Religion

  • Ecologists uncover significant ecological impact of hybrid grouper release through religious practices
    on January 19, 2025 at 11:32 pm

    Ecologists have identified significant ecological risks associated with the release of hybrid groupers into Hong Kong's coastal waters, a practice often linked to religious 'mercy release' rituals. Their study highlights how the Tiger Grouper-Giant Grouper hybrid (TGGG), also known as the Sabah grouper, disrupts local marine ecosystems by exploiting unique ecological niches and potentially becoming a dominant predator. This research, the first to use advanced DNA metabarcoding to analyze the diet of this hybrid species, underscores the urgent need for public education and conservation measures to mitigate unintended ecological impacts.

  • Lost score revives sound of music and voices from centuries past
    on December 18, 2024 at 6:21 pm

    A fragment of 'lost' music found in the pages of Scotland's first full-length printed book is providing clues to what music sounded like five centuries ago. Scholars have been investigating the origins of the musical score -- which contains only 55 notes -- to cast new light on music from pre-Reformation Scotland in the early sixteenth-century. Researchers say the tantalizing discovery is a rare example of music from Scottish religious institutions 500 years ago, and is the only piece which survives from the northeast of Scotland from this period.

  • Only certain paranormal beliefs may be linked with more stress and distress
    on November 13, 2024 at 9:08 pm

    In a new study, feelings of distress and reduced ability to cope with stress were associated with traditional paranormal beliefs, but not with new age philosophy.

  • Multilingual gossip in Elizabethan London
    on September 24, 2024 at 5:12 pm

    Stranger churches in early modern London had 'eyes everywhere' to hear, spread and dispel gossip in multiple languages, according to new research.

  • 'Out-of-body' research could lead to new ways to promote social harmony
    on September 9, 2024 at 3:30 pm

    Out-of-body experiences, such as near-death experiences, can have a 'transformative' effect on people's ability to experience empathy and connect with others, new research explains.

  • Crucial insights on loneliness and death ideation among older adults
    on August 28, 2024 at 3:44 pm

    New research highlights the growing problem of death ideation and the increasing rates of both loneliness and suicidal thoughts among older individuals. The study explores the critical issue of social disconnection and its link to a 'wish to die' among older adults.

  • Growth from adversity: How older adults bounced back from the COVID-19 pandemic
    on August 20, 2024 at 4:44 pm

    The study highlights the remarkable resilience of older adults (median age 86) during the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions to their routines led many to discover new hobbies like gardening and painting and explore virtual activities such as online yoga. While 51% experienced psychosocial issues such as anxiety and depression, 86% did not see worsening of their medical conditions and supported pandemic precautions. Despite the hardships, including the loss of residents and increased use of antidepressants and telehealth, many found joy and growth in their altered circumstances.

  • Perceived warmth, competence predict callback decisions in meta-analysis of hiring experiments
    on July 10, 2024 at 11:53 pm

    Perceived warmth and competence predict the influence of race, gender and age on callback decisions, suggesting social perceptions might underlie such hiring bias, according to a new meta-analysis.

  • Ritual sacrifice at Chichén Itzá
    on June 12, 2024 at 3:32 pm

    Rising to power in the wake of the Classic Maya collapse, Chichen Itz was among the largest and most influential cities of the ancient Maya, but much about its political connections and ritual life remain poorly understood. Close kin relationships, including two pairs of identical twins, suggests a connection to the Maya origin myths of the Popol Vuh.

  • The Protestant Work Ethic could explain a liking for 'natural' healthcare
    on June 6, 2024 at 7:09 pm

    A strong belief in the Protestant Work Ethic might underpin the decision-making of many people choosing 'natural' approaches to healthcare, new research suggests. Academics say their paper identifies the role of psychological factors in health choices ranging from a preference for vaginal birth -- over caesarean sections -- to 'natural' cold and flu remedies. In the latter case, the preference holds even if the chemical composition of natural remedies may be identical to compounds synthesised in the laboratory.

  • Thinking about God inspires risk-taking for believers, study finds
    on December 14, 2023 at 6:26 pm

    Does thinking about faith make religious people more likely to take leaps? A new study says yes, finding that participants were more likely to take risks when thinking about God as a benevolent protector.  The study specifically looked at American Christians and 'morally neutral' risks. 

  • 'A ticking clock': First ground-based survey of damage to Ukrainian cultural sites reveals severity, need for urgency
    on December 13, 2023 at 8:52 pm

    And after nearly two years of fighting, war is destroying Ukraine’s cultural heritage on a scale not seen since World War II, according to new research.

  • New heat map charts unequal civic opportunity in the United States
    on November 13, 2023 at 4:16 pm

    People in many parts of the United States possess few chances for the robust community engagement that underpins healthy democracies, according to a new report that for the first time maps civic opportunity across the country. The heat map reveals patterns of inequality in civic opportunity tied to race, class, immigration status and education.

  • Brain injury expert says important changes still needed to law defining death despite reform pause
    on October 26, 2023 at 2:34 am

    After surveying the views expressed by 41 advocacy, medical, and transplant-focused organizations on the Uniform Determination of Death Act, a brain injury expert is calling for much-needed reforms to the legal definition of death in the United States.

  • Curiosity about religion is viewed as morally virtuous, new research finds
    on September 21, 2023 at 2:58 pm

    People from diverse religious backgrounds in the United States view curiosity about religion as morally virtuous, according to new research. Atheists also view this curiosity as moral, although less moral than a lack of religious curiosity.

  • Emphasizing the need for energy independence could change the views of climate deniers, study says
    on August 30, 2023 at 8:08 pm

    Emphasising the need for energy independence and environmental stewardship could help to change people’s minds about the climate crisis, a new study says.

  • Robot preachers get less respect, fewer donations
    on July 24, 2023 at 4:26 pm

    As artificial intelligence expands across more professions, robot preachers and AI programs offer new means of sharing religious beliefs, but they may undermine credibility and reduce donations for religious groups that rely on them.

  • High infant mortality rates and global human population rise
    on February 22, 2023 at 7:11 pm

    New research showing high infant mortality rates are contributing to an incessant rise of the global human population supports arguments for greater access to contraception and family planning in low- and middle-income nations.

  • Social group values are most readable in the way we write, new research finds
    on December 12, 2022 at 7:07 pm

    Analyzing the style of language used by social groups could offer insight into their values and principles that goes beyond what they publicly say about themselves.

  • Five precepts of Buddhism may be linked to lower depression risk
    on November 30, 2022 at 8:15 pm

    A new study suggests that people with high levels of neuroticism and stress may be at greater risk for depressive symptoms, but those links could be buffered for people who observe the five precepts of Buddhism -- a fundamental system of ethics for the religion's followers.

  • Witchcraft beliefs are widespread, highly variable around the world, study finds
    on November 24, 2022 at 12:37 am

    A newly compiled dataset quantitatively captures witchcraft beliefs in countries around the world, enabling investigation of key factors associated with such beliefs.

  • Learning science in a hurry
    on November 7, 2022 at 4:44 pm

    With the onset of the coronavirus pandemic, people were plunged into a situation that required them to acquire information about an emerging scientific issue to assess the adequacy of government actions and programs of significant personal import to each individual.

  • Vaccine confidence declined considerably during COVID-19 pandemic, study reveals
    on November 7, 2022 at 1:33 pm

    Researchers comparing pre and post-pandemic surveys have found confidence in vaccinations is considerably lower post pandemic among all demographic groups.

  • People with paranormal beliefs spooked by science and the COVID-19 vaccine, sociologists suggest
    on October 26, 2022 at 5:49 pm

    Previous research has shown that people with conservative religious beliefs are more likely to lack confidence in the COVID-19 vaccine, but most studies have observed only mainstream or institutionalized religious forms. Researchers were curious whether paranormal beliefs -- beliefs in astrology and spirits, for instance -- would be associated with a similar lack of confidence.

  • Climate change is making the Arba'een pilgrimage dangerously hot
    on October 19, 2022 at 9:22 pm

    Hotter Iraqi summers could make dangerous heat commonplace for millions of Shia Muslim pilgrims according to a new study.

  • Amber fossils from Myanmar
    on October 19, 2022 at 3:14 pm

    Myanmar, a country in Southeast Asia, is plagued by political and economic crises. The fall of a president, a military putsch and the crackdown on religious minorities have had an impact not only on life but also on research in the country. One area of research that has been particularly affected is research into fossils preserved in amber. Researchers have conducted a case study proving the negative impact political conflicts have on research. They examined scientific publications from the last three decades describing fossils in amber from Myanmar. Their results indicate that the increased research interest in Myanmar amber is explicitly linked to major political, legal and economic changes.

  • Lower mortality rates for men 50-plus who attend religious services, study suggests
    on September 30, 2022 at 12:40 am

    Can regularly attending religious services actually extend your life? A new study suggests that men of color are discovering life affirming -- and life extending -- rewards of belonging to a community of worship.

  • Typical movement behavior at large events increases risk of spreading infectious diseases
    on September 15, 2022 at 2:47 pm

    What is the typical movement behavior of visitors to large events, such as concerts, and what does this mean for the risk of spreading infectious diseases like COVID-19? Researchers set out to investigate using data from events in a large stadium in Amsterdam.

  • Religiousness, spirituality linked to better heart health among African Americans
    on August 24, 2022 at 2:29 pm

    In a study of nearly 3,000 African American adults, those who reported more frequent church attendance, private prayer and 'feeling God's presence' were more likely to meet the American Heart Association's key metrics for optimal cardiovascular health, compared to others reporting less frequent religious participation or no such beliefs. Researchers note this is the first evidence that strong religious beliefs and spirituality may have beneficial effects on the heart health of African American men and women.

  • Overconfidence bolsters anti-scientific views, study finds
    on July 20, 2022 at 11:37 pm

    Historically, the scientific community has relied on educating the public in order to increase agreement with scientific consensus. New research suggests why this approach has seen only mixed results.

  • Being mindful can improve your interactions with co-workers, new study finds
    on June 29, 2022 at 4:11 pm

    Although mindfulness originates within an individual, a new study has found the benefits do not end with this person. The real payoffs emerge when an individual's mindfulness is translated into mindful interactions and relationships. Such interactions -- infused with intentionality, compassion and presence -- can bring about more harmonious and healthy organizations.

  • Historic graffiti made by soldiers sheds light on Africa maritime heritage, study shows
    on May 6, 2022 at 6:11 pm

    Historic graffiti of ships carved in an African fort were drawn by soldiers on guard duty watching the sea, experts believe.

  • Research helps provide scientific framework for psilocybin use in therapeutic settings
    on April 11, 2022 at 2:12 pm

    A new paper provides a scientific framework to help shape the rollout of a program in Oregon that will legally permit the use of psilocybin for therapeutic reasons.

  • Disbelief in human evolution linked to greater prejudice and racism
    on April 4, 2022 at 8:46 pm

    A disbelief in human evolution was associated with higher levels of prejudice, racist attitudes and support of discriminatory behavior against Blacks, immigrants and the LGBTQ community in the U.S., according to recent research.

  • Spirituality can improve quality of life for heart failure patients, study finds
    on March 28, 2022 at 6:10 pm

    Numerous studies have shown that spirituality can help improve quality of life for people with chronic diseases like cancer. According to a literature review, spirituality can also have a positive impact on quality of life for heart failure patients.

  • Mindfulness meditation can reduce guilt, leading to unintended negative social consequences, study finds
    on March 4, 2022 at 3:10 pm

    Mindfulness meditation is a stress-management practice with ancient lineage that cultivates nonjudgmental awareness of the present moment, often by directing attention to the physical sensations of breathing. But there may be an unanticipated downside to secular mindfulness meditation practices, according to new research.

  • Small measures can be a big help for children of mothers with depression
    on December 20, 2021 at 1:31 pm

    Several new studies among Syrian refugee families in Turkey and families with infants in Sweden and Bhutan show that children of mothers in poor mental health risk falling behind in their cognitive development. However, very small changes can suffice to break this correlation and enable the children to return to their normal developmental level. Having plenty of people around them and an available community are two of the most important factors for helping children, in all three countries.

  • Maya rulers put their personal stamp on monumental complexes
    on September 21, 2021 at 5:43 pm

    Early Maya cities featured monumental complexes, which centered on a shared form of religion but these complexes transformed radically once kingship emerged in 400 B.C. To solidify their power, rulers throughout the Maya lowlands would change these complexes, installing their mark on the landscape and reshaping how people remember it, according to a new study.

  • Evolution now accepted by majority of Americans
    on August 20, 2021 at 3:10 pm

    The level of public acceptance of evolution in the United States is now solidly above the halfway mark, according to a new study based on a series of national public opinion surveys conducted over the last 35 years.

  • Brain circuit for spirituality?
    on July 1, 2021 at 11:52 pm

    Using datasets from neurosurgical patients and those with brain lesions, researchers mapped lesion locations associated with spiritual and religious belief to a specific human brain circuit.

  • Sacred natural sites protect biodiversity in Iran
    on June 18, 2021 at 1:16 pm

    How much do traditional practices contribute to the protection of local biodiversity? Why and how are sacred groves locally valued and protected, and how can this be promoted and harnessed for environmental protection? Researchers have examined the backgrounds of this form of local environmental protection in Baneh County, Iran.

  • Mindfulness can make you selfish
    on April 14, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    A new article demonstrates the surprising downsides of mindfulness, while offering easy ways to minimize those consequences -- both of which have practical implications for mindfulness training.

  • Atheists and believers both have moral compasses, but with key differences
    on February 24, 2021 at 7:33 pm

    A new study suggests that, while atheists and theists share moral values related to protecting vulnerable individuals, atheists are less likely to endorse values that promote group cohesion and more inclined to judge the morality of actions based on their consequences.

  • Robotic dogs and laughter therapy: Combating loneliness and isolation while social distancing
    on February 17, 2021 at 8:11 pm

    Robotic dogs, laughter therapy and mindfulness are some of the ways that might help people -- particularly the elderly -- cope with loneliness and social isolation while social distancing, say researchers.

  • Inequality in medieval Cambridge was 'recorded on the bones' of its residents
    on January 26, 2021 at 12:18 am

    Evidence of 'skeletal trauma' among over 300 individuals from three very different cemeteries reveals varying levels of physical hardship across the social spectrum of Cambridge, UK, between the 10th and 14th century.

  • Religion, psychology share methods for reducing distress, study finds
    on January 8, 2021 at 4:10 pm

    Religious people facing life crises rely on emotion-regulation strategies that psychologists also use, a new study finds. They look for positive ways of thinking about hardship, a practice known to psychologists as 'cognitive reappraisal.' They also tend to have confidence in their ability to cope with difficulty, a trait called 'coping self-efficacy.' Both have been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.

  • Early COVID-19 cases in Southern California linked to New York
    on October 8, 2020 at 1:16 pm

    Most COVID-19 (coronavirus) patients in Southern California during the early months of the pandemic appear to have been infected by a variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus introduced to the region from New York state via Europe, not directly from China.

  • Smartphone surveys find a connection between daily spiritual experiences and well-being
    on October 2, 2020 at 5:05 pm

    Using smartphone check-ins twice a day for two weeks, sociologists in a national U.S. study have found a link between individuals' daily spiritual experiences and overall well-being, say researchers.

  • Loneliness levels high during COVID-19 lockdown
    on September 24, 2020 at 6:16 pm

    During the initial phase of COVID-19 lockdown, rates of loneliness among people in the UK were high and were associated with a number of social and health factors, according to a new study.

  • Unconscious learning underlies belief in God, study suggests
    on September 9, 2020 at 12:59 pm

    Individuals who can unconsciously predict complex patterns, an ability called implicit pattern learning, are likely to hold stronger beliefs that there is a god who creates patterns of events in the universe, according to neuroscientists.

  • Atheists are more likely to sleep better than Catholics and Baptists, study finds
    on August 29, 2020 at 12:49 am

    A new study of sleep, religious affiliation, and perceptions of heaven found that atheists and agnostics are significantly more likely to be better sleepers than Catholics and Baptists.

  • When it comes to supporting candidates, ideology trumps race and gender
    on August 24, 2020 at 1:20 pm

    Voters who express prejudice against minorities and women are still more likely to support candidates who most closely align with their ideologies, regardless of the race or sex of such candidates, according to new research.

  • Mindfulness improves decision-making, attention in children with autism
    on June 3, 2020 at 2:05 pm

    School-based mindfulness programs show promise in teaching children with autism to better control impulses, according to new research.

  • Regularly attending religious services associated with lower risk of deaths of despair, study finds
    on May 6, 2020 at 5:36 pm

    People who attended religious services at least once a week were significantly less likely to die from 'deaths of despair,' including deaths related to suicide, drug overdose, and alcohol poisoning, according to new research.

  • Some surprisingly good news about anxiety
    on January 7, 2020 at 6:18 pm

    Anxiety disorders are the most common type of psychiatric illness, yet researchers know very little about factors associated with recovery. A new study investigated three levels of recovery in a large, representative sample of more than 2,000 Canadians with a history of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).

  • Increase in calls to US poison control for natural psychoactive substances
    on November 27, 2019 at 2:39 am

    A new study found there were more than 67,300 calls to US Poison Control Centers regarding exposures to natural psychoactive substances. The study looked at calls from January 2000 through December 2017, which totaled an average of 3,743 exposures each year, or approximately 10 calls every day.

  • Prayers can crowd out donations for disaster victims
    on November 26, 2019 at 2:27 pm

    A new study finds that people who prayed for hurricane victims before donating gave less than they would have otherwise: Because those who prayed believed that prayers improved the victims' well-being, they donated less.

  • What we can learn from Indigenous land management
    on November 5, 2019 at 12:58 pm

    First Nations peoples' world view and connection to Country provide a rich source of knowledge and innovations for better land and water management policies when Indigenous decision-making is enacted, Australian researchers say. Incorporating the spirit and principles of Aboriginal people's appreciation and deep understanding of the landscape and its features has been overlooked or sidelined in the past - to the detriment of the environment, the report says.

  • Psychology of attraction to religious deities and super-heroes
    on September 30, 2019 at 2:10 pm

    A new psychological study has addressed centuries-old questions about how and why supernatural beings are worshipped.

  • Rising summer heat could soon endanger travelers on annual Muslim pilgrimage
    on August 22, 2019 at 2:38 pm

    Over two million Muslim travelers just finished the annual religious pilgrimage to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, traveling during some of the country's hottest weather. New research finds pilgrims in future summers may have to endure heat and humidity extreme enough to endanger their health.

Sarah Ibrahim