News on the tools and policy that run research. Covers AI research workflows, AI-native researcher tools, climate-policy recommendations, and faster data analysis.
Researchers have identified a second MND-causing gene, FUS, which links to TDP-43 and sheds light on disease mechanisms. This breakthrough has major implications for diagnosis and treatment, offering new avenues of scientific investigation.
The Integrated Ocean Drilling Program (IODP) will conduct scientific ocean drilling operations aboard three platforms in 2009. Scheduled operations include riser drilling, riserless operations, and mission-specific operations to explore climate change, sea level change, and oceanic plateau formation.
The 2009 Franz Edelman finalists demonstrate that analytics and operations research can contain spending and increase profits even in lean economic times. The six finalists from the U.S. and Europe used advanced analytical methods to help companies reduce costs, increase earnings, and achieve significant results.
US Department of Homeland Security scientists have developed a magnetic resonance imaging-based system to detect harmful liquids, gels, and lotions in baggage and on passengers. The MagViz system is promising and may eventually replace traditional X-ray systems.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and the USDA have identified alternative fumigants to methyl bromide (MeBr) for tomato production in North Carolina. The study found that while no single alternative can fully substitute MeBr, technically and economically feasible options exist for growers to adopt.
A new study identifies a hotspot for toxic harmful algal blooms (HABS) in the Strait of Juan de Fuca, which can trigger blooms and force shellfish bed closures. The research aims to provide early warnings to protect human health and reduce economic losses due to biotoxin accumulation.
A new INFORMS management insights feature warns that relying on arithmetic means can lead to flawed plans. Non-averaging metrics, such as the artist's maximum sales, are often more accurate and should be used instead.
A new INFORMS study suggests automakers must balance short-term price savings with long-term product life cycle implications when considering outsourcing production. The study finds that in-house development allows for higher performance improvement over the entire product life cycle.
A recent study by UT Southwestern Medical Center found that managed-care plans did not improve the quality or outcome of care for patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy. The study examined data from over 11,400 cases and found no difference in rates of inappropriate surgery between managed-care and fee-for-service plans.
A University of Minnesota study using fMRI scans found that considering a third, less attractive option can improve preference for the better item. This 'decoy effect' can help consumers make easier choices, reducing negative emotions and increasing sales for retailers.
A new INFORMS study shows that frequent price promotions can harm well-respected brands by diluting their perceived quality. The study found that ketchup makers Heinz and Del Monte experienced negative effects from promotional pricing.
Researchers found that using cover crops, manure, and compost can increase short-term carbon sequestration rates and reduce global warming potential. This win-win option for energy and environment is made possible by proper management of bioenergy cropping systems.
Researchers use stable isotope techniques to analyze clam shells, revealing wastewater inputs to estuaries and coastal food webs. The technique helps distinguish natural from human-driven influences on coastal ecosystems.
The Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute has launched an online information system to identify and generate maps for 1,287 tropical eastern Pacific shore fish species. The system allows users to search by common name, location, shape, and color, and provides detailed information on each species.
A recent study published in Management Science found that social preferences, such as status and reciprocity, play a significant role in shaping the behavior of supply chain partners. When these preferences are taken into account, partnerships can become more collaborative and mutually beneficial, leading to improved overall performance.
Researchers found that differences between pre-K reading-disabled children and their peers diminished by pre-first grade, except for phonological awareness. Phonological awareness skills distinguished the groups at Pre-K and Pre-1, suggesting this skill is a strong predictor of reading disability.
The paper 'CEVITATM: the valuation and reporting of strategic capabilities' by Janek Ratnatunga, Norman Gray, and Kashi R. Balachandran has been awarded the Management Accounting Section (MAS) Greatest Potential Impact on Practice Award for its potential to bridge the gap between academic research and professional management accounting...
Ambulance diversions from NYC emergency rooms are associated with increased heart attack deaths due to delayed treatment and longer wait times. The study found a significant association between time on diversion and increased mortality resulting from acute myocardial infarction.
A study published in Ecosystems reveals that elevated fire levels outweighed harvest reductions in the loss of older forests in the Pacific Northwest. The NWFP helped stabilize large-diameter forest numbers, but fire was the main reason for their decline.
Research suggests that joint bidding on packages can increase consumer surplus and improve profits for both consumers and retailers. In a study, authors found that consumers tend to bid more for individual items when asked to place a joint bid, increasing the probability of a transaction going through.
A study published in Management Science found that distant participants make less accurate judgments when communicating via videoconferencing. Face-to-face meetings allow for more nuanced interpretation of nonverbal cues.
The American Society of Agronomy recognized 2008 ASA Fellows for their professional achievements and meritorious service. The class includes experts in plant-environment interactions, environmental impact analysis, breeding for disease resistance, and crop biotechnology.
The Crop Science Society of America has elected 2008 Fellows, recognizing individuals for their professional achievements and meritorious service. The selected members are Prakash R. Arelli, Patrick G. Hunt, James D. Kelly, Schuyler S. Korban, Nora L. Lapitan, Rajendra Malhotra, David S. Marshall, J. Paul Murphy, and Matt A. Sanderson.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences (INFORMS) has announced 12 new recipients of the annual INFORMS Fellows Award, recognizing outstanding achievements in education, management, practice, research, and service to the profession. The award recognizes the contributions of distinguished professionals who have...
The study found that firms with powerful marketing departments adopted the ISO 14001 Environmental Management System standard in response to customer and competitor pressures. In contrast, firms with powerful legal departments were more likely to adopt government-initiated voluntary programs in response to regulator and NGO pressure.
The journal has been included in the Social Science Citation Index due to its exceptional awareness of current issues affecting the field of management accounting. Management Accounting Research features original research, case studies, and empirical work on topics such as management change, risk management, and corporate governance.
Thomas L. Saaty, inventor of AHP, revolutionized decision-making with a breakthrough methodology that's widely used in business and government. His work has had a broad practical impact on operations research and related fields.
Dinosaurs survived two mass extinctions before evolving into diverse species, taking up to 50 million years to dominate ecosystems. The research challenges the traditional view of rapid expansion and diversification.
The article discusses a global summit of leading glaucoma specialists who gathered to discuss key needs and opportunities in advancing therapies for patients. The summit highlighted the need to advance beyond traditional IOP-lowering therapies and explore new approaches, including innovative drug delivery systems and novel biomarkers.
A new approach uses lessons from the 2004 election and factors in state polling data, undecided voters, and 'safe' states. The model predicts a margin of up to 282.8 electoral votes for McCain against 255.2 for Obama.
Researchers found that adding four cycles of Taxotere to a sequential regimen of epirubicin and cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and fluorouracil reduces recurrence and death rates in patients with node-positive early stage breast cancer. This advantage comes at an increased toxicity level.
A study by Yale researchers found that prediction markets are a strong tool for forecasting US presidential elections. The authors analyzed the 2004 election market and found that traders quickly assimilated new information as it unfolded over the campaign, indicating their ability to accurately predict outcomes.
A new decision model seeks to minimize the risk of producing ineffective flu vaccines by deferring production and reevaluating strains based on emerging evidence. The model allows for flexibility in the vaccine composition, prioritizing accuracy over timely production.
A recent INFORMS study suggests that hiring top talent from competitors may not lead to improved performance. Instead, the performance of stars depends on firm-specific human capital and colleague relationships. The study's findings warn managers against expecting significant gains from hiring stars.
Researchers found iTunes can efficiently manage PDF files for radiologists, providing richer information than conventional textbooks. The study's lead author, Li Jun Qian, MD, discovered that drag-and-drop functionality allows users to easily search, rate, and organize articles.
Researchers found that increasing sensor grid size from .5 square meters to 5.1 square meters has no significant impact on precision management outcomes. This larger grid requires fewer sensors and makes fertilizer application easier and more cost-efficient for farmers.
A study investigates the potential of a Simple Inverse Yield Model (SIYM) for estimating plant-available water capacity in fields. The results show that measured plant-available water capacity correlates with corn yield better in dry years, but SIYM estimates are weaker in claypan soils.
Researchers have developed a framework to address the dilemma of disclosing unexpected findings in human subjects research. The new guidelines suggest setting up a process for recognizing and verifying potential health or reproductive importance, and consulting clinical colleagues when needed.
The INFORMS Society for Marketing Science has announced the inaugural 10 recipients of its Fellow Award, recognizing their significant contributions to the development of knowledge and practice in marketing. The honored researchers include prominent figures such as Frank Bass, John Hauser, Gary Lilien, and Richard Staelin.
A study found that state policies requiring comprehensive diagnostic criteria and specific services are associated with positive treatment outcomes. Most programs performed diagnostic assessment, group and individual therapy, but had lower rates of family counseling.
A new study finds that women can make significant gains in male-dominated management ranks after companies downsize and restructure their workforces. Women accounted for nearly 36% of managers after restructuring, but made less headway into top levels of management.
Researchers found that sequels generally outperform non-sequels in the box office, especially when released soon after the original film. However, the number of sequels can impact the current sequel's performance and franchise strength if quality is maintained.
Researchers at Nationwide Children's Hospital developed a computerized behavioral screening system called Health eTouch, which found that adolescents who received immediate results were more likely to be identified as having problems by their pediatrician, with 68% vs. 52% for delayed results
Researchers have developed new techniques for optimal soil moisture monitoring under drip irrigation systems, helping growers prevent over-irrigation and improve grape yields. By identifying the most suitable locations for soil sampling, vineyard managers can reduce water waste and enhance plant cold-hardiness.
A study published in INFORMS journal Interfaces found that US polar bear research is flawed due to inadequate forecasting methodologies. The researchers concluded that the studies do not adequately support assumptions about sea ice changes and polar bears' ability to adapt, making it difficult to justify listing the species as endangered.
A new study published in Organization Science finds that women who report organizational wrongdoing experience more severe retaliation and discrimination than their male counterparts. The study examined the impact of factors such as power relationships and support from colleagues on the severity of retaliation.
A University of Missouri study found that organizational trust is key to successful joint business ventures. Researchers studied 114 international collaborations and found that trust at three levels: inter-organizational, internal reliance, and among collaborative individuals, was crucial for success.
Family membership affects consumer choices, from cell phone plans to kitchen remodels and displaying treasured keepsakes. Advertisers can gain value by positioning products as resources for achieving relational and family identity goals.
A study published in Journal of Empirical Legal Studies found that the number of OB/GYNs in the US did not respond to liability risk. Most practitioners modified their behavior, but access to care may still be affected.
A new study led by UC Berkeley researchers reconstructs the Sudden Oak Death epidemic in California, tracing the pathogen's spread from its introduction to its current evolution. The study finds that nurseries played a key role in spreading the disease and that climate and environmental conditions contribute to the pathogen's mortality.
Netherlands Railways improved train punctuality by 2.2% through operations research, increasing public satisfaction and attracting more passengers. The project resulted in an additional annual profit of $60 million and is expected to grow to $105 million.
GE Research received the 2008 INFORMS Prize for its demonstrated record of applying operations research throughout various business areas at GE, driving significant value and competitive advantage. The award recognizes GE's sustained application and use of O.R. in pioneering ways.
A new pan-European collaboration aims to design an advanced diagnostic tool for coeliac disease, the most under-diagnosed common chronic condition in the UK. The project will unite technologies for point of care diagnostics and embedded communication, enabling easy follow-up and management of patients.
A Management Insights study finds that physicians consider patients' inputs when making prescriptions, improving forecasting performance. However, patient influence diminishes for specialist doctors and those treating severe symptoms. The study has significant implications for pharmaceutical executives and marketing strategies.
A recent study by Management Insights found that IT professionals with MBAs earn 46% more than those without. In contrast, IT professionals with master's degrees other than an MBA earn 37% less. The study analyzed data on over 50,000 IT professionals in the US and found that firms value IT experience more than non-IT experience.
Researchers found that intensive 60-minute daily intervention sessions improved oral reading fluency and national norm scores for at-risk first-graders in Oregon. In contrast, Texas students receiving a 30-minute daily intervention showed significant growth in fluency as well.
According to a study, intuition is a subconscious process that draws on past experiences and external cues to make rapid decisions. The researchers found that intuition plays a crucial role in high-pressure situations, such as avoiding accidents or making swift business decisions.
The American Academy of Pain Medicine acknowledges chronic pain as a major disease entity, requiring targeted therapies. Studies estimate over 76 million Americans experience chronic pain, resulting in $1.85 billion annual cost.
New research by UT Knoxville professor Michael R. Nash aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and clinical practice in psychotherapy. By tracking patients' symptoms before and during treatment, psychologists can conduct sound scientifically grounded case studies out of their office.
The Institute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences has announced six finalists competing for the 2008 Franz Edelman Award, recognizing outstanding operations research-based projects that transform companies, industries, and lives. The finalists include teams from Western Europe, federal agencies, and a Fortune 500 company.