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Unique data creates 'fair and robust' online exams

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.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 14, 2021

Biodiversity collections enable foundational and data skills

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021

Parents can influence children's choice and success in STEM major, PSU study finds

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.

SourcePortland State University·JournalSocial Science Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 7, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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

Over the top: Car jump study turns over old physics problem

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Physics Teacher·DateNov 24, 2021
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

How conspiracy theorists exploited Covid-19 science

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.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateNov 1, 2021

Cardiac MRI of myocarditis after COVID-19 vaccination in adolescents

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.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateOct 29, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

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
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Scientists name new frog-legged beetle fossil for Sir David Attenborough

A new beetle species, Pulchritudo attenboroughi, was identified in a fossil from the Green River Formation in Colorado, with its unique beauty and preserved patterns making it an exceptional find. The beetle was named after Sir David Attenborough, who inspired its discoverers.

SourceDenver Museum of Nature & Science·JournalPapers in Palaeontology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 6, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

'Virtual nature' experiences reduce stress in prisons

Exposure to nature imagery or sounds decreases physiological signs of stress in incarcerated individuals and sparks interest in learning about natural habitats. Virtual nature experiences also boost curiosity and eagerness to learn about science and the natural world.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEcopsychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 3, 2021

Cyclone study improves climate projections

Researchers developed a new method to quantify cyclones' influence on atmospheric circulation, improving climate projection accuracy. This approach allows for finer details to be revealed in patterns of cyclones and anticyclones.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 24, 2021
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

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

How more inclusive lab meetings lead to better science

A new paper provides ten guiding principles for structured lab group meetings that are more inclusive and productive, leading to better science. The guidelines aim to create diverse and inclusive lab environments, increasing individual and collective productivity.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMay 27, 2021
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

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

New research may explain shortages in STEM careers

A new study found that more college students change majors within the STEM pipeline than leave the career path altogether. Students often switch to a field they find more attractive, highlighting the importance of understanding their motivations.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 12, 2021
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

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

Growth mindset and educational mobility

A study found that growth mindsets are positively correlated with math, science, and reading performance globally. However, the effect is weaker in countries with low educational mobility, where environmental factors hinder individual growth.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Flickering the neural activities with LED lights

Researchers used LED lights to measure collective brain activities in a group of mice, finding that gamma bursts were reduced during social interactions. The findings suggest a 'social buffering effect,' where being together reduces stress and anxiety.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 26, 2021

Ability to predict C-diff mortality nearly doubled with new guidelines

A University of Houston team found that the new C-diff guidelines are fourfold more predictive in identifying patients likely to die during hospitalization. The revised severity assessment allows doctors to tailor treatment accordingly, improving patient outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·DateDec 9, 2020

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...

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of STEM Education·DateDec 8, 2020
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

JSA announces 10 new graduate fellows

Jefferson Science Associates has awarded ten graduate fellowships to doctoral students for the 2020-2021 academic year. The fellowships will support students' advanced studies and research at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.

SourceDOE/Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility·DateNov 25, 2020

Time crystals lead researchers to future computational work

A team of researchers has proposed a method to use time crystals to simulate massive networks with very little computing power. They used graph theory and statistical mechanics to fill the gap in understanding time crystals and their applications.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

ISLAND conference to focus on STEM access for all learners

The Inclusion in Science Learning A New Direction (ISLAND) conference is a global forum for promoting STEM inclusion for persons with disabilities. The 11th annual conference will be held virtually on September 12, bringing together access technology developers, educators, and researchers to share experiences and best practices.

SourcePurdue University·DateSep 9, 2020

A new way of modulating color emissions from transparent films

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science develop novel mechanism for tuning luminescence of a transparent material by controlling proton concentration via voltage application. This breakthrough discovery opens possibilities for advancing methodologies in biological and electronics research.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMaterials Advances·DateSep 2, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Novel alkaline hydrogel advances skin wound care

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have created a novel alkaline hydrogel suitable for wound healing via a method requiring no special equipment. The gel forms in minutes and has high water content, making it ideal for wound dressing and promoting the growth of new cells.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPolymers for Advanced Technologies·DateAug 26, 2020

Using games to study law of motions in mind

The study establishes relationships between game progress and entertainment experiences using Newtonian laws of motion, revealing the player's mental state. The game refinement theory explores fundamental mechanisms of game playing mechanics, mapping different cultures to human mind sophistication.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalIEEE Access·DateJul 31, 2020

CSH corona traffic light: A tool to easily assess the situation

Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna developed a traffic light system to show global coronavirus infection trends. The tool helps users assess safe travel destinations by analyzing confirmed cases per 10,000 inhabitants, providing insights into the risks of traveling to countries with varying levels of infection.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·DateJul 2, 2020
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Quantifying creativity to expand it? Better art begins with better understanding

Researchers found that limiting media use can lead to disinterest, while introducing new materials expands children's creativity and improves motivation. Educators are recommended to instruct students on new media application and object proportion management to enhance learning outcomes.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalSocial Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020

Twisted microfiber's network responses to water vapor

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology create unique micro-springs from natural polysaccharide fibers with self-assembling twisted microstructures. The sacran fiber behaves like a mechanical spring under humid conditions, enabling fast bending and stretching responses to changes in humidity.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalSmall·DateJun 11, 2020

Newly synthesized fungal compound can switch on a self-destruct button for cancer

Scientists from Tokyo University of Science successfully synthesized a new compound that can reactivate the self-destruct gene in cancer cells, offering a potential new treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer. The team's breakthrough could lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients with this devastating dis...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalEuropean Journal of Organic Chemistry·DateJun 10, 2020

Weird science

A new study found that primary school students' perceptions of science and scientists are influenced by media stereotypes, with many feeling that a career in science is too difficult or high-pressure. Despite this, most students do not see gender as a barrier to becoming a scientist, showing progress in normalizing women in STEM.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Inclusive Education·DateJun 8, 2020
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

National online education platforms could make STEM degrees more affordable, Russia-based study shows

A Russia-based study found that national online education platforms can significantly lower instruction costs for STEM courses, allowing resource-constrained universities to enroll more students. The study also discovered that blended instruction formats offer the greatest cost savings of 19.2% for one course and 15.4% for another.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 8, 2020

Sorry, Einstein: Hard workers may make better role models than geniuses

New research suggests that scientists who are known for their hard work, like Thomas Edison, are more motivating than those who are viewed as naturally brilliant, like Albert Einstein. The findings dispel myths about what it takes to succeed in science and can help optimize science education.

SourcePenn State·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateMar 11, 2020
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.