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Cities are getting hotter: 'Thermal Justice' offers a fairer way to adapt

Researchers propose 'Thermal Justice' framework to address heat-related inequalities, combining emergency measures with structural changes. The framework prioritizes exposed residents, accessible cooling, and worker protection during heatwaves, while retrofitting housing and expanding green infrastructure between heatwaves.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Climate Change·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateAug 19, 2026

New study reveals strict selection patterns in social relationships

Researchers found that humans are extremely selective when choosing friends and partners, evaluating all identity characteristics positively before entering a relationship. The study used data from high school friendships and marriages to validate its findings, revealing that factors like grade level, ethnic background, and age play a ...

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 13, 2026

Rethinking Europe’s nature reserves

Researchers propose incorporating local knowledge into nature conservation through a biocultural approach. This involves collaborating with local people, considering traditional land-use practices and their impact on protected areas.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalConservation Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 31, 2026

The brain region associated with moral inconsistency

Researchers identify the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) as the brain region associated with moral inconsistency. Studies show that individuals with less vmPFC activity are more likely to be morally inconsistent, indicating a failure to integrate moral knowledge into daily behavior.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 19, 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

The law turns a “blind eye” to the severe financial consequences of being in an abusive relationship, study warns

A new study by the University of Exeter warns that the current laws turn a 'blind eye' to the long-lasting financial consequences of domestic abuse. The research suggests that the law should be reformed to take into account the financial impacts of abuse when dividing assets, enabling enhanced awards for victim-survivors.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Law Policy and the Family·TypeObservational study·DateNov 5, 2025

Why teens defy—and how parents can help

Research shows that when parents model their own values and show understanding, teens are more likely to heed warnings about risky behavior. However, authentic parental values do not alone lead teens to stop their risky behaviors, but rather reduce defiance. When parents demonstrate their values in daily life, teens experience their wa...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·TypeSurvey·DateSep 10, 2025

New research says framing protests as fights for civil rights ‘backfires.’ So what might work?

A new study published in the American Sociological Review finds that framing modern social issues as attacks on civil rights decreases public support for government action. The researchers surveyed 7,500 California voters and found that civil rights framing was counterproductive across issues and beneficiaries, including Black people.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·TypeSurvey·DateJun 20, 2025

ELSI’s challenges in the era of advanced AI

The ELSI University Summit in Japan brought together experts to discuss challenges and prospects of responsible AI development. Key findings include the need for ethics-driven approaches, collaboration between academia and industry, and the importance of setting evaluation indicators for Responsible AI.

What values drive tech workers? New study shows they’re liberal– but not uniform

A new study reveals that tech workers' values are complex and diverse, with developers exhibiting a strongly liberal worldview. Non-developer tech workers tend to share more in common with other occupational elites. Understanding these values is crucial for shaping the ethics and impact of the tech industry.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 2025

Q&A: What universities can learn about navigating ideological tension from the history of same-sex domestic partner benefits

Researchers found that public universities in conservative states adjusted their policy decisions and justification frames to reduce backlash. In contrast, institutions in more progressive states often cited social justice arguments and framed their decisions around fairness and inclusion. These findings offer valuable lessons on how o...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalOrganization Science·DateMay 28, 2025

New research illustrates the relationship between moral outrage on social media and activism

A new study found that expressions of moral outrage on social media increase post virality but don't necessarily translate to petition signing behavior. Online expressions focusing on agency, group identity, and prosociality are more likely to generate signatures.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2025

How could artificial intelligence be used globally to increase fairness in the distribution of public social services?

The AI FORA project analyzed how AI-based social assessment varies across nine countries and four continents, highlighting the need for flexible, dynamic, and adaptive systems that reflect social stakeholders' perspectives. The research aims to improve AI in addressing fairness and discrimination issues in public social services.

Pro-life people partly motivated to prevent casual sex, study finds

A study found that pro-life people are partly motivated to prevent casual sex, contradicting the common assumption that sanctity-of-life concerns drive their views. The researchers suggest that pro-life positions are also influenced by a desire to discourage loose sexual norms and promote social values.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateMar 17, 2025

New research can help luxury brands counter the appeal of counterfeit goods

New research suggests that educating low-knowledge luxury consumers about the appeal of counterfeit goods can help combat the trillion-dollar counterfeit market. Consumers with high subjective knowledge in this domain are less likely to partake in counterfeits, while those with lower knowledge are more drawn to them.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2025

Brits still associate working-class accents with criminal behavior – study warns of bias in the criminal justice system

A recent study published in Frontiers in Communication reveals that people with non-standard accents are more likely to be associated with criminal behaviour, but perceptions vary between accents. The researchers found a significant link between class or status, negative traits, and expected behavior, particularly when it comes to crime.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateJan 17, 2025

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

Most US voters agree on basic human values – so is polarization exaggerated?

A recent study by the Universities of Bath and Essex reveals that a vast majority of American voters share fundamental values, with only 5% of extreme voters holding differing views. The researchers suggest that highlighting similarities between Republicans and Democrats can increase hope about the future and inspire trust.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeSurvey·DateJul 29, 2024

Public acceptance of adoption and surrogacy methods currently prohibited in UK increases if one or both parents are infertile - study

A new study from the University of Birmingham and the University of Nottingham found that the UK public is more accepting of adoption and surrogacy methods when one or both parents are infertile. The research showed significant increases in support for these methods, including planned private adoption and double donor surrogacy.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Bioethical Inquiry·TypeSurvey·DateJun 13, 2024

Human evolution and online morality

The internet exposes users to extreme morally relevant stimuli, causing empathy overload and public shaming. Research is needed on platform design features that sustain attention without inducing negative externalities.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 11, 2024

Family learning environments in Scandinavia: dimensions, types and socioeconomic profiles

Researchers identified four types of family learning environments in Scandinavian families, shaped by parental values and socioeconomic status. The study found that family activities, emotional climate, and everyday organisation play a crucial role in shaping children's learning environments. Four categories were developed: Expansive C...

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalBritish Journal of Sociology of Education·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024