Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Professor examines terrorist propaganda

A new study analyzing terrorist propaganda has revealed increasing language intensity in jihadist magazines, suggesting a shift in strategy. The research also found that Inspire, an online magazine published by al-Qaida, is experimenting with gamification strategies to increase motivation for lone-wolf attacks.

SourceQueen's University·JournalSecurity Informatics·DateOct 10, 2014

Experts close to perfect in determining truth in interrogations using active question methods

A recent study found that using active questioning techniques can significantly improve the accuracy of lie detection in interrogations, with experts achieving near-perfect results (97.8%) compared to non-experts. This suggests that simply watching or listening is not enough for effective deception detection.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalHuman Communication Research·DateAug 15, 2014

Scared of crime? Good

A Michigan State University study suggests that adolescents who are more fearful of crime are less likely to become victims and offenders of violent acts. The research found that fearful youth tend to avoid potentially dangerous situations, leading to safer outcomes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateAug 12, 2014

Active shooter training increases comfort level of emergency responders

A new study found that emergency medical service (EMS) responders felt significantly better prepared to respond to active shooter incidents after receiving focused tactical training. The training improved their comfort level with joint rescue operations and perception of their role in such incidents, leading to faster response times.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalPrehospital and Disaster Medicine·DateJul 10, 2014

An experiment puts auditing under scrutiny

A unique experiment involving 500 industrial plants in Gujarat, India, reveals that changing the auditing system from firm-paid to central-funded auditors significantly reduced pollution levels and increased accuracy. The study's findings have implications for the global debt-rating system and corporate financial reports.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalThe Quarterly Journal of Economics·DateOct 9, 2013

Deception can be perfected

Lying can be trained to be more automatic, reducing task demands and making it harder to detect. Researchers found that instruction alone significantly reduced reaction times associated with deceptive responses.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateDec 6, 2012

Underage drinking laws reduce future criminal behavior

A recent study found that strictly enforcing possession of alcohol under the legal age reduces the likelihood of teenagers engaging in alcohol-related crime as adults. Teens who experienced strict enforcement were arrested less frequently for vandalism and assaults as young adults compared to those with more lenient laws.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateFeb 23, 2012

Zoo researchers provide African sanctuaries road map

Eleven Pan African Sanctuary Alliance (PASA) member facilities are facing increased demand for chimpanzee care, with a projected 56 new arrivals annually. The study provides a roadmap for resource, infrastructure, and financial planning to support their growth and ensure long-term sustainability.

SourceLincoln Park Zoo·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateMar 14, 2011

Drug users must be decriminalized along with scale-up of combination treatment and changes to drug control and law enforcement

Experts call for decriminalization of drug users, alongside a massive scale-up of opioid substitution, needle and syringe programs, and antiretroviral treatment. Current treatment programmes only reach around 10% of people who use drugs worldwide, highlighting the need for reform in justice systems and policy decision making.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 20, 2010

Inheriting and bequeathing in Europe

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Comparative and International Private Law propose extending the right of bequeather to choose the governing law, making it easier for beneficiaries of migrant workers to settle their estates. The proposal aims to standardize international inheritance laws across EU countries.

Cameras never lie -- but doctored photos can change history

Research published in Applied Cognitive Psychology found that doctored photos of past events can change people's memories and attitudes. The study showed significant differences in responses between those who viewed original and doctored images, highlighting the impact of manipulated media on our recall of history.

SourceWiley·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateNov 19, 2007

Stereotypes can affect memory when identifying criminal suspects

A recent study published in Media Psychology found that stereotypes can impact memory when identifying criminal suspects, with participants more likely to misidentify African-American suspects than White suspects. The study suggests that deeply imbedded biases can tamper with memories, leading to tragic consequences.

SourcePenn State·JournalMedia Psychology·DateDec 19, 2002