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Start school later, sleep longer, learn better

A new study found that flexible school start times can significantly improve teenagers' sleep patterns, reducing chronic sleep deprivation and its negative effects on mental health. Under a new model with flexible start and end times, students were able to get up 40 minutes later and slept an average of 45 minutes longer on school days.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 26, 2026

College drinking linked to poor academics, mental health for those around the drinker: Study

A new study finds that college students who are exposed to a drinker's poor behavior experience lower grades, mental distress, and suicidal thoughts. The researchers surveyed 1,822 students and found that being harassed or physically harmed was associated with poor academic performance and worse mental health.

SourceJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·JournalJournal of Studies on Alcohol and Drugs·TypeSurvey·DateAug 28, 2025

STEM students: Work hard, but don’t compare yourself to others

A recent study published in Contemporary Educational Psychology found that college students who compared their effort to others were less likely to believe they had the ability to succeed in science. In contrast, women who thought they tried hard without comparing themselves to others tended to do better in class.

SourceOhio State University·JournalContemporary Educational Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 1, 2025

Korea University and Yonsei University's Colleges of Medicine promote a joint research project to train new Korean physician-scientists

The two colleges are launching a joint research project to train future domestic physician-scientists, supported by the Ministry of Health and Welfare. The program aims to provide opportunities for career advice and research mentoring through global exchange networks and overseas training at global research institutes.

Chatbot opens computational chemistry to nonexperts

A new web platform, AutoSolvateWeb, developed at Emory University enables chemists of all levels to configure and execute complex quantum mechanical simulations through chatting. The free platform uses cloud infrastructure and automates software processes on the backend.

SourceEmory University·JournalChemical Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 7, 2025

We must not ignore eugenics in our genetics curriculum, says professor

Professor Mark Peifer advocates for teaching eugenics in college genetics classes to promote critical thinking and informed decision-making. He argues that understanding the history of eugenics is crucial for up-and-coming scientists, as it informs current political discourse and the responsible use of genetic technologies.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Genetics·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 27, 2025

Scientists uncover key mechanism in evolution: Whole-genome duplication drives long-term adaptation

Researchers discovered that whole-genome duplication persists for thousands of generations due to its advantage in growing larger cells and forming bigger clusters, leading to the development of multicellularity. The study provides new insights into how genome duplication contributes to biological complexity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2025

Researchers develop conductive gel to improve study of spinal cord injuries

Binghamton University researchers have created a hydrogel electrode that includes conductive carbon nanotubes to monitor nerve activity in spinal cord neurons and leg muscles in mice. The technology solves the problem of rigid materials causing damage during movement, allowing for long-term functionality and single-cell signal detection.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2025

New study reveals why students reject ChatGPT feedback in academic writing

A recent study found that 45.9% of ChatGPT-generated feedback was rejected by second-language learners, with content-focused feedback facing higher rejection rates. The researchers identified four key factors driving rejection: misalignment with goals or external standards, and the subjective nature of content-related suggestions.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeSurvey·DateMar 10, 2025

Birds breathe in dangerous plastics—and so do we

A new University of Texas at Arlington study reveals high concentrations of microplastics in bird lungs, with average particles per species and gram of lung tissue measured. The study highlights the urgent need to address plastic pollution and its far-reaching impacts on ecosystem health and human health.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 27, 2025