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Armed conflict is associated with an increased measles burden, both directly and indirectly through associations with lower socioeconomic development and greater population displacement, according to modelling study across 193 countries from 2000-2023

A modelling study across 193 countries found armed conflict is associated with a higher measles burden. The study also suggests that conflict has an indirect impact on the spread of measles through its effects on lower socioeconomic development and greater population displacement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 25, 2026

When safety starts with a text message

A study by the University of Texas at Arlington found that digital hotlines are providing anonymity, easy access, and a lower-pressure way for survivors to seek help. Advocates tailor their guidance to each person's situation, building a plan together while ensuring the survivor is in a safe space.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Interpersonal Violence·DateFeb 26, 2026

Archaeologists use X-rays to distinguish iron from different periods of America’s colonial past

A new study demonstrates that microscopic differences in iron can be spotted using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry, allowing archaeologists to identify the origin of Spanish iron objects. This technique follows a quiet revolution in southeast archaeology, where metal detectors have been adopted for large-scale survey work.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalInternational Journal of Historical Archaeology·DateAug 13, 2025

Test performance improves when children can exercise briefly beforehand, UNCG researchers find

A new study from UNCG researchers suggests giving children just nine minutes of high-intensity interval exercise can improve their academic performance. The study found that when the same 25 students engaged in this type of exercise, they scored significantly higher on a standardized test measuring verbal comprehension compared to when...

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Greensboro·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 11, 2025

Youth gun homicides doubled during second half of pandemic while adult rates returned to pre-COVID level

A new study finds that firearm homicide rates rose faster among youth than adults during the second half of the pandemic, with adolescent age groups showing no sign of decreasing. Gun violence prevention programs for school-aged children are urgently needed to address this persistent rise in firearm homicide rates.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2025

Internal displacement in Syria used to reshape the country’s political and social landscape, new study shows

A new study by the University of Exeter highlights how the Syrian regime systematically employed internal displacement as a military-political strategy to depopulate key areas and create new realities. This tactic has lasting post-war consequences, embedding displacement beyond immediate conflict and requiring policymakers to engage wi...

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalComparative Migration Studies·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 18, 2025

Study finds food deliveries to Gaza met nutritional standards, but distribution challenges persist

A new study in the Israel Journal of Health Policy Research found that food deliveries to Gaza between January and July 2024 exceeded international caloric and nutritional standards, except for dietary iron. Despite meeting energy and protein needs, distribution challenges prevented equitable access to food.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalIsrael Journal of Health Policy Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2025

Bystanders in a combat zone are treated as guilty until proven innocent

A study published in PLOS ONE found that people are more likely to assume unknown bystanders are enemy combatants than civilians, leading to a higher acceptance of collateral damage. The research suggests that this bias can result in civilian deaths and highlights the need for decision-makers to carefully evaluate their targets.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Truth and reconciliation: New study finds people less likely to acknowledge war crimes on social media

A new study has found that people are less likely to acknowledge war crimes on social media, citing fear of being stereotyped and judged. The research suggests that social media can be a barrier to post-conflict reconciliation, particularly when it comes to discussing the legacy of war.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Intervention and Statebuilding·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

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

Directly involved war veterans exhibit nearly twice the PTSD symptoms years after 2014 Israel-Gaza conflict, affecting parents' well-being

A study by Hebrew University researchers found that directly involved war veterans exhibited almost double the level of PTSD symptoms compared to indirectly active veterans. Parents of active veterans experienced heightened secondary traumatic stress, with mothers bearing a greater burden than fathers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalEuropean Journal of Psychotraumatology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 16, 2023

Was warfare responsible for the fall of small-scale societies?

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub found that periodic outbreaks of warfare can account for boom-bust patterns in population dynamics of early farming societies. The study suggests that social conflict played a crucial role in shaping the population dynamics of these societies, contrary to previous assumptions that climate chang...

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2023

Conflict in marriage less harmful for kids when dad keeps it constructive

A new study from the University of Illinois found that fathers who use constructive conflict resolution strategies show more involvement and warmth towards their children, leading to positive child development. This approach can help minimize stress and promote healthier family dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2023

Robots and Rights: Confucianism Offers Alternative

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University argue against granting rights to robots, instead suggesting a Confucian approach of assigning roles to promote teamwork and harmony. This alternative perspective recognizes the moral status of robots as entities capable of participating in rites and contributing to society.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateMay 25, 2023

A troubling reaction to school violence compounds the crisis

A recent study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine found that US high school students who experience violence at school are more likely to carry weapons. The study analyzed data from over 28,000 participants and found that nearly half of males who experienced violence carried a weapon, as did nearly a third of fema...

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2023

Life in a violent country can be years shorter and much less predictable – even for those not involved in conflict

A new study reveals that violent countries have significantly shorter life expectancies and more unpredictable lives, affecting both young people and women. The study finds a direct link between violence and lifetime uncertainty, highlighting the need to consider indirect effects of violence on mortality patterns.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 3, 2023

Rhino conservation in Nepal creates a burden for communities, infrastructure and other species, study warns

A new study by Michelle Szydlowski from the University of Exeter warns that rhino conservation efforts in Nepal are putting a burden on communities, infrastructure, and other species. The study found that successful anti-poaching campaigns have increased tourist numbers and rhino populations, but also led to human and animal casualties.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Ecotourism·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2022

New paper highlights the co-benefits of coordinating climate action and peacebuilding

A recent paper reveals that climate mitigation and peacebuilding can generate co-benefits, addressing the root causes of both conflict and climate change. The authors recommend collaboration between sectors to create a virtuous cycle, promoting social inclusion, economic opportunities, and conservation of natural environments.

Water wars: causes and possible solutions

Researchers from Politecnico di Milano investigated water's role in conflicts, focusing on socio-hydrological conditions and unequal resource use. The study provides a new methodological approach to understanding natural resource conflicts, with potential applications for creating more accurate representations of socio-ecological systems.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022

On the fence: New research taps rancher expertise on living with carnivores

Researchers collaborated with livestock producers, natural resource managers, and university-based researchers to develop effective fencing designs that reduce wildlife conflicts and prioritize human safety. The study highlights the importance of integrating diverse knowledge and experience to inform fencing projects.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeCase study·DateOct 4, 2022

Elephant tweets highlight divide on conservation issues

A recent study found that social media platforms like Twitter do not accurately reflect the most pressing threats to wild elephant populations, such as habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Local communities that live with elephants often face resentment due to their safety and livelihoods being at risk.

SourceGriffith University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 11, 2022

Zooming across the political divide

A UCLA study found that conversations between liberals and conservatives over Zoom can be meaningful and congenial, with participants reporting less conflict and stress. The presence of an ideological ingroup's audience can make conversations more conflicted, but even then, participants still find them more enjoyable.

Online parenting skills program shields children from adverse effects of divorce

A new online parenting skills program has been shown to reduce interparental conflict, improve quality of parenting, and decrease anxiety and depression symptoms in children of divorcing parents. The eNew Beginnings Program, adapted from a 30-year research study, benefits over 1 million children affected by divorce each year.

SourceArizona State University·JournalFamily Court Review·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 15, 2022