Providence, RI, USA. People typically say they invoke an ethical principle when they judge acts that cause harm more harshly than willful inaction that allows that same harm to occur.

A study finds the moral distinction is psychologically automatic. It requires more thought to see each harmful behavior as morally equivalent. Codified in criminal law, individuals and courts deal more harshly with people who actively commit harm than with people who willfully allow the same harm to occur.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands. "Would legal regulation and control of drugs better protect children?" is a question posed by Fernando Henrique Cardoso, the former President of Brazil, in an editorial that appears in the International Journal of Drug Policy (IJDP). [C1]

The editorial follows the March 2011 report of the Global Commission on Drug Policy, chaired by Cardoso, which recommended reforms of drug laws, including experiments with legal regulation and control. [C2]

Columbia, MO, USA. Until recently, scientists thought trying to study spirituality was a hopeless case. Scientists have to take their clues where they find them. And in the nascent science of spirituality, precious few clues exist at all.

However, new studies at Mizzou and elsewhere suggest that the geography of the brain may contain twin seats of spiritual experience. One spot helps people feel selfless — less “me” and more “we.” Another part calls up the cultural and religious sy

Lawrence, KS, USA. University of Kansas anthropologist and Maya scholar John Hoopes and his students are watching predicted doomsday dates, such as 11/11/11 and 12/21/12, with considerable skepticism.

Hoopes is regarded as one of the major go-to guys to separate fact from fiction about the Maya calendar and a prediction that the world would end December 21, 2012.

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada. Being reminded of the concept of God can decrease people's motivation to pursue personal goals but can help them resist temptation, according to new research.

"More than 90 percent of people in the world agree that God or a similar spiritual power exists or may exist," said the study's lead author, Kristin Laurin, PhD candidate, of the University of Waterloo (Canada).