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To advance human rights, consult neuroscience

Researchers at Brown University introduce 'dignity neuroscience,' arguing that universal rights are rooted in human brain science. The concept posits five core elements - agency, autonomy, and self-determination; freedom from want and fear; uniqueness; and unconditionality - which reflect fundamental features of the human brain.

SourceBrown University·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2021

A group’s moral values may help determine the likelihood of hate-motivated harmful acts

A study published in Nature Communications suggests that a county's moral values, particularly binding values, can predict the prevalence of hate groups and extreme behavioral expressions of prejudice. The research used geospatial modeling and psychological experimentation to analyze data from over 3,100 US counties.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2021

Teasing out the impact of Airbnb listings on neighborhood crime

A study found that Airbnb listings were associated with increased violence in Boston neighborhoods, but not with public social disorder or private conflict. The researchers suggest that the presence of short-term rentals may erode local social dynamics and lead to increased violence over time.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 14, 2021

Better pregnancy outcomes linked to reduction of armed conflict in Colombia

A new study has found that a ceasefire in Colombia led to better pregnancy outcomes for women who conceived after the conflict began. The analysis of over 3 million pregnancies found lower risks of stillbirths and perinatal mortality in areas with reduced conflict violence, highlighting the need for countries with long-running armed co...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJul 8, 2021

Emergency physician residents and health care workers at high risk of physical or verbal assault, new analysis shows

A new analysis found that 78% of healthcare workers experienced violent assault in the past year, with emergency physician residents facing a higher risk. The study highlights the need for improved workplace violence protocols and increased reporting to protect healthcare workers' mental health and safety.

SourceAmerican College of Emergency Physicians·JournalAnnals of Emergency Medicine·DateJun 28, 2021

How political bias impacts believing sexual assault victims

A study published in Violence Against Women found that political biases strongly influence attitudes towards sexual assault. Both Republicans and Democrats tend to blame victims more when strongly identifying with their party affiliation. The researchers also discovered that partisan identity often supersedes gender in shaping these at...

SourceSyracuse University·JournalViolence Against Women·DateJun 15, 2021

Keeping the peace

A new study suggests that peacekeeping patrols can increase individuals' optimism about cooperation with outgroups, making them more willing to engage in intergroup cooperation. This cooperation limits communal violence, promotes economic development, and bolsters social trust. The research, conducted by William Nomikos, found that UN ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateJun 15, 2021

Jebel Sahaba: A succession of violence rather than a prehistoric war

The Jebel Sahaba cemetery, 13 millennia old, was initially thought to be a testament to prehistoric warfare. However, recent analysis reveals a succession of violent episodes, likely exacerbated by climate change. The study found that individuals bore injuries from projectiles and repeated episodes of violence over their lifetimes.

SourceCNRS·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 27, 2021

Racial violence and the mental health of Black Americans

A new study analyzes the impact of highly publicized acts of racial violence on the mental health of Black Americans. Research suggests that experiencing racism, even vicariously, can harm mental and physical health, and that highly publicized anti-Black violence is strongly associated with poor mental health days among Black respondents.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

Fatal police violence nearby increases risk of preterm birth

A new study by researchers at UCSF found that fatal police violence near a pregnant woman's home increases the risk of preterm birth. The study analyzed records of 3.8 million pregnant women and found that deaths due to police violence, particularly among Black victims, were strongly associated with moderate or late preterm delivery.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPaediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology·DateMar 11, 2021

Hospital-based violence intervention program engages vulnerable populations

A hospital-based violence intervention program effectively engages vulnerable populations by addressing specific client needs. The study highlights the complexities of program attrition and altering life courses for victims of violence, emphasizing the need for targeted strategies to address upstream factors of community violence.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMar 8, 2021

Slutpage visits may be common among US college students

A survey of US college students found that one in three students may be viewing digital groups sharing nude or semi-nude photos without consent. The study suggests that university sexual violence prevention education should include discussions on these sites to address objectifying attitudes and justify sexual violence.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateFeb 24, 2021

What impact did police violence have on participation in the October 1, 2020 referendum?

A recent study by Toni Rodon and Marc Guinjoan found that police violence at polling stations reduced local turnout, but spurred higher participation in surrounding municipalities. The researchers also discovered a 'universal census' law allowed voters to cast ballots anywhere, contributing to the increase in nearby votes.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalPolitical Science Research and Methods·DateFeb 2, 2021

Study: Jumps in elementary school violence linked to increased student transfers

A new study finds that student exposure to violent crime in urban elementary schools is linked to higher transfer rates, particularly for less advantaged students. The study suggests that creating a safe school environment could reduce violence-related transfers and increase stability in enrollment patterns.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateNov 17, 2020

Raids and bloody rituals among ancient steppe nomads

A new study uncovers patterns of perimortem trauma in a Southern Siberian nomadic community from the 2nd-4th centuries CE, suggesting violence beyond warfare, including ritualistic practices. The research found that 25% of individuals died from interpersonal violence, with evidence of throat-slitting and scalping on some skeletal remains.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 18, 2020