Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Consortium: Higher ed curricula not keeping pace with societal, tech changes

A consortium of educators from around the world is urging a radical transformation in international educational reform to address the complexity and diversity of perspective in the 21st century. The group's website outlines 11 principles for rethinking curricula that lack continuity, collaboration, and shared vision.

Neuroscience research may help patients recover from brain injury

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the way the brain processes second-stage learning could be mimicked therapeutically to help people with impaired memory formation. The researchers discovered a new mechanism of learning that is independent of the NMDA receptor, which is currently essential for learning and memory.

University of Houston collaborate with 4 universities on $20M grant

Researchers from University of Houston team up with top institutions to develop approaches for improving reading comprehension skills among middle and high school students. The $20 million grant aims to provide clear guidance to teachers and schools about cognitive and motivational processes contributing to student reading.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Mindfulness meditation increases well-being in adolescent boys

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that mindfulness training increased well-being in 155 adolescent boys. The four-week program improved feelings of happiness and contentment while also enhancing resilience and stress management skills. The benefits were particularly noticeable in students who struggled with anxiety.

Saundra McGuire co-authors article with Nobel Laureate Roald Hoffmann

LSU's Saundra McGuire collaborated with Nobel Laureate Roald Hoffmann to develop six effective learning strategies, including taking notes by hand and using practice tests. The authors also suggest six effective teaching tactics, such as bringing real-life examples into the classroom and using surprise and humor to engage students.

Building a creativity collective

A research project aims to use crowdsourcing to generate and combine ideas to solve broad social problems, such as energy needs. The study will test the effectiveness of crowds in innovation through various experiments.

Experiencing different cultures enhances creativity

A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that students who lived abroad showed more evidence of creativity than those who didn't. Multicultural learning is believed to be a critical component of the adaptation process, acting as a creativity catalyst.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Memories are made of this

A new study led by the University of Leicester has revealed the mechanism by which memories are formed, highlighting the importance of the M3-muscarinic receptor in this process. The research, funded by the Wellcome Trust, holds potential to impact drug design for treating Alzheimer's disease.

Learning strategies are associated with distinct neural signatures

Researchers at Caltech identified two learning strategies associated with unique neural signatures, model-free and model-based learning. Model-free learning relies on trial-and-error comparisons, while model-based learning generates cognitive maps of environments, enabling adaptability in novel situations.

University of Minnesota discovery gives insight into brain 'replay' process

Researchers have discovered that the brain's hippocampus replay process is a complex cognitive function that helps animals learn and maintain their internal representation of the world. This process involves replaying experiences, even those previously unencountered, to create connections within the cognitive map.

Recent research on memory/learning

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology reveals that people underconfidently assess their learning abilities but overconfidently predict their memory performance. The researchers found that individuals failed to account for improved learning outcomes following additional study and testing.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Nouns and verbs are learned in different parts of the brain

Research confirms that brain areas for noun and verb processing are distinct, with nouns primarily activating the left fusiform gyrus and verbs activating other regions like the left inferior frontal gyrus. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to show neural differences in learning new nouns and verbs.

Study shows new brain connections form rapidly during motor learning

Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz, found that new brain connections form quickly within one hour of training, leading to long-lasting memories. The study used mice with genetically altered fluorescent proteins to visualize changes in individual brain cells.

Search engines are source of learning

Researchers found search engines are used for fact-checking and supporting higher-level information needs, revealing a more complex role in learning. Their study suggests design improvements for search engines can better address users' cognitive and affective aspects.

Hoping for a fluorescent basket case

A team of researchers has discovered the process by which new HIV virus particles are assembled at the membrane of infected cells and released to attack healthy cells nearby. The study, published in PLoS Pathogens, provides important insights into a crucial step in person-to-person transmission.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

How to advance scientific literacy

Plant biologists are key players in advancing scientific literacy, and recent research highlights the importance of teaching inquiry methods, raising public awareness of science, and creating an accessible reference for teachers. By working together, scientists can build a more receptive audience and enhance capacity to change the future.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Evidence-based guideline 'Incontinent Urostomy' published

The European Association of Urology has published an evidence-based guideline for incontinent urostomy, offering expert guidance for nurses. The comprehensive 80-page document covers topics such as cystectomy, pre- and post-operative care, and community follow-up, providing best practices for managing this complex condition.

Robot learns to smile and frown

Researchers at UC San Diego used machine learning to empower their Einstein robot to learn realistic facial expressions, improving the process of teaching robots to make lifelike faces. The team discovered that the model learned to automatically compensate for missing servos and can now make facial expressions it had never encountered.

Putting a name to a face may be key to brain's facial expertise

Researchers found that individuating novel objects with unique names enhances holistic processing, a hallmark of face-like expertise. This technique can be learned quickly and applied to other objects, indicating that expert-level recognition is not solely the result of extensive practice.

Sleuths follow lung stem cells for generations to shed light on healing

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center followed genetically labeled cells in mouse lungs for over a year to understand natural renewal and healing processes. They found that lung stem cells play a crucial role in maintaining lung function and identified the secretory cell's ability to give rise to ciliated cells.

Investigation finds that cigarette smoking does not affect everyone in same way

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests that cigarette smoking does not affect everyone in the same way, with some people experiencing severe breathing difficulties while others evade the disease. The research proposes an autoimmune mechanism compounded by genetic predisposition as a possible explanation for t...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Online educational empowerment

Research suggests that online educational empowerment enables learners to acquire knowledge efficiently through social networks. However, individual self-governance is key to success in these communities. The study explores how personal factors like goals, communication skills, and IT skills affect learning outcomes.

Now or later? Consumer product evaluation depends on purchase timing

A new study finds that consumers evaluate products differently based on the timing of their purchase. When considering future use, desirability is a primary factor, while feasibility takes precedence for immediate use. Reevaluating a product later can also influence judgments, with future-considered products being viewed more favorably.

'Emergent' consumers offer best new product concepts

High emergent nature individuals possess strong traits of reflectiveness, creativity, and openness to experience. They can envision and evaluate successful product concepts through a combination of intuition and logical analysis.

Love at first aria

Researchers discover that opera fans learn to appreciate the art form by forming emotional connections and decoding its meaning. Through social interaction and personal experience, fans develop a deeper understanding of opera's nuances, ultimately becoming passionate advocates for the art.

Reward elicits unconscious learning in humans

A new study reveals that reward-induced stimulus pairing can elicit visual learning in adults without conscious awareness of the stimulus presentation or reward contingencies. This suggests that automatic reinforcement mechanisms rather than directed attention drive improvements in sensory skills.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Forgotten but not gone -- how the brain takes care of things

Scientists at Max Planck Institute of Neurobiology show that new cell contacts established during learning process stay active, enabling faster learning of forgotten information. This reactivation facilitates more efficient relearning and retains ability to learn up to advanced age.

Astrocytes and synaptic plasticity

Astrocytes fine-tune synaptic plasticity by secreting and re-releasing neurotrophic factor BDNF, influencing long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD). This process affects neurons' ability to communicate with each other, impacting learning and memory.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

UBC scientist unveils secret of newborn's first words

New research suggests that babies' early language skills are rooted in the brain's ability to recognize repetition patterns. The study found increased brain activity in response to words with repeating syllables, indicating a possible hard-wired mechanism for language acquisition.

Study of marine snail leads to new insights into long-term memory

Researchers have discovered a complex process in the brain that regulates synaptic connections during learning and memory, involving a specific presynaptic protein regulated by postsynaptic calcium. This understanding may lead to interventions for human brain disorders and age-related memory loss.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Great apes think ahead

A study by Mathias and Helena Osvath found that chimpanzees and orangutans can plan ahead, overriding immediate needs in favor of future rewards. The apes demonstrated self-control and pre-experiencing a future event, visualizing the use of tools to achieve goals.

Stopping a receptor called 'nogo' boosts the synapses

Reducing the nogo receptor in the brain results in stronger brain signaling in mice, effectively boosting signal strength between synapses. The findings suggest that enhancing synaptic plasticity can partially counter the effects of an injury like stroke or traumatic brain injury.

The Wiimote as an interface bridging mind and body

Researchers found that body movements reflect confidence in learning tasks using the Wiiimote, suggesting a link between cognition and action. The study provides new evidence for the deep interconnection between mental processing and bodily movement.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Cockroaches are morons in the morning, geniuses in the evening

Researchers discovered that cockroaches learn better at night and retain memories for several days, while morning training leads to complete memory loss. This study provides new insights into the interaction between circadian clocks and learning in insects.

Music training linked to enhanced verbal skills

A Northwestern University study finds that music training improves the brain's multi-sensory processing, leading to enhanced verbal communication skills. The research suggests that musical training could help children develop literacy skills and combat literacy disorders.

How the brain handles surprise, good and bad

Researchers distinguish brain circuitry for surprise and aversive stimuli, finding different neuronal populations respond to expectation of reward or punishment. This study sheds light on the amygdala's role in emotion, reinforcement learning, attention, and arousal.

New study examines memory, learning and aging

Aging does not seem to affect people's ability to judge their own learning of text materials, according to a new study. Researchers found that older adults can regulate their learning more effectively if they have accurate self-evaluation skills.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Teens can learn to manage their emotions

A University of Illinois study found that teenagers can become insightful about their emotional patterns and learn to intervene in their emotional episodes. In a high-school musical theater production, teens developed rich emotional growth by learning to identify and control their emotions, as well as use them positively.

Why we learn from our mistakes

Scientists at the University of Exeter have discovered a rapid brain mechanism that helps people avoid repeating previous errors. This 'early warning signal' is triggered in just 0.1 seconds after making an incorrect prediction, allowing individuals to learn from their mistakes and make better decisions in the future.

Learning a sense of community online

Researchers found that online learning communities like Think.com can promote children's learning by encouraging active engagement, digital literacy, and social skills. The teams assess how such systems support students in creating knowledge products and building a sense of identity and audience within the community.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

News tips from ACS Chemical Biology

Researchers have discovered a tool for rapid drug discovery by combining molecular fragments, allowing for more specific targeting of cancer cells. Additionally, two new peptides enable the labeling of proteins, enabling further study and modification.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Associative memory -- learning at all levels

Scientists have successfully traced associative learning to early stages of the visual processing pathway, suggesting a more general property of the brain. By training monkeys to associate objects with specific signals, researchers found that neurons in the middle temporal area responded to both the original stimulus and the associated...

MU researcher to study volcanism with under-ocean sensors

A University of Missouri-Columbia researcher is deploying sensors on a mid-ocean ridge to capture rare underwater data, providing valuable insights into volcanic activity and its effects on ocean chemistry. The project aims to improve our understanding of the Earth's oceans, which cover over 70% of the planet.

Internationally adopted children shed light on how babies learn language

A study of internationally adopted children sheds new light on infant language development, showing that older children follow the same stages as infants when learning a new language. This challenges traditional theories and suggests that these stages are side effects of the processes children use to learn words and grammar.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

University of Illinois scientist helping processors keep E. coli out of meat

A University of Illinois food scientist has discovered that certain solutions used by meat processors to extend shelf life actually do double duty as antimicrobial agents, killing E. coli 0157:H7. The study found that some shelf-life enhancers, such as sodium lactate and sodium diacetate, are effective at reducing bacteria growth.

Program aims to make reading easier, more fun, for children in China

A new program has been launched to make books and reading more enjoyable for Chinese children, building an intrinsic motivation for literacy. The shared book approach involves significant time spent reading stories with students, laying a foundation for reading and promoting oral language facility.