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Anti-transgender legislation causes psychological distress even in states with trans-friendly laws, according to VCU research

New VCU research found that individuals with trans identities experience psychological distress from anti-transgender laws, even in states with trans-friendly laws. The study also highlights the importance of individual support systems and societal support in mitigating psychological distress.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateSep 18, 2026

First-ever healthy checkout policy shows promise for reducing soda sales, increasing healthy snack purchases

A new study implemented in Berkeley, Calif. supermarkets, drug stores, and mass-market retailers in 2021 found a link between a healthy checkout ordinance and a notable decrease in soda sales overall and small-package candy in supermarkets. The study also found that greater enforcement of the policy is essential for sustained public he...

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2026

A UC3M study reveals the military apparatus and laws that made it possible for wild beasts to be brought into the amphitheaters

A UC3M study analyzes the regulations and complex logistics of animal spectacles in Roman amphitheaters, including the use of imperial constitutions and specialized units to track and transport wild beasts. The research reveals the logistical and economic challenges of these spectacles and the imperial power exercised over exotic animals.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 4, 2026

Breast density laws linked to higher ultrasound use after mammography

A new study found that laws requiring notification of dense breast tissue led to modest increases in follow-up imaging tests, while insurance mandates had a significant impact, increasing ultrasound use four times. This study examined the influence of notification laws and insurance coverage independently.

SourcePenn State·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 1, 2026

Anti-immigrant ‘public charge’ policy may have contributed to rise in HIV among Hispanic ropulations

A new study found a 16.8-percent increase in HIV cases among Hispanic populations in antisanctuary counties compared to baseline counties. The researchers attributed this increase to the 2018 announcement of changes to the public charge rule, which penalized immigrants for using public benefit programs.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalMilbank Quarterly·TypeObservational study·DateAug 25, 2026

Guns and perceptions of safety among US women

A survey study found that US women who own guns perceive themselves as safer than those who do not, with 41% believing owning a gun would increase their safety. The study suggests a need for targeted gun violence reduction interventions considering different perceptions of safety related to gun exposure.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 31, 2026

Antivaccine legislation is rising rapidly in US states, driven primarily by GOP push

A new study reveals that Republican lawmakers sponsored 86% of antivaccine bills introduced in state legislatures after the COVID-19 pandemic. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers supported provaccine bills, highlighting partisan polarization's impact on vaccine access and public health.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2026

For biodiversity to thrive across Europe, laws should treat wildlife as individuals capable of suffering – experts argue

Researchers argue that EU and UK wildlife protection frameworks are fragmented, selective, and exception-based, threatening biodiversity. The authors propose strengthening laws to recognize animal sentience and introducing 'ethical continuity' into the legal framework.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of International Wildlife Law & Policy·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2026

Immigration ban and the US health care workforce

A recent immigration ban could reduce the US physician and nurse workforce, exacerbating health care workforce shortages in already underserved communities. The study found nearly 24,000 physicians and 56,000 nurses from banned countries contributed to the US healthcare workforce in 2023.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 30, 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

Companies disclose more on cybersecurity – but markets remain indifferent

A study by the University of Vaasa and Aalto University finds that mandatory cybersecurity disclosure in the US has increased internal documentation and made cyber risks more visible to senior management, but not affected investor behavior. Companies produced new content describing their cybersecurity governance structures, suggesting ...

SourceUniversity of Vaasa·JournalInternational Journal of Accounting Information Systems·DateApr 29, 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

American Meteorological Society and partners issue statement on public availability of scientific evidence on climate change

The American Meteorological Society and partners urge reinstatement of climate science chapter in judicial reference manual, citing concerns over public access to scientific knowledge. The statement emphasizes the overwhelming agreement among experts on climate change, its impacts, and human activities as primary drivers.

Trends in poverty and birth outcomes in the US

A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateMar 2, 2026

Pandemic, election crises mark 'critical events' in declining democratic accountability standards, governance scholar writes

Governance scholar Christopher Koliba argues that the politicization of the COVID-19 pandemic and 2020 US elections led to a transgression of democratic accountability standards. The two crises undermined reason and truthfulness, forbearance toward democratic institutions, and professional discretion.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPerspectives on Public Management and Governance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 24, 2026

Businesses can either lead transformative change or risk extinction: IPBES

A new report by the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) emphasizes the critical role of businesses in halting and reversing biodiversity loss. Businesses can either drive transformative change or risk extinction, as they rely on and impact nature. The report provides methods and 100+ actions for bu...