Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Social media and self-harm: Study finds need for more control over content and safe spaces for connection and support

A study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that potential harms co-exist with opportunities for crisis support on social media platforms. Researchers are calling for more control over content and safe spaces for connection and support, with a focus on empowering young people to make informed online choices.

SourceSwansea University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSurvey·DateAug 11, 2026

UC3M study analyzes crime rates by nationality and debunks its link to immigration

A UC3M study finds that crime rates are not linked to immigration status, but rather to demographic factors such as age and gender. The research also highlights the need to standardize crime rates to make valid comparisons and concludes that regularization policies can be effective security tools.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalRevista Española de Investigaciones Sociológicas·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 2, 2026

Unveiling a ‘conspiracy of silence’ surrounding Johnny Kitagawa’s crimes of sexual abuse

A recent study examines the mechanisms behind Japan's prolonged silence on Johnny Kitagawa's crimes, characterizing it as a 'conspiracy of silence.' The research reveals that structural factors, including media networks and government policies, contributed to this silence. Key findings include the avoidance of negative coverage by tele...

SourceDoshisha University·JournalJapan Forum·TypeCase study·DateApr 2, 2026

Why March Madness is a perfect storm for betting

A new study found that people are more likely to place bets during weeks with major sporting events when they believe their friends are doing the same. Researchers say early intervention is key to preventing harmful betting patterns, as it can be associated with depression, anxiety, and increased substance use. The study, led by Univer...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Gambling Studies·TypeSurvey·DateMar 11, 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

Pay gap among academics does not stop at university

A new study by Radboud University and the University of Groningen found that PhD graduates, particularly women, experience a persistent pay gap outside academia. Women earn an average of 171 euros less per month immediately after obtaining their doctorate, with this disparity increasing over time.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalResearch in Social Stratification and Mobility·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

People from low-income communities smoke more, are more addicted and are less likely to quit

Research found that people experiencing economic disadvantages are more likely to smoke cigarettes, have higher levels of tobacco addiction, and find it harder to quit. Electronic cigarettes were the most common aid to help people quit, but those who rented or owned their houses had lower odds of quitting successfully.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Halting COVID-related SNAP benefits left families struggling to afford food, household expenses

A new study reveals that states ending emergency SNAP benefits during the pandemic led to increased difficulty affording food and household expenses, especially for households with children. This reduction in funding threatens the health and well-being of millions of families reliant on the program.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateSep 22, 2025

How stress and social struggles fuel America’s obesity crisis

A new scientific review reveals that stress, hardship, and social challenges reshape a person's gut bacteria and brain performance, making it harder to keep weight off. Social determinants of health play a key role in obesity risk, and addressing these conditions is crucial for long-term solutions.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalClinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 4, 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

At your service: How older adults embrace demand-responsive transportation

A study found that social influence and trust play key roles in older adults' adoption of demand-responsive transportation. The research, conducted in Senboku New Town, Osaka, revealed significant relationships between behavioral intention and performance expectancy among older people.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 26, 2025

Cold-related deaths in the US

A study published in JAMA found that cold-related deaths increased by over 100% in the US between 1999 and 2022, with factors such as homelessness, social isolation, and substance use playing a role. The authors suggest that further research is needed to understand the underlying drivers of this trend.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateDec 19, 2024

Women at risk of ‘digital overload’ – new research reveals

A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.

SourceLancaster University·JournalCommunity Work & Family·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 8, 2024

Can the bias in algorithms help us see our own?

A new study by Carey Morewedge and colleagues found that people are more likely to recognize bias in algorithmic decisions than their own. This is because algorithms can codify and amplify human bias, but also reveal structural biases in society. The research suggests ways to increase awareness of biases and correct them.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateApr 9, 2024

Study shows background checks don’t always check out

A new study by University of Maryland researchers found that background checks can produce inaccurate results due to flawed data and algorithmic errors. The study showed that over half of participants had false-positive errors and nearly 90% had false-negative errors on both regulated and unregulated background checks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCriminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 15, 2024

Study IDs ways to better help children experiencing homelessness

Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 47 parents experiencing homelessness to understand accessibility challenges of social-emotional health services for their children. Key findings include the importance of acknowledging parental strengths and positive interactions with support people in promoting child development.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSocial and Emotional Learning Research Practice and Policy·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 6, 2024

Disadvantaged children’s struggles at school have “little to do” with character, attitude or a lack of ‘growth mindset’

A global study of 240,000 students challenges the widespread policy conviction that bridging the academic gap hinges on improving socio-emotional skills. Despite high levels of socio-emotional skills among disadvantaged children, their relative underperformance at school remains largely unchanged.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSociology of Education·DateDec 18, 2023