Research on teaching, learning, and how education works. Covers health-tech education, mentorship and fellowships, NIH training grants, and digital learning.
A new study from the University of Missouri-Columbia found that men with higher levels of traditional masculinity tend to display greater improvement in their recovery from serious injuries. The study suggests that this strength and resilience may encourage men to seek help and recover more quickly.
Professor Ray Dolan of UCL Institute of Neurology received the prestigious Max Planck Research Award 2007 for his groundbreaking research on neuromodulation and behaviour. The award will support his investigation into neurochemical mechanisms underlying emotional learning and decision-making in humans.
Researchers found that bonobos were more tolerant and skilled in cooperative feeding than chimpanzees, exhibiting more sociosexual behavior and play. This suggests that social tendencies can hinder problem-solving under certain circumstances, highlighting the importance of emotional systems in evolutionary development.
A transportation study published by researchers at the University of Oregon has found that pedestrians typically walk half a mile to access light rail stations, contradicting common assumptions. The study highlights the importance of proximity to destinations and lack of major walking barriers over pedestrian-friendly environments.
The Gene Ontology (GO) has expanded its vocabulary to describe the complex events occurring when a microbe encounters its host. This updated language will enable researchers to compare gene functions in diverse organisms, including those related to disease-causing microbes and beneficial microbes.
A study found that benefits of increased homework vary widely across nations, grades, and quality of schools. In the US, there is a negative relationship between higher homework amounts and student achievement in elementary schools, but only a small benefit in middle schools.
The two-year project aims to create cost-effective, bio-based materials to replace petroleum-derived plastics, benefiting American farmers. Rutgers researchers will develop 'hybrid' materials combining naturally occurring plant substances with synthetic degradable polymer biomaterials.
A study of 118 pilots aged 40-69 found that experts demonstrated improved performance over time, outperforming younger pilots in traffic avoidance and scanning cockpit instruments. Pilots with advanced FAA ratings showed the least decline in skills, suggesting a 'crystallized intelligence' mechanism.
A study of 1,040 stroke patients found that 27% had cholesterol levels higher than recommended by national guidelines. Despite this, only 7% were at their ideal level for preventing future strokes and heart disease, emphasizing the importance of regular testing and treatment.
A study analyzed provider-reported events and errors in stroke patients, finding 12% experienced an adverse event and 86 were preventable. The hospital implemented new procedures to improve patient safety, including check sheets and safer medication delivery.
A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that living in poor neighborhoods significantly raises the risk of heart disease and stroke. Researchers analyzed data from over 1.9 million people and found that those living in high-deprivation neighborhoods were 1.9 times more likely to experience a heart attack or stroke.
Charles M. Vest was awarded the 2006 AAAS Philip Hauge Abelson Prize for his exceptional service to science and society. He has made significant contributions to public policy, education, and university research during his tenure as president emeritus of MIT.
A University of Houston student is working on a space suit redesign that prioritizes stability and locomotion for astronauts. Her research focuses on reducing the weight and improving the mobility of the space suit, which will enable astronauts to navigate the lunar terrain more easily.
A new study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that people with 'benign MS' for 10 years are at risk of disease progression after 20 years. After 20 years, nearly half of those with benign MS had progressed to a point where they needed a cane to walk.
Research reveals that Mexican-Americans perceive more and tougher barriers to higher education due to internal and relational factors. The study aims to understand how societal context influences student perceptions of roadblocks to achieving their goals.
A new study found that patients who received aprotinin during coronary artery bypass graft surgery had a higher risk of death over five years compared to those who did not receive the drug. The study, published in JAMA, also found that safer alternatives like aminocaproic acid and tranexamic acid were available.
A study by Wei-Jian Jiang found that successful stent placement reduces the risk of stroke for individuals with severe artery blockage. The risk was comparable to those with moderate blockage, suggesting that stents may not be beneficial for all patients at high risk.
The University of Nottingham has been awarded a £300,000 grant to collaborate with Indian researchers on a four-year project exploring mixture toxicity in living organisms. The project aims to develop a mathematical model predicting how organisms respond to chemical pollution.
The RAND Corporation's study found that privately managed schools in Philadelphia showed comparable academic gains to the rest of the district, while restructured schools demonstrated significant improvements in math and reading. The findings suggest challenges in implementing private management on a large scale.
A new study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology found that inhaled corticosteroids are the most effective initial daily therapy for children with mild to moderate persistent asthma. The study also showed no significant adverse growth effects among any of the medicines studied.
Researchers found that epilepsy patients can reliably predict when they are likely to have a seizure, with 32% accuracy. Accurate predictions also indicate reduced risk of seizures, providing reassurance and improved quality of life for those with epilepsy.
A large cohort study in the UK finds that British women's binge drinking habits are defined by their age and education level. Women with higher education tend to reduce their binge drinking as they age, while those with lower education levels increase their binge drinking risk, particularly after the age of 40.
A Stanford study systematically reviewed medical literature on growth hormone therapy for the elderly, concluding that it has minimal to no benefit and potential adverse side effects. The research found modest effects on body composition but no impact on clinically important outcomes such as bone density or cholesterol levels.
A new study from USC reveals that better-educated older adults experience greater declines in word memory compared to their less educated peers. Researchers found that while education is consistently linked to improved cognitive performance, it may not compensate for normal age-related memory loss after 70.
A study of 1032 women with chronic headaches found that those with migraines were four times more likely to report major depression symptoms. Chronic headache sufferers also experienced high levels of pain-related symptoms, including low energy and trouble sleeping.
Steven H. Strogatz receives the JPBM Communication Award for his work on human sleep, circadian rhythms, and mathematics outreach, featured in prominent media outlets and books. The award recognizes his efforts to reach a wider audience beyond the mathematical sciences community.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has awarded nearly $11.5 million to fund Science Education Partnership Awards (SEPA) across the US. These projects aim to promote health literacy and encourage students to pursue careers in the health sciences through hands-on, inquiry-based activities.
A study published in Neurology found that a gene variation linked to longevity also protects brain function in individuals over 90. Researchers analyzed 158 centenarians and found they had twice the likelihood of good brain function compared to those without the variant.
Researchers developed a three-hour workshop for healthcare providers to identify potentially unsafe drivers with dementia and encourage retirement from driving. The workshop resulted in a significant change in participants' willingness to ask patients about driving and document findings in the medical record.
Researchers used brain scans to study three women with sensory conversion disorder, also known as hysteria. The study found that stimulation of the numb hand or foot failed to activate the side of the brain that responds to touch, but did so when both limbs were stimulated.
Studies presented at the 2006 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology demonstrate significant gains in treating multiple myeloma and related blood cancers. New treatment regimens, including THALOMID, VELCADE, and REVLIMID, show promising results in both newly diagnosed and relapsed patients.
Researchers Vin de Silva and Robert Ghrist use homology theory to analyze sensor networks, providing global information about coverage areas and detecting intruders. The study offers insights into designing effective sensor networks for national security measures.
Researchers Katherine Jones-Smith and Harsh Mathur critique the work of physicist Richard Taylor, who claimed fractal analysis could authenticate Pollock's paintings. They found that fractal analysis leads to mathematical contradictions and inconsistencies in Pollock's works.
Primary Care Diabetes is an influential new journal launched in February 2007, covering clinical care, education, nutrition, health services, and psychosocial research related to diabetes. The journal aims to promote the implementation of evidence-based diabetes practices in primary care settings.
Many developing country universities are at risk if they don't strengthen their research capabilities and address regional development problems. The pressures are greatest, the need most acute, and it's a matter of life and death. Strong research capabilities are essential for relevance and survival.
Researchers will investigate how teacher understanding of professional development affects their teaching practices and student learning outcomes. The three-year project aims to understand the impact of professional development on student achievement, using data from 90 mathematics teachers.
Researchers at Tufts University are developing a new curriculum that combines engineering with basic science to improve student engagement and understanding. The curriculum, funded by the National Science Foundation, will be tested in Boston-area elementary schools over the next five years.
Researchers have cloned a wild wheat gene that increases protein, zinc, and iron content in grain by 10-15%, potentially addressing nutritional deficiencies affecting millions of children worldwide. The study confirms the gene's effect on matured grains showing higher nutrient levels without sacrificing size or quality.
A team of researchers found that controlling population peaks on the edges of the gypsy moth range can help slow their invasion into virgin territory. The study's findings suggest that suppressing outbreaks near the invasion front could reduce the number of dispersers and prevent periodic surges of growth.
John R. Nesselroade receives the award for his pioneering work on psychometrics of aging and its impact on representing complex interactions in aging. The GSA presented the honor at its 59th Annual Scientific Meeting in Dallas, TX.
Katherine Freund, president of ITN America, is recognized for her work in developing innovative programs that translate research into practical application or policy. The award acknowledges her efforts to improve mobility issues for older adults, ranking high in the 2005 White House Conference on Aging.
Kyriakos S. Markides of UTMB received the 2006 GSA Award for Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology for fostering excellence and inspiring students with his research on health disparities in aging populations.
The Gerontological Society of America has chosen University of Washington's Linda Teri to receive the 2006 M. Powell Lawton Award for her groundbreaking research on interventions for patients with Alzheimer's Disease. Her work challenges traditional assumptions and demonstrates effective caregiver training in reducing depression and im...
Rafael de Cabo receives award for his work on caloric restriction and anti-aging effects, with the presentation to take place at GSA's Annual Scientific Meeting in Dallas, TX. The Gerontological Society of America established the Nathan Shock Award in 1986 to recognize outstanding contributions to gerontological research.
Margaret Gatz received the award for her contributions to international collaborations and shaping US mental health policy and aging issues. The Kent Lecture is expected to be a highlight at the Annual Scientific Meeting, where Gatz will present.
Virginia Tech's Toni M. Calasanti received the 2006 Richard Kalish Innovative Publication Award from The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) for her insightful and innovative publication on aging, 'Feminist Gerontology and Old Men.' This award recognizes state-of-the-art thinking in aging and life course development.
Julie McMullin, a University of Western Ontario researcher, has received the 2006 GSA's Margret M. Baltes Award for her outstanding early career contributions to behavioral and social gerontology. McMullin is an internationally recognized scholar in aging and the life course.
Carstensen will receive the award at GSA's 59th Annual Scientific Meeting for her groundbreaking research on social relationships and motivation in older adults. Her work has offered a compelling alternative explanation for age-related declines in social involvement.
A RAND Corporation report reveals that comprehensive school reform models are unlikely to improve student achievement without substantial support. Despite adopting curriculum changes, teachers often received inadequate training, hindering the adoption of instructional practices and parental involvement strategies.
Mathematicians Brams, Jones, and Klamler describe a new method for cutting a cake called SP (Surplus Procedure), which ensures both parties feel they get approximately 65% of what they want. The article discusses potential uses of this method in dispute resolution and land division, and highlights its strategy-proof nature.
The University of Houston has received a $1.4 million grant to provide students with hands-on training in the petroleum industry. The donation includes the KINGDOM Suite software, which will be used for research and classes.
The University of Arizona has received a $3.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to improve advanced math education and train more professionals. The VIGRE program will vertically integrate mathematics training, increasing collaborations between students and faculty across different levels of training.
A recent study published in Neurology found that nearly 40% of children and teenagers with migraines no longer experience headaches 10 years later. Kids with a family history of migraines are more likely to still have migraines by adulthood.
A Mayo Clinic study finds that newspaper articles tend to focus on young coma patients who are more likely to awaken and recover, creating a skewed public perception. The study also highlights the need for accurate representation of comas in media, noting that medical sources could provide more thorough information than police reports.
Rutgers' Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation (CAIT) has won a $1 million per year federal grant through 2010. The center will advance U.S. technology and expertise in transportation through research, education, and technology transfer.
The NSF-funded scholarship program will support four cohorts of SIS graduate students in the SAIS track, aiming to address the growing need for IA professionals. Graduates will be qualified to manage large networks and infrastructures, with a focus on diversity and underrepresented groups.
Rice and IBM collaborate to develop an open-standards-based service-oriented architecture (SOA) to integrate diverse academic software applications. The SOA will enable institutions to tie together their applications, making it easier for faculty and students to create a more integrated learning environment.
Scientists have documented unprecedented warmth in the Arctic Ocean, with recent surges of warm water from the North Atlantic Ocean continuing to pulse into the region. This increase in warm water could lead to a warmer state in the Arctic Ocean, affecting global climate patterns.
Senator Alexander was awarded the SURA Distinguished Friend of Science Award for his efforts to promote basic scientific research and improve math and science education. The award recognizes his commitment to advancing the nation's competitive edge in science and technology.
Research from Florida State University shows immigrant children are no more likely to repeat a grade than their American-born counterparts. In fact, first- and second-generation boys are 54% less likely to be held back than their male peers.