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University of Kansas


Researchers hone technique for finding signs of life on the Red Planet

Researchers at the University of Kansas are working to improve the detection of life on Mars by combining Raman spectroscopy with gas chromatography/mass spectroscopy. They aim to analyze rocks from Earth similar to those found on Mars to strengthen evidence collection, as conditions on the Martian surface are inhospitable.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London·DateMay 14, 2015

Political talk on Facebook mirrors political talk offline

A study published in Political Research Quarterly found that social media platforms don't break new ground among political discussion forums. Users with strong social connections tend to prefer like-minded discussions and tailor their privacy settings accordingly. In contrast, users who facilitate connections between different groups a...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateMay 12, 2015

Study: Most partisans treat politics like sports rivalries, instead of focusing on issues

A study found that most partisans prioritize winning elections over policy or ideological goals, leading to increased partisan hostility and uncivil attitudes. The researchers analyzed survey data from the 2010 Cooperative Congressional Election Study and found that loyalty to the party is a primary motivator for many partisans.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateApr 15, 2015

Study: High stress for new mothers increases secondhand smoke risk for infants

A recent study found that new mothers experiencing higher social stressors have a 2.5 times higher odds of having only partial or no restrictions on smoking in their home, exposing infants to secondhand smoke. The researchers identified statistically significant socio-demographic and socio-economic trends in home smoking rules, highlig...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateFeb 27, 2015