A new study, led by researchers at Lancaster University, investigated how dynamically slowing down or speeding up playback is perceived by viewers, and how playback speed changes compare to other ways of overcoming viewer internet slowdowns – such as reducing picture quality and pausing for rebuffering. The researchers found a safe range of slowed down playback – speeds that won’t be noticeable to most users. Their findings can help inform the design of video players and enhance the streaming experience for viewers.

Researchers conducted a study in which they asked people if they recalled finding Easter eggs, or subtle references to characters or objects in another movie or work of art. Those who reported strong connection to a story or character were more likely to recall finding them and results showed that those who found Easter eggs had increased enjoyment in the product and engaged in more fan behavior, such as posting about a movie or artwork online and engaging others in discussion on the topic. 

A new research chapter suggests that artificial intelligence could help tackle one of the biggest challenges social entrepreneurs face: getting the funding they need to grow.

Young people around the world are increasingly suffering from anxiety disorders. A team from the Mental Health Research and Treatment Center (FBZ) at Ruhr University Bochum, Germany, has investigated how this development correlates to changes in societal expectations and values in education. The researchers were able to show that religious belief plays a key role in protecting the mental health of children and adolescents. Countries where religiosity has lost significance exhibit a relatively high increase in the incidence of anxiety disorders, as the researchers report in the journal Developmental Science from February 11, 2026.

Is the United States under President Trump experiencing a "normal" crisis of democracy, or is a new regime taking shape? Fascism expert Sven Reichardt, a professor of contemporary history at the University of Konstanz, compares current developments with past events in the article "Can we call it fascism?" (https://www.campus.uni-konstanz.de/en/science-backstage-1/can-we-call-it-fascism) This is also the focus of the conference "Das Gespenst des Faschismus" taking place on 26 and 27 March 2026 in the Bischofsvilla in Konstanz (Germany) that is hosted by the universities of Konstanz and Münster.