Phys.org, Author at Spotlight Magazine

Online echo chambers can arise even without algorithmic nudges or seeking like-minded people

A new study of online communities suggests that their interaction dynamics can amplify small, local imbalances in opinions, rapidly turning initially mixed-opinion communities into highly-polarized ones—even without the algorithms and homogeneity-seeking behaviors typically blamed for […]

In mafias, marriages are strategic tools, analysis suggests

A new analysis of inter-family marriages in the mafia-type organized crime group ‘Ndrangheta, suggests that matrimonial ties between non-powerful families may play a previously under-appreciated role in maintaining the resilience of the entire ‘Ndrangheta network. […]

Human language shows deep safety bias, challenging 70-year scientific consensus

Researchers at the University of Vermont have uncovered a powerful new insight about how language works—one that overturns a cornerstone assumption in psychology, linguistics, and artificial intelligence that has stood for more than 70 years.This […]

‘What do you want to be?’ The spark that helps Indigenous people go to university

Across Australia, universities and governments say increasing the numbers of Indigenous graduates is one of the main priorities in tertiary education.This post was originally published on this site

Federal grant terminations disproportionately impact minority scientists, study finds

Researchers from University of California San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science have found that recent federal grant terminations targeting research on health equity and gender identity have disproportionately affected […]

Webb and Hubble find massive star clusters emerge faster

Astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope together with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have looked deeply at thousands of young star clusters in four nearby galaxies, studying clusters at different stages of evolution. […]

What working‑class boys need to succeed at school: Respect and open conversations

Across the UK, working-class boys are navigating an unprecedented convergence of pressures. There are entrenched gaps between working-class boys and their peers in their levels of attainment at every stage of education.This post was originally […]

A tale as old as time: Young, attractive femme fatale lore appears in nearly every culture

From James Bond movies to water spirits in mythology, the tales of attractive, dangerous female forms that distract the hero from his path or lure men to their deaths have been around for quite some […]

Over 60% of developing countries face overlapping socioeconomic and water security challenges, scientists warn

Unsafe drinking water is not just a technical problem. It is a sign of deeper inequality, concludes a new investigation of the state of water quality in 138 countries by the United Nations University Institute […]

Feeling underqualified can help drive performance or toxic behavior—depending on one psychological factor

We’ve all been there: staring at a job description or a daunting new project and feeling a cold prickle of dread. You have the degree, maybe even the title, but looking at the task ahead, […]