Articles tagged with Undergraduate Education
Experts warn of physical and toxicological risks from widespread ocean microplastics, calling for 'turning off the tap' on plastic waste. Small changes in daily habits can collectively reduce dependence on disposable items.
The Association of American Universities (AAU) has launched the AAU STEM Initiative Hub, a website providing resources for universities to showcase innovative efforts improving undergraduate STEM teaching. The hub will also profile efforts by eight AAU STEM Project Sites and provide a platform for sharing strategies and challenges.
Researchers found that 89.5% of respondents believe fieldwork should be a required part of undergraduate education, but nearly two-thirds think traditional focus on bedrock mapping is unnecessary. The study calls for academia-industry dialogue and further research to test the value of field education.
A new core concept template called BioCore Guide aims to provide an updated blueprint for educators to clarify the learning outcomes for undergraduate students majoring in general biology. The guide builds on previous reform efforts and provides overarching principles for each core concept, as well as 40 statements that illustrate the ...
A team of scientists from Tufts University, Brown University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is working on a project to create robots capable of making moral decisions. The researchers aim to develop formal frameworks for modeling human-level moral reasoning that can be verified and implemented in computational architectures.
Research found that snacking on high-fat and high-sugar foods increases intrahepatic triglyceride content and belly fat, but not with larger meal size. The study suggests cutting down on snacking may reduce the prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
A study published in the American Academy of Neurology found that individuals with higher levels of education tend to recover better from traumatic brain injuries. This is attributed to the cognitive reserve theory, which suggests that educated individuals have a greater ability to maintain brain function despite damage.
A study of 10,000 students found that remedial courses at community colleges can help earn an associate's degree, but taking three or more remedial courses at four-year colleges may hold back students from earning a bachelor's degree. Researchers from Boston College analyzed federal data and discovered that developmental education at t...
Researchers found that patients with low sodium levels prior to transplantation did not have higher mortality rates after surgery. The study, published in Liver Transplantation, analyzed data from over 19,500 patients who received a liver transplant in the US between 2003 and 2010.
Research finds community college transfers have equal BA graduation rates to similar students who start at 4-year colleges, but restrictive credit transfer policies hinder this potential. Implementing policy changes can increase BA attainment among community college transfers to 54 percent.
Scientists investigate how flying snakes glide through the air, discovering lift enhancement mechanism to boost flight. The research uses computational fluid dynamics to model a snake's cross-section, providing insights into air pressure and rotation.
A CCNY-led study found that LGBT youth are more likely to engage in cancer-risk behaviors, including tobacco use, drinking, and early sex. The research emphasizes the need for early interventions to address these disparities.
A Baylor University study found that online games like iCivics significantly improved civics knowledge scores among primary and middle school students. The study showed the most significant gains in younger students, with grades 5 and 8 students scoring nearly five points higher on civics tests.
The Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University is developing Civic Seed, an interactive video game designed to better prepare college students to engage with the community. The game includes multiple levels that explore community collaboration, professional standards, sustainability, and leadership development.
The CCNY team created a model that predicts how resistance changes in relation to stirring speed, which can help improve the processing of materials in suspension. The model modifies classical fluid mechanics approaches to include forces resulting from friction, allowing for accurate reproduction of experimental observations.
Researchers at The City College of New York have successfully transformed vegetable oils into a semisolid form using low-calorie sugars as structuring agents. Mannitol dioctanoate and sorbitol dioctanoate gelators demonstrated excellent gelation tendencies for various oils, producing stable gels that can be used in food processing.
Researchers at SDSC are using a Linux cluster built with 16 Raspberry Pi computers to teach children and adults about parallel computing. The system, named Meteor, will be demonstrated at SC13, featuring gaming competitions and interactive presentations.
Researchers at City College of New York develop novel edge-contact geometry to bridge 3D world to 2D graphene without contaminating its properties. The technique enables remarkably low contact resistance, opening possibilities for device applications and pure physics studies.
The lab of Dr. John Martin at City College of New York has received $3.7 million for studies on movement control and recovery after brain or spinal injury. The research aims to repair damaged nervous systems and develop therapies for humans with mobility impairments.
The UH Graduate College of Social Work program is recognized for its international contributions to social work education and programming. The program has been involved in various global initiatives, including the China Collaborative Project and certification training in Hong Kong.
Dale Fitch and a Northern Kentucky University Group have won the 2013 SAGE/CSWE Award for Innovative Teaching in Social Work Education. The group will be recognized for their innovative teaching methods that promote student learning as a collaboration, innovation in social work education-related policies, and promoting inclusion.
Researchers at CCNY developed a metal-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction to produce single-enantiomer molecules, enabling the creation of diverse libraries of biologically active molecules for drug screening. This approach is faster and potentially less costly than current methods, which are wasteful and costly.
Miljanic aims to enhance students' educational experience through recorded lectures and 3D printed models. His research focuses on molecular self-sorting and development of new molecules for sensing, separations, and energy-relevant applications.
A recent study published in Liver Transplantation found that living liver donors experience a 0.2% mortality rate and life-threatening 'near-miss' events. Centers with more experience performing live donor procedures had lower rates of complications, suggesting the need for comprehensive information and education for donors.
Dr. Michael Keidar is researching ways to cut human tissue more efficiently using plasma technology, which could minimize the need for blood transfusions during surgery. His goal is to understand the physics of plasma interaction with living tissue and develop new devices that can safely and effectively cut through human tissues.
Babak Moaveni, a Tufts civil engineer, has received a National Science Foundation early career award to develop new and improved structural health monitoring methods. This will enhance the nation's roads, bridges, and other vital structures, allowing for more informed funding decisions.
A study found that non-use of donor livers rose significantly between 2004 and 2010, primarily linked to decreased donor liver quality and increased donation after cardiac death. This trend threatens a significant decline in liver transplant availability.
The study reveals that baby boomers with hepatitis C are at risk of developing liver cancer, leading to a significant increase in liver transplant demand. As this population ages, the number of liver transplants for HCV-related liver disease is expected to rise.
A Baylor University study suggests that chelation therapy, a popular autism treatment, is ineffective and potentially harmful. The research found methodological weaknesses in existing studies on chelation, which could contribute to cardiac problems and other serious side effects.
A University of Cincinnati study found that adolescent males are at a higher risk of reporting long-term use of over-the-counter drugs compared to their female peers. The study, which analyzed data from over 54,000 students, highlights the growing concern of over-the-counter drug abuse among young people.
The National Nanotechnology Applications and Career Knowledge Network (NACK Network) will continue its workforce development programs, addressing industry needs for skilled micro- and nanofabrication workers. The network aims to create pathways from high school to skilled manufacturing careers across the US.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been awarded a $8 million 5-year grant from NASA to study the origin and evolution of life on Earth. The research team will use genomics to explore deep evolutionary time, searching for signatures of early collective states of life.
A new Primer series in the Genetics journal provides accessible scientific papers for undergraduate students, focusing on contemporary research and promoting active learning. The resource aims to engage students in critically analyzing primary research, a vital part of research training.
A survey of UK medical schools found that physical activity education is sparse or non-existent in their curricula. The authors highlight the importance of promoting physical activity to manage modern non-communicable chronic diseases, citing clinical guidelines that emphasize exercise as a method of treatment.
The workshop focuses on increasing mathematical modeling across undergraduate curricula, developing STEM courses based on modeling and computation, and assessing college STEM readiness. It also proposes ideas for multidisciplinary STEM education and introduces a high school applied mathematics program to integrate STEM subjects.
A new study found that STEM degrees are associated with significantly higher earnings for minority college students. Latinos reported the highest average earnings after college, with an average annual salary of $42,180. STEM majors also led to higher job salaries, with a 50% premium compared to non-STEM fields.
The PULSE program seeks faculty members to lead a national effort to stimulate systemic change in undergraduate biology education, building on the 2011 Vision and Change report. The initiative aims to modernize the approach to undergraduate education in the life sciences.
Physics has made significant contributions to health since its inception, with Nobel Prizes awarded for X-ray discovery. Investments in physics technology and education will enable innovations like nanomedicine and personalized healthcare.
The NYU College of Nursing has implemented a new clinical teaching model using high-fidelity human patient simulation, increasing faculty capacity by 30% while reducing student-to-teacher ratios. This approach provides a safe learning environment for students to practice skills and critical thinking.
The SAGE/CSWE Award for Innovative Teaching recognizes individuals who have brought about innovative teaching methods in social work education. The award promotes the exchange of ideas and encourages collaboration among educators.
Research published in Postgraduate Medical Journal reveals significant variations in pass rates for UK medical graduates in MRCOG Part 1 and Part 2 written examinations. Doctors from top-performing medical schools like Oxford and Cambridge had higher pass rates compared to those from lower-performing schools like Southampton and Wales.
The new GSA field guide covers a diverse range of geological topics in Minnesota and the surrounding region, including Precambrian geology, economic geology, and glacial geology. The guide features 25 field trips and provides best practices for educators conducting geology course field trips.
The ASPB Education Foundation has awarded $105,700 to four recipients to enhance the public's understanding of plant science. The grants support projects such as the Plants iView initiative, which aims to communicate plant science to a general audience, and the development of educational resources for K-12 education.
Sam Guyer, a Tufts University assistant professor of computer science, has won a $443,000 grant to develop a new approach to improving virtual machines. His research aims to create more efficient software that can balance security and resource usage without sacrificing performance.
A new resource, 'REU in a Box,' has been developed by Oregon State University to support faculty in creating and implementing undergraduate research experiences. This tool provides practical guidance on topics such as student assessment, literature reviews, and presenting research findings.
A group of US biology educators advocates for better coordination of research efforts at undergraduate institutions to produce transformative contributions cost-effectively. Undergraduates can conduct high-quality research with close supervision, expanding the scope of studies conducted at these institutions.
Fiorenzo Omenetto, a Tufts biomedical engineer, has been awarded the prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship to develop bioresorbable optical and electronic components. His research focuses on silk-based photonics, which could address unmet needs in medical, food safety, and environmental applications.
Cheryl A. Kerfeld, a structural biologist, has won the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's Award for Exemplary Contributions to Education for her innovative approach to teaching genomics and bioinformatics. Her educational programs have been adopted by over 65 institutions, empowering undergraduate students to ann...
The Healthy People Curriculum Task Force aims to promote integrated, seamless approaches to education for health, with a focus on interprofessional prevention education. The task force outlines key objectives to increase the inclusion of core clinical prevention and population health content in health professions education.
A survey of UK medical schools found that most do not fully comply with the International Council of Ophthalmologists' recommended curriculum for ophthalmology. Only four schools taught all 13 formal teaching topics, and no school taught all 10 recommended clinical skills.
A recent report by the University of California, Riverside professor emphasizes the importance of financial support in increasing Latino science and math graduates. The study found that students with more financial backing from their parents or through self-support were more likely to attend highly selective institutions and graduate f...
The NSF grant will enhance existing cybersecurity curricula and expand the laboratory for hands-on instruction. The initiative aims to address a growing need for 10,000-30,000 cybersecurity professionals in the US.
Research by K-State assistant professor Chardie Baird and Florida State University professor John Reynolds suggests that discouraging students from pursuing their educational aspirations can lead to depression. The study found that adaptive resilience allows individuals to adapt to failed expectations, leading to healthier lives.
The NIH awarded a $2.4 million grant to increase diversity in the neuroscience field by preparing minority students and those with disabilities for careers in neuroscience. The grant will support undergraduates from two universities and provide seminars, mentoring, enhanced curricula, and hands-on research experience.
The article proposes three rules for physician-journalists covering disasters, including prioritizing medical emergencies over reporting duties and seeking parental consent before featuring children on news reports. These guidelines aim to balance the dual responsibilities of physician-reporters and protect their patients from exploita...
The partnership will help broaden the reach of Electronic News to academic, educational, and professional markets. The Journal focuses on teaching, practice, and research of electronic news, with goals including enhancing engaged learning of radio, television, and online journalism.
The University of Miami will receive a $1.4 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to strengthen its undergraduate science education program. The program aims to attract first-generation college students and those from underrepresented groups to pursue careers in science.
The University of Pittsburgh has received a total of $2 million in grants from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) to support its precollege and undergraduate science education initiatives. The four-year grants will fund academic programs that encourage high school and undergraduate students to engage in active research, fosteri...
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $79 million to 50 research universities in 30 states, supporting the development of creative, research-based courses and curricula. The grants aim to improve science teaching from elementary school through college and provide students with vital lab experience.
Joseph W. Sanger, T. Vidhya Persaud, and Richard B. Marchase received the highest honors from the American Association for Anatomy for their unique contributions to anatomical sciences. The awards recognize exceptional service and meritorious achievements in education, research, and scientific advancements.