The Relevance of Religion for Political Office: Voter Bias Toward Candidates from Different Religious Backgrounds

Over the last several decades, Gallup data shows an increased willingness among members of the public to support presidential candidates from a wide range of religious backgrounds, though a nontrivial proportion of the public is still unwilling to vote for an Atheist, Mormon, or Muslim. What underlies this opposition? We argue that voters evaluate candidates from religious out-groups more negatively on a wide range of dimensions considered desirable for political office, and that this bias should be more pronounced among the highly religious. We show support for these arguments using a survey experiment fielded with YouGov. Atheists and Muslim candidates were perceived more negatively on a large set of traits considered desirable for political office compared to candidates from religious in-groups, and Mormon candidates fall somewhere in between. The Atheist and Muslim candidates were also perceived as less competent on a diverse set of issues.

     

An Overview of Zoonotic Disease Outbreaks and its Forensic Management Over Time

Most emerging or re‐emerging infections are vector‐borne or zoonotic and can be disseminated worldwide by infected humans or animals. They are a major public health problem and cause a great impact on economy. Zoonotic outbreaks began to be characterized in the 90s, after the creation of Europol and the FBI. Such investigations are carried by forensic pathologists and other specialists to determine whether an outbreak is natural or deliberate. This review will discuss ten zoonotic outbreaks nonrelated to wars focusing on forensic management. In conclusion, some points should be highlighted in the management of a zoonotic outbreak: (i) its diagnosis and detection by forensic pathologists and the coordination of efforts between other specialists are key factors; (ii) communication guidelines and an efficient healthcare system are crucial for any emergency response; (iii) biosafety of all specialists involved must be guaranteed.     

Serotonin: What role has it in the making of a “Rotten apple”

Summary It has been suggested that social feedback causes increases and decreases in serotonin levels. This constant variation determines and individual’s current level of self-esteem. Increases in serotonin have been associated with a rise in an individual’s expectations and drive to achieve success. On the other hand, a lowered level of serotonin may cause an individual to act out inappropriately and to have a lowered expectation of themselves. When the serotonin level functions as it should, it allows individuals to cope in difficult situations and excel in positive endeavors. Some with low serotonin levels seek out alcohol or other drugs to temporarily raise serotonin levels to achieve the felling of euphoria and well-being but this is only temporary. This could explain how some people become psychologically addicted when they fell they need assistance to maintain the felling that all is well.