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NIMBioS receives NSF grant to assess student learning in mathematics

The National Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS) has been awarded a two-year NSF grant to create the Quantitative Biology Concept Inventory (QBCI), an instrument to assess learning comprehension and skill development in college-level math courses with real-world examples versus abstract methods. The project ai...

Women and fragrances: Scents and sensitivity

A study published in Food Quality and Preference found that women tend to buy fragrances for men, suggesting a desire to influence their partner's scent preferences. In contrast, women are less likely to share or gift fragrances with other women, citing concerns about negative connotations.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJul 16, 2015

Study examines trends in smoking among health students

The study found a significant decline in smoking rates among nursing and physiotherapy students in Spain from 2003 to 2013. Many students remained unaware of the link between smoking and diseases, indicating a deficiency in undergraduate training.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Advanced Nursing·DateJun 15, 2015

Seashell strength inspires stress tests

Researchers at Rice University and Indian Institute of Science model seashells' ability to withstand pressure, discovering evolutionary optimization allows fractures to appear only where they're least likely to hurt the animal inside. The team found complex shapes make shells nearly twice as good at bearing loads than nacre alone.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 19, 2015

Teams with a critical mass of women lets them 'lean in' and aim for science careers

A study by UMass Amherst researchers found that teams with a critical mass of women allow them to participate more actively, feel confident, and aspire toward engineering careers. In contrast, teams with equal numbers of men and women or mostly male groups reduced women's worries and anxieties but didn't encourage speaking up.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step with the development of an indirect method that detects and measures particles as small as 100 nanometers. This technique can accurately quantify asphaltene precipitation and account for water presence, offering valuable insights into preventing clogs in oil production lines.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateFeb 24, 2015

Next for DARPA: 'Autocomplete' for programmers

A Rice University-led team is developing a sophisticated tool called PLINY to 'autocomplete' and 'autocorrect' code for programmers. The system will leverage big-data analytics and deep program analyses to populate a database of open-source code, providing programmers with help finishing or debugging code.

Acknowledging appearance reduces bias when beauties apply for masculine jobs, says CU-led study

A new study led by the University of Colorado Boulder found that acknowledging physical beauty can reduce bias against attractive women applying for masculine jobs. The study identified two types of sexism: hostile and benevolent, which are mitigated when applicants acknowledge their appearance or sex.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateOct 7, 2014

Enjoying the possibility of defeat

A study by Sami Abuhamdeh and colleagues found that players' enjoyment of games is linked to suspense and uncertainty, not just winning. Participants preferred playing games with close margins over those with predictable outcomes. This suggests that games with unpredictable outcomes can be more engaging and enjoyable for some players.

SourceSpringer·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateSep 3, 2014

Stem pipeline problems to aid STEM diversity

The article highlights the persistent issues with STEM pipeline diversity, citing data showing that underrepresented minority students are less likely to graduate and enter STEM careers. Researchers Andrew G. Campbell and Stacy-Ann Allen-Ramdial propose four ideas to improve the pipeline, including aligning culture and climate, partner...

SourceBrown University·JournalBioScience·DateJun 18, 2014

Rice U. study: Performance measures for CEOs vary greatly

A new study by Rice University and Cornell University shows that S\/P 500 companies have tied CEO compensation to performance with varying performance measures. On average, firms rely mostly on accounting-based performance measures, but larger firms and growth-oriented firms tend to use market-based measures.

SourceRice University·JournalReview of Finance·DateApr 16, 2014

Rice U. study: Creativity and innovation need to talk more

A new study by Rice University finds that businesses and academia are not sufficiently integrating creativity and innovation, which requires skillful leadership to maximize benefits. The study proposes 60 research questions and 11 themes for future studies to improve understanding of workplace creativity and innovation.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Management·DateApr 8, 2014

Rice U. study: Don't shop for travel at work

A study from Rice University found that consumers who shop for leisure travel during business hours tend to select higher quality hotels but are less satisfied with their stay. Consumers who book earlier and pay in advance also tend to be more satisfied.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateMar 26, 2014

Don't forget the customers after mergers

A recent study found that companies that successfully achieve a dual emphasis of improving efficiency and customer satisfaction experience the highest increase in long-term financial performance. The research suggests that ignoring customers during mergers can lead to missed opportunities and decreased value for firms.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Service Research·DateJan 29, 2014

Mindfulness helps undergraduates stay on track

A study by University of Miami researchers found that mindfulness training significantly reduces mind wandering in college students, improving attention and reducing stress. The seven-week program was highly effective in increasing focus and decreasing mind-wandering, with significant benefits for undergraduate students.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJan 14, 2014

Joystick advances independent voting

A voting joystick created at Michigan State University has shown promise in user testing, enabling users with dexterity impairments to vote independently. The device, comparable to a joystick used for motorized wheelchairs, could greatly improve accessibility for millions of Americans.

ChemWiki takes on costly textbooks

ChemWiki, launched in 2008, has received major funding from the National Science Foundation to expand its wiki network and compare its content with standard textbooks. The project aims to provide free online resources for students and faculty, promoting a more accessible and affordable learning experience.

Geoscience Currents No. 78

Recent geoscience graduates identify enjoyment working outdoors and lifelong interest in the subject as common motivations. The American Geosciences Institute's National Geoscience Student Exit Survey analyzed over 400 responses from 71 departments to gain insights into the profession's appeal.