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Extreme temperatures fuel online hate speech

A new study has found that extreme temperatures are fueling online hate speech, with hate tweets increasing by up to 12% for colder temperatures and 22% for hotter temperatures. The researchers analyzed over 4 billion tweets from the US between 2014 and 2020, finding a 'feel-good window' of 15-18°C where hate tweets were at their lowest.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2022

Humour used in English-language terrorist propaganda magazines to reinforce identity, study shows

The study found that Al-Qaeda, Taliban, and TTP use situational comedy to galvanize curious individuals and emphasize an 'us versus them' mentality. In contrast, ISIS uses dehumanising humour to mock rivals and create a shared identity among followers. This humour helps foster internal cohesion and creates social bonding.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 12, 2022

What makes an a--hole an a—hole?

A study from the University of Georgia suggests that middle-aged men are commonly perceived as manipulative, aggressive and entitled targets of insults. The research also found that most people believe these individuals are aware of their behavior's impact but don't care enough to change.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCollabra Psychology·DateApr 12, 2022

Former partners-in-crime likely to violently turn on one another – UK crime gang study

A UK crime gang study found that OCG members who previously offended together are more likely to become victims of violence, with a 56-fold increase in risk. The study also revealed cycles of escalating violence within the criminal milieu, with harassment increasing the potential for violence by 243 times.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 11, 2022

Testosterone drives the dark side of meerkat success

In meerkat societies, testosterone-driven aggression enables cooperative breeding by creating a hierarchy where subordinates help raise the matriarch's pups. Researchers found that matriarchs' high testosterone levels drive their aggressive behavior, which maintains group structure.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateDec 17, 2021

How daily stress during COVID-19 affected parents’ discipline

A study of 323 parents found that daily stress levels, especially in the afternoon and evening, led to increased use of corporal punishment and psychological aggression. The researchers suggest that parents' stress levels in the moment may play a greater role in their discipline practices than overall stress levels.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Family Violence·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2021

Study finds excess use of non-emergency restraint among older psychiatric patients

A study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry reveals that older psychiatric patients are more likely to be restrained in non-emergency situations than younger adults. The research examined over 226,000 Ontario inpatient records and found a significant association between age, risk of falls, physical disability, and psychiatric symptoms...

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateNov 4, 2021

New research: The internet does not turn people into trolls – it just makes real-life trolls more visible

A new study published in American Political Science Review finds that those prone to hostility in offline discussions are also hostile online. The researchers suggest that increasing the visibility of aggressive behavior online can exacerbate online hostility, rather than removing it through education or moderation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·TypeSurvey·DateAug 26, 2021

Empathy training could cut crime figures

Research by Anglia Ruskin University suggests that empathy training programs can reduce antisocial behavior and crime. Programs targeting young people have been shown to increase empathy and decrease cyberbullying behavior, while pre-natal training for parents and social-emotional learning programs in schools may also be effective.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPsychology Crime and Law·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 18, 2021

ADHD: Aggressive behavior is genetically coded

Researchers have found genetic variants increasing ADHD risk and aggressive behavior in children, shared with the general population. These variants affect aggression in both children with and without ADHD, highlighting a complex interplay between genetics and environment.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 11, 2021

Chimpanzees unite against a common enemy

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chimpanzees become more cohesive and engage in affiliative behaviors when threatened by out-groups, similar to humans. This suggests that intergroup competition may have led to the evolution of cooperation and tolerant relations in large groups.

SourceKyoto University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 24, 2021

Explaining to your child why behavior is wrong may not always work

A new University of Michigan study found that verbal reasoning can have both positive and negative outcomes on children's emotional development. While it promoted prosocial behavior, it also increased aggression and distraction. Positive discipline methods like providing structure and open communication are recommended instead.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Development·DateJan 29, 2021

Squirrels need good neighbours

A study on North American red squirrels found that keeping the same neighbors boosts survival rates and breeding success, even for solitary species. Familiarity with neighbors reduces aggression and increases territory defense efficiency, benefiting overall fitness.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 17, 2020

The very hungry, angry caterpillars

Researchers observed that monarch caterpillars become more aggressive in the absence of milkweed, their primary food source. The study revealed that limited food availability triggers an attack response among caterpillars, highlighting a previously unexplored aspect of insect behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateNov 19, 2020

Most dentists have experienced aggression from patients

A new study by NYU College of Dentistry found that half of US dentists experienced verbal or reputational aggression in the past year, while nearly a quarter endured physical aggression. The rates of patient aggression toward dentists are high and comparable with those reported in other health care settings.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Journal of the American Dental Association·DateOct 26, 2020

Being a selfish jerk doesn't get you ahead, research finds

Two 14-year longitudinal studies found that people with disagreeable personality traits, such as being combative and manipulative, are not more likely to achieve power than those who are nice. In contrast, extroverts were the most likely to advance in their organizations based on sociability, energy, and assertiveness.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

Public does not grasp idea of 'futile treatment' for critically ill patients

A new UCLA study reveals that most laypersons misunderstand the concept of 'futile treatment,' a crucial discussion for families making end-of-life decisions. The research highlights the need for increased public engagement on this issue, particularly in resource-scarce healthcare systems like during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 29, 2020

Zoology: Western gorillas may be territorial

A study in Scientific Reports suggests western gorillas may be territorial, with groups defending the centers of their home ranges against neighboring groups. The authors monitored eight groups across a 60 km2 area and found that gorillas tend to avoid feeding areas visited by other groups the previous day.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 12, 2020