News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
University of Florida researchers found above-average temperatures significantly reduce rice yields, potentially reducing global food supply by 20-40%. The study suggests that warmer temperatures could force rice yields to zero by 2100.
A recent study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that despite corrosion, the lead in bullets and shot remains trapped in mineral coatings, reducing environmental risk at shooting ranges. High concentrations of lead have been found on ranges worldwide, raising concerns about toxicity and environmental impact.
A comprehensive study found a high prevalence of pelvic floor disorders in the general population, affecting up to 50% of older women. The research highlights the need for increased medical attention and awareness about these often-stigmatized conditions.
Researchers from the University of Florida and Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that oxidative stress is involved in kwashiorkor, leading to high levels of free radicals destroying healthy cells. The study suggests giving children antioxidant supplements may help increase their life spans.
Researchers analyzed data on over 1,200 cardiac patients and found that negative affect and hopelessness were strong predictors of survival. These symptoms were linked to a 40% increased risk of death compared to those with little negative affect.
The George Warren Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis has received a 5-year, $1.9 million grant to fund the Comorbidity and Addictions, Prevention, Intervention and Treatment Center (CAP-IT). The center will support groundbreaking research on addictions interventions for underserved populations and improve...
Dr. May L. Wykle receives the Doris Schwartz Gerontological Nursing Research Award for her pioneering research on minority caregivers and its impact on clinical practice and healthcare policy. Her work has mentored many doctoral students and influenced their research in gerontological nursing.
Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that dosing errors in clot-buster drugs may not be the primary cause of adverse outcomes. The study analyzed data from the ASSENT-2 trial and found that patients who received incorrect doses had similar mortality rates to those receiving the correct dose, suggesting confounding issues.
A new Yale research program aims to bridge the knowledge gap on women and drug abuse, providing training opportunities for scholars to develop sex-specific treatments and prevention strategies. The five-year program will focus on understanding the etiology of drug abuse in women and its impact on families.
Researchers at Penn State and the University of Miami studied two fault lines in Baja California to understand how strain is partitioned between them. The team found that the Agua Blanco fault has little earthquake activity, while the San Miguel fault has most of the earthquakes.
A recent study published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research examines the influence of peer and partner drinking on adults during the year before marriage. The research reveals that individual characteristics and friends' drinking behaviors are both significant factors in shaping adult drinking habits, with the spouse's fri...
A new study by UC Berkeley researchers reveals that premature birth and low birthweight significantly exacerbate asthma symptoms in children when exposed to smog. Children born prematurely or with low birthweight are more likely to experience severe wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath on days with high air pollution levels.
The International Development Research Centre (IDRC) has awarded $20,000 doctoral research grants to five Canadian students. The winners will study various aspects of international development, including civil war's impact on Burundi's populations and the effects of State decentralization in Senegal.
The American Federation for Aging Research (AFAR) has launched Infoaging.org, a new website offering easy access to authoritative research on aging. The site aims to provide credible information on various aspects of aging, addressing the need for reliable health information among graying baby boomers.
A researcher from University of Illinois claims that grip on the bat during contact with baseball has no effect on ball speed and trajectory. The study, demonstrated in theory and experiment, corrects coaching advice to relax grip during swing.
A recent study published in Endocrinology found that mice engineered without the receptor for growth hormone lived almost one year longer than normal mice, suggesting that the natural hormone may actually shorten lifespan. The researchers are now searching for genes regulated by growth hormone that might play a specific role in life span.
Researchers found that 6-beta naltrexol, a metabolite of naltrexone, can reduce alcohol drinking in rats. The study suggests that 6-beta naltrexol is a potential new medication for treating alcohol dependence.
Researchers find that higher prices and perceived risks of harm lead to lower marijuana use among high school seniors, while declining risk leads to increased use. The study utilizes nationally representative data to explore the relationship between price, perceptions, and marijuana use trends.
A study found that chemicals from household sources like mothballs and pesticides linger in carpeting for extended periods. The type of chemical determines how long it stays attached to the carpet, with denser materials persisting longer.
A study of 300 former professional footballers found that almost two-thirds had experienced osteoarthritis, with knee problems being the most common. Anxiety and depression were also prevalent among those with this type of joint disease, which often led to early retirement.
The study will analyze marine life around eight oil platforms in the Santa Barbara channel, focusing on species with desired natural products. The research aims to determine the distribution, abundance, and genetic similarities of these organisms, as well as their potential for harvesting sustainably.
Using I.T. to reduce lead times and increase shipment frequency results in a significant 21% supply chain improvement for smaller batch manufacturing. In contrast, relying on electronic data interchange and early alerts yields only a 2.2% average supply chain gain.
Researchers found that urban living increases the risk of asthma among black children in the US, while highly active antiretroviral therapy reduces TB and Mycobacterium avium complex infections in HIV patients. Prenatal corticosteroid treatment also boosts surfactant production in preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome.
A nurse home visitation program found to be less effective in preventing child abuse and neglect in households with high incidents of domestic violence. The study suggests that the program may not address the root cause of domestic violence, which can exacerbate child maltreatment.
Researchers found that zebra mussels stimulate bacterial production and increase numbers in sediment, but have a minor impact on the microbenthic community. The study suggests that zebra mussels may not disrupt normal processes of the microbenthic community.
A study by Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that people who continued to smoke after undergoing balloon angioplasty and other procedures had lower quality-of-life scores compared to non-smokers and quitters. The researchers analyzed data from 1,432 patients and found a significant impact on physical and mental health measures.
Repeat DWI offenders pose a significant public health threat. Victim impact panels aim to influence offenders' attitudes about drunk driving through emotional influence and raising empathy for victims. However, research suggests a minimal impact on repeat DWI offenders, with some studies indicating a decrease in re-arrest rates.
The 2000 Fall Research Meeting of the Society for the Study of Impotence features over 60 researchers presenting new peer-reviewed findings on sexual dysfunction, including new pharmaceutical treatments under development. Internationally renowned clinicians will also present Grand Master Lectures on key topics in sexual medicine.
The study reveals that a catastrophic global die off of vegetation led to the rapid transformation of river systems from meandering to braided streams. This shift, occurring at the end of the Permian Period and the beginning of the Triassic, was accompanied by massive extinctions of marine and land vertebrate species.
The National Science Foundation awarded the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign a $300,000 grant to lead a national partnership in planning and designing the NEESgrid, a virtual laboratory for earthquake engineering. This grant could potentially lead to a $10 million integration grant.
Researchers at OHSU's new Oregon Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Neurological Disorders (ORCCAMIND) are investigating the effects of yoga on healthy elders versus traditional exercise. The study aims to improve quality of life and slow aging impacts.
The National Science Foundation-funded project aims to improve seismic design of buildings and infrastructure in the US. Researchers will collaborate using high-performance networking, shared databases, computer modeling, and simulation tools.
Researchers have developed a new technique called ICE that tests materials under extreme magnetic forces without explosions. The technique allows for faster and less expensive testing over a wide range of stress conditions.
A UC Davis study identifies brain systems affected in stroke patients with memory loss, distinguishing them from those affected by Alzheimer's disease. This distinction enables physicians to treat root causes of memory loss, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, and prevent strokes.
Young children view violent events in emotional and dramatic terms, while older children see violence in a more intellectual and detached way. The study found that younger children focus on human emotions, such as hate and fear, whereas older children analyze the events using abstract concepts like just war principles.
High levels of ground-level ozone have been found to severely impact the growth of ozone-sensitive crops on Long Island, including spinach, grapes, pumpkins, watermelons, and tomatoes. This research highlights the urgent need for attention to be paid to ambient ozone levels in agricultural areas.
Research shows that short-term exposure to violent video games has minimal impact on empathy and aggression in children. However, preexisting personality traits and long-term gaming habits are likely to shape behavior. The study found a significant correlation between the child's favorite game and their total aggression score.
A University of Illinois professor highlights the need to address ethical concerns around sex with former clients, as well as gaps in graduate training and multiculturalism. She advocates for increased recognition of women's contributions to psychology and calls for reforms.
A new risk-management model developed by researchers at the University of Illinois combines genetic algorithms, fate and transport simulation models, and risk assessment modules to identify potential remediation designs. The model evaluates tradeoffs among cost, risk, and cleanup time under conditions of uncertainty.
A recent study found that approximately one-third of cancer care workers in Ontario are considering leaving their jobs due to job stress and burnout. The research also revealed that 53.3% of physicians, 37.1% of allied health care workers, and 30.5% of support staff have experienced emotional exhaustion related to their work.
Using actively controlled engine noise cancellation technology can reduce noise pollution, improve fuel efficiency and alleviate environmental restrictions. This new approach eliminates the need for additional weight, increasing the viability of the concept.
An international team is investigating archaeological sites in the Kuril Islands, searching for clues about early human migration to the Americas. The research aims to determine if seafaring people from the islands connected with Alaska's Aleutian Islands, potentially providing insights into the peopling of the continent.
A recent study analyzing the data behind an Institute of Medicine report suggests that medical errors had no estimable effect on death rates. The authors argue that the patients studied were already quite ill before entering the hospital, making it difficult to isolate a critical determinant of death.
A woman's personal search for medical research information led her to a cure for infertility and miscarriages. The proposal of an online archive for all biomedical research would give free access to latest medical findings, benefiting patients and scientists alike.
A new Amazon rainforest field research facility will conduct extensive ecological studies to understand the region's impact on global change. Scientists from around the world will study logging effects, carbon exchanges, and ecosystem cycles.
Researchers found that survival and reproduction rates for black-throated blue warblers were lower during El Niño years and higher during La Niña years. Climate changes associated with El Niño diminished food supply, causing low reproductive success in breeding grounds.
Chinese President Jiang Zemin outlines China's commitment to global scientific collaboration, highlighting initiatives such as Sino-Israeli and Sino-Australian scientific collaboration funds. He also calls for curriculum reform in China's education system and acknowledges the country's brain drain, with Chinese students studying abroad.
A University of Florida research team discovered parts of the Antarctic ice sheet were unstable during Northern Hemisphere warming spikes. The findings suggest polar ice can undergo huge and rapid changes tied to climate, implying potential future instability.
Researchers found taxi drivers are significantly more likely to be murdered on the job than other occupations. Self-employed workers and minorities were also disproportionately affected by workplace homicides.
AAAS and UCSF launch a premier online AIDS prevention information forum, linking peer-reviewed papers, daily features, and resources for scientists. The site aims to accelerate HIV vaccine development by facilitating global collaboration and information exchange.
A University of Maryland School of Medicine researcher analyzed 23 clinical studies involving prayer, non-contact therapeutic touch, and other unconventional spiritual interventions. The studies showed a positive impact on patients in 57% of cases, with benefits including less pain and faster recovery times.
Ford's Prototype Optimization Module (POM) reduced prototypes by one fourth, cutting weeks and millions of dollars from development. The module also promoted wider customer-oriented dialogue among design and test engineers and management.
Air New Zealand won the INFORMS Edelman Award for its optimized crew scheduling project, which improves passenger service and reduces costs by over $15.6 million annually. The project uses advanced optimization methods to efficiently utilize crew resources, addressing a significant issue faced by airlines.
The FAA was recognized by INFORMS for its Ground Delay Program Enhancement project, which has reduced delays by 90,000 hours and saved the airline industry over $150 million. The project uses collaborative decision-making tools to allocate arrival slots and issue ground delays.
Jeppesen Sanderson was awarded the Franz Edelman Award for its successful implementation of optimization-based decision support tools, resulting in annual cost reductions of $3 million. The company achieved this through flexible planning and technology management, strengthening its competitive position and increasing operating profits.
IBM was recognized by INFORMS for its supply chain management project, 'Matching Assets with Demand in Supply Chain Management with PROFIT at IBM Microelectronics.' The project improved asset utilization by $80 million and customer responsiveness to under one day. The award is the second time IBM has received this honor.
A new Ohio University study found that weight training does not increase cholesterol levels in healthy young men and women, but reduces body fat and increases muscle strength. The research counters previous studies and news reports giving weight lifting a bad name.
A new Ohio University study reveals that e-commerce has increased the value of used and rare books, with online sales accounting for a 12.5% increase in book sales. The study also found that prices for rare books have climbed, while common titles have seen stabilization or decrease in price.
Researchers at Oregon State University have discovered a new class of chemicals called 'bruchins' that signal a plant to form a benign tumor, helping prevent insect infestation. The unusual chemical can induce tumor formation even at low levels, with precise effects on the plant.
Researchers at Northwestern University have successfully cloned a gene called Prestin, which codes for a protein that plays a critical role in the functioning of outer hair cells. The discovery could hold promise for treating hearing disorders and developing new biocompatible motors for nanotechnology applications.