Articles tagged with Undergraduate Students
Christensen studies carotenoids' role in photosynthesis, a process by which plants turn light into chemical energy. His work draws students to the basics of physical chemistry, influencing his teaching at Bowdoin College.
UC Riverside biologists present a model system for studying the evolution of complex organs using guppy-like fish. They find that placentas have evolved independently three times in closely related species, suggesting that they can emerge on a relatively short time scale.
The University of California Riverside has awarded 40 new scholarships to academically talented students from low-income families. The scholarships aim to provide comprehensive support, including financial aid, academic excellence workshops, and career opportunities, to help students persist in their studies.
The HHMI Professors, 20 research scientists at 19 universities, will focus on engaging and effective approaches to undergraduate science education. They will develop new high-tech teaching tools, provide early research experiences, and mentor minorities to promote diversity in STEM fields.
A new study found that people with enduring feelings of self-doubt scored higher on a measure of materialism. Chronic self-doubters believe that owning things proves their success. Materialism is a poor coping mechanism for uncertainty, linked to poor psychological functioning and lower life satisfaction.
An undergraduate student can win a $4,000 scholarship and travel stipend to the Gerontological Society's Annual Meeting. The award is based on academic performance and must be nominated by faculty from their institution.
A team of Johns Hopkins University students designed and built a muscle enhancement device that enables a disabled man to grasp and lift small objects. The device uses two motors, voice recognition software, and an exo-skeleton inspired by science fiction to provide mechanical help in moving the man's fingers and bending his elbow.
Two Johns Hopkins engineering students designed and fabricated a new whitewater recreation helmet with three layers of EVA foam for better protection. The prototype helmet was tested and found to absorb enough energy to prevent serious head injuries, with costs reduced by using rapid prototyping technology.
A survey of university undergraduate students found that over half had body piercings, while only 23% had tattoos, with piercing complications being the most common issue. Medical experts noted that tattooing may pose a risk for certain infections, but further studies are needed to confirm this.
Johns Hopkins undergraduates designed an aluminum lifting device to make playgrounds more accessible to children with limited mobility. The device features a 3-foot-square passenger compartment that can support 500 pounds and is powered by compressed air, providing a safe and efficient solution.
At Temple University, students are participating in a month-long course to study the biology of coral reefs, with a field trip to Belize's Great Barrier Reef. Researchers from Temple and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute have also discovered early evidence of root crop cultivation in the Americas, dating back nearly 7,000 years.
The Pennsylvania State University School of Nursing was awarded the top prize for its innovative approach to gerontological nursing education, which emphasizes health and illness, developmental, holistic care. The university's curriculum incorporates separate courses, clinical sites, and partnerships with community resources.
A study found that college students who were liked by their roommates had higher self-esteem, less depression, and fewer physical problems. In contrast, those who were not liked experienced more mental and physical issues, including low self-esteem, depression, and illness.
A study of 22 international students found that they gained an average of 3 pounds and a 5% increase in body fat after 20 weeks. The researchers attributed this weight gain to the high-fat, high-salt, high-sugar diets that many new international students adopt.
A new teaching method combines computer-assisted methods with hands-on laboratory exercises to help undergraduate students understand molecules. The integrated experiment allows students to explore molecular characteristics on the computer and test predictions in the lab.
A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that students who read essays on a computer screen struggled to comprehend the text and rated it as less interesting and less persuasive. Despite the same content, computerized texts were harder for students to understand, which may be due to different processing abilities.
The Howard Hughes Medical Institute has awarded $50.3 million to 53 colleges and universities to expand and update laboratories, recruit new faculty members, and provide research opportunities for undergraduates. The grants support interdisciplinary programs linking biology and other fields, as well as programs attracting biology major...
John J. Ney received the 1999 Outstanding Achievement Award from the American Fisheries Society for his long-term research on reservoir fish communities and their trophic relationships. His work has significantly impacted fisheries productivity, particularly in manmade waterbodies.
Student engineers at Johns Hopkins University designed a low-tech, affordable childproofing device for handguns that can be defeated by adults but not young children. The device automatically switches the gun back to safe mode when it leaves an adult's hand, providing passive protection.
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has launched a new traveling science laboratory that brings state-of-the-art equipment and teaching tools to North Carolina schools lacking resources. The bus features equipment for wet lab experiments, Internet exploration, and curriculum materials.
The SPHERES project aims to test formation flying technologies and measure key parameters in microgravity. The mini satellites, the size of volleyballs, are being tested aboard NASA's KC-135 airplane, allowing researchers to validate control algorithms, metrology, and autonomy.
A University at Buffalo professor is using the case-study approach to revolutionize the teaching of science, resulting in improved student attendance and engagement rates. The grant will establish a national center for case study teaching in science, providing faculty with training and resources.
The Keck Graduate Institute will host a workshop on post-baccalaureate alternatives for science and math majors, exploring new M.S. professional degrees in the biosciences. The program aims to equip students with promising career opportunities in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and medical industries.
Researchers have developed a suite of software tools called GETWEBS to design and evaluate broadband wireless systems. The project addresses key components of the wireless industry, including evolving technology, environment interaction, and system integration.
The QuikScat satellite, launched on June 19, will provide daily snapshots of ocean winds to improve weather forecasting. The satellite is controlled by students and faculty at CU's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics.
A team of young researchers, mentored by Associate Professor Max Vercruyssen, are developing a computerized driving simulator to evaluate astronaut fitness for space travel. The simulator aims to determine alertness, judgment, and motor skills related to operating an automobile, similar to assessing fitness-for-duty in the space shuttle.
Researchers found that reading a story about a fictitious childhood experience can change people's memories, with opposite-sex stories affecting belief more strongly. The study used a questionnaire to screen participants and then asked them to read a short story with few details.
The University of California, Davis, has been named one of seven new Centers of Academic Excellence in Information Assurance Education by the National Security Agency. Professors Matt Bishop, Karl Levitt, and Philip Rogaway are being recognized for their research and teaching efforts in computer security.
Three Johns Hopkins University engineering students build an air-powered hammering device that can deliver up to 45,000 pounds of force to test computer models predicting armored vehicle equipment durability. The device is part of a design project course and aims to improve the accuracy of simulations for real-world battlefield scenarios.
Six university teams will showcase their innovative food products, including Sweet Spots, Jammm Singles, and Tater Stuffs. The teams will compete for top honors based on product originality, feasibility, innovativeness, and market potential.
Johns Hopkins engineering undergraduates develop a restraining bar system that could reduce school bus injuries by protecting children without seat belts. The device features a pivoting bar with a manual-release lever, designed to keep children secure during head-on collisions or rollover accidents.
Researchers found that Japanese students used an intuitive process to make decisions, while Americans relied on 'number-crunching' and careful information processing. The study suggests that cultural differences play a significant role in influencing how people make decisions, with implications for global business.
Undergraduates at Johns Hopkins University engage in important research projects alongside top scientists, creating innovative solutions such as a robotic submarine and testing treatments for Alzheimer's disease. Students also develop digital models of the heart and conduct gene-therapy experiments with polymer nanospheres.
Researchers found that students taking a new type of civics education class were less likely to take extreme positions against democracy and the free market, but also showed lower commitment to these values. This unexpected outcome suggests that such programs may have unintended effects on students' attitudes towards democracy.
Researchers at Virginia Tech are using molecular modeling to help chemistry students better understand molecules and their properties. Students explore specific molecules on the computer before making actual compounds in the lab, resulting in improved student engagement and outcomes.
The Boston University TERRIERS team is gearing up to launch a satellite designed to produce unprecedented three-dimensional images of the ionosphere. The satellite will enable scientists to better predict space weather conditions that can disrupt communication systems on Earth.
A large class size provides a broad range of experiences, as students bring in their own ethical problems from internships. The course focuses on practical workplace situations, generating heated discussions on topics like women in engineering.
Cornell undergraduate students are using ethnobotany techniques to query Indian informants about plants with antibacterial properties, performing chemical extractions and bioassays. The research efforts have implications for discovering new drugs and preserving ancient lands.
Fossils of crocodile-like champsosaurs, turtles and fish found in high Canadian Arctic reveal extremely warm temperatures. The findings suggest that volcanic eruptions dumped large amounts of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere, causing global warming.
The National Journal of Young Investigators (JYI) has published its premier online issue, featuring undergraduate-authored articles in various scientific disciplines. The journal aims to provide a platform for young scientists to showcase their research, discuss experiences, and connect with the scientific community.
The UCSF Dental Post-Bac Program aims to provide additional training to students from disadvantaged backgrounds who have been rejected from dental school. The program helps students develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in dentistry, with a focus on increasing access to dental care in underserved communities.
The university will use the funds to enhance science classrooms, provide research opportunities, and strengthen outreach programs for middle and high schools. The grant will also support the development of a new computer laboratory and introduce active learning experiences in biology courses.
The University of Delaware has received a $1.6 million HHMI grant to support interdisciplinary research projects, outreach efforts, faculty development, and new equipment for active learning methods. The grant aims to enhance undergraduate education in the biological sciences through problem-based learning.
The University of Illinois has received a $1.6 million grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to enhance its life sciences education and outreach programs, including the Hughes Undergraduate Research Fellows program and several outreach initiatives targeting underrepresented groups.
A recent Cornell University study found that men are less accepting of obese partners compared to women with eating disorders. The study surveyed 752 university students and revealed that 74% of men would be uncomfortable dating someone who is obese, while only 59% said they wouldn't date a woman with an eating disorder. This disparity...
A study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that low-prejudice people are more critical of weak arguments made by minority group members, while high-prejudice individuals ignore such statements. Low-prejudice individuals notice flaws in arguments from minority groups and are motivated to ensure their responses are not prejudiced.
Benjamin Hasse, a forestry major at Purdue University, will spend his first semester of junior year on Antarctica helping researchers. He will gain valuable experience in harsh environments and develop skills that can benefit his future career.
Wendy Raymond has received a three-year NIH grant to study cell division regulation in yeast using genetic and molecular approaches. Her research focuses on the role of CDC-14 in exit from mitosis, building on serendipitous findings from her 1997 winter study class.
A new computer software called Intelligent Essay Assessor uses mathematical analysis to measure essay knowledge content. It has been extensively tested and published in peer-reviewed journals, providing consistent results that surpass human graders.
The ASU-Led Project uses the scanning probe microscope to enable students in schools far from campus to operate the instrument remotely over the World Wide Web. Students can design their own experiments and manipulate the microscope with a mouse, getting results that are not yet available to most laboratories in the country.
The University of Colorado's Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE) satellite is successfully returning science data, measuring nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere and X-rays from the sun. The NASA mission was controlled by students and faculty 24/7, marking the second university-led satellite to be operated.
Research finds that White students tend to provide more praise and less criticism when evaluating essays written by Black students, compared to when evaluating those written by White students. This 'positive feedback bias' can deprive minority students of intellectual challenges and may compound existing biases.
The University of Delaware is pioneering an effort to educate students as problem solvers through 21st-century challenges. Using problem-based learning methods, students tackle real-world problems and develop higher-order thinking skills such as evaluation and analysis.
A group of ASU undergraduates present research on scientific literacy, finding common ground among differing viewpoints but also identifying unresolved issues. They highlight five key points agreed upon by science organizations, including the importance of critical thinking skills and social issues.
The Student Nitric Oxide Explorer (SNOE) satellite, designed and built by a team of University of Colorado at Boulder students and faculty, is set for launch on Feb. 4. The mission aims to measure nitric oxide in the upper atmosphere affecting Earth's ozone layer, x-rays from the sun, and ultraviolet light from Earth's aurora.
A new University of Washington study finds that student evaluations often misrepresent instructors' abilities, favoring teachers of easier courses and penalizing those of tougher subjects. The researchers propose reforms to improve the evaluation system, such as incorporating measures of students' learning outcomes.
The home features a complex system of sensors and actuators that monitor temperature, light, sound, and motion to anticipate occupants' needs. This AI-powered system adapts to the household's lifestyle, maximizing comfort while minimizing energy waste.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has been awarded a $825,000 grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute to create a 'one-stop shopping' site for young scientists. The site will feature an extensive database on fellowships, graduate programs, job openings and other opportunities.
Dr. Roger J. Cuffey and his students have identified dinosaur footprints at Pipe Spring National Monument, offering a unique opportunity to study the tracks of an ancient three-toed beast. The findings suggest that the animal was likely a medium to large theropod, possibly the Eubrontes species.
A Johns Hopkins University professor has built a virtual laboratory to give engineering students hands-on experience with real-world challenges, including oil-drilling simulations and digital logic circuits. The online lab offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional labs, allowing more students to participate and reducing costs.