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Diverging views of democracy fuel support for authoritarian politicians, Notre Dame study shows

A new study by the University of Notre Dame found that diverse understandings of democracy among voters can lead to votes for authoritarian-leaning political leaders. Voters who supported democracy in principle but adhered less strongly to liberal democratic norms were more likely to tolerate democratic violations.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalBritish Journal of Political Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2025

Who does Darth Vader vote for? Not the same party as Harry Potter

A study published in Political Science Research & Method found that around one in six people falsely recall the party affiliation of a politician, with those who admire a hero more likely to see it as their own party. Researchers say this projection could be fuelling polarisation in politics.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalPolitical Science Research and Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2025

Trust in the European Union is not catching up to pre-crisis levels, finds new study

A new study found that EU citizens' trust in the European Union has not increased as hoped after past crises. The research highlights growing discontent among citizens and points to factors such as economic upheaval, political strife, and emotional attachment to the EU as contributing to this crisis of confidence.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Contemporary European Studies·TypeObservational study·DateMar 12, 2025
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.

Political commitment is discouraged by digital violence

A study by Technical University of Munich finds that digital violence discourages political participation, particularly among women, who experience sexualized online attacks. The survey shows that more than half of those affected modify their behavior, including giving up on politics entirely.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·TypeSurvey·DateJan 15, 2025

New study reveals a global consensus on what democracy means

A new study surveyed over 6000 people from six countries, finding a global consensus on the definition of democracy. Competitive elections and civil liberties are consistently prioritized as key components of democracy, making it more likely for citizens to identify undemocratic behavior.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateOct 17, 2024
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.

New MSU research sheds light on impact and bias of voter purging in Michigan

Researchers from Michigan State University found that voter purging in the state disproportionately affects lower-income and minority communities. The study suggests that these groups are more likely to be incorrectly identified for removal from voter rolls due to outdated data and inadequate verification processes.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalSocial Science Quarterly·DateOct 3, 2024

The prescription for a healthier democracy

A Rutgers University study suggests that hospitals can play a crucial role in strengthening political inclusion by aiding patients in voter registration. The study found that voters contacted in healthcare settings tend to be more racially and ethnically diverse, and younger, than those reached through traditional registration efforts.

SourceRutgers University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateAug 6, 2024

Study shows politicians deny misdeeds because we want to believe them

A recent study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that people are more likely to support a politician who denies wrongdoing, especially if they share the same party affiliation. The research suggests that partisans tend to have different standards for different politicians, with those from their own party bei...

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

As Paris preps for Olympics, Coloradans still feel ambivalent about hosting

A new study found that Coloradans are still ambivalent about hosting the Olympics, with strong opposition from self-identified Republicans and Independents to taxpayer-funded bids. The research suggests that cities need to address public costs and make clear why they believe the costs will be worth it.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalUrban Affairs Review·DateJun 11, 2024

In international relations, it’s the message, not the medium

A study by MIT researchers found that the general public and policymakers take social media posts from world leaders just as seriously as traditional government statements. The research surveyed over 977 people about crisis signals in international relations, including tweets and official press releases. The results suggest that people...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateMay 28, 2024

Firearm ownership and support for political violence in the United States

A recent survey study of 12,000 participants found that firearm owners were only moderately more supportive of political violence than nonowners. Firearm owners who always carried firearms in public were more likely to support and engage in political violence, highlighting the need for risk-based prevention efforts.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 9, 2024
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.

Essays on democracy draw attention to critical threats, explore safeguards ahead of Jan. 6

A collection of essays from leading scholars explores the vulnerabilities in the US democratic system and proposes practical steps to strengthen and safeguard it. The authors examine the rise of fascist politics, divisive rhetoric, and social divisions that threaten American democracy.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalThe Annals of the American Academy of Political and Social Science·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 25, 2024

Political beliefs shape the way the public interprets history

A study by Dr Francesco Rigoli found that right-wing supporters tend to evaluate the past as more positive than left-wingers, while left-wingers are more optimistic about the future. This effect is observed across various countries, including the USA, UK, Italy, South Africa, Mexico, and Poland.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateMar 24, 2024

King Donald – how Trump could become royalty

Historian Dr. Sean Lang suggests that Trump's style of government is an attempt to transform the United States from a democratic presidential system into a monarchy. The talk will examine how republics and their systems can morph into monarchies, with a focus on the US Presidential election.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·DateMar 12, 2024

‘Politicians in robes’: How a sharp right turn imperiled trust in the Supreme Court

The Supreme Court's shift to the right has led to a significant erosion of public trust and legitimacy, with Democrats seeing the court as less legitimate and Republicans viewing it more positively. The court's dramatic change since the 2022 Dobbs ruling has polarized the public along partisan lines for the first time in decades.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·TypeSurvey·DateMar 8, 2024

Are American voters really as polarized as they seem? Rice research suggests yes

A new study by Rice University researchers found that mainstream Americans are feeling increasingly polarized, despite a decline in survey response rates. The study used the General Social Survey to gauge polarization and found that people's negative feelings toward the other party have increased over time.

SourceRice University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateFeb 19, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

International recognition played a crucial role in giving Libyan political actors sovereignty, study shows

A new study reveals that international recognition played a crucial role in shaping Libya's conflict, with contact and support from other countries affecting political actors' identity, resources, and legitimacy. The study argues that non-recognition can create change and is geopolitically inevitable.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Studies Review·TypeSurvey·DateDec 18, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Stretching the truth: New research reveals negative effects of exaggerative political statements

A new study from City, University of London, found that 'stretching arguments' by politicians can have a significantly negative effect on public opinion. Researchers discovered that making invalid claims can dilute over time, but the cumulative effects could undermine democracy and democratic procedures.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalEuropean Political Science Review·DateSep 14, 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
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

Sexist and impossible standards are still entrenched in UK political reporting, new study finds

A new study by the University of Surrey found that UK mainstream media continues to apply impossible and sexist standards to female politicians, particularly after Brexit. The research highlights how language and framing can reinforce sexist beliefs, associating femininity with weakness and men with 'masculine strength'.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalFeminist Media Studies·TypeObservational study·DateMay 4, 2023

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

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

Incivility reduces interest in what politicians have to say, shows research

A study by researchers at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that politicians who engage in incivility receive fewer followers and less interest in their messages. The researchers analyzed social media posts from Donald Trump and Joe Biden, finding that the former president lost over 6 million followers due t...

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2023
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.

An examination of federal personnel changes in the Trump era

The analysis found that aggregate federal employment remained relatively stable during the Trump presidency, but some agencies grew significantly, while others downsized or experienced major turnovers. This reflects the Trump administration's priorities, with trends aligning with its focus on immigration and federal affairs.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2023

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

Differential response to corporate political advocacy and corporate social responsibility: implications for political polarization and radicalization

Researchers found that companies engaging in corporate political advocacy experience lower brand attitudes and purchase intentions, particularly among consumers with low political efficacy. These effects are driven by the lack of faith in political institutions among these consumers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateDec 19, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Political orientation — not party — predicts political tolerance

A new study reveals that conservative Democrats are uniquely intolerant towards marginalized groups, while liberal Democrats are the most politically tolerant. Independents are also more tolerant than partisans. The research suggests that improving political tolerance is crucial for democracy.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalSocius Sociological Research for a Dynamic World·DateDec 5, 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
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Cluster theme issue on firearms and violence

The article highlights the need for comprehensive, real-time action data to address firearm injuries. It also explores the connection between violence and the carceral state, as well as the impact of state firearm laws on mortality and morbidity rates.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateSep 27, 2022

Neoliberals are most receptive to ‘political bullshit’

A study from the University of Amsterdam found that right-wing individuals, especially neoliberals, are more susceptible to 'political bullshit' - vague and meaningless statements used in politics. The research suggests that these statements can positively correlate with support for free market ideologies.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalJournal of Social and Political Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 23, 2022

US presidential narcissism linked to longer wars

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that US presidents who scored high on a measure of narcissism spent an average of 613 days at war, compared to 136 days for those below average. Narcissistic leaders tend to extend wars to declare victory and maintain their self-image.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 13, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Study finds cable news networks have grown more polarized

A study analyzed 10 years of cable TV news and found that networks like Fox and MSNBC have shifted further to the right and left, respectively. The ideological gap between channels became extreme after the 2016 Presidential election, particularly in primetime programming.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2022

Splits and mergers: Investigating the role of policy disagreements in party switching using a Japanese example

A Japanese study reveals that policy disagreement and politicization led to the split of Japan's largest opposition party in 2017. The researchers found that traditional DIF analysis failed to capture the complexity of party positions, but a corrected version showed strong discord over defense policy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJapanese Journal of Political Science·TypeSurvey·DateJul 26, 2022
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.

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

Republicans and Democrats see their own party’s falsehoods as more acceptable

Researchers found that partisans tend to justify their own party's falsehoods and view those of opposing parties as unacceptable. The study suggests that this partisan charitability can be driven by a desire for trustworthiness within one's own group, but not necessarily outside it.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 28, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

New studies shed light on election-related stress

Researchers found that anticipating future stress related to elections can affect people's emotional well-being before anything has happened. Education was shown to help protect individuals against these stresses, even for those actively engaged in the political process.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 31, 2022

Does industry drive politics?

A study by IASS researchers found that strong renewable energy industries lead to more ambitious renewable energy policies in subsequent years. The authors suggest that policy choices can enhance innovative capacity and promote local value creation to achieve the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalEnergy Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 31, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

American politicians have become less civil on Twitter over time, new study confirms

Research reveals a 23% increase in online incivility among Congresspeople from 2009-2019, with more inflammatory tweets receiving more likes and retweets. Politicians who received reinforcing feedback from likes and retweets subsequently engaged in more uncivil tweeting.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022

Finding friends in the Utah State Legislature

A University of Utah-led study examines cooperation networks in the Utah State Legislature, finding that politicians tend to work with colleagues from their own political and gender groups. The researchers discovered a high rate of reciprocation, with members of the same gender increasing the likelihood of future cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalHuman Nature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 17, 2022

Parties lead and voters follow

Research led by Binghamton University faculty suggests that party polarization precedes voter polarization in countries outside the US. The study of 19 democracies from 1971 to 2019 found that more engaged and informed citizens follow parties' lead on political issues.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalParty Politics·DateJan 19, 2022

Global conflicts inflamed by election-seeking ‘hawkish’ politicians - study

A new study finds that 'hawkish' politicians who adopt tough policies to re-elect themselves often inflame global conflicts. Researchers modelled a land dispute scenario and found that voters favoring ideology over ability tend to support hawkish leaders, leading to tougher settlements and increased conflict probability.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 14, 2022
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.

A mathematical model may give more efficient climate talks

Researchers at Linköping University developed a mathematical model to describe global climate target achievement and predict unanimity in climate talks. The model shows how countries influence each other over time, highlighting the importance of inclusive plenary sessions and informed parties.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 15, 2021