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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
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

ACP says barriers to participating in the electoral process must be removed

The American College of Physicians (ACP) recommends removing barriers to participating in the electoral process to advance health equity. ACP supports policies ensuring safe and equitable access to voting, opposes partisan gerrymandering, and encourages civic participation among healthcare professionals.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateDec 25, 2023

Feelings of impatience evolve over time, study says

A new study explores the intensity of impatient emotion during different phases of a waiting period. The research found that people experience the highest levels of impatience as the end of the wait approaches, driven by their desire for closure.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeObservational study·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
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.

Social media influencers may affect more than voter opinions

Researchers found that social media influencers with distorted messages cause political parties to moderate their policies to win over independent voters. However, this leads to traditional media outlets becoming more extreme in their editorial positions, and citizens swayed by influencers growing more polarized.

SourcePenn State·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 1, 2023

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

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

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
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.

Trump's anti-immigrant rhetoric, policies contributed to decline in preventive healthcare visits among children of immigrants

A new study found that Trump's election was associated with a 5-percentage-point decrease in well-child visits for children of immigrant mothers, compared to US-born families. This decline may have resulted in missed vital pediatric care, including vaccinations and health screenings.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs Scholar·TypeSurvey·DateSep 18, 2023

Faster postal service linked to better voter turnout

A Washington State University study found that faster USPS efficiency increases the likelihood of voting by 3.42% in restrictive states. Mail voting laws with universal or no-excuse options had a higher probability of voter turnout, up to 70%.

SourceWashington State University·JournalElection Law Journal Rules Politics and Policy·DateSep 5, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Why do some politicians cling to power after electoral defeat?

A recent paper by University of Auckland academics explores why losing politicians fight back, highlighting the role of electoral integrity in ensuring power transitions. Protests, election results clarity, and transparent processes interact to determine an incumbent's decision to step down.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 23, 2023

New study finds electoral uncertainty threatens international investment at companies with government ties

A new study in the Global Strategy Journal found that electoral uncertainty creates challenges for state-owned businesses and multinationals with indirect government ties. These companies are less likely to expand internationally during election years and instead adopt more flexible strategies or withdraw state support.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalGlobal Strategy Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 22, 2023

LRT, REM, mass transit projects and their fuzzy reality

New research from the University of Ottawa's Telfer School of Management suggests that managing public transit projects requires a comprehensive approach considering rational, psychosocial, and political dimensions. This involves engaging stakeholders, including non-users, to ensure societal impact and cost-effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalIEEE Transactions on Engineering Management·TypeCase study·DateAug 17, 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
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.

In Germany, women vote more left-wing – but that was not always the case

A recent study by Dr. Ansgar Hudde found that women in Germany have been voting more left-wing than men, with the youngest voters being particularly left-leaning. The trend is most evident among those aged 18-24, where parties like the Greens and Left are more popular among women.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalKZfSS Kölner Zeitschrift für Soziologie und Sozialpsychologie·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 4, 2023

Social media algorithms exploit how humans learn from their peers

Researchers found that social media algorithms prioritize 'Prestigious, Ingroup, Moral, and Emotional' (PRIME) information, which can lead to extreme political content being amplified. To address this, the study proposes increasing user awareness of algorithmic biases and introducing more diverse content in feeds.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 3, 2023

Research finds scandals have less impact on politicians than they used to

A study by University of Houston Professor Brandon Rottinghaus found that scandals have less impact on politicians due to polarized media and partisan fundraising. The study analyzed data from 1972 to 2021 and found that politicians can survive scandals more easily in the current era, with some even benefiting from small scandals.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateAug 2, 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

Political apathy spreads from parents to adolescent children

A new study from Florida Atlantic University found that parent attitudes about politics can predict subsequent increases in adolescent child political alienation. In households where parents and adolescents are close, parents transmit political apathy to their children, which may contribute to low youth voter participation.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeCase study·DateJul 17, 2023
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

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

Electing progressives with patriotism, family, and tradition

A study found that framing progressive policies with values like patriotism, family, and tradition increases support among conservatives and moderates. However, this approach may not be effective for liberals, who already tend to favor redistributive policies.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 20, 2023

Study: Microtargeting works, just not the way people think

Researchers ran survey experiments to assess the effectiveness of microtargeting in politics, finding that targeted ads can be 70% more persuasive than general campaigns. However, using multiple attributes for targeting did not add further benefit, suggesting a 'one ad does not fit all' approach.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 20, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New study finds connection between long-standing gender and racial gaps in voting for Democrats

A new study by NYU sociologists finds that the persistent gender gap in voting for Democrats can be attributed, in part, to the higher proportion of Black women among female voters. The research suggests that this racial composition explains approximately a quarter of the gender gap in voting Democratic.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

The Voting Rights Act’s impact on Black representation in local government

The Voting Rights Act of 1965 significantly increased Black representation in local government, particularly in county commissions where coverage was implemented. The study found that capital spending grew more rapidly in these counties with higher shares of African Americans, indicating a positive impact on local governance. However, ...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateMay 9, 2023
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.

Steep 66% drop in party registration with Automatic Voter Registration

A study by Lewis & Clark College researchers found a significant decrease in party registration among Oregon voters automatically registered at the Department of Motor Vehicles. The results show a 66% reduction in partisan affiliation, with little change over time post-registration.

SourceLewis & Clark College·JournalElectoral Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 3, 2023

Debunking false beliefs requires tackling belief systems

A new study by Dartmouth College researchers found that biased prior beliefs played a significant role in how people from both political parties updated their fraud beliefs after the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The study used a probability-based computational model to analyze survey data and found that Democrats and Republicans te...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeSurvey·DateApr 24, 2023

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

[EMBARGOED] The 2020 election saw fewer people clicking on misinformation websites, Stanford study finds

A new Stanford study found that nearly half of Americans visited unreliable websites during the 2020 U.S. election, a decline from 44.3% in 2016. The study suggests that education and mitigation efforts to identify misinformation are working. However, experts caution that exposure to misinformation can still have serious consequences.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateApr 13, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Fake news on Facebook increased 2020 election doubts

A Washington State University-led analysis found that fake news consumption on Facebook was the primary driver of doubt about the election's integrity. Individuals who got election news through mainstream websites were less likely to consume fake news and more likely to believe in the results.

SourceWashington State University·JournalGovernment Information Quarterly·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

Fake and extremely biased Twitter content decreased between 2016-2020, but top influencers were more polarized

Research by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found a decrease in fake and extremely biased Twitter content between 2016-2020, but top influencers became more polarized, creating an echo chamber effect. The study analyzed vast amounts of Twitter data to examine the social media platform's influence on U.S. politics.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 22, 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.

Childhood volunteering encourages future voting in elections, study shows

A new study by Dr Stuart Fox found that childhood volunteering increases interest in politics and attachment to community, leading to a greater propensity to view voting as a civic duty. However, the effect was limited, with most children from disengaged households already likely to vote in adulthood.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 16, 2023

Positive emotion drives disinformation ads on Facebook

Research by University of Florida researchers found that disinformation ads on Facebook use a clear recipe with short ad buys, familiar language, and big budgets to reach more people. The most engaging ads were full of positive feelings encouraging good emotions about one's own groups rather than bad emotions towards others.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Interactive Advertising·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 9, 2023

'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

Study finds political campaigns may change the choices of voters – but not their policy views

Researchers found that televised debates have little effect on voter decisions, with information from other sources such as media and activists being more influential. Voter choice consistency increased by 17 percentage points over the last two months of campaigns, affecting electoral results.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

When election winners are announced, their Twitter supporters respond quicker, are more engaged and use less toxic language than supporters of the losing candidate, according to analysis in the US, UK, Brazil and Argentina

Analysis in the US, UK, Brazil, and Argentina shows that winners' Twitter supporters respond faster and engage more positively than losers' supporters. The study found reduced toxicity levels among winners' supporters, suggesting a correlation between winning and increased social media engagement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 1, 2023
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.

WVU political scientist working to unite voters, not divide

Erik Herron's project aims to create a more perfect union by fostering open discussions about election integrity and values. Through public events and online resources, Herron encourages community groups to prioritize security, efficiency, and access in their elections.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateFeb 23, 2023

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

Enforcement key to mandatory voting

A new study by University of Georgia researcher Shane Singh found that mandatory voting laws increase voter turnout when enforced, not the severity of the law. Turnout can increase by nearly 20 points with credible sanctions, compared to 8-10 points without them.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPolitical Science Research and Methods·DateJan 24, 2023

American democracy suffering due to ageing leaders

A study by University of Gothenburg researchers reveals that the average age of US House members is 58, significantly older than Americans. The analysis found that young adults are under-represented in politics, with only 11% of candidates aged 35 or younger.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalElectoral Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 24, 2023
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Study: Political polarization doesn’t dominate people’s perceptions of COVID-19

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Jake Haselswerdt suggests that partisan beliefs do not overshadow how people perceive the severity of COVID-19 in their communities. Local public health information appears to get through to individuals, regardless of their political leanings.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Health Politics Policy and Law·DateJan 11, 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

Exposure to Russian Twitter campaigns in 2016 presidential race highly concentrated, largely limited to strongly partisan Republicans

A new study by NYU's Center for Social Media and Politics found that Russian Twitter campaigns during the 2016 presidential race primarily reached a small subset of highly partisan Republicans. Despite influencing efforts, there were no measurable changes in attitudes, polarization, or voting behavior among those exposed to these forei...

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·TypeSurvey·DateJan 9, 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

TikTok lowers barriers to virality, keeps tight control through algorithm

A Penn State-led research team found that TikTok's unique interface and algorithm make content creation and virality particularly easy yet lead to high rates of creator burnout. The platform's central role of the algorithm in determining viewership makes creators produce new content continuously, leading to burnout.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputational Communication Research·DateDec 12, 2022
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.

New research suggests political events impact sleep

A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that divisive political events negatively influence factors related to public mood, well-being, and alcohol consumption. Participants reported reduced sleep quality, increased stress, negative mood, and higher alcohol use in the days leading up to the election.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalSleep Health·DateNov 7, 2022

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

New study shows how voting methods affect group decision-making

Researchers found that groups using multivoting proved more effective in identifying the best choice, with 50% higher accuracy than plurality and ranked-choice voting. Multivoting allows individuals to allocate votes across options, promoting deeper information processing before discussion.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateOct 26, 2022

US food insufficiency spiked by 25% after monthly Child Tax Credits expired

A new study found that the expiration of monthly Child Tax Credit payments led to a 25% increase in food insufficiency among US households with children. The loss of cash relief benefits disproportionately impacted Black, Latino, Indigenous, and immigrant families, exacerbating racial and economic inequities.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022
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.

Not just an Arkansas thing: Study shows that one-party monopolies dominate state politics

A new study by University of Arkansas professors Janine Parry and Andrew Dowdle documents the resurgence of one-party monopolies in American states. Most states have heavily favored one of the two major parties for at least a century, with some experiencing dramatic shifts in party affiliation over time.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalState Politics & Policy Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 11, 2022

Study finds expanding voting rights can reduce violence

A new study by Jean Lacroix found that the Voting Rights Act of 1965 halved instances of actual political violence and reduced the likelihood of new waves of violence. In counties covered by the act, citizens voted to voice their views, leading to a change in political strategies rather than policy changes.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalJournal of the European Economic Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2022