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Extracting information from ancient teeth

Researchers applied a new method to analyze ancient dental calculus, identifying dairy proteins and bacterial fragments that shed light on ancient diseases. The single-pot solid-phase-enhanced sample preparation (SP3) approach increased the number of unique protein fragments detected.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Proteome Research·DateMar 10, 2021

Challenging the conventional wisdom on calculus

A Harvard University study of over 6,000 college freshmen found that students who mastered algebra, geometry, and trigonometry had twice the impact on college calculus success as those who took calculus in high school. Weaker math students who took calculus in high school actually benefited the most from the class.

SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal for Research in Mathematics Education·DateJul 10, 2018

Ancient dental plaque sheds new light on the diet of Mesolithic foragers in the Balkans

A study of ancient dental calculus from the Balkans has provided direct evidence that Mesolithic foragers consumed domesticated plants, including wheat and barley, as early as 6600 BC. The findings challenge the established view of Neolithization in Europe and suggest a possible independent introduction of domestic cereals to the region.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

Calculus I factors women out of STEM degrees

A new study by Colorado State University researchers suggests that women's decision to leave a STEM path after Calculus I is largely driven by confidence in their math abilities, rather than ability itself. If the same percentage of women as men stuck with STEM after Calc I, the percentage of women entering the STEM workforce could be ...

SourceColorado State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 13, 2016

Tooth plaque provides insight into our prehistoric ancestors' diet

A new study reveals that prehistoric humans consumed purple nut sedge for at least 7,000 years, demonstrating their understanding of nutritional and medicinal properties. The analysis of dental calculus from ancient human teeth found evidence of cooking, plant processing, and the use of this plant as a food source.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 16, 2014

Scientists unlock a 'microbial Pompeii'

Researchers discovered a 'microbial Pompeii' in ancient dental calculus, revealing opportunistic pathogens and periodontal disease-causing bacteria. The study also recovered dietary DNA, providing insights into ancient diets and the origins of antibiotic resistance.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Genetics·DateFeb 23, 2014

Geoscience Workforce Currents #77

The study analyzed over 400 geoscience student exit survey responses, identifying that 70% of participants took Calculus I and II, with a drop in further mathematics coursework after those classes. PhD candidates pursued multiple courses beyond Calculus II, while all three groups took at least one chemistry and physics course.

Math goes viral

Researchers at the University of Alberta designed materials that link mathematical concepts to real-world scenarios, such as disease transmission, to enhance learning. Students used these materials to calculate the West Nile virus's reproductive number, gaining a deeper understanding of math in science.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalResearch in Science Education·DateDec 11, 2009

Math prodigy wins $1,000 award

Michael Viscardi, an eighth-grade student, excelled in calculus and graduate-level mathematics courses at the University of California, San Diego. His exceptional performance has earned him a $1,000 award from the American Mathematical Society, and his research on function construction is set to be published.