Add BrightSurf on Google Email

KU law professor traces legal history of the kiss

A University of Kansas law professor has analyzed the legal history of kissing, tracing its evolution from being viewed as property, contract, tort, and assault, to its current recognition as a form of consent. The study highlights the inconsistencies in laws and cultural values surrounding kissing, particularly in regards to same-sex ...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEvolution and Human Behavior·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 2, 2026

Federal and industry sponsorship in US cancer clinical trials

A comparative study of 11,681 US cancer clinical trials reveals that industry-sponsored trials focus on single-agent drug therapies, while federally sponsored trials evaluate nontreatment interventions and rare cancer therapies. The study highlights the differences in trial design and objectives between industry and federal funding.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 20, 2026

New research examines “remorse bias” in legal decision-making

Two studies by Rutgers University professor Colleen Berryessa explore how expressions of remorse are interpreted in the legal system, finding that it can lead to serious inequities in legal outcomes. The research highlights the need for greater awareness and education within the legal system to better understand how remorse is assessed.

SourceRutgers University Newark School of Criminal Justice·JournalAnnual Review of Law and Social Science·DateMay 11, 2026

Novel study maps changes in US immigration policy landscape since 9/11

A comprehensive analysis of US state and local sanctuary and anti-sanctuary policies reveals associations with immigrants' health outcomes. Sanctuary policies are linked to improved community trust, reduced crime, and higher employment rates, while anti-sanctuary policies increase deportation risk and negatively impact mental health.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 27, 2026

Bureaucracy Index 2026: Business sector hit hardest

The Bureaucracy Index has reached a record high, showing a 62% increase in federal legislation since 2010. Commercial law has developed at an above-average rate, with the strongest growth since the beginning of systematic evaluation. To generate new growth momentum, deregulation must start here.

SourceESMT Berlin·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 5, 2026

Study shows federal safety metric inappropriately penalizes hospitals for lifesaving stroke procedures

A new UCLA study finds that the Patient Safety Indicator 04 (PSI 04) metric is fundamentally flawed when applied to emergency stroke care. The researchers argue that the metric incorrectly flags unavoidable complications of severe strokes, rather than problems with the procedure itself.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJournal of NeuroInterventional Surgery·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 8, 2026

Research finds no significant negative impact of repealing a Depression-era law allowing companies to pay workers with disabilities below minimum wage

A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found increased labor force participation among people with cognitive disabilities in states that ended the subminimum wage practice. The repeal allowed these employees to work in equal paying, fully integrated jobs as their peers without a disability.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateNov 15, 2024

BU commentary: Project 2025 could become a ‘political reality that would upend medical practice’

A new JAMA commentary by Boston University School of Public Health researchers warns that Project 2025's conservative blueprint would undermine healthcare and public health. The playbook's proposals, led by The Heritage Foundation, include deregulating healthcare, weakening the ACA, and allowing discrimination within healthcare settings.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 26, 2024

‘Litigant shopping’ for Supreme Court cases can backfire

A new study finds that 'litigant shopping' – choosing plaintiffs with specific demographic attributes – can influence public perception of the US Supreme Court. The research suggests that attorneys or political interests should carefully consider identity politics when selecting counter-stereotypical litigants to ensure desired outcomes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalThe Journal of Politics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies implementing a state standing order to distribute naloxone without a prescription showed a significant decrease in opioid-related deaths. The analysis, conducted from 2013 to 2018, observed a gradual decline of 16% per year in cities with naloxone distribution, compared to those without.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

Pharmacy naloxone standing order distribution may have reduced opioid fatality rates in Massachusetts

A new study found that communities with pharmacies dispensing standing order naloxone experienced a gradual and significant decrease in opioid deaths, averaging 16% per year. This suggests that expanding access to naloxone through state-mandated standing orders can save lives and reduce opioid fatality rates.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

US efforts to collect LGBTQ+ data among Medicaid patients is a ‘foundational step towards health equity'

A new commentary in JAMA explains the benefits and barriers of CMS' recommendations to incorporate sexual orientation and gender identity questions into Medicaid applications. The guidance aims to improve health equity by collecting self-reported SOGI data from 88 million adults enrolled in Medicaid, but limitations include non-represe...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 27, 2024

Study pulls back the curtain on Supreme Court decision-making

A new study published in Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A reveals that Supreme Court decisions are significantly shaped by interactions within the court. The researchers found that justices' decisions result from a complex process of negotiation and influence, rather than personal views or ideological leanings.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 19, 2024

Permitless open carry laws may lead to more firearm-related suicides

A study published by the American College of Surgeons found that permitless open carry laws in states without such restrictions had a significantly higher rate of firearm-related deaths and total suicides. The researchers suggested that the ease of access to firearms under these laws may be responsible for the increase in suicide rates.

SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateMar 11, 2024

Despite major progress nationally, two mercury emissions hotspots remain

A new study from Harvard University reveals that despite the national reduction of mercury emissions by 90% since the implementation of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards in 2011, two regions - Texas and North Dakota - continue to be major sources of toxic air pollution. The research highlights significant sociodemographic disparitie...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2023

Researchers call for single approach on wild horses

The US federal government's management of wild horses is flawed due to conflicting societal views, leading to unsustainable population growth. A clear definition of feral equids is needed to implement effective management plans that balance ecosystem health and fiscal responsibility.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalBioScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 5, 2023

Study finds disparate gender differences in victims of child sex trafficking

The study reveals that female youth charged with prostitution had significantly higher prevalence rates of physical abuse and lower likelihood of living with parents, while males were more likely to live with their parents. Education and training are crucial for professionals to identify sex trafficking victimization and reduce misiden...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalVictims & Offenders·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 11, 2023

New study finds offering paid sick leave is good for U.S. business

A recent study by Florida Atlantic University and Cleveland State University researchers found that offering paid sick leave to US workers leads to fewer occupational injuries, less presenteeism and better employee health and safety. The study also shows positive impacts on business outcomes such as improved morale, retention, profitab...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAmerican Journal of Industrial Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 23, 2023

US Census data vulnerable to attack without enhanced privacy measures

Computer scientists designed a reconstruction attack that proves US Census data can be exposed and stolen with current privacy measures. The study demonstrates risks to individual respondents' privacy, highlighting the need for differential privacy techniques to protect sensitive information.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2023

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

How minor changes in choice architecture can improve health insurance product choices and costs

Researchers found that providing default alternatives and using ordering and partitioning together can improve consumer choice. This study aims to provide a more efficient way for consumers to make better decisions about healthcare products, ultimately improving health outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 24, 2022

High incarceration rates may not help US citizens feel safer

A new study by Penn State researchers found no significant difference in fear of crime between people living in areas with high and low incarceration rates. Despite the US having the world's highest incarceration rate, the study suggests that mass incarceration policies may not have the desired effect on reducing crime fear.

SourcePenn State·JournalJustice Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2022

Adherence to federal hospital price transparency rule

Researchers evaluated US hospital adherence to federal price transparency rule, finding that while overall compliance was high, significant variations existed between hospitals and markets. The study highlights the need for further analysis of these disparities to improve healthcare pricing transparency.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJun 7, 2022

States increasingly require employers to provide paid sick leave— but even more states block local paid sick policies

A growing number of US states have passed laws requiring employers to provide paid sick leave, with 27.6% of jobs covered as of 2019. However, some states block local governments from creating their own regulations, exacerbating health disparities and leaving low-wage workers without access to benefits.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateFeb 10, 2022

Machine learning may be the right tool for predicting success of opioid dispensing outcomes

A new study at Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health uses machine learning to predict successful opioid dispensing models in U.S. counties. The analysis reveals that prescription drug monitoring program access provisions are the most consistent predictors of high-dispensing and high-dose dispensing counties.

Filling federal oversight gaps

The withdrawal of federal regulation on smaller transboundary waters has left individual states with the responsibility to fill in the gaps, but evidence suggests this may not lead to desired outcomes. Research highlights the flaws in the 2020 Navigable Waters Protection Rule's economics analysis and the failure to account for economic...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience·DateApr 20, 2021