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Access to gardens and citizen science helps encourage conservation among children, study shows

A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that access to gardens and citizen science projects can encourage pro-conservation behavior among pupils. These experiences foster a positive attitude towards environmental safeguarding and can inspire students to pursue botanical careers or spend more time gardening.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Biological Education·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 15, 2024

New research unveils effective STEM program models for high school students from historically marginalized communities

A recent study led by the Institute for Systems Biology highlights the transformative power of informal STEM learning, offering practical insights into co-creating experiences with students. The research shows significant gains among high school students participating in in-person and remote informal STEM programs.

SourceInstitute for Systems Biology·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateMar 6, 2024

Beetles in a bottle: a message from aliens to schools

A citizen science project in Italy involved 500 Italian students in trapping and identifying ambrosia beetles, resulting in new geographical records for two quarantine pest species. The students gained a greater understanding of the negative effects of invasive alien species and increased awareness of biological invasions.

SourcePensoft Publishers·JournalNeoBiota·DateMay 25, 2023

Researchers identify a critical inhibitory site in an energy-producing enzyme, which can lead to rational design of antibiotics

A team of researchers has discovered a new mechanism to inhibit the critical enzyme in the respiratory chain, making it effective against drug-resistant strains of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. The findings could lead to the development of novel antibiotics with a different mechanism of action.

SourceNational Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Symptom data help predict COVID-19 admissions

Researchers used symptom data from over 10 million participants to estimate regional COVID-19 prevalence and predict hospital admissions. The findings confirm previous reports that symptoms are related to community infection rates, providing a scalable tool for pandemic preparedness.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 21, 2022

What can you do with spiral graph? Help understand how galaxies evolve

The Spiral Graph project uses a tracing method to accurately measure the winding of spiral galaxies' arms. This approach outperforms automated methods and can estimate parameters like black hole mass and dark matter content. By enlisting citizen scientists, researchers aim to better understand galaxy evolution.

SourceNorth Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 13, 2020

Mapping the landscape of citizen science

A new report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine explores the role of citizen science in supporting science learning and education. The study found that citizen science can facilitate large-scale research, provide opportunities for diverse perspectives, and enhance science education when designed with inc...

Short-lived light sources discovered in the sky

A team of international researchers has discovered approximately 100 red transients in publicly available sky data from the 1950s to the present, which could be attributed to natural astrophysical phenomena or rare events. The findings have potential implications for our understanding of stellar evolution and active galactic nuclei.

SourceStockholm University·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateDec 12, 2019

Virtual peer pressure works just as well as the real thing

Researchers at NYU Tandon found that virtual peer pressure can influence behavior among citizen scientists, with groups performing better when competing against a virtual peer. The study used an experiment with Brooklyn Atlantis, a citizen science project where participants view and tag images of the Gowanus Canal.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Science and Technology·DateAug 25, 2016

Commons Lab releases 2 new reports on key aspects of Citizen Science

The Commons Lab has released two new reports on key aspects of Citizen Science, focusing on successful projects in Europe and exploring potential legal issues surrounding intellectual property. The reports aim to support policymaking and growth of citizen science by addressing ethical, legal, and social implications.

You can be a star -- on science's stage

The growth of citizen science has led to a surge in public involvement in scientific research, with over 25 NSF-funded projects now underway. Chemistry projects, such as Curating ChemSpider or monitoring water quality, allow hobbyists and enthusiasts to contribute to groundbreaking research.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateNov 14, 2012

CSIRO sets science path for new telescope

The CSIRO has chosen 10 major science projects for its Australian SKA Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope, which will tackle astrophysical issues and advance the field of astronomy. The projects include a deep survey for star-forming galaxies and a survey for galaxies containing neutral hydrogen gas.