A new interface developed by researchers at the University of Sydney aims to reduce the spread of misinformation on social media. The tool adds a 'more information' button to posts, linking users to details about retracted science claims, which can help them make informed decisions about their health.
Volunteers collected nearly nine tonnes of marine litter from beaches across the Seychelles between 2019 and 2023. The clean-ups, led by the University of Plymouth, demonstrate the potential of citizen science to address marine pollution challenges.
A Washington State University study found that growth mindset emails improved the grades of first-generation students in an introductory science course by an average of a third of a letter grade. The intervention, which included personalized messages and strategies for improvement, helped bridge the gap with continuing-generation stude...
The WVU Institute for Community and Rural Health is leading a five-year, $8.5 million cooperative agreement grant to support underserved farmers in West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and North Carolina. The project aims to increase agricultural production, provide working capital, and create farm-to-institution markets.
The Rice Emerging Scholars Program will expand its reach and impact with increased support for scholars from under-resourced families and communities. The program aims to empower students from low-income backgrounds to achieve their academic and professional aspirations in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
A new study examines the impact of a pandemic course on COVID-19 knowledge and behaviors among university students. The course used an interdisciplinary approach to encourage safety behaviors while reiterating their importance.
Researchers used ChatGPT to design a university field course, finding it an effective tool for planning educational trips. The AI model was also adaptable for other industries, such as environmental impact studies and business trips.
A group of transgender scientists discuss marginalization, career impacts, and actions for cis researchers to support trans peers. They outline key components: showing respect, educating oneself and others, and utilizing privilege to advocate for institutional change.
A study published in International Journal of Science Education found that minimizing pupil numbers in classrooms does not lead to better grades. Instead, high-quality teachers with discipline standards and effective teaching methods increase the odds of pupils from low-income families achieving academically.
Scientists have developed a new technique called electron ptychography that boosts the resolution of electron microscopes using computation, allowing for record-breaking resolution without expensive aberration correctors. This breakthrough enables state-of-the-art resolution at a fraction of the cost, making microscopy more accessible.
The USC team created a low-cost, customizable learning kit for students to build their own 'robot friend' using the Blossom robot. The three-part module provides hands-on experience and instruction on various AI aspects, including robotics, machine learning, and software engineering.
A new study from the University of Kansas reveals that students and classroom designers perceive learning spaces differently, with students associating femininity with a higher sense of belonging. Design professionals, however, see femininity as linked to a lower sense of belonging.
Researchers developed a sustainable technique to 3D print multiple dynamic colors from a single ink using UV-assisted direct-ink-write printing. The new method produces structural colors in the visible wavelength spectrum, offering vibrant and potentially more sustainable alternatives.
The 2024 winners of the AAAS/Subaru Prize for Excellence in Science Books include titles on nature, ocean floors, and the solar system. The award recognizes exceptional science books that engage readers of all ages.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new modeling framework called TOSCA, which helps improve wind energy forecasts and productivity. The framework can capture the interaction between large wind farms and the oncoming wind, leading to more accurate estimates of power output.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a way to create different colors of blue cheese by inducing sexual reproduction in the fungus Penicillium roqueforti. The team created various fungal strains that produce colors ranging from white to yellow-green, red-brown-pink, and light to dark blues.
The Cary Institute's new program provides nine teachers with six weeks of collaborative research experience in ecosystem science. They will develop innovative curricula based on their research, increasing their capacity to educate students about ecology and global change.
The American Chemical Society's (ACS) upcoming hybrid meeting and exposition, ACS Spring 2024, will take place virtually and in person in New Orleans from March 17-21. The event will provide access to nearly 12,000 presentations on topics including agriculture and food, energy and fuels, health and medicine, sustainability, and more.
Researchers analyzed 17th and 18th century firefighting devices to uncover the physics behind their success. The study found that the Windkessel effect, a chamber in a wooden wagon, compressed air to pump water continuously through a hose.
A team of authors from the University of Hawaii at Manoa identifies gaps in programs aimed at increasing participation of Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders in ocean sciences. They highlight successful programs like the SOEST Maile Mentoring Bridge and The MEGA Lab, which prioritize culturally centered spaces and community involvem...
A renowned molecular geneticist argues that Occam's razor is the defining feature of science, helping to distinguish it from other disciplines. The principle suggests choosing the simplest explanation that fits the facts, clearing a path through mysticism, superstition, and religion.
A global study of 240,000 students challenges the widespread policy conviction that bridging the academic gap hinges on improving socio-emotional skills. Despite high levels of socio-emotional skills among disadvantaged children, their relative underperformance at school remains largely unchanged.
Virginia Tech researchers analyzed partisan media sentiment toward AI and found that liberal-leaning media tend to have a more negative tone than conservative media. The study suggests that this opposition can be attributed to concerns over AI amplifying existing social biases, such as racial and income disparities.
Rice University has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to develop accessible and inclusive math courses for all students, regardless of background or ability. The grant aims to promote equity in STEM education and support underrepresented groups.
The Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory has developed the "Bicycle Principles" to tackle the shortcomings of short STEM training programs. The principles aim to make training effective, inclusive, and scalable, with a focus on setting clear objectives and making training adaptable for different institutions.
A study of house finches found that sick birds are more social than healthy ones, preferring to eat with their flock. This behavior may be driven by the benefits of group living for sick birds, but also poses a risk to healthy birds due to increased disease transmission.
A new UniSA study reveals that over-represented sharks in 'creature feature' films contribute to excessive fear of sharks. Dr. Brianna Le Busque warns that safety measures should balance people's safety with access to the ocean, rather than exacerbating fear.
The UTSA MATRIX AI Consortium has received a $2 million grant to create new AI models that rapidly learn, adapt, and operate in uncertain conditions. The team aims to bridge the gap between human brain processing efficiency and current AI limitations, enabling more efficient and adaptive AI systems.
A recent report shows 37 percent of sampled drivers reported talking on their handheld cell phone while driving, highlighting the dangers of distracted driving. The UC San Diego TREDS program aims to educate the public on safe driving practices through free online courses and materials.
Nine graduate students will collaborate with leading nuclear physicists at Jefferson Lab on cutting-edge projects exploring fundamental forces and particles. The fellowships provide financial support and resources to advance the field of nuclear physics.
Researchers Joel Mejia and M. Sidury Christiansen are developing a handbook of recommended pedagogical approaches to address exclusionary language in engineering classes. They aim to improve the sense of belonging among multilingual students pursuing STEM careers by guiding faculty on strategies for changing biased language practices.
The Oxford Period Project provides free period products to all students and faculty, reducing stress and stigma around menstruation. The project aims to promote inclusivity and sustainability by offering eco-friendly alternatives.
Researchers have created a fire-inhibiting, nonflammable gel polymer electrolyte for lithium-ion batteries, increasing ion conductivity by 33% and improving life characteristics by 110%. The electrolyte prevents radical chain reactions during combustion, effectively inhibiting battery fires.
Researchers found that working memory was the most significant predictor of writing ability among English learner students. Cognitive functions such as phonological awareness and oral language development were also important, but only working memory consistently predicted higher scores in writing.
The Swanson School of Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh is launching a personalized learning model to cater to students' unique career aspirations. The program offers one-credit modules and professional development streams in industry, entrepreneurship, and academia to help students forge their own path.
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $7 million grant from the National Science Foundation to establish the first full portrait of the effectiveness of all grants funded by the NSF HSI program. The grant will develop evaluation and research approaches to assess how past, current, and future programs are serving Hispanic an...
Scientists at the Max Planck Institute present a method for training artificial intelligence using physical processes, reducing energy consumption and computing time. The new approach relies on non-linear processes, such as optics, to mimic the human brain's parallel processing, potentially leading to more efficient neural networks.
A new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that improvements in socioeconomic status are not equally beneficial for all racial or ethnic groups. Higher socioeconomic status is linked to better heart health, but this link is greatest among white adults compared to people in other groups.
Cynthia Smith, an associate professor at George Mason University, has received $60,750 in funding from Fairfax County Public Schools to support watershed programs. The funding will be used to deliver hands-on field investigations to 5,200 seventh graders annually.
A new how-to guide for building big team science projects helps researchers manage collaborative efforts by identifying consensus buy-in, sharing data and collaborating on writing. The guide outlines best practices and overcoming challenges in governance, authorship, and credit management.
The American Heart Association and NFL offer resources to support physical activity in classrooms. The initiative aims to promote whole-body health and reduce sedentary behaviors among students.
The program gives medical students clinical responsibility, including observing anesthesia administration, to form a picture of their future career. It translates to more anesthesiologists, with 55% of participants choosing anesthesia as their specialty after the externship.
A Brazilian study evaluated the impact of quick and accessible SEL Kernels on children aged 3-6. The program showed significant reductions in conduct problems and improvements in prosocial behavior, indicating improved sociability and reduced hyperactivity.
A WVU astronomer is searching the Milky Way for debris left behind by supernovas, with $331,170 in NSF funding. He hopes to discover new supernova remnants using radio wavelength data from telescopes and machine-learning software.
Researchers have created chip-based optical frequency combs using dissipative Kerr solitons, increasing output power for applications like atomic clocks. The advancement paves the way for highly portable precision metrology devices.
Female STEM doctoral students are less likely to become new inventors compared to their male counterparts during PhD training. Faculty advisors play a critical role in training new inventors, with top inventor faculty members increasing the probability of filing the first patent by 23%. The research highlights a 'leaky pipeline' of fem...
The University of Missouri is launching a five-year, $3 million doctoral training program to prepare the next generation of scientists and engineers for emerging fields like materials science and data science. The program aims to empower future workers with both technical expertise and data-driven insights.
The University of Missouri is using a $1 million grant to develop an Industry 4.0 lab, providing engineering students with hands-on learning experiences in the latest industrial revolution's technology-centered job market. The lab will integrate skills at a higher level and keep students at the state-of-the-art level for industry.
The University of Texas at El Paso researchers Laura Alvarez and Deepak K. Tosh have been awarded $550,000 and $492,000 NSF CAREER grants for their research on river landscapes and cyber resiliency.
The Keck School of Medicine's Primary Care Program has shown a significant increase in primary care residency matches and representation, particularly among underrepresented groups. The program provides skill-based training, mentorship, and community-focused experiences that prepare students for careers in primary care medicine.
UK researchers have developed an evidence-based action plan to address the substantial under-representation of PhD students from ethnic minority backgrounds in postgraduate science studies. The study highlights three areas for improvement: student-facing improvements, admissions procedures, and evaluation processes.
Forensic scientists at West Virginia University have developed a systematic approach to compare pieces of trace evidence, including duct tape, using a novel method. The technique evaluates fracture edges and demonstrates physical fit, providing a foundation for evaluating error rates and improving accuracy in crime scene investigations.
A citizen science program led by North Carolina State University researchers inspired Girl Scouts to tackle environmental problems in their communities. The study found that the program not only taught girls about science but also motivated them to take action.
Research reveals non-native English speakers need up to twice as much time to read and write papers, with 2.5 times higher rejection rates for papers written in English. This disproportionately affects early career stage researchers from lower income countries.
Plant Science Saturday is a free event hosted by the American Society of Plant Biologists, offering interactive discovery stations on plant biology, ecology, and conservation. The event aims to inspire excitement and curiosity about plants among families in the Savannah area.
A recent public engagement project uses street theatre to educate audiences on African Sleeping Sickness, a neglected tropical disease prevalent in rural Africa. The performance aims to enhance trust in scientists and public health professionals among affected communities.
A study by Pusan National University researcher Eunseok Ro examines the shift in instruction-giving practices for a book club conducted via video conference. As the facilitator adapts to the new virtual environment, she gradually changes her approach, adopting more recipient-designed and diversified instruction delivery.
A new study using satellite data from over 7,000 global reservoirs found that total storage capacity has increased, but the filling rate is lower than anticipated. The analysis suggests that addressing future water demands cannot rely solely on constructing new reservoirs, highlighting the need for novel management strategies.
Researchers from the University of Warsaw explore how kitchen phenomena lead to breakthroughs in biomedicine and nanotechnology. They describe bubbles in champagne, Leidenfrost effect, and surface tension, revealing surprising connections between food science and scientific discoveries.
Researchers are investigating methods to extract critical materials, including lithium for electric vehicle batteries and magnets for electric motors, from diverse water streams. By accelerating evaporation through porous photothermal materials, they aim to reduce energy intensity and improve supply chain security.