http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/conflict/ Summaries of scientific studies relating to armed conflict and the effects of conflict on society. en-us Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST Thu, 16 Feb 2012 01:05:02 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/conflict/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129151046.htm Do baby-faced opponents have a better chance of gaining your trust? By subtly altering fictional politicians' faces, researchers examined whether minor changes in appearance can affect people's judgment about "enemy" politicians and their offer to make peace. In the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the research showed that peace offers from baby-faced politicians had a better chance of winning over the opposing population than the exact same offer coming from more mature-looking leaders. Sun, 29 Jan 2012 15:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120129151046.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152134.htm Distrust and paranoia about government has a long history, and the feeling that there is a conspiracy of elites can lead to suspicion for authorities and the claims they make. For some, the attraction of conspiracy theories is so strong that it leads them to endorse entirely contradictory beliefs, according to a new study. Thu, 26 Jan 2012 15:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120126152134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm A new position statement issued by the American Academy of Neurology calls on neurologists to begin screening their patients for abusive or violent treatment by family, caretakers or others. Types of abuse include elder abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, cyberbullying and violence. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132812.htm "Be all you can be," the Army tells potential recruits. The military promises personal reinvention. But does it deliver? A new study finds that personality does change a little after military service -- German conscripts come out of the military less agreeable than their peers who chose civilian service. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125132812.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124113053.htm Prejudice against people from groups different than their own is linked to aggression for men and fear for women, suggests new research. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124113053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124113047.htm A young researcher had long been drawn to conflict -- not as a participant, but an observer. In 1994, while doing volunteer work in South Africa, he witnessed firsthand the turmoil surrounding the fall of apartheid; during a 2001 trip to visit friends in Sri Lanka, he found himself in the midst of the violent conflict between the Tamil Tigers and the Sri Lankan military. He is now exploring how longstanding conflict influences empathy for others. Tue, 24 Jan 2012 11:30:30 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120124113047.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118132332.htm A new study shows pregnant women exposed to armed conflict have a higher risk of giving birth to underweight babies. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 13:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118132332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113510.htm The double terrorist attack in Norway last July, which claimed 77 lives, has moved violent acts committed by single individuals up the political, media and now research agendas. Known as "lone wolf terrorism," these acts are carried out independently of established terrorist organizations. Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111215113510.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209171944.htm Research shows that feeling good about your country also makes you feel good about your own life -- and many people take that as good news. But a political scientist and a sociologist suspected that the positive findings about nationalism weren't telling the whole story. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209171944.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209150154.htm Terrorist attacks with chemical weapons are a real possibility, according to a new study. Thanks to their extensive knowledge of toxic agents, and how to treat those who have been exposed, pharmacists are an invaluable resource in the event of an actual or potential chemical weapons attack. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209150154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142027.htm Catching terrorists who detonate bombs may be easier by testing the containers that hide the bombs rather than the actual explosives, according to pioneering research. Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:20:20 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111208142027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142354.htm Humans play a far greater role in the fate of African elephants than habitat, and human conflict in particular has a devastating impact on these largest terrestrial animals, according to a new study. Thu, 10 Nov 2011 14:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111110142354.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101122358.htm Policy decisions and poor management have substantially undermined the US Los Alamos National Laboratory — and, consequently, U.S. national security, according to a new article. The article calls into question media and government stereotypes that have blamed Los Alamos’s scientists for the decline. Tue, 01 Nov 2011 12:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111101122358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025122617.htm Most likely, you would be disgusted if confronted with a picture of a man eating a mouthful of writhing worms. Or a particularly bloody wound. Or a horribly emaciated but still living body. But just how much disgust you feel may lend important insight into your personal political proclivities. In a new study, political scientists closely measured people's physiological reactions as they looked at a series of pleasant and unpleasant images. Participants who identified themselves as conservative -- and, in particular, those who said they were against gay marriage -- had strong physiological reactions when shown the gross pictures. Tue, 25 Oct 2011 12:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111025122617.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024213401.htm Teens who drink more than five cans of non-diet, fizzy soft drinks every week are significantly more likely to behave aggressively, new research suggests. This includes carrying a weapon and perpetrating violence against peers and siblings. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 21:34:34 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024213401.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024123006.htm A new study by economist Brian Knight explores the state-to-state flow of illegal firearms in America and examines the role of state gun regulations. He presents evidence of spillover effects associated with gun regulations, as with guns originating in Indiana and recovered during crime investigations in Illinois. Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111024123006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025748.htm Why did the approval ratings of President George W. Bush -- who was perceived as indecisive before September 11, 2001 -- soar over 90 percent after the terrorist attacks? Because Americans were acutely aware of their own deaths. Thu, 20 Oct 2011 02:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111020025748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018102706.htm Cyber war, long considered by many experts within the defense establishment to be a significant threat, if not an ongoing one, may never take place according to one expert. He argues that cyber warfare has never taken place, nor is it currently doing so and it is unlikely to take place in the future. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 10:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018102706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014104357.htm The key to avoiding a full scale world war lies in the story-telling abilities of great powers such as the United States, European Union, China and Russia, according to academics. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 10:43:43 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014104357.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080034.htm A new study into the use of social media in street protests and riots has revealed how it is effective for both protesters and police. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080034.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013153950.htm Workplace violence continues to be a topic of great importance to many companies, as tales of extreme cases hit the media. Today's human resources departments spend a great deal of time preparing for these cases. However, a new study questions whether time might be better invested in further investigation. Thu, 13 Oct 2011 15:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111013153950.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124019.htm After excessively violent events, shoot 'em up games regularly come under scrutiny. In Norway, several first-person shooter games disappeared from the market for a while after the killings. Does intense fighting on a flat screen display also result in aggressive behavior in real life? Researchers have found brain activity patterns in heavy gamers that differed from those of non-gamers. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 12:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012124019.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113802.htm Researchers have long claimed that physical abuse and marginalization lead to criminal activity. However, women in prison are taught to overlook socioeconomic issues and blame only themselves for their behavior, according to a new study. Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111012113802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011145711.htm Biometrics experts are developing a tool that can help law enforcement and military officials identify suspicious individuals at crime scenes. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 14:57:57 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011145711.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011121412.htm Today the citizens of Liberia will participate in just their second presidential election since the country emerged from a brutal civil war in 2003, and in such an environment the specter of violence or other unrest is never far away. But what if social media, a professor is asking, could identify and even help prevent dangerous situations from occurring? Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011121412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112805.htm A new study reveals how the delay computer users sometimes experience when making video calls over the internet can actually help communication in some circumstances, even though it is frustrating in many others. Researchers found that when two strangers first talked about an emotionally charged topic over a video connection with a one-second delay, they actually reported less frustration than did those who talked with no delay. Tue, 11 Oct 2011 11:28:28 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111011112805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010104045.htm Two postgraduate students from Northern Ireland have completed the first phase of a pioneering trip to assist in the treatment of psychological distress among child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010104045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004132704.htm On 22 July this year Norway was hit by two horrific acts of terrorism, carried out by a single individual. A total of 77 people died as a result of the bombing at the Government buildings in Oslo and the subsequent massacre of participants at a national Labour Party youth camp on nearby Utøya island. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 13:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004132704.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928185638.htm The EU Joint Research Centre (JRC) has developed a statistical modelling tool which allows the risk of conflict occurrence in developing countries to be analyzed. Combining online news reports with geographical satellite data, the tool establishes a link between natural resources and the risk of conflict. A key advance is the very detailed scale of the data (most being gathered to the square kilometer) and the fact that the modelling is based on the seriousness of the conflicts. When tested, the model successfully identified the correlation between resource-rich areas of land and occurrence of conflict. This approach has potential use in the European Commission's development aid planning and crisis prevention. Wed, 28 Sep 2011 18:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110928185638.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921120124.htm The Civil War -- already considered the deadliest conflict in American history -- in fact took a toll far more severe than previously estimated. That's what a new analysis of census data reveals. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921120124.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921115923.htm Throughout history, science and religion have appeared as being in perpetual conflict, but a new study suggests that only a minority of scientists at major research universities see religion and science as requiring distinct boundaries. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921115923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919074247.htm Gulf War Illness -- the chronic health condition that affects about one in four military veterans of the 1991 Gulf War -- appears to be the result of several factors, which differed in importance depending upon the locations where veterans served during the war, according to a new study. Mon, 19 Sep 2011 07:42:42 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110919074247.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913091546.htm Blood flow abnormalities found in the brains of veterans with Gulf War illness have persisted 20 years after the war, and in some cases have gotten worse, according to a new study. Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110913091546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104011.htm A specially commissioned set of essays, published in the September 2011 issue of the Geographical Journal, argues that in the years following the 9/11 terrorist attacks the world did change, but not always in ways anticipated by policy-makers and pundits. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104003.htm News coverage of Washington politicians and their rhetoric appears to have less influence on the American public compared to other news coverage, according to a study by a political scientist. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908104003.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908091418.htm Mounting casualities in America's nearly 10-year-old wars in Iraq and Afghanistan might seem to serve as a catalyst for people to denounce the war and demand a way out. But a new study into the psychology of "sunk-costs" finds that highlighting casualties before asking for opinions on these wars actually sways people toward a more pro-war attitude. This sunk-cost mindset may also expain why losers stay in the stock market. Thu, 08 Sep 2011 09:14:14 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110908091418.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907163912.htm Violent crime could be reduced significantly if policymakers at the local level limit the number of neighborhood liquor stores and ban the sale of single-serve containers of alcoholic beverages, according to separate U.S. studies. Wed, 07 Sep 2011 16:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110907163912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144602.htm A new article combines advanced supercomputing with a quarter-century of worldwide news to forecast and visualize human behavior, from civil unrest to the movement of individuals. Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110906144602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830082107.htm In a new longitudinal study of 265 mother-son pairs from low-income families in Pittsburgh, Pa., researchers found that mothers of boys who had a difficult temperament when they were toddlers reported that their relationships with the boys included a lot of conflict and lower levels of closeness over time. They also found that boys who experienced a lot of conflict with their mothers were more likely to engage in delinquent behavior as teens. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 08:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830082107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829114714.htm While most research into video games and aggressive behavior has focused on violent games, competitiveness may be the main video game characteristic that influences aggression, according to new research. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 11:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829114714.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110824191733.htm The public should view crowd estimation with skepticism, say the authors of a new study, as they suggest more reliable alternatives to current estimating methods. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 19:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110824191733.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110824131527.htm In the first study of its kind, researchers have linked a natural global climate cycle to periodic increases in warfare. The arrival of El Nino, which every three to seven years boosts temperatures and cuts rainfall, doubles the risk of civil wars across 90 affected tropical countries, and may help account for a fifth of worldwide conflicts during the past half-century, say the authors. Wed, 24 Aug 2011 13:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110824131527.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115640.htm Afghan patients treated at a US military hospital in Afghanistan often carry multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria, according to a new report. The findings underscore the need for effective infection control measures at deployed hospitals where both soldiers and local patients are treated, the study's authors say. Tue, 23 Aug 2011 11:56:56 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110823115640.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822121723.htm Newly published research examines the impact of armed conflict and military organization on child-morality rates. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822121723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162237.htm Implementing a command-directed casualty response system appears to be associated with reducing battlefield casualties, including killed-in-action deaths, casualties who died of wounds, and preventable combat deaths, according to a new report. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815101535.htm A new study uses -- for the first time -- recorded jailhouse telephone conversations between men charged with felony domestic violence and their victims to help reveal why some victims decide not to follow through on the charges. Researchers listened to telephone conversations between 17 accused male abusers in a Washington state detention facility and their female victims, all of whom decided to withdraw their accusations of abuse.  Mon, 15 Aug 2011 10:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815101535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804123841.htm Nearly half of college students who are U.S. military veterans reported thinking of suicide and 20 percent said they had planned to kill themselves -- rates significantly higher than among college students in general, according to a new study. Thu, 04 Aug 2011 12:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110804123841.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803092042.htm In the first U.S. nationwide study of stray-bullet shootings, researchers have quantified mortality and injury among victims of these unexpected events. Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110803092042.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162325.htm Former child soldiers from Northern Uganda who received a short-term trauma-focused intervention had a greater reduction of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder than soldiers who received other therapy, according to a new study. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162325.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162322.htm Residents of Sri Lanka who were internally displaced during the civil conflict that occurred in their country from 1983 to 2009 have a higher prevalence of war-related mental health conditions that include depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder, according to a new study. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162319.htm Patients with military-related, chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and symptoms that were not improved with use of an antidepressant medication did not experience a reduction in PTSD symptoms with use of the antipsychotic medication risperidone, according to a new study. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801111745.htm The push for campaign finance reform may be driven by a tendency to overestimate the power of political messages to influence other people's opinions, according to researchers. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801111745.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726190049.htm After a basic package of health services was introduced by Afghanistan's Ministry of Public Health, the development and performance of Afghanistan's health care services improved dramatically in many areas between 2004 and 2008, particularly in health service capacity and delivery of care. However, experts warn of the dangers of security issues for health staff and patients, which is seriously hampering progress, and argue that the likelihood of Afghanistan emerging from its fragile status is far from certain. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726190049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725162529.htm Raiding, triggered by political conflict in the 5th century BC, likely shaped the development of the first settlement that would classify as a civilization in the Titicaca basin in southern Peru, suggests a new study. Mon, 25 Jul 2011 16:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110725162529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721163027.htm In 2007, nearly two million children in the United States had at least one parent serving in the military. Military families and children, in particular, suffer from mental health problems related to long deployments. A new study suggests that parental military deployment is associated with impaired well-being among adolescents, especially adolescent boys. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 16:30:30 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721163027.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720151539.htm Instead of calming fears, the death of Osama bin Laden actually led more Americans to feel threatened by Muslims living in the United States, according to a new nationwide U.S. survey. In the weeks following the US military campaign that killed bin Laden, the head of the terrorist organization Al Qaeda, American attitudes toward Muslim Americans took a significant negative shift, results showed. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 15:15:15 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720151539.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720115250.htm Violent conflict disrupts all aspects of society, including the delivery of the most basic reproductive health services: prenatal and maternal care, family planning, prevention of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, abortions and emergency caesarian care. A new study demonstrates and quantifies the alarming gap between the desire of women in war-torn areas to limit their childbearing and the availability of resources and knowledge to enable them to do so. Wed, 20 Jul 2011 11:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110720115250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712211011.htm Many areas of the world are at war and both the conflict and aftermath have dire consequences for the health of people affected. Researchers report that while women in war-torn areas want access to family planning, these services are often not available at local hospitals or health centers. This can lead to further deprivation and unintended pregnancy. Tue, 12 Jul 2011 21:10:10 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110712211011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110708084008.htm Climate researchers have turned to the Allied bombing raids of the Second World War for a unique opportunity to study the effect thousands of aircraft had on the English climate at a time when civilian aviation remained rare. The study reveals how civilian and military records can help assess the impact of modern aviation on the climate today. Fri, 08 Jul 2011 08:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110708084008.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704174610.htm Children with a parent who was deployed in the US military efforts Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom for longer periods were more likely than children whose parents did not deploy to receive a diagnosis of a mental health problem, according to a new study. Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110704174610.htm