April 30 – May 11,
2014
News Clips:
The Neuroscience of
Mathematical Beauty
Summary: Researchers
explore “mathematical beauty” by conducting an fMRI study asking postgraduate
and postdoctoral mathematicians to rate mathematical equations for their
beauty. Mathematical beauty seems to be related to the same part of the brain
associated with visual, musical, or moral beauty; but is not related to an
understanding of the mathematical equation.
Tackling test anxiety
may help prevent more severe problems
Summary: Recent study
explores a test-anxiety-reduction intervention in the gulf south region of the
U.S. post Hurricane Katrina. The intervention taught behavioral strategies such
as relaxation and was found to be useful in the reduction of test anxiety,
anxiety disorder, and depression symptoms. Results indicate the potential for
school based anxiety reduction programs to be utilized in a more generalized
context.
Mitochondrial
deficits in children with autism confirmed
Summary: Recent study
found less oxygen and more oxygen free radicals in the mitochondria of
granulocyte cells. Granulocyte cells fight infection and protect the body from
invaders such as viruses and bacteria. Coupled with other previous studies, the
results indicate that these impaired cells may relate to cognitive impairments
associated with autism.
Experiencing letters
as colors: New insights into synesthesia
Summary: Synesthesia
is the phenomenon where two or more of the five senses are experienced together
as opposed to separately. A recent study aims to explore this experience by
investigating synesthetes who experience color when seeing printed letters of
the alphabet.
Frequently
Reassigning Teachers Limits Their Improvement
Summary: Recent study
examines student improvement of 500,000 students grades 3-5 in North Carolina.
Results indicate that students whose teachers have not switched teaching
assignment grades show greater improvement in test scores than students with
equally experienced teachers who switched grades frequently. Results could have
implications for school policies that foster teachers’ grade specific skills.
Tracking the Source
of 'Selective Attention' Problems in Brain-Injured Vets
Summary: Researchers
explored problems with selective auditory attention, the ability to focus
attention on one sound source while ignoring others, in veterans with traumatic
brain injury as well as blast-exposed veterans specifically. Study results
found that blast-exposed veterans with TBI performed worse on auditory tasks
and showed weak brain responses.
Sustainability needs
link between theory, practice in education
Summary: Researchers
suggest that a new approach to teaching could help foster a more practical
perspective for pupils of “pure” science subjects such as physics, chemistry,
biology, etc. to be blended with environmental sciences to evoke
sustainability.
Quick test can help
spot depressed teenagers, nursing researcher finds
Summary: Recent study
suggests that the use of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression
Scale for Children (CES-DC) in primary care facilities could be useful in screening
for depression in teens during well visits.
Custom-made
mouthguards reduce athletes' risk of concussion, study shows
Summary: Recent study
of 412 high school football players found that players wearing over-the-counter
mouthguards were more than twice as likely to suffer mild traumatic brain
injury/concussion than those wearing custom made mouthguards.
Lower verbal test
score for toddlers who play non-educational games on touch screens
Summary: Recent study
surveyed 65 families to examine the potential benefits of touch-screen devices
for infants and toddlers 0-3 years old. The study found that parents utilize
touchscreen devices for educational shows, educational applications, non-educational
games, and sometimes for the child to merely touch the screen “aimlessly.”
There was no significant difference in testing scores for children with or
without touchscreen exposure, however children who played non-educational games
scored lower on developmental verbal tests.
Policymakers seduced
by neuroscience to justify early intervention agenda
Summary: Article
discusses the dangers of overemphasizing neuroscience the development of
policies that impact decisions regarding child custody and protection.
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