Articles tagged with Science Education
A new module in biodiversity collections addresses the need for scientists to have both foundational biological skills and data acumen. The module was implemented in 10 courses across four universities and showed strong learning results, with students feeling well-prepared to collect and archive specimens, as well as deposit digital da...
A recent international workshop aimed to turn plans for a crewed lunar observatory into reality. The workshop, led by Vanderbilt astrophysicist Karan Jani, brought together experts from GW science, planetary science, and lunar exploration to discuss the geophysical properties of the moon and opportunities for observation.
A new study found that brief exposure to an infographic about the scientific process can strengthen people's trust in science and reduce beliefs in COVID-19 misinformation. The study, led by Indiana University, involved 1,017 adults and showed a small increase in trust after just 60 seconds of infographic exposure.
Left atrium emptying fraction derived from cardiac CTA improves predictive performance of established clinical risk scores. A reduced LAEF independently predicts all-cause mortality within 24 months post-procedure.
The global coral reef crisis is characterized by widespread overfishing, pollution, disease, and climate change. The report highlights the need for swift action to address these issues and identifies management efforts such as reducing pollution and establishing marine protected areas.
The University of California, Riverside has received a $5 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to train young scientists and physicians in stem cell research. The program, named TRANSCEND, will provide training in broad areas of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine.
Russian STEM specialists do not receive higher wages than their non-STEM counterparts, regardless of education level or job type. The study examines the supply and demand of STEM professionals in Russia, finding that the gap between skilled workers does not exist.
A study found that Filipino, Vietnamese, and Thai students are less likely to major in STEM fields and have lower math scores than other Asian American students. The research highlights the need for policymakers to understand the specific needs of underrepresented Asian American ethnic subgroups.
A new beetle species, Pulchritudo attenboroughi, was identified in a fossil from the Green River Formation in Colorado, with its unique beauty and preserved patterns making it an exceptional find. The beetle was named after Sir David Attenborough, who inspired its discoverers.
Exposure to nature imagery or sounds decreases physiological signs of stress in incarcerated individuals and sparks interest in learning about natural habitats. Virtual nature experiences also boost curiosity and eagerness to learn about science and the natural world.
Lehigh University researcher Roberto Palmieri aims to make RDMA technology even faster by revisiting a long-held theory. His goal is to enable all machines to interact with local memory, reducing latency and improving performance.
The xAire project measured nitrogen dioxide levels in 725 locations, providing unprecedented information on Barcelona's air pollution. The study found that 5% of samples exceeded the WHO threshold, with significant differences between districts and streets.
Researchers developed a new method to quantify cyclones' influence on atmospheric circulation, improving climate projection accuracy. This approach allows for finer details to be revealed in patterns of cyclones and anticyclones.
The team uses a technique called Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) with an originally designed 3D-printed attenuated total reflectance (ATR) unit to identify the orientation of molecules and chemical bonds in crystalline organic-inorganic hybrid thin films
Scientists from Kanazawa University use HS-AFM to study DNA-histone interactions, revealing spatiotemporal dynamics and real-time observations of wrapping, sliding, sandwiching, and wrapping motions. The study provides valuable insights into the compactification of DNA and its potential applications in understanding human diseases.
A new paper provides ten guiding principles for structured lab group meetings that are more inclusive and productive, leading to better science. The guidelines aim to create diverse and inclusive lab environments, increasing individual and collective productivity.
A study of 182 undergraduate students found that pandemic-related changes affected motivation levels variably, with some students becoming more motivated while others remained unchanged or became less motivated. Demographic factors such as socioeconomic status and first-generation student status did not significantly impact the findings.
Researchers found that infants aged 7 and 8 months could identify two faces when the temporal interval was 800ms, but overlooked the second face when separated by 200ms. This suggests that infants take less than a second to process visual information and have the same temporal limitation as adults.
David Moutard, a Wayne State University graduate student, has been selected to participate in the Office of Science Graduate Student Research (SCGSR) program. He will conduct research at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and study transient astronomical events, including supernovae and tidal disruption events.
A new study found that more college students change majors within the STEM pipeline than leave the career path altogether. Students often switch to a field they find more attractive, highlighting the importance of understanding their motivations.
Gemma C. Solomon, a professor at the University of Copenhagen, receives the prestigious Elite Research Prize 2021 for her groundbreaking research on molecules that can help solve current and future problems. Her work has the potential to revolutionize our use of power and heat in green transition.
A study by Virginia Commonwealth University researchers found that romantic relationships can help alleviate the negative impact of trauma on drinking behavior among college students. The study, which involved nearly 9,000 participants, discovered that students who experienced interpersonal trauma during college consumed more alcohol t...
Researchers identified genes overexpressed in mouse models of arthritis, showing that TARM1 suppresses immune system response and collagen-induced arthritis. TARM1 inhibition weakens autoimmune arthritis, suggesting a new treatment target for autoimmune diseases.
A study found that growth mindsets are positively correlated with math, science, and reading performance globally. However, the effect is weaker in countries with low educational mobility, where environmental factors hinder individual growth.
Researchers used LED lights to measure collective brain activities in a group of mice, finding that gamma bursts were reduced during social interactions. The findings suggest a 'social buffering effect,' where being together reduces stress and anxiety.
Esther Ngumbi, an entomologist, has made significant contributions to public engagement with science through her research, writing, mentoring, and community outreach. Her work has benefited farmers in Kenya and across sub-Saharan Africa, as well as students from underrepresented minority groups.
A University of Houston team found that the new C-diff guidelines are fourfold more predictive in identifying patients likely to die during hospitalization. The revised severity assessment allows doctors to tailor treatment accordingly, improving patient outcomes.
A new study at the University of Copenhagen found that increased study hours do not necessarily lead to better educational outcomes. Students reported spending time on tasks without feeling engaged or retaining information. The researchers suggest qualitative surveys to better understand study engagement and quality.
A recent study from University of Illinois researchers found that racial microaggressions contribute to disparities in STEM education programs. Students of color who experience exclusion, invisibility, or isolation on campus are less likely to continue in STEM majors. The study aimed to encourage STEM-related academic programs to addre...
Jefferson Science Associates has awarded ten graduate fellowships to doctoral students for the 2020-2021 academic year. The fellowships will support students' advanced studies and research at the Thomas Jefferson National Accelerator Facility.
Researchers developed an implantable smart wrap that detects when the bladder needs to be emptied and sends a signal to expand or contract. The device addresses the under-active bladder condition, where patients have difficulty urinating regularly.
A team of researchers has proposed a method to use time crystals to simulate massive networks with very little computing power. They used graph theory and statistical mechanics to fill the gap in understanding time crystals and their applications.
A new study reveals the oldest securely dated evidence for a river flowing through the Thar Desert, dating back to approximately 172 and 140 thousand years ago. This discovery provides valuable insights into human migration patterns and adaptation strategies in the region.
Two Canadian students, Angéline Lafleur and Jeremy Leigh, have been awarded Schulich Leader Scholarships to pursue science and engineering studies at uOttawa. The four-year scholarships are valued at up to $100,000 each and provide numerous benefits, including joining an elite network.
The Inclusion in Science Learning A New Direction (ISLAND) conference is a global forum for promoting STEM inclusion for persons with disabilities. The 11th annual conference will be held virtually on September 12, bringing together access technology developers, educators, and researchers to share experiences and best practices.
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science develop novel mechanism for tuning luminescence of a transparent material by controlling proton concentration via voltage application. This breakthrough discovery opens possibilities for advancing methodologies in biological and electronics research.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have created a novel alkaline hydrogel suitable for wound healing via a method requiring no special equipment. The gel forms in minutes and has high water content, making it ideal for wound dressing and promoting the growth of new cells.
Researchers studied a unique plant species with one leaf that continues to grow larger indefinitely. The study found overlapping gene expression patterns, suggesting the plant's unusual growth is due to a hybrid of shoot meristem and leaf cells.
The study establishes relationships between game progress and entertainment experiences using Newtonian laws of motion, revealing the player's mental state. The game refinement theory explores fundamental mechanisms of game playing mechanics, mapping different cultures to human mind sophistication.
Researchers at the Complexity Science Hub Vienna developed a traffic light system to show global coronavirus infection trends. The tool helps users assess safe travel destinations by analyzing confirmed cases per 10,000 inhabitants, providing insights into the risks of traveling to countries with varying levels of infection.
A study found that digital literacy tips improved people's ability to discern between mainstream and false news headlines by 26.5% in the US and 17.5% in India. Regular reinforcement is needed for these lessons to be effective.
Researchers found that limiting media use can lead to disinterest, while introducing new materials expands children's creativity and improves motivation. Educators are recommended to instruct students on new media application and object proportion management to enhance learning outcomes.
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology create unique micro-springs from natural polysaccharide fibers with self-assembling twisted microstructures. The sacran fiber behaves like a mechanical spring under humid conditions, enabling fast bending and stretching responses to changes in humidity.
Scientists from Tokyo University of Science successfully synthesized a new compound that can reactivate the self-destruct gene in cancer cells, offering a potential new treatment option for patients with colorectal cancer. The team's breakthrough could lead to improved outcomes and quality of life for patients with this devastating dis...
A new study found that primary school students' perceptions of science and scientists are influenced by media stereotypes, with many feeling that a career in science is too difficult or high-pressure. Despite this, most students do not see gender as a barrier to becoming a scientist, showing progress in normalizing women in STEM.
A recent study by Tokyo Institute of Technology researchers suggests that mixtures of simple organic compounds can react to form more complex compounds, including RNA precursors. This continuous reaction network could help explain how life on primitive planets might have formed.
A national-level study found that converting high-value research hardware to free and open-source designs can save Finland millions of Euros annually. The study suggests this approach could strengthen the country's atomic layer deposition and nano-scale imaging research excellence.
A Russia-based study found that national online education platforms can significantly lower instruction costs for STEM courses, allowing resource-constrained universities to enroll more students. The study also discovered that blended instruction formats offer the greatest cost savings of 19.2% for one course and 15.4% for another.
New research suggests that scientists who are known for their hard work, like Thomas Edison, are more motivating than those who are viewed as naturally brilliant, like Albert Einstein. The findings dispel myths about what it takes to succeed in science and can help optimize science education.
A study of over 6,000 newborn babies found that longer pregnancies are associated with chemical DNA changes in thousands of genes. These epigenetic modifications may influence fetal organ development and potentially affect the health of premature birth children.
Five UMass Amherst Ph.D. students have received AOCS student awards for their work in functional foods, bioavailability of nutrients and nanotechnology applications in food science. Their research has been recognized as innovative and creative, reflecting the caliber of the university's food science program.
The International Arctic Station (IAS), dubbed Snowflake, will be a fully autonomous facility powered by renewable energy sources and hydrogen fuel. The station aims to test and promote environmentally friendly technologies for life support and remote settlement maintenance in the Arctic region.
John Drazan, a biomechanics researcher, received the AAAS Early Career Award for Public Engagement. He was recognized for his work combining research and public engagement to make science relevant to young people through sports.
Scientists at Tokyo University of Science have developed a fully coupled AI chip that can solve the traveling salesman problem for 22 cities instantly. The new technique reduces processing time and number of spin cells required, paving the way for applications in office equipment and tablet terminals.
A team of scientists at Tokyo University of Science has observed antiferromagnetic transitions in a type of Tsai-type approximant, a structure similar to quasicrystals. This finding could lead to the creation of quasicrystals with unique properties.
Researchers found that optimal learning occurs when failure rates are 15%, resulting in 85% accuracy. This '85% Rule' is based on machine-learning experiments and may apply to human perceptual learning as well.
The University of Pittsburgh has been awarded a $10 million grant to create a network of precollege programs with accreditation standards, aiming to increase racial and ethnic diversity in STEM fields. The goal is to address gaps between underrepresented students in STEM fields, ultimately leading to more diverse STEM majors and jobs.
A majority of Iowans (74%) believe it's essential for presidential candidates to discuss how science affects policymaking, but only 22% recall this during past debates. The Iowa Science Survey found strong support for science-based challenges like climate change and health care.
Scientists have developed a highly sensitive 'sniff-cam' that can detect low levels of disease biomarkers in breath, including diabetes, lung cancer, and Parkinson's disease. The device uses an ultraviolet ring light, filters, and a camera to measure volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the breath.
A new study found that 5- to 8-month-old babies exhibit face-specific brain activity in response to yawning, suggesting a neural basis for their preference. The research used functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure brain activity while babies viewed yawning and mouth movement.