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BrainHealth research demonstrates cognitive training improves student learning

The study demonstrates that professional development with a focus on neuroscience equips teachers to reduce learning gaps in eighth-grade students. Students who received SMART training showed improvements exceeding the statewide average in Reading, Mathematics, and other subjects.

SourceCenter for BrainHealth·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

The pandemic put university students’ study engagement to the test and greatly increased burnout

The pandemic significantly increased study burnout among university students, with engagement in studies dropping to its lowest level in late 2020. The conflict between demands and resources was a central factor, while basic psychological needs such as autonomy, relatedness, and competence played a crucial role in student wellbeing.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·TypeSurvey·DateApr 21, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Developing student learning in the ever-changing landscape of higher education

The special issue of the ECNU Review of Education examines how digital shift, international student mobility, and assessment methods impact student learning in higher education. Research reveals that offline interaction generates more desirable academic outcomes, while online education fosters student autonomy and thesis completion.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalECNU Review of Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 30, 2022

Anyone can be trained to be creative, researchers say

Researchers developed a new method to train people to be creative by making up stories that imagine alternative worlds, shift perspective, and generate unexpected actions. The narrative approach helps individuals tap into their innate creativity, rather than relying on divergent thinking techniques that focus on problem-solving.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAnnals of the New York Academy of Sciences·TypeSystematic review·DateMar 14, 2022

Reading builds resilience among at-risk kids

A study from University of South Australia found that reading aloud to children can triple a child's resilience at school, particularly for those who have suffered abuse or neglect. The study identified reading as a key factor in supporting children's emotional, social and physical development before they start school.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 7, 2022

Positive teacher-student relationships lead to better teaching

A new study at the University of Missouri found that positive teacher-student relationships lead to better teaching, as teachers who demonstrate 'soft' skills like kindness and compassion tend to use high-impact teaching practices. Students who feel cared for by their teacher are more motivated to learn and engaged in the classroom.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalLearning and Instruction·TypeSurvey·DateMar 7, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Sense of belonging helps high school students engage with STEM

A new study from North Carolina State University found that feeling inclusive in the classroom is key to promoting STEM education and student engagement. Students who felt their classrooms were inclusive were more likely to feel like they belonged and engage with their STEM classes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·TypeObservational study·DateMar 3, 2022
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Learning in the lab can continue at a distance

A study by University of Georgia researchers found that remote learning programs in labs continued to be effective during the pandemic, with students praising quality mentorship and skills development. However, they also reported missing informal interactions and structure.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalCBE—Life Sciences Education·DateFeb 17, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Surveillance testing shown to reduce community COVID-19 spread

Surveillance testing using saliva-based PCR tests significantly reduced community COVID-19 spread, catching 62% of positive cases in the Fall 2020 semester. By combining testing with mitigation strategies like masking and social distancing, Georgia Tech reduced positivity rates from 4.1% to below 0.5%.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalEpidemiology·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 8, 2022

MU earns $12 million in grants to boost science education, literacy

University of Missouri researchers are using a video game to teach middle schoolers about science and improving literacy outcomes for second graders through speech recognition software. The programs aim to increase student engagement and prepare them for future careers in various fields.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateFeb 4, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

How COVID-19 increases challenges for youth with ADHD

New research reveals that youth with ADHD are more likely to experience COVID-19 symptoms, sleep problems, and anxiety related to infection risk. The study found that these individuals are less responsive to factors like parental monitoring and school engagement that may mitigate the impact of pandemic school closures.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Attention Disorders·DateJan 18, 2022

Students with attention problems more likely to cheat

A new study shows that students with attention problems are more likely to cheat, as inattention can lead to hyperactivity, creating a perfect setup for cheating. The study suggests that many students with attention issues don't receive the help they need, leading them to resort to cheating.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychology in the Schools·TypeObservational study·DateJan 18, 2022

The brain pays attention to unfamiliar voices during sleep

A new study published in JNeurosci found that the brain selectively responds to unfamiliar voices during sleep, even when familiar voices are present. This ability allows the brain to strike a balance between resting and being responsive to its environment.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

The free-energy principle explains the brain

Researchers at RIKEN CBS demonstrate that neural networks minimize energy cost and solve mazes efficiently, pointing to a set of universal mathematical rules. The findings will aid in analyzing impaired brain function and generating optimized neural networks for artificial intelligences.

SourceRIKEN·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJan 14, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Remembering faces and names can be improved during sleep

New research by Northwestern University found that reactivating memories during sleep significantly improves face-name learning. The study also discovered that uninterrupted deep sleep is crucial for this improvement.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

How much do students learn when they double the speed of their class videos?

A new UCLA study shows that students can learn and retain information quite well when watching lectures at speeds of up to double the normal speed. However, once they exceed this limit, comprehension begins to suffer. The researchers found that spending time saved by speeding up videos on additional studying activities enhances learning.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateJan 11, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

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

School learning format, children’s behaviors during pandemic

This survey study investigated the relationship between parents' observations of their children's behavior at home and the school learning format used during the pandemic. The findings suggest that schools adapting to the pandemic led to changes in children's behavior at home.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateJan 10, 2022

Nationwide study finds no significant link between in-person schooling and COVID infection rates

A nationwide study by Binghamton University found that COVID-19 incidence rates were not statistically different in counties with in-person learning versus remote school modes in most regions of the US. The research analyzed data from over 895 districts and 459 counties, controlling for case rate trends and community activity levels.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Medicine·DateJan 4, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Screen use, mental health symptoms in children during pandemic

A recent study by Xuedi Li and colleagues found that excessive screen time was associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that parents should monitor their child's screen use to mitigate potential mental health effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateDec 28, 2021

Star cells in the brain render memory flexible

Researchers found that astrocytes regulate cognitive flexibility by releasing D-serine and glutamate, which integrates synaptic plasticity. Heterosynaptic long-term depression is mediated by astrocytes, critical for memory modification.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Persistent gender bias found in scientific research and related course materials: A long-term linguistic analysis

Two studies published in Language reveal persistent gender bias in both peer-reviewed journal articles and course materials used in linguistics. Linguistics textbooks exhibit male-gendered protagonists more often, while research articles show stereotypes about men and women, with non-binary identities absent.

SourceLinguistic Society of America·JournalLanguage·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 6, 2021

Strong professional development networks benefit autistic students

Researchers from Drexel University's Autism Institute found that professional development providers with larger, more supportive networks perform better as coaches for teachers of autistic students. They also discovered that coaching support is more important than financial support for performance outcomes.

SourceDrexel University·JournalSocial Sciences·DateDec 6, 2021

Which role models are best for STEM? Researchers offer recommendations in new analysis

A new analysis provides guidelines for deploying effective role models to encourage learning across diverse populations. The study suggests that features like perceived competence, similarity, and attainability of success are key to motivating students, while portraying extreme levels of role model competence can backfire.

SourceNew York University·JournalInternational Journal of STEM Education·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 1, 2021

Private education in lower-income countries is having limited impact on learning

A study of over 560,000 children in India, Pakistan, Kenya, and Uganda found that private education made little difference in learning outcomes, with gains largely attributed to more advantaged backgrounds. The researchers suggest that private schools may be drawing support away from state education without significantly improving stan...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalComparative Education Review·DateNov 22, 2021
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

As we develop, the brain connects lessons learned differently

A new study found that adults and children make inferences about connections between experiences in different ways. Children create separate memories and compare them to make inferences, while adults build integrated memories with inferences already baked in. This difference may be due to differences in brain development and maturation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

Finnish parents want assessment that supports and motivates learning

A new study from the University of Eastern Finland reveals that Finnish parents regard assessment as primarily a tool for supporting pupils' learning and growth. They hope for diverse forms of assessment, including numerical evaluations, to motivate children and facilitate comparison. The researchers propose that schools engage in clos...

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalStudies In Educational Evaluation·DateNov 11, 2021

Students who self-identify as multilingual perform better in exams

Young people who consider themselves ‘multilingual’ perform better across a wide range of subjects at school, regardless of their language proficiency. Research shows that encouraging pupils to identify with languages and value different styles of communication can support academic progress.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Language Identity & Education·DateNov 10, 2021

Biodiversity collections address science workforce needs

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...

SourceAmerican Institute of Biological Sciences·JournalBioScience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2021

Jewish autistic pupils thrive as bilingual learners, after communities reject advice “not to teach Hebrew”

A University of Cambridge study found that Jewish autistic children who learn Hebrew as a second language benefit from their cultural identity and community involvement. Parents and teachers rejected outdated professional advice, instead teaching pupils Hebrew to enhance their spiritual and family life.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateOct 27, 2021
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

To baby brains, language is language, whether signed or spoken

Researchers found no difference between kids exposed to language at birth, regardless of sign or speech. Children with delayed language exposure tend to struggle with executive functioning. The study suggests that 'talking' doesn't just mean speech—sign language exposure is equally nourishing for baby brains.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalChild Development·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021

Brain activation in sleeping toddlers shows memory for words

Researchers at the University of California, Davis, have discovered brain activation in sleeping two-year-olds when played words they had previously learned. The study found activation in the hippocampus and anterior medial temporal lobe, indicating that these regions are crucial for laying down initial memories for words.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021

Mammalian motivation circuits: Maybe they’re born with it

Researchers found that mice have innate circuits for processing positive and negative stimuli in the amygdala brain region. The study suggests that an imbalance in these circuits may contribute to depression and other mental health issues.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 18, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

International refugees: From uncertain pasts to promising futures

A new report from the University of South Australia reveals that refugee children are more likely to succeed academically if their parents share their story and their school empowers them. Schools with bilingual staff also show promise in building strong parent-school relationships.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·TypeCase study·DateOct 7, 2021

Income inequality can harm children’s achievement in maths – but not reading, 27-year study suggests

A 27-year study suggests that income inequality is linked to lower maths scores among US children, with even richer students experiencing negative effects. The study found that states with higher income gaps saw poorer maths results, while reading grades were not associated with income inequality. Policymakers may need to consider redu...

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEducational Review·DateOct 5, 2021

Extra spacing can boost children’s reading speed

A new study from Anglia Ruskin University found that increasing space between letters can improve reading speed for both dyslexic and non-dyslexic children. Dyslexic children showed a 13% increase in reading speed, while non-dyslexic children saw a 5% improvement.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalResearch in Developmental Disabilities·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021

Unusual visual examination of objects may indicate later autism diagnosis in infants

A new study found that unusual visual inspection behavior in infants aged 9 months and older is predictive of a later diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. This behavior, characterized as an over-focus on objects, was most prominent and present earliest in infants who developed ASD.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Abnormal Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 24, 2021

Study finds natural outdoor spaces are less common at schools

Research reveals that only a few schools have gardens and woods, while most prioritize athletic fields and playgrounds. Teachers play a key role in promoting outdoor learning and play, with environmental education workshops showing promise.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalUrban Forestry & Urban Greening·TypeSurvey·DateSep 21, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

No, stress isn’t always bad. Here’s how to harness it

University of Rochester psychologists train adolescents and young adults to reinterpret their stress response as adaptive, leading to reduced anxiety, improved test scores, and healthier coping mechanisms. The study finds that 'good stress' mindset resets help students perform better under pressure and stay enrolled in classes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Old habit-controlling neurons may also help the brain learn new tricks

Researchers discovered that a brain area traditionally thought to specialize in old habits also plays a role in learning new actions. The study found that the dorsolateral striatum is involved in consolidating action learning immediately after the new action has been learned.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2021

Study finds praising middle school students improves on-task behavior by up to 70%

Middle school teachers who praised students more often than reprimanding them saw a significant improvement in class-wide on-task behavior, with some classrooms experiencing improvements of up to 60-70%. The study also found that high-risk students benefited from increased praise, leading to improved grades and reduced behavioral issues.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateAug 25, 2021

Inequalities in education continued during second period of school closures

A new study found that school closures exacerbated existing inequalities in education, with disadvantaged families spending less time on learning at home. Despite increased home lessons, the gap between advantaged and disadvantaged families remained, with single-parent families showing a narrowing of the gap.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·TypeSurvey·DateAug 12, 2021
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.