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“Autoplay got me there”: How YouTube’s algorithm built a following for fascist group Patriotic Alternative

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.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalStudies in Conflict and Terrorism·TypeContent analysis·DateJan 20, 2026

Extreme heat linked to spike in domestic violence calls in New Orleans, study finds

A new study by Tulane University's Newcomb Institute found a measurable link between prolonged extreme heat and increased domestic violence-related emergency calls in New Orleans. When temperatures stayed above the top 10% for five consecutive days, calls rose by 7%. The researchers recommend integrating domestic violence prevention in...

SourceTulane University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 29, 2025

Global study of more than 100,000 young people latest to link early smartphone ownership with poorer mental health in young adults

A global study of over 100,000 young people found that owning a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poor mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood. The study found correlations between early smartphone ownership and symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, and low self-worth.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Human Development and Capabilities·TypeObservational study·DateJul 21, 2025

Clashing with classmates: Off-putting traits spark enemy relationships

A new longitudinal study from Florida Atlantic University finds that students who exhibit off-putting behaviors are at elevated risk of antagonizing others and becoming involved in enemy relationships. Emotional reactivity and poor school performance are also strong predictors of later participation in an enemy relationship.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 25, 2025

Impacts of workplace bullying on sleep can be “contagious” between partners

Research by the University of East Anglia found that exposure to workplace bullying can lead to increased symptoms of insomnia in both individuals and their partners. The study also highlights the 'contagious' nature of sleep issues between partners, where one person's sleep problems can influence the other.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 20, 2025

New therapy reduces reoffending in male offenders with antisocial personality disorder

A new psychological therapy, MBT-ASPD, has been found to reduce rates of violence and aggression among male offenders with antisocial personality disorder. The treatment showed a significant decrease in symptoms and reoffending rates, offering a promising new approach for treating this challenging condition.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2025

Fighting experience plays key role in brain chemical’s control of male aggression

Researchers at NYU Langone Health found that dopamine, a brain chemical linked to male aggression, grows less important in promoting aggression as males gain fighting experience. In contrast, females show no response to manipulated dopamine levels, suggesting a distinct role for the chemical in female aggression.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

Violence on TV: What happens to children who watch?

A new study found that early exposure to violent TV content in childhood is associated with increased risk of antisocial behavior in teenagers, especially boys. The study, led by Professor Linda Pagani, followed over 1,900 children from ages 3.5 to 15 and found that boys who watched more violent TV content had higher rates of aggressiv...

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJan 20, 2025

Tickling the nerves: Why crime content is popular

A recent study by HSE University found that young adults in Russia consume media content about serial killers due to cognitive and emotional motives. Cognitive motives involve understanding the causes of human behavior, while emotional motives allow viewers to experience intense emotions often lacking in everyday life.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalCrime Media Culture An International Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 10, 2025

Heat’s effects on police and judges

High temperatures reduce emotional control and increase aggression in police officers, resulting in more dismissals of hot-day arrests. Judges also make harsher decisions on hotter-than-average days, issuing longer prison sentences and higher fines.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 14, 2024

Educational research should pinpoint anti-Black aggressions to build better policy, scholar writes

A University of Kansas scholar proposes examining anti-Black aggressions in educational research to better understand the unique experiences of Black students. This approach would allow researchers to honor the original spirit of microaggression theory and ask direct questions about the Black experience in American education.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalTeachers College Record The Voice of Scholarship in Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 7, 2024

Sniffing women’s tears reduces aggressive behavior in men

New research reveals that exposing men to women's emotional tears can lower aggression and reduce revenge-seeking behavior. The study found that sniffing tears leads to reduced brain activity related to aggression, resulting in less aggressive behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2023

Light therapy may improve symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease

A meta-analysis of 15 randomized controlled trials found significant improvements in sleep efficiency and psycho-behavioral symptoms in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Light therapy also alleviated depression and reduced patient agitation and caregiver burden.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 6, 2023

Glial tone of aggression

Researchers at Tohoku University found that Bergmann glial cells in the cerebellar vermis regulate the volume of aggression in mice. The study suggests that adjusting glial activity in the cerebellum could lead to therapeutic strategies for managing anger and aggression.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNeuroscience Research·DateDec 5, 2023

High levels of maternal stress during pregnancy linked to children’s behavior problems

Research found that women experiencing high levels of anxiety, depression, or stress during pregnancy had children with increased symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and aggressive behavior. The study suggests providing mental health care and support during pregnancy can help prevent childhood behavior problems.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2023

Researchers use AI to predict challenging behaviors common in profound autism

A study found that gastrointestinal and sleep issues may be connected to self-injury and aggression in adolescents diagnosed with profound autism. The researchers discovered a possible connection between these health issues and future challenging behaviors, predicting next-day behavior with over 80% accuracy.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Personalized Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 6, 2023

Lurbinectedin for Neuroendocrine Tumors (NETs)

Researchers discuss lurbinectedin as a method to treat neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), with encouraging results from phase II basket studies demonstrating activity in platinum-sensitive relapsed SCLC and other malignancies. Lurbinectedin's mechanism of action involves inhibiting oncogenic transcription, promoting apoptosis and cell death.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncoscience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2023

Strategies of kleptocrats and their enablers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, experts warn

Experts warn of increasingly sophisticated strategies used by kleptocrats to manage illicit finances, recast public images, and undermine liberal activism. The study identifies 'transnational uncivil societies' that use wealth managers, lawyers, and other enablers to maintain power and legitimacy.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEuropean Journal of International Relations·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 15, 2023

Controlled cruelty: New study from VCU finds aggression can arise from successful self-control

A new study by VCU researcher David Chester found that aggression is not always the product of poor self-control, but rather can be the result of successful self-control to inflict greater retribution. The study argues for a more nuanced view of aggression and challenges common interventions aimed at reducing violence.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalSocial and Personality Psychology Compass·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 13, 2023

Friendly teasing or traumatic bullying? Homophobic name-calling leaves scars

A new study found that homophobic name-calling, even from friends, has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health, including depressive symptoms and decreased sense of belonging. The research highlights the importance of clear anti-bullying policies, teacher education, and supportive interventions to prevent such behavior.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of School Violence·TypeSurvey·DateJul 5, 2023

Two-thirds of physicians and biomedical scientists report harassment on social media since start of the COVID-19 pandemic

A new study found that two-thirds of physicians and biomedical scientists reported harassment on social media, with women and minority groups facing higher rates. The survey highlighted the need for these individuals to be represented in combatting misinformation on social media, as their loss could exacerbate health inequities.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 15, 2023

Β-blocker use associated with lower rates of violence

A study of 1.4 million individuals found β-blocker use associated with a 13% lower risk of violent crime and an 8% lower risk of hospitalization due to psychiatric disorders. The findings suggest that β-blockers may be considered as a way to manage aggression and hostility in individuals with psychiatric conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJan 31, 2023

One in three US public health workers reports feeling threatened by the public while on the job during the COVID-19 pandemic

A study found that nearly one in three public health workers experienced nonphysical workplace violence, including threats and bullying, leading to increased risks of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and suicidal thoughts. The more severe the violence, the greater the impact on mental health.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJan 24, 2023

Aggressiveness of pet dogs is influenced by life history and owner’s characteristics, study suggests

A study of 665 pet dogs found that life history, owner gender, and breed can influence canine behavior. The results highlight the importance of environmental interactions in shaping animal behavior, suggesting that traits like weight, height, and cranial morphology impact the dog-owner relationship.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2023

Reading the room: Humans struggle to identify aggression in dogs, other humans

Researchers found that while humans excel at categorizing interactions between humans, dogs, and monkeys, they struggle to predict aggressive behaviors in both species. Participants performed poorly on identifying aggression in dogs and humans, suggesting a potential bias towards assuming good intentions from others.

SourceMax Planck Institute of Geoanthropology·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Tailored activity program shows promise for Black people with dementia and their family caregivers

A recent study published in the Journal of American Geriatrics Society found that a tailored activity program (TAP) significantly improved behavioral symptoms in Black families compared to white families. The program, which provides activities tailored to interests and abilities, also reduced caregiver distress.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateDec 6, 2022

Horrible bosses cause ‘race to the bottom’ - study

A new study by Anglia Ruskin University found that hostile behavior from leaders can lead to co-workers adopting similar behavior, creating a toxic workplace environment. The research also discovered an association between experiencing hostile behavior and emotional exhaustion, job insecurity, and abusive peer behavior.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateSep 30, 2022