When children’s storytelling says so much more

Effective storytelling can be challenging.

We take for granted that our children tell stories. But what if they can’t? Oral storytelling is a bridge to literacy, yet many children do not develop this skill naturally. Research has shown that narrative skill at school entry predicts writing and reading comprehension up to ten years later. Narrative intervention is a form of language therapy and a classroom […]

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Continuous flow strategies for accelerated materials discovery

Dr Tim Erdmann from IBM research is working to increase the speed at which the materials discovery process occurs, through the use of AI and automated processes to fast track the development of polyurethanes

Polymerisation reactions play a crucial role in the design and optimisation of new materials for many existing and emerging technologies. The large commercial demand for tailored polymers requires developing innovative synthetic approaches that afford precision, control, and automation, while addressing environmental and workplace safety concerns. Dr Tim Erdmann and colleagues at IBM Research, Almaden Lab (USA), are exploring new synthetic routes […]

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Epidemiology–laboratory interactions for developing resilience against future infectious diseases

Salmonella is the leading cause of deaths caused by foodborne illnesses in the USA.

Bacteria are one of the leading causes of public health burden associated with food and waterborne diseases. In addition, they have many abilities that allow them to survive decontamination methods, such as biofilm formation. With the rise in antibiotic resistance and climate change also driving bacterial proliferation, new approaches are needed to mitigate the public health burden of infectious diseases. […]

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Can we do more to get college students vaccinated against HPV?

Dr Roanna Kessler and John Gentile have developed a strategic toolkit for use on college campuses to encourage vaccination awareness for the HPV vaccine among college students

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the most common sexually transmitted infection globally. It can cause genital warts and several types of cancer, including cervical, anal, penile, and throat cancer. Although an effective and safe vaccine against HPV infection has been available since 2006, the vaccination rates in the US remain low. The fact that more than 80% of sexually active people […]

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Taming Staphylococcus aureus in the eczema skin microbiome

Researchers Greg Hillebrand, Gabriel Núñez and Seitaro Nakagawa research compounds found in rosemary that may prevent Staphylococcus auerus related skin problems such as atopic dermatits, or eczema

Atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, is a skin condition that affects millions of people globally. The bacteria Staphylococcus aureus – a common and normally harmless member of the skin microbiome that can turn nasty in certain circumstances – has been linked to this condition. A team at the University of Michigan, USA, led by Drs Gabriel Núñez and Seitaro […]

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Predicting the origin of mutations from tumour and germline data

Dr Israel Gomy researches a bioinformatic tool with tumour and germline sequencing data that can identify mutational changes, enabling people to understand their predisposition to different forms of cancer

Genetic sequencing is an affordable screening process that helps people understand the risks of developing a specific form of cancer in their lifetime. They can learn about the impending risks and make conscious lifestyle choices, take a few radical decisions if required, and even work out ways to stop the hereditary transfer of such genes to their offspring. Dr Israel […]

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Managing paediatric aneurysms using three-dimensional stereolithographic modelling and surgical simulation

Dr Levy investigates futuristic surgical simulation techniques.

This article focuses on the current research work by Dr Michael Levy, Chief of Paediatric neurosurgery at Rady Children’s Hospital-San Diego and Professor at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine. By investing in futuristic surgical simulation techniques like preoperative, 3D virtual and stereolithographic modelling, Dr Levy is paving the way for improved surgical practice outcomes for all […]

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Is monoclonal antibody therapy effective and achievable in hospitals with limited resources?

Dr Nikhitha Mantri researched the use of MAT treatments for COVID-19 patients with mild to moderate symptoms at an inner-city hospital with limited resources in the Bronx

Monoclonal antibody therapy (MAT) is a way of treating COVID-19 for people who have tested positive, have mild to moderate symptoms, and are at high risk of developing more serious symptoms and complications. Although there are already studies showing promising results, the number of patients in the US, especially ethnic minorities, who have so far received MAT is small. Dr […]

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A blow to the head impairs the autoregulation of brain blood flow: Neural consequences

Professor Akos Koller investigates the impact of traumatic brain injuries on cerebral blood flow and the ensuing consequences on brain function

Billions of cells make up the human brain. To keep this super-computer functioning, a carefully autoregulated blood supply provides oxygen and nutrients and removes waste products from the brain cells. In addition, cerebral circulation is involved in the regulation of the pressure inside the cranium. But what happens if this autoregulatory process is disrupted? Building on years of research into […]

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Self-concept and social support: A key psychological relationship influencing academic success for male African American undergraduates

Professor James Morris III examines the relationship between African-American male students' perception of self support and their academic self-concept

The significant strides to address racial and gender imbalances on university campuses in the United States may have borne fruit, but with unintended consequences. One of those is the shortfall in research into why males – African American males in particular – may underperform at university. Professor James Morris III, formerly at Lewis University, has explored a neglected area of […]

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