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Like water for batteries

A University of Pittsburgh study reveals that graphite materials are actually hydrophilic due to airborne contaminants. This discovery has significant implications for lithium-ion batteries and super capacitors, which may lead to stronger and more durable devices.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 29, 2013

The aftermath of calculator use in college classrooms

A study by Pitt researcher Samuel King found that students relying on calculators to solve mathematical problems often lack a deeper understanding of the underlying concepts. The research suggests that using calculators as a substitute for mathematical thinking can lead to surface-level learning, rather than true comprehension.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalBritish Educational Research Journal·DateNov 12, 2012

The GOP has a feminine face, UCLA study finds

A UCLA study found that female politicians with stereotypically feminine facial features are more likely to be Republican, while those with less feminine features are more likely to be Democrat. The researchers used a computer model to analyze the faces of 434 House Representatives and found a strong correlation between facial features...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateSep 27, 2012

NaCl to give way to RockSalt

RockSalt, a new tool developed by Harvard computer scientists, uses Coq to verify that native code complies with security policies. The tool has improved performance and security compared to previous solutions like Google Native Client (NaCl), with no reported vulnerabilities.

It's not just lunch

A study published in PLOS ONE found that sharing a meal with a former romantic partner is more likely to make the current partner jealous than other activities. The researchers also found no significant differences in jealousy reported by male and female participants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 11, 2012

Videogamers no better at talking while driving

A Duke University study found that videogamers are not better at multitasking while driving than non-gamers, contrary to popular belief. The researchers measured the performance of 60 undergraduate students on visual tasks and had them answer Trivial Pursuit questions over a speakerphone while driving.

Corporate political giving doesn't pay

A new study by Rice University and Long Island University found that corporate political activity is negatively associated with market performance. Firms' political investments also worsen both market and accounting performance.

SourceRice University·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateJun 11, 2012

Liberals vs. conservatives: How politics affects charitable giving

A new study found that liberals and conservatives tend to donate more to charities aligned with their respective moral foundations. Republicans are more likely to donate when a charity supports traditional values and loyalty, while Democrats are more inclined to donate when the emphasis is on equality and protection from harm.

SourceRice University·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·DateMay 31, 2012

Transparent memory chips are coming

Rice University researchers have developed a transparent memory chip using silicon oxide, which can combine with transparent electrodes and integrated circuits. The technology has the potential to create flexible and transparent electronics, such as see-through cellphones.

Contracts in the classroom

A new study found that a contract grading system leads to higher grades and higher student satisfaction compared to traditional points-based courses. Students who signed a contract aimed for a specific grade and completed more assignments received better grades, indicating increased motivation and engagement.

SourceSAGE·JournalSAGE Open·DateJan 13, 2012

Technology boost for math skills

The Economic & Social Research Council announces twenty new projects to develop quantitative methods (QM) skills in social science undergraduates. The projects aim to create online and interactive teaching resources, videos, and podcasts using technology to facilitate QM curriculum development and expansion of QM teachers.

Looks do matter, according to new study

Researchers found that interviewers recalled less information about candidates with facial blemishes, leading to decreased evaluations. This study aims to raise awareness about workplace discrimination against individuals with facial stigmas.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateNov 9, 2011

Universe's not-so-missing mass

A 22-year-old undergraduate student has made a groundbreaking discovery of the Universe's 'missing mass' by detecting filaments in X-ray data. This finding is significant as it proves the prediction that the mass should be low in density but high in temperature, providing valuable insights into large-scale cosmic structures.

SourceMonash University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMay 23, 2011

Study shows that defensive military alliances enhance peace

A new study by Rice University researchers found that countries with defensive military alliances are less likely to be attacked, and these alliances do not increase the likelihood of aggression. The study analyzed defense agreements from 1816 to 2001 and suggests that such alliances can make war and militarized conflicts shorter.

SourceRice University·JournalForeign Policy Analysis·DateFeb 10, 2011