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Disability, reduced social participation associated with chronic conditions in middle-age

A new study from McMaster University finds that chronic conditions like arthritis, depression, and diabetes can lead to disability and reduced social participation in middle-aged adults. The research highlights the importance of targeting treatment strategies for patients and developing preventative health plans.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateNov 9, 2016

Study finds female scientists collaborate differently

A Northwestern University study found that female faculty in STEM disciplines have similar collaboration patterns to their male counterparts, but are underrepresented in large teams and international collaborations. The research highlights the need for a level playing field to address unequal opportunities and promote diversity in STEM.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 4, 2016

Patient safety benefits when hospitals provide feedback to staff who report errors

A St. Jude Children's Research Hospital analysis found that providing feedback to staff who report errors is crucial for improving patient safety. The study, published in the Journal of Patient Safety, suggests that hospitals should focus on informing staff about how their previous reports have helped enhance patient care.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalJournal of Patient Safety·DateNov 1, 2016

A tiny machine

Researchers at UCSB have developed a functional nanoscale computing device, operating on an unconventional type of logic that could be packed into a block no bigger than 50 nanometers. This technology has the potential to store and process data much faster, reducing energy consumption and increasing computing efficiency.

STAT2: Much more than an antiviral protein

STAT2, a protein associated with viral infections, also inhibits cell growth and regulates cellular processes. This discovery offers insights into overcoming limitations of interferon therapies and developing novel tools for studying STAT2 functionality.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 25, 2016

UA uses big data to solve bus woes in Brazil

The University of Arizona's INSITE Center helps Fortaleza city planners use big data to understand bus delays and overcrowding. The team developed an online dashboard with real-time data on bus movements, passenger numbers, and weather conditions to inform decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·DateOct 13, 2016

Beat the stock market by satisfying customers

Researchers from Michigan State University found that creating a stock portfolio based on customer satisfaction data achieves cumulative returns of 518 percent. This surpasses the 31 percent increase for the S&P 500 Index in the same time period, with the customer satisfaction portfolio outperforming the benchmark in 14 out of 15 years.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateSep 6, 2016

Politics affect views on healthcare quality -- but not on personal experience with care

A recent study published in the Journal for Healthcare Quality found that Democrats and Republicans have different views on the quality of healthcare, but those with recent illnesses had similar experiences. The research suggests that political differences in opinions about government regulation may contribute to these disparities.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal for Healthcare Quality·DateSep 1, 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

Sex bias in human surgical clinical research

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that few studies included men and women equally, with wide variation in inclusion and matching of the sexes among specialties and journals. This sex bias can lead to different postoperative outcomes, complication rates, and readmission rates for males and females.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateAug 17, 2016

Millennials less sexually active than Gen-X peers

A study by San Diego State University psychology professor Jean M. Twenge found that millennials are less likely to have had sex since turning 18 compared to Generation X peers. The researchers attribute this trend to increased safety concerns, reduced interaction time due to technology, and a risk-averse attitude.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·DateAug 2, 2016

High animal protein intake associated with higher, plant protein with lower mortality rate

A large study found that high animal protein intake, particularly from red meats, was associated with a higher mortality rate. In contrast, high plant protein intake was linked to a lower risk of death. The study analyzed data from over 170,000 participants and found that the association disappeared in those with a healthy lifestyle.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateAug 1, 2016

Optimizing Monday Night Football

Researchers from the University of Iowa's Tippie College of Business developed an optimization model that analyzes years of Monday Night Football viewership. The study identifies factors such as defending Super Bowl champions, high-profile personnel changes, and teams with high-powered offenses as key predictors of high ratings.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalStatistical Analysis and Data Mining The ASA Data Science Journal·DateJul 25, 2016

Racial differences in inpatient procedures after stroke

Research reveals racial differences in stroke care procedures, with minority patients receiving more life-sustaining treatments like gastrostomy and tracheostomy. However, curative procedures such as IVT and carotid revascularization were less common among minority patients, highlighting disparities in stroke care.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Neurology·DateJul 25, 2016