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Towards a scientific process freed from systemic bias

Large-scale analysis of bibliographic data reveals insights into scientific evaluation methods and publication practices. The studies found cumulative advantage in initial publishing success, detectable patterns in author name disambiguation, and limitations of citation-based measures for quantifying scientific impact.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateJan 26, 2015

Human hands leave prominent ecological footprints

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and LTER Network sites reveal that historic human activity has a profound impact on today's ecosystem. The study highlights how legacy effects from human actions continue to reverberate throughout present-day ecosystems, influencing environmental policies and land management.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalBioScience·DateJun 1, 2012

Top priorities in biodiversity science agreed

International experts agree on the need to better understand biodiversity loss and its impact on ecosystem services, which are crucial for human well-being. The new framework sets out a strategy to address biodiversity-related research efforts and inform policy decisions.

Climate change forces early spring

A University of Alberta study found that climate change has pushed the province's native wildflowers and trees into earlier blooming times, making them more vulnerable to frost damage. The average winter monthly temperature increased by 5.3 degrees Celsius over 70 years, with bloom dates advancing two weeks for early spring species

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalBioScience·DateJul 6, 2011

Release of the Stem Cell Charter

The Canadian Stem Cell Foundation has released a charter that unifies supporters of stem cell research, outlining five principles for advancing the field. The charter aims to promote responsible science, protect citizens, and empower the public to speak out on behalf of stem cell research.

MIT professor will lead science team for NASA satellite to map Earth's water cycle

A NASA satellite mission led by MIT Professor Dara Entekhabi will provide global soil moisture data, essential for accurate weather forecasts and understanding the global carbon cycle. The Soil Moisture Active-Passive mission (SMAP) aims to create a new perspective on how water, energy, and carbon cycles work together.

Carnegie Mellon and U. of Pittsburgh create tool to understand neuron rhythms, learning

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon and University of Pittsburgh have created a new method to calculate the phase-resetting curve (PRC) of living neurons, which can help elucidate mechanisms for neural synchrony and study learning. The tool combines computational and experimental approaches to simplify complex dynamics of single neurons.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 11, 2005

Scientists capture new images of movement in nerves

Researchers have captured the first pictures of neurofilaments moving along nerve fibers using time-lapse photography, providing a rare glimpse into slow axonal transport. The study suggests that neurofilaments move quickly but infrequently, and may hold clues to understanding nerve malfunction in diseases like Lou Gehrig's.

SourceOhio University·JournalNature Cell Biology·DateMar 20, 2000