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Online parenting communities pulled closer to extreme groups spreading misinformation during COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers at George Washington University found that mainstream parenting communities were exposed to misinformation from alternative health and anti-vaccination communities on Facebook. The study reveals how social media machinery can pull these communities closer to extremes, highlighting the need for a new strategy to combat onlin...

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalIEEE Access·DateJan 3, 2022

Forgiveness messaging increases willingness to accept former Boko Haram fighters returning home, new study shows

A new study found that forgiveness messaging from a respected Islamic sheikh significantly increased community members' willingness to accept demobilized Boko Haram fighters back into their community. The study, conducted in northeastern Nigeria, showed that 70% of participants who heard the forgiveness messaging were willing to have t...

SourceInnovations for Poverty Action·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 11, 2021

Survivors of trauma struggle to move on from the loss of loved ones

A study found that trauma survivors who experienced post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were more likely to experience complicated grief, a type of prolonged and intense sorrow. Researchers suggest that treating PTSD symptoms early may help prevent persistent grief in the long term.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Trauma Theory Research Practice and Policy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2021

Nuclear terrorism could be intercepted by neutron-gamma detector that pinpoints source

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology unveiled a new scanning technology that can detect small amounts of nuclear materials in airports and seaports. The Neutron-Gamma Emission Tomography (NGET) system can pinpoint the origin of neutron and gamma ray emissions from weapons-grade plutonium and other special nuclear materials.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 19, 2021

No connection between proximity to Stockholm terrorist attack and attitudes to terrorism

Researchers investigated whether people affected by the 2017 Stockholm terrorist attack would change their political views on terrorism-related questions. Contrary to previous theories, they found no significant difference in attitudes among those who were close to the attack compared to those who were not. The study's findings suggest...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalComparative Political Studies·DateMar 22, 2021

Study reveals impact of powerful CEOs and money laundering on bank performance

A study by University of East Anglia researchers found that banks with powerful CEOs and smaller boards are more susceptible to money laundering and take greater risks. The impact of money laundering is heightened by the presence of powerful CEOs, but large and independent executive boards can partially mitigate this effect.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalInternational Journal of Finance & Economics·DateAug 4, 2020

Terror activity and local power structures

Research reveals that subsequent terrorist attacks are more likely to occur within a 20km radius of the initial attack, suggesting a localized pattern. The study also finds that group alliances and rivalries play a crucial role in shaping terror activity, with mutually reinforcing effects between terror attacks and state intervention.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2019

Populist Eurosceptics don't gain from terrorist attacks

A study by the University of Kent found that people in Germany became more positive towards the EU after a terrorist attack, despite no change in attitudes towards immigration or refugees. The researchers suggest further research is needed to understand the role of media and politicians' reactions on public responses.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalEuropean Journal of Political Research·DateJun 5, 2019

How news coverage of terrorism may shape support for anti-Muslim policies

A new study suggests that news coverage of terrorist attacks can significantly impact emotional responses and support for anti-Muslim policies in Western countries. News articles featuring a high number of offenders elicit both fear of terror and anger towards the government, leading to increased support for immigration bans.

SourceWiley·JournalPolitical Psychology·DateFeb 21, 2019

Putting understudied terrorists under a microscope

Researchers at Michigan State University found that ideological cyberterrorist attacks by far-left groups are on the rise, targeting companies and organizations with data breaches, web defacements, and doxing. The attacks have a significant economic and emotional impact, making them a growing threat.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalTerrorism and Political Violence·DateJan 25, 2019

Does PTSD affect heart disease and cancer risk?

A new study found that PTSD is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and certain types of cancer. Individuals with a longer duration of untreated PTSD were more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, regardless of the type of traumatic event they experienced.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Neuroscience Research·DateJan 9, 2019

'Terrorism does not terrorize' claims new study

A major review of 400 research articles found no significant association between acts of terrorism and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suggesting that 'terrorism isn't terrorising' in terms of causing increased PTSD. The study argues that the focus on PTSD has overshadowed other impacts, such as social and economic effects.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateOct 16, 2018

Claiming credit for cyberattacks

The study finds that both state and non-state actors face similar decisions when it comes to claiming credit for cyberattacks, but their strategies diverge due to different optics. The researchers highlight the importance of understanding how attackers' motives and identity can be revealed through credit claims.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Global Security Studies·DateJun 12, 2018

ISIL activity is not funded by oil, study suggests

A new study suggests that ISIL activity was not funded by oil as previously thought. The research used remote sensing technology to estimate oil production in areas controlled by the group, finding that production quickly fell after expansion.

SourceElsevier·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·DateApr 30, 2018