In a new paper published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, a team of 41 authors from around the globe argue that virtual reality has the potential to do the same for behavioral science and help solve the reproducibility crisis.

Mass shooting incidents and car crashes may seem like two unrelated incidents, but a recent study has uncovered that there might be an unexpected link. Every year, more than a hundred mass shootings take place across the United States, many leaving behind four or more lives lost. In the aftermath, the tragedy quickly spreads across every avenue of media, from newspaper headlines and TV news to social media feeds and even online searches. This constant stream of coverage can leave people feeling anxious, distracted, and emotionally overwhelmed.