Prevalence of overweight, obesity in the United States
The study found that 39.96% of men and 29.74% of women were overweight, while 35.04% of men and 36.84% of women were obese. These rates are associated with a range of chronic health conditions.
Data Analysis
Research on making sense of scientific and medical data. Covers AI error-correction, single-cell search engines, optical computing, and measurement reliability.
Island rodents take on nightmarish proportions
Researchers analyzed size data for over 1,000 rodent populations to identify those that evolved into unusually large or small sizes. The study found that islands are home to more extreme cases of size variation, with rodents on islands weighing among the top or bottom 2.5 percent for their species.
Viral commuters: How influenza viruses use transportation systems in the US
A study found that influenza viruses use both airline and commuter road travel to distribute across the continental US. The commuter network was more often associated with genetic distance than other measures of spatial or network distance for the H1N1 subtype.
How flu viruses use transportation networks in the US
Researchers analyzed U.S. flu cases from 2003-2013 and found correlations between genetic distance of flu subtypes and geographic distance using transportation data. The study suggests that mobility patterns, rather than geographic proximity, play a key role in predicting the spread of influenza epidemics.
Value of nonprofit hospital tax exemption nearly doubled over 9 years, reaching $24.6 billion in 2011
The study found that nonprofit hospitals spent only a small fraction of their 'charity care and community benefit' on efforts aimed at improving the health of the communities they serve. In 2011, hospitals allocated less than 1% of total spending towards community health improvement.
SourceGeorge Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 17, 2015
Barnacles go with the flow to find a home on dolphin fins
A study found that highly specialized coronulid barnacles exclusively attach to the fins of dolphins, particularly along the trailing edge facing away from water flow. The barnacles select suitable areas on the fins to filter nutrients and protect developing larvae.
Significance article offers roadmap to fight reproducibility crisis
A new article by Roger D. Peng proposes a two-pronged approach to improve scientific data analysis, combining massive-scale education efforts with the identification of evidence-based data-analytic strategies to increase replicability and reproducibility.
What do walnuts smell like?
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have identified key volatile compounds in damaged walnuts that attract insect pests, threatening California's walnut harvests. The team has developed a blend of these aromatic compounds to control pests sustainably and reduce pesticide use.
Powerful people are quick to notice injustice when they are victimized, research finds
Research finds that powerful individuals respond faster to unfair treatment when they're the victims, but slower to notice when others are victimized. This disparity suggests that the powerful are more empathetic towards their own experiences and less so towards others.
SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 5, 2015
The Lancet: Women's contribution to healthcare constitutes nearly 5 percent of global GDP, but nearly half is unpaid and unrecognized
A new Commission on women and health found that women's contributions to healthcare amount to $3 trillion, with nearly half being unpaid and unrecognised. The report emphasizes the need for gender equality and empowerment in healthcare policies and interventions.
Amount of time New Yorkers spend sitting around far exceeds healthy levels
A new study by NYU Langone Medical Center and the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene found that New Yorkers spend an average of over 7 hours a day sitting, greatly exceeding the recommended healthy levels. College-educated individuals, higher-income residents, and those aged 65 or older spent the most time sedentary.
SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalPreventing Chronic Disease·DateJun 2, 2015
Aging couples connected in sickness and health
A study analyzing data from over 8,000 married couples found that the physical health and cognitive functioning of a person's spouse can greatly affect their own quality of life. The research suggests that targeting both partners' health and cognition is crucial for improving overall well-being in older adults.
Pre-surgery beta blockers, risk of death examined in noncardiac surgery
A study found that pre-surgery beta-blockers may increase the risk of death in patients with no cardiac risk factors undergoing noncardiac surgery. However, the use of beta-blockers was beneficial for patients with three to four cardiac risk factors. The analysis included over 326,000 patients and measured 30-day surgical mortality.
Drinking chamomile decreases risk of death in older Mexican American women
A study published in The Gerontologist found that consuming chamomile tea was associated with a 29% decreased risk of death from all causes among older Mexican-American women, compared to non-users. This effect was not observed in men.
NASA's triple examination of Typhoon Dolphin
Typhoon Dolphin intensified over the Northwestern Pacific Ocean before weakening into an extra-tropical storm, according to NASA's triple examination. The RapidScat instrument detected a significant increase in winds, while the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) core observatory estimated heavy rainfall near Guam and Rota.
New risk factor for pregnancies
A new study published in Obstetrics & Gynecology found that women born preterm have a significantly higher risk of giving birth to preterm children. Researchers analyzed data from over 7,400 Quebec women born preterm and compared it to women born at term, revealing a 13% difference in preterm delivery rates.
Key strategies can boost donations at crowdfunding sites, Stanford experts say
Researchers analyzed millions of online donations collected over a 14-year period and found that increasing repeat givers by 10% could yield over 60% more dollars donated. Building a predictive model with 21 variables helps fundraisers focus on cultivating people likely to become repeat donors.
Research community comes together to provide new 'gold standard' for genomic data analysis
A global challenge has led to the development of a new benchmark for analyzing cancer genomes, with ensemble algorithms demonstrating superior accuracy. The study highlights the importance of combining multiple approaches and optimizing parameters to improve mutation detection accuracy.
Unique program to use social media to develop computer model for Ebola spread
FAU researchers have received a NSF Rapid Response Grant to create an innovative model of Ebola spread using big data analytics. The program will use Twitter feeds, Facebook, and Google data to track the spread of the virus and create predictive diffusion models.
UK-China collaboration for data sharing in metabolomics
A UK-China consortium, funded by the BBSRC, will host training workshops to support scientists in managing and sharing their metabolomics data and analyses. The partnership, involving EMBL-EBI, universities, and GigaScience, aims to improve data sharing in metabolomics, promoting better quality data and efficient research.
Chinhui Juhn named Visiting Scholar at Russell Sage Foundation
Chinhui Juhn, University of Houston economics professor and Women's Gender and Sexuality Studies Program director, will conduct research on fertility, workforce, and future policy. She is joined by co-principal investigator Elizabeth Gregory, author of book 'Ready', in this new book exploring work policy and fertility intersections.
Additional benefits of measles vaccination revealed
A new study reveals that measles vaccination prevents not only measles but also other infectious diseases by damaging the immune system's memory. This finding explains why mass measles vaccinations have driven down mortality rates from other diseases in high-income countries.
Snakes' dining habits shaped by ancestry, relationships moreso than ecology
A study of 25 snake species in South America found that their diets were more influenced by phylogeny than ecology. The research suggests that the snakes' ancestry plays a significant role in determining their diet, with some species relying on soft-bodied invertebrates.
Changing attitudes about sex
A new study by SDSU psychology professor Jean M. Twenge shows a significant change in attitudes about sex and sexuality among different generations, with Millennials being the most accepting of premarital sex. The study also found that acceptance of same-sex relations has increased substantially over time.
Study finds positive effects of job corps participation
A study by Xuan Chen and Carlos A. Flores found that Job Corps participants experienced average wage effects of 5.7-13.9% four years after graduation, with non-Hispanics seeing greater gains.
SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalJournal of Business and Economic Statistics·DateMay 5, 2015
Study finds housing market cycles have become longer
A statistical analysis of data from 20 industrial countries reveals that housing market pricing cycles have become longer over the last four decades. Longer down phases can lead to dire consequences on national and international economies.
SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalJournal of Business and Economic Statistics·DateMay 1, 2015
Good things in store for retailers
Adding physical stores to online retailers led to a net revenue increase of 20% and more frequent purchases, according to recent research. Consumers made more frequent contact with the firm, resulting in improved customer retention.
In online movie marketing, less is more
Research shows that digital movie consumers are highly sensitive to price, but surprisingly, promotions don't cannibalize video-on-demand rentals. Instead, they often increase them, as cross-channel discounts benefit both originating and competing channels.
New Big Data era pushes training need for bioinformatics in life sciences
A high demand for bioinformatics training is driven by the increasing use of big data in life sciences. The Global Organisation for Bioinformatics Learning, Education & Training (GOBLET) aims to develop a global community-centred training portal with comprehensive resources and courses.
Rising antibiotic shortages raise concerns about patient care
A study of antibiotic shortages from 2001 to 2013 found that 148 antibiotics were affected, with an upward trend starting in 2007. Many involved gold-standard therapies for life-threatening infections with limited alternative treatment options, raising concerns about patient care.
Reducing big data using ideas from quantum theory makes it easier to interpret
Researchers develop method to simplify analysis of large datasets, inspired by quantum mechanics. By applying principles from quantum theory, they reduce redundant information and computing requirements.
Large heads, narrow pelvises and difficult childbirth in humans
A recent study has identified a correlation between human head size, pelvis shape and childbirth difficulties. The research found that women with larger heads tend to have shorter birth canals, which may ease the obstetric dilemma.
Stegosaurus plates may have differed between male, female
Researchers found that tall and wide-plated Stegosaurus individuals were actually male and female of the same species. The differences in plate height and width were not due to growth, but rather sexual dimorphism, providing new insights into Stegosaurus behavior.
Dealing with death in deployment
A new University of Utah study found that exposure to killing and death while deployed is correlated with a 43% increased suicide risk compared to general deployment. The research suggests that seeing death and killing contributes to feelings of guilt, shame, regret, and negative self-perceptions.
Your better half (by half?): Improving your fitness may improve your spouse's
A new study found that exercising with one partner can encourage the other to become more physically active. When a wife improved her exercise routine, her husband was 70% more likely to meet recommended fitness levels at follow-up visits.
UK death rates for children's heart surgery have almost halved over past decade
UK death rates for children's heart surgery have almost halved from 4.3% to 2.6% between 2000 and 2010, despite a rise in the number and complexity of cases. This shift suggests that more complex patients were taken on in later years.
Experts question election pledges on GP access
Experts analyze data from a national survey to question the feasibility of party promises on accessing general practice. The analysis highlights that guarantees of appointments within 48 hours may be unrealistic, and recruiting 5,000 more GPs could prove challenging.
New US-Japan collaborations bring Big Data approaches to disaster response
The US National Science Foundation and Japan Science and Technology Agency announce joint support for six projects to improve future disaster management. Researchers will leverage Big Data and data analytics to capture and process disaster data, enhance resilient networks, and develop novel approaches to analyze large, noisy data.
An apple a day won't keep the doctor away but maybe the pharmacist
Researchers analyzed data from over 8,399 participants and found that daily apple eaters had higher odds of avoiding prescription medications. However, the study did not find a significant association between apple consumption and reduced healthcare use.
Novel sensor system provides continuous smart monitoring of machinery and plant equipment
The new sensor system detects anomalies in machinery behavior and provides early warnings of potential failures. By analyzing data from multiple sensors, the system can predict when parts need to be replaced or repairs can be postponed, reducing downtime and costs.
Unexplained warm layer discovered in Venus' atmosphere
Researchers found a mysterious warm layer at altitudes of 90-100 km on Venus' night side, 20-40 degrees warmer than predicted. This anomaly may be connected to the ozone layer and could be caused by chemical reactions involving chlorine-based substances.
SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPlanetary and Space Science·DateMar 25, 2015
Personality test finds Britain's most extroverted, agreeable and emotionally stable regions
A survey of almost 400,000 British residents found significant differences in personalities between regions. The study reveals that Scots are amongst the friendliest, Londoners the most open, and Welsh people the least emotionally stable.
Scientists unknowingly tweak experiments: ANU media release
A new study by ANU scientists found widespread p-hacking, a type of publication bias where researchers manipulate data to get desired results. This can lead to exaggerated conclusions and misleading information, especially when combining results from multiple studies.
Study raises concerns about reporting of noninferiority trials
A study found that noninferiority trials often lack clear justification for chosen margins, leading to concerns about their validity. The authors highlight the need for improved registration and reporting standards within publicly accessible trial registries.
Can watching porn make you better in bed?
A new study published in Sexual Medicine found that men who watch more pornography are more aroused when viewing erotic stimuli. The researchers analyzed data from 280 male volunteers and concluded that there is no relationship between porn consumption and erectile dysfunction.
Review suggests vitamin D supplementation not associated with lower blood pressure
A review of clinical trial data found no effect on systolic and diastolic blood pressure due to vitamin D supplementation. The analysis included 46 trials with over 4,500 participants, concluding that vitamin D or its analogues should not be used as an individual patient treatment for hypertension.
2015 Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship winners announced
The American Geosciences Institute has selected Emma Reed and Annette Patton as the latest recipients of the $5,000 Harriet Evelyn Wallace Scholarship. Both Master's candidates are using their research to investigate climate variability and environmental stressors in geoscience.
Meta-study shows that the experience of time is altered in depression
Depressed individuals perceive time as moving slowly, yet they accurately assess specific intervals like two seconds or minutes. A meta-analysis of 16 studies involving 433 depressed subjects and 485 non-depressed controls confirms this finding.
International organizations form partnership to benefit research data for society
The Research Data Alliance, CODATA, and WDS form a partnership to improve research data sharing and reuse. The alliance aims to provide safe stewardship and ready access to data through open and ethical sharing practices.
Advances of alternating EM field for earthquake monitoring in China
The study introduces a new developed CSELF technique and experimental examples, which can observe not only crustal resistivity but also electromagnetic fields. The technique is found effective for data analysis, e.g., EM spectra and apparent resistivities, using software such as the 'wavelet maxima' method.
£10 billion GP incentive scheme has no impact on premature deaths
A £10 billion pay-for-performance incentive scheme for GPs had no effect on reducing premature deaths in England, according to a study published in the British Medical Journal. The researchers analyzed data from 2007 to 2012 and found that GP performance indicators did not correlate with lower mortality rates.
Am I normal? Review analyzes data on flaccid and erect penis lengths in men
A new analysis provides insights into penile size measurements across all ages and races. The findings reveal that the average flaccid penis length is 9.16 cm and the average erect penis length is 13.12 cm, with a small correlation between erect length and height.
Severe changes in world's leaf growth patterns over past several decades revealed
A University of Otago research team analyzed satellite data from 1980-2012 to show that the timing of leaf activity has changed globally. This change in leaf phenology may lead to higher extinction risks for species that depend on this cycle, as well as impacts on ecosystem stability and functioning.
How the 'mute' cicada sings
Researchers found that 'mute' cicadas produce sound by banging their forewing costa against the operculum, a newfound mechanism. This discovery expands our understanding of acoustic signaling in cicadas without tymbal organs.
Early evidence of increase in higher-risk prostate cancers from 2011-2013
A retrospective analysis of 87,500 men treated for prostate cancer found a notable increase in intermediate- and high-risk cases between 2011 and 2013. This trend could lead to 1,400 additional prostate cancer deaths per year if confirmed through further research.
New study finds same patient mortality rates for experienced and new surgeons
A recent study using a new statistical methodology found that the patient mortality rates of new and experienced surgeons are similar. However, researchers emphasize that further studies are necessary to confirm these findings and account for other factors, such as changes in surgical training practices and patient demographics.
SourceAmerican Statistical Association·JournalJournal of the American Statistical Association·DateFeb 23, 2015
NASA satellite sees a warm winter in the western US
A recent study using NASA's Aqua satellite data shows that temperatures in the western third of the US have been warmer than normal over the past two months. The 'Ridiculously Resilient Ridge' pattern of the polar jet stream has led to this anomaly, with surface temperatures ranging from 62.3F to 80.3F.
Active surveillance of intermediate-risk prostate cancer associated with decreased survival
A study of 945 patients with intermediate-risk prostate cancer found nearly four-fold higher mortality risk within 15 years compared to low-risk patients. The analysis suggests that active surveillance may not be suitable for all intermediate-risk patients, emphasizing the need for personalized treatment approaches.
Neighboring birds sing 'out of tune'
Researchers found that neighboring birds sang at significantly different rates than non-neighboring birds, according to a study published in PLOS ONE. Great tits use their songs to signal territory boundaries, and the study suggests that neighborhood structure may shape variation in territorial birdsong.
Where ants go when nature calls
In a study published in PLOS ONE, researchers found that ants in white plaster nests filled specific corner areas with feces of the same color as their fed food, indicating potential 'toilets'. The ants also preferentially placed these toilets in corners, highlighting a unique aspect of ant sanitation.