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Scientists’ biographies may demotivate, not inspire, children to study science

Research finds that bestselling children's science biographies often portray scientists' abilities as innate, discouraging young readers, especially girls and minority children. The study highlights the importance of growth mindset narratives in promoting motivation and accessibility in STEM fields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 28, 2026

Cal Poly biological sciences professor receives Botanical Society of America’s Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award

Nishi Rajakaruna, a Cal Poly biological sciences professor, has received the Charles Edwin Bessey Teaching Award for his innovative teaching methods that combine fieldwork, food, culture, and rigorous science. The award recognizes his dedication to improving botanical education at a regional, national, or international level.

Korea University College of Medicine holds the entrance ceremony for the 2025 fall degree integration course of Lee Jong-wook Fellowship program

The degree integration course provides a master's course in basic medicine, Medical Education, and nursing for healthcare professionals in developing countries. Currently, 27 students are being trained, with the goal of creating a virtuous cycle of research, education, and practice in their home countries.

Optional learning support fosters self-directed learning

A study at the University of Cologne found that optional support is mainly used by students who need it most, making it a potentially effective tool for individualized support. However, relying solely on this type of support is not enough to address initial differences in prior knowledge.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalInternational Journal of Science Education·TypeSurvey·DateNov 11, 2025

Stowers Institute recruits renowned developmental and evolutionary biologist from HHMI’s Janelia Research Campus

David Stern, a Senior Group Leader at Janelia Research Campus, joins Stowers Institute to uncover new avenues of biology with enormous implications. His lab discovered 'bicycle proteins' that trick plants into growing protective homes for aphids, shedding light on the battle between plants and insects.

New study examines informal educators’ self-efficacy in facilitating youth civic engagement for the environment

A new study examines the self-efficacy of informal educators in leading youth civic engagement projects. The research found that despite an initial increase in confidence, many educators reported a decrease in self-efficacy after participating in professional development initiatives aimed at addressing environmental issues.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalJournal of Museum Education·DateMay 29, 2025

Providing educational support for children with severe illnesses: insights from the new Sunshine Hospital School program

The New Sunshine Hospital School Program provides flexible, adaptive education to hospitalized children, addressing the unique needs of those with severe illnesses. The program's innovative models and strategies have contributed valuable insights to global efforts in healthcare and education.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCase study·DateApr 7, 2025

ECNU Review of Education study explores how large language models can revolutionize teaching as personalized assistants

A study explores how large language models (LLMs) can transform teaching by generating customized educational materials, assessing student progress, and providing targeted feedback. LLMs excel at automating routine tasks, reducing teachers' workload and enabling them to focus on mentoring students.

SourceECNU Review of Education·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 2, 2025

Teaching kids about bugs benefits the environment

Participating in insect-related citizen science projects boosts students' intentions to change their personal behavior and encourage others to protect nature. Teachers also report increased interest in incorporating insect-related topics into their teaching, leading to a positive association with student pro-environmental behavior change.

Can AI help detect cognitive impairment?

Researchers developed a portable system using AI to spot cognitive impairment by measuring subtle differences in motor function. The device accurately identified 83% of participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), offering potential for early intervention and improved outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAlzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders·DateMar 13, 2025

Creativity boosts NAPLAN literacy and numeracy scores

A University of South Australia study found that students who exhibit higher levels of creativity tend to excel in literacy and numeracy assessments. Higher flexibility in divergent thinking was associated with stronger NAPLAN literacy outcomes, while mathematical creativity was linked to stronger numeracy performance.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalThinking Skills and Creativity·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 4, 2025

Outstanding Cal Poly public health faculty member and global health advocate among first Faculty Excellence Award honorees

Joni Roberts, a Cal Poly Assistant Professor, has been chosen as the first recipient of the Faculty Excellence Award for her exceptional dedication to public health education and global health advocacy. Her research addresses health disparities and promotes equity, while her teaching spans the public health curriculum.

Making quantum physics easier to digest in schools

Researchers at Universität Leipzig focus on two-state systems, known as qubits, to improve conceptual understanding in learners. The study shows that teaching concepts based on two-state systems are more conducive to learning than traditional approaches.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalPhysical Review Physics Education Research·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 27, 2024

UVA engineering professor will augment his students’ reality this spring

Devin Harris and his team have developed an augmented reality app, STRUCT-AR, that allows students to 'stress test' virtual bridges, beams, frames, and trusses. The app, which is set to be tested this spring, aims to improve students' understanding of structural behavior by providing a more interactive and immersive learning experience.

Algae research provides insight on immune health

A new study by University of Texas at Arlington researchers found that living with symbiotic algae weakens the immune system of jellyfish, making them more vulnerable to infections. This finding has important implications for coral reef conservation and human disease prevention.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2024

Sociodemographic factors associated with depression among people living with human immunodeficiency virus on antiretroviral therapy at a university teaching hospital in a Nigerian cosmopolitan city

A hospital-based study found depression highly prevalent among people living with HIV (44.9%) in a Nigerian university teaching hospital. Sociodemographic factors such as male gender, formal employment, and moderate income levels were associated with reduced odds of depression.

SourceXia & He Publishing Inc.·JournalExploratory Research and Hypothesis in Medicine·DateOct 25, 2024