News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
A University of Hawaii at Manoa researcher has co-authored a study finding that tennis players' grunts negatively affect opponents' response times and accuracy during matches. The study suggests that advanced players may have developed strategies to mitigate the effects, but its findings are likely to be significant on faster surfaces.
A new study from the University of Toronto suggests that having more schedule control at work can lead to blurring of boundaries between work and family life. Researchers found that individuals with partial or full schedule control experienced less negative consequences in terms of work-family multitasking activities.
A new study by University of Bristol researchers reveals that geoengineering would have varying impacts globally. Regions like the USA and Australia become drier with increasing strength, while others like Australia become wetter.
A large prospective cohort study found that healthier lifestyle-related factors were independently associated with a lower risk of total and cause-specific mortality among Chinese women. These factors included normal weight, lower waist-hip ratio, exercise participation and higher daily fruit and vegetable intake.
Recent Mexican drug control efforts have led to a significant drop in methamphetamine treatment admissions in Mexico and neighboring Texas. Researchers attribute the decline primarily to import controls on pseudoephedrine precursor chemicals.
Researchers found that foreign accents undermine a person's credibility by making them harder to understand, leading listeners to judge statements as less truthful. The severity of the accent increases the impact on credibility, with heavy accents being rated as less truthful than native speakers.
Researchers at Louisiana State University are conducting vital studies to understand the effects of the ongoing oil spill on marine ecosystems, including oyster beds and the health of naturally-occurring bacteria. Additionally, LSU faculty are exploring how people cope with major disasters through social networks, shedding light on a c...
A team of researchers from North Carolina State University has developed a new method for determining the sex of skeletal human remains with high accuracy. The technique uses three-dimensional imaging technology to analyze the shape and size of the pelvis, identifying over 20 key anatomical landmarks that can help determine a body's sex.
Research based on data from over 1,200 patients found that stroke complications deprive patients of an additional 2 years of healthy life. The Complication in Acute Stroke Study (COMPASS) also highlights the importance of formal screening for dysphagia and early rehabilitation to improve stroke outcomes.
A new study by University of Toronto researchers finds that people who engage in creative work activities experience excessive job pressures, feel overwhelmed, and receive work-related contact outside of normal hours. This leads to more conflict between work and family roles, affecting functioning at home.
Dr. X. Frank Xu has been awarded the 2010 K.J. Bathe Award for his groundbreaking work on multiscale methods for uncertainty quantification of heterogeneous materials. His research aims to improve the assessment and optimization of advanced materials like functionally graded materials.
A nationwide smoking ban would lead to a significant reduction in heart attack hospitalizations, with 18,596 fewer admissions expected. The ban could also save over $92 million in direct healthcare costs.
A recent study found that local newspapers have a significant impact on electoral accountability by providing voters with crucial information about their representatives. In areas where members of Congress receive extensive coverage in local newspapers, voters are more informed and representatives tend to be more constituent-centered.
A new study by Carnegie Institution researchers found that CO2's direct effect on plants contributes to global warming, with evapotranspiration effects accounting for 16% of land surface warming globally. High carbon dioxide levels can lead to increased runoff and stronger climate predictions require considering plant responses.
Recent advances in microbial genomics have enabled researchers to study the human microbiome, revealing its essential role in digestion and immune system development. The Human Microbiome Project aims to optimize the beneficial effects of microbiota for each individual, improving health outcomes.
The American Educational Research Association (AERA) is showcasing the international scope of education research at its annual meeting, focusing on China and global collaboration. The event features a special session on educational innovation in China and the US, as well as presentations on multilingualism and intercultural communication.
Research finds that hydrocooling reduces strawberry bruising by up to 60% and weight loss, while also minimizing impact bruising. Practical recommendations include harvesting early morning and using hydrocooling to minimize fruit damage during transportation.
A new study found a direct link between chronic loneliness and increased blood pressure over four years, independent of age and other factors. Even modest levels of loneliness can lead to significant increases in blood pressure.
A UBC researcher warns that allowing one-off sales of ivory could stimulate the illegal market, leading to increased poaching in Africa. The researcher emphasizes the need for robust monitoring and enforcement of the ivory trade before permitting such sales.
A team of researchers has discovered the mechanism behind Frank-Ter Haar syndrome, a rare fatal disorder that affects children's skeletal, cardiovascular, and eye health. The study identified TKS4 as a critical protein involved in the condition.
Two research teams from McGill University Health Centre and McGill University will analyze the effects of brominated flame retardants and phthalates on human reproduction. The five-year study aims to understand the mechanisms underlying these substances' toxicity and their potential impact on future generations.
The report highlights the impact of social science research on policies addressing crime prevention, education, and re-employment, as well as healthy diets and child wellbeing. A panel of MPs will discuss the challenges facing the future of social science research and its role in bridging evidence gaps.
Research by Dr. Atul Gawande and collaborators developed a core set of safety standards for surgery, resulting in over 1,600 hospital implementations globally and widespread adoption across 16 countries.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that long-term endoscopy-based studies do not significantly affect the quality of life (QOL) of healthy volunteers. The researchers evaluated QOL in ten healthy volunteers during a prospectively conducted study, using validated surveys and questionnaires.
Researchers at the Southwest Research Institute suggest that differences in cometary impacts and melting patterns explain Ganymede and Callisto's distinct surfaces. The study reveals that Ganymede received more intense impacts, leading to deeper melting and a heavier core.
A new study by NOAA and international partners found that springtime ozone levels in western North America are rising due to air flowing eastward from the Pacific Ocean, primarily from Asia. The increases could make it harder for the US to meet ozone pollution standards.
Researchers found that young adults in casual relationships do not experience higher levels of emotional distress compared to those in committed relationships. The study surveyed over 1,300 young adults and found a lower percentage of males reporting casual sexual encounters.
An international team of scientists led by François Paquay found high iridium concentrations in sediments but could not replicate results. Additional lines of evidence failed to support an impact theory for the onset of the Younger Dryas cold period, contradicting a previously proposed conceptually appealing theory.
Dr. Beverley J. McKeon's work on simplified models of turbulence under different pressure gradients has garnered the Presidential Early Career Award. Her research aims to improve understanding of turbulence in various technologies, including commercial aviation and industrial flows.
A novel K-anonymity algorithm ensures patient confidentiality in health records, facilitating access to a larger number of records. This method safeguards against biases introduced by individual consent requirements in health research.
A recent study found that laser etching does not facilitate decay in laser-labeled grapefruit and can even reduce water loss. The technology provides a safe alternative to adhesive sticker labeling, maintaining high fruit quality during storage.
Scientists will investigate hypoxia's development and impact on Gulf fish populations, including shrimp and croaker. The research aims to refine management strategies for the dead zone, a critical threat to commercial and recreational fisheries.
The third sector continues to innovate in public service delivery, despite tough economic times. Key findings from a report by the ESRC reveal the sector's ability to adapt and respond to changing circumstances.
Researchers are developing an electric rocket thruster that uses nanoparticle electric propulsion, enabling faster travel and reduced propellant use. The technology has the potential to revolutionize nanosatellite and larger spacecraft propulsion.
A new study found that African-Americans living in southern states account for the highest proportion of chronic rhinosinusitis outpatient treatment. Female outpatients also have a significantly higher prevalence compared to men in all regions, with primary care specialties being the most frequently visited.
Marine renewable energy devices can boost local biodiversity and benefit marine environments by attracting marine organisms to man-made structures, creating 'artificial reefs'. However, such devices also pose negative environmental impacts from habitat loss, collision risks, noise, and electromagnetic fields.
A University of Toronto study reveals climate change will reduce UV radiation in northern high latitude regions such as Siberia, Scandinavia and northern Canada, while increasing it in other areas like the tropics and Antarctica.
The Rome meeting aimed to address the challenges of sharing biological research data and materials, highlighting the negative impact of restrictive licensing on genetically engineered mice and embryonic stem cells. The meeting recommended increasing investment in public databases and mouse repositories to facilitate efficient sharing.
A landmark study will follow 200 people with PD for at least two years to examine the impact of disease progression on day-to-day function and quality of life. The research aims to advance understanding of how interventions like exercise affect changes in quality of life and mobility over time.
Researchers discovered that positive expectations significantly impact recovery time for whiplash injuries. Those with optimistic outlooks recovered 3 times faster than those with negative expectations. The severity of the injury had no effect on recovery times.
Researchers at New York University have developed a model to accurately count sweets in a jar by studying the geometry of packing from a 'granocentric' view. The model captures the connectivity and density of sphere packings, allowing for the estimation of packing density and subsequently, the number of sweets in the jar.
The ESRC's new Strategic Plan focuses on delivering significant advances in methods, theory, and application of social sciences. The plan supports a broad portfolio of integrated activities, including world-class infrastructure and international leadership.
A new research impact analysis reveals a 194% increase in published articles from scientists in developing countries since 2002, with key partners including WHO, FAO, and UNEP. The Research4Life programmes have extended access to scientific literature, increasing researchers' opportunities to participate globally.
The NCAR-IDB partnership aims to assess climate risks and develop response plans in Latin America and the Caribbean. Trained scientists will predict climate change impacts and help governments develop strategies to protect society.
The Gerontological Society of America has awarded over $1.25 million in combined new grants to eleven researchers in geriatric social work, aiming to improve the health and well-being of older people and their families. The Hartford Doctoral Fellows Program and Faculty Scholars Program provide training and funding for social workers wi...
A new study has revealed a significant decrease in the sex difference in birth weight due to growing endocrine disruption related to environmental contaminants. The study found that exposure to contaminants in plastic materials may be responsible for this phenomenon.
Research reveals that people tend to view products grouped close together as 'contagious' and prone to quality spreading, known as the 'group-contagion effect.' This phenomenon influences decisions in both gain and loss domains.
Researchers, particularly those in polar regions, are urged to examine and share ways to reduce their impact on the environment. By doing so, they can help create a better approach for understanding and adapting to climate change.
A study presented at SLEEP 2009 found that sleep extension improved sprinting speed, hitting accuracy, and mood in collegiate tennis players. The researchers believe that similar benefits may be seen in other sports, with reduced daytime sleepiness and improved athletic performance.
Effective surveillance and clinician awareness are key to minimizing Lyme disease's impact, according to researchers. The disease is transmitted by ticks and can cause serious symptoms if left untreated.
Researchers from Swedish and German scientists found that better water management can significantly reduce future food crises by leveraging both green and blue water. This approach can lift billions out of water poverty and provide a new green revolution in poor countries, even if they face blue water scarcity.
Researchers at the University of Exeter found that individually-tailored emotional support improved sports performance by an average of 1.78 shots per round in professional and amateur golfers. The study provides evidence for the significant impact of social support on athletic success.
The International Association for Dental Research (IADR) has awarded C. E. Semino with the JDR Cover of the Year Award for his paper on self-assembling peptides and their potential in bone regeneration. The award recognizes aesthetically pleasing and scientifically novel images that enhance research impact.
Researchers found that using a novel water method for unsedated colonoscopy improved cecal intubation rates and patient willingness to repeat the procedure. The study also revealed that the duration of the interval between bowel preparation completion and colonoscopy start time predicts prep quality.
A recent study reveals that consumer preferences for fresh strawberries are linked to a complex balance of sweetness, aroma, texture, and appearance. The research found that certain strawberry cultivars, such as 'Rubygem' and 'Sugarbaby', were favored by panelists due to their high flavor and sweetness ratings.
Researchers found that shoppers focus on the first digit of prices, leading to biased decision-making. The study suggests that consumers should be aware of this tendency when making purchases.
A four-week expedition to explore the deep ocean south-west of Tasmania has revealed new species of animals, including a bizarre carnivorous sea squirt and giant sponges. The survey also found vast fields of fossil corals dated to over 10,000 years old, providing ancient climate data for models of regional and global climate change.
This Festschrift issue honors Dr. Judah Folkman's groundbreaking contributions to lymphatic research and biology. Leading scientists share their findings on the impact of his work, including increased lymphatic supply to cancerous lesions and new trends in cancer therapy.
A new study reveals that vision function decline is a primary reason older Americans decide to give up or restrict their driving. The most common predictors of stopping or decreasing driving were slow visual scanning and poor visuo-constructional skills, as well as reduced contrast sensitivity.
A statewide survey of snail and slug invasions in Hawai'i has found 29 alien species, including five previously unreported, with most introduced to Oahu before spreading to other islands. The study highlights the need for greater awareness among nurseries and quarantine officials to prevent further environmental impacts.