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Penn and German researchers help identify neural basis of multitasking

A study by Penn and German researchers reveals that cognitive flexibility is predicted by the degree to which brain networks reconfigure themselves. Participants who performed best on alternating tasks showed more rearrangement of connections within their frontal cortices and new connections with other areas of their brains.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 1, 2015

Scientists from NTU Singapore find electrifying solution to sticky problem

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a novel adhesive called Voltaglue that can be activated by electricity, allowing for the creation of strong yet reversible bonds. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for various industries, including transportation and medicine, and could potentially revolutionize the way adhesive...

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 24, 2015

Young adults believe hookah, e-cigs are safer than cigarettes

A study of 2,871 young adults found that many believe e-cigarettes and hookah are less risky than cigarettes. Younger respondents (18-24) were more likely to rate e-cigs and hookah as safer, while older respondents (25-34) were more cautious. Despite this, most respondents continued to use tobacco products.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateAug 24, 2015

Helium anomaly preceded Mount Ontake eruption

Researchers found a significant increase in helium-3 to helium-4 ratio at the hot spring closest to the volcano prior to the 2014 eruption. This suggests that helium anomalies are associated with phreatic eruptions, potentially offering valuable insights for long-term risk management and disaster mitigation.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 19, 2015

Work, pedal, and be healthy

A study from the University of Iowa found that portable pedaling devices under desks can inspire active work habits in sedentary employees. Participants who used these devices for 50 minutes a day over 16 weeks showed significant benefits.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·DateAug 10, 2015

Legacy of slavery still impacts education in the south

A new study by Rice University found that the legacy of slavery contributes to black-white education disparities through greater public-private school racial segregation. The research also shows a correlation between historical geographic slave concentration and modern-day K-12 school segregation, with white students being underreprese...

SourceRice University·JournalSociology of Race and Ethnicity·DateJun 22, 2015

New study explores whether newborns delivered by c-section face higher risk of chronic health problems later in life

A new study published in the British Medical Journal examines the evidence on whether newborns delivered by C-section are more likely to develop obesity, asthma, and diabetes later in life. The authors find that cesarean delivery may lead to worse long-term child health, warranting concerns for clinical guidelines.

No improvement in cognition with post-menopausal hormones

A recent study found that post-menopausal hormone therapy did not improve cognitive function, but may have benefits for certain mood symptoms. The trial included 693 recently postmenopausal women and followed them for four years, with some women experiencing improvements in mood symptoms.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 2, 2015

UM-based cooperative research institute receives $125 million award, renewed agreement

CIMAS, a 10-member research consortium based at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School, has received a $125 million award from NOAA to fund its activities over the next five years. The renewed partnership will focus on improving hurricane forecasting, ecosystem-based ocean management, and climate prediction.

Burmese long-tailed macaque stone-tool use catalogued

Eighty percent of Burmese long-tailed macaques on an island in southern Thailand use stone and shell tools to crack open seafood, employing 17 different action patterns. The study catalogued tool use and action patterns, revealing one-handed hammering for precision striking and two-handed hammering for larger shells.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2015

Caution urged in using measures of students' 'non-cognitive' skills for teacher evaluation, school accountability, or student diagnosis

Researchers warn against using existing measures of non-cognitive skills, such as self-control and grit, for evaluating educators, programs, or diagnosing students. The measures are not yet ready for educational use and may yield misleading results. A multi-method approach to measurement can increase reliability and validity.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Researcher·DateMay 13, 2015