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The Obamas and the new politics of race

Recent studies investigate the effects of Obama's presidency on racism in US politics, with experts analyzing topics such as citizenship, belonging, and racial identity. The findings suggest that Obama is often viewed as black rather than multiracial, highlighting the persistence of racial schemas in shaping public perceptions.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalQualitative Sociology·DateJun 5, 2012

Voters overrate favorite candidates

A new study from Northwestern University suggests that people consistently believe their preferred candidate will win an election, even if they're behind in the polls. The false consensus effect, a psychological phenomenon, is thought to be driving this trend.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2012

Republicans and democrats less divided than commonly thought

A new study analyzing 40 years' worth of voter data suggests that Americans perceive more political polarization than actual differences exist between parties. Contrary to popular belief, those who perceive greater polarization are more likely to engage in politics, attend rallies, or donate to a party.

SourceSAGE·DateJan 27, 2012

Where you vote may influence how you vote, Baylor University researchers find

A Baylor University study finds that people who vote near churches report more conservative attitudes and negativity toward non-Christians. This suggests that the location of polling places can shape voter behavior and may impact election results. The study's findings have implications for how our surroundings influence our attitudes.

SourceBaylor University·JournalInternational Journal for the Psychology of Religion·DateJan 19, 2012

1 in 4 ministers were not affiliated with their party when they assumed their role

A study by Juan Rodríguez Teruel found that half of Spanish ministers are specialists in their field and have a university degree, challenging the notion of low ministerial qualifications. The study also revealed that most ministers hold power for short periods, often changing offices after three years or less.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalRevista Española de Ciencia Política·DateDec 20, 2011

English language ads better reach Latino audience

A recent study published in American Political Research found that English language ads had a greater impact on Latino voter turnout compared to Spanish language ads. The study also showed that English language materials drew in a broader voter demographic and were effective across all levels of Latino voters.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateAug 19, 2011

People tend to exaggerate influence of political ads on others

A study by Penn State researchers found that people who view negative political ads perceive the ads as having a greater influence on others than themselves. The experiment showed that both supporters and opponents of a presidential candidate believe the ads affect others more than they are affected by them.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Political Marketing·DateAug 1, 2011

Face value

A new study by MIT researchers reveals that low-information voters are most influenced by candidate appearances, with the effect being stronger among those who watch a lot of television. The study found a nearly 5% increase in votes for candidates with a 10-point advantage in appearance ratings among uninformed voters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAmerican Journal of Political Science·DateJul 18, 2011

Divisive primaries help challengers and hurt incumbents

A study found that divisive primaries held after mid-April negatively impact incumbent general election performance, particularly those held close to the election. Challengers struggle to recover from primary battles due to limited time and resources.

SourceSAGE·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateSep 23, 2010

Which politicians do voters blame for the down economy?

A Brigham Young University study shows that voters are less objective in evaluating their governor's economic performance if the White House is controlled by the opposing political party. The analysis found that voters overestimate the policy success of the level of government their preferred party controls, leading to rosier assessmen...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateAug 17, 2010

Presidential election outcomes directly influence suicide rates

A new study finds that presidential election outcomes directly influence suicide rates among voters. In states where the majority supported the winner, suicide rates decreased, but more dramatically in states where the majority supported the loser, with a 4.6% lower rate for males and 5.3% for females.

SourceWiley·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateAug 16, 2010

Good and bad in the hands of politicians

Researchers found that right-handers favor their dominant hand for positive ideas and non-dominant hand for negative thoughts. Conversely, left-handers use their left hand for positive expressions and right hand for negative ones. These findings suggest people link 'good' with the side of their body they can use most fluently.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 29, 2010

Major step ahead for cryptography

A new encryption scheme developed by Professor Nigel Smart allows for computations to be performed on encrypted data, enabling secure storage and access of sensitive information. This technology has the potential to revolutionize fields such as medical care research and electronic voting, while maintaining patient privacy.

A report card on DFID: The Lancet calls for a post-election independent review to protect its successes and fix its problems

The Lancet Editorial praises DFID's global health successes, including education and undernutrition strategies, but criticizes intragovernmental tensions and fragmentation of responsibilities. The publication calls for a post-election independent review to address these issues and ensure the department's continued success.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMar 18, 2010

Political corruption has impact on social trust

A new study by Georgia State University professor Sean Richey found that residents of states with more government corruption have less trust in the general public. Increases in corruption before a survey were taken lead to decreases in belief that government officials and ordinary citizens are trustworthy.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalAmerican Politics Research·DateMar 2, 2010

EMBO welcomes 66 leading life scientists as members

EMBO has elected 66 top-life scientists with expertise in various molecular biology fields, including evolutionary and computational biology. The new members come from 16 countries and include 15 female researchers recognized for their contributions to life science research.

SourceEMBO·DateOct 20, 2009

Presidential election outcome changed voters' testosterone

A study by researchers at Duke University and the University of Michigan found that men who voted for McCain or Barr experienced a significant drop in testosterone levels after the election results were announced. In contrast, Obama voters showed stable testosterone levels. The study suggests that vicarious participation in elections c...

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2009

If you're happy, then we know it

Researchers at the University of Vermont have created a 'hedonometer' that measures global happiness by analyzing millions of online blog posts. The study found that Election Day 2008 was the happiest day in four years, while the death of Michael Jackson was one of the unhappiest. The method uses a standardized scale to assign happines...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateJul 24, 2009