http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/political_science/ Scientific viewpoint on politics. Read summaries of recent research on political parties, policies and projections. en-us Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:05:01 EST Thu, 26 Nov 2009 17:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/science_society/political_science/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123171420.htm Everybody likes a raise in pay. Even health care professionals, it appears. Now a new study reports that the performance ratings of patient care from 25 medical groups throughout California significantly improved after the start of a statewide pay-for-performance program in 2004. But not if incentives focus on your doctor's productivity. Tue, 24 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091123171420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106095642.htm Experts on both sides of the Atlantic applaud President Barack Obama and Swedish Prime Minister Fredrik Reinfeldt, representing the European Union (EU) Presidency, for establishing a transatlantic task force to address antibiotic resistance, an urgent and growing problem that threatens patient safety and public health worldwide. During a summit held this week in Washington, D.C., President Obama and Prime Minister Reinfeldt joined forces to address the urgency of the problem and the need for solutions by signing an international agreement that seeks cooperative ways in which the United States and EU countries can help combat the global health crisis. Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106095642.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025205016.htm Why did Barack Obama win the US election and did the fact he is over six feet tall influence the voters? Researchers argue that due to 'a hangover from our evolutionary past' factors like age, sex, height and weight play a major part in the determining our choice of leaders. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091025205016.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115151.htm People with relatively extreme opinions may be more willing to publicly share their views than those with more moderate views, according to a new study. The key is that the extremists have to believe that more people share their views than actually do, the research found. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091021115151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020181257.htm Young men who voted for Republican John McCain or Libertarian candidate Robert Barr in the 2008 presidential election suffered an immediate drop in testosterone when the election results were announced, according to a new study. In contrast, men who voted for the winner, Democrat Barack Obama, had stable testosterone levels immediately after the outcome. Wed, 21 Oct 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091020181257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015163553.htm A new study may give clues to why Republicans and Democrats disagree on nearly every aspect of health policies and reform. When looking at social factors that impact health, such as lack of neighborhood grocery stores or safe places to exercises, Republicans became less supportive of public health policies to prevent diabetes. The social factors increased Democrats' support. The findings show the same information can be polarizing. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091015163553.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007171737.htm Survey results show that while only 27 percent of adults currently support the US Senate Finance Committee's proposed health-care legislation, an amended bill could gain the majority's favor. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007171737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191320.htm Contracting private providers of health care services and giving cash incentives to patients are two strategies that have been proposed to increase access to health care in low income countries. In two new reviews of public health care policies in poor and middle income countries, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of these approaches for increasing use of health care services. The cash incentives review is the first ever systematic review on this subject. Tue, 06 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006191320.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164225.htm College students make strategic choices about where to vote, most prefer absentee ballots, and they are especially likely to vote absentee if their homes are in swing states, according to a new study of student absentee voting in the 2008 presidential election. The researchers found that students from swing states preferred home-state voting by an 8-to-1 ratio. Even students from non-swing states preferred to vote back home, by a 2-to-1 ratio. Fri, 02 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164225.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922123927.htm Significant weaknesses undermine the global community's abilities to prevent, detect early, and respond efficiently to potentially deadly species-crossing microbes, such as the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus sweeping the globe, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine and National Research Council. Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090922123927.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917144117.htm An analysis of public opinion polls and terrorist activity in 143 pairs of countries has shown for the first time that when people in one country hold negative views toward the leadership and policies of another, terrorist acts are more likely to be carried out. Fri, 18 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917144117.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908124628.htm Parenthood is pushing mothers and fathers in opposite directions on political issues associated with social welfare, from health care to education, according to new research. Wed, 09 Sep 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908124628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908125122.htm Among likely voters surveyed across the nation, about nine in 10 support the federal government adopting additional food safety measures, and 64 percent believe that imported foods are often or sometimes unsafe, according to a new poll. Tue, 08 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090908125122.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904103525.htm Homicide rates are closely linked to the form of political economy that runs a nation, according to a new study. Researchers claim that homicide rates are significantly higher in nations in neo-liberal politics where free market forces are allowed free rein, such as the USA, but are significantly lower in nations governed by social-democratic policies which still characterize most Western European nations. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904103525.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090821135020.htm In a new study, sociologists from four major research institutions focus on one of the most curious aspects of the 2004 presidential election: the strength and resilience of the belief among many Americans that Saddam Hussein was linked to the terrorist attacks of 9/11. Sun, 23 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090821135020.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142420.htm A new study finds that the 18- to 24-year-old demographic became more politically active during the 2008 U.S. election season through the use of new media, but that the young adults were not necessarily more knowledgeable about politics. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813142420.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817201948.htm A policy forum argues that 25 years of health care reforms in Mexico have increased insurance coverage but have not resulted in greater efficiency and have not significantly reduced health inequities despite their costs in a country that has huge divisions between the rich and the poor. Mon, 17 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817201948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810024831.htm Americans continue to pull away from organized religion, but the rate of departure previously reported may not have been as abrupt as originally thought, according to new research. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090810024831.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803185722.htm If the federal government implements a 2007 legal interpretation of the Endangered Species Act, the likely result will be a reduction in the number of species listed for protection, scientists say. Researchers analyzed potential effects of a legal memorandum issued in March 2007 by the Department of the Interior, which, among other points, advised the US Fish and Wildlife Service that only an endangered species' current range need factor into whether the species is listed for protection. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090803185722.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727110647.htm By a wide margin, health care leaders believe that individuals should have a choice of public and private health plans, and strongly support other central components of health reform such as innovative provider payment reform and a national insurance health exchange with strong standard-setting authority. Two-thirds (68 percent) of opinion leaders feel it is urgent to enact comprehensive health care reform this year, according to a recent survey. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727110647.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716113252.htm A group of 34 US Nobel Laureates is calling on President Obama to urge Congress to include the president's proposed $150 billion Clean Energy Technology Fund in the climate legislation it is considering. The climate bill approved by the House in June falls far short of this goal, they told the president in a letter sent to the White House July 16. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716113252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709124743.htm As the 40th anniversary of the moon landing approaches, a new report finds that overwhelming majorities of Americans believe that science has had a positive effect on society and that science has made life easier for most people. The public also rates scientists highly and believes government investments in science pay off in the long term. Fri, 10 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709124743.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709072913.htm Confidence in scientists amongst Swedes has dropped by 6 percentage points over the last year. Members of political parties at each end of the political spectrum, and young people, have the lowest confidence in scientists. Thu, 09 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090709072913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623143049.htm A survey of "small donors" during the 2008 presidential election reveals that Obama small donors were disproportionately female (56 percent) while McCain small donors were 61 percent male. Past studies of donors have found that men are more likely than women to give to candidates. Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623143049.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617123441.htm NIST, DOD, the intelligence community and the Committee on National Security Systems has released the first installment of a three-year effort to build a unified information security framework for the entire federal government. Wed, 17 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617123441.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604163620.htm Are you someone who squirms when confronted with slime, shudders at stickiness or gets grossed out by gore? If so, you might be politically conservative, according to two new studies. Fri, 05 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090604163620.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090520140412.htm To fulfill America's humanitarian obligations as a member of the international community and to invest in the nation's long-term health, economic interests, and national security, the United States should reaffirm and increase its commitment to improving the health of developing nations, says a new report from the Institute of Medicine. Wed, 20 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090520140412.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519134833.htm Standardized tests are a common choice for organizations looking for an objective way of fairly evaluating who is the best person for the job. But new research looking at the use of promotional exams with Ontario police officers shows that these tests may discourage candidates from applying and create anxiety that could hurt a candidate's performance. If this happens, the whole organization could be hurt, rather than helped by the promotions process. Tue, 19 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519134833.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090506110156.htm Unlike the post-election disappointment that has followed many election outcomes, the Obama presidency will likely break through a structural bias in American politics favoring the status quo and bring about significant changes in policy. This prediction is made by a new study grounded in a scientific theory of politics. Wed, 06 May 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090506110156.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429091630.htm A new study of finds that on the whole, teens consider civic activity to be obligatory. The study also reveals that boys place a higher priority on political activities while girls place a higher priority on community service. The study also shows that the more teens take part in civic activities, the less they see such involvement as a personal issue and the more they view it as an obligation. Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090429091630.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090424073734.htm Countries and policy leaders have new guidance on how and when to eliminate malaria, paving the way for the potential global eradication of the deadly disease. Fri, 24 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090424073734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409142252.htm Since Congress lifted a moratorium on offshore drilling last year, federal lawmakers have grappled with the issue of how best to regulate US ocean waters to allow oil, wave and wind energy development, while sustainably managing critical fisheries and marine animal habitats. Mon, 13 Apr 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090409142252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406102602.htm The 2008 presidential campaign season had the earliest statewide primaries and caucuses in memory. Now research shows that states may have good reason to push for an early contest. States that hold early presidential primaries or caucuses get a larger share of federal procurement spending, the new study says. But being early is not enough -- states must also pick the winner. Mon, 06 Apr 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406102602.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330123221.htm Survey experts working with the American Association for Public Opinion Research have identified several reasons polls picked the wrong winners in the 2008 presidential primary. Mon, 30 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090330123221.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326182123.htm Should the Internet be a tool to enable competent democratic citizenship or an information superhighway leading to global economic power? Europeans and Americans began with different visions, but by the beginning of the 21st century, the two approaches had dovetailed. Thu, 26 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090326182123.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323143906.htm Barack Obama's election could turn out to have negative consequences in addressing racial injustices in the United States, according to new research. Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090323143906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090318113614.htm In the last three decades, research across the social sciences has made great advances in the political economy of technological change (also called innovation or R&D). There exists a better understanding how domestic institutions shape R&D and innovation rates. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090318113614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090318113606.htm In Canada, campaign spending limits for candidates during a federal election are stipulated by the Canada Elections Act. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090318113606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312115055.htm Many state and local officials and private organizations are basing decisions -- such as how to build bridges or manage water supplies -- on the assumption that current climate conditions will continue, but that assumption is no longer valid.  Thu, 12 Mar 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312115055.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090225073213.htm Climate change will not be taken seriously until the media highlights its significance, say researchers. He believes the way the media handles issues like climate change shapes the public's perception of its importance. Limited coverage is unlikely to convince readers that climate change is a serious problem that warrants immediate and decisive action. Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090225073213.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220110910.htm In a startling result scientists find that more than 80 percent of the world's major armed conflicts from 1950-2000 occurred in regions identified as the most biologically diverse and threatened places on Earth. Sat, 21 Feb 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090220110910.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090219080750.htm A comprehensive set of insurance, payment and system reforms could guarantee affordable health insurance coverage, improve health outcomes and slow the growth of health spending by $3 trillion by the end of the next decade, according to a new report. Thu, 19 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090219080750.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090212112754.htm President Obama spurred a dramatic change in the way whites think about African-Americans before he had even set foot in the Oval Office, according to a new study. Thu, 12 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090212112754.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090206105606.htm Faced with a barrage of pressing issues, the Obama administration has placed health-care reform high on its agenda. The timing bodes well for change, according to experts. Researchers say there are now more than 45 million people in America who have not had health insurance for the entire year; almost twice that number lack coverage for a portion of the year. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090206105606.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128122824.htm Scientists have demonstrated in 81 separate experiments that computer network structure alone can affect outcomes, relationships and behavior. Mon, 02 Feb 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090128122824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090126203203.htm Stating that neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) not only promote poverty but also destabilize communities, experts call upon the public-health and foreign-policy communities to embrace medical diplomacy and NTD control as a means to combat terrorism. Thu, 29 Jan 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090126203203.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122100834.htm The American Federation of Teachers has forwarded a new national study on the need for school repairs, remodeling and rebuilding to President Barack Obama's transition-planning team. The study could influence the Obama team's economic stimulus plan. Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090122100834.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119210532.htm A broad poll of experts taken by earth scientists finds that the vast majority of climatologists and other earth scientists believe in global warming and think human activity is a factor for the temperature rise. This survey dispels lingering doubts by some of a consensus among the scientists. Wed, 21 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090119210532.htm