The A&P Professor Science & Education Updates - Issue #178

Life Science

A proof-of-concept technique to analyze microscopic particles in tears could give scientists a new way to detect eye disease and other disorders.

For millions of people around the world, salvation from long periods of dark thoughts and oppressive feelings comes in pill form, with each dose doing its bit to ensure the balance of a humble neurotransmitter called serotonin remains relatively in

But midwives and doctors who work in countries where pregnancy is common in young adolescent girls say those pushing for very young girls to carry pregnancies to term may not understand the brutal toll of pregnancy and delivery on the body of a child.

Researchers discovered a specific neurotransmitter that helps assign either positive or negative emotions to memories.

The top symptoms of the Omicron COVID-19 variant may differ from symptoms that were common at the start of the pandemic. Omicron may also be less severe than the Delta variant, a study out of the U.K. found.

While much is known about how the brains of English speakers process language, research has neglected people who speak other languages. The Scientist spoke with one of the authors of a study that seeks to change that.

Teaching & Learning

Baldwin addresses the challenges of education to prepare children to grapple with the myths and realities of U.S. history.

As a hobby, video gaming can get some bad press when it comes to its effects on our physical and mental health – and it has been well established that sitting still all day isn't especially good for us.

However, done in moderation, there are upsides to video gaming.

A new study suggests that hours spent in front of a screen playing games each week can increase brain activity, and, in particular, boost the cognitive skills required for decision making – that is, taking everything coming through our senses and deciding on a suitable reaction.

Should we have our students play video games before exams, I wonder?

Academic leaders and senior faculty often don’t recognize or acknowledge that structural and systemic racism is frequently imbedded in the process, write Sydney Freeman Jr. and Vicki L. Baker.

TAPP News & Notes

Phantasia: Mental Imagery in Teaching & Learning | Pregnancy & Abortion Facts Can Stir Up Feelings