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New global research reveals strong public trust in science

A new international study on public trust in science found that most people trust scientists and believe they should be more involved in society and policymaking. The study also highlights areas of concern, such as the lack of attention to others' views and misalignment between scientific priorities and public values.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 20, 2025

Secret of the female orgasm uncovered by psychologists

A study by University of Essex researchers found that women who notice and attend to internal bodily signals, such as heartbeats and sensual touch sensations, experience more frequent orgasms. The research suggests that focusing on the body rather than the mind can lead to increased orgasm satisfaction.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalBrain Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 11, 2024

By age six, children think boys are better than girls at computing and engineering, new American Institutes for Research study shows

A new American Institutes for Research study found that children as young as 6 develop biases towards boys in computing and engineering, while math stereotypes are less pronounced. The study's findings highlight the need for targeted interventions to address these biases and promote equal opportunities for girls in tech fields.

SourceAmerican Institutes for Research·JournalPsychological Bulletin·TypeSystematic review·DateDec 9, 2024

New issue of Advances in Dental Research explores the role of women in dental, clinical, and translational research

The new issue of Advances in Dental Research explores the impact of sex biology on women's health, highlighting disparities in dental disease prevalence. The meeting emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach to address these issues, including access to care and preventive measures.

Absolute numbers of women matter more than proportion for achieving gender equity in STEM

A recent study from Kyushu University found that the absolute number of women in STEM departments significantly influences research output, fostering a supportive environment and promoting higher and more stable results. Traditional metrics focusing solely on proportion show little correlation with academic performance.

SourceKyushu University·JournalInternational Journal of Educational Research Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2024

Mini lungs make major COVID-19 discoveries possible

Researchers have discovered that SARS-CoV-2 can infect more types of lung cells than previously thought, including those without known viral receptors. The study also found that the lung can independently muster an inflammatory antiviral response without immune system help when exposed to the virus.

SourceSanford Burnham Prebys·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

CU Anschutz researchers hope to bridge gap in care and treatment for heart disease in women

Researchers at CU Anschutz Medical Campus identified key elements to improve diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD) in women, addressing the common misdiagnosis of heart attacks. The new guidelines provide recommendations to help clinicians better address sex-specific symptoms and treatments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJournal of Women s Health·DateMay 21, 2024

Variations in telomere lengthening genes may predispose some people to papillary thyroid cancer

Researchers found a correlation between genetic variations in three telomere-related genes and an increased risk of developing papillary thyroid cancer. The study suggests that individuals with these variants may benefit from closer monitoring for secondary cancers, and highlights the role of long telomeres in cancer development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateMay 13, 2024

When inequality is more than “skin-deep”: Social status leaves traces in the epigenome of spotted hyenas in Tanzania

Researchers found that social status is reflected in epigenetic signatures, including DNA methylation patterns, in juvenile and adult free-ranging spotted hyenas. These patterns are linked to important physiological processes such as energy conversion and immune response.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (IZW)·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 28, 2024

Most new doctors face some form of sexual harassment, even after #MeToo

New studies find over half of new doctors experience some form of sexual harassment in their first year, with women and men experiencing varying rates of recognition and types of harassment. The #MeToo movement has led to increased recognition of what constitutes harassment, but more work is needed for medical schools and hospitals.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Health Forum·TypeSurvey·DateMar 22, 2024

International graduate and postdoctoral trainees in biomedicine are struggling with career confidence, study says

A new study found that international and female trainees reported lower career-self-efficacy across the national sample. The study highlights how immigration status intersects with individuals' perceptions of their own capabilities, influencing their career trajectories and opportunities for advancement.

Innovative school Citizen Science project involving over 1000 scientists, 110 schools, 800 samples and U.K.’s synchrotron published in CrystEngComm

A systematic study of this scale has never been conducted at Diamond or anywhere else in the world. The project involved over 1000 scientists, 800 samples and 110 UK secondary schools, analyzing how different additives affect calcium carbonate formation.

SourceDiamond Light Source·JournalCrystEngComm·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 29, 2024

Psychology research: Women more sensitive to cocaine

A recent study by researchers at the University of Texas at Arlington found that women are more susceptible to cocaine addiction than men due to fluctuations in sex hormones. The study discovered that the female sex hormone estradiol enhances the rewarding effects of cocaine, leading to increased sensitivity among females.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPharmacology Biochemistry and Behavior·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024

Re-calibrating the sail plan for Native Hawaiians, Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences

A team of authors from the University of Hawaii at Manoa identifies gaps in programs aimed at increasing participation of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences. They highlight successful programs like the SOEST Maile Mentoring Bridge and The MEGA Lab, which prioritize culturally centered spaces and community involvem...

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalOceanography·TypeCase study·DateJan 2, 2024

Barbie should expand her range of medical and scientific professions

A study published in The BMJ analyzed Barbie's medical and scientist dolls and found they largely depicted white, adult, female doctors with limited specialties. The research highlights the need for more diverse and accurate representations of medical professionals and scientists in toys to inspire young girls.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 18, 2023

Study: International scientists believe lack of women in physics tied to personal preference, but viewpoint ignores gender norms

A new study by Rice University researchers examines how scientists' social identities and national context shape their explanations for gender inequality in science. The study finds that viewing women's decisions to pursue careers in physics as individual choices may diminish efforts to promote gender equality in STEM fields.

SourceRice University·JournalGender Work and Organization·TypeSurvey·DateDec 7, 2023

Pregnant women are missing vital nutrients crucial for them and their babies

A recent study found that nearly all pregnant women have low levels of essential vitamins and minerals, with some developing deficiencies in late pregnancy. Supplementing with over-the-counter multivitamins significantly reduced nutrient deficiencies before and during pregnancy.

SourceNational University of Singapore, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 5, 2023

Most-cited scientists: Still mostly men, but the gender gap is closing

The gender gap among top-cited scientists is narrowing, with women now representing 32% of top-cited authors in certain fields, according to a study analyzing 5.8 million international scientific authors. However, significant disparities remain, and efforts to address promotion pathways for gifted female researchers are still needed.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 21, 2023

Black women teaching science find formula for incorporating anti-racist practices, study finds

A new study by NYU researchers found that Black women teaching science are finding innovative ways to combine traditional curricula with lessons on race, gender, and class inequities. They make cultural connections to science, encourage critical thinking, and provide historical contexts to help students understand the impact of systemi...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·TypeObservational study·DateNov 6, 2023

Bacteria can enhance host insect’s fertility with implications for disease control

Researchers found that Wolbachia pientis infection restores fruit fly fertility, enabling them to produce more offspring than uninfected flies. This discovery has significant implications for controlling insect populations and range, potentially increasing mosquito populations that do not carry human diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2023