Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Top-tier research institutions form alliance to explore equitable career advancement in higher education

Carnegie Mellon University, Johns Hopkins University, and New York University team up with a $3 million NSF grant to develop Project ELEVATE, promoting equitable STEM career advancement for underrepresented faculty. The alliance aims to create a collaborative community for institutional change at private research institutions.

Study shows program improves teaching skills, students' word problem solving

A new study from the University of Kansas found that a professional development intervention improved an educator's teaching skills and boosted students' abilities to solve word problems, especially for Hispanic English-learning students with math learning disabilities. The program helped develop a 'feedback loop' between educator and ...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Learning Disabilities·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022

At home, do-it-yourself fluid mechanics

Students in a University of Illinois course used household items like buttercream frosting, toothpaste, and yogurt to measure fluid properties. They developed creative methods for carrying out rheometric measurements, including compression squeeze flow analysis and gravity-driven filament stretching.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMay 10, 2022

How name change can impact a female researcher’s career

A recent commentary by Dartmouth College's Bala Chaudhary highlights the challenges faced by women researchers who choose to get married and change their last names. The lack of a consistent way to update publication records can lead to biases in grant and tenure applications, potentially affecting career advancement.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Microbiology·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 15, 2022

Public engagement benefits scientists: lessons from the initiative to bring science programs to the incarcerated

A survey of incarcerated individuals and scientists participating in the INSPIRE program found significant benefits for scientists, including increased interest in taking action on social justice. The experience also produced counterstereotypical effects, shifting negative preconceived notions into empathy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 23, 2022

Illinois musicians, chemists use sound to better understand science

Researchers at the University of Illinois used sonification to analyze data and teach protein folding, leading to a new discovery about protein folding mechanisms. Musicians collaborated with chemists to create audio-mapped visualizations that complemented traditional views, increasing intuition for experts.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 17, 2022

Spatial training with blocks and puzzles could unlock the UK's mathematical potential

A new study from the University of Surrey found that teaching spatial skills, particularly with physical manipulatives, improves mathematics performance. The research suggests that spatial reasoning training could be a novel avenue for improving STEM skills, potentially addressing the UK's significant shortfall in workers.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 10, 2022

Faculty mentor training program strengthens university’s institutional climate

A pioneering program at UC San Diego Health Sciences has trained 23% of faculty between 2017-2020, improving mentoring quality and faculty satisfaction, especially among underrepresented groups. The program's success suggests a universally applicable model for medical schools to improve diversity and success.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Science·DateJan 11, 2022

Stereotypes in STEM fields start by age six

A new study by the University of Houston researcher found that gender stereotypes in computer science and engineering begin at age six, leading to a lack of representation of girls and women in these fields. The study suggests that introducing high-quality STEM activities in elementary school can help close the gender gap.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2021

Why do muffins rise in the oven? Researcher wins NSF award to develop phenomenon-based science courses for elementary teachers

Northern Arizona University researcher Marti Canipe has developed a three-year project to create science courses for undergraduate elementary education majors using phenomenon-based instruction methods. The courses will focus on real-life phenomena and engage students in scientific practices, leading to deeper understanding of science ...

Using virtual reality to help students understand the brain's complex systems, NYUAD researchers demonstrate effectiveness of 3D visualization as a learning tool

Researchers from NYUAD and University of Wisconsin-Madison develop interactive 3D diagrams to teach functional neuroanatomy. The study shows that VR exceeded PC viewing for experience-based learning outcomes, making it an enjoyable and easier learning tool.

SourceNew York University·JournalTranslational Issues in Psychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

New approaches for teaching science remotely arise from the COVID-19 crisis

A new paper explores effective methods for teaching science remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic, including experiential hands-on activities, interactive labs, and environmental science research projects. These approaches enhanced student engagement, collaboration, and learning outcomes, despite the challenges of remote instruction.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Microbiology and Biology Education·DateApr 27, 2021

Measuring melting ice

University of Delaware Assistant Professor Carlos Moffat studies coastal systems and glacial ice retreat to understand global sea level rise. He will investigate freshwater discharge and its impact on ocean circulation and marine organisms.

Applying artificial intelligence to science education

Machine learning transforms traditional science assessment by tapping into complex constructs, improving functionality and facilitating automatic scoring. The technology is expected to redefine science assessment practices and change the future of education.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateOct 7, 2020

Feed additive reduces enteric methane emissions in dairy cows

A study published in the Journal of Dairy Science found that a feed additive called 3-nitrooxypropanol (3-NOP) can reduce enteric methane emissions in dairy cows by 22-40%. The addition of 3-NOP to the diet did not affect dry matter intake or milk yield but increased milk fat concentration and yield.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateJun 24, 2020

Seductive details inhibit learning

A meta-analysis of 58 studies involving over 7,500 students found that seductive details can lower learning outcome measures. The analysis suggests that students' attention is diverted towards irrelevant information, leading to decreased performance. However, good details can still engage students if they are pertinent to the topic.

SourceWashington State University·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateMar 19, 2020