Research
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Moral decision making is rife with internal conflict, say developmental psychologists
A new in-depth study of moral reasoning challenges the popular notion that people are unable to think through difficult moral problems and rely primarily on automatic “gut” reactions to make tough decisions.
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Deportation and family separation impact entire communities, researchers say
The deportation and forced separation of immigrants has negative effects that extend beyond individuals and families to entire communities in the United States, according to the Society for Community Research and Action, which has issued a policy statement calling for changes to U.S. policy.
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Natural habitat can help farmers control pests, but not always a win-win
An international team of scientists found that natural habitat surrounding farm fields is not always an effective pest-control tool for farmers worldwide.
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New meta-analysis reveals pace and extent of river recovery
A new global meta-analysis by UC Santa Cruz researchers reveals patterns of river responsiveness to disturbances such as oil spills, wastewater contamination, and fires.
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New research calculates capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon
Researchers have calculated the capacity of North American forests to sequester carbon in an analysis that for the first time integrates the effects of natural forest growth and climate changes that are likely to alter the growth process.
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Thank Instagram and Snapchat for your fading memories
Research by UC Santa Cruz doctoral student Julia Soares has found compelling evidence that the act of taking a photograph impairs people’s memories of the event.
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Reforming California’s commercial property tax system would boost the economy, report says
Reforming California’s property tax structure to tax commercial properties at their market value would boost the economy by generating new revenue, stimulating development, and diversifying industry, according to a new report by researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz.
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Children in India exhibit religious tolerance, study finds
A new investigation of how children reason about religious rules reveals a remarkable level of acceptance of different religions’ rules and practices.
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The new queer teenager
Queer youth today are in a paradoxical situation, coming out earlier and becoming leaders even as they cope with the significant challenges of adolescence, Psychology Professor Phil Hammack told a panel convened by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine.
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Researchers discuss educational needs of Latino, immigrant, and disadvantaged youth
A recent informal interdisciplinary workshop focused on the educational needs and experiences of Latino and immigrant youth.
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Global experts attend academic summit on solitary confinement
Forty-five of the world’s experts on the psychological and physical effects of solitary confinement gathered in Santa Cruz recently for a two-day academic summit.
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Speakers challenge audience to rethink modern incarceration
Angela Davis returns to UC Santa Cruz with the two surviving members of the ‘Angola 3’ to discuss solitary confinement and call on society to transform itself to no longer rely on prison repression.