The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention works diligently to educate the public on all types of medical conditions, especially communicable diseases. This education offers a broad range of benefits, in terms of preventing the spread of these diseases. Without education, a single outbreak of a communicable disease would turn into a catastrophe in […] … learn more→
Monthly Archives: March 2018

Why education and health are so vitally important

School resource officers can prevent tragedies, but training is key
Despite legitimate concerns about the effects of placing school resource officers in the nation’s schools, the reality is having these officers on a school’s campus can literally save lives and avert tragedy. That much became clear on March 20, when school resource officer Blaine Gaskill rushed toward a shooter who had opened fire at Great Mills High School in […] … learn more→

My dyslexic perspective on academia – and how I found science communication
I am an academic with dyslexia and I would like to share my story with you. Dyslexia in academia is a conundrum – it is basically a learning difficulty, and coping with dyslexia is a very personal journey. It is different for everyone. For me, dyslexia affects – among other skills – my maths, sciences […] … learn more→

The PhD badly needs a doctor
The PhD was first introduced at Humboldt University of Berlin in the early 19th century and remains the iconic degree of the modern research university. But both in and outside the ivory towers, there is an increasing sense that the PhD is no longer fit for purpose, both in terms of the requirements of employers […] … learn more→

5 reasons why you and your intended should shop for an engagement ring together
In today’s society, couples often discuss their engagement— and engagement ring— well ahead of the actual proposal. That’s because, while the idea of surprising your bride to be with a beautiful ring that you have selected has a certain fairy-tale appeal, there are many excellent (and practical) reasons for shopping together. Whether you shop online […] … learn more→

Facebook is killing democracy with its personality profiling data
What state should you move to based on your personality? What character on “Downton Abbey” would you be? What breed of dog is best for you? Some enormous percentage of Facebook’s 2.13 billion usersmust have seen Facebook friends sharing results of various online quizzes. They are sometimes annoying, senseless and a total waste of time. But they […] … learn more→

The transformative effect of university-level learning inside prisons
The canteen at HMP Isis is no genteel tearoom, but today it could be mistaken for one. Staff and family members of inmates at the young offenders’ institution mingle among tables covered in white cloths, helping themselves to items from the buffet prepared by prisoners on the institution’s catering course. Emily Thomas, the prison governor, […] … learn more→

Threat assessments crucial to prevent school shootings
In the wake of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida, a wide variety of groups – from students to lawmakers – have been searching for ways to make U.S. schools and communities safer and prevent further shootings. One of the best ways to make schools safer is to use threat assessments – a tool developed […] … learn more→

Time to end bias against academia’s female entrepreneurs
University spin-off companies play a key role in taking innovation into the wider market and they also contribute to economic growth. However, the participation of women scientists and engineers in the development and formation of university spin-offs is limited. This was clearly demonstrated in a study by Elsevier last year on gender in research across […] … learn more→

Some officials want to ban school suspensions – here’s how that could backfire
When it comes to school discipline, the fact that low-income and minority students are more likely to get suspended than students who are white or more well off is nothing new. In an effort to turn things around, some education policymakers are beginning to take a critical look at the use of school suspensions. A recent example is this […] … learn more→