Articles
Lateral flow test detects SARS-CoV-2 neutralising antibodies
Novodiax Inc., under the guidance of Dr Jianfu Wang, has produced a novel lateral flow device called CoNAb. The device detects neutralising antibodies (NAbs) against SARS-CoV-2 (the virus responsible for COVID-19). Measuring NAbs is important to help us determine whether vaccination programmes are effective by measuring the level of immunity of vaccine recipients. They are also a vital tool for […]
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Self-efficacy in non-routine problem solving in STEM education
Dr Tanya Evans and Emeritus Prof Mike Thomas from the University of Auckland, led by Associate Prof Sergiy Klymchuk from Auckland University of Technology, have developed an intervention that examines whether the employability prospects of students in STEM education could be improved. Their findings suggest that the attitude profiles of students with high and low lateral thinking self-efficacy differ significantly. […]
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Housekeeping rules: Why reference genes matter in jute plants
Jute is a commercially grown fibre plant that provides a natural resource for modern day fibre usage. With the lack of diversity in jute plants, the recent sequencing of the jute genome offers a wide range of gene targets for crop breeding. In parallel, the use of quantitative approaches to study the expression pattern of jute genes has taken precedent. […]
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Tools to not rot jute: Solving a fungal problem
Jute is grown in Bangladesh for its fibres to manufacture various goods for everyday use. Along with environmental challenges, jute faces a devastating threat from the fungal pathogen Macrophomina phaseolina, which causes stem rot. Jute yields can be reduced by 30% with this disease. The long life of the fungus in the soil and seeds prevents the efficient control of […]
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‘Oumuamua: Unpacking the mystery of our interstellar visitor
For the time being, the idea of building a spacecraft which can carry us to other stars is a goal reserved for the future – but that doesn’t stop interstellar visitors from coming to us. In 2017, a small, mysterious object named ‘Oumuamua became the first body in the Solar System ever confirmed to originate from a star system beyond […]
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Dealing with diminishing returns in quantum perturbations
Perturbations to quantum field theory are valuable tools for physicists as they approximate the properties of complex systems. However, limits in available computing power mean that the capabilities of their calculations are inherently limited. Recently, in a U.S. American-French-Italian collaboration, novel mathematical techniques have been used to circumvent this problem. The team’s approach could soon lead to long-awaited solutions to […]
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How does nutrition underpin developmental milestones in toddlers?
Toddlerhood, here referred to as the period between one and three years of age, includes major cognitive, motor, and social-emotional milestones. These milestones are underpinned by different biological as well as environmental factors, such as nutrition. Understanding the links between toddlerhood, developmental milestones and nutrition, means that we are better placed to help toddlers thrive. High nutritional needs during toddler […]
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Reframing understanding as a phase transition
When understanding comes to us, it can come suddenly. As we finally see how the different parts of a problem fall into place, it can bring about feelings of satisfaction, and perhaps even frustration that we did not discern the seemingly obvious solution beforehand. In their research, Dipl.-Phil. Elena Popova and Professor Valentin Popov at Technische Universität Berlin argue that […]
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Gendered digital divides: Enhancing inclusivity
Professor Campbell has three decades of practice and research experience in analysing and challenging gender-biased educational design that excludes women. Her recent work presents an in-depth analysis of the multiple layers of barriers women and others with multiple oppressions face in learning with technology and entering science and technology disciplines, which has significant implications within an increasingly digital learning and […]
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How to behave in sloth bear territory
Sloth bears are considered to be one of the most dangerous mammals in India. The number of sloth bear attacks annually rivals and may even exceed the total number of all bear attacks from the seven other extant bear species combined. Communities sharing their environment with these bears need clear-cut advice on how to behave to avoid bears and what […]