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Planting Science: A partnership program connecting students, teachers, and scientists proves effective for improving high school students’ science learning and how students view scientists

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.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 7, 2022

Reading builds resilience among at-risk kids

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.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Learning in the lab can continue at a distance

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.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCBE—Life Sciences Education·DateFeb 17, 2022

Faculty mentor training program strengthens university’s institutional climate

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.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·DateJan 11, 2022

Which role models are best for STEM? Researchers offer recommendations in new analysis

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.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Journal of STEM Education·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2021

GIST scientists showcase the potential of demand response in reducing CO2 emissions

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.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Smart Grid·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 24, 2021

Biodiversity collections address science workforce needs

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...

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Unraveling DNA packaging

Scientists from Kanazawa University use HS-AFM to study DNA-histone interactions, revealing spatiotemporal dynamics and real-time observations of wrapping, sliding, sandwiching, and wrapping motions. The study provides valuable insights into the compactification of DNA and its potential applications in understanding human diseases.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 31, 2021

Study examines how pandemic-related changes affect college students' motivation

A study of 182 undergraduate students found that pandemic-related changes affected motivation levels variably, with some students becoming more motivated while others remained unchanged or became less motivated. Demographic factors such as socioeconomic status and first-generation student status did not significantly impact the findings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Microbiology and Biology Education·DateMay 25, 2021

Infants recognize rapid images, just like adults

Researchers found that infants aged 7 and 8 months could identify two faces when the temporal interval was 800ms, but overlooked the second face when separated by 200ms. This suggests that infants take less than a second to process visual information and have the same temporal limitation as adults.

SourceChuo University·JournalCognition·DateMay 21, 2021

Romantic relationships mitigate effects of trauma on alcohol use among college students

A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that romantic relationships can help alleviate the negative impact of trauma on drinking behavior among college students. The study, which involved nearly 9,000 participants, discovered that students who experienced interpersonal trauma during college consumed more alcohol t...

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalAddiction·DateApr 22, 2021

Researchers: drop the notion that more hours spent studying guarantees higher educational quality

A new study at the University of Copenhagen found that increased study hours do not necessarily lead to better educational outcomes. Students reported spending time on tasks without feeling engaged or retaining information. The researchers suggest qualitative surveys to better understand study engagement and quality.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalSociological Research Online·DateDec 8, 2020

Racial microaggressions contribute to disparities in STEM education

A recent study from University of Illinois researchers found that racial microaggressions contribute to disparities in STEM education programs. Students of color who experience exclusion, invisibility, or isolation on campus are less likely to continue in STEM majors. The study aimed to encourage STEM-related academic programs to addre...