News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
The UMBC program has been successfully replicated at two other institutions, demonstrating its model's extraordinary impact. Students from underrepresented groups in STEM showed significant gains in GPAs and retention rates, while overall student outcomes improved.
Researchers developed a web-based game, Maladaptation Game, to improve understanding of climate change methods and adaptation strategies among Nordic farmers. The game presents players with four agricultural challenges and requires strategic decisions, providing a summary of potential negative outcomes.
Researchers at the University of Southampton found that Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) tailored specifically for IBS is more effective in relieving symptoms than current standard care. CBT sessions delivered over the telephone or through an interactive website improved patients' quality of life and reduced symptoms after 12 months.
A recent study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that exotic species do tend to disrupt marine ecosystems, reducing native species abundance. However, the team's meta-analysis revealed significant variability and context dependence in their impact.
A new study by Georgia Institute of Technology researchers highlights the challenges of designing products that balance durability and recyclability. While some products, like automobiles, can achieve both goals, many others face trade-offs between increasing device life span and reducing electronic waste. The study's findings suggest ...
A CABI-led international team has compiled recommendations to improve impact assessment protocols for invasive pests, aiming to enhance global food security. The study analyzed 2614 assessments of 57 non-native species and identified factors increasing protocol robustness.
A study by QUT researchers found that women caring for children experience a negative impact on their research output, visibility, and ability to network. Institutions should adjust publication and citation benchmarks to cater for women who have cared for children to ensure fair career advancement and funding opportunities.
A study published in The Lancet found that caesarean sections in low- and middle-income countries lead to significantly higher maternal and infant mortality rates. The analysis of 12 million pregnancies revealed that women undergoing emergency caesarean sections were twice more likely to die than those delivering by elective means.
Dr. Julie Wayne, a trailblazer in work-family interface research, has been named a Fellow of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP). Her impactful research has improved employee work-life balance and reached into practice through collaborations with top companies.
Academic time constraints and career frameworks are significant barriers to collaboration between scientists and business. However, research has identified ways to overcome these obstacles, including collecting evidence of impact and providing training for academics to work with businesses.
Trigger warnings were found to be ineffective in reducing symptoms of distress, intrusive thoughts, and avoidance among participants. The studies, involving over 1,400 participants, suggest that trigger warnings are neither helpful nor harmful.
By teaching a computer to simulate the electronic structure of aluminum and polyethylene using machine learning, researchers have developed a faster method that produces similar results. This approach has the potential to enable the design of more efficient electronic devices.
Global warming is causing a rise in sea travel through the Arctic, posing risks to naval vessels due to extreme cold. Professor Tan and his team are researching composite materials to improve their strength and integrity at low temperatures.
Researchers found that psychological distress dropped and life satisfaction increased after the U.S. Supreme Court ruling, with improvements felt regardless of marital status. The study also showed that those who were more distressed before the ruling experienced greater improvement afterwards.
Scientists have discovered a new gene variation that causes motor neurone disease (MND) in a novel biological pathway. MND is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder affecting the nerves, causing muscle weakness and eventually wasting.
A recent study found that modern mahouts in Myanmar are younger and less experienced, leading to concerns about elephant welfare. The research team discovered a reduced traditional family connection to the profession and fewer apprenticeships, with many mahots having little training before being paired with an elephant.
A new study found that fractures in older adults have lasting impacts on health-related quality of life. Women with hip or spine fractures experienced significant declines in mobility and self-care, with some never recovering to pre-fracture levels.
A study by Indiana University found that a moderate level of piracy can have a positive impact on the profits of both manufacturers and retailers, while also enhancing consumer welfare. This 'win-win-win' situation can benefit the overall economy.
A study published in the Harvard Review of Psychiatry found that antidepressants may affect fertility in women, but the evidence is limited. In contrast, the impact on male fertility is unclear and requires further research.
A new analysis found that a classification system for hip preservation surgery relies heavily on age and radiographic tests, raising concerns about its accuracy. The system's limitations may lead to incorrect clinical decisions for patients with complex hip conditions.
Research by Bocconi University finds that public debt increases the cost of capital for innovative firms, forcing them to choose only profitable projects over riskier ones, ultimately affecting national GDP growth. A high public debt can lead to a 4% decline in GDP growth after five years compared to a normal debt level.
A study published in The BMJ found that people with the most common genetic disorder in northern Europe are associated with substantially higher levels of disease than previously thought. The faulty genes often lead to serious health problems, including haemochromatosis and liver disease.
A study from the University of Kent discovered that part-time working mothers with flexible schedules often end up doing more unpaid overtime. This is despite having more control over their work hours. The researchers found an average increase of around 20 minutes in unpaid overtime for part-time working mothers.
A new human model simulates cataract surgery on human donor eyes, allowing evaluation of artificial intraocular lens (IOL) implants. The model predicts that Hoya Vivinex IOL is better able to manage events leading to Posterior Capsule Opacification (PCO) than Alcon Acrysof IOL.
Stellar winds from infant stars in the Orion Nebula disrupt the formation of new stars by blowing away seed material. The winds create a bubble that regulates physical conditions and influences star formation activity.
The Path2Integrity project aims to boost research integrity by developing new educational methods, targeting students and researchers from five European countries. The initiative, funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program, promotes storytelling, role-playing, and dialogical learning to raise awareness about research integrity.
Climate change is projected to significantly impact electricity consumption in China's Yangtze River Delta, with daily consumption increasing by 14.5% for every 1°C rise in temperature above 25°C. By the end of the century, annual mean and peak consumption are expected to increase by approximately 9.2% and 36.1%, respectively.
A recent study suggests that limiting contact in football practice can reduce head impacts, but the correct approach involves adjusting practice methods such as reducing speed and improving tackling technique. The researchers found that full-speed tackling and blocking drills resulted in the highest head impact severity and frequency.
Researchers at Indiana University found that mild, repetitive head impacts in football players can impair eyeball and eyelid movement, but this effect often normalizes by the end of the season. The study aimed to better understand the impact of repetitive subconcussive head injuries on brain function.
A UBC-Western study found that respectful, inclusive practices in primary care clinics can improve the health of marginalized individuals. Researchers developed modules to promote equity-oriented care and interviewed 395 individuals, finding reduced pain, depression, and trauma symptoms.
Researchers have identified specific neurological changes in brain neurons based on the force applied during head trauma. The study used x-ray diffraction to examine myelin structure and detected changes at a consistent load of force.
A new study reveals that many UK parents opt for overseas surrogacy to access better legal frameworks, but face significant challenges upon return, including delayed recognition of parenthood. The research highlights the need for clearer and more secure laws to support families undergoing surrogacy.
Researchers at MIT used high-speed imaging to study the effects of tiny particles striking metal surfaces. They found that a brief period of melting upon impact plays a crucial role in eroding surfaces, challenging the industry rule that higher velocities always lead to better results.
A new study suggests climate change could significantly reduce the nutritional quality of oysters due to ocean acidification and warming. The research focuses on Pacific and native flat oysters, finding that increased temperatures and CO2 levels can decrease protein, lipid, and carbohydrate content.
Researchers with NASA and UChicago institutions developed a new approach to improve crop yield predictions by incorporating planting and harvesting data into models. This method shows improved accuracy in matching observed yields, enabling more robust simulations of droughts and heat waves' impacts on food supplies and prices.
Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology found that smart car technologies such as lane-keeping warnings and cruise control can reduce fuel consumption by 27 to 119 gallons per year, saving drivers between $60 and $266 each year.
A new report calls on the UK government to redesign health policies for men, taking into account their unique experiences in the workplace. The report highlights the need for targeted marketing campaigns and out-of-hours services to reach men at risk of poor physical and mental health.
A collection of 17 innovative projects showcases the benefits of patient-oriented research, including improved health outcomes and enhanced care. Patient partners contributed to study design, recruitment, and data collection, highlighting the value of lived experience in research.
Severe droughts in the Caribbean, exacerbated by climate change, threaten 2 million people's access to food and freshwater. The region has experienced a drying trend since 1950, with recent droughts pushing 1 million people into food shortages.
A longitudinal study of voters in New Zealand found that participants tended to shift their opinions to align with those of their preferred political party. Strong supporters of a party were more likely to change their opinions over time, while those whose opinions were already aligned with the party position were less likely to shift.
Researchers found that small changes, such as virtual characters acknowledging users' presence, can have a significant positive impact on people's sense of presence in a VR news scenario. This is demonstrated by a 25% conversion rate from the VR experience to further information about the refugee crisis.
Researchers identified five key themes of cyber-harm, including physical/digital, economic, psychological, reputational, and social/societal impacts. High-profile attacks like Sony and Ashley Madison demonstrate the devastating consequences of cyber-attacks on individuals and businesses.
A review of 320 global studies found a large mismatch in microplastic types measured in the environment and those tested for effects in laboratories. The study highlights the need for better quality monitoring and environmentally realistic effects studies to understand the impact of microplastics on the environment.
A research team at the University of Waterloo has defined gameful experience as a psychological state resulting from three characteristics: perceived achievable goals, motivation under arbitrary rules, and voluntary actions. This unifying concept aims to clarify terminology and improve gameful system design.
Researchers analyzed literature from 1999 to 2018 and found no stronger phenotypic selection in populations exposed to anthropogenic selection pressures. Some human disturbances may reduce selection by increasing fitness and decreasing opportunities for selection.
A six-month study with 36 patients and three nurses found that solution-focussed communication improved the reduction of liquid intake in haemodyalisis patients. The research highlights the role of nurses as agents of change, demonstrating the importance of empathetic communication.
A new study conducted in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia found that high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air purifiers can decrease fine particulate matter by 29% and lead to babies weighing up to 85 grams more at term. The results provide further evidence of the negative impact of air pollution exposure during pregnancy on fetal growth.
A recent study found that on-again, off-again relationships are associated with higher rates of abuse, poorer communication, and lower levels of commitment. Researchers suggest that partners who regularly break up and get back together should re-examine their relationship dynamics to prioritize their well-being.
Jesse Mez will examine clinical, radiologic, and neuropathologic markers of Alzheimer's disease in Framingham Heart Study participants to test the hypothesis that TBI and military service independently and jointly contribute to its development. The study aims to identify risk factors beyond genetics and lifestyle choices.
African oil palm cultivation could impact primates due to high demand for the crop. The study found that only 3.3 million hectares of land offer little impact on primates, while 273 Mha can be planted with varying yields.
Men who wear loose-fitting boxers have significantly higher sperm concentrations and total sperm counts compared to those who don't. Researchers found a potential compensatory mechanism where decreased sperm production triggers hormone production boosts to stimulate gonad activity.
Researchers found that pilots performed significantly better in flight simulations when CO2 levels were between 700 ppm and 1,500 ppm compared to 2,500 ppm. The negative effects of CO2 on flight performance became more pronounced with longer simulation times.
Research finds that restricting student and high-skilled visas has little impact on overall migration, while limiting family and low-skilled visas reduces migration but diverts aspiring migrants to unauthorized channels. Enforcement of unauthorized migration is also inefficient.
A recent study published in Journal of Dental Research found a strong correlation between the amount and frequency of sugars intake among children. Reducing consumption frequency leads to decreased amount consumed, highlighting the importance of balanced diet habits for oral health.
Degradation rates of oil were slower in the dark and cold waters of the Gulf of Mexico than at surface conditions. Oil biodegradation rates decreased by 4 percent for every 328 feet of increase in water depth, with complete degradation taking 42 days in sediments deeper than 3280 feet.
A new University of Delaware study examines the effect of repetitive head impacts on balance. The researchers found that players who headed the ball more frequently experienced subtle balance problems when tested with vestibular stimulation.
A large-scale study confirms pesticides negatively affect bee learning and memory abilities, even at field-realistic dosages. Bees exposed to pesticides are less likely to learn and memorize rewarding scents.
Researchers found that focusing on impact uncertainty leads participants to adopt behaviors that preserve others' welfare, whereas outcome uncertainty activates self-focused narratives that enable selfish behavior. This discovery has implications for public health messaging and policy-making.
A recent study by University of Texas at Arlington researcher Shima Hamidi finds a correlation between urban sprawl and decreased life expectancy in the US. The study suggests that changes in urban planning and building practices can help improve quality-of-life issues, including life expectancy and economic mobility.
Researchers at Durham University found that a massive collision with an object twice the size of Earth likely tilted Uranus on its side. The impact may have trapped heat, explaining the planet's extremely cold temperature. Simulations also suggest this event could have formed Uranus' rings and moons.