News on the tools and policy that run research. Covers AI research workflows, AI-native researcher tools, climate-policy recommendations, and faster data analysis.
A study by University of East Anglia found that organisations with more creative employees enjoy higher levels of customer satisfaction. The study recommends investing in developing the creative capabilities of customer service employees through tailored HR practices, including workshops and training.
Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus have identified three types of sulphur oxidizing bacteria and two types of iron-oxidizing microbes that contribute to acid-rock drainage. The study aims to develop a new method of managing mining waste by returning it to its natural state without ponds or caps.
A large international study found that delivery at 37 weeks minimizes stillbirths and newborn deaths in twins. The researchers analyzed data from 32 studies on uncomplicated twin pregnancies and concluded that delivery before 36 weeks may not be necessary for monochorionic pregnancies.
Researchers found that mobile apps, barcodes, and automated monitoring systems can increase transparency and accountability in healthcare services. Digital technologies also enable people to report discrimination or bribery through social media.
A study by the University of Pittsburgh found that using a sit-stand desk for half an hour can burn an additional 5.5 calories compared to sitting for the entire hour. Alternating between sitting and standing over an eight-hour day can result in up to 56.9 calories burned by men and 48.3 calories burned by women.
Researchers at Barrow Neurological Institute found the roots of modern humane medical practices in a pioneering French physician, Andre Feil's 1919 medical school thesis. The thesis challenged long-held opinions about people with deformities and emphasized treating patients with dignity and honor.
A recent study by University of Kansas researcher found that checked baggage fees have improved US airlines' departure performance and reduced delays. The study revealed a 'below-the-cabin effect,' where less weight resulted from passengers carrying fewer bags, offsetting changes in carryon luggage.
Steven L. Wolf, PhD, PT, FAPTA, FAHA, has received the 2016 Excellence in Rehabilitation of Aging Persons Award from the Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for his work on fall prevention and stroke rehabilitation.
Lisa Skemp, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, is the 2016 recipient of the Minority Issues in Gerontology Committee Outstanding Mentorship Award. She has demonstrated a long history of promoting health and quality of life for community-dwelling elders through her research on building community capacity for healthy aging.
A pair of lab experiments by Cornell University researchers found that happy music increases cooperative behavior among team members. Contributions to the group's value were approximately one-third higher when upbeat songs were played compared to less pleasant music.
A Griffith University study found that high-frequency fires can disrupt nutrient cycling and modify beetle populations in some forest ecosystems. The research aims to improve fire frequency management by understanding the effects on soil, plant, animal, and microbial communities.
Two-part series of studies examines health behaviors and management challenges in spinal cord injury patients, highlighting strategies for overcoming obstacles and improving quality of life. Recent research findings emphasize the importance of proactive health management and resilience after a spinal cord injury.
A team of researchers from Google and NYU Tandon School of Engineering analyzed commercial pay-per-install practices and their distribution of unwanted software. They found that PPI affiliates are directly catering to the unwanted software market, avoiding user protections while delivering unwanted software under a thin veil of consent.
A new study from Indiana University finds nearly one in four people share sexts, with most participants experiencing discomfort with unauthorized sharing. The study also highlights age-related risks and gender differences in sexting attitudes.
GOJO Industries' biomimicry case study reveals the field can expand intellectual property, increase energy efficiency and accelerate innovation. The research found improved sustainability with double to quadruple energy efficiency compared to technology in the market.
Researchers aim to reduce errors in warning decisions by considering all three key aspects: who, what, and when. Effective warnings are crucial for mitigating casualties and increasing transparency.
A new study found that receiving treatment at Primary Stroke Centers (PSCs) led to significantly better survival rates for patients traveling less than 90 minutes. However, the benefit was nullified when travel time exceeded 90 minutes. The study used a cohort of Medicare beneficiaries with acute stroke admitted between 2010 and 2013.
Research by Michigan State University scholars found that high-status individuals who don't feel they deserve their position are more generous. Generosity can alleviate feelings of inequity and promote a sense of fairness.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center implemented blood utilization practice guidelines, resulting in a 30% reduction in blood transfusions and $2 million savings. The new guidelines also reduced blood wastage by 75%, from 300 to 80 units, improving patient outcomes and optimizing the use of this limited resource.
Researchers discover a derivative of [3]-radialene, a small planar molecule, which can be used to create organic semiconductors. The molecule increases the electrical conductivity of polymers by several tens and hundreds of times, paving the way for new organic solar cells and field-effect transistors.
A major international study found that family members play a crucial role in supporting individuals with diabetes, but also face significant emotional strain. The research highlights the need for healthcare providers to include family members in educational sessions and provide them with resources to manage their loved one's condition.
Researchers developed a publication strategy that allows authors to document data workflow, enabling users to reproduce simulations from scratch. This increases the reliability of simulation results and enhances model utility.
A new study from Baylor University's Hankamer School of Business reveals that highly innovative individuals can be committed to both their organizations and professions, especially when they understand their role in the organization's success. The study suggests design policies and procedures that support creative work styles and empha...
David W. Schindler, renowned limnologist, receives the SETAC Rachel Carson Award for his work on laundry detergent phosphates and eutrophication. His research has led to policy changes worldwide.
Researchers compared ClinicalTrials.gov and Drugs@FDA for results reporting accuracy, finding that while Drugs@FDA was useful for primary outcomes, it lacked validity for secondary outcomes and adverse events. Integration between the two sites could lead to better health information.
A new study estimates California's street trees provide benefits worth $1 billion, including carbon storage, air pollutant removal, and energy savings. The study also highlights the need for tree diversification and density management to optimize urban forest performance.
Research finds that practice explains only 18% of why athletes perform better or worse, with 82% attributed to other factors like genetics and cognitive traits. Starting age also holds little advantage, as higher-skilled athletes often start at the same age as less-skilled ones.
A study led by Saarland University psychologists found that delivering bad news, such as layoffs, is not just about the message but also the manner in which it's conveyed. Employees are more likely to accept the decision if the manager has received training on fairness and process transparency.
Researchers found that 60% of Amazon sellers using algorithmic pricing have prices higher than the lowest price for a product. The study also revealed that algorithmic pricing leads to significant volatility in prices, with some products changing price over 8 times per day.
Researchers found that women face a range of barriers to physical activity, including physical challenges and psychological concerns, which vary by weight. A new study suggests that a one-size-fits-all approach may not be effective in helping women become more physically active.
University of Adelaide researchers recommend a 'code of best practice' to minimize the impact of drones on wildlife and mitigate potential disturbances. The guidelines cover various factors, including species, environment, and UAV operation, to ensure informed use of drones in field research.
Research by University of Notre Dame found that companies with higher female representation on boards engage less in mergers and acquisitions, identifying potential challenges in deals. The study suggests diverse board dynamics lead to more thorough discussions, increasing likelihood of deal delays or shelving.
The conference features research on mitral and tricuspid valve interventions, new devices for percutaneous coronary interventions, and approaches to treat heart failure and stroke. Key findings highlight the potential of TAVI for low-risk patients and the impact of recent trials on clinical practice.
A RAND/Harvard study found that teledermatology improved access to dermatologists for Medicaid patients, with half of those receiving any dermatology care using the service. The collaboration between Direct Dermatology and Health Plan of San Joaquin achieved significant increases in patient visits with dermatologists.
The study found that under moderate to intense climate change scenarios, the proposed action plan will not be sufficient to protect the lake. Urgent actions are needed to save the lake through regional action to limit human water use and global action to limit greenhouse-gas concentration.
Researchers found that transformational leadership can increase sickness absence levels among employees who ignore their ill-health and frequently show up for work while ill. The study suggests that managers should strike a balance between encouraging staff to perform well and prioritizing their health and well-being.
Research at University of Cambridge reveals that management-imposed flexible hours lead to work-life balance issues, childcare struggles, and health concerns among low-paid supermarket workers. The study highlights the need for better labor protections and more equitable working conditions.
A new study by the University of Toronto reveals that people intuitively pair front vowel sounds with things close by and back vowel sounds with distances away. This knowledge can inform marketing strategies, such as choosing names for products or brands that align with their intended distance from customers.
Research found that acknowledgment of responsibility and offer of repair are crucial elements in an apology, with expression of regret, explanation of what went wrong, and declaration of repentance tied for third effectiveness. The study also showed that the request for forgiveness is the least important component.
A study by LMU researchers found that employees who switch jobs to a competitor often intensify their competitive behavior against their former employer. However, this phenomenon may be linked to identity conflict rather than performance concerns. The study suggests that poaching individual talent from competitors can have mixed results.
Researchers found that daily deal websites gain an advantage by tracking and displaying sales numbers, attracting new customers and promoting merchants' businesses. This strategy lowers the risk for consumers trying new merchants and addresses a fundamental problem with traditional discount promotions.
Researchers found that market reactions to sudden CEO deaths have increased markedly between 1950 and 2009, with larger swings in firm value occurring over time. This suggests that shareholders perceive CEOs as increasingly influential in firm performance.
Research found that positioning patients correctly and providing timely meal assistance can increase meal intake, ultimately aiding faster recovery. Hospital staff can focus on these simple strategies to positively impact patient eating habits.
A new study from the University of Toronto found that minority applicants may fare worse in resumes sent to diversity-friendly companies than those sent to non-diversity companies. Hiding one's race by 'whitening' their resumes improved minorities' chances of landing an interview.
The Royal College of General Practitioners has accredited BMJ Best Practice, a healthcare knowledge provider that offers high-quality clinical decision support to GPs. The tool features continuing professional development tracking and accreditation, allowing GPs to earn credits while using it in their working day.
A randomized controlled trial found that electronic consultations improved access to cardiac care, with nearly two-thirds of patients not requiring a face-to-face visit. Additionally, e-consultations were completed on average almost a month sooner than traditional consultations.
The European Union's complex and unpredictable decision process is hindering the introduction of genetically modified trees to the market. The current procedure involves extensive risk analyses, which are costly and time-consuming, making it difficult for scientists to predict the long-term consequences of GM tree use.
A recent study by the University of California, Davis, found that levees can actually increase flood risk for up to a third of residential structures and 22% of commercial structures behind them. The research team estimated long-term flood risk, probabilities of levee failure, and resulting economic losses in the Sny Island levee distr...
Equity-based incentives improve cooperation among managers in different business units, researchers find. Companies like Amazon benefit from this practice.
Researchers propose broadening drought definition to include human activities that contribute to extreme water shortages. This shift acknowledges the complex interactions between nature and society, highlighting the need for innovative methodology to analyze causes of drought.
Research by a University of Illinois business professor reveals that high-quality boss-worker relationships are positively related to higher salaries and greater responsibility in the next job. However, employees still leave their good managers due to limited internal opportunities for growth. Retaining valued employees can lead to inc...
Research reveals that high-ambition and attentive managers may resist performance-based pay, instead choosing comfort over risk. Tailored compensation strategies are necessary to motivate these individuals, as one-size-fits-all approaches prove ineffective.
A Drexel University study found emergency medical technicians and paramedics are 14 times more likely to be violently injured on the job than firefighters. Factors contributing to this risk include inadequate training, tenuous relationships with dispatchers, and high-stress environments.
Researchers at the University of Notre Dame have developed a novel method for noninvasive genetic sampling using spider webs. This approach enables biomonitoring without direct observation or disturbance of target organisms, with potential applications in conservation research, pest management, and biogeography studies.
Research by Laura Kray at UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that sympathy can motivate stronger parties to help weaker ones, leading to more compassionate solutions. Being transparent about misfortune is more effective when initiated by a low-power negotiator or someone in the weaker position.
Research suggests that habits such as checking emails early and late, using push notifications, and constantly being available can lead to higher levels of stress and pressure. Experts offer tips to help manage email and reduce its negative impact on productivity and wellbeing.
A MIT study found that a group of consumers have an unerring knack for buying failed products, time after time. The 'harbingers of failure' tend to purchase all kinds of flop-worthy products, including those with strong initial sales but ultimately poor market reception.
A new study analyzing six years of sales data from over 1,700 supermarkets across the U.S. found that small price differences can significantly shift consumer demand towards healthier low-calorie alternatives, particularly among low-income consumers. The study's results suggest that a 'fat tax' of just 5-10% can be effective in reducin...
The study found that mirrors in consumption settings can reduce the perceived tastiness of unhealthy food, leading to lower consumption. The presence of a mirror did not affect the taste of healthy food, suggesting it's only an issue for unhealthy options.
Researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz found that the appearance of blueschist, a blue-violet rock, is connected to long-term changes in the composition of the oceanic crust. This discovery challenges theories on the emergence of plate tectonics, which previously dated back to the Neoproterozoic era or even earlier.