Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Genders differ dramatically in evolved mate preferences

A recent study found that sex differences in mate preferences are much larger than previously appreciated and stable across cultures. Men generally favor younger, physically attractive mates, while women seek older, financially secure partners. These findings highlight the significant role of gender in shaping human mating behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 6, 2015

Managers beware of gender faultlines

New research reveals that gender faultlines can appear when individuals share demographic traits and professional interests, leading to a stronger sense of in-group identity among employees. The study found that such faultlines have a negative effect on employee loyalty, but a supportive diversity climate can mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateJul 23, 2015

Chapman University publishes research on friendship

The study examines how US adults rely on friends for expressive, instrumental, and companionate support, with findings suggesting similar numbers of friends across genders and sexual orientations. GLB individuals have similar numbers of friends as heterosexual men and women, and close friendships are linked to overall life satisfaction.

SourceChapman University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 7, 2015

Real stereotypes continue to exist in virtual worlds

Researchers found that women in online games received less help from fellow players when operating unattractive avatars or male avatars. The study supports the idea that gender and appearance stereotypes follow us into virtual environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateMay 4, 2015

Loyola study provides evidence that premature girls thrive more than premature boys

A new study from Loyola University Medical Center found that female infants tend to do better than males when born prematurely, achieving independent oral feeding at 36 weeks and four days on average. Researchers also discovered that being born before 29 weeks of pregnancy negatively influences the ability to eat independently.

SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalJournal of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine·DateApr 28, 2015

Key to better sex ed: Focus on gender & power

A new study by Population Council researcher Nicole Haberland found that sexuality and HIV education programs addressing gender and power are more effective than those that do not. The research found that 80% of such programs were associated with a lower rate of STIs or unintended pregnancy, compared to 17% of programs without this con...

SourcePopulation Council·JournalInternational Perspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateApr 17, 2015

Many teens try e-cigs, but few become regular users

A recent study found that e-cigarette use is more common than traditional cigarette use among some teen groups, particularly those aged 11-16, who are also more likely to be smokers. The research suggests that e-cigarettes may have a wider appeal than previously thought, but regular use remains relatively rare.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateApr 15, 2015

Teams with a critical mass of women lets them 'lean in' and aim for science careers

A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that teams with a critical mass of women allow them to participate more actively, feel confident, and aspire toward engineering careers. In contrast, teams with equal numbers of men and women or mostly male groups reduced women's worries and anxieties but didn't encourage speaking up.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Stereotypes lower math performance in women, but effects go unrecognized, IU study finds

A recent IU study found that gender stereotypes about women's ability in mathematics negatively impact their performance. However, surprisingly, both men and women incorrectly believe these stereotypes will motivate women to perform better. The research highlights the importance of recognizing and addressing these misperceptions to red...

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 26, 2015

Sexism -- it's in his smile

A study by Jin Goh and Judith Hall found that men who display benevolent sexism are perceived as more approachable, warmer, and friendlier, while those with hostile sexism are less friendly. The researchers also discovered that men with benevolent sexism use positive emotional words and are more patient, despite appearing harmless.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 9, 2015

Seven strategies to advance women in science

The Initiative on Women in Science and Engineering Working Group presents seven strategies to address gender imbalances in STEM fields, including financial support and education initiatives. The working group aims to elevate the entire field and ensure women have equal opportunities for career advancement.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Stem Cell·DateMar 5, 2015

Women in business

A UC Santa Barbara study finds that people systematically discount the competence of female entrepreneurs and investment-worthiness of their enterprises, but innovation mitigates this bias. Women-led businesses pitched innovative ideas are rated more competent and worthy of investment than non-innovative counterparts.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Forces·DateMar 3, 2015

Sickness and health between men and women

A study by Washington State University researchers found that women are more impacted by illness than men, unless multiple symptoms are present. Women with specific personality types, such as high agreeableness or low conscientiousness, may experience less impact from mental illness due to their social networks and coping mechanisms.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateFeb 19, 2015

Think again about gender gap in science

A new Northwestern University analysis reveals that the bachelor's-to-Ph.D. pipeline in science and engineering fields no longer leaks more women than men, with women outnumbering men as Ph.D. earners but not in doctoral persistence. Women have overcome potential gender biases to pursue graduate school, closing gaps in representation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 17, 2015

NSF@AAAS

NSF staff and scientists present findings on gender in STEM policy, practice and research, as well as graduate science education and broader impacts of research. The session includes discussions on reducing the gender gap, innovative pathways to science careers and strategies for effective broader impacts work.

She thinks friends, he thinks sex

A recent study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that both men and women tend to misinterpret each other's social signals. Women reported being misinterpreted as sexually interested approximately 3.5 times a year, while men reported being misinterpreted less often. The results suggest that these miscommunicati...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateJan 29, 2015