Science, misinformation, and the role of education.

"Competent outsiders" must be able to evaluate the credibility of science-based arguments.

14-3-3 proteins tune non-muscle myosin II assembly.

The 14-3-3 family comprises a group of small proteins that are essential, ubiquitous, and highly conserved across eukaryotes. Overexpression of the 14-3-3 proteins σ, ϵ, ζ, and η correlates with high metastatic potential in multiple cancer types. In , 14-3-3 promotes myosin II turnover in the cell cortex and modulates cortical tension, cell shape, and cytokinesis.

Sequence-Specific Affinity Chromatography of Bacterial Small Regulatory RNA-Binding Proteins from Bacterial Cells.

Bacterial small RNA molecules (sRNAs) are increasingly recognized as central regulators of bacterial stress responses and pathogenesis. In many cases, RNA-binding proteins are critical for the stability and function of sRNAs. Previous studies have adopted strategies to genetically tag an sRNA of interest, allowing isolation of RNA-protein complexes from cells.

Factual accuracy and the cultural context of science in popular media: Perspectives of media makers, middle school students, and university students on an entertainment television program.

Popular media influences ideas about science constructed by the public. To sway media productions, public policy organizations have increasingly promoted use of science consultants. This study contributes to understanding the connection from science consultants to popular media to public outcomes.

Deep grey matter MRI abnormalities and cognitive function in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis.

Although deep grey matter (GM) involvement in multiple sclerosis (MS) is well documented, in-vivo multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies and association with detailed cognitive measures are limited. We investigated volumetric, diffusion and perfusion metrics in thalamus, hippocampus, putamen, caudate nucleus and globus pallidum, and neuropsychological measures, spanning 4 cognitive domains, in 60 relapsing-remitting MS patients (RRMS) (mean disease duration of 5.1 years, median EDSS of 1.

Investigating the Function of Content and Argumentation Items in a Science Test: A Multidimensional Approach.

The latest national science framework has formally stated the need for developing assessments that test both students' content knowledge and scientific practices. In response to this call, a science assessment that consists of (a) content items that measure students' understanding of a grade eight physics topic and (b) argumentation items that measure students' argumentation competency has been developed. This paper investigated the function of these content and argumentation items with a multidimensional measurement framework from two perspectives.

Is Science for Us? Black Students' and Parents' Views of Science and Science Careers.

There are widespread policy concerns to improve (widen and increase) science, technology, engineering, and mathematics participation, which remains stratified by ethnicity, gender, and social class. Despite being interested in and highly valuing science, Black students tend to express limited aspirations to careers in science and remain underrepresented in post-16 science courses and careers, a pattern which is not solely explained by attainment. This paper draws on survey data from nationally representative student cohorts and longitudinal interview data collected over 4 years from 10 Black African/Caribbean students and their parents, who were tracked from age 10-14 (Y6-Y9), as part of a larger study on children's science and career aspirations.

A method for in vivo identification of bacterial small RNA-binding proteins.

Small bacterial regulatory RNAs (sRNAs) have gained immense appreciation over the last decade for their roles in mediating posttranscriptional gene regulation of numerous physiological processes. Several proteins contribute to sRNA stability and regulation, most notably the Hfq RNA-binding protein. However, not all sRNAs rely on Hfq for their stability.

Revising the economic imperative for US STEM education.

Over the last decade macroeconomic studies have established a clear link between student achievement on science and math tests and per capita gross domestic product (GDP) growth, supporting the widely held belief that science, technology, engineering, and math(STEM) education are important factors in the production of economic prosperity. We critique studies that use science and math tests to predict GDP growth, arguing that estimates of the future economic value of STEM education involve substantial speculation because they ignore the impacts of economic growth on biodiversity and ecosystem functionality, which, in the long-term, limit the potential for future economic growth. Furthermore, we argue that such ecological impacts can be enabled by STEM education.

Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation on an explanted cochlear implant demonstrated using an ultrasonication technique.

Relevance: Biofilm forming microorganisms are responsible for the infection of a number of different indwelling medical devices including cochlear implants. The current definitive technique for proving biofilm infection is the use of scanning electron microscopy that is expensive and of limited availability.

Clinical Presentation: A persistently infected cochlear implant was explanted.

A modified scoring system to describe gross pathology in the rabbit model of tuberculosis.

Background: The rabbit model is an ideal means to study the pathogenesis of tuberculosis due to its semblance to the disease in humans. We have previously described the results using a bronchoscopic route of infection with live bacilli as a reliable means of generating lung cavities in sensitized rabbits. The role of sensitization in the development of disease outcomes has been well established in several animal models.

14-3-3 coordinates microtubules, Rac, and myosin II to control cell mechanics and cytokinesis.

Background: During cytokinesis, regulatory signals are presumed to emanate from the mitotic spindle. However, what these signals are and how they lead to the spatiotemporal changes in the cortex structure, mechanics, and regional contractility are not well understood in any system.

Results: To investigate pathways that link the microtubule network to the cortical changes that promote cytokinesis, we used chemical genetics in Dictyostelium to identify genetic suppressors of nocodazole, a microtubule depolymerizer.

Arguing to learn in science: the role of collaborative, critical discourse.

Argument and debate are common in science, yet they are virtually absent from science education. Recent research shows, however, that opportunities for students to engage in collaborative discourse and argumentation offer a means of enhancing student conceptual understanding and students' skills and capabilities with scientific reasoning. As one of the hallmarks of the scientist is critical, rational skepticism, the lack of opportunities to develop the ability to reason and argue scientifically would appear to be a significant weakness in contemporary educational practice.

Surgical emphysema: a rare complication following cochlear implantation.

A case report of surgical emphysema following adult cochlear implantation. The clinical picture, investigations and management of this rare case will be discussed.

Evaluation of bilaterally implanted adult subjects with the nucleus 24 cochlear implant system.

Objective: To evaluate the speech perception benefits of bilateral implantation for subjects who already have one implant.

Study Design: Repeated measures.

Patients: Thirty adult cochlear implant users who received their second implant from 1 to 7 years with a mean of 3 years after their first device.

Ossiculoplasty with intact stapes and absent malleus: the silastic banding technique.

Objective: To report an original method of ossicular reconstruction with intact stapes and absent malleus. Ossiculoplasty is performed with a total ossicular replacement prosthesis positioned from the stapes footplate to the under-surface of the tympanic membrane, using a Silastic banding technique to stabilize the prosthesis.

Study Design: A prospective study of ossicular reconstruction using the Silastic banding technique.