News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
A new study forecasts potential human health impacts from hydroelectric projects on indigenous communities in Canada, finding that over 90% of proposed projects will increase methylmercury concentrations. Mitigation efforts can help reduce these exposures, particularly for those who rely heavily on locally caught food.
A new study analyzed thousands of scientists' careers to understand how scientific impact emerges and changes over time. Despite previous assumptions, the research found that many creative papers are published within two decades of starting a career, but not necessarily by the most productive or youngest scientists.
A recent meta-analysis found that all three sensory agents affect shoppers, but in different ways. Music is positively related to pleasure and satisfaction, while scent affects arousal, pleasure, and behavioral intentions. Retailers can tailor their environments using these stimuli to increase appeal.
A OU researcher received a 5-year $3 million grant to study the impact of e-cigarettes on smoking rates. The study will assess how effective different types of e-cigarettes are in helping smokers switch from cigarettes, and what impact switching has on cancer risk.
The study finds that women are closing the gap with men in terms of alcohol consumption and related health issues. The trend is most noticeable among young adults, with women's drinking habits approaching parity with those of men, particularly among those born between 1991 and 2000.
A new study reveals that Latinos, particularly those who are Spanish-speaking, experience higher levels of preoperative anxiety compared to Caucasian patients. These patients also express a greater desire for detailed information about their surgery, including specifics about anesthesia and post-surgical care.
The annual global weight extracted is estimated at 120,000 tonnes of bait worms, with extraction having significant physical impacts on shore sediment and wading bird populations. The researchers encourage sustainable management to minimize environmental impacts.
A recent study by Jacob Neiheisel found that liberal branding can affect election outcomes, with stronger influence on down-ballot races. The researcher analyzed campaign ads and survey data from the 2004 US presidential election, revealing that name-calling has a role in shaping voters' attitudes towards candidates.
The Affordable Care Act's contraceptive mandate has been linked to increased consistency in oral contraceptive use among women with employer-sponsored insurance. Analysis of insurance claims data found that reducing out-of-pocket costs for generic pills led to higher adherence rates, particularly among those using these methods.
Researchers found that plants from high-CO2 springs had differences in gene expression, leading to increased growth and photosynthesis, and potentially paving the way for 'planetary greening'. Stomatal pores on leaves also increased in number after exposure to future CO2 levels.
A new study from the University of Surrey found that visual communication using technology to illustrate skin damage is most effective in changing behaviors. Young women who saw their own faces prematurely aged took twice as many free sunscreen samples and three times more skin cancer leaflets than those who received text-based messages.
Researchers found that anemia was present in about a quarter of patients with stroke upon admission, associated with a higher risk of death for up to one year following either ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. Elevated hemoglobin levels were also linked to poorer outcomes and a higher risk of death.
A study published in Annals of Surgery found that postoperative delirium leads to lesser functional recovery in older adults. The study, which followed participants for 18 months, showed that those who developed delirium experienced more significant decline in physical function after surgery.
A Brown University study used a custom-built device to compress neurons in 3-D cell cultures and observed their reaction to traumatic brain injury. The findings suggest that there may be a window for therapeutic intervention aimed at minimizing further damage, with irreparable structural damage occurring after approximately six hours.
Researchers have discovered six new infestations of the invasive Lasius neglectus ant in the UK, which are capable of dramatically altering ecosystems and driving native species to extinction. The ants pose no threat to humans but can out-compete native ants for resources, highlighting the need for management on a national scale.
The article introduces common definitions for 3D bioprinting-related terms, including 3D printing, bioadditive manufacturing, and biomimetic printing. The definitions aim to provide clarity in the rapidly expanding field of 3D bioprinting in medical applications.
A UBC study reveals that undiagnosed hearing loss in seniors aged 60-69 is associated with increased social isolation and cognitive declines equivalent to almost four years of chronological aging. The study found a 52% increase in odds of social isolation for every 10-decibel drop in hearing sensitivity.
A Brazilian birth cohort study found that life-course overweight and obesity significantly increase the risk of unfavorable periodontal outcomes. The study suggests a cluster effect, where excess weight and unhealthy habits together exacerbate periodontitis risk.
A new study finds that climate scientists who practice what they preach are more credible and have a greater impact on the public. The research suggests that personal behavior plays a significant role in shaping the perception of scientists' credibility, with a carbon footprint being a key factor.
A novel algorithm reduces surface-level environmental impacts from shale gas development by more than a third, at a relatively small additional cost. The study, published in Conservation Biology, found that developers can avoid significant environmental disturbances by steering development away from habitats associated with rare species.
Researchers found that green and cool roofs can lower roof temperatures by 3-4 degrees Celsius, reducing the urban heat island effect in cities like Chicago. This could lead to reduced energy use, air quality improvements, and mitigating the impact of climate variability.
A new study reveals that hydropower dams across the world are causing continued species extinctions on island habitats, with some communities losing up to 87% of their species. The research highlights the need for stronger environmental regulations and assessments to mitigate the impact of large-scale dam construction.
A new study by University of Hawaii researchers found that dinoflagellates can stress copepods, reducing their energy for growth, reproduction, and lipid biosynthesis. This impacts the food source for young fish and potentially affects fisheries.
Researchers found that a 20-second pitch clock limit would cause seven percent more arm fatigue in pitchers. This increase in fatigue can strain the ulnar collateral ligament, leading to greater risk of injury, including Tommy John surgery.
Penn State will lead a six-year, $20 million University Coalition for Fossil Energy Research to advance clean energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The coalition will explore research in coal, natural gas, and oil, including carbon dioxide capture and utilization, with the aim of minimizing environmental impacts.
A new study by University of Miami researchers found that ocean acidification is dissolving limestone on coral reefs in the upper Florida Keys at an alarming rate. The annual loss of reef poses a significant threat to the ecosystem's health and the estimated $7.6 billion asset value of these reefs.
Researchers discovered measurable changes in brain cells of high school football players due to repeated impacts, even without concussion. The study used diffusional kurtosis imaging to measure changes in neural tissues and white matter abnormalities.
A new UM study found that higher levels of neighborhood greenness are linked to a significant reduction in chronic illnesses, particularly in low-to-middle income neighborhoods. The study showed a 14% risk reduction for diabetes and hypertension, and 10% reduction for lipid disorders.
A new study predicts that unhealthy ozone days could rise by 3-9 days per year in the US by 2050, primarily affecting California, Southwest, and Northeast. This increase may exacerbate respiratory illnesses, particularly among vulnerable populations like children, seniors, and those with asthma.
Researchers found significant differences in climate change impacts for 1.5°C and 2°C global warming by 2100, including higher sea levels, longer heat waves, and coral reef degradation. Tropical regions are projected to bear the brunt of these impacts.
Researchers found that bird-like dinosaurs with toothless beaks were able to survive on seeds after the meteor impact, while those with teeth went extinct abruptly. The study suggests that dietary adaptations played a crucial role in the survival of modern birds.
A University of Queensland project aims to develop a compact detector for explosives using dendrimer technology, which can detect vapours with high sensitivity and selectivity. The Queensland Government has awarded funding under the Advance Queensland Research Fellowships Scheme.
A new article analyzes recent changes in UK asylum accommodation, revealing how economic interests prioritize competition and profit over social justice. Local authorities' expertise in supporting asylum seekers has been lost due to contracting out, leading to diminished services and charitable provision.
A new approach to studying coral reefs suggests that multiple stressors, such as ocean temperature and acidification, can have devastating effects on corals. The researchers recommend a global strategy for choosing locations for larger field-based experiments to inform adaptation policies.
Researchers adapted the IMPaCT model to an outpatient setting, introducing a new manual, staff hiring, and training. The approach reduced readmission rates and improved health outcomes for chronically ill patients.
A new study found that prolonged daily sitting is responsible for 3.8% of all-cause mortality deaths, with reducing sitting time estimated to increase life expectancy by 0.2 years. The study analyzed data from 54 countries and found that sitting had a higher impact on mortality rates in certain regions.
Researchers at Aalto University found that acoustic concert halls play a significant role in the emotional impact of music. Identically selected performances of classical orchestra music evoked stronger emotional responses when presented in acoustics of Vienna Musikverein or Berlin Konzerthaus, shoebox-type concert halls.
The University of Bath has installed a new Nano-Lithography printing system, enabling the development of advanced manufacturing techniques for nano-engineered semiconductors. The system will accelerate research into high-efficiency LEDs and improve the quality of these materials.
The winter storms in 2013-14 were the most energetic in almost seven decades, with extreme wave conditions occurring up to five times more frequently. This trend has the potential to dramatically change beaches along the western side of Europe.
Experts warn that the UK government's new anti-lobbying clause could limit the ability of researchers funded by taxpayer money to influence policy and improve public health. The clause prioritizes private sector views over public health goals, potentially jeopardizing efforts to promote evidence-based decision-making.
A new study of 274 patients undergoing total hip replacement found that the surgical approach had no significant impact on pre- or post-surgical pain and function. The results suggest that both anterior and posterior approaches yield excellent, equivalent outcomes for patients.
Research published in Injury Prevention found that paid family leave in California is associated with a lower rate of children's admission for head injury, including cases of deliberate inflicted trauma. The study suggests that this policy may have positive effects on reducing childhood abuse admissions.
A new study combines two methods for estimating future sea-level rise, yielding a more robust risk range of 50-130 centimeters by 2100. The research provides critical information for coastal planners, who can use the tool to assess adaptation strategies and design flood insurance schemes.
Research shows that stroke patients who use mail-order pharmacies have higher medication adherence rates compared to those filling prescriptions at local pharmacies. Medication non-adherence is a significant concern in stroke care, and this study highlights the potential benefits of mail-order pharmacy services.
Economic sanctions actually stiffen a nation's resolve and encourage military preparation, according to researchers. Iran's case study shows that sanctions led to increased military spending, which had a greater impact on the economy than the sanctions themselves.
Researchers from Louisiana Tech University published a study on the prevalence and impacts of 'serial inventors', who are inventive scientists and engineers producing patents at a high level. Approximately 10 percent of faculty inventors account for about 50 percent of patents generated at a university.
Caregivers who attended stroke camps reported feeling less alone (79%) and experiencing recharging effects (77%). The camps provided emotional support, physical relief and education to alleviate the strains of caregiving, including work impact and loss of time and freedom.
Research suggests that joining social groups after retirement can reduce the risk of death and improve quality of life, with effects comparable to those of regular exercise. The study found that maintaining social connections is crucial for retirees, emphasizing the importance of social planning in retirement planning.
A recent study found two genetic mutations in the SLC19A3 gene to be strongly associated with reduced risk of diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy. These mutations, which prevent high blood sugar damage to tiny blood vessels, have significant implications for diabetes prevention and treatment.
A new study cautions that exceeding critical temperature limits in the Southern Ocean could lead to the collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet, posing a significant threat to sea levels. Meanwhile, advancements in climate model development aim to improve forecast accuracy and speed up decision-making.
A new study found that young drivers experience significant increases in alcohol-impaired driving offenses after reaching the legal drinking age. The research suggests that raising the drinking age could reduce such incidents and improve public health.
A multi-year regional study at the University of Delaware suggests that home shopping has a greater impact on transportation sector than previously believed. The study found that online shopping leads to increased wear and tear on pavements and higher environmental pollution due to more delivery trucks on the roads.
The Huffington Foundation has awarded $2 million to the Graduate College of Social Work at University of Houston to fund the Brené Brown Endowed Chair. Brown, a renowned researcher and author, will focus on expanding her research and mentoring students.
A new study finds that restructuring in organisations has a mainly negative effect on the welfare of employees, with or without job losses. The review of 39 studies highlights the importance of designing and implementing effective interventions related to restructuring.
A study by McGill University researchers found that transformational leadership has positive impacts on nurses' well-being and job retention, counteracting the negative effects of abusive management. Abusive leaders are more likely to drive novice nurses out of the profession.
A new study by Gerrit Hansen and Dáithí Stone reveals that almost two-thirds of regional climate impacts can confidently be attributed to human-generated emissions. However, the link for trends in precipitation remains unclear due to insufficient observational data in some regions.
Eftekharnejad's research will investigate the impacts of data intrusion on phasor measurement units (PMU) devices and propose mitigation strategies for power grid security. The study aims to identify critical components targeted by cyberattacks and develop methods to mitigate cascading blackouts.
A new study published in the Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation identified four subtypes of symptoms after military traumatic brain injury (TBI), including good recovery, primarily psychiatric symptoms, and mixed symptom profiles. A new questionnaire for assessing health-related quality of life after TBI also showed promise, disting...
A novel set of helmetless-tackling drills have been shown to significantly reduce head impacts in football players by 28% in one season. The HuTTTM intervention program, tested on 50 NCAA Division I players, aimed to alter tackling behavior and prevent head injury exposure.
For the first time, scientists have successfully dated carbon dioxide and methane emissions from ponds and lakes on Bylot Island in Nunavut. The study found significant variability in age and emission rates of greenhouse gases from aquatic systems located in a continuous permafrost zone.