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The Lancet Psychiatry: Increasing number of US adults using marijuana as fewer people perceive the drug as harmful

A study published in The Lancet Psychiatry found that the number of US adults using marijuana increased between 2002 and 2014, with a corresponding decrease in perceived risk of harm. Despite this, the prevalence of marijuana use disorders remained stable, highlighting the need for effective education and prevention messages.

SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Psychiatry·DateAug 31, 2016

Four new research units established

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is establishing four new Research Units, focusing on climate-related extinction events, individual risk perception, human impact on high-altitude ecosystems, and resilience in pre-modern societies. The units will receive approximately €7 million in funding for the first period.

Safety last?

A study by Cornell researchers found that consumers tend to ignore food safety risks if they conflict with their preferred products, rather than changing their behavior. The study showed that risk information alone is not enough to get consumers to alter their behavior.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalCanadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d agroeconomie·DateNov 24, 2015

Predictors of climate change awareness and risk perception vary around the globe

Researchers analyzed data from 119 countries, finding that education is the strongest predictor of climate change awareness globally. In contrast, understanding human causes of climate change is a stronger predictor of risk perception in Latin America and Europe, while local temperature changes are more important in Africa and Asia.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Climate Change·DateJul 27, 2015

Sense of invalidation uniquely risky for troubled teens

A new study suggests that a moderate to high perception of family invalidation is a statistically significant predictor of a later suicide event among boys. Strong peer invalidation also predicts engagement in self-harm behaviors in the overall group, according to researchers.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Child and Adolescent Psychopharmacology·DateOct 2, 2014

Risk is much more than a game

Researchers develop a new framework for risk assessment that incorporates sociological perspective and human risk perception, leading to more effective mitigation plans. The framework helps decision-makers understand public perception of natural hazards, resulting in better policy decisions.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Risk Assessment and Management·DateMay 23, 2014

Repeat sternotomy for aortic valve replacement safe option for octogenarian patients

Repeat sternotomy is a low-risk surgical option for octogenarian patients who have had previous coronary artery bypass graft surgery. The study found similar results in terms of operative morbidity and mortality between repeat sternotomy and primary sternotomy and surgical aortic valve replacement.

SourceAmerican Association for Thoracic Surgery·JournalJournal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery·DateMar 26, 2014

Safe sex practices among African American women

Research reveals African American women exhibit higher risk for HIV/AIDS due to lower condom use expectations. The study suggests tailored interventions addressing mediators like self-esteem and coping are crucial in increasing condom use, particularly in high-risk casual relationships.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateJan 31, 2013

Human-tiger conflict: Are the risks overestimated?

A new study published in Springer's Human Ecology journal explores the complex web of factors increasing perceived risk of tiger attack in the Sundarbans of Bangladesh. The researchers found that poverty-related issues, such as low incomes and poor infrastructure, significantly influence villagers' perceptions of risk from tigers.

SourceSpringer·JournalHuman Ecology·DateJan 21, 2013

Feared spinal X-ray found to be safe, study shows

A study published in Neurology has shown that spinal digital subtraction angiography is safe and effective, ruling out misdiagnosis of inflammation and transverse myelitis. The procedure, considered the gold standard for vascular disorders near the spine, was found to have no reported cases of stroke or kidney damage in 302 patients.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeurology·DateSep 14, 2011

More talk, less agreement: Risk discussion can hurt consensus-building on science/technology

A new study from North Carolina State University reveals that discussing risks associated with scientific endeavors can make people more entrenched in their viewpoints and less open to others' perspectives. The research found that individuals who oppose a facility are more likely to become even more opposed after discussion, while thos...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateNov 4, 2010

Patients say 'no thanks' to risky medical treatments

A recent study found that increasing patient responsibility for medical decisions decreases their willingness to accept risky treatments. Patients who were presented with choices reported higher worry about risks and lower uptake of treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalArthritis Care & Research·DateNov 30, 2009

New infectious diseases -- what's the risk?

People take precautions when aware of risk and believe effective actions are available; accurate communication is key to prevent mass scares. The journal review highlights the importance of risk perception in health behavior theories.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Medicine·DateMay 19, 2009

People in the US and the UK show strong similarities in their attitudes toward nanotechnologies

A new US-UK study reveals that people in both countries hold positive views of nanotechnologies, with a focus on energy applications. The research found that participants were more optimistic about the future contribution of new technologies to society and exhibited a high degree of comfort with energy applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 9, 2008

Workplace autopilot threatens security risk perception

A study by University of Leeds researchers found that human psychology and automatic pilot can compromise data security. Employees tend to oversimplify risks and fail to consider consequences, leading to errors. To improve security, organisations should design systems with user involvement and implement triggers for critical thinking.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 8, 2008

Our brand is better than their brand

A new study by Anne Roggeveen, Dhruv Grewal, and Gerry Gotlieb found that positive framing in comparative ads encourages consumers to thoroughly analyze message cues. In contrast, negative framing leads to biased thinking and a focus on extrinsic cues rather than objective measures like price.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 8, 2006