Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Sufficiently distant parks and public services facilitate older adults' physical activity

A study conducted at the University of Jyväskylä found that older adults who reported attractive destinations more than 500 meters away were more physically active. This suggests that having diverse and quality neighborhood destinations may support older adults' physical activity, contrary to common assumptions.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalFrontiers in Public Health·DateAug 13, 2020

United in musical diversity

A recent study in Science journal found that all cultures studied have similar music characteristics, such as fast rhythms for dance and soft tempos for lullabies. This suggests that there are fundamental universal properties of music that reflect commonalities in human cognition.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateNov 22, 2019

Ensuring equality: Penn develops method to measure and operationalize inclusive culture

A new framework developed by Penn researchers measures and addresses the key factors contributing to inclusive learning and work environments in healthcare. The study identifies six factors: presence of discrimination, effective leadership and mentors, hierarchy, recognition, civility, and support for work-life balance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 3, 2018

Odors are perceived the same way by hunter-gatherers and Westerners

A recent study found that Jahai speakers and Dutch individuals have similar emotional responses to odors, indicating universal perception. Despite their distinct vocabularies for smelling, both groups showed the same facial reactions to unpleasant smells, highlighting the universality of olfactory experience.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJun 18, 2018

Music really is a universal language

Vocal songs serving similar functions tend to sound similar worldwide, regardless of cultural background. Listeners from diverse countries accurately inferred song functions based on brief musical excerpts.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 25, 2018

China's one-child generation not so selfish after all

A study by Hiroshima University challenges the stereotype that China's one-child generation is selfish and individualistic. The research found that this generation is just as cooperative as preceding generations of Chinese workers, with an average score of 3.86 on a five-point scale for willingness to cooperate in the workplace.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of the Asia Pacific Economy·DateDec 18, 2017

Discovery: Bernie Sanders spider

A research team led by Ingi Agnarsson discovered 15 new species of smiley-faced spiders in the Caribbean region, challenging previous assumptions about a single widespread species. The study highlights the importance of good taxonomy and conservation biology in protecting biodiversity.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateSep 26, 2017

Humanizing, harmonizing effects of music aren't a myth

Research by University of Arizona professor Jake Harwood and collaborators found that listening to music from other cultures improves intergroup attitudes. The study showed that individuals who listen to music produced by outgroup members experience a humanizing effect and reduce negative feelings towards those groups.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Communication·DateMay 22, 2017

Less connectivity improves innovation

In this experiment, participants were asked to discover successive innovations to produce a virtual remedy and stop the spread of a virus. The results show that fully connected groups performed well in the short-run but rapidly converged toward the same solutions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2016

Kessler Foundation scientists study impact of cultural diversity in brain injury research

Researchers emphasize the need for cultural competence in brain injury research and rehabilitation to address growing minority populations and their higher risk of poorer outcomes. Studies highlight persistent health disparities among minorities with acquired brain injury, underscoring the importance of patient-centered interventions.

SourceKessler Foundation·JournalNeuroRehabilitation An International Interdisciplinary Journal·DateAug 27, 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