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Mosquitoes reveal fatal attraction

Researchers have identified three aldehydes in the skin of infected children that attract mosquitoes, which could lead to better malaria detection and control. The study's findings provide insight into the parasite's infection route and offer opportunities for developing new biomarkers and insect traps.

SourceRothamsted Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018

ID microstructure of stock useful in financial crisis

Researchers analyze order flow for pairs of NASDAQ 100 stocks and find four groups with large mutual differences, surprising given the lack of reflection in actual prices. This discovery contributes to modeling price evolution and could be used to evaluate the impact of financial crises.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 22, 2017

New analysis finds Medicare program underestimates heart attack mortality rates

A new analysis of Medicare's Hospital Compare portal found that the statistical methodology used to rate and compare hospitals underestimates mortality rates of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) at small hospitals. The research proposes an alternative model that incorporates additional factors such as hospital volume, nursing staff, an...

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateApr 19, 2017

Even physicists are 'afraid' of mathematics

A new study published in New Journal of Physics found that physicists pay less attention to articles with dense mathematical details, indicating real and widespread barriers to scientific communication. The researchers suggest improving clearer presentation of technical work is key to bridging this gap.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateNov 11, 2016

Characteristics of cloud-to-ground and intracloud lightning in Beijing metropolitan region

Researchers investigated cloud-to-ground (CG) and intracloud (IC) lightning characteristics over the Beijing Metropolitan Region from 2005-2007. They found IC lightning occurs more frequently than CG lightning, with most activity occurring during summer months and a southeastwardly increasing pattern in flash density.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Applied Meteorology and Climatology·DateNov 10, 2016

Research shows US tendency to hide war against democracies, secretly detain their citizens

A US study found that the country secretly detains citizens from democracies in 'black sites,' while openly holding those from non-democracies in known prisons. The researchers argue that this behavior is rooted in the 'Perceptual Theory of Legitimacy', which suggests good things happen to good people, and bad things happen to bad people.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·DateOct 19, 2016

Attitudes towards traffic safety worldwide

The study analyzed responses from 142 respondents in 36 countries to identify key findings on traffic safety cultures worldwide. The results revealed two approaches to traffic safety culture: an objective reality-based approach and a threat-elimination focus, with poorer countries emphasizing safety.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalThe Open Psychology Journal·DateAug 30, 2016

Young male cyclists are the most likely to die after being involved in a traffic accident

A University of Granada study found that young male cyclists between 15 and 24 years old are at highest risk of death in traffic accidents. The researchers analyzed data from over 50,000 cyclists involved in accidents between 1993 and 2009, concluding that age and sex play a significant role in mortality rates among cyclists.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateSep 11, 2015

Invasion of the earthworms, mapped and analyzed

Researchers use statistical analysis to predict the spread of invasive European earthworm species Dendrobaena octaedra into Canada's boreal forest, forecasting it will expand from 3% to 39% of the forest floor by 2056. The worms are entering the forest via roadways, altering soil pH and decomposition rates.

SourceOhio State University·JournalComputational Statistics & Data Analysis·DateApr 22, 2015

Calculating how the Pacific was settled

A University of Utah anthropologist analyzed statistics to determine how Pacific islands were settled between 3,500 and 900 years ago. The study found that seafarers traveled mostly against prevailing winds and sought easily visible islands, rather than relying on distance or resource availability.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateApr 21, 2015

Statistical analysis reveals Mexican drug war increased homicide rates

A new statistical analysis reveals that the Mexican government's war against drugs increased the average murder rate in regions subjected to military-style interventions. The study found an average increase of nearly 11 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants across 18 affected regions, with some experiencing a significant reduction and othe...

SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalThe American Statistician·DateApr 2, 2015

Weighing in on the role of mindfulness in slimming down

Researchers from Ohio State University reviewed 19 studies on the effectiveness of mindfulness-based programs for weight loss. While some studies showed weight loss among participants who practiced mindfulness, others found no relationship between the two. The review highlights the need for further research to understand how mindfulnes...

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·DateDec 11, 2014

Ku Klux Klan's lasting legacy on the US political system

A recent study by Brandeis University researchers found that KKK activity in the 1960s shifted voters' allegiance from Democratic to Republican in the South, a trend still evident today. The study suggests that racial attitudes and social movements can have lasting effects on politics, contributing to polarization.

SourceBrandeis University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateDec 5, 2014

How should flood risk assessments be done in a changing climate?

Researchers propose a new method of flood risk assessment that starts with the null hypothesis of 'no trend' but explicitly assesses statistical uncertainties. This approach could help water managers better estimate future flood risks and avoid wasting money on unneeded infrastructure.

SourceWiley·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 4, 2014

Newlyweds, be careful what you wish for

A statistical analysis of online wedding registries reveals that gift givers prioritize either social benefits or saving money, resulting in a bimodal distribution of price preferences. The study provides insights into the psychology behind wedding gift giving and its potential impact on marketing strategies.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Marketing and Retailing·DateApr 17, 2014

To teach scientific reproducibility, start young

Researchers propose using software like R Markdown to teach students the concept of reproducibility, which can lead to more transparent science. The study found that introductory statistics students who used R Markdown for homework assignments showed gradual gains in preference and no negative impact on grades.