Add BrightSurf on Google Email

NYU Langone research shows early investment in families helps children succeed in school

A new study published in Pediatrics found that ParentCorps, a family-focused program developed at NYU Langone, improves early academic achievement and overall school performance among minority pre-kindergarten students. The program helps parents and teachers engage with families early on in their children's education, using scientifica...

Developmental delays in children following prolonged seizures

Researchers found that prolonged seizures in children are associated with developmental delays and impairments within six weeks of the event, which persist at one year. The study suggests that seizures may have a long-lasting impact on future development through reorganization of functional brain networks.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateApr 8, 2013

Migraine triggers tricky to pinpoint

A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center found that identifying migraine triggers is challenging due to daily fluctuations of variables such as weather, diet, hormone levels, and stress. The researchers suggest that patients need more formal experiments and work with their doctors to devise a plan to test triggers.

Robot ants successfully mimic real colony behavior

A team of researchers successfully replicated the behavior of a moving ant colony using miniature robots, called Alices. The robots navigated mazes by following chemical pheromone trails and directional random walks, demonstrating that efficient navigation can be achieved with minimal cognitive abilities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 28, 2013

Tourist-fed stingrays change their ways

Researchers found that tourist-fed stingrays at Stingray City show distinct patterns of activity, including daytime feeding and nighttime resting, compared to wild stingrays. Human interaction has drastically altered their behavior, with some stingrays abandoning their solitary nature and forming schools.

SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 18, 2013

School-based kitchen gardens are getting an A+

A new study found that school-based kitchen garden programs increase children's willingness to try new foods, with cooking classes playing a key role. The program not only teaches environmental sustainability but also skills to prepare and cook healthy meals using fresh produce.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateMar 7, 2013

Rice technique points toward 2-D devices

Rice University scientists develop a technique to combine single-atom-thick graphene and hexagonal boron nitride into sheets with controlled patterns. The new method enables the creation of fully functional devices with circuits on the same scale as current semiconductor fabrication.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 27, 2013

The impact of affirmative action bans in graduate fields of study

Research by Liliana M. Garces shows that affirmative action bans have a significant impact on the enrollment of students of color in various graduate fields, particularly engineering and natural sciences. The study suggests that institutions must adopt innovative outreach and recruitment practices to reverse underrepresentation trends.

SourceAmerican Educational Research Association·JournalAmerican Educational Research Journal·DateJan 24, 2013

Severity of emphysema predicts mortality

A Norwegian study found that emphysema severity is a strong predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in ever-smokers with or without COPD. The study also showed that airway wall thickness is associated with respiratory mortality in patients with severe emphysema.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJan 18, 2013

All in the family: A genetic link between epilepsy and migraine

A recent study found that individuals with a strong family history of seizure disorders are more likely to experience migraines with aura. The research, published in Epilepsia, analyzed data from over 730 participants with epilepsy and demonstrated a significant genetic link between the two conditions.

SourceWiley·JournalEpilepsia·DateJan 7, 2013

New study finds what makes a good mentor and mentee

A new research paper by Dr. Sharon Straus identified five key ingredients necessary for a successful mentoring relationship: reciprocity, mutual respect, clear expectations, personal connections, and shared values. Good mentors are honest, trustworthy, and active listeners who help their mentees achieve work-life balance.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateNov 30, 2012

Children who swim start smarter

Children who learn to swim early achieve better visual-motor skills and excel in literacy and numeracy. The comprehensive three-year study found significant differences between swimming and non-swimming children, regardless of socio-economic status.

Bridging the gap between genomics and education

The Nowgen Schools Genomics Programme provides free, multi-media resources to update the study of modern genetics in schools and colleges. The resources aim to bring cutting-edge research into the classroom, helping teachers and students explore the impact and potential of modern genetics.

Patients with diabetes left in the dark

A study found that patients newly diagnosed with type 2 diabetes often receive little information on diet and physical activity, leading to feelings of isolation. The research highlights the need for easily accessible resources and support to help patients manage their condition.

SourceSugar Nutrition UK·JournalPrimary Health Care Research & Development·DateOct 31, 2012