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Race, not gender, is key factor in NIH awards

A new study led by University of Kansas economist Donna Ginther found that race is the key factor influencing NIH awards, with black and white applicants facing significant gaps in funding. White women have a slight advantage over men in receiving NIH Type 1 awards, while women of color face disadvantage due to racial bias.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateJul 15, 2016

Corneal transplants, men and women don't see eye to eye

A new study suggests that donor and recipient gender incompatibility may lead to poorer corneal transplant outcomes for women. Incompatible grafts were found to fail or be rejected more frequently in men-to-female mismatched transplants, highlighting the importance of gender matching in improving patient success rates.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJul 14, 2016

Workplace climate, not women's 'nature,' responsible for gender-based job stress

A study by an Indiana University sociologist suggests that conditions associated with male-dominated professions cause token women to experience high levels of stress in the workplace. Men and women exhibit similar physiological responses to stressful workplace conditions, contradicting theories that women are more sensitive to exclusion.

SourceIndiana University·JournalAmerican Journal of Sociology·DateJul 12, 2016

Women's connections in extreme networks

A study reveals that women are better connected within terrorist organizations than men, acting as a glue to fuel the network's vitality and survival. The researchers found high 'betweenness centrality' among female members, making them critical in passing on vital information.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 1, 2016

Blue-collar training in high school leaves women behind

Research by Cornell University finds that high school training for blue-collar jobs penalizes women in the labor market, reducing their odds of enrolling in college and earning comparable wages. Men in these communities benefit from vocational courses and higher rates of employment, but women face significant disparities.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateJun 29, 2016

Disney princesses: Not brave enough

A recent study from Brigham Young University reveals that preschoolers exposed to Disney Princess culture are more susceptible to limiting female gender-stereotypical behavior, which can be detrimental in the long term. However, the study also suggests that princesses can provide a counterbalance to hyper-masculine media for boys.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalChild Development·DateJun 20, 2016

Babies don't just look cute, scientists find

Oxford University researchers found that infants' cuteness appeals to all senses, triggering caregiving behaviors vital for infant survival. This study reveals the complex choreography of slow, deliberate prosocial behaviors eliciting fundamental brain pleasure systems.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateJun 6, 2016

Study shows which new moms post the most on Facebook

A study by Ohio State University found that new mothers who feel societal pressure to be perfect parents and strongly identify with their motherhood role tend to post more frequently on Facebook. This behavior can lead to stronger emotional reactions to comments, including feelings of validation or disappointment. The study also found ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSex Roles·DateMay 24, 2016

Firearm ownership closely tied to suicide rates, BU study finds

A new study by Boston University School of Public Health researchers found that firearm ownership is closely tied to suicide rates, with states having higher gun ownership levels experiencing higher gun-related suicides. The study analyzed 33 years of data and found that firearm ownership explained 71% of the variation in state-level g...

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateMay 19, 2016

First national study of US parks finds low use by adults, seniors and females

A new RAND Corporation study reveals that neighborhood parks in the US are underutilized by adults, seniors, and younger females, with those aged 65+ using walking loops as a primary source of physical activity. The study also highlights a gender gap in park use among children and teens, with females representing only 40% of observed y...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateMay 18, 2016

Penn researchers find females more resistant to organ damage following kidney transplant

A new study by Penn researchers found that female mice experience less renal ischemia reperfusion injury compared to male mice, suggesting a potential benefit of estrogen treatment. Human data also supports this finding, with female recipients experiencing less delayed graft function after kidney transplantation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateApr 18, 2016

Physical activity encouraged more in boys than in girls

A study of over 550 Australian children found that girls were 19% less active than boys, with lower fitness levels and weaker home and school support. The authors suggest strategies to increase physical activity for girls should focus on home, school, and extracurricular activities

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 9, 2016

Why the 'Johnny Depp Effect' doesn't always work

A recent study found that when people rate the attractiveness of gender-blended face morphs, they tend to judge them as less appealing if initially classified by gender. However, this effect only occurs when people are asked to categorize the face by gender before being shown the blended image

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 29, 2016

Growing diversity in doctoral programs

A new coaching program at Northwestern University is boosting the persistence of underrepresented minority and female Ph.D. students towards academic careers. The program, which includes guidance from diverse coaches and peers, has shown positive results in increasing confidence and reducing feelings of pressure and isolation.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateDec 16, 2015

Imbalanced gender ratios could affect views about casual sex and hook-up culture

An experimental study found that an imbalanced gender ratio affects views about casual sex, with women more willing to engage in casual sex when they outnumber men. Men, on the other hand, tend to place less importance on casual sex and be more open to long-term commitment when there are more women than men.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateDec 9, 2015