A Michigan State University study found that intelligence was the strongest predictor of skill acquisition in beginner pianists, followed by music aptitude. In contrast, growth mindset had little impact on piano performance.
A research team led by WPI professors will use data analytics and optimization to identify resources for homeless youths in NYC, aiming to disrupt human trafficking networks. The project aims to reduce vulnerability and costs while maximizing benefits for rehabilitated lives.
A new USC study found that training robots with a human adversary significantly improves their grasp of objects, leading to better performance in manipulation tasks. The researchers discovered that this approach helps robots learn more stable grasps and succeed more often in real-world environments.
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.
Incorporating physical exercise into school lessons boosts test scores and overall educational outcomes, with significant effects on attention and learning, while increasing physical activity levels
A NYU scholar suggests aligning English language proficiency standards with STEM content standards to address the barriers faced by English learners. This would enable them to communicate their ideas and skills more effectively in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics classrooms.
A new study published in Educational Psychology found that rewarding teamwork improves primary children's spelling scores. The study revealed that students of all abilities who competed in groups achieved higher scores compared to individualistic approaches.
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
A nationwide study reveals that schools serving disadvantaged and minority children teach as much to their students as those serving more advantaged kids. The learning gap disappears when students return to school after summer break, suggesting that schools are neutral in addressing inequality.
Research shows that parental involvement plays a key role in children's academic attainment, with home-school partnerships and family literacy interventions having a positive impact. Schools can support parents by personalising communications and providing resources for engagement, particularly for disadvantaged backgrounds.
A new study at Binghamton University's First-year Research Immersion (FRI) program found that instructors with extra training improved student outcomes. The FRI program provides STEM students with research experience, while the training program for research educators helped them develop skills in teaching and mentoring.
A small pilot study found that adults with MCI can learn to practice mindfulness meditation, demonstrating that memory impairment does not preclude learning such skills. Participants who practiced daily showed improved understanding of key tenets of mindfulness, suggesting a potential non-pharmacological treatment for MCI.
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.
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland found that gamification through online trivia quizzes enhances student motivation and collaboration in histology education. Students reported better understanding and performance when working in groups after participating in Kahoot-based quizzes.
Researchers found that a short online growth mindset intervention improved key predictors of high school graduation and college success, especially when supported by a school culture. Lower-achieving students earned higher grade points in core academic subjects and were more likely to take harder classes.
A study found that only 1 in 6 teacher questions were considered challenging, with researchers aiming for a ratio of 2 in 5. Teachers can enhance learning by asking open-ended 'why' and 'how' questions. This encourages children to use longer sentences and more complex language.
A new study at Cornell University found that smaller class sizes lead to more equitable participation in STEM classrooms, particularly for women. The research highlights the importance of diverse teaching strategies and evidence-based active-learning techniques to create a small classroom climate.
A study found that when people are informed about a victim's past moral transgressions, they are less likely to take action against the company. This phenomenon can lead to irrational victim blaming, harming individuals, groups, and society. The study aims to increase awareness among consumers and empower them to make rational decisions.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A study by UC Riverside researchers found that older adults who learned three to five classes simultaneously showed significant increases in cognitive abilities, similar to those of middle-aged adults. The study suggests that intense learning experiences can improve cognitive functioning in older populations.
Researchers found that snails can store and recall two unrelated memories but struggle with similar ones. They discovered an overlapping mechanism causing proactive interference, leading to the loss of older memories. Practicing interweaving and learning different topics can help retain more information.
A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that cultural environment influences early diversity in abstract thought. Chinese children demonstrated superior relational reasoning skills compared to US children, with significant differences emerging around age 3.
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.
A study of over 100,000 Canadian students found that music course participation is linked to better exam scores in math, science and English. Students who took instrumental music scored higher than those who participated in vocal music.
A study found that music students outperform non-musical peers in math, science, and English exams. The research suggests that instrumental music skills transfer broadly to academic subjects, enhancing cognitive capacities and motivation to learn.
A Swansea University study reveals that an hour or two of outdoor learning per week significantly benefits children, improving their health, wellbeing, education and engagement. The program also increases teachers' job satisfaction and personal wellbeing, with many reporting improved relationships with all types of learners.
A study from the University of California, Berkeley found that uncertainty about what one knows leads to the most curiosity and learning. Tailoring classroom learning to students' misconceptions can be an effective way to stimulate curiosity and motivation to learn. The study's findings expand on Maria Montessori's child-centered appro...
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.
A NUS pilot study demonstrates the potential of CURATE.AI to create individualized profiles for customized training, leading to improved cognitive performance. The AI platform tailors training intensity and duration based on a person's unique response data.
A rare condition, situs inversus with levocardia, has been discovered in a 99-year-old body donor. This condition is often associated with life-threatening cardiac ailments and occurs about once in every 22,000 births. The discovery of this unusual anatomy offers valuable lessons on human variations.
A RIT professor is using a $486,124 NSF grant to explore how experiential learning improves student interest in STEM fields. The research aims to develop practical assessment tools and design a project-based physics course for freshman students.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A critical review of hundreds of studies reveals that time in nature improves attention, reduces stress, boosts self-discipline, and promotes physical activity and fitness. The analysis suggests that greening schoolyards and incorporating nature-based instruction can have a significant impact on children's learning and development.
Researchers found that the hippocampus uniquely represents bound features, such as faces and houses combined, which is essential for forming complex associations during learning. The study's findings have important implications for understanding how the brain's memory systems contribute to learning and decision-making.
A new study by Johns Hopkins University found that incorporating the arts into science lessons can help low-achieving students retain more knowledge. The study, which analyzed data from over 350 students, discovered that arts-integrated classes improved content retention by an average of 105%.
Dr. Hailey Herleman has made significant contributions to the practice of industrial-organizational psychology through her thought leadership, exceptional service to clients, and collaborative approach to applying analytics to workforce issues. She is a recipient of the Distinguished Early Career Contributions-Practice Award from SIOP.
Alexis Fink has been recognized with the Distinguished Service Contributions Award from SIOP. Her sustained record of impactful volunteer activities reflects balance and respect for both sides of the SIOP equation.
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
The University of Texas at Arlington has received a $295,000 USDA grant to develop data-based agriculture solutions. The project aims to prepare students for careers in agriculture-related fields and promote sustainable farming practices.
WPI computer scientist Craig Shue is developing a new technology using containerization to protect companies and users from malware attacks. The system isolates each user's interaction with the server in a temporary copy, or instance, that disappears when the session ends.
A new science curriculum, Integrating Biology with Inquiry (IBIS), has been shown to increase student buy-in and satisfaction over time, while maintaining learning gains. The four-year study found that students recognized the connection between their teaching methods and their learning outcomes.
A recent UCLA study found that artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning computer networks, have severe limitations in distinguishing objects. The researchers demonstrated that these machines can be easily fooled, and their method of identifying objects using computer vision differs substantially from human vision.
A meta-analysis of 32 randomized controlled trials found that mind-body exercises enhance cognitive flexibility, working memory, and verbal fluency in older adults. The study suggests that these exercises can improve learning and overall mental health, offering a promising approach to supporting cognitive function as we age.
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.
Researchers have created a new artificial intelligence that can effectively defeat captcha security systems used by most popular websites. The algorithm, based on deep learning methods, requires only 500 genuine captchas to train, making it highly efficient and able to launch attacks with low effort.
Preliterate 6-year-olds outperformed their peers on grammatical relations, but struggled with novel words. After six months of reading instruction, the advantage disappeared, suggesting that literacy may come at a cost.
A randomised controlled trial found that a whole-school approach using restorative practice improved student-reported indicators of bullying and mental wellbeing. The programme also showed small but significant benefits for smoking, drinking, and illicit drug use among students.
A new 'buddy system' of nursing education has been found to improve student learning and confidence by promoting collaborative decision-making. The 'Two Heads Are Better than One' method involves two students working together as one nurse, forcing them to prioritize and make clinical decisions, resulting in less anxiety and more robust...
A computational tool using machine learning and optimization algorithms matches refugees to host communities with the best resources for success. Annie MOORE predicts refugee employment likelihood and guides resettlement workers in finding suitable placements, improving integration outcomes.
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.
The MDI Biological Laboratory has received a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences to promote data literacy among high school students and teachers. The project aims to address the contamination of well water in Maine and New Hampshire with arsenic, which can lead to severe health problems.
A study found that teaching Latin roots to English Learners improves word analysis skills and enhances academic vocabulary. By leveraging their native language, students can build a stronger connection between Latin and English, ultimately improving literacy and academic achievement.
A study found that pain treatment is more efficient when provided by a stranger, revealing the analgesic effect of surprise. Participants experienced reduced neural pain responses and subjective pain judgments after being treated by someone from a different social group.
A research team at the University of Waterloo has defined gameful experience as a psychological state resulting from three characteristics: perceived achievable goals, motivation under arbitrary rules, and voluntary actions. This unifying concept aims to clarify terminology and improve gameful system design.
Washington State University has been awarded a five-year grant to increase the number and diversity of students from rural Washington who enter biomedical careers. The project, called HEAL, uses art-based learning to engage underrepresented communities in STEM education.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
A recent study published in Open Mind suggests that people's sense of certainty is boosted by feedback rather than hard evidence when learning new things or trying to tell right from wrong. This cognitive dynamic can lead to the reinforcement of false beliefs and limit intellectual horizons.
A recent study by Christine Mallinson and Anne H. Charity Hudley suggests that K-12 STEM educators who are aware of linguistic issues can better support African-American students. The authors recommend developing cultural and linguistic competencies through partnerships with local linguists and using linguistic insight to invite studen...
A study by Swansea University found that up to one in seven recent graduates may have paid someone to undertake their assignment, representing 31 million students. The data suggests a significant increase in contract cheating over time, with a historic average of 3.5% rising to 15.7% in studies from 2014.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A study found that friendship groups who sat together achieved similar grades, while students sitting alone at the edges tended to do worse. The research suggests that lecturers can use this information to provide targeted support for anxious students and encourage interactions between different groups.
Researchers found that predictable situations enhance language learning in toddlers by reducing the need for them to track unexpected events. This design separated the content of what children were learning from the predictability of the situation, showing a cascade effect on learning something new.
A new study from the University of Portsmouth suggests that implicit practice methods can help football players improve their penalty kick accuracy. The research found that using these methods, which encourage independent decision-making, results in higher kicking accuracy compared to explicit training methods.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers found that stimuli in the environment can influence what we think about and activate subconscious 'sets' that override conscious intentions. This challenge traditional views of a private conscious mind, suggesting it may be more permeable than thought.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a grant to the Natural History Museum of Utah and the College of Education at the University of Utah to develop an online learning environment for student learning in the biosciences. The project, EPIC Bioscience, will use digitized museum collections to provide middle school students with en...
A new assessment called Exam Roulette uses a game of chance to increase student preparation and motivation for essay tests. Students can preview potential questions, ask clarifying questions, but not receive specific content information, reducing anxiety and stress.
A pilot program at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester introduced a semester-long course with a study abroad trip to Belize, making it more affordable for students. Financial aid covered full or partial costs for seven students, while all participants reported increased confidence and likelihood of traveling abroad again.
A possible biomarker for long-term learning has been discovered, which may lead to different educational techniques to improve retention of information. The researchers used EEG to measure students' brain responses to anatomical terms before and after an introductory anatomy class.
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.
A new report synthesizes findings from over 300 research studies to emphasize the importance of teaching phonics in establishing fundamental reading skills in early childhood. The review provides concrete recommendations for drawing on this evidence base in the classroom to support more children becoming confident, skilled readers.
A new Penn Medicine medical school program trains students to understand life circumstances affecting patients' health care experiences. Students develop community engagement skills, confidence, and competence to overcome challenges.
A study by UC Davis researchers explores how citizen science activities support youth learning and agency in environmental science. Youth participants collected data on bird populations, butterfly life cycles, water quality, and land use, developing skills in data analysis, evaluation, and communication.
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.
A study from the University of Waterloo found that children can sense an item's ownership without direct interaction, using territory-based inferences. This suggests that children have adult-like intuitions about ownership, which is surprising given their age.