Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers find little evidence of cheating with online, unsupervised exams

A recent study by Iowa State University researchers found that individual student scores were slightly higher but consistent with in-person, proctored exams when taking online, unsupervised exams. The results hold true across different academic disciplines, class sizes, and test styles, indicating the validity of these assessments.

SourceIowa State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2023

WVU faculty, students contribute to cosmic breakthrough uncovering evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves

Researchers from West Virginia University have made a groundbreaking discovery by detecting evidence of low-frequency gravitational waves, which can only be perceived with a detector much larger than the Earth. The signal was detected using pulsar timing arrays and has significant implications for understanding spacetime dynamics.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJun 29, 2023

Evidence of ‘pandemic brain’ in college students

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that college students were less consistent in their decision making during the 2020 fall semester compared to previous years. Students were more likely to cycle between relying on gut instincts and thoroughly evaluating information depending on how scenarios were described.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of American College Health·DateMay 17, 2023

Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines and her research group uncovers new class of medicinal compounds that target RNA

A team of researchers led by Ohio University professor Jennifer Hines has uncovered a new class of compounds that can target RNA and disrupt its function. The discovery identified a chemical scaffold that could be used to develop RNA-targeted medicines for various diseases.

SourceOhio University·JournalBiochemical and Biophysical Research Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 13, 2023

How we learn from being wrong can lead to anxiety

A new study at the University of Miami investigated how student expectations of exam grades impact individuals' moods and outlooks. Researchers found that optimistic students learn more from positive surprises, while consistently pessimistic students predict lower scores despite slight improvements.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 10, 2023

Walnuts the new brain food for stressed university students

A recent clinical trial found that walnut consumption reduced stress and depression levels in university students. The study also showed improved metabolic biomarkers and overall sleep quality in the longer term. Walnuts contain nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and melatonin, which promote healthy brain and gut function.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNutrients·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 15, 2022

Fungi in sink drains act as ‘reservoirs for mould’

Research from the University of Reading found that sinks and P-traps harbor a surprising number of fungal organisms, including black moulds and relatives of baker's yeast. The study showed that these microorganisms can tolerate high temperatures, low pH, and low nutrients, making them a potential risk to health in certain environments.

SourceUniversity of Reading·JournalEnvironmental DNA·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Nutrition education should be ‘on the menu’ of all healthcare professionals’ education - new research

A new curriculum aims to integrate nutrition education into medical students' general undergraduate training, highlighting its importance in patient care and disease management. The curriculum is designed to equip future doctors with knowledge and skills to consider nutrition's role in patient conditions.

SourceAston University·JournalBritish Journal Of Nutrition·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 20, 2022

Climate change could make High Arctic fertile ground for emerging pandemics: uOttawa study

A novel genetic analysis by University of Ottawa researchers reveals that climate change could lead to an increased risk of viral spillover in the High Arctic. This increased risk may result in new viruses infecting previously uninfected hosts, potentially leading to emerging pandemics.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 19, 2022

Ohio University chemistry lab students predict spread of COVID-19 with kinetics models

Undergraduate students at Ohio University applied kinetic techniques learned in physical chemistry to analyze the COVID-19 spread data from the CDC. They developed a model that considers the effect of vaccination and made predictions for the following months, correctly predicting the surge in cases in Ohio.

SourceOhio University·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2022

How do galaxies evolve? A UMass Amherst undergrad may have provided the missing link

A UMass Amherst undergraduate student's work has provided key insight into how galaxies evolve, linking supermassive black hole growth to star formation. The study uses mid-infrared spectra to quantify the connection between these phenomena, paving the way for the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate galaxy evolution.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal·DateJul 21, 2022

Million-year-old Arctic sedimentary record sheds light on climate mystery, UMass Amherst researchers find

Researchers have provided a continuous look at the dramatic shift in glacial cycles, known as the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, using an ancient Arctic sedimentary record. The study reveals that three interglacial periods were warmer than previously thought, and there was a long-term drying trend during this period.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalClimate of the Past·DateMar 30, 2022

Run not just fun for Rice students, elementary partners

A new study by Rice University researchers shows that scheduled physical activity is beneficial for both elementary students and college students, improving their physical health and mental well-being. The program, which matched undergraduate mentors with local fifth graders, demonstrated the positive effects of exercise on young peopl...

SourceRice University·JournalRecent Progress in Nutrition·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2022

Persistent gender bias found in scientific research and related course materials: A long-term linguistic analysis

Two studies published in Language reveal persistent gender bias in both peer-reviewed journal articles and course materials used in linguistics. Linguistics textbooks exhibit male-gendered protagonists more often, while research articles show stereotypes about men and women, with non-binary identities absent.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

Students who felt that their university let them down during the COVID-19 pandemic ("institutional betrayal") were more likely to experience trauma symptoms

A study published in PLOS ONE found that students who felt their university failed them during the pandemic were more likely to experience trauma symptoms. The authors analyzed data from a large group of undergraduate students and discovered a significant association between institutional betrayal and trauma symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 20, 2021