Articles tagged with Problem Solving
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that kindness meditation improves the retrieval of specific personal memories in people with a history of depression. After four weeks, participants in the meditation group showed increased memory specificity and reduced rumination compared to those in the control condition.
A recent study found that cognitive enhancers, such as Ritalin and modafinil, may actually inhibit performance and productivity in neurotypical workers and students. Participants who performed well on a complex decision-making task showed decreased accuracy and efficiency when taking the drugs.
A new pilot study led by University of Illinois Chicago researchers found that an AI voice-based virtual coach improved depression and anxiety symptoms, as well as problem-solving skills, in patients. The Lumen app delivered a form of psychotherapy, resulting in changes in brain activity and reduced psychological distress.
Researchers demonstrate probabilistic computing's capabilities by simulating networks of stochastic nanodevices to solve specific NP problems. The simulations agree with theoretical solutions, indicating the potential for scaling up this approach.
A new study found evidence of a reverse 'Flynn effect' in the US, with declines in verbal reasoning, matrix reasoning, and letter/number series scores, but an increase in 3D rotation scores. The study suggests that changing values and motivation may be contributing factors.
A new national US study suggests that young children who are taught by a teacher of the same ethnicity as themselves develop better learning and problem-solving skills by the age of seven. The effect was most pronounced in Black and Latinx children, with improved working memory and reading achievement scores.
Researchers employed computer vision to extract social behaviors and linked them to brain synchronization patterns in a novel approach. During cooperative play, brain synchronization was strongest when participants shared gaze, while individual play showed increased within-brain synchronization.
In a controlled experiment, researchers found that Goffin's cockatoos recognize when multiple tools are required to extract seeds from a fruit. The birds were able to adapt their tool use depending on the situation and transport the tools as a set on an as-needed basis.
A recent study by Crystal Lim found that obesity prevention programs combining nutrition and exercise components over an extended period had the most success in changing students' daily behaviors. Successful programs also included evidence-based strategies like goal setting, problem solving, and self-regulation techniques.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a new method to evaluate X-ray microbeam diameter using mathematical analysis, outperforming conventional methods. The uniform evaluation method is expected to be widely adopted as an international standard.
Researchers found that calibrating rates of information delivery to match individual brainwave cycles speeds up cognitive skill improvement. This technique, called entrainment, increases capacity to absorb and adapt new information.
Research from the University of Houston suggests that digital technology can enhance learning in young children by leveraging mind-wandering moments. When toddlers exhibit attentiveness and persistence while playing educational apps on an iPad, it leads to positive creative problem-solving skills and improved learning outcomes.
A study of 13 dog breeds found breed differences in cognitive traits like social cognition, problem-solving ability, and inhibitory control. The results suggest that different breeds excel in specific tasks, highlighting the complexity of canine cognition.
Researchers found no correlation between daily mood and confidence markers, but mood-related states and confidence level fluctuated at different time scales. Mood changes occurred faster than confidence level changes.
Researchers analyzed 300 oceanographic projects funded by FAPESP, revealing a shift from USP to other institutions. FAPESP's support for long-term projects and collaborative research has significantly increased knowledge of Brazilian oceans. Deep-sea research remains a gap to be filled, requiring further collaboration and funding.
A new study has mapped the parts of the brain that support fluid intelligence, a key feature of human cognition. The research found that patients with damage to the right frontal regions performed poorly in tasks requiring problem-solving and reasoning.
Research suggests widely-used assessment tools measuring executive functions in US students from high-poverty communities are inaccurate. The study highlights the need for culturally representative assessments to provide effective support and understanding of diverse student needs.
A CUNY SPH team will design and implement programmatic strategies to improve social environments in newly renovated public parks, leveraging human-centered design and community engagement to enhance community-level health outcomes and reduce health disparities.
New research from the University of Georgia suggests that students who understand their strengths and weaknesses and are willing to ask for clarification and correct misinformation in small groups are more successful. The study identified seven types of metacognitive statements or questions associated with higher-quality reasoning.
Researchers found that gifted word learners, a rare breed of dogs capable of learning multiple toy names, exhibit even higher levels of playfulness than typical border collies. The study suggests a correlation between playfulness and giftedness in learning object verbal labels.
A study found that brain fog-like impairment is a problem in many animal species due to infection and disease, including humans. Cognitive impairments have been observed in birds, bees, rats, and other species, with various causes such as parasite damage, immune response, and malnutrition.
A study by Max Planck Institute for Human Development found that children use spontaneous strategy changes and broader attentional focus to achieve better results, similar to adults. This broadens the understanding of learning behavior in children.
A study of 3,448 active-duty service members found that nearly double the prevalence of problematic anger two years after separation compared to before separation. Problematic anger was linked to behavioral health issues, relationship problems, and economic difficulties up to five years later.
Cognitive impairment can lead to population declines, particularly for species relying on learning and memory. Infections can impact cognitive abilities differently across animals, depending on their survival strategy and pathogen manifestation.
Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new approach to federated learning that allows them to develop accurate AI models more quickly and accurately. By reformating updates sent to the centralized server, they can resolve the heterogeneity problem in data, improving model performance.
A joint UC Riverside and UC Irvine study found that people who show near transfer in brain training are more likely to experience far transfer, meaning improved focus and problem-solving skills. The research suggests that working memory training can be effective for certain individuals, but its impact on fluid intelligence remains deba...
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 ...
Researchers found that boldness, dominance, and obstinacy are key factors in problem-solving success for zebra finches. Over two years, consistent personality traits predicted innovation in novel foraging tasks, supporting the 'necessity drives innovation' hypothesis.
A peer-led, family-centered preventive intervention is being tested to reduce stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms among Bhutanese immigrants. The program, developed by Kalpana Poudel-Tandukar, uses problem management plus (PMP) and addresses multiple stressors, resulting in improved coping skills and social networking.
Adding diffusion-weighted MRI to conventional MRI enhances the differentiation of locally recurrent tumor and post-surgical fibrosis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma resection. The study found higher sensitivity with DWI, facilitating earlier detection of recurrences.
Researchers used big data and machine learning methods to provide insight into equity valuation over the past two decades. However, a review by Professor Doron Nissim identified crucial areas that require more research attention.
Researchers challenge long-held assumptions about human problem-solving abilities, revealing that many people fail to adapt a sophisticated strategy. A new study suggests that individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tend to rely on an inefficient approach, even when faced with complex problems.
A new virtual reality (VR) experience is educating children aged 10-12 about bushfires, helping them learn how to be safer in emergencies. The project demonstrates the effectiveness of immersive VR experiences in delivering positive learning outcomes for primary children.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered that Goffin's cockatoos can coordinate complex tools to solve problems, a cognitive ability previously thought exclusive to primates. This finding sheds light on the evolution of tool use in animals and has implications for understanding human technological skills.
The £1 million HAROLD 2.0 test rig will enhance the facility's functionality with real-time train braking performance models and a fully functional AC power bogie, enabling analysis of on-train systems and novel hybrid drivetrains.
Researchers found that global leaders with a rational, problem-solving approach had fewer country-wide infections, while charismatic leaders were associated with higher infection rates. The study suggests that leadership style can significantly impact public health outcomes during crises.
New research from The University of Toledo finds that individuals with higher levels of emotional intelligence experience lower levels of concern for leading remotely. Leaders with high self-perception can avoid being emotionally hijacked and provide clarity of purpose during crisis situations.
Problem-solving therapy led to short-term changes in the amygdala, a key region for emotion regulation, in individuals with comorbid depression and obesity. The study suggests that neural target changes at two months predicted improved behavioral outcomes after 12 months.
A new study suggests that autobiographical memories of authentic and inauthentic experiences serve specific purposes, such as defining identity and enhancing self-fulfilment. Reflecting on these experiences can also improve problem-solving skills and promote a more authentic response.
A study by University of Texas at Dallas researcher Dr. Sheen S. Levine found that white Americans are prone to making poor decisions when they ignore their Black peers. When given the opportunity to witness Black peers' accomplishments, however, the racial attention deficit subsides, suggesting a remedy for diversity efforts.
Research found that COVID-19 patients with more severe symptoms scored lower on reasoning and problem-solving tasks. Cognitive deficits were greatest in those receiving mechanical ventilation, similar to average decline seen over a decade of ageing.
Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have identified the origin of a phenomenon that occurs when rubber materials under stress rapidly break. Their simplified step-loading model replicates the non-monotonic mechanical behavior observed in these materials, shedding light on the velocity jump phenomenon.
A study analyzing data from 1,104 married couples found that both spouses' enduring qualities, such as neuroticism and attachment styles, predict changes in relationship satisfaction. Stress moderated the effect of these qualities on behavior and satisfaction.
Researchers found that elephants' personality traits, such as aggressiveness and activity, were important predictors of problem-solving success. However, the personality traits measured did not significantly predict learning ability. The study used a comprehensive approach to assess elephant personalities and solve novel problems.
A new study suggests that not having any math education after age 16 can disadvantage adolescents. Adolescents who stopped studying math showed reduced critical brain chemical, which predicted lower cognitive performance 19 months later.
Research finds that urban squirrels' success rates increase with repeated solving of a novel food-extraction task, suggesting adaptability to urban stressors. The study also reveals that direct human disturbance is a major stressor, while green coverage and squirrel population size have less impact on problem-solving performance.
A new study from the University of Washington reveals that people's brains have parallel learning systems for avoiding bad options and finding good ones. The research suggests that being able to 'turn down the volume' on irrelevant signals is critical to complex problem-solving.
In a study published in Scientific Reports, researchers found that dogs can recognize their body as an obstacle, a basic manifestation of self-representation. This ability is linked to the mirror mark experiment, where humans and elephants perform well.
A study published in Management Science found that participants followed advice given by male and female leaders at similar rates, regardless of the leader's assertiveness. The researchers recruited 1,000 people to play a game, where they received advice from either a male or female leader with varying levels of assertive language. The...
A novel approach is being tested to deliver care to those with moderate depression and anxiety using artificial intelligence. Researchers at UIC are developing a voice-enabled, AI virtual agent named Lumen to deliver Problem Solving Therapy (PST) to patients with moderate, untreated depressive and/or anxiety symptoms.
A new study explores how franchisors can use contract ambiguity to minimize litigation and improve joint problem-solving with franchisees. The research finds that ambigous contracts lead to a 7% increase in franchisor net income, as well as enhanced collaboration and deterrence of franchisee-initiated lawsuits.
The study assesses Iowa's data-driven patrol strategy, which aims to significantly reduce serious injury and fatal vehicle crashes. The researchers will follow the implementation of the program and evaluate its effects using quasi-experimental designs.
New research from Duke University finds that reminding children of their various identities improves their problem-solving skills and flexible thinking about social groupings. This simple mindset switch can lead to better behavior in an increasingly diverse society.
Research reveals workplace bullying can lead to health-related problems and behavioral issues in victims, including high avoidance coping strategies and moral disengagement. The study identifies five groups of victims based on exposure to bullying types and associated consequences.
A new scientific report highlights the importance of collaborative problem-solving skills for tackling modern problems. The research team identifies key cognitive and social components of CPS and emphasizes the need for evidence-based standards and curricula in education to develop these skills.
Meetings can provide creative thinking, problem-solving, and idea generation when done correctly. Researchers recommend preparing for meeting success, using technology to analyze behaviors, and improving post-meeting follow-up to enhance team outcomes.
Researchers at UC Riverside and UC Irvine created a free, 10-minute test to measure abstract problem-solving ability. The University of California Matrix Reasoning Task (UCMRT) correlates with academic proficiency and fluid intelligence.
A replication effort of a 2008 study found no evidence that making a list of the Ten Commandments reduces cheating behavior. The original study suggested that people are less likely to cheat after thinking about moral reminders, but the new findings contradict this result. Despite using large sample sizes and following the same protoco...