In recent years, the Zika virus (ZIKV) epidemic that affected Brazil, particularly the Northeast region, drew attention due to cases of microcephaly and other congenital malformations, known as Congenital Zika Syndrome. The high incidence of severe cases in specific regions raised the hypothesis that environmental factors could be exacerbating the effects of the virus. A new study published in Scientific Reports and conducted by researchers from the D’Or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR) in partnership with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) has revealed the role of saxitoxin (STX), a neurotoxin found in water reservoirs contaminated by cyanobacteria, in increasing neuronal damage caused by ZIKV.

Elementary school students improve their reading skills more quickly with an interactive, digital-learning platform than with conventional, pen-and-paper lessons, according to a study from the University of Michigan, Saginaw Valley State University and Ypsilanti Community Schools.

People with mild dementia might live more independently if assistive technology could evolve in parallel with their progressing conditions, according to new research from Alisha Pradhan, assistant professor of informatics at New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Pradhan and Clemson University assistant professor Emma Dixon are principal investigators on a three-year National Science Foundation grant, Future Proofing for Age-Related Changing Cognitive Abilities using Smart Objects as Assistive Technologies, with each school receiving $300,000.

BALTIMORE, MD, February 20, 2025 – A groundbreaking new study published in the INFORMS journal Decision Analysis unveils a powerful new tool to tackle the opioid crisis, offering a pathway to slash costs by nearly 30% while saving lives.