Articles tagged with Terrorism
According to UCLA behavioral ecologist Daniel T. Blumstein, biology and evolution offer valuable lessons on managing security threats. By studying species' risk management strategies, we can learn how to allocate energy to defense versus other things, and how not to overreact.
A RAND Corporation study recommends that the US and its allies in East Africa address radical Islamist groups beyond al Qaeda to create long-term stability. The report highlights existing counterterrorism programs as a starting point for stronger regional collaboration.
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) showcased its technology investments to reduce the weight of Marine Corps equipment by up to 30%. New technologies aim to improve body armor, helmets, vehicles, and communications equipment. ONR's goal is to increase mobility and survivability for Marines.
The September 11 attacks caused heightened levels of stress and anxiety, particularly among those closest to the World Trade Center. This stress impacted day-to-day behaviors like driving, leading to a significant increase in traffic fatalities in the Northeast region.
A new study found that marginalized groups fare worse in the aftermath of natural disasters and experience greater terrorism-related fears. Researchers discovered that these groups tend to overestimate the threat of terrorism and make more behavioral changes based on those fears.
Since 1970, India has faced over 4,100 terrorist attacks, resulting in 12,539 fatalities. The Global Terrorism Database reports that these incidents peaked in 1991 and 1992, with a total of 360 fatalities per year.
A University of Warwick professor argues that the former James Bond villains have become eerily relevant in today's world, mirroring modern security threats. Their tactics, such as exploiting globalization and secrecy, are now employed by real-world enemies like terrorist groups, arms smugglers, and warlords.
A new NC State University study reveals that ordinary people can work together to oppose the government's definition of a crisis and show how its actions undermine their American way of life. The study shows that defined as patriotic, common-sense citizens, opponents built a more credible connection to a patriotic American ethos.
The book, 'In Their Own Words: Voices of Jihad,' provides an unusual window into the thinking of Islamic terrorists. It includes translations of writings and speeches from notable jihadis like Osama bin Laden and Abu Musab al-Zarqawi.
Paranoia is on the increase, with one in four people experiencing regular paranoid thoughts. Urbanization, poverty, and wealth inequality are linked to poor health and mental illness, fuelling a culture of paranoia. Dr Freeman calls for urgent action to stem the rise in paranoia at both individual and societal levels.
Hospital emergency room doctors and nurses express concerns about radiological event management and patient care after a terrorist attack. They prioritize protecting themselves and loved ones over decontamination protocols, highlighting the need for better preparedness training and guidelines.
A new study by Ohio State University found that residents in highly-rated neighborhoods prioritize local city services, distance to work, and family, while those in unsatisfactory areas focus on safety and social problems. Residents also value social interaction differently depending on neighborhood type.
A new UC Berkeley study reveals that terror warnings could reduce support for Sen. John McCain among moderate voters. The research suggests the war on terror is a growing concern, but economic issues are a priority.
A UC Davis researcher is studying more than 1,500 audio cassette tapes of Osama bin Laden to understand his intellectual development in the years leading up to the 9/11 attacks. The tapes provide unprecedented insight into debates among bin Laden's allies and critics, as well as his evolution from a Muslim reformer to a radical leader.
The article discusses the nature of the terrorist threat against the US and other nations, with a focus on Islamist extremist terrorism. The panel of experts provides recommendations for the next president to combat terrorism, including strategies for fighting al-Qaeda and its franchises.
A new study by Kent State professor John Updegraff suggests that finding meaning in the immediate aftermath of traumatic events like 9/11 can help individuals adjust over time. The research found that those who were able to make sense of the attacks coped better, reducing their fears of future terrorism and distress.
A new study published in the American Sociological Review found that individuals with personal connections to victims of the Iraq War or 9/11 terrorist attacks are less likely to approve of President Bush's performance, affecting both Republicans and Democrats. The pattern holds true across all demographics.
The US military employs 'Indian Country' metaphors to describe hostile territories in war zones, drawing on a presumed collective memory of past battles. This metaphor reframes Native American histories and struggles in light of contemporary terrorism.
A RAND study reveals a significant increase in piracy and maritime terrorism, with piracy growing faster and more common than seaborne terrorism. The report calls for U.S. policymakers to expand maritime security measures and encourage industry use of enabling communication technologies.
A new study published in Policy Studies Journal reveals that terrorism risk is a positive determinant of Homeland Security funding. The research analyzed DHS funding patterns from 2004 to 2006 and found no evidence of political influence on grant distribution.
A new study found that people who choose not to express their thoughts and feelings after experiencing a collective trauma, such as a school shooting or terrorist attack, may be better off than those who do talk about their feelings. The research suggests that it's okay to keep emotions inside in the immediate aftermath of a tragedy.
A new security system, ARMOR, uses randomization to analyze data on vehicle checkpoints and canine searches, providing a model for police operations. This system aims to enhance safety by minimizing the predictability of potential terrorist attacks.
A study by Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health found no statistically significant increase in calls with periods of increased alert among New Jersey law enforcement officers. Researchers analyzed call data from a crisis hotline and did not detect a pattern of increased calls corresponding to an elevation in the alert level.
Researchers warn that brain imaging technology, such as fMRI, may promote abuse of detainees due to its limitations and open interpretation. The technology's reliance on detecting tiny changes in blood oxygen levels raises concerns about accuracy and potential misuse.
The development of autonomous robot weapons is a growing concern, with the US DoD planning to spend an estimated $24 billion on unmanned systems technology. Professor Noel Sharkey warns that these robots could become a standard terrorist weapon, replacing suicide bombers.
Researchers at University of Maryland's Institute for Advanced Computer Studies create SOMA Terror Organization Portal (STOP) to analyze and forecast terrorist organization behavior. The technology allows analysts to query learned rules, network with other experts, and test theories using data-driven forecasting capabilities.
Researchers developed a technology to spot insider threats using data mining techniques on email interactions. Individuals with latent interests in sensitive topics or those feeling alienated within the organization are potential threats.
A study by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that Sept. 11 terrorism-related thoughts and fears are associated with increased psychological distress and alcohol abuse in Americans. The study measured the effect of macro-level sociological stressors on mental health, four years after the attacks.
Researchers found a 53% increase in cardiovascular ailments after Sept 11 stress, with high anxiety levels three times more likely to report heart problems. The study, published in Archives of General Psychiatry, suggests that even indirect exposure to extreme stress can lead to long-term health consequences.
A study found that individuals who experienced severe stress-related symptoms after terrorist attacks were more likely to be diagnosed with heart problems over the following three years. High levels of acute stress immediately after the attacks predicted increased risk of physician-diagnosed heart problems.
Children exposed to terrorist attacks show elevated symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety disorder, and general anxiety disorder. Media coverage of terrorism can result in substantial distress in exposed youth.
The RAND Corporation study provides a framework for developing cost-effective plans to secure passenger-rail systems. The report identifies 17 security improvement options, including canine teams and vehicle surveillance systems, which can effectively address the threat of explosive devices and other forms of attacks.
Researchers create ways to visualize and analyze unstructured data, assigning brightness, color, and texture to identify potential threats. This technology can automatically recognize patterns and detect unexpected connections between data points.
A RAND Corporation study finds that the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) improves private insurance markets, saves taxpayers money, and enhances protection for businesses. The study suggests expanding TRIA to include coverage for nuclear, chemical, biological, and radiological attacks.
A study found a significant increase in low birth weights among NYC babies born after the Sept. 11 disaster, suggesting stress may have contributed. The researchers discovered another peak in low birth weights around Christmas/New Year and April/May, indicating possible long-term effects of stress on fetal health.
The US Department of Homeland Security is testing current bridge designs and investigating advances in steel and reinforced concrete to explore shielding cables and connections with protective sleeves or covers. The goal is to fortify bridges like Superman's blue suit, making them resistant to terrorist sabotage.
A new study by University of Alberta researcher Paul Joosse cautions against the ideological motivations behind 'ecoterrorism' in North America. The study suggests that individuals committing arson attacks may be acting for personal reasons, rather than environmental concerns, due to the lack of leaders in the Earth Liberation Front.
A study suggests that JK Rowling's Harry Potter series draws subtle parallels with contemporary society, including the British government's post-9/11 response to terrorism. The author believes that the series reflects unfair and unjustifiable measures taken by the government in the name of the war on terror.
A new Penn State study suggests ways to improve US rail safety by addressing inadequate security measures, improving coordination between agencies and leveraging the role of railroad police. The report recommends comprehensive legislation, increased funding for security efforts and enhanced training for personnel.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia are designing a protective wall to shield bridges from terrorist attacks, focusing on materials like concrete and steel. The goal is to create a barrier that can withstand explosions and resulting debris, with easy installation and removal capabilities.
A multi-disciplinary panel of experts from eight countries examined emergency medical responses to blast events and identified commonalities that can be used to enhance preparedness worldwide. These findings highlight the importance of pre-defined command structures, regular triage guidelines, and effective scene security measures in r...
US crops are susceptible to attack by terrorists, who could use devastating plant pathogens as weapons. The need for prevention and preparedness strategies is crucial, including border inspections, crop surveillance, and rapid pathogen identification.
Researchers found that people tend to prioritize emotional responses over empirical evidence when making decisions, particularly on sensitive topics. This phenomenon was observed in studies examining crime, deer population, and other risks where emotional reactions outweigh rational thinking.
Researchers at NYU found that individuals closer to the World Trade Center on 9/11 recalled events with greater vividness and confidence. The study suggests that proximity to the site enhanced personal involvement, which in turn activated neural mechanisms involved in emotional modulation of memory.
A RAND Corporation study suggests the US should focus on undermining support for Islamic terrorism within Muslim nations to defeat the global jihadist movement. The report emphasizes the importance of attacking the ideology's core principles and severing links between terrorist groups.
A recent study assesses the effectiveness of available technologies for detecting nuclear devices at ports, highlighting significant vulnerabilities in current security measures. The authors propose an 11-layer security system and estimate a detection rate of 90% would require substantial investments.
Global security experts address concerns about nuclear terrorism and proliferation following North Korea's nuclear test. Scholars propose strategies to mitigate the growing threat, including cooperation, containment, and non-proliferation measures.
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging emphasizes the beneficial aspects of nuclear medicine, a highly effective diagnostic and treatment method. Every major hospital has a nuclear medicine department, performing over 19 million procedures annually, increasing by 15% from four years ago.
Research found that air travel affects both the peak date and rate of spread of flu in the US. The study analyzed government records on deaths from flu and pneumonia between 1996 and 2005 and discovered that flu season started about two weeks later than usual after 9/11 restrictions on air travel were implemented.
Nearly 80% of US organizations engage in employee surveillance, sparking concerns over civil liberties. The USA PATRIOT Act's implementation has led to widespread monitoring, with many exceptions allowing unchecked workplace surveillance.
The September volume of The Annals explores the possibility of preventing a catastrophic nuclear terrorist attack by examining historical trends and proposing solutions. Scholars emphasize the need for world leaders to recognize the gravity of this threat and take proactive steps to prevent it.
Despite recent atrocities, British hospitals remain poorly prepared for major incidents, with many lacking clear plans and regular rehearsal schedules. The survey found that only 54% of doctors were clear about their role in responding to a major incident, highlighting the need for improved preparation.
Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories tested the system during a series of games, achieving broad coverage of over 40 different chemicals using multiple detection technologies. The Rapidly Deployable Chemical Detection System offers a fast and potentially lifesaving capability to event managers, providing swift protection again...
A $2.25 million NIMH-funded study is being conducted at Kent State University to examine the psychological impact of ongoing terrorism on PTSD and depression. The study aims to identify factors that exacerbate mental health issues, such as prior trauma exposure and social support.
Experts suggest airlines take preventative steps to protect against shoulder-fired missile attacks, which could have a significant economic impact of up to $250 billion. The cost-benefit analysis is crucial in making informed decisions about countermeasures.
A team of Iowa State University engineers is creating a network of wireless sensors to detect suspicious activity on the nation's power transmission system. The system could quickly locate breakdowns and severe weather damage, allowing power companies to prevent blackouts and respond more effectively.
Following 9/11, American consumers reduced air travel by 12-20% and increased highway travel, leading to a substantial increase in miles-driven and traffic deaths. This behavioral change is attributed to strong emotional forces like fear and anxiety, highlighting the potential for indirect damage from terrorism.
Researchers found that anger evokes casual judgments more frequently than sadness, leading to a desire for actions against offenders. In contrast, sadness may prompt actions targeting victims, such as healing and support.
Biometrics seeks to overcome its limitations by improving sensor quality, image processing, and combining traits for enhanced accuracy. The technology has shown impressive precision but also faces challenges such as small margins of error, which can have significant consequences.
Experts from climate change, terrorism, sociology, politics, and geography come together to discuss how to effectively translate information into useful policy. The session aims to identify common issues with scientific content, weigh values, and communicate risk and science-based solutions to the public.