Articles tagged with Controversy
A systematic review reveals that social media has only partially fulfilled its promise to democratize climate change communication. Established actors continue to shape the discussion, while climate-change skeptics gain visibility. This undermines public debate on climate change.
Research shows that targeted interventions highlighting personal impact on others can alter behavior among partisans. Both Republican and Democratic voters reduced risk-taking when presented with a simple message asking to choose the safer option for themselves and others.
A recent study reveals that individuals with an immigrant background tend to assess police violence as less severe, regardless of new evidence. Respondents on the political right continued to exhibit a strong bias, rating police violence lower against those with immigrant backgrounds, even after clear evidence was presented.
A study by City St George's criminologist Dr Tony Karas found that social media, particularly YouTube, was crucial in the radicalization process for 40 PA activists. The platform's autoplay function nudged them towards more extreme content, often with ethnonationalist views.
A recent study by Professor Damon Centola and alum Douglas Guilbeault found that content moderators who worked in teams reached near-perfect agreement on classifying controversial material online. In contrast, individual participants showed only 38% agreement, with Democrats and Republicans agreeing on classifications for only about 30...
A new study published in PNAS Nexus explores how opinions within inner circles influence the perception of social division. The researchers found that consensus within one's circle can exaggerate perceptions of polarization, and that subjective lenses change over time, influencing how individuals perceive societal polarization.
Farmers in Kansas and Missouri avoid discussing climate change, even if they hold convincing views or skepticism, due to concerns about potential conflicts and damage to their livelihoods. Many rely on social media cues to gauge others' opinions before initiating conversations, rather than traditional news media.
A global study found that social media influencers promote controversial medical tests with limited scientific evidence, often without mentioning potential harms. The tests include full-body MRI scans, genetic testing, blood tests, and gut microbiome tests. Experts warn that these tests can lead to overdiagnosis and overuse.
A report by Tel Aviv University highlights the establishment of new museums in Muslim countries, including Indonesia, Dubai, and Albania, which showcase the Holocaust and heroism. These museums provide a counter-narrative to antisemitic propaganda and promote education and awareness about the Holocaust.
A new study reveals that magicians are willing to share their own trick techniques, but not those invented by others or deceased individuals. They believe it's acceptable to reveal secrets for good causes, such as enhancing wellbeing or scientific research, and that mass online tutorials have reduced the need for traditional secrecy.
A study analyzing over 1200 English-language school textbooks from 34 countries found a persistent pattern of stereotypical gender roles, with male-coded words appearing twice as often as female-coded words. The analysis also revealed under-representation of female characters in textbooks across countries.
A research program co-led by UC Merced aims to uncover biases in academic evaluations and develop strategies for change, finding that minority faculty receive harsher evaluation judgments, with women minority faculty facing the harshest treatment.
A new study reveals that Brazil's democracy has been weakened by authoritarian populism, which has undermined welfare systems and human rights protections. This has created an exclusionary view of citizenship and intensified social conflicts, posing a threat to the country's democratic future.
A recent study published in Attachment and Human Development found no association between bed-sharing at 9 months and childhood emotional or behavioral problems. Despite ongoing debate, the research suggests that parental bed-sharing is unlikely to have a negative impact on children's development when practiced safely.
Researchers found that a refutational approach can help overcome misinformation, leading to fewer misconceptions and improved emotional responses. The study tested students' knowledge of fluoridation and found that those who read an article with a refutation had more positive emotions toward the subject.
A new study explores how public evaluation affects corporate misconduct scandalization, highlighting the role of reputation and celebrity. Companies with high reputations are more likely to have severe misconduct scrutinized, while those with high celebrity influence may downplay the issue.
A study found that energy companies use repeated phone calls, home visits, and 'legalized compulsion' to force homeowners to give up their land for hydraulic fracturing. The researchers reviewed data from Ohio and found that many negotiations end in compulsion rather than consent.
A new study reveals disturbing practices in South Africa's captive lion industry, including evading detection and animal welfare violations. The research calls for the government to implement a comprehensive plan to transition away from current practices and end the industry.
A new article from a University of Kansas scholar examines the history of state history education standards, highlighting their evolution and potential as a tool for teaching critical thinking and nuanced historical understanding. The author argues that standards can be a way for teachers to guide students in analyzing historical docum...
Researchers used AI to analyze over 16,000 butterfly images, finding both males and females contribute to diversity among species. The study resolves a century-old debate between Charles Darwin and Alfred Russel Wallace on the role of natural selection in female evolution.
A novel approach for corneal tattooing has been developed using multi-lamellar polychromatic keratopigmentation, offering customized appearance and increased safety. The procedure achieved an average cosmetic improvement rating of 4.2 and patient satisfaction ratings of 9.2 out of 10.
A new study in JCOM monitored changes in university communication within the German landscape six months after the launch of ChatGPT 3. Practically all responding universities use generative AIs mainly to increase process efficiency, with some caution towards ethical aspects such as data protection.
Research suggests that presenting a balanced and pragmatic approach can foster respect and increase willingness to engage in discussions with those holding opposing views. By focusing on practical solutions and showing concern for both sides' interests, individuals can break down polarized debates and build bridges.
Researchers Polina A. Loseva and Vadim N. Gladyshev challenge the existing definition of human life, suggesting a new meaning for the 14-day stage in organismal life grounded in recent mechanistic advances and insights from aging studies. This stage defines the separation of soma from the germline and marks the boundary between rejuven...
A Concordia PhD candidate argues that tech companies' opaque algorithms for storing and sharing personal content raise questions about selection and representation. An Apple update blocking Holocaust-themed photos in the iPhone Photos app's Memories sparked a debate among users, with some expressing annoyance at being told what to see.
New research from University of South Australia finds that school exclusions exacerbate negative issues rather than resolving them. Vulnerable students face a higher risk of being suspended or expelled, which worsens their circumstances and life chances.
A groundbreaking scientific drilling project has unearthed the world's longest geological record of the Cretaceous period, spanning over 50 million years. The project, led by Professor Wang Chengshan, has provided crucial insights into paleoclimate research and will continue to aid in predicting future climate trends.
A new study refutes previous research suggesting Spinosaurus was an aquatic pursuit predator, highlighting methodological flaws and low accuracy of phylogenetic flexible discriminant analysis. The researchers provide guidelines for future studies to use with caution when applying this methodology to limited datasets.
Researchers propose a new 'legibility' framework to understand cryptocurrency governance, revealing stages of illegibility, contested legibility, and collaborative legibility. The study examines the US, EU, and Japan's markets, showing they progressed through these states at different rates.
Researchers found wearing masks led to a 2.76 case reduction per 100,000 people, while shelter-in-place measures prevented hundreds of thousands of deaths. The study aimed to dispel misinformation about nonpharmaceutical interventions.
Archaeologists recommend using state-of-the-art techniques, such as micromorphology, to analyze evidence and increase confidence in claims about human evolution. This approach aims to rewrite our understanding of human ancestors by uncovering hidden clues in ancient sediments.
Leading experts recommend five major factors for FDA trustworthiness, including procedural and substantive conditions, to enhance public trust in its decisions. The report aims to rebuild trust in health care and science after controversies around vaccine approvals.
A randomized controlled trial suggests that a more liberal approach to red blood cell transfusions for heart attack patients with anemia may benefit outcomes without significant risk. The study found no statistically significant difference between two transfusion strategies, but results suggest a possible benefit of liberal transfusions.
A recent study from the University of Kansas found that testimonials about a person's lived experience can increase receptivity to opposing views on polarizing issues. Participants who read testimonials were more willing to consider alternative perspectives than those who read informative articles.
A pair of studies suggest people consistently overestimate support for harmful actions and underestimate support for helpful reactions to controversial research findings. This negativity bias can lead to censorship and harm, with conservative participants more likely to support censoring research.
A new study analyzing 57 million Facebook posts found that the amount of controversy generated by a post is strongly linked to its speed of spread. The study suggests that posts reaching a wide audience quickly are more likely to be associated with negative or controversial reactions, regardless of topic.
A study by Chinese researchers found that financial reports produced during fiscal years mismatched with annual business activity may be less reliable due to rigid accounting regulations. This can result in higher abnormal accruals, lower analyst forecast accuracy, and longer audit reporting delays for affected companies.
A study of nearly 67,200 postmenopausal women found that the Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) was inadequate for identifying osteoporotic fracture risk across racial/ethnic categories. However, the Osteoporosis Self-Assessment Tool (OST) was excellent for detecting osteoporosis within each category.
A new commentary from infectious disease experts emphasizes the importance of continued masking in healthcare settings due to low evidence of efficacy and high transmission risks. Despite recent conflicting views, the authors argue that mask-wearing remains a crucial strategy for infection prevention.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University recorded and analyzed plant sounds emitted under stress, identifying specific identifiable sounds. The study suggests that plants may communicate with other plants and animals through these sounds.
A study by Ruhr-University Bochum investigated how 76 prospective biology teachers argue about controversial topics such as mandatory vaccination against COVID-19. The researchers found that the structural complexity of their argumentation was good, but they could include a broader range of content areas and perspectives in their argum...
Scientists sequenced genomes of 'eel' species to reconstruct relationships between teleost fishes, ending decades-long controversy over their evolutionary history. The analysis revealed a single group, Eloposteoglossocephala, that encompasses both eels and bony-tongues.
A new study reveals that online hate speech is frequently conveyed through subtle and modified wording, allowing it to evade detection. Covert methods of expression are being used by haters to avoid detection, highlighting the need for increased attention to implied ways of expressing hate.
A new study from Brigham Young University found that most people on social media self-censor their comments to avoid conflict, while those on the margins fuel online dialogue. The study suggests a shift towards polarized conversations and encourages users to focus on solutions rather than defending identities.
A study by physicists Fariba Karimi and her team has confirmed that women are underrepresented in physics, but found that the gender gap is largely due to a first-mover advantage enjoyed by men. The research suggests that women face higher entry barriers and structural inequalities, leading to differences in citation recognition.
Robotic exoskeletons have been shown to provide intensive high-quality rehabilitation and potentially improve functional outcomes in individuals with MS. However, experts agree that wide acceptance depends on further clinical studies aimed at determining optimal selection criteria and long-term outcomes.
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.
Illinois Tech philosopher J.D. Trout argues that journalists should prioritize settled science and dismiss 'alternative facts' as cons. He suggests that reporters should not engage with disputed claims when the scientific consensus is clear, and instead promote epistemic humility and respect for expert knowledge.
A study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that conservatives with low conscientiousness are more likely to share misleading information. Conscientiousness plays a significant role in determining whether people share misinformation, regardless of political beliefs or social media usage.
A study by Indiana University researchers found that individuals' socioeconomic status and social networks play a significant role in shaping their decisions about health controversies. Higher-status people faced fewer consequences for resisting medical guidelines, while those with lower statuses experienced more scrutiny. The study em...
A new study found that fact-checking works across the globe, reducing false beliefs and increasing factual accuracy. The researchers tested five unique fact-checks in four countries and found that fact-checks increased accurate beliefs by .59 points on a scale of 1-5.
Research suggests that dieting is a consequence of an unhealthy food environment, rather than the cause of weight loss problems. Experts recommend refocusing concerns on changing the food environment to curb dieting and related issues.
The Trump administration's recent ESA changes have sparked controversy due to their potential impact on economic activity. To address the issue, researchers propose improving consensus and transparency in the ESA language to reduce inconsistencies and promote conservation legitimacy.
A new study by Resources for the Future researcher Margaret Walls concludes that national monuments on US public lands have generated benefits exceeding costs and have not harmed local economies. In some cases, monument designations have increased nearby businesses and jobs.
A recent article by Arman Grigoryan challenges the liberal notion that democracies prioritize democracy support. Grigoryan argues that the West's differing responses to Ukraine and Armenia's democratic movements reveal a pattern of supporting democracy when it aligns with material interests, but not when it conflicts with them.
Researchers from University of York develop new model to calculate impact of changes to Luftwaffe tactics on the battle's outcome. The study suggests that altering the timing and targeting of airfields could have shifted the battle significantly in Germany's favor.
Researchers found that nearly 92 percent of Ellipsys fistulas were still functional after two years, with patients reporting high levels of satisfaction. The study's results confirm the Ellipsys system provides good vascular access while reducing pain and discomfort associated with traditional fistula surgery.
Researchers from CNRS disprove theory that Corneille wrote Molière's plays using authorship attribution techniques. Their study finds significant differences in writing habits and speech mannerism between Molière and other authors of the time.
Let's Encrypt, a nonprofit certificate authority co-founded by J. Alex Halderman, has revolutionized the implementation of HTTPS on websites worldwide. By offering free certificates and an automated process, it has driven a significant increase in secure websites, with the internet now boasting an 80% adoption rate.
A recent survey reveals rich patterns in anthropologists' views on sensitive controversies, with disciplinary subfield, gender, and politics identified as key predictors. The study draws on social intuitionism to interpret the results, suggesting that shared moral intuitions may aid scholars in coming to consensus.