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Climate variability and conflict risk in East Africa measured by Boulder team

A new study by the University of Colorado Boulder team analyzed extensive climate datasets and violent conflicts in East Africa, finding moderate increases in temperature reduce conflict risk slightly, while very hot temperatures increase it. Socioeconomic factors have a much greater impact on conflict risk than climate change.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 22, 2012

WSU finds missing link between mental health disorders and chronic diseases in Iraq war refugees

A study by Wayne State University researchers found that Iraq war refugees who fled after the Gulf War were 43 times more likely to develop obstructive sleep apnea and later suffer from major chronic health issues. The research suggests a link between pre-Gulf War trauma, mental disorders, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Older-looking presidential candidates preferred during wartime

Researchers suggest that older-looking candidates may have an advantage in wartime elections due to implicit biases towards leaders who appear older and more dominant. The study found that altered images of Barack Obama and John McCain showed a preference for the older-looking version of each candidate.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 23, 2012

Preventing post-traumatic stress

The incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among troops is surprisingly low, thanks to new programs and treatments. The Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program and Battlemind training have helped soldiers build resilience and cope with stressors before deployment and after returning home.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateMay 17, 2012

War bound to bowl bound

A new study in Armed Forces & Society explores how the US military contributed to the widespread appeal of college football. The research highlights the role of World Wars in bringing about issues like payment of college athletes.

SourceSAGE·JournalArmed Forces & Society·DateJan 10, 2012

Outsiders on the front lines

A new study highlights the perspectives of 20 Israeli women soldiers who've served in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, introducing new themes into women's discourse of protest. The research shows that military service can be a source of symbolic capital for women to legitimize criticism of the military and its actions.

SourceSociologists for Women in Society·JournalGender & Society·DateDec 1, 2011

Family planning in conflict

A new study finds that women in conflict-affected areas often want access to family planning but are unable to get it due to limited healthcare services. The research highlights the gap between what women want and what is available, with only a small percentage using modern contraception.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalConflict and Health·DateJul 12, 2011

Study shows that defensive military alliances enhance peace

A new study by Rice University researchers found that countries with defensive military alliances are less likely to be attacked, and these alliances do not increase the likelihood of aggression. The study analyzed defense agreements from 1816 to 2001 and suggests that such alliances can make war and militarized conflicts shorter.

SourceRice University·JournalForeign Policy Analysis·DateFeb 10, 2011

Pivotal study finds link between PTSD and dementia

A pivotal study finds a strong association between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and an increased risk of dementia in veterans. The research, published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, suggests that PTSD may be an early marker of dementia or contribute to cognitive impairment.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateSep 2, 2010

For better trade, give peace a chance

A new study published in Conflict Management and Peace Science suggests that peace is a vital ingredient for trade to flourish, rather than trade leading to peaceful relations. The authors found that conflict reduces trade and that ignoring this relationship can produce biased estimates.

SourceSAGE Publications UK·JournalConflict Management and Peace Science·DateFeb 25, 2010

Iraq troops' PTSD rate as high as 35 percent, says Management Insights study

A new study by Management Insights suggests that Iraq veterans may be experiencing a PTSD rate of up to 35%, doubling the expected rate due to delayed onset and subsequent deployments. The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences calls for increased mental health resources to care for returning troops.

Community provides essential support to military families

A new article in Family Relations explores the concept of community capacity building to provide essential support to military families. The framework outlines a collaborative approach to connecting isolated families with support services, enhancing family strengths and preventing stressful experiences from becoming crises.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Relations·DateApr 8, 2009

NC State study shows limits of using 'war on terror' to promote government policies

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.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSouthern Communication Journal·DateOct 22, 2008

Political attitudes are predicted by physiological traits

Researchers found that individuals with lower physical sensitivities to sudden noises and threatening images tend to support liberal policies, while those with higher physiological reactions favor conservative policies. This discovery may help explain the stability of strong convictions and the prevalence of political conflict.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateSep 18, 2008