News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
A study by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that women with PCOS who ate a big breakfast had improved glucose levels, insulin resistance, and fertility rates. This suggests that timing of calorie intake may play a crucial role in overcoming reproductive difficulties.
Seven researchers, including two Nobel laureates, are recognized for their unconventional yet impactful studies. Their work has led to life-saving medicines, innovative social insights, and significant technological advancements.
A new study warns that current global climate change pledges will lead to increased water scarcity, affecting 668 million people worldwide. The research also reveals that a further 11% of the global population will live in water-scarce river basins or experience aggravated effects in existing regions.
Research published in PLOS ONE found that higher aerobic fitness levels in 9-10-year-olds are linked to better recall of learned information. The study suggests that reducing physical education may not be the best way to ensure educational success among young people.
A new study found that granting wishes to seriously ill children and their families has a positive effect on wellbeing. Parents reported feeling distracted, creating an important memory, and experiencing mixed emotions.
A Dartmouth-led team reveals that an asteroid impact in Quebec led to a global climate shift 12,900 years ago, causing the extinction of large mammals and prompting humans to adopt a hunter-gatherer diet. The study provides conclusive evidence linking extraterrestrial activity to environmental transformation.
The ASCB Kaluza Prize recognizes graduate students for their outstanding research contributions. The competition is open to ASCB members and applicants, with a focus on the quality and significance of the work rather than journal impact factors. The $5,000 prize winner will be honored at the 2013 ASCB Annual Meeting.
New research by Dr Bernard Grobety reveals that crystalline particles in Icelandic volcanic ash are more harmful to jet engines and fall out of the cloud faster than glassy particles. The study aims to improve authorities' response to future eruptions by understanding the behavior of these particles.
A survey of 139 Alzheimer's clinical trial leaders found that a majority supported disclosing test results to study participants, citing the need for guidance and counseling. The study suggests that as biomarkers improve, experts want to share valid results with participants, while also addressing potential harms and benefits.
Researchers at the University of Leeds have created the most detailed large-scale habitat suitability maps for bats in the UK, using echolocation calls from over 15,000 bats across 120 walks in the Lake District. The maps reveal subtle changes in bat habitats due to urbanization and provide insights into ecosystem health.
The study identifies regions with severe climate impact changes in various sectors, including water availability in the Mediterranean. It reveals that locations with strong model agreement are more reliable hotspots than those identified by a single projection, highlighting the need for risk management.
Replacing older sedentary electronic games with newer active versions significantly boosts daily physical activity levels among kids, with a 3-4 minute increase. Removing all devices also leads to a 4-5 minute decrease in sedentary time and a small but significant increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
A team of researchers used TACC supercomputers to simulate the impact of space debris on spacecraft and body armor. The simulations aimed to develop ballistic limit curves predicting shield perforation rates when hit by projectiles. By analyzing these results, NASA can design more effective shielding for its spacecraft.
A study from Cornell University found that food portion labels significantly influence how much people eat and spend. When served identical portions, individuals consumed more when labeled as 'Regular' and were willing to pay more for the same size.
Consumers prefer appetizers served first when dining with others, as the beginning of the experience influences their overall judgment. This study highlights the importance of considering social context in consumption experiences, such as restaurants and museums.
A new study by UT Arlington researcher Jacob Resch found that the ImPACT test miscategorized healthy participants as impaired up to 46% of the time, particularly on verbal and visual memory tests. The research emphasizes the need for multiple concussion assessments to ensure accurate diagnoses.
Researchers at Wayne State University are conducting a comprehensive study on the impacts of differential speed limits for cars and trucks on Michigan's state freeways. The study aims to determine whether raising truck speed limits would improve safety or have negative effects on air quality, pavement quality, and freight operations.
A recent study found that mild hypothyroidism can have a higher mortality risk among patients with heart failure, especially in African-American populations. The research suggests that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach may not be suitable for assessing risk and determining treatment for subclinical hypothyroidism.
Researchers discover phosphatidylserine improves gene function in degenerative brain disorders, including Parkinson's disease and Familial Dysautonomia, slowing nerve cell death. The supplement is able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier, accumulating in sufficient amounts in the brain.
Researchers at the University of Granada found that European Commission-proposed tobacco-warning images do not elicit a strong avoidance response in smokers, as people often perceive them as unpleasant but not impactful. The study proposes using less explicit photos to increase their emotional impact and effectiveness.
The Massachusetts Gaming Commission has selected a University of Massachusetts Amherst research team to conduct a multi-year study on the economic and social effects of casino gambling in Massachusetts. The study will focus on problem gambling but also examine various social and economic factors.
Research by NC State University scientists found pesticide exposure causes more male offspring and reproductive problems in female Daphnia, a keystone species impacting population dynamics. Exposure levels as low as 71 nanograms per liter had significant impacts on reproductive health.
Researchers from Grand Valley State University and the University of Notre Dame are investigating how watershed environments affect contaminant levels in stream resident fish. The study aims to develop a mathematical process that predicts changes to the watershed landscape on native fish populations.
Researchers found that residential property values depreciate nearly 0.1% for each 1% nearer to a brownfield, while increasing in value by the same amount with distance from the site. The study analyzed 6,800 properties and estimated $2.2 million in annual lost property tax revenue.
A new analysis by planetary scientists from Brown University shows that lunar impact events produced massive seas of melted rock, up to 220 miles across and six miles deep. These melt seas differentiated similarly to the lunar magma ocean, producing rocks with complex mineral compositions.
A UK study found that every degree fall in winter air temperature corresponds to a 1.3% drop in ambulance response time. The research analyzed data from Birmingham over five years and showed that extreme weather conditions significantly affected daily ambulance call-outs and response times.
Surgeons who played games on a Nintendo Wii improved certain metrics of performance on laparascopies. The study found that Wii-trained surgeons showed significant improvements in economy of instrument movements and efficient cautery.
Researchers at the University of Louisville have identified H1N1 strain variations that hijack the body's immune system. The study found that these variants differ in their ability to fight off infection, with some more severe than others.
Researchers argue that traditional citation metrics like journal impact factors and h-index are insufficient for comparing the impact of different scientists or publications in unrelated fields. Percentile-based indicators can provide a more accurate assessment of scientific work.
New UNH research reveals vicarious supervisory abuse negatively impacts co-workers of employees who suffer from 'second-hand' or vicarious abusive supervision. The study found greater job frustration, coworker abuse, and lack of perceived organizational support among affected workers.
The Virginia Tech research center is expanding its testing of football helmets to also include hockey, baseball, softball, and lacrosse. The new five-year plan will rate helmets in these sports based on their ability to lessen concussion risk.
A study found that revealing the costs of expensive medical tests like MRIs up front had no impact on the number of tests doctors ordered. Doctors have already decided they need to know the information, regardless of the cost.
A recent study found that Success for All instruction had no positive or negative effect on reading achievement in grades 3 through 5, contrasting with earlier findings in kindergarten through grade 2. This suggests that alternative strategies may be needed to promote stronger impacts for older students.
Research finds that ozone pollution, even at low levels, significantly reduces agricultural worker productivity by 5.5%. The study's results challenge the common perception of environmental protection as a tax on producers.
Research suggests that benzodiazepines may increase the risk of contracting pneumonia by as much as 50% and dying from it within 30 days. The study analyzed health records of over 9 million patients, finding a significant association between benzodiazepine use and increased risk of pneumonia and mortality.
The University of Toronto Engineering team has received a $2.2 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to develop a waterless, hygienic toilet for developing countries. The team will use a sand filter and UV disinfection to process liquid waste, while incinerating solid waste in a smolder chamber.
The Journal of Nursing Research has achieved an initial Impact Factor of 0.688 and a ranking of 73 out of 97 journals in the Nursing Science Category, and 70 out of 95 journals in the Social Science Category. This recognition indicates that the journal produces high-quality research contributing to the science of healthcare and nursing.
Research has shown a three-fold increase in autism risk associated with air pollution exposure during pregnancy and early childhood. Novel neuroimaging approaches have also confirmed an association between autism and immune function changes, shedding light on mechanisms behind the disorder.
A University of Cincinnati study found that union spending related to state issues has a broad, cumulative effect on public safety funding and employment. The researchers discovered no evidence of competitive rent seeking, but observed a correlation between liberal states and smaller per-capita prison populations.
Researchers found that viewers abandon videos if they don't start within two seconds, with every additional one-second delay resulting in a 5.8% increase in abandonment rate. Viewers with better connectivity are less patient, while mobile users are more tolerant of slow-starting videos.
A Penn State study found that enrolling uninsured adults in Medicaid would increase costs by 13% due to their higher disease burden. Extending Medicaid coverage may not be the most cost-effective solution, suggesting strengthening current safety-net providers might be a better approach.
The Journal of Public Health Management and Practice is now available on the iPad, providing convenient access to critical public health information. The journal's November/December special issue focuses on public health services and systems research, exploring its impact on organization, financing, and delivery of public health services.
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a tool called namehelp to help avoid the impact of public DNS services on web-surfing experience. The tool speeds web performance by 40 percent and provides personalized benchmarks to determine optimal DNS configuration.
The INFORMS Impact Prize recognizes the development of five key algebraic modeling languages that translate mathematical models into computer language, enhancing optimization applications. The prize highlights the impact of these systems on industries such as production, logistics, and engineering.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that men and women with autism spectrum conditions exhibit different cognitive abilities. Women with autism performed comparably to non-autistic women in tasks involving attention to detail, while men struggled with similar challenges.
A study by McGill University researchers found that manuscripts rejected by one journal and published in another received significantly more citations. Resubmissions from other scientific journals led to higher citation impact, with some suggesting strategic publishing groups may benefit authors.
A RAND Corporation study identified five causes that underlie the failure of many comparative effectiveness studies to create change, including misaligned financial incentives, ambiguous results, and limited use of decision support tools. The study recommends three approaches to improve the impact of such research, including developing...
Researchers found significant improvements in overall brain function, with most improvement in attention, concentration, planning and organizing. Muscular strength and walking ability also increased.
UK scientists found that widely-used agricultural insecticides like neonicotinoids may not be the primary cause of honeybee colony collapse. Researchers repeated a flawed calculation and used a realistic birth rate, revealing the risk of colony collapse under pesticide exposure disappears.
A new study assesses stereotypes of immigrants from four global regions, including Latin America, and measures opinions on the impact of immigration. The researchers found that perceptions of Latin American immigrants' characteristics are strongly linked to attitudes about unemployment, school quality, and crime.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are working to reduce noise in sophisticated military aircraft and quieter car rides. They have developed mathematical models for quick-response noise cancellation and clusters of harmonic responses to minimize sudden road noises.
A study by Arizona State University reveals that megapolitan expansion could lead to local maximum summertime warming of nearly 4 degrees Celsius, surpassing the warming caused by increased greenhouse gases. The research found that incorporating 'cool roofs' into urban planning can alleviate summertime warming substantially.
Researchers discovered a unique trapping mechanism in Nepenthes gracilis pitcher plants, where raindrops dislodge clinging ants, propelling them into the digestive cavity. This behavior allows for efficient capture of prey without manual intervention.
A study by Temple University found that personalized greetings in emails deter 95% of customers, while product personalization boosts responses to 98%. Researchers suggest using customer data effectively to build trust and drive sales.
The Hartford Scholars Program has recognized 125 individuals for their work on gerontological issues, including civic engagement, trauma among African American seniors, and female sexual dysfunction. The program provides individualized mentorship and resources to support aging research and education.
Researchers found that the force of the Mississippi River emptying into the Gulf created mounds of freshwater which pushed the oil slick away from the coast. This discovery could help improve predictions of where oil will make landfall in future spills, sparing fragile coastlines and wildlife.
Research predicts a modest decline in global smoking prevalence to 22% by 2030 without government intervention, but a significant drop to 13% if World Health Organization (WHO) measures are adopted. This could lead to millions of premature deaths prevented.
The journal will publish all future articles under an Attribution-NonCommercial 3.0 Unported Creative Commons License, allowing non-commercial use and citation. This conversion enables wider dissemination of biomedical research and accelerates discovery.
The Mercyhurst research aims to assess the hemlock woolly adelgid's cold tolerance and predict its impact on Eastern US forests. The project will monitor environmental conditions across 20-25 hemlock stands in Pennsylvania, identifying factors that affect winter survival.
Researchers at UBC created computer visualizations of rising sea levels to illustrate ways to adapt to climate change impacts. The four alternate scenarios show different strategies, including raising dikes, building offshore barrier islands, and reducing vulnerability through design.