Articles tagged with Terrorism
Four experts propose a strategy for terrorism research that combines theoretically informed fieldwork with policy-making, aiming to protect academic integrity from politics and inform effective countermeasures. They outline the need for national institutional review boards to ensure legal and ethical standards in research, grounded in ...
A new research paper published in Science argues that the US government's national security systems have not adapted sufficiently to the threats posed by groups like Al Qaeda and Islamic State. The paper calls for more field research on young people to inform machine learning and big data analysis to combat terrorism.
Game theory and algorithms improve security by randomizing patrols to evade attackers' predictions. Real-world applications have led to measurable improvements in security for US Coast Guard ferry protection since 2011.
Researchers have developed sensors based on binary metal oxide nanocomposites that can detect gas leaks, including those potentially linked to terrorist attacks. The sensors utilize chemisorption centers to facilitate gas molecule adsorption, enabling fast response times.
The survey found that Americans fear government corruption, terrorism, and health concerns, with a shift towards more personal anxieties. Beliefs in conspiracy theories also emerged as a significant concern, with nearly half of respondents believing the government is concealing information.
The grant aims to create partnerships in disaster-prone regions to enhance national capacity for children's and families' post-disaster response. It adapts the National Child Traumatic Stress Network model, including a digital application for information sharing after disasters.
Researchers found that the September 11 attacks merged immigration and terrorism issues, heightening surveillance and racializing Latino immigrants as a threat. This merger fueled Islamophobia and led to increased deportations, with an average of 334,000 people deported per year since 2003.
A study published in the European Journal of Political Economy found that countries negotiating with terrorists faced up to 87% more kidnappings. Dr. Todd Sandler's research analyzed politically motivated kidnappings worldwide between 1978 and 2013, concluding that concessions lead to more abductions.
Researchers suggest that analyzing and countering terrorist narratives can be an effective way to reduce recruitment. By understanding the processes used by terrorists to persuade people to join their groups, experts can craft counter-narratives that contradict these themes and promote alternative messages.
A recent study by Indiana University found that fusion center violations of individuals' privacy rights are the exception rather than the rule. Fusion centers are taking steps to safeguard privacy, including following federal regulations and establishing checks and balances.
A study reveals that women are better connected within terrorist organizations than men, acting as a glue to fuel the network's vitality and survival. The researchers found high 'betweenness centrality' among female members, making them critical in passing on vital information.
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a framework that calculates relationships between select features of terrorist attacks, predicting characteristics with over 90% accuracy. The framework analyzes past attacks to identify future patterns, supporting the idea that terrorists learn from each other's behavior.
Researchers at Clemson University are working on a sensor that can detect tributyl phosphate, a solvent used to enrich uranium. The goal is to create a reliable and long-lasting sensor that can be deployed remotely to investigate potential nuclear threats.
A novel research program investigates the evolution of traumatic memories in individuals and collective memory after the Paris attacks. The study collects and analyzes testimonies from 1000 volunteers, with a focus on predicting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and recovery rates through biomedical markers.
Researchers will collect and analyze ISIS propaganda to identify themes, claims, and polarizing language used to encourage political extremism and violence. The study aims to strengthen UK intelligence services' capabilities to combat violent organizations' initiatives.
A new study published in the International Journal of Critical Infrastructure Protection found no evidence that the WikiLeaks list was a target list for terrorists. The study analyzed over 40,000 terrorism incidents and compared them with the facilities listed on the WikiLeaks memo.
New research from Iowa State University finds that negative media stories about Muslims can lead to increased support for military action and restrictions against Muslim Americans. The study suggests that positive news stories about Muslims can help stem the tide of anti-Muslim sentiment, prejudice, and behavior.
A new report from Duke University's Triangle Center on Terrorism and Homeland Security recommends expanding community policing efforts to prevent violent extremism. The report finds that building trust with Muslim-Americans has become especially challenging due to widespread discrimination and harassment since 9/11.
Following a terrorist attack in London, research found that liberal attitudes towards Muslims and immigrants shifted towards conservative views, with increased national loyalty and decreased emphasis on fairness. This shift was attributed to changes in moral foundations, including greater in-group loyalty and prejudice against out-groups.
A new study by UTSA professor Max Kilger delves into the human component of cybersecurity, highlighting the unique motivations of cyberterrorists. The research reveals that financial gain is a primary motivator for these attacks, making them a significant and growing threat.
Democracy faces challenges from polarization and increasing inequalities, argues Charles Taylor. Michael J. Sandel warns of the corrosive effect of neoliberal ideology, which disengages citizens from public affairs. Rebuilding a shared civic life is also crucial, according to both thinkers.
A Dartmouth study shows that the brain processes motion differently for animate and inanimate objects, interacting between two visual pathways. This discovery has potential applications in improving motion recognition algorithms for public security systems and treating motion blindness and object agnosia.
International terrorism and the Islamic State are top foreign policy issues facing the next president, with most Americans opposing military intervention. Diplomacy is a widely supported approach to addressing global problems, including human rights and economic interests.
Genome researchers should disclose misattributed parentage to parents to respect their autonomy and sense of self. The issue also explores punishing health care providers for treating terrorists, highlighting the need for moral and legal clarity in such situations.
A new tool uses seismic signals to estimate the energy released by military ordnance, mining events, industrial accidents, plane crashes, and terrorist attacks. The method can calculate yields for explosions hundreds or thousands of kilometers away from a seismic station.
Prolonged work at the World Trade Center site after 9/11 linked to increased risk of autoimmune diseases like arthritis and lupus. Individuals worked 10 months at the site face 3-times greater risk of developing an autoimmune disease compared to those who worked for only a month.
A study by Ohio State University found that constituents who participated in online town halls with their representatives were more likely to agree with the legislator on important policy issues. These constituents also showed higher levels of trust and approval for their elected official, as well as increased voting intention.
Researchers developed a system to geolocate videos without textual metadata by comparing audiovisual content with a worldwide multimedia database. The algorithm accurately located 3% of videos within a ten-kilometre radius and 1% to one kilometre.
A study from the University at Buffalo School of Management analyzed surveys and interviews with Mumbai Police officers involved in the response to terrorist attacks. The researchers found that first responders who received timely information access made better decisions, while those without proper training were less effective. To impr...
A new thin-film material rapidly changes color in response to chemical nerve agents, offering a potential solution for real-time detection of deadly CWAs. This innovation is based on a distinct color change, a technique that could help save lives and hold aggressors accountable.
A Tel Aviv University study found that fear of terrorism can lead to anxiety-related insomnia, depleting vital resources and paving the way for occupational burnout. Workplace colleagues' emotional and technical support played a crucial role in reversing insomnia and job burnout.
A study found that TV crime news over-represented Muslims (81%) and Latinos (97%) as perpetrators and victims, while under-representing African-Americans, despite FBI reports showing different demographics.
A new study found that long-term exposure to terrorism threat increases resting heart rates and mortality risk in Israelis. The study, conducted on 17,300 healthy subjects, reveals a link between fear of terror and elevated heart rates.
Researchers analyzed over 180 million geocoded tweets to understand how people in 95 cities worldwide reacted to the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing. Citizens expressed emotions based on geography, social connections, and cultural ties to Boston.
Among survivors of the 2011 Utøya Island terrorist attack, most perceived contact with media as a positive experience. However, negative evaluations and regrets about participation were found to be associated with post-traumatic stress reactions.
Research from NYU's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development suggests that people interpret terrorist threats in varying ways. Study author Rezarta Bilali found that individuals with homogeneous group identities are less likely to perceive heightened threat when exposed to external terrorist threats.
A new study found that terrorist attacks decrease fertility rates by reducing both expected children and live births. The researchers used a panel data set of 170 countries to measure the effects of terrorism on Total Fertility Rates (TFR) and Crude Birth Rate (CBR).
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.
Adolescents with high sympathetic nervous system reactivity develop higher PTSD symptoms regardless of media coverage. Lower sympathetic reactivity before a traumatic event is associated with only post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms following high media exposure.
A new study by Jakana Thomas found that terrorism can work in civil wars, but only if governments allow it to, and that responding with violence prolongs the conflict. The study suggests that negotiating with rebel groups or finding peaceful settlements can lead to a better chance of resolving the conflict.
Research from Queen Mary University of London found that youth, wealth, and education are associated with an increased risk of sympathies for terrorist acts. Those under 20, in full-time education, or high earners were more likely to show sympathy for violent protest and terrorism.
The current terrorism risk insurance program provides government support for spreading losses and covering extreme losses, making the country more resilient to future attacks. Without this program, the take-up rate for terrorism insurance would likely fall, putting national security at risk.
Siegfried Hecker has been honored by AAAS for his work in nuclear security and global threat reduction. His dedication to fostering cooperation through science led to significant international partnerships, improving the control of nuclear materials.
A new study by UC Irvine researchers links six or more hours of daily exposure to media coverage of the Boston Marathon bombings with increased acute stress symptoms. Repeated exposure to violent images can prolong stress responses and have serious health consequences.
Research by University of Illinois expert Aric Rindfleisch found that materialistic individuals experience higher levels of post-traumatic stress, compulsive buying, and impulsive purchasing after traumatic events. Materialism amplifies distress and impairs coping mechanisms.
Highly materialistic individuals exhibit higher levels of post-traumatic stress symptoms and impulsive buying when faced with mortal threats, according to an international study. Materialism also fuels anxiety about mortality, leading to compulsive spending as a coping mechanism.
New studies examine how people react to terrorist threats, gamble for money vs suspense, and the link between sex motivation and satisfaction. Additionally, research challenges traditional birth order theories and reveals attentional biases in shopping situations.
A Weill Cornell study found that over 1 million Americans who had quit smoking took up the habit again after 9/11, resulting in a 2.3% increase in adult smokers nationwide. The study estimates the cost to government at $530-830 million due to increased Medicare and Medicaid use, productivity losses, and decreased tax revenue.
Researchers have developed a mathematical model that uses game theory to disrupt the flow of information in terrorist networks. The model, inspired by a two-player outdoor game called Seepage, can identify the most effective points for disrupting messages in hierarchical social networks.
Researchers have developed a potential antidote for cyanide poisoning that can be administered by intra-muscular injection, reducing the need for trained personnel and increasing efficiency in mass casualty events. The discovery of sulfanegen TEA offers a promising alternative to existing intravenous infusion-based treatments.
A team of European experts, led by Newcastle University, has designed blast-proof technologies to reduce debris and protect passengers in the event of a bomb attack. The new technology is being incorporated into European and national standards, aiming to save lives and prevent terrorist attacks on railways.
A nationwide survey found that terrorism is not perceived as a major threat to everyday life, despite government claims. The study also revealed a link between public perceptions of security threats and their tolerance towards minorities.
The US Coast Guard and USC's Viterbi School of Engineering developed the PROTECT system, which uses quantal response theory to model unpredictable adversary behavior. The system has been successfully deployed in Boston and is undergoing testing at New York, showing improved results over human-generated patrolling strategies.
A new study by Arnold Barnett finds that subway and rail commuters are twice as likely to be killed in a terrorist attack as frequent flyers. The risk is even higher per mile traveled, with subways being ten times more deadly than air travel.
The article explores how terrorist attacks can lead to an increase in fatal traffic accidents, particularly in regions with well-developed infrastructure that encourages driving. The study found that the New York area saw a significant increase in car traffic after the 9/11 attacks, while other states did not experience the same surge.
A study found that people drove more after 9/11, with increases strongly associated with greater driving opportunity. This suggests that fear alone may not be enough to change behavior, and environmental factors play a crucial role in shaping our actions.
Leaders' expressions of anger, contempt, and disgust in speeches may predict violent acts. Analysis found a significant increase in these emotions before aggression, while decreases were seen before nonviolent resistance. The findings suggest a leader's emotional tone can motivate their group to take part in violent actions.
Researchers have developed an algorithm that can identify the source of information spreading on social media platforms like Facebook. By analyzing a limited number of connections, the method can trace the path of information back to its origin.
Scientists have created a preconcentrator device that can increase levels of TNT and related explosives by 1,000 times in under one minute. The device uses a molecular sieve membrane to trap molecules of explosives, making them detectable in previously undetectable concentrations.
A recent study by Prof. Gabriel Weimann reveals that lone wolf terrorists are not isolated individuals but part of virtual terrorist communities on the Internet. These online forums and platforms provide social environment, support, and moral encouragement to radicalize individuals and track their enlistment and training processes.