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Quotas alone will not solve the problem

A new study by the Complexity Science Hub recommends aligning quotas with an inclusive culture to improve women's representation in science. The research finds that even extreme quotas are not sufficient to increase minorities' visibility in top ranks, highlighting the need for behavioral interventions and regulation to overcome biases.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 25, 2023

Three professional societies unite on National Science Foundation grant in effort to increase access and inclusivity in ornithology

Researchers from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Virginia Tech are teaming up with three ornithological societies to create widespread cultural change and increased inclusivity within the field of ornithology. The project aims to design affinity groups that will facilitate transformative resilience among historically marginalize...

Research uncovers details about the mysterious author of early astronomy textbooks

Researchers discovered previously unknown details about Margaret Bryan's background and family through a paper published in Notes and Records: The Royal Society Journal of the History of Science. Girolami found that Bryan was born around 1759, married William Bryan in 1783, and had two daughters, Ann Marian and Maria.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNotes and Records the Royal Society Journal of the History of Science·TypeNews article·DateMar 22, 2023

This hormone may be the missing ingredient to heart-healthy cholesterol levels for menopausal women

A new study identifies anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a key factor in regulating cholesterol levels during the menopause transition. High AMH levels are associated with lower HDL-C, or good cholesterol, which may indicate cardiovascular risk despite its traditionally protective effects.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Clinical Lipidology·TypeObservational study·DateDec 12, 2022

Cervical cancer discovery offers major new clue to better understand the disease

Researchers have identified two distinct molecular subgroups of cervical cancer, C1 and C2, which differ in their clinical aggressiveness and response to treatment. The study suggests that determining the subgroup of a patient's cervical cancer could provide additional prognostic information for planning treatment.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateOct 21, 2022

Changing the face of innovation

A new MUSC initiative aims to increase the number of women entrepreneurs by offering coaching, mentoring, and training opportunities. The program will pair trainees with successful biomedical entrepreneurs, providing valuable role models and guidance. By addressing gender inequity in STEM fields, STEM-CREW seeks to advance the careers ...

Study: Live chat boosts college women’s class participation

A recent UNLV-led study discovered that women enthusiastically embraced live chat during pandemic Zoom classes, with ratings showing significantly higher engagement than men. The researchers hope this data can help colleges incorporate technology into hybrid and in-person courses to increase underrepresented groups' access to STEM fields.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 19, 2022

Yes, we can!

A study by physicists Fariba Karimi and her team has confirmed that women are underrepresented in physics, but found that the gender gap is largely due to a first-mover advantage enjoyed by men. The research suggests that women face higher entry barriers and structural inequalities, leading to differences in citation recognition.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 13, 2022

Breaking the glass ceiling in science by looking at citations

Researchers at USC's Information Sciences Institute used AI to analyze citation patterns in scientific papers and found significant differences between male and female scientists. Women's networks were more tightly clustered, indicating a stronger support network, while men's networks were more diverse and widely connected.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Encouraging girls to roleplay as successful female scientists could help close the gender gap in STEM

Research suggests that encouraging girls to roleplay as successful female scientists can increase their persistence in science activities, counteracting negative gender stereotypes. By pretending to be a scientist, girls may psychologically distance themselves from biases and feel more engaged in STEM fields.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Scientists want to bridge public divide

A Northwestern University study found that investing in science outreach can improve diversity and trust in science, with women and underrepresented groups more likely to participate. However, lack of time and funding remain major barriers, highlighting the need for academic institutions to incentivize outreach and provide training.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateAug 24, 2022

Women in science receive less credit for their contributions

A study using administrative data from universities found that women are 13% less likely to be named as authors in scientific articles compared to men, and 59% less likely to receive patent credits for their work. Women also reported being excluded from authorship more often than men and facing biases and discrimination.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2022

Women are making strides in artificial intelligence but are still underrepresented, according to new Concordia research

A Concordia study analyzed gender patterns in AI over two decades, finding women are making strides despite underrepresentation. Notably, female-male collaboration has increased, while core positions held by women remain scarce, tied to factors like family obligations and male-dominated environments.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Informetrics·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 25, 2022

Controlling mirror images

Researchers have developed a method to control the rotational states of chiral molecules, allowing for specific separation of enantiomers. By irradiating chiral molecules with UV radiation and microwaves, the team has gained more control over which 'hand' is in which state.

SourceFritz Haber Institute of the Max Planck Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 29, 2022

How name change can impact a female researcher’s career

A recent commentary by Dartmouth College's Bala Chaudhary highlights the challenges faced by women researchers who choose to get married and change their last names. The lack of a consistent way to update publication records can lead to biases in grant and tenure applications, potentially affecting career advancement.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 15, 2022

In one cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship as well as to mentor others

In a cleft surgery NGO mission trip in Morocco, an all-female healthcare team empowered volunteers to seek further mentorship and to mentor others. The team's influence on female healthcare professionals was found to be significant, promoting a supportive environment for growth and development.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Global Public Health·DateMar 2, 2022

First get your heart in shape then get pregnant

A new Northwestern Medicine study reveals that more than half of young women in the US have at least one risk factor for poor heart health before pregnancy. Optimizing heart health before and during pregnancy can prevent complications, deliver a healthy baby, and even reduce the risk of heart disease years later.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCirculation·DateFeb 14, 2022

Faculty mentor training program strengthens university’s institutional climate

A pioneering program at UC San Diego Health Sciences has trained 23% of faculty between 2017-2020, improving mentoring quality and faculty satisfaction, especially among underrepresented groups. The program's success suggests a universally applicable model for medical schools to improve diversity and success.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·DateJan 11, 2022

‘Superhuman, but never enough’: Essay details inequities experienced by Black women physicians in the United States

Black women physicians in the United States encounter barriers such as lower earnings and reduced promotion opportunities, despite having the same training and expertise as their colleagues. The essay highlights the need for sustained efforts to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in academic medicine to address these disparities.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 15, 2021