News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
Researchers from the University of South Florida have published a seven-year study on the impact of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill on marine life in the Gulf of Mexico. The study found that fish populations have recovered significantly since the disaster, with some species like the red snapper and southern hake showing notable declines.
Research from the University of Minnesota found that small classes close the gap between men and women' academic performance. Smaller classes do not impact underrepresented minorities' performance regardless of class size. The study suggests other education environment factors affect learning beyond class size.
Researchers developed a stochastic modeling method to evaluate wind power impact on power systems, considering extreme outliers and computational efficiency. The method enables quantitative risk assessment and contributes to improving power system reliability and economic efficiency.
New research from Michigan State University suggests that abusive supervisors are motivated to repair relationships by engaging in more effective leader behaviors. This is driven by feelings of guilt and a desire to restore moral credit, which can lead to positive changes in workplace dynamics.
Researchers at Oxford University and Agroscope found large differences in environmental impact between producers of the same product. A plant-based diet can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 73% and global agricultural land use by ~3.1 billion hectares, according to a new database.
New research from the University of East Anglia found that limiting global warming to 1.5°C could reduce dengue fever cases by up to 3.3 million per year in Latin America and the Caribbean. Limiting warming further would also limit the spread of the disease in areas with current low incidence.
New research found that daily aerobic exercise alters mesolimbic dopamine pathway in the brain, a key neurotransmitter associated with substance use disorders. The study suggests that exercise may normalize dopamine signaling changed by chronic drug use, providing a potential treatment strategy for substance abuse.
Researchers found that the Unified Model's microphysics scheme produces unrealistic raindrop size distributions, affecting storm structures. The study emphasizes the importance of selecting the right microphysics scheme for accurate weather prediction.
A new study reveals that C4 plants, which dominate Australia's landscape, first expanded around 3.5 million years ago due to a strengthened summer monsoon. The research suggests that human influence on the atmosphere will play a significant role in shaping ecosystems in the future.
Chronic short sleep duration, independent of extended wakefulness, results in vigilant performance impairments, with attention lapses increasing fivefold and reaction time doubling. Participants on restricted sleep schedules worsened over time, suggesting they cannot adapt to chronically insufficient sleep.
Researchers found that conflicts with a spouse can exacerbate chronic pain and symptoms in individuals with osteoarthritis and type 2 diabetes. Daily diaries revealed that those experiencing tension with their partner had worse moods, greater pain, and more severe symptoms.
An international study found that proposed changes to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) could lead to a 57% reduction in moderate PTSD diagnoses. The study examined almost 4,000 individuals from six countries and showed that severe PTSD cases increased by up to 36%, while moderate cases decreased by more than half.
Researchers analyzed four African cassava cultivars and found that unimproved landraces outperform improved varieties in photosynthetic efficiency. The study suggests genetic engineering may be necessary to improve cassava yield potential, which has remained stagnant despite advances in breeding.
A study by Indiana University's Kelley School of Business found that top-rated reviewers on online retail sites like Amazon.com may not have as much impact on sales as expected. Instead, less frequent and more informal reviewers can be seen as more trustworthy and influential.
A new research project in the UK aims to study the impact of tyres and clothing on the marine environment. The project will explore how tiny plastic particles from these sources enter waterways and oceans, affecting marine life.
A review of nearly 300 studies on obesity policies found that natural experiments have strengths, but need better standards. Researchers recommend stronger study designs and standardized reporting methods to identify effective policies.
Researchers found that voters prefer 'agreeable' politicians who are perceived as trustworthy and cooperative, but these traits often hinder their success in office. In contrast, candidates with a competent appearance tend to perform better in elections.
A recent study found significant differences in nutrient levels and species composition between Devils Hole and a constructed scale replica at the Ash Meadows Fish Conservation Facility. The findings suggest that modifications to the refuge's operation could improve the prospects for continued survival of the critically endangered Devi...
Researchers at Utah State University studied the physics behind a unique underwater phenomenon resembling the Matryoshka doll. They developed a new dimensionless number, the Matryoshka number, which predicts the formation of nested cavities under certain conditions.
Researchers estimate that airborne dust levels could increase by 10-30% due to drought conditions, resulting in a 20-130% rise in premature deaths and a 60-300% growth in hospitalizations. The US Southwest is projected to experience severe and persistent droughts by 2100, posing a substantial public health burden.
The fifth Act 54 five-year report assesses the impact of long-wall, room-and-pillar, and retreat mining methods on surface structures and water resources. The study provides vital information for environmental remediation and restoration efforts in Pennsylvania.
Researchers are investigating various cannabis-related health issues, such as its impact on pregnant women, young people, and those with chronic pain. The studies aim to expand knowledge on the most pressing questions related to the impact of cannabis on health.
The National Academies' Gulf Research Program awarded over $340,000 to support the recovery of Gulf Coast scientific research efforts damaged or lost due to Hurricanes Harvey and Irma. Eleven grants were announced to help scientists recover from their losses and carry on with work strengthening the region's resilience.
A new study found that poor-quality audio negatively affects perception of scientists and their research, while style triumphs over substance in communicating science. Researchers highlight the need to consider not only content but also delivery features.
A study found differences in the brains of athletes playing contact sports versus noncontact sports, particularly in regions responsible for visual processing. The findings suggest that a history of minor blows to the head may lead to compensatory changes in brain function related to eye movement.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that rear-facing car seats are effective in reducing injuries and fatalities in rear-impact collisions. The study's findings align with crash data, highlighting the importance of following recommended guidelines for car seat selection based on child height, weight, and age.
New research reveals that dolphins are not only being accidentally caught in fishing nets but may be actively seeking them out for food. The study found that acoustic deterrents were ineffective and may even attracted more dolphins, highlighting the need for effective fish stock management to break the vicious cycle of overfishing.
The Fifth International Symposium on Arctic Research was the largest of its kind held in a non-Arctic country, attracting 344 participants from 18 nations. Researchers discussed global warming impacts, climate change effects, and new research projects such as MOSAiC.
A new study suggests that air pollution from traffic-related emissions is a significant contributor to childhood asthma cases in Bradford, with up to 24% of annual cases potentially attributed to this factor. The research highlights the need for policies aimed at reducing traffic-related air pollution to mitigate its effects on childre...
The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded over $10 million to fund 64 projects advancing geographic patterns, human-environmental interactions, and spatial dynamics. These research projects address critical questions of societal significance in fields such as land use, technology, social networks, and environmental sustainability.
A new study from the University of Notre Dame finds that when audit offices prioritize non-audit services due to fee pressure, audit quality suffers, leading to increased client misstatement rates and compromised financial statement accuracy.
Researchers from the University of Exeter use drones to track turtles over large areas, gaining insights into their behavior and movements at sea. The technology also offers cheaper alternatives for gathering information and provides new avenues for anti-poaching efforts.
Researchers aim to understand BPA's pro-arrhythmic effects and its potential cardiac toxicity using animal models and human data from the Fernald Medical Monitoring Program. The study also examines the cardiac impact of Bisphenol S (BPS), a substitute for BPA.
Researchers found evidence of early human impacts on African rainforests, with a switch from mature rainforest to forest-savannah mosaic occurring around 3,000 years ago. Human population growth and land-use changes are thought to have driven this transition, contradicting the current consensus that climate change was the primary cause.
Thousands of appointments were cancelled during the 2016 junior doctor strikes in England, with effects greatest when emergency care was withdrawn. Admissions and A&E attendances also declined significantly, highlighting the need for improved healthcare systems to mitigate staff shortages.
New research finds that a Bitcoin crash would likely only affect other cryptocurrencies, while traditional assets remain unaffected. The study reveals significant price spillovers between cryptocurrencies and other financial assets.
Research finds that abusive supervision affects more than 13% of U.S. workers, leading to retaliatory behavior and decreased productivity. The study also reveals cultural power distance influences employees' perceptions of justice and deviant behavior, with lower power distance countries experiencing stronger deviations.
Increased investments in vaccines administered to low- and middle-income countries could avert up to 36 million deaths and 24 million cases of medical impoverishment. The poorest households would likely receive the most benefit from increased access to vaccines due to their higher risk and limited healthcare use.
The University of Washington and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory are joining forces to research and develop new materials that will significantly influence tomorrow's world. The joint endeavor, NW IMPACT, aims to tackle areas such as materials for energy conversion, quantum materials, water separation, and biomimetic materials.
Researchers studied hospice patients' perceptions of wisdom, finding it to be a continuous recalibration between accepting illness and wanting to grow and change. Participants emphasized the importance of acceptance, gratitude, and positivity in their final days.
A Boston University study identified evidence of early Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) brain pathology after head impact, even in the absence of signs of concussion. The researchers found that head impact caused persistent changes in brain electrical functions and damaged blood vessels, leading to CTE.
Researchers used high-tech tools to analyze Amazonian Dark Earths and found lower biomass, tree height, and tree cover at sites with past human settlement. These areas are more susceptible to drought, indicating the forests still show impacts from pre-Columbian occupation.
A new study published in The Journal of Urology found that cycling does not negatively impact men's sexual and urinary health. Contrary to previous studies, recreational and intense cycling were shown to have no detrimental effects on erectile function or prostate health.
A recent study found that complete inactivity has a greater impact on the muscle power of older people than young individuals. This loss of muscle mass is more pronounced and can lead to increased decline in metabolic health and functional capacity.
Researchers propose new statistical methodology to understand climate system and attribute extreme climatic events. This approach views extreme events as a given and assesses the degree of changes in thermodynamic state variables influenced by climate change.
A Concordia University study found that people who believe they're going to lose control exhibit checking behavior more frequently. The research suggests treating this fear may reduce symptoms of OCD, panic attacks, and other anxiety-related problems.
A strong relationship was discovered between self-efficacy and exercise among women veterans with fibromyalgia, revealing positive effects on exercise adoption and maintenance. The study highlights the importance of tailored exercise programs to individual needs, aiming to improve overall quality of life and functioning.
A new Stanford study analyzes recent research on the causes of gun violence in the United States, finding a link between right-to-carry laws and higher violent crime rates. The study suggests that lifting restrictions on concealed carry guns increases violent crime, while laws restricting gun ownership for people convicted of domestic ...
A recent study by UBC researchers found that forest vegetation can have a substantial impact on global water resources, with alterations to ground cover changing annual water yield by up to 31%. The study suggests that both climate change and vegetation loss should be considered when assessing and managing future global water resources.
A recent study published in Sexuality & Culture explores how LGBQ* women's sexual desire is influenced by sociocultural factors such as sexism, religion, and body image. The research reveals that these factors have a significant impact on the lives of LGBQ* women, particularly those who identify as women of color or bisexual.
Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new way to understand how the brain controls walking in complex environments. Using brain-body imaging and motion capture technology, they identified specific areas of the brain involved in locomotion, including the posterior parietal lobe and sensorimotor cortex.
Rothamsted Research emphasizes the importance of accelerating UK agriculture to meet post-Brexit challenges through a focus on sustainable growth. The institute advocates for a dynamic, innovative model that prioritizes co-development, sharing, and engagement to drive impact.
Researchers found that exposure to traumatic calls and lack of control over workload contribute to the psychological distress of emergency call handlers. High stress levels can lead to burnout, sickness, and increased time away from work.
The study found significant bleaching in Kimberley region and mild bleaching at Rottnest Island. Ningaloo Reef escaped bleaching, but experienced temperature-related coral mortality.
Researchers can increase their work's impact by using visual storytelling and developing a media product following a Four Phase Media Development Model. This model involves four steps: scoping, development, release, and review to ensure success.
A new study examines the role of option value in farmers' decisions to plant and harvest bioenergy crops. The research finds that option value is a critical factor in determining the production of bioenergy crops, with uncertainty about future prices leading to delayed planting and reduced yields.
The Chicxulub asteroid impact likely released over three times as much sulfur gas into the atmosphere, implying a colder period than previously thought. The increased sulfur release led to a dramatic cooling of Earth's climate, potentially devastating plant life and marine ecosystems.
Andy Tay Kah Ping, a postdoctoral researcher at Stanford University, has been awarded the inaugural MRS Bulletin Postdoctoral Publication Prize. He was recognized for his exceptional academic credentials, scientific publications, and science communication efforts.
Researchers studied exposure to high-magnitude head impacts in young athletes during football games and practice drills, finding that players in 'Back' positions sustained more head impacts than others. High-magnitude head impacts occurred more often in open field areas during games than in line of scrimmage.
A 10 pence levy on sugar sweetened drinks at UK-based Jamie's Italian led to a 9-11% decrease in sales, with the impact greatest in restaurants with highest pre-existing sales of these beverages.