Physician David Wenzel's ethnographic fieldwork in acute hospital settings reveals how his clinical identity shapes interactions with staff. He found that introducing himself as a PhD student led to more open discussions about emotions and relational work, while wearing a student lanyard made him less visible to medical staff.
A new study shows that AI can discover novel strategies that humans can adopt and preserve across generations. The study found that AI agents can discover optimal strategies that are difficult for humans to find, and that these strategies can be passed on and maintained over time. This discovery has significant implications for the rol...
A new NIH-funded study found associations between higher fluoride levels in public drinking water during pregnancy and lower child cognition scores, particularly in fluid reasoning. The study, which included 2,514 children, suggests that higher fluoride levels may impact cognitive development.
Researchers developed a nasal spray that reversibly reduces brain inflammation, restores cellular power plants, and improves memory. The treatment bypasses the brain's protective shield through intranasal delivery, suppressing chronic inflammation and promoting successful brain aging.
A study of 3,959 healthy Japanese workers found that longer working hours, including unpaid care and domestic work, are associated with a higher risk of nonrestorative sleep and poor mental health in women. The researchers call for policy changes to address time poverty and promote gender equality.
A Northwestern University study found that 75% of participants had dreams including puzzle fragments, with solved puzzles occurring more often in lucid and non-lucid dreams. Engineering dreams may help increase creative problem-solving ability.
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a high prevalence of interpersonal violence globally among transgender and gender-diverse adults. The findings underscore the urgent need for evidence-based violence prevention and response strategies across settings to address this issue.
Researchers found that male fish exposed to vitamin C and potassium perchlorate showed improved fertility and less damage to their testes compared to those exposed only to the chemical. The study suggests a potential safeguard for individuals regularly exposed to these chemicals, including military personnel.
A study found that when people work together on a shared task, their brains process information in similar ways. After an initial period of synchronized neural activity, the alignment of brain activity increased as the pairs worked together and followed agreed-upon rules.
Researchers identified a 'sweet spot' in clinical decision-making, where presenting two or more appropriate treatment options increases the odds of physicians selecting a high-quality alternative. The study challenges the widely cited status-quo bias theory and suggests that more options can lead to better care decisions.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have shown that bumblebees can be trained to differentiate between long and short light flashes, which was previously observed only in humans and other vertebrates. This ability allows the bees to decide where to forage for food based on visual cues.
A new study reveals how prenatal alcohol exposure impairs key brain cells and circuits, leading to cognitive inflexibility and increased risk of compulsive alcohol use. Researchers identified a specific brain cell affected by early alcohol exposure, providing a clear target for developing more effective treatments of FASD.
Researchers at the University of Missouri are exploring the use of extracellular vesicles to target lung cancer. By manipulating these tiny messenger particles, scientists can deliver specific instructions to kill cancer cells while sparing healthy ones.
University of Missouri researchers are helping farmers prevent disease outbreaks by teaching biosecurity practices, such as hand sanitizing and wearing farm-dedicated shoes. They also provide guidance on safe composting methods to dispose of dead livestock, reducing the risk of disease spread.
In a study published in PLOS Biology, researchers found that young European great tits learn essential life skills from their older siblings and non-parental adults, rather than primarily from their parents. This suggests an alternative pathway to cultural inheritance and highlights the importance of sibling relationships in shaping bi...
A groundbreaking study by the Global Association of Applied Behavioural Scientists found a significant gap between professionals' confidence and actual preparedness in workplace decision-making. The research identified 24 specific challenges, including training gaps, experience myths, and seeking help in the wrong places.
A study by Florida Atlantic University found that avoidant coping plays a key role in lowering the quality of life for mental health providers. Long-term training in adaptive coping strategies and fostering an internal sense of control can improve provider well-being and client outcomes.
An international study found that people across cultures tend to rely on their own intuition rather than seeking advice when making complex decisions. The research, led by the University of Waterloo, suggests that understanding this preference can help clarify cross-cultural misunderstandings and improve teamwork.
A new study shows that higher levels of hope are linked to reduced bullying and cyberbullying, with students with more hope being less likely to engage in these behaviors. Strengthening hope could be a powerful strategy in preventing bullying by helping young people build resilience and invest in their futures.
A recent study published in PLOS Biology found that taking a nap with deeper sleep can lead to increased 'aha' moments, with 70.6% of participants experiencing insight after a 20-minute rest period.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that executives with subprime credit scores tend to follow the advice of advisers, even when it's inaccurate, while those with prime credit scores critically evaluate data and make objective decisions.
Researchers found that brain's dopamine neurons encode a map of possible future rewards across time and magnitude, guiding adaptive behavior in uncertain environments. This biological insight aligns with recent advances in AI, particularly distributional RL algorithms, which learn from reward distributions rather than averages.
A study of Nobel laureates found that frequent moves and working in multiple locations can significantly reduce the time before starting Nobel-prize winning work. The researchers estimated that moving every two years can decrease the time by two years, while being in multiple locations reduces it by 2.6 years.
A new study from the University of Kansas explores the role of working memory in word problem-solving for students with and without math difficulties. Researchers found that using interventions to improve working memory can benefit students who struggle with math, reducing cognitive load and improving word problem-solving ability.
A team of researchers at UCL has identified key brain regions essential for logical thinking and problem-solving. They used lesion-deficit mapping to study patients with brain lesions caused by stroke or tumors and found that damage to the right frontal lobe impaired reasoning skills.
A study at ESPOL found that Design Thinking fosters essential skills in a world of constant change, allowing students to build their own knowledge through experiential learning. The course has been shown to increase student motivation to apply DT in other contexts, with over 85% of students reporting this after the course.
Researchers developed a machine learning-powered fluid simulation model that significantly reduces computation time without compromising accuracy. The new surrogate model maintains the same level of accuracy as traditional particle-based simulations while reducing computation time from approximately 45 minutes to just three minutes.
Callie Robinson, a junior at the University of Tennessee Herbert College of Agriculture, has won the American Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers 2025 Collegiate Discussion Meet. Her victory marks the second consecutive year a Herbert student has achieved this recognition.
Research published in JAMA Network Open found that college graduates experienced faster cognitive decline after a stroke compared to those with less education. The study highlights the importance of identifying patients at high risk for post-stroke cognitive decline to target future interventions.
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.
Research at the University of South Australia found that Minecraft fosters teamwork, communication and social skills in children through collaborative play. The game also promotes problem-solving skills, creativity and language abilities, making it a powerful tool for learning and social development.
A study by Eötvös Loránd University found that Border Collies excelled in a simple olfactory task, beating breeds like Golden Retrievers and Hungarian Vizslas. The research revealed that genetic and environmental factors influence dogs' success in scent detection, contrary to expectations.
A new Tulane University study suggests that the Mediterranean diet's brain-boosting benefits may work by changing the balance of bacteria in the gut. Researchers found that subjects following a Mediterranean diet developed distinctly different gut bacteria patterns compared to those eating a typical Western diet.
In a Weizmann Institute experiment, groups of ants demonstrated superior problem-solving skills compared to human groups and individuals. Humans struggled to improve performance when working together, relying on individual calculation rather than collective strategy.
A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience examines how different parts of the prefrontal cortex guide decisions to persist or quit. Participants with damage to specific regions waited less overall, particularly when persistence was optimal, highlighting the brain's role in evaluating subjective value and adapting to real-time fe...
A new study from Kessler Foundation scientists examines the determinants of feedback-seeking behavior and its impact on learning. The findings suggest that low confidence in task performance significantly motivates individuals to seek corrective feedback, which enhances learning outcomes.
A new report from the University of Houston found that massive multiplayer online gamers learn valuable skills in the workplace, including problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. The study revealed that gaming can be a way for people to grow both personally and professionally when done in moderation.
A new study at Durham University found that social tolerance enables social learning in wild bearded capuchin monkeys, leading to the transmission of skills and traditions. The research showed that individuals with strong social tolerance were more likely to learn from others and share information about solving complex tasks.
Researchers found that cognitive performance worsened for older adults on days they felt lonelier than usual and the following day. The study suggests a vicious cycle between loneliness and cognitive decline over the short term, highlighting the importance of early intervention to prevent chronic loneliness.
A new study from UT Arlington found that setting reminders can significantly reduce age-related declines in memory, particularly in prospective memory. The study suggests that reminders help counteract cognitive strain by making memory retrieval less reliant on internal processes.
A new study found that people naturally assume they have all the necessary information to make a decision or support their position, even when they don't. Researchers call this phenomenon the 'illusion of information adequacy,' which leads people to be more confident in their decisions despite lacking full knowledge.
A new vehicle allocation strategy for dockless bike-sharing systems at night can improve the balance of urban transportation and reduce traffic congestion. The approach uses a three-way classification method and behavioral decision theory to forecast demand and optimize resource allocation, reducing waste and enhancing system efficiency.
A University of Sydney-led study found multiple surgeries contribute to memory and brain health issues in older adults, with physical differences observed in brain areas responsible for memory. Cognitive decline is noticeable with each additional surgery.
The University of Kansas study suggests that educational systems must undergo transformation to fully utilize the potential of artificial intelligence tools. Personalized learning and project-based learning are key strategies for harnessing AI's transformative power, enabling students to focus on their strengths and interests.
Researchers from Eötvös Loránd University found temperature and humidity have no impact on dogs' ability to detect scents. However, indoor testing outperformed outdoor environments due to distracting stimuli. Age also plays a role, with 2-3 year old dogs exhibiting superior olfactory performance.
The Program for Research in Mathematics at Texas A&M University has been awarded a Dolciani Mathematics Enrichment Grant to support its efforts to promote math enrichment for high school students. With the grant, the program will expand access to digital resources and provide more comprehensive training materials.
A culturally-responsive training intervention based on science of reading and math improved comprehension, visualization, and connection-making skills among 66 third-grade English language learners. The program enhanced students' performance in math by utilizing direct and explicit teaching methods, focusing on key cognitive concepts.
Researchers found that highly skilled soccer players exhibit faster reaction times and lower variability when faced with decision-making tasks. The study suggests that strong inhibitory processes play a crucial role in facilitating quick decisions on the field.
Researchers at Eötvös Loránd University discovered that dogs have a 'canine g factor' similar to humans, influencing cognitive abilities and ageing patterns. The study found a global cognitive decline in dogs over two and a half years, with poorer health affecting the rate of decline.
Research reveals people with neurodevelopmental conditions possess various strengths, including improved social skills, creativity, and problem-solving. The study aims to reduce stigma by promoting greater social inclusion and societal benefits.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that people who respond to estimations are more likely to be influenced by their previous answers, a phenomenon known as serial dependence. This could aid research into how information presentation affects human understanding.
Researchers found that mental representations, as seen in children's and adults' drawings, influence calculation strategies for solving simple arithmetic problems. The study reveals that certain drawing typologies are associated with effective calculation strategies, regardless of age or experience. This discovery opens up new perspect...
High levels of air pollution have a significant negative impact on teams' ability to solve complex problems, such as developing clean energy technologies and vaccines. The study used escape-room games data to estimate that high-pollution days can lead to up to 5% longer completion times for teams.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 clinical trials found that problem-solving skills training improves the psychosocial well-being of parents, their children, and families. Further studies are needed to explore physical and clinical outcomes.
Researchers at NTU Singapore found that indoor air quality can affect creativity, with volatile organic compounds (VOCs) released from products like detergents and perfumes affecting participants' ability to build 3D models. By reducing TVOC levels by 72%, creative potential can be improved by 12%.
Research by Staffordshire University found that caffeine can improve short pass accuracy but negatively affect decision-making and long pass accuracy. The study suggests that coaches may need to adjust training strategies to account for caffeine's effects on young soccer players.
A study from the University of Ottawa found that sleep deprivation significantly impacts decision-making processes, reducing neural responses to winning and losing outcomes. This can lead to diminished positive emotions in response to winning and negative emotions when faced with losses.
Pandemic-exposed preschool children demonstrated improved problem-solving skills, fine motor abilities, and vocabulary at 2-5 years old compared to non-exposed peers. They also showed enhanced cognitive performance in visual memory and overall cognitive abilities.
A new study published in The Journal of Finance and Data Science introduces the topological tail dependence theory, a methodology for predicting stock market volatility. The approach incorporates persistent homology information, enhancing the accuracy of models and detecting complex correlations.
Researchers found that nearly 70% of student tasks involved superficial learning, limiting opportunities for critical thinking and problem-solving. Teachers need support to plan interactive lessons promoting deep learning.