Articles tagged with Science Education
The University of Missouri is revamping its training courses for childcare providers with a $7.5 million grant from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. The new online video-based courses aim to be more accessible and engaging, covering topics such as safe sleep, transportation, and emergency preparedness.
A recent UNLV-led study discovered that women enthusiastically embraced live chat during pandemic Zoom classes, with ratings showing significantly higher engagement than men. The researchers hope this data can help colleges incorporate technology into hybrid and in-person courses to increase underrepresented groups' access to STEM fields.
A pilot study found that a firearm safety program may not reach all parents equitably, with disparities affecting girls and some racial and ethnic minorities. The program aims to reduce suicide deaths by securely storing firearms.
Researchers have discovered that zinc ions tune the ability of human serum albumin to prevent α-synuclein aggregation, a process linked to Parkinson's disease. Zinc binding alters HSA's chaperone function, blunting fibril formation and slowing down protein deposition that can lead to neurodegeneration.
UTSA has received a five-year, $3 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop an HSI Student Success Servingness Framework. The project aims to improve student learning and self-efficacy through pedagogical approaches and enhanced student peer mentoring.
A new study reveals that coaches displaying authentic leadership qualities can decrease athlete aggression and increase trust, enjoyment and commitment. Researchers found athletes training with authentic coaches are less likely to act aggressively towards competitors.
A new study from the University of Kansas suggests that fostering positive attitudes toward math and science early in students' lives can address gender and socioeconomic gaps in STEM. The study analyzed data from over 21,000 students and found that having a science or math identity in ninth grade can increase the likelihood of enrolli...
A new study suggests that pretending to be a successful female scientist can increase young girls' persistence in science. Four- to seven-year-old girls who assumed the role of Marie Curie or another gender-matched scientist played longer and rated themselves higher than those in control groups.
A team of researchers from Japan successfully reconstructed common brain input signals from the firing rates of neurons using a method called superposed recurrence plot. This breakthrough has significant implications for artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and potential treatments for mental health disorders.
Researchers aim to improve and expand Enzymatic Construction Material (ECM), a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that can repair cracks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant will also support programs to inspire girls' interests in engineering and construction, addressing the industry's gender gap.
A study found that resiliency and family support play a crucial role in helping Hispanic breast cancer survivors manage lymphedema. Adaptations such as modifying work tasks and seeking support from family members enable survivors to maintain their quality of life.
The report explores diffuse optical imaging methods applicable to noninvasive human studies, including near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS). It introduces state-of-the-art technologies and software, exploring their impact on neuroscience and clinical applications.
A Johns Hopkins Medicine study found that patient education and nurse performance feedback can significantly reduce missed or refused doses of VTE-preventing drugs. The interventions resulted in a 36% drop in missed doses, with the patient education bundle showing a 44% reduction.
A new federal grant will develop training for thousands of future faculty in evidence-based teaching practices, aiming to foster interest and support all STEM students. The project, led by PSU Associate Professor Erin Shortlidge, has the potential to increase student success and close the opportunity gap for marginalized students.
A new Australian study reveals that despite growing interest in nature-based learning, teachers need professional development to effectively integrate it into their teaching practices. The research found that seven out of ten teachers felt limited by their knowledge and confidence in using nature play areas to support curriculum goals.
A research group from Tokyo University of Science has discovered molecular features that govern the filling process at nanoscales, enabling finer resolutions in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography. The findings provide valuable insights for guiding the selection and design of optimized resists for sub-10 nm resolution.
A survey of 1,086 adults found that negative views towards harassing public health officials increased from November 2020 to July-August 2021. Higher earners and those with more education were more likely to hold such views.
A Polish study found that students without disabilities achieve the same academic results when attending classes with students who have disabilities, with implications for inclusive education. The research suggests that the type of inclusion does not affect academic achievement.
The CUNY Graduate Center's Nanoscience Connected to Life program will prepare diverse Ph.D. students for careers in biotech, clean energy, and other areas benefiting from bioinspired nanoscience. The $3 million NSF grant will fund dissertation research mentoring by faculty from multiple disciplines.
A novel single-cell RNA sequencing technique, TAS-Seq, has been developed to provide higher-precision data than current methods. The new method detects more genes and identifies highly variable genes, making it a sensitive high-throughput scRNA method.
The ACS Fall 2022 meeting is a hybrid event with nearly 11,000 presentations on topics like lab safety, sustainable chemicals, and energy. Press registration is open for journalists and public info officers, offering access to embargoed press releases and a virtual media briefing schedule.
A study found that 77% of volunteers participated in multiple projects, but were overwhelmingly White and educated, suggesting existing programs may not be broadening public participation. Researchers suggest a shift to focusing on volunteers rather than individual projects to address these issues.
The WVU program trains next generation of toxicologists to collect, analyze air samples from mining, fracking sites, using the university's Inhalation Facility. Students will work with preceptors from various fields to investigate health effects of inhaling toxicants.
Researchers present a 'green' process for tie-dyeing cotton with renewable resources and wastes, linking science, art, and sustainability. The natural dyes used produce designs of white, brown, orange, and bluish-black colors on fabrics.
The UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation advises that COVID vaccines should be offered to 5–11-year-old children, but deem immunization as non-essential. Dr Hamid Merchant explains why current vaccines are not suitable for children due to efficacy and safety concerns.
Students in a University of Illinois course used household items like buttercream frosting, toothpaste, and yogurt to measure fluid properties. They developed creative methods for carrying out rheometric measurements, including compression squeeze flow analysis and gravity-driven filament stretching.
The electrochemistry designette is a pedagogical tool that enables instructors to visualize students' competence and misconceptions on electrochemical principles. Developed by SUTD researchers, the designette has proven highly effective in allowing instructors to spot misconceptions and provide prompt intervention.
The new COBRE grant will help WVU recruit researchers and clinician-scientists to develop innovative solutions for preventing and treating incurable vision problems. The project aims to reduce visual disparities in West Virginia by understanding the complex combination of factors that contribute to these problems.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered an aberrant protein that mimics the action of aminoglycoside antibiotics, which could help scientists understand how those drugs kill bacterial cells. The newly identified protein could lead to the development of new inhibitors to target bacterial growth.
The latest neurophotonic tools and techniques are reviewed in a new status report, covering advances from molecular nanoprobes to cortical column imaging. The report provides an overview of current state and future directions for brain science research.
A new study reveals that firearm retailers and law enforcement agencies in Colorado and Washington support providing temporary, voluntary firearm storage options. The concept aims to increase safety by limiting access to firearms during times of crisis, such as suicidal thoughts or Alzheimer's disease. However, concerns about civil lia...
Researchers identified key factors contributing to the gender gap in engineering courses, including female instructors, peer participation, and icebreaker questions. The study suggests that these strategies can help increase women's participation and close the gap in STEM fields.
A study from University of South Australia found that reading aloud to children can triple a child's resilience at school, particularly for those who have suffered abuse or neglect. The study identified reading as a key factor in supporting children's emotional, social and physical development before they start school.
The Planting Science program, a partnership between students, teachers, and scientists, improves high school students' science knowledge and attitude towards scientists. The study found that students who participated in the program scored 11 percentile points higher on assessments than those who did not.
A new study from North Carolina State University found that feeling inclusive in the classroom is key to promoting STEM education and student engagement. Students who felt their classrooms were inclusive were more likely to feel like they belonged and engage with their STEM classes.
Independence Science has received a $254,767 NSF grant to develop Sci-Dot, a multiline Braille device that collects and analyzes scientific data. The device addresses limitations of current Braille displays and allows blind students to set up and collect experimental data independently.
A study by University of Georgia researchers found that remote learning programs in labs continued to be effective during the pandemic, with students praising quality mentorship and skills development. However, they also reported missing informal interactions and structure.
Researchers from Argonne National Laboratory have created a set of new practices to guide the curation of high energy physics datasets, making them more FAIR and reusable. The goal is to automate the finding and use of data for humans and streamline the development of AI tools for scientific discovery.
Researchers found that dietary intake of flavan-3-ols activates brown adipose tissue, leading to increased heat production and fat burning. Long-term consumption of flavanol-rich foods may also lead to the development of a healthier metabolism.
The USDA has awarded a $1.5 million grant to support climate resilience planning in Indian Country, led by Desert Research Institute (DRI). The project aims to address climate injustice through culturally-appropriate information sharing and increasing Native American representation in research and outreach positions. The initiative wil...
A pioneering program at UC San Diego Health Sciences has trained 23% of faculty between 2017-2020, improving mentoring quality and faculty satisfaction, especially among underrepresented groups. The program's success suggests a universally applicable model for medical schools to improve diversity and success.
Automated brain volumetry in memory-impaired patients shows significant differences and systematic biases between conventional and ultrafast 3D T1-weighted MRI sequences. Most regions demonstrated substantial agreement but also significantly different mean values and consistent biases.
A long-term study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology shows that active recruitment efforts can lead to a better gender balance in technology fields. The measures not only benefit women but also create a more attractive environment for male students.
Researchers developed a new way to create unique datasets during online exams, boosting their fairness and robustness. The technique uses bespoke lab videos, smart worksheets, and realistic data to provide instant feedback and aid marking.
The University of California, Riverside, has been awarded a $980,000 grant from the Department of Energy to develop an AI-driven detector for the future Electron-Ion Collider. The team will use machine learning techniques to optimize detector design and achieve 'co-design,' a new concept in nuclear physics.
A new module utilizes biodiversity collections to produce a holistic student learning experience, covering topics such as plant specimen collection and data deposition. The authors reported strong learning results, with students feeling well-prepared to use foundational skills and digital data repositories.
A PSU study reveals that parents' STEM backgrounds significantly impact their children's likelihood of majoring and persisting in STEM fields. Researchers identify STEM-specific cultural capital as a key factor, highlighting the importance of parental involvement in fostering STEM values and habits.
A new analysis provides guidelines for deploying effective role models to encourage learning across diverse populations. The study suggests that features like perceived competence, similarity, and attainability of success are key to motivating students, while portraying extreme levels of role model competence can backfire.
A team of scientists from GIST developed an AI-based approach to analyze and extract user behavior data, estimating the optimal demand response management for each household. The study showcases how AI can improve electricity consumption, leading to lower prices and a smaller carbon footprint.
A study by Professor Carl Mungan dispels the myth that a car will leave the ground at the crest of a hill. The research highlights the importance of normal force and speed decrease on inclines, revealing that cars will not lose contact with the road at the top of a smooth hill.
The Centre for Doctoral Training in Sustainable Management of UK Marine Resources (SuMMeR CDT) will train 50 interdisciplinary PhD students to sustainably manage the UK's coasts and seas. The program focuses on subjects ranging from marine sciences to law, health, education, and economics.
Conspiracy theorists used the conditional nature of science to erode trust in public health authorities' recommendations, making community immunity elusive. The Annenberg Public Policy Center scholar argues that exploiting scientific funding structures and updates fueled conspiracy theories.
A recent study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology found a link between COVID-19 mRNA vaccination and myocarditis in adolescent males. Cardiac MRI was used to assess suspected myocarditis post-vaccination, with late gadolinium enhancement persisting in two patients undergoing repeat MRI.
Twenty-five non-profits in East Tennessee have received $150,000 grants from UT-Battelle to support community programs. The grants will help fund initiatives in categories such as civic engagement, economic development, and STEM education.
A new module in biodiversity collections addresses the need for scientists to have both foundational biological skills and data acumen. The module was implemented in 10 courses across four universities and showed strong learning results, with students feeling well-prepared to collect and archive specimens, as well as deposit digital da...
A recent international workshop aimed to turn plans for a crewed lunar observatory into reality. The workshop, led by Vanderbilt astrophysicist Karan Jani, brought together experts from GW science, planetary science, and lunar exploration to discuss the geophysical properties of the moon and opportunities for observation.
A new study found that brief exposure to an infographic about the scientific process can strengthen people's trust in science and reduce beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation. The study, led by Indiana University, involved 1,017 adults and showed a small increase in trust after just 60 seconds of infographic exposure.
Left atrium emptying fraction derived from cardiac CTA improves predictive performance of established clinical risk scores. A reduced LAEF independently predicts all-cause mortality within 24 months post-procedure.
The global coral reef crisis is characterized by widespread overfishing, pollution, disease, and climate change. The report highlights the need for swift action to address these issues and identifies management efforts such as reducing pollution and establishing marine protected areas.
The University of California, Riverside has received a $5 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to train young scientists and physicians in stem cell research. The program, named TRANSCEND, will provide training in broad areas of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.