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New York University


Too many men or too few women?—new study finds how the gender gap is framed affects perceptions of it

A new study from New York University found that framing the gender gap in terms of 'men's overrepresentation' instead of 'women's underrepresentation' elicits more anger among women and increases perceptions of injustice. This framing also prompts women to take action to address the issue.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 2, 2025

Physicists ‘bootstrap’ validity of string theory

A team of physicists has validated string theory by developing an innovative mathematical method that points to its inevitability. This breakthrough uses the bootstrap principle to show that string theory is the only consistent answer for scattering amplitudes, bringing researchers closer to understanding the universe.

SourceNew York University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 17, 2024

“Us” vs. “them” biases plague AI, too

A new study finds that large language models are prone to social identity biases, favoring their perceived ingroup while expressing negativity toward outgroups. However, the researchers discovered that carefully selecting the training data can reduce these biases, suggesting promising directions for improving AI development and training.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2024

Young children less likely than adults to see discrimination as harmful

A new study by New York University psychology researchers found that young children in the US are less likely than adults to view discriminatory acts as harmful. However, by the age of 8, children begin to recognize discrimination as more harmful when targeting certain groups. The study suggests the importance of teaching children abou...

SourceNew York University·JournalCognitive Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2024

NYU Abu Dhabi researchers develop a new material that removes a dangerous “forever chemical,” from drinking water

Researchers at NYU Abu Dhabi have developed a new material that efficiently detects and removes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) from drinking water, potentially revolutionizing water purification efforts worldwide. The breakthrough addresses global concerns over PFAS, or 'forever chemicals', which pose severe health risks.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2024

Memories are not only in the brain, new research finds

A study by New York University researchers shows that non-brain cells, such as those from the kidney and nerve tissues, can form memories through a process called the massed-spaced effect. This phenomenon allows these cells to retain information better when studied in spaced intervals rather than all at once.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 7, 2024

Small reductions to meat production in wealthier countries may help fight climate change, new analysis concludes

Researchers suggest that small cutbacks in higher-income countries could remove 125 billion tons of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, allowing forests to regrow and sequester more CO2. This approach would require cutting global cattle herds by less than half, while still maintaining livestock grazing on native grasslands.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 4, 2024

Tiny tumor model recreates cancer metastasis

Researchers created a 3D-printed model to mimic the conditions that spur cancer cells' spread, allowing them to visualize this process in real-time. The model revealed a mechanism where low oxygen levels promote metastasis through lowering pH levels.

SourceNew York University·JournalLife Science Alliance·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 23, 2024

Scanning, scrolling, and swiping: New research uncovers why our brains are effective at quickly processing short messages

Researchers found that the brain's language comprehension system can detect the basic structure of a short sentence in roughly 150 milliseconds, similar to visual scene perception. This rapid processing capacity suggests that our brains may be able to make snap decisions based on quick messages.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2024

Studies examine growing US mental health safety net

A new study by NYU researchers reveals that more than 60% of the US population has access to certified community behavioral health clinics, which provide mental health and substance use disorder treatment services. The clinics are expanding crisis mental health services, including mobile crisis response teams and stabilization.

SourceNew York University·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateOct 4, 2024

Early academic success does not lead to increased STEM college enrollment for Black and Latine students

A recent study published in American Journal of Education found that White English-speaking students are the only group with a positive relationship between early STEM aptitude and majoring in a STEM subject in college. For Black and Latine students, early STEM aptitude does not translate into STEM enrollment.

SourceNew York University·JournalAmerican Journal of Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 2, 2024

Online misinformation most likely to be believed by ideological extremists, new study shows

A new study published in PNAS Nexus reveals that users with extreme political views are more likely to both encounter and believe false news on social media. The researchers used Twitter data and surveys to estimate exposure and belief in articles, finding that early interventions can be effective in reducing the spread of misinformation.

SourceNew York University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeSurvey·DateSep 30, 2024

Preterm births are on the rise, with ongoing racial and economic gaps

A new study analyzing over five million births found a 10.6% increase in preterm births between 2011 and 2022, with racial and socioeconomic disparities persisting. Factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and mental health conditions became more common, while protective factors such as prenatal care and WIC participation declined.

SourceNew York University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2024

Researchers unpack sign language’s visual advantage

Researchers propose that sign language classifiers are integrated into the grammar through pictorial representation, appearing in a comic book-like order. This visualization mechanism allows for greater flexibility and complexity in language, complementing standard words with iconic expressions.

SourceNew York University·JournalLinguistics and Philosophy·DateSep 24, 2024

Can Google street view data improve public health?

Researchers analyzed 2 million Google Street View images to explore the utility of digital data in informing public health decision-making. They found that neighborhoods with more crosswalks had lower rates of obesity and diabetes, but no significant link was found between sidewalks and health outcomes.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2024

Social messaging in soap operas can prevent violence and intergroup conflict

A study by Rezarta Bilali found that narrative interventions in soap operas can increase intergroup trust, promote role-modeling, and encourage people to create change in conflict-ridden areas. The research used experiments with radio and TV dramas across the world, showing positive effects of storytelling in shaping norms and raising ...

SourceNew York University·JournalEuropean Review of Social Psychology·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 12, 2024

Framing climate action as patriotic and status-quo friendly increases liberals’ and conservatives’ belief in climate change

A psychology study finds that framing climate action as a way to protect American values and traditions can increase belief in climate change and support for pro-environmental policies among both liberals and conservatives. The study, which analyzed data from 50,000 participants across 60 countries, suggests that messaging that aligns ...

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2024

New membrane technology developed by NYU Abu Dhabi researchers could lead to more effective and efficient water purification systems

The NYU Abu Dhabi team has developed a new type of dual-faced membrane that effectively purifies water from contaminants and boasts strong antibacterial properties. The microwave-mediated synthesis method allows precise control over the membrane's properties, enabling efficient removal of pollutants.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 8, 2024