Polling data suggests that Americans have always had mixed feelings about refugees. Strong support for and push back against President Trump’s ban on settling more Syrian refugees in the U.S. indicates today’s attitudes are no exception. But an open-ended question in a survey conducted by Penn State’s Juliette Tolay reveals that while most polls and protests paint a picture of two irreconcilable paths, “supporters of a generous refugee policy may be willing to concede the need to review the existing process. This could be the basis for building consensus.”
And for Valentine’s Day we bring you a veritable bouquet of stories -- from how Plato can help you find a soul mate and why the dating app Tinder is so “evilly satisfying”’ to the difficulties seniors face in having romantic relationships
in assisted living facilities. You can find all our Valentine’s Day stories here.
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A protester against President Trump’s immigration policy and a Trump supporter in New York City.
REUTERS/Stephanie Keith
Juliette Tolay, Pennsylvania State University
Data since 1950s show Americans have always been wary of refugees. A public opinion expert explains current attitudes toward Syrian refugees and what it means for building consensus on policy.
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Science + Technology
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Scott Shackelford, Indiana University
Recent developments at the United Nations and the G-20 suggest that the well-known human rights to privacy and freedom of expression may soon be formally extended to online communications.
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Health + Medicine
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Elisabeth O. Burgess, Georgia State University; Alexis A. Bender, Emory University; Christina Barmon, Central Connecticut State University
While it may be a surprise for some, seniors still enjoy sex. But assisted living facilities may work to keep the older lovers apart in an effort to protect them.
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Roxanne Donovan, Kennesaw State University
Millions took to protests after Donald Trump was elected, but others took to therapists' offices. Read why the election was harder on some than others, and things you can do to take care of yourself.
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David Martin Shaw, University of Basel; J. Valérie Gross, University of Cologne; Thomas C. Erren, University of Cologne
Most people know they can donate their organs after they pass away. But what about their medical data? For National Donor Day, we suggest countries create national databases of data donors.
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Politics + Society
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Michael Berkman, Pennsylvania State University
A unique poll from Penn State’s McCourtney Institute for Democracy tracks how the nation is feeling.
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Ethics + Religion
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Firmin DeBrabander, Maryland Institute College of Art
Romantic love is seen as the answer to life’s problems, when it could often be the start of many headaches and heartaches. So, what is true love?
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Environment + Energy
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Daniel P. Aldrich, Northeastern University
Disaster preparations often focus on gear and logistics, but research in Japan after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami shows that strong social ties played a key role in helping communities rebound.
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Arts + Culture
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Jeanette Purvis, University of Hawaii
Data from swiping apps like Tinder are giving researchers a window into how dating and relationships could be changing.
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Laura Kalas Williams, University of Exeter
Lettuce leaves and purgatives might ease your aching heart.
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Economy + Business
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Nelson Blackley, Nottingham Trent University
Does the secret to romantic sales success actually lie in an appeal to our cynicism?
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Rest of the World
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Africa
Lorenzo Fioramonti, University of Pretoria
The world needs an alternative system, measuring economic value in face of the dissatisfaction that brought Donald Trump to the White House. Africa
Julien Benoit, University of the Witwatersrand
CT scanning allows scientists to observe and "dissect" fossils digitally using computer software - and to uncover secrets that are hundreds of millions of years old. United Kingdom
Simon Chadwick, University of Salford
Multiple ownerships, mega-transfers and a foot in the door at FIFA. Beijing's bid for football power is a challenge to world soccer.
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