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 challenges a long-held belief that offshore islands protect the mainland from tsunamis. Instead, islands focus the energy of the tsunami, increasing flooding on the mainland by up to 70 percent. Researchers used machine learning to analyze various island geometries and found that this setup amplifies tsunami power.
A Johns Hopkins study finds that US operating rooms discard an estimated $15 million annually in usable surgical supplies, which can be salvaged and donated to alleviate global shortages. These donations can also reduce waste and environmental impact at home.
A new way of syncing music with video has been discovered, increasing the memorability and commercial impact of TV ads. By making small adjustments to the soundtrack, researchers found a marked improvement in memory response.
Research from Oregon State University found that both everyday hassles and significant life events are harmful to men's health. Men who experience several stressful life events do not necessarily have high levels of stress from everyday hassles, suggesting a person's reaction to stress is key.
A new study published in Nutrition and Metabolic Insights suggests that consuming 10 grams of freeze-dried mango daily may lower blood sugar levels in obese individuals. The study found significant reductions in blood glucose levels, particularly in males, without any negative impact on body weight.
A study by Yanping Tu at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business found that people are more likely to start a job when it appears to be part of the present, rather than the future. This perception affects task initiation and completion rates.
An AIBS analysis of peer review found correlations between scores and citation impact, but not funding amounts. This study offers insights into increasing research productivity through peer review models.
Researchers found media coverage of a South Korean actress' suicide led to a surge in 80 times more suicide-related articles. The study estimated 430 excess suicides in the 4 weeks following her death.
Coastal regions face both climate-driven and non-climatic changes, requiring an integrated approach to management. Long-term adaptation can reduce impacts, but further research is needed to understand which areas can adapt and which cannot.
Researchers used a 'big data' approach to rank top 100 pathogens affecting humans and animals, with E.coli and HIV taking top spots. The Hirsch Index method aggregates scientific work on diseases to guide policy at a continent-wide level.
The University of Missouri's Broader Impacts program will create a national network of professionals to promote public awareness of federal scientific research. The BIONIC initiative aims to increase economic development, broaden participation of underrepresented groups in STEM, and enhance infrastructure for research and education.
Researchers at GW University developed a new model to study the impact of faculty development programs on institutional behaviors. The study found that graduates exhibited enhanced confidence and new behaviors, influencing their colleagues' practices and work units.
Researchers found that adequate sanitation and access to education lead to lower child mortality rates. Countries with higher levels of social militarization and female education have significantly lower child mortality rates.
A new algorithm developed by Hua-Wei Shen helps accurately allocate credit to researchers based on their contributions. The algorithm, which has been tested on 63 Nobel prize-winning papers, found that authors deserving of the most credit corresponded to the Nobel laureate in 81% of cases.
Climate change is having a direct negative effect on the Great Lakes, affecting recreational value and drinking water potential. Researchers are calling for increased understanding of the impacts of climate change on ecosystems and developing technology for real-time monitoring and management of water systems.
A Florida State University study reveals that while the number of tornado days per year has decreased, their density and strength have increased. This means that even though tornadoes are not occurring as frequently, they are having a more significant impact when they do occur.
Asteroid impacts were a key factor in shaping early Earth's surface, with large collisions melting and burying the crust. The Hadean eon's geography was heavily reprocessed, with impact-generated melt contributing to the formation of the Moon.
Research finds men with wider faces excel in solo negotiations, securing higher bonuses and sale prices, but falter when collaborating or selling to others. In contrast, more attractive men perform better in team settings.
Researchers used electronic health records to monitor the impact of treatments on patients with high-risk cardiovascular disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The study found that using EHRs simplified clinical trials, saving time and money for taxpayers, while maintaining minimal patient involvement.
New research reveals that developed regions in China contribute to water depletion in other water-scarce regions through imports of food and water-intensive goods. This study accounts for water scarcity using the concept of virtual water, tracking water flows through trade and agricultural products.
A new study estimates that low-carbon energy options require additional investments of around $800 billion a year from now to mid-century. The researchers found that much of this capital could come from shifting subsidies and investments away from fossil fuels.
A Boston University School of Medicine study found that women who had their last child after age 33 had twice the odds of living to 95 years or older compared to those who had their last child before age 29. This suggests that women may be driving the evolution of genetic variants that slow aging and increase longevity.
The Pew Charitable Trusts has awarded research funding to 10 Latin American scientists through its Biomedical Sciences program. The fellowship provides flexible funding and networking opportunities to help early-career scientists develop skills and connections that will aid them in becoming scientific leaders in their home countries.
Scientists from Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that connecting dead ends can significantly increase power grid stability. By adding alternative routes in the network, dead ends make the effects culminate at single points of the network, but judiciously adding transmission lines can repair this.
Researchers found that spider silk can be tuned to a wide range of harmonics, allowing spiders to detect vibrations from prey and mates. This unique property could inspire new technologies such as tiny sensors.
The laboratory uses pneumatic launchers and high-speed cameras to study structural elements' response to impacts. Researchers aim to design armor plating that can withstand various types of collisions.
Frontiers introduces a new open-access journal, covering robotics and artificial intelligence. The journal will utilize the Frontiers open-science platform to facilitate research networking and knowledge sharing.
Researchers may underestimate disparities between groups due to 'mischievous responders' who intentionally provide inaccurate answers on surveys. A new sensitivity-analysis procedure identifies and reduces bias in research data, ensuring sound conclusions for policymaking and effective support for marginalized groups.
A new study from the University of Iowa reveals that Iowa's air quality is generally clean, but with notable variations between urban and rural areas. The research found higher concentrations of fine particulate pollutants in urban locations, particularly associated with vehicle exhaust and industrial activity.
A recent study by Yale University researchers found that black male incarceration has compromised research studies on health outcomes, leading to a significant loss of follow-up data. The study estimated that high incarceration rates among black men may have accounted for up to 65% of the loss of follow-up among this group.
The Kempe Center presents its first National Kempe Scientific Impact Award to Dr. David Finkelhor for his sustained scientific contributions to the field of child abuse and neglect. Finkelhor's extensive research has informed policy and practice to benefit children and families.
Researchers found that costly mating behaviors in females reduce overall reproductive productivity due to their primary role as caregivers. Artificial selection experiments revealed no change in male parental care behavior despite increased mating rates, highlighting the importance of female-led parental care.
A study published in Psychological Science found that people's orientation affects their perception of distance. The researchers discovered that moving in a certain direction makes places ahead feel nearer than those behind, regardless of actual distance. This phenomenon is linked to feelings of social similarity and emotional engagement.
A new WHO report shows that large, graphic health warnings on tobacco packets in China would significantly increase awareness about the harms of smoking, help reduce smoking rates, and ultimately save lives. The report recommends improving current text-only Chinese health warnings by adding images of tobacco-related diseases.
New data show that US scientific research has a substantial impact on the economy, with most funded workers not being university faculty members. The study found that universities spend federal funding on goods and services from companies both large and small, with 70% of expenditure spent outside their home states.
Researchers at the University of Missouri developed a computer-generated tool called the Material Point Method (MPM) to predict blast scenarios and analyze building materials response. The MPM has been applied to create animation sequences for Disney's 'Frozen', as well as be used in other animated movies
A study found that consumers who feel powerful are more inclined to switch products or services. Brands can benefit by measuring consumer empowerment and diversifying their product lines. Empowering consumers through marketing campaigns can also lead to increased business.
Clemson University has received a $5.3 million NSF grant to create a national network of Advanced Cyberinfrastructure Research and Education Facilitators. The project aims to empower local campus researchers to effectively use advanced cyberinfrastructure, particularly those in the 'long tail' of users.
Research found a steep upward tendency in extreme hot days over land, despite a supposed 'hiatus' in global average temperatures. The study revealed regions experiencing 10-50 extremely hot days saw the greatest increases in hot events and affected area.
Researchers found that a two-way approach can be more effective in reducing health disparities due to social stigma. Interventions at the individual level, such as educational approaches, can be combined with structural changes, like legislative reforms, to achieve better outcomes.
A study by University of Kent psychologists found that listening to 'sad' music with high aesthetic value directly predicts mood enhancement. Music selection strategies were linked to individual expectations and emotions.
Columbia Business School professors Ilyana Kuziemko and Emi Nakamura have been selected as 2014 Sloan Research Fellows. They will receive $50,000 to further their research in economics, with a focus on inequality, macroeconomics, and industrial organization.
Erik Fisher's Socio-Technical Integration Research (STIR) project brings social scientists together with natural scientists to tackle the societal impacts of emerging technologies. By collaborating on projects, they aim to mitigate negative environmental impacts and improve worker safety through responsible innovation.
Converting natural land to cropland decreases global vegetation growth, with the largest reductions in former tropical forests and savannas. The study's findings have important implications for terrestrial carbon storage, suggesting strategies should be avoided to prevent severe degradation of vegetation growth.
A study by Cornell University found that weight loss and gain cycles follow a weekly pattern, with participants losing weight on weekdays and gaining weight on weekends. The results suggest that weight fluctuations are normal and can be managed through mindful eating habits.
Research on a prospective payment system for ESRD improved patient access to care while reducing costs and mortality rates. The system created incentives to reduce high medication doses and higher-cost medications, saving taxpayers money.
Researchers found no link between fructose and postprandial triglycerides, a marker for cardiovascular risk. However, excessive calorie intake from fructose contributes to negative health outcomes.
Researchers at the University of York have discovered a family of enzymes that can degrade difficult-to-digest biomass into its constituent sugars. This breakthrough enables the production of second-generation biofuels from sustainable sources such as waste plant matter, potentially alleviating food price stability concerns and increas...
A recent study suggests that using management costs alone can lead to inefficient conservation investments, as countries with low costs often have limited public engagement and poor governance. This research highlights the need for donors to consider a broader range of factors when prioritizing their funding.
The Inter-Sectoral Impact Model Intercomparison Project (ISI-MIP) provides comprehensive climate change projections, identifying regional hotspots of impact types that coincide and interact. The results highlight the need for effective real-world policies to mitigate the impacts of global warming.
A study by Mathew S. Isaac and Robert M. Schindler found that moving just two spots up or down a ranked list can greatly influence consumer perception. The researchers analyzed data from the Graduate Management Admissions Council, finding that rank changes near round-number group borders are the best predictors of increased applications.
Researchers at Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute create detailed map of Campeche Escarpment, a steep underwater cliff near the impact site. The maps reveal that rocks formed before, during, and after the asteroid impact are exposed along different parts of the escarpment.
A novel chemical, perfluorotributylamine (PFTBA), has been found to be a long-lived greenhouse gas with the most radiatively efficient impact on climate, according to a study by the University of Toronto chemistry team. Calculated over a 100-year timeframe, PFTBA's global warming potential is equivalent to that of 7100 molecules of CO2.
Researchers found diverse mineralogy in the South Pole Aitken basin's subsurface, suggesting pre-existing diversity in the Moon's crust and mantle. The study used data from the Moon Mineralogy Mapper to analyze light reflected from central peaks of smaller craters within the basin.
A study by Dr. Edward Anderson found that time differences have a negative and statistically significant impact on merchandise trade, particularly in goods trade. The research analyzed 55 years' worth of data on exports between 146 countries and found that each hour of time difference reduces international goods trade by between two an...
New research from a global consortium finds that current pledges for greenhouse gas emission reductions are insufficient, putting climate targets beyond reach. The study suggests that adherence to pledges would result in higher emissions than necessary to meet the 2°C target, limiting mitigation options and increasing costs.
New Australian research reveals that non-hip, non-vertebral fractures can significantly increase the risk of premature death, with some fractures potentially shortening life expectancy. The study analyzed data from a large-scale epidemiological study and found that all fractures are serious, with varying levels of severity.
A team of 90 international experts expect a sea-level rise of 40-60 centimeters by 2100 and 60-100 centimeters by 2300 under strong emissions reductions. However, unmitigated emissions scenarios predict a high-end value of 1.5 meters or more by 2100 and 4.0 meters or higher by 2300.
Research by Brigham Young University suggests that a consistent bedtime and wake time can lead to lower body fat. The study found that those with the best sleeping habits had healthier weights, with quality sleep being an important factor in body composition.
A study of over 2,300 students found that those using debit cards at school cafeterias consumed more calories, especially non-healthy food items like candy and fries. Debit-only systems may lead to greater spending on lunch, as parents often have limited control over individual transactions.