Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Early childhood programs found to significantly lower likelihood of special education placements in third grade

Research finds that high-quality early childhood initiatives significantly lower likelihood of special education placements in third grade, benefiting students and reducing costs for school districts. The programs also provide positive spillover effects on other third graders, reducing preventable cognitive and social disabilities.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateFeb 3, 2015

LSU sociology professor researches the relationship between religion and educational attainment

A recent study by LSU sociology professor Samuel Stroope examines the relationship between religion and educational attainment in the US. The findings reveal that individual biblical literalism is negatively associated with college completion, while congregational biblical literalism has a sharp negative impact on non-literalists.

SourceLouisiana State University·JournalSociological Perspectives·DateJan 23, 2015

Incidence of colorectal cancer increasing in young adults

A new study finds that colorectal cancer incidence is increasing among young adults aged 20-39 years in the US. The data also showed greater CRC risk for certain racial groups and differences in tumor location and stage at diagnosis compared to older adults. Colorectal cancer is uncommon in people younger than 50 years of age.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalJournal of Adolescent and Young Adult Oncology·DateJan 22, 2015

State performance funding falling short in student retention and degree completion

New research found that state performance funding in Washington State did not increase student retention and degree completion, despite being a model for accountability systems. However, short-term certificate programs showed growth in students earning certificates with little value in the labor market.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateJan 14, 2015

Defects are perfect in laser-induced graphene

The study finds that laser-induced graphene (LIG) has a unique structure with five- and seven-atom rings, which can store charges and make it suitable for supercapacitors. Researchers developed a scalable one-step process to create LIG in detailed patterns.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 10, 2014

Short-term community college certificate programs offer limited labor-market returns

Research published by the American Educational Research Association found that short-term community college certificate programs have minimal economic returns in most fields of study. Associate degrees and long-term certificates, on the other hand, are associated with significant wage gains and increased employment rates. The study sug...

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalEducational Evaluation and Policy Analysis·DateNov 6, 2014

Patients benefit from caregiver involvement in hospital discharge intervention

A study published in The American Journal of Managed Care found that patients with family caregivers present during recruitment had significantly higher consent rates and completion rates for a post-hospital transitional care coaching intervention. Family caregiver involvement was associated with improved health outcomes, including low...

SourceCare New England·JournalThe American Journal of Managed Care·DateNov 5, 2014

'Divide and rule' -- raven politics

Researchers found that ravens with established alliances target those trying to form new ones, using a sophisticated 'divide and rule' strategy. This behavior was observed in approximately 300 wild ravens in the Northern Austrian Alps, demonstrating a high level of social complexity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2014

Meiotic cell division 'the other way round'

Researchers discovered an inversion of the standard meiotic phases in plant species with holocentric chromosomes, enabling them to distribute chromosomes correctly. This unique strategy involves an association between homologous non-sister chromatids and thin chromatin threads prior to the second meiotic division.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2014

Have you heard of sudden unexpected death in epilepsy?

A new study published in Epilepsia reports that 76% of caregivers are more likely to have heard of Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) compared to 65% of patients with epilepsy. SUDEP is a rare but devastating condition that occurs in about 1 in 1,000 individuals with epilepsy each year.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateOct 16, 2014

Taking advantage of graphene defects

Researchers discovered graphene's ability to rectify electric current using artificial triangular holes, offering a new approach for security screening detectors. The study provides an analytical framework for estimating the ratchet effect, which could lead to terahertz radiation detection.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateSep 24, 2014

Advancing the understanding of an understudied food allergy disorder

Eosinophilic gastritis is a chronic inflammatory condition characterized by high levels of eosinophils in the blood and gastrointestinal tract. The study found that it involves allergy-associated-immune mechanisms and has a distinct gene expression pattern, paving the way for improved diagnosis and treatment.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalJournal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology·DateSep 23, 2014