News on measuring and increasing the impact of research. Covers research-impact data, AI publishing workflows, open-access programs, and scholarly metrics.
A study found that medical students' biases against black female patients with chest pain can affect clinical decisions. White male students rated a black female patient as having less desirable health status but considered the white male patient's coronary condition more severe.
Patients with serious neurological conditions have a better chance of survival in Neurological/Neurosurgical Intensive Care Units (Neuro-ICU) compared to general ICUs. The study, presented at the American Academy of Neurology's Annual Meeting, found a 3.3-fold increase in hospital mortality among patients not in a Neuro-ICU.
A new study by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill finds that drinking drivers are responsible for a significant number of child passenger deaths in the US. Between 1991 and 1996, approximately 550 U.S. children died each year in crashes involving drinking drivers, with about one in five deaths involving alcohol.
University of Florida researchers have developed a molecule that can rearrange genes or monitor their impacts, enabling the study of genetic disorders. The synthetic DNA beacon has also been used to detect toxins in single cells, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and treatment.
Researchers found that weight resistance exercises improved strength and independence among frail elderly participants, enabling them to perform daily activities more independently. The training also led to reduced hospitalizations and deaths, with shorter average hospital stays for those who exercised.
Michael Czech, Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, is being honored with the CIIT Founders' Award for his groundbreaking research on insulin's molecular action. He will speak on 'Fat as an Endocrine Organ: Target for Environmental Toxins' at the award ceremony.
The Long-Range Research Initiative (LRI) aims to advance chemical industry's research, with $100 million committed over 5 years in 10 areas. Drs. James S. Bus and Carol J. Henry will discuss LRI status and future directions.
A recent study found that nearly 20% of smokers who attempted to quit in California used smoking cessation aids, including self-help materials, counseling, and nicotine replacement therapy. The use of these aids increased the odds of success in quitting, with 15% of those who sought assistance abstaining from cigarettes for 12 months.
The DFG is setting up 14 new Research Training Units, two of which are European, to provide novel academic qualifications for medics and scientists. The new units will promote interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research in various fields.
Research suggests that honey is an effective form of carbohydrate gel for athletes, providing a sustained energy boost without causing a rapid spike in blood sugar levels. The study found that honey's lower glycemic index profile makes it an ideal choice for pre-workout consumption, potentially improving endurance and reducing fatigue.
A recent study published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior found that caring for an ill or disabled family member can increase emotional distress and accumulate over time. Women who care for their loved ones experience higher levels of distress, particularly those who provide long-term care.
Oregon Health & Science University researchers will study why patients choose to die at home, exploring factors like decision-making process and patient pain concerns. The study aims to enhance understanding of the factors affecting end-of-life care delivery.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are developing new proton exchange membrane (PEM) materials for fuel cells, which can operate at higher temperatures and improve efficiency. The materials being developed have demonstrated better results than existing materials in terms of heat tolerance.
Actor Christopher Reeve was awarded the UCSD-Salk Institute Service Award for his tireless efforts to raise awareness of the importance of basic research for human biology and disease. The award recognized his unwavering personal campaign to increase public and legislative awareness of the need to support basic research in health.
Research on MTBE contamination highlights the need for alternatives to this toxic fuel additive. Studies show that MTBE degrades slowly in sediments, but can be rapidly degraded by bacteria with oxygen addition.
Researchers found that women caregivers experience significant emotional distress, which accumulates over time, but adapt physically to caregiving responsibilities, and physical limitations often stabilize after initial increases
Researchers found that treated sleep apnea patients experienced no auto accidents over two years. A new biochemical marker for acute lung injury has been discovered, correlating with damage to epithelial cells in the lungs. This discovery may lead to future blood tests for the deadly condition.
New research refutes claims that U.S. forests and vegetation are 'sequestering' enough carbon to offset fossil fuel emissions, suggesting at least 70-90% of emissions stay in atmosphere or be sequestered elsewhere. The study's findings have important implications for the role of the U.S. in combating global warming.
The Association of American Geographers will hold its 96th annual meeting in Pittsburgh, April 4-8, 2000, featuring research presentations on topics such as war atrocities, urban heat islands, and divorce decisions. The event is expected to draw over 3,800 geographers.
A statewide project led by UNC Chapel Hill aims to understand how North Carolina counties have implemented the state's Work First Program. The study will gather information from county officials and analyze interviews with key stakeholders, providing insights into the evolving relationships between states and their counties.
A recent study by Ohio State University researchers found that two experimental wetlands, one with more diverse plant species and the other more productive, both contribute equally to reducing nitrates and water pollution. The study aims to answer whether mitigated wetlands can effectively control environmental threats like hypoxia in ...
A study published in Annals of Internal Medicine found that diphenhydramine, a commonly used antihistamine, impairs driving performance more significantly than alcohol. Fexofenadine, on the other hand, had minimal impact on driving skills.
Research by Injury Prevention found that toughened glassware in bars led to a 60% higher injury rate among staff compared to annealed glassware. The study also showed that the toughened glasses tended to break spontaneously, leading to multiple injuries.
A UMass exercise scientist is conducting research into how aging affects upper-body motion and balance while walking. The study will examine age-related changes in the upper half of the body and develop models for environment perception as people walk.
A survey of family physicians found that those with a prior history of depression or somatic complaints were less likely to consider the possibility of serious illnesses and order testing. Cognitive shortcuts can be helpful but also lead to false generalizations, highlighting the need for awareness among physicians.
A study found that human presence near bald eagle nests decreased their brooding time by 59% and feeding bouts by 20%, potentially impacting nestling eagles' growth rates and survival. The researchers warn of the need for management strategies to mitigate human impact on wildlife populations.
A global survey found that nearly all women would trust their male partners to use a male pill, while over two-thirds of men said they would use the contraception. The study suggests a potential impact on male fertility and relationships.
A study by Ohio State University's William Mitsch explores the performance of two experimental wetlands, one of which is 20% more productive but less diverse in plant species. Both wetlands contribute equally to reducing nitrates, but their long-term fate remains uncertain.
A Johns Hopkins University undergraduate has developed a computer model that simulates damaged heart tissue, confirming earlier findings on coronary artery disease. The new testing method aims to detect irregular electrical activity in the cardiac muscle, allowing for early treatment and prevention of permanent heart damage.
A study of 616 middle-aged men from Finland found that those experiencing high levels of hopelessness were three times more likely to develop hypertension. The link between hopelessness and cardiovascular disease is considered a critical factor in increased risk, independent of other known risk factors.
A recent study found that heavy drinking during adolescence can cause significant damage to thinking abilities, particularly information recall. The researchers also discovered a link between withdrawal experiences and poorer neuropsychological functioning in adolescents.
Two studies found that nearly 40% of rural East Texas stroke patients arrived too late to receive tissue plasminogen activator (TPA), a treatment that can reverse stroke effects. The delay was often due to lack of knowledge about calling 911 or in-hospital delays.
A new study by Queen's University researchers reveals that extreme water shortages occurred naturally in Eastern Africa over the past 1,100 years. The research warns of potential devastating impacts of future climate changes on global water supplies and food security.
Researchers have developed an automated approach to identify which molecules in a cell physically interact with each other, a crucial task for understanding life's functions. The new method enables scientists to track the 'conversations' between thousands of molecules simultaneously.
A recent study found that communication drives the use of the Internet at home, with individuals using e-mail in more sessions and consistently than they use the World Wide Web. The study, which tracked 229 people's behavior over a year, shows that social uses of the Internet are strongly favored by novice users.
A two-year study of 741 elderly patients found that those receiving general anesthesia had improved mobility and daily functioning compared to those with spinal anesthesia. The researchers are unclear about the underlying reason for this difference, but suggest potential nerve damage may be involved.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center found that protein gelsolin plays a crucial role in disassembling the inner skeleton of cells, which can lead to cancer development. By understanding how gelsolin works, scientists hope to develop new cancer-fighting drugs by stimulating or blocking its activation.
A study of 1,081 older men found that hostility is linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, with high levels associated with obesity, upper body fat distribution, and insulin resistance. The researchers also found that fewer years of education correlated with higher hostility levels.
The Cranfield Impact Centre estimates that 5.6 million children under two fly worldwide each year, often without proper protection. Experts advocate for child safety seats to ensure equal protection for adults and children during flights.
A new study found that primary care clinics serving low-income populations maintained their traditional market share of Medi-Cal patients despite a decline in total Medi-Cal beneficiaries. However, these clinics still face significant financial challenges due to cost control measures under managed care.
A study by Johns Hopkins researchers found that videotaping surgeries can improve outcomes in radical prostatectomy. The study, which involved 62 patients, showed that minor differences in surgical techniques can have a major impact on results. Surgeons who perform successful procedures should review the footage to identify key factors.
The nation won't meet its 15% smoking prevalence goal for 2000, with over 25% of US adults currently smoking. Effective strategies like cognitive behavioral therapies have been developed, but more work is needed to reach low-income and minority populations.
Researchers found that genetically modified Bt corn releases the insecticidal toxin into the soil through its roots, posing a risk to beneficial insects. The toxin was shown to retain its insecticidal activity for 234 days and can affect soil communities in unknown ways.
Research finds that early socialization processes contribute to heightened vulnerability to depression among females. Women tend to focus on being liked by others, while males prioritize academic and athletic goals.
A new study using NASA's Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-View Sensor (SeaWiFS) reveals that El Niño dramatically reduced the amount of carbon dioxide normally released into the atmosphere by the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Chlorophyll levels also plummeted during this time, followed by a massive bloom of microscopic algae.
Research from The Netherlands reveals that individuals with high work overcommitment scores may be predisposed to cardiovascular disease due to an impaired natural blood clot-dissolving system. This association suggests a potential physical mechanism behind the observed link between work-related stress and heart disease.
Women with mild to moderately severe depression exhibit altered immune systems due to lower levels of physical activity, according to a recent study. The researchers found that physical activity accounted for up to 63% of the differences in specific immune functions between depressed and non-depressed women.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed miniature robots that can bounce, climb stairs and explore buildings. The robots can gather information via radio links and be deployed in groups to provide diverse perspectives on a situation.
A new household activities scale appears to be a better measure of quality of life scores for older women with heart disease. The scale assesses daily tasks such as cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping, providing a more accurate reflection of physical activity limitations.
A new household activities scale appears to be a better measure of quality of life scores for older women with heart disease. The scale assesses daily tasks such as housekeeping, cooking, and laundry that are relevant to their lives.
Researchers explore how new technologies shape communication networks and change organizational performance in 21st century organizations, with a focus on global network organizations. The project aims to produce the first comprehensive test to explain and predict the evolution of knowledge networks.
Renowned researchers Dr. George H. Denton, Prof. Hartmut Graßl, and Dr. Stefan Rahmstorf will address the effects of climate change on European nations. The event aims to explore possible solutions to mitigate these changes and ensure human survival.
A recent study published in Demography found that breast-feeding duration is significantly impacted by workplace demands. Women who work full-time have the lowest breast-feeding rates, while those working part-time or with flexible schedules tend to breast-feed more frequently.
A new study found that male prairie voles' brains produce a compound called citrulline, which is associated with aggressive behavior in mice. However, the study suggests that this compound may not be present in monogamous male voles, which could help explain their unique mating behaviors.
Researchers found increased genetic diversity in cattails growing in the most polluted sites, contradicting previous studies on animal populations. The team's findings suggest that cattails may be an effective indicator of environmental stress.
Research published in Heart shows that over 400 heart attacks occur annually among young women smokers and could be avoided with cessation of tobacco use. The risk of heart attack increases significantly with daily cigarette consumption, with even light smokers facing more than double the danger.
A study of 11 young men found that sleep debt increased glucose concentrations in the blood, while altering cortisol levels and thyroid hormone regulation. The research suggests that persistent sleep debt may exacerbate age-related chronic disorders.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that cocaine affects the central nervous system, causing vessel constriction, rapid heartbeat, and subsequent heart attacks. By blocking the sympathetic nervous system, they found a potential pathway to develop a life-saving antidote for cocaine overdoses.
A new study suggests that Hillary Clinton's popularity among the American public is driven mostly by media coverage, with less influence from partisanship and national issues. The research found that negative media coverage has a greater impact on public reaction than positive coverage.
Researchers at UCSF have discovered how Mycobacterium tuberculosis outsmarts the immune system to cause disease. The microbe disrupts a protein called STAT1, blocking macrophages' ability to respond to interferon gamma, allowing it to survive and infect other cells.