Study

Groundbreaking Study Ignites Surge in Hair Relaxer Cancer Lawsuits: Over 8,600 Cases Now Pending in Illinois Federal Court

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CHICAGO, Illinois — In a significant legal development in the Northern District Court of Illinois, nearly 200 plaintiffs had their cases dismissed by Judge Mary M. Rowland in the expansive multidistrict litigation (MDL) known as the In RE: Hair Relaxer Marketing, Sales Practices, and Products Liability Litigation. This decision in August allowed the plaintiffs until June 2025 to refile their claims, bringing new attention to the litigation that involves several major companies, including L’Oreal and Godrej Consumer Products, among others. This MDL focuses on allegations that hair relaxing products, widely used among African American women, … Read more

New Study Reveals Impact of Conspiracy Beliefs on Jury Decisions: Navigating Trials in the Era of Social Proof

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Recent research highlights a concerning trend: In legal settings, individuals who harbor conspiracy beliefs can significantly impact jury decisions, a complexity increasingly vital in our era of social media and pervasive misinformation. This revelation, stemming from a working paper by Ognyanova and colleagues in 2024, examines public reactions to a recent assassination attempt on a Republican Presidential candidate in Butler, Pennsylvania. The working paper reveals varied conspiracy beliefs, with 12% of respondents deeming it a likely Democratic scheme and 11% suspecting a stage-managed act by the campaign itself, although neither theory is substantiated by evidence. … Read more

Study Finds Rise in Suicide Attempts Among Youths Linked to Anti-Transgender Legislation

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Austin, Texas — A recent study has shown that anti-transgender legislation may be contributing to an increase in suicide attempts among transgender youths. Researchers suggest that these laws, which often restrict access to gender-affirming care and limit participation in sports, contribute to a climate of exclusion and discrimination against transgender individuals. The study in question analyzed the effects of such legislation in states across the country and found a clear correlation: in states with restrictive anti-transgender laws, there was a significant increase in reported suicide attempts among transgender teens. The data underscore the mental health … Read more

Study Shows Rising Suicide Attempts in Texas Linked to Anti-Trans Legislation

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Austin, Texas — In recent developments, Texas has been at the center of a contentious debate due to its legislative moves against transgender rights, which critics argue are contributing to distressing outcomes among transgender youth. Recent studies and surveys indicate these laws may be correlated with an alarming rise in suicide attempts among transgender adolescents. Experts believe that these policies, instated ostensibly to protect other students, could inadvertently inflict harm on an already vulnerable population. Mental health professionals and activists are raising concerns about the long-term psychological repercussions these legal measures might have on transgender … Read more