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Access to electricity is linked to reduced sleep

Research comparing traditional hunter-gatherer communities with and without access to electricity reveals that those with electricity sleep an average of one hour less per night than those without. The study suggests that artificial light disrupts humans' natural circadian clock and sleep-wake cycle, leading to shorter nights.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Biological Rhythms·DateJun 19, 2015

Quenching the thirst for clean, safe water

A new foam water filter has been developed by Michigan State University researchers, which significantly reduces dangerous pathogens in drinking water. The filter combines existing treatment principles and features a unique biological layer that enables it to become more efficient over time.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateApr 29, 2015

Going with the flow?

Researchers have made significant strides in measuring preferential flow, a crucial factor in soil's physical, chemical, and biological functions. The study reveals unique water patterns depending on landform units, soil types, initial moisture, and precipitation features.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateApr 23, 2015

Study supports the theory that men are idiots

Researchers analyzed Darwin Award winners and found that 88.7% were male, supporting the idea that men are more prone to 'idiotic risk taking behaviour'. The study suggests males may engage in such risky actions as a rite of passage or for social esteem

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 11, 2014

New study measures methane emissions from natural gas production and offers insights into 2 large sources

Researchers found that a small group of pneumatic devices and wells with frequent liquid unloadings are responsible for the vast majority of methane emissions from natural gas production sites. The study confirms regional differences in methane emission levels, with highest emissions in the Gulf Coast and lowest in the Rocky Mountains.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 10, 2014

Digging for answers

A recent study by Dana Bardolph found that female authors are underrepresented in American archaeology journals, accounting for less than 29% of published articles. The research suggests a pervasive gender bias in academia and publishing, with potential factors including authorial behavior and the submission process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAmerican Antiquity·DateNov 19, 2014

Logging and burning cause the loss of 54 million tons of carbon a year in Amazonia

A study found that logging, partial destruction by burning, and fragmentation result in the loss of nearly 54 million tons of carbon annually, equivalent to up to 40% of total deforestation. This degradation has a severe impact on the forest, with enormous quantities of stored carbon being lost into the atmosphere.

New research proves gender bias extraordinarily prevalent in STEM careers

A new study from Columbia Business School reveals that hiring managers in STEM fields possess an extraordinary level of gender bias, often choosing less-qualified men over superiorly qualified women. The study demonstrates the cost of discrimination, leading to a less diverse workforce and detrimental effects on companies.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2014

The brand tourism effect: When do lower status consumers boost luxury brands?

A study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that brand tourists, or fans of a luxury brand, can inspire feelings of membership pride and enhance the brand's prestige. This 'brand tourism effect' is distinct from brand immigrants, who claim group membership, and has positive implications for companies managing selective brands.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 21, 2014

Drawing conclusions

Dr. Carmit Katz's study found that drawing during questioning significantly improves the accuracy and detail of child abuse testimonies. Children empowered to draw reported regaining control and feeling hopeful, with richer descriptions provided compared to those not offered this opportunity.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateApr 3, 2014

Alley to receive National Academy of Sciences award

Richard B. Alley is awarded the Arthur L. Day Prize and Lectureship for his innovative studies on ice sheet flow and dating techniques, enhancing understanding of past climate variations. He will present a series of lectures summarizing current knowledge in ice dynamics and climate change.

Tick by tick

Scientists have created a novel system to safely study the transmission of Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus through ticks. By carefully tracking each tick's movement and feeding pattern, researchers can examine the complete cycle of virus transmission between infected animals and uninfected ticks.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateAug 19, 2013

Caregiving dads treated disrespectfully at work, new study finds

A new study by the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that caregiving dads are treated disrespectfully at work due to non-traditional gender roles. The study suggests that employees who violate traditional gender norms, such as men doing less caregiving and domestic tasks, face harassment in the office.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateJun 11, 2013

New species literally spend decades on the shelf

A study found that it takes an average of 20.7 years for a newly collected species to be described, with some species taking up to 12 years. This long 'shelf life' poses a significant challenge for conservation efforts, which may come too late if not addressed promptly.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 19, 2012