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Study shows influence of surgeons on likelihood of removal of healthy breast after breast cancer dia

A study published in JAMA Surgery found that attending surgeons can significantly influence patients' decisions to undergo contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) after a breast cancer diagnosis. The researchers surveyed over 7,800 women with stages 0-2 breast cancer and their attending surgeons, finding that surgeons' attitudes to...

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateSep 13, 2017

New immigrants in Germany

A joint research project between universities in Germany will survey 6,000 refugees and other immigrants to understand their characteristics, experiences, and future plans. The study aims to assess how different immigrant groups integrate into German society, including those from EU member states and non-EU countries.

Public trust in science spiked after media coverage of Zika vaccine trial

A survey found that public trust in science increased after the launch of the first human trial of a Zika vaccine, with people showing greater trust in science and paying more attention to news about the Zika virus. The study suggests that regularized communication about scientific advances could bolster confidence in science.

Education a top priority

A public opinion survey conducted across eight Western European countries found that 80% of respondents support increasing spending on education, while only 20% back defense policy. Respondents prioritize general school education and vocational training, with 62% demanding more funding in these sectors.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalJournal of European Social Policy·DateJun 16, 2017

Pay $8 for a Buddha-shaped pear foolish or fun? Your age may predict your answer

A study by the University of Illinois found that younger consumers, particularly those with lower incomes, are more inclined to purchase uniquely shaped fruits. The researchers suggest that marketers can target people who like adventure and seek new experiences by offering avant-garde fruit shapes. The novelty-shaped pears are grown in...

First public data released by hyper suprime-cam Subaru Strategic Program

The Hyper Suprime-Cam Subaru Strategic Program has released its first public dataset, containing almost 100 million galaxies and stars. This dataset will enable scientists to explore the nature of dark matter and dark energy, as well as study the formation and evolution of galaxies.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalPublications of the Astronomical Society of Japan·DateMar 7, 2017

We like taking selfies but not looking at them

A study found that while 77% of participants take selfies regularly, 82% would prefer fewer selfies on social media. Participants perceived their own selfies as more self-ironic and authentic, while those taken by others were seen as less authentic.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateFeb 9, 2017

The glorification of history may give rise to a willingness to fight in a war

The World History Survey found correlations between historical beliefs and war willingness, with determinist views associated with higher aggression. Western countries tend to reject such views, while Asian nations and lower-developed countries accept them more. In contrast, developed countries with individualistic cultures oppose figh...

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalAsian Journal Of Social Psychology·DateJan 19, 2017

America ranks in top 10 in empathy

A study ranking nations by empathy places the US at No. 7, behind countries like Peru and Saudi Arabia. The researchers analyzed online surveys of over 104,000 people, finding that Americans are struggling to form meaningful close relationships due to changing psychological states.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateOct 14, 2016

Friends help friends on Facebook feel better

A Carnegie Mellon University and Facebook study found that personalized interactions on Facebook can significantly boost users' psychological well-being, even surpassing major life events. Sixty comments from close friends were associated with substantial increases in users' happiness and satisfaction with life.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 6, 2016