Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Report by OSU, international scientists says Earth is ‘unequivocally’ in midst of climate emergency

A report by Oregon State University and international scientists reveals that the Earth's vital signs have worsened, with 16 of 35 planetary indicators at record extremes. This includes increasing frequency of extreme heat events, rising global tree cover loss, and a greater prevalence of the mosquito-borne dengue virus.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBioScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 26, 2022

The Ocean should be treated as a living entity with inherent rights, and Ocean-centered governance introduced to resolve crises and foster a more harmonious co-existence with humanity, advocate researchers at the Earth Law Center and elsewhere

Researchers advocate for ocean-centered governance to resolve crises and foster harmony with humanity. The Earth Law Center and other experts propose introducing rights to the ocean.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 17, 2022

COVID-19 pandemic hurt academic experience for African international students, MU study finds

A recent MU study found that COVID-19 significantly impacted the academic experiences of African international students, with travel limitations, restricted employment opportunities, and family concerns making it difficult to focus on studies. The findings highlight the need for tailored support from universities during times of crisis.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

C-Path awarded FDA grant to establish public-private partnership to advance treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases

The Critical Path Institute (C-Path) has established a public-private partnership with the FDA and NIH to advance treatments for rare neurodegenerative diseases. The partnership will leverage C-Path's expertise in data management, quantitative analytics, and regulatory science to accelerate medical product development.

Pediatricians and public health officials should present a united front against controversial state masking bans for schools

Pediatricians and public health officials should present a united front against controversial state masking bans for schools, as these policies contradict evidence-based recommendations. The Delta variant overwhelmed pediatric emergency rooms and hospitals, highlighting the need for effective mitigation strategies.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateOct 20, 2021

COVID curriculum brings science home for high school students

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new curriculum that allows high school students to learn about coronaviruses, genetics, and bioinformatics from home. The lesson plan, which was created before COVID-19 vaccines were introduced, teaches students how different vaccines work and analyzes protein sequences. Students who...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalThe American Biology Teacher·DateOct 15, 2021

Misplaced trust: When trust in science fosters pseudoscience

A new study reveals that people who trust science are more likely to believe and disseminate false claims containing scientific references. In contrast, reminding them of the value of critical evaluation reduces belief in false claims. The findings have implications for curbing misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 26, 2021

How news coverage affects public trust in science

A study found that exposure to negative news stories about science without context can damage public perceptions of trust and confidence in scientific work. The researchers tested the effects of different narratives on a large group of U.S. adults and found that those who read problem-focused stories were less likely to believe that sc...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPublic Understanding of Science·DateJun 1, 2021

New perspectives in human behavior and culture

ASU researchers Kim Hill and Rob Boyd advocate for a new, fully integrated evolutionary theory of human behavior, combining adaptive behavioral ecology and cultural evolution approaches. Recent studies show that cultural history plays a significant role in shaping human behavioral variation, persisting for hundreds or thousands of years.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2021

Prominent academics, including Salk's Thomas Albright, call for more science in forensic science

Six scientists who served on the National Commission on Forensic Science are advocating for increased research and financial support of forensic science, as well as empirical testing requirements. They aim to reduce reliance on historical precedent and ensure the validity of forensic evidence to deliver justice.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 9, 2018

Algorithm increases employment opportunities for refugees

A new algorithm developed by ETH Zurich and Stanford University aims to increase employment opportunities for refugees in Switzerland by up to 73%. By analyzing data on refugees' characteristics and labor market conditions, the algorithm provides a tailored recommendation for which canton each refugee is most likely to find work.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateJan 19, 2018

Magnifying mistakes boosts motor skills past a performance plateau

A new study found that manipulating the perception of mistakes can further enhance motor skills after an initial performance peak. Exaggerating errors reduced neural 'noise' and allowed participants to break past their plateau. The findings challenge existing assumptions about noise reduction.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateAug 4, 2016

Scientists use 'virtual heart' to model heart failure

Scientists have developed a detailed computational model of the electrophysiology of congestive heart failure, allowing them to simulate subtle changes at the cellular and tissue levels. The 'virtual heart' model also helps researchers plan a new strategy against a specific form of fibrillation associated with heart failure.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 23, 2016

Pitch range produced by vocal cords

Scientists found that the range of frequencies produced by vocal cords depends on their stretchiness and stiffness. This discovery has implications for treating damaged vocal cords and improving singing techniques. The researchers used data from 16 species, including humans, to develop a model that explains how the cord's properties af...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 16, 2016

The primate brain is 'pre-adapted' to face potentially any situation

Scientists have discovered a special neural network in the primate brain that anticipates all possible situations, allowing for novel behavior adaptation. This 'reservoir computing' property enables the brain to create a universal representation of combinations, preparing primates for unlimited situations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJun 10, 2016

Avoiding collision leads to common routes

A new algorithm combines apparent motion of obstacles with a target direction to avoid collisions, resulting in the formation of common routes. This approach is inspired by insects' navigation and can be used for autonomous robots navigating complex environments.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 19, 2015

The dissemination of staph infections in hospitals

Research by Thomas Obadia and colleagues found that frequent contact between patients and healthcare workers increased the risk of Staphylococcus aureus transmission. The study analyzed 85,025 daily interactions over four months and validated the use of wireless sensors for infection control.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 19, 2015