Articles tagged with Science Education
A recent study found that American adults are scoring higher on a widely used index of civic scientific literacy, but still have significant gaps in their understanding of basic scientific concepts. The level of acceptance for biological evolution has declined over the last twenty years.
A new study by Purdue University reveals that practicing memory retrieval improves science learning more effectively than elaborate study routines. The researchers found that students who practiced retrieval showed a 50% improvement in long-term retention compared to those using concept maps.
The Chile Pepper Institute has introduced a new jumbo jalapeño pepper called NuMex Jalmundo, which is perfect for making poppers. It has a heat level of 17,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) and will be available for sale from the institute's website.
Leading climate economist William Nordhaus advocates for carbon taxes as a means to achieve significant emissions reductions, citing economic inefficiency and ineffectiveness of cap-and-trade systems. A carbon tax could also provide a revenue source to curb budget deficits while meeting environmental objectives.
A new study analyzes student narratives to understand how future physicians acquire knowledge of respectful professional behavior. The results show that disrespect can lead to loss of trust and negative emotions, while respect is associated with satisfaction and positive emotion.
The latest issue of Index on Censorship highlights the vital role writers can play in supporting their colleagues facing persecution. Contributors, including Margaret Atwood and Lydia Cacho, share their experiences and emphasize the importance of protecting free expression.
A recent report by the University of California, Riverside professor emphasizes the importance of financial support in increasing Latino science and math graduates. The study found that students with more financial backing from their parents or through self-support were more likely to attend highly selective institutions and graduate f...
Academic users must be aware of how search engines operate to ensure quality sources are chosen. José van Dijck argues that Google Scholar is a co-producer of academic knowledge, not just a neutral tool. Its algorithm prioritizes quantitative citation analysis over relevance and truth-value.
Psychology of Women Quarterly (PWQ) is a feminist journal publishing qualitative and quantitative research on women and psychology. The journal will be published by SAGE in its 35th anniversary year, with a focus on disseminating important scholarship.
Research published in the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists warns that US missile defense systems are not reliable and would not be effective in combat conditions. The authors propose a new drone-based system as an alternative, which could reliably intercept long-range ballistic missiles before they reach their targets.
Dr. Eric Deemer's $312,000 NSF grant aims to understand how stereotype threat affects women's motivation in science. The study will inform practical recommendations for pedagogical and career intervention strategies.
Yang Hong's project aims to increase Pakistan's capacity to reduce natural disaster risks through training, research, and early warning systems. The goal is to strengthen the country's flood risk assessment and management system, supporting vulnerable communities.
A study found that divisive primaries held after mid-April negatively impact incumbent general election performance, particularly those held close to the election. Challengers struggle to recover from primary battles due to limited time and resources.
Researchers found that adopting School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SWPBIS) significantly improved student behavior and academic achievement. The study, published in the Journal of Positive Behavior Interventions, showed that SWPBIS was effective in reducing suspensions and office discipline referrals in element...
The new book discusses research on the impact of alcohol on the growing body and offers practical tips for parents to talk to their children about drinking. Studies show that delaying the first drink can make a big difference in reducing later-life problems.
Research at Collier Glacier has found a significant decline of over 20% in size since the late 1980s, consistent with global glacial retreat. The glacier's mass has shrunk to about half its peak size in the 1850s, and studies suggest it will continue to lose mass, particularly during El Nino events.
A recent study suggests that individuals' core values and prior beliefs have a substantial impact on their confidence in scientific reports, particularly when it comes to environmental issues like offshore oil drilling. This finding raises questions about the influence of science on public policy debates.
A study by Thomas Schielke found that altering lighting can significantly affect the perceived brand identity of a store, with subtle differences between global regions. The study suggests that using consistent lighting designs can facilitate sending a specific brand image globally.
Researchers discovered that trusting people are more accurate at detecting lies and make better hiring decisions. They were also less likely to be deceived themselves. High trust individuals formed a more accurate impression of interviewees and chose honest candidates over dishonest ones.
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.
The DIYbio community, comprising over 2,000 amateur biologists, is partnering with the Woodrow Wilson Center on a biosafety initiative to ensure safe science. The project aims to develop a positive culture around citizen science and establish best practices for safety in the community.
Researchers at NYU identified a key mechanism in the brain's computation of sound location, finding that neurons are sensitive to rise times and detect differences between input shapes on a microsecond scale. This contradicts previous theories, which held that biophysical properties were identical for both ears.
The partnership will help broaden the reach of Electronic News to academic, educational, and professional markets. The Journal focuses on teaching, practice, and research of electronic news, with goals including enhancing engaged learning of radio, television, and online journalism.
Research explores the specific impact of shyness on marital quality, finding a link between prior shyness and later marital difficulties. Shyness can make it harder for people to enter social relationships, leading to lower confidence in dealing with marriage's inevitable problems.
A new study finds that complex mountainous terrain can significantly change the effects of global warming over small distances. Researchers used Oregon's H.J. Andrews Experimental Forest data to predict variations in temperature caused by steep hills and valleys.
Scientists from Oregon State University are trying to address a looming crisis caused by the lionfish invasion in the Caribbean Sea. The invasive species is eating its way through entire ecosystems, reducing small fish populations by up to 79 percent and disrupting delicate ecological balances.
A recent study by John Deering found that newly recruited probation officers in the UK value humanistic approaches to rehabilitation over punitive measures. The respondents emphasized the importance of addressing social and economic inequalities contributing to crime, rather than attributing it to individual failures.
A survey of TV weathercasters reveals that two-thirds are interested in reporting on climate change and many already serve as informal science educators. Despite this, most feel uncertain about the scientific consensus, with some doubting global warming's existence.
Researchers genetically alter fruit flies to create fluorescent sperm, allowing them to observe in detail what happens to live sperm inside the female. The findings may have huge implications for understanding postcopulatory sexual selection and its role in evolutionary change.
A study of GenY workers found they prioritize leisure, salary, and status, but not necessarily values related to helping others or making friends. In contrast, previous generations placed more emphasis on these aspects.
A study of over 5000 individuals found that people looking for romance online behave similarly to those in face-to-face dating. Relational uncertainty is a key factor in relationship satisfaction, with those experiencing more severe depressive symptoms reporting more distress and lower satisfaction.
The CAISE Informal Science Education Summit brings together professionals to discuss critical issues impacting the field, including infrastructure, policies, and learning outcomes. Attendees will explore emerging trends and share knowledge across disciplines to strengthen the collective community.
A new study published in Conflict Management and Peace Science suggests that peace is a vital ingredient for trade to flourish, rather than trade leading to peaceful relations. The authors found that conflict reduces trade and that ignoring this relationship can produce biased estimates.
A study published in Palliative Medicine recommends improving communication strategies to enhance palliative care for UK patients. The authors suggest using special notes and electronic summaries to facilitate better care coordination.
Luis Colón, a University at Buffalo chemistry professor, received the 2009 AAAS Mentor Award for his efforts to recruit and mentor Hispanic-American students in chemistry. His initiatives led to an increase in Ph.D. degrees awarded to Hispanic-Americans in chemistry.
A new study published in Clinical Pediatrics suggests that childhood obesity often starts before two years of age, with some children gaining weight as early as three months old. The research recommends starting healthy eating habits and weight loss programs for children as early as infancy to prevent obesity-related complications.
Geriatric Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation is a new bimonthly journal focusing on orthopaedic problems in older adults, featuring peer-reviewed research and reviews.
The Journal of Histochemistry & Cytochemistry will be published by SAGE beginning with volume 59 in 2011. The journal focuses on significant advances in visual techniques providing biochemical and molecular information about cells, tissues, and organs.
A review of the US Preventive Services Task Force's statement on screening for breast cancer raises questions about the methodology and evidence behind widely publicized mammography guidelines. The study found low methodological scores in the report, potentially undermining the recommended changes for breast cancer screening.
A new report from the Center for Services Leadership provides valuable insights on how top companies deliver exceptional customer service. Key findings include the importance of services in driving economies and the need for businesses to focus on creating and delivering customer-centric service solutions.
The special issue examines the role of intelligence within government, organisational structures, and coordination. It presents a fascinating analysis of historical and contemporary security and intelligence, highlighting the need for co-ordination and 'joined up' approaches.
University of Oklahoma researcher Amy Cerato receives the Presidential Early Career Award for her groundbreaking research on expansive soils, which can cause extensive damage. The award also recognizes her commitment to community service and public outreach.
A study published in Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin found that hourly wage-earners experience stronger relationships between income and happiness. The researchers theorize that the focus on concrete paychecks influences the level of happiness felt by hourly workers.
Observers can accurately judge aspects of a stranger's personality from photographs, with self-esteem and ratings of extraversion being correctly identified. The study found that spontaneous poses provided more insight into personality traits such as agreeableness, emotional stability, and openness.
Research on 800 college students found that those with smaller drinking problem chances were more likely to experience problems, contrary to the idea that optimism motivates health care. The study suggests that unrealistic optimism may actually curb risky health behaviors.
A new study published in Clinical Rehabilitation found that patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) who underwent painful physiotherapy experienced significant improvements in physical function, while those who avoided painful treatment saw further loss of function. The study suggests a 'full on' approach to physiotherapy m...
Researchers re-examined 15 myths of gifted education first identified in 1982 and found that all still exist, with several new ones emerging. The study aims to stimulate critical thinking and creative research in the field by helping to 'shake loose' common myths.
A study by UAB exercise physiologists found that just 80 minutes of aerobic or resistance training per week can help prevent a regain of harmful visceral fat one year after weight loss. Participants who continued exercising maintained zero percent visceral fat, while those who stopped exercising saw a 33% increase.
Elsevier won 26 prizes in the 2009 British Medical Association Medical Book Competition, with Gray's Anatomy for Students and Elsevier's Rheumatoid Arthritis taking top honors. The company congratulated its authors and editors on their achievements, highlighting its commitment to quality content.
Despite extensive research, sustaining change in education remains a vexing problem. The researchers identified the difficulty of making lasting reform in various fields, such as education and business, due to human behavior like adapting practices over time. A working group will convene to grapple with these issues and explore a conce...
The partnership aims to increase the value of Science research by providing interactive video demonstrations of experimental techniques. The first video in the program showcases an innovative method for visualizing immune control in viral infections.
A study found that women's stress levels increased when they believed in mammography's efficacy, while those coming in for diagnostic tests felt less stress as their belief grew. Healthcare providers should consider patient stage and tailor services to reduce stress.
A new study published by Oregon State University researchers found that hatchery fish significantly impair the reproductive fitness of their offspring, even if they survive and reproduce in the wild. This could be hurting efforts to sustain wild salmon runs, scientists said.
A US Navy study found that the workplace culture, particularly among young recruits, contributes to heavy drinking among sailors. The research used mixed methods to analyze survey data, interviews, and observations, highlighting the role of bonding, recreation, and stress relief in drinking habits.
Researchers at Oregon State University have made a groundbreaking discovery about bird physiology, finding that birds' lung structure and musculature are critical to their flight capacity. This study suggests that birds did not descend from theropod dinosaurs but instead evolved on a parallel path.
The International Journal of Robotics Research is launching a new genre of research paper called 'data papers,' which will facilitate the release of high-quality, peer-reviewed datasets to the robotics community. The launch also includes revamped multimedia services with improved access and quality for supplementary data.
Jeanne Century highlights complexity of educational reform efforts, citing difficulties in replicating best practices across different contexts. She proposes Researchers Without Borders project to address disciplinary and institutional barriers hindering lasting reform.
Researchers at UC San Diego and Microsoft Research have developed a plug-and-play hardware prototype called Somniloquy, which induces a new energy-saving state in personal computers. This allows PCs to save up to 80% of their energy consumption while still maintaining network presence and running well-defined application functions.
The Journal of Correctional Health Care has been accepted into the premier bibliographic database MEDLINE, making its research and case studies more accessible to a vast audience. The journal, published by SAGE on behalf of NCCHC, addresses correctional health care topics through original research, best practices, and literature reviews.
The new edition of Discovering Statistics Using SPSS provides an accessible guide to all aspects of statistics, using humorous real-world case studies. The book has been fully revised and restructured with updated materials and online resources, making it the only statistics textbook a student will ever need.