research reveals negative effects of exaggerative political statements

A new study from City, University of London, found that 'stretching arguments' by politicians can have a significantly negative effect on public opinion. Researchers discovered that making invalid claims can dilute over time, but the cumulative effects could undermine democracy and democratic procedures.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEuropean Political Science Review·DateSep 14, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Strategies of kleptocrats and their enablers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, experts warn

Experts warn of increasingly sophisticated strategies used by kleptocrats to manage illicit finances, recast public images, and undermine liberal activism. The study identifies 'transnational uncivil societies' that use wealth managers, lawyers, and other enablers to maintain power and legitimacy.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of International Relations·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Exposure to like-minded sources on Facebook is prevalent but did not increase polarization during the 2020 U.S. election

A study examining Facebook users' news feeds found that reducing exposure to content from politically 'like-minded' sources had no measurable effect on political beliefs or attitudes during the 2020 US presidential election. The study also found that participants were exposed to more cross-cutting sources and less uncivil content after...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

Which state is the best in the world?

The Stateness Index, developed by Theresa Paola Stawski, assesses a country's functionality based on factors like law enforcement, administration, and provision of essential services. According to the index, Germany ranks as one of the world's best-performing states, with Singapore taking the top spot.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·DateJun 29, 2023

First misinformation susceptibility test finds ‘very online’ Gen Z and millennials are most vulnerable to fake news

Researchers developed a validated test to measure misinformation susceptibility, finding younger adults and those spending more time online are worse at identifying false headlines. The study used AI-generated fake headlines and found that social media and political affiliation were significant factors in susceptibility.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateJun 28, 2023
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.

Longer ballots reduce voter participation, study shows

A recent study published in the Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties found that crowded ballot options can lead to voter fatigue and decreased participation. The research analyzed data from over 60,000 elections in Brazil between 2000-2020, revealing a significant decline in voter turnout when faced with multiple candidates.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Elections Public Opinion and Parties·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2023

Study reveals the persistent effects of corruption on trust and voting

A recent study by Bocconi University found that corruption can have a long-lasting effect on trust in democratic institutions. First-time voters who experienced the Mani Pulite investigation in 1994 were more likely to vote for populist parties and express lower institutional trust even 20 years later. The study highlights the need to ...

SourceBocconi University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateMay 19, 2023

Is it too late to change your mind? Study reveals ‘developmental window’ for thinking styles

A recent study found that a person's epistemic thinking style can be shaped by their social, political and economic environment during the first 25 years of life. The research suggests that those who experienced a transition to democracy in middle age tend to exhibit absolutist thinking, while younger generations with higher education ...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 12, 2023
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.

Nebraska-led study first to define anxiety spiraling from national election

A new study led by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researcher Kevin Smith explores the impact of polarized politics on mental and physical health. The research found that Americans' political anxiety increased before a major election, but decreased after, with specific groups experiencing lower levels of anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Elections Public Opinion & Parties·DateApr 19, 2023

'Divine' legislation mapped: Religion blocks freedom and democracy across the globe

A recent study by researchers at the University of Copenhagen found that societies with high levels of social inequality are more likely to have laws that discriminate against certain groups. Additionally, autocracies often institutionalize religion to legitimize power and resist democratization.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalJournal of Economic Growth·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 17, 2023
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.

Trust hardly makes us careless and complacent in crisis situations

A new study highlights the importance of mutual trust between citizens and authorities in crisis situations. Data from the COVID-19 pandemic confirms that trust in fellow citizens is unlikely to reduce compliance with restrictions.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMar 30, 2023

Legislators struggle to distinguish between AI and constituents

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that lawmakers are only slightly more likely to respond to AI-generated messages than human-generated ones, highlighting the potential risks of emerging technologies on democratic representation. The research used a field experiment to investigate the impact of natural language mod...

SourceCornell University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateMar 22, 2023
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

'Greed is good' for likes and retweets if you're a U.S. senator

A new study found that U.S. senators' tweets about greed perform better in terms of likes and retweets, particularly among Democrats who gain stronger traction for negative tweets about their opponents.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 6, 2023

Rewarding accuracy instead of partisan pandering reduces Republican-Democrat divide over the truth – study

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that offering tiny cash rewards for accuracy can increase people's ability to distinguish between misinformation and the truth. The study suggests that fake news thrives due to a motivational imbalance, where users have more incentive to get clicks than to spread accurate content.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

How asylum seeker credibility is assessed by authorities

A University of Copenhagen study examines how data is used in asylum decisions, revealing inconsistencies and discrepancies that can lead to applicants being deemed untrustworthy. The research highlights the opaque nature of the decision-making process and the need for critical evaluation of new data types.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateFeb 22, 2023
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.

Voter ID laws mobilize voters in both parties, rather than sway election results

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that voter ID requirements motivate supporters of both parties equally to comply and participate. The research suggests that these laws have a countermobilization effect, diminishing their anticipated impact on election results. Instead, lawmakers should con...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 7, 2023

Modern arms technologies help autocratic rulers stay in power

A large study reveals that access to modern military technology substantially reduces the probability of democratisation of authoritarian regimes. The spread of ground-breaking 29 military technologies in all independent states from 1820-2010 confirms connections between state's access to specific weapons, economy, and form of government.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalThe Economic Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 26, 2023

Can online civic education strengthen democratic values?

An online randomized trial found that exposure to civic education via social media increased support for democracy, political efficacy, and voter registration among young adults in Tunisia. The study suggests that online civic education can be an effective tool in strengthening democratic values and rejecting authoritarian rule.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJan 25, 2023
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 parties formed by existing MPs are significantly more likely to be die

Research by Nicole Bolleyer and colleagues found that parties formed by existing parliamentarians are more likely to dissolve. Parties with social organization roots are less likely to dissolve early or late in their life cycle. The study analyzed data on 204 political parties in 22 democracies between 1968 and 2016.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateJan 16, 2023

Does proximity to protest sites affect people’s political attitudes?

A study found that residents living near occupied areas during the Occupy Central Movement in Hong Kong became more liberal and supportive of pro-democracy camps, with the phenomenon lasting long after the protest. The researchers attribute this to the 'on-site' effect, which increases sympathy for protesters.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Sociology·DateJan 11, 2023

When American democracy is weakened, faith in the U.S. as an ally falters

A new study found that foreign interference in American elections can reduce faith abroad in the United States as a trustworthy ally. Japanese citizens' trust in the US was higher when informed that US democracy is functioning versus not. The findings highlight the international security implications of successful electoral interference.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalEuropean Journal of International Relations·TypeSurvey·DateJan 4, 2023

Drivers of political violence in the United States

The study identifies four key drivers of political violence in the United States: toxic polarization, identity-based ideologies, erosion of democratic norms, and disinformation. These drivers contribute to increased acceptance of political violence and undermine democratic institutions.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateDec 28, 2022

Differential response to corporate political advocacy and corporate social responsibility: implications for political polarization and radicalization

Researchers found that companies engaging in corporate political advocacy experience lower brand attitudes and purchase intentions, particularly among consumers with low political efficacy. These effects are driven by the lack of faith in political institutions among these consumers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateDec 19, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Polarization after COVID-19: Global study published in Nature reveals that the unvaccinated face prejudice in most countries

A global study published in Nature finds that the unvaccinated face significant prejudice in most countries, with many vaccinated people harboring discriminatory attitudes towards them. The study suggests that this prejudice could lead to severe consequences for society, including hindered vaccination uptake and increased mistrust.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Energy footprint is reduced by the alternative community lifestyle

A study by UPV/EHU's Ekopol and Life Cycle Thinking groups found that an alternative community lifestyle can reduce energy consumption due to the significance of energy used in goods and services. The energy footprint per inhabitant of Errekaleor neighbourhood is 24% lower than that of ACBC.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalSustainable Production and Consumption·DateDec 6, 2022

Political orientation — not party — predicts political tolerance

A new study reveals that conservative Democrats are uniquely intolerant towards marginalized groups, while liberal Democrats are the most politically tolerant. Independents are also more tolerant than partisans. The research suggests that improving political tolerance is crucial for democracy.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·DateDec 5, 2022

Democracy after COVID-19: Pandemic fatigue fueled political mistrust and conspiracy beliefs across Europe and the United States

A new study from Aarhus University finds that pandemic fatigue is a direct cause of political discontent, with citizens experiencing increased fatigue as restrictions tighten and loosen. The researchers suggest that authorities can mitigate fatigue by adopting flexible policies and communicating openly with the public.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 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.

U.S. political partisanship affects first impressions of faces

An experimental study found that U.S. political partisanship strongly influences first impressions of strangers' faces, affecting their perceived likability and competence. Disclosure of partisan affiliation had a greater impact on impressions than non-disclosure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2022

How dangerous is digital media for democracy?

A systematic review of digital media's effects on democracy found both positive and negative impacts, depending on the political context. Digital media can increase political knowledge and diversity of news exposure, but also foster polarization and populism in established democracies.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 7, 2022

Americans more likely to share COVID-19 misinformation online: SFU study

A Simon Fraser University study found that Americans are more likely to share COVID-19 misinformation online compared to four other English-speaking countries. The polarized political landscape and populist attitudes in the US contributed to this phenomenon.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Description Digital Media·TypeSurvey·DateNov 7, 2022
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.

Female politicians disadvantaged by online prejudices and stereotypes

A new study reveals significant gender bias in Reddit discussions about female politicians, with more frequent use of given names and language related to their body or family. This perpetuates stereotypes and can affect voter perception, incentivizing female politicians to conform to online expectations.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 31, 2022