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 large UK study found that telephone triage systems do not reduce overall practice workload, despite increasing patient contacts. Patients who receive over-the-phone support are more likely to seek follow-up advice, with no cost savings or efficiency gains reported.
A recent USC Marshall study found that companies led by narcissistic CEOs have higher earnings-per-share and share price than those with non-narcissistic CEOs. However, this may be achieved through short-term manipulations that can be detrimental to the company's long-term health.
A new paper from the University of Toronto suggests that gender quotas are more effective in countries with tight cultural norms, where people prioritize obedience and conformity. In contrast, loose cultures may struggle to implement policies due to disagreements over how to translate egalitarian principles into practice.
A meta-analysis of 88 studies on deliberate practice found that it explains 26% of the variance in performance for games, 21% for music, and 18% for sports. While practice improves performance, other personal factors also play a role in predicting success.
The Glasgow Coma Scale has become a practical method for bedside assessment of impairment of conscious level in acute brain injury. Professor Graham Teasdale examines the scale's original aspirations, criticisms, and its continued role in research and clinical practice.
A new INFORMS study finds that buying competitors' brand names as keywords on search engines can backfire if the advertising brand is inferior to the rival. The authors provide a framework for choosing keywords among brand names, offering advertisers a way to optimize their search ads.
The Practitioner Toolkit for Managing the Menopause is a new resource that helps doctors diagnose and treat menopausal conditions in women globally. The toolkit includes a diagnostic tool, approved hormone therapies, and non-hormonal therapies with evidence-based support.
A recent study published in Psychological Science found that accumulated practice accounts for only about 12% of individual differences in performance across various domains. The study suggests that domain-specific factors, such as age and cognitive abilities, may play a more significant role in determining expertise.
Researchers found that genes influenced the propensity to practice and music accomplishment in musicians, with genetics becoming more important as individuals practiced. The study challenged the theory that innate ability can be overcome with enough training.
Research from Columbia Business School found that umpires are more likely to incorrectly call strikes for All-Star pitchers, resulting in a larger strike zone. The study also identified the 'Matthew Effect', where status bias influences umpire decisions, favoring All-Star pitchers.
Research by University of Delaware professor Katalin Takacs Haynes finds that extreme greed among top managers leads to lower performance and loss of shareholder value. However, a powerful board or long CEO tenure can mitigate this effect.
Research by the University of Cincinnati found that employees use strategies like collocation, distancing, and crossing to manage work-home boundaries. These tactics can provide control over work flow but also lead to addictive technology use.
Researchers identified a novel mechanism to reduce external signal strength in cells, akin to car brakes, allowing for rapid adaptation to changing conditions. This 'MAD' mechanism has broad implications for engineering crops and understanding cellular signaling.
The ASU Biodesign Institute has developed a high-quality biomarker discovery core competency to identify and select biomarkers for radiation biodosimetry. The team is now optimizing the assay panel and platform workflow to prepare for regulatory clearance from the FDA.
A study by US researchers resolves a long-standing debate on package size perception, revealing that presentation context plays a significant role in estimating volume. When packages are displayed in groups of nine or more, simple-shaped packages appear larger than complex ones, but the reverse occurs when presented with fewer packages.
A team of scientists has successfully created a triple twisted Möbius annulene, a complex molecule with three twists but only one surface. This achievement demonstrates their expertise in manipulating molecular structures and has significant potential for future applications in molecular electronics and optoelectronics.
A study published by INFORMS finds that analyzing pre-release consumer buzz can forecast new product sales more accurately than traditional methods. The research also reveals a key link between online buzz and firm stock prices, allowing for immediate capitalization on the new product.
A study from the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management found that sell-side analysts tend to compare companies in the same category but with expensive stock prices. This can lead to undervalued companies being perceived as good buys compared to high-valuation peers. The research also shows a greater tendency to choose hig...
A systematic review of 31,085 deliveries found that induced labor is associated with a lower risk of cesarean delivery. Prostaglandin E2 is linked to significant reductions in cesarean risks.
A study found that people reflected more on past events and developed a renewed interest in their online photos when a device called Photobox would randomly print four or five of those photos at varying intervals each month. This slower pace re-engage users with their own photos, making them a regular part of their everyday life.
A new facial selection technique can enhance ad effectiveness by 15% and generate $5 billion in additional US automotive sales, researchers say. The method automates the subjective process of selecting faces for ads.
The ENTEGA team won the award for its ECO tool, which optimizes sales and profit targets by integrating data from price comparison sites. The tool resulted in a 30% decrease in selling costs compared to their current approach.
The Mayo Clinic has been recognized for its effective integration of operations research into organizational decision-making, leading to improved patient outcomes and financial savings. The organization's use of advanced analytics and operations research has been instrumental in addressing healthcare challenges.
Researchers found that mortality begins to increase at an occupancy level of 92.5%, indicating the safety tipping point for hospitals. For critically ill patients, high occupancy levels significantly increase the risk of dying in hospital.
Researchers found that planting cotton in May reduced boll damage by up to 36% compared to June planting dates. Early planting avoids peak stink bug pressure during the bloom cycle, reducing the need for insecticides.
WSU researchers Ioannis Kareklas and Darrel Muehling found that young drivers who view PSAs featuring graphic images of death experience lower attitudes towards texting while driving. The study suggests using emotional appeals, such as the fear of death, to persuade drivers to stop texting and driving.
The 1932 Lake Placid Winter Olympics were shaped by the need for a world-class bobsled facility after eight crashes marred practice runs. The site's design, including unique drops and upward slopes, has influenced Sochi's slide, highlighting the Olympic Games' ongoing struggle with safety and environmental concerns.
Chris Field, a leading climate expert, will discuss the state of climate science and emerging challenges related to climate change. Analysis of 27 climate models reveals accelerated pace of climate change, posing significant risks for the future.
There is limited evidence to support the existence of pornography 'addiction', with most studies lacking methodological rigor and failing to find negative side effects. Instead, viewing sexual images can have positive benefits such as improving attitudes towards sexuality and increasing pleasure in relationships.
Concord found between professional groups on which questions are most important for natural resource management. The most critical questions relate to the quantity and quality of surface and groundwater necessary for human populations and ecosystem resilience.
A study reveals that long-term declines in honey bee colonies are attributed to economic and political pressures, as well as pests, pathogens, and poor management practices. The research also highlights the importance of standardized data collection and further research into the impact of agricultural intensification on this species.
Scientists at the Autonomous University of Barcelona developed an electronic tongue to classify beer varieties, achieving an accuracy rate of 81.9%. The system uses sensors to detect chemical compounds and can even estimate alcohol content.
Clemson University researcher Jimmy Sanderson will present on communication strategies for managing concussions in sports at the Connecticut Concussion Conference. The conference aims to discuss solutions for schools and youth sport organizations to mitigate concussions and legal risks, a topic of growing public health concern.
A new study in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology assesses the progression of 'silent' adrenal tumours (adrenal incidentalomas) and their impact on cardiovascular events and death. The results show that some tumours became more active over time, increasing cardiovascular risk, especially in patients whose tumours secrete cortisol.
The Choosing Wisely campaign has sparked discussion on low-value services, but more work is needed to include common and costly services. The campaign's lists have been criticized for only including low-impact services for physicians and patients to question.
A study found that UK patients diagnosed with heart attacks between 2004-2010 had higher death rates (10.5%) compared to Swedish patients (7.6%). The difference in mortality rates decreased over time, but the UK still lagged behind Sweden in terms of quality of care.
Structures, a new online peer-reviewed journal, aims to bridge the knowledge translation gap between academia and industry. The journal will publish research articles on structural engineering, materials, and related areas, with a focus on applicability to current practice.
A University of Houston study found that anonymous online comments are more likely to be vulgar, racist, or hateful than those posted by non-anonymous users. Non-anonymous commenters were nearly three times as likely to post civil comments following news articles, with only 15% of anonymous commenters exhibiting civil behavior.
A new weight management intervention program has been developed specifically for disadvantaged young adults, addressing their immediate needs and priorities. The program focuses on community-based participatory research and incorporates the PRECEDE model to identify key factors that can be changed.
Gout affects 1 in 40 UK residents, with the highest rates in Wales and North East England. Only a third of patients are treated with urate lowering drugs, highlighting suboptimal management.
A Johns Hopkins systematic review of 66 research papers found most skin ulcer treatments are technically flawed, with weak evidence supporting some treatments over standard compression therapy. The review suggests a need for well-designed studies to compare current minimally invasive surgical interventions to gold standard care.
A study of over 70,000 patients found that warfarin significantly increases the risk of stroke among those with atrial fibrillation within the first 30 days of treatment. The risk is highest in the first week, peaking on the third day, and halves after 30 days. Patients with a history of previous stroke are at higher increased risk.
Recent studies published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology investigate the association between diverticulosis, constipation, vitamin D levels, and risk of acute diverticulitis. The research provides new perspectives on the condition, challenging common beliefs and offering potential therapeutic strategies.
The Delaware Project offers a cutting-edge vision for training in clinical science, integrating research and practice to improve clinical outcomes. Key features include problem-based learning, public-health focus, and addressing the gap between developing effective interventions and dissemination.
Peggy A. Honoré, DHA, has been awarded the 2013 Excellence in Health Administration Award for her outstanding leadership and contributions to public health finance and systems research. She is also Director of the Public Health System, Finance, and Quality Program at the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Operations Research Perspectives is an open access journal publishing material on operations research and management science. The journal aims to make fast decisions accessible to a wide audience, bringing together high-quality papers from the field.
A study by Washington State University researchers found that organic milk contains more beneficial fats and a healthier fatty acid ratio than conventional milk. Organic whole milk outperformed conventional milk in improving an individual's fatty acid profile, particularly with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids.
Research found that manager support for fun significantly reduces employee turnover, especially among younger workers. However, this support also negatively impacts sales performance, regardless of age. The study suggests a balance between manager support for fun and engaging activities to minimize productivity losses.
Researchers found that patients surveyed at federally supported community health centers generally reported high-quality care, with excellent or very good ratings for overall quality of services, clinician care, and referrals. The study also found that higher patient ratings of access to care and patient-centered communication were ass...
Research reveals morphological and genetic evidence for cattle management in north-eastern China around 10,000 years ago. The discovery of an ancient cattle jaw with unique wear patterns and genetic signatures suggests that humans may have started domesticating cows in more regions than previously believed.
Researchers investigated the characteristics of hemiplegic shoulder pain post-stroke and found that early onset and specific diagnosis types can reduce pain management efficacy. Comprehensive rehabilitation and electroacupuncture are more effective in alleviating shoulder subluxation pain. The study provides valuable insights for diagn...
A study found that pediatricians can successfully promote safe driving agreements between teens and parents using a web-based Checkpoints TM program. Nearly 4,000 parents were reached, resulting in over 2,100 website visits and an average of 3.5 minutes spent on the site.
The First-ever Information Systems Job Index reveals a healthy job market for college students majoring in information systems, with nearly three-quarters receiving at least one job offer. IS graduates have an average salary of $57,212 for bachelor's programs and $65,394 for master's programs.
A study by University of Illinois researchers found that targeted deer culling in areas affected by CWD reduced the disease's prevalence to about 1% for 10 years. Meanwhile, hunter harvest increased nationwide, with only two counties experiencing a 11-20% reduction in deer populations.
A RAND Corporation study finds that physician job satisfaction is driven by quality patient care, with electronic health records being a significant source of stress. Physicians report frustration with systems that hinder face-to-face interactions and accuracy of medical records.
Researchers at The Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice found that more than half the US population lives in areas where ACOs have been established. These areas tend to have higher performance on quality measures, greater managed care penetration and lower poverty rates.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed an early-warning system to predict fishery collapse decades in advance, enabling conservation measures to be taken. The 'Eventual Threat Index' uses minimal data to identify conditions that would eventually cause a species to be overharvested.
The Journal of Outdoor Recreation and Tourism aims to provide a forum for discussing dimensions involved in decision-making regarding outdoor recreation activities. The journal publishes peer-reviewed research on aspects of outdoor recreation planning and management.
Researchers found that individuals behave more selfishly when interacting with men with wider faces, leading to a social feedback loop. The study's findings suggest that people may need to reconsider how they use power and make helpful decisions.
A computer system called MACH helps users practice social interactions, including eye contact, tone of voice, and filler words. Students who practiced with MACH demonstrated an improvement in interviews compared to the control group, suggesting its potential for addressing behavioral health issues.