The concern over penis size has been a longstanding issue for many men. In the past, studies on this topic often relied on self-reporting, which wasn't always accurate due to individuals tending to overestimate themselves. To provide more reliable data, a new study published in the British Journal of Urology International compiled information from 17 previous academic papers with measurements from 15,521 men globally. The study aimed to establish a more precise understanding of average penile dimensions.
The study revealed that the average flaccid penis measures 9.16 cm (3.61 inches) in length, while the average erect penis is 13.12 cm (5.16 inches) long. The corresponding girth measurements are 9.31 cm (3.66 inches) for a flaccid penis and 11.66 cm (4.59 inches) for an erect one. The research also indicated that outliers in penis size are rare, with a 16-cm (6.3-inch) erect penis falling within the 95th percentile, meaning only five out of 100 men would have a larger penis. Conversely, a 10-cm (3.94-inch) erect penis falls within the 5th percentile, indicating that only five out of 100 men would have a smaller penis.
To accurately measure one's penis, individuals should use the study's prescribed method. Measurements were taken from the pubic bone to the tip of the glans, with any excess fat around the pubic bone compressed before measurement. Circumference was measured at the base of the penis or around the middle of the shaft.
The study did not find strong evidence linking penis size to other physical characteristics such as height, body mass index, or shoe size. Additionally, there was no significant correlation between genital dimensions and race or ethnicity in the study, although most of the data analyzed were from studies of Caucasian men.
While George Costanza's "shrinkage" mishap on Seinfeld provided comedic relief, reports suggest that approximately 55% of men are dissatisfied with their penis size. This dissatisfaction can lead some men to consider risky surgical solutions, despite the fact that the perceived problem is often more psychological than physical. Many men have a distorted view of what is considered a normal penis size, influenced by factors like pornography that often feature performers with exceptionally large genitalia. Misleading advertisements claiming unrealistic average sizes further contribute to this misconception.
The study emphasized that there are no magic solutions like lotions or pills to alter penis size. It highlighted the importance of understanding accurate data and dispelling myths perpetuated by societal influences. By providing concrete measurements and dispelling misconceptions, the study aimed to alleviate concerns and provide a more realistic perspective on penis size.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/how-big-average-penis
Monday, March 4, 2024
The latest U.S. spending bills indicate a concerning future for science funding.
The U.S. Congress is on the verge of approving six spending bills for 2024 that will greatly impact federal research agencies in the nation. A grim outlook is painted for the scientific community as these bills propose significant cuts or stagnant budgets for crucial research entities. The National Science Foundation (NSF) is set to endure the largest blow, facing an 8.3% reduction to $9.06 billion, NASA's science programs will see a 5.9% decrease to $7.3 billion, and funding cuts have also been imposed on research-related expenses at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) research spending remains unchanged, while the Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Science receives a modest increase of 1.7%, amounting to $8.24 billion, which, however, fails to keep up with inflation.
The bills signify progress in resolving a long-standing deadlock over government spending levels for the current fiscal year, with the total spending of about $460 billion allocated to various government programs. This represents a compromise between the House of Representatives and the Senate, offering a mix of financial certainty and challenges to the agencies. The remaining six bills, expected to be finalized by March 22, will determine funding for critical research bodies like the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) faces tough decisions due to a significant reduction in its budget, posing challenges for its various research directorates. NASA's budget sees a modest increase overall, but its planetary science program suffers a significant 15% cut, reflecting concerns over the soaring costs of missions like Mars Sample Return. The bill pressures NASA to maintain a broad spectrum of missions, despite budget constraints, emphasizing the importance of ongoing projects like the Dragonfly rotocopter and the Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission.
The Department of Energy (DOE) receives a slight boost in funding, with allocations to specific programs showing both increases and decreases. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) experiences a minor rise in overall budget, with cuts affecting certain research programs. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) faces a reduction in funding but is encouraged to explore lithium resources and carbon sequestration possibilities. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sees a slight decrease in overall funding, with a focus on vital research areas like artificial intelligence, quantum science, and biotechnology.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) witnesses a notable decline in its budget, impacting its science and technology initiatives, despite a lesser decrease compared to the White House's initial request. As these spending bills near approval, the scientific community braces for the challenges posed by these financial constraints, which could hamper important research endeavors and innovation in the U.S.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/final-u-s-spending-bills-offer-gloomy-outlook-science
The bills signify progress in resolving a long-standing deadlock over government spending levels for the current fiscal year, with the total spending of about $460 billion allocated to various government programs. This represents a compromise between the House of Representatives and the Senate, offering a mix of financial certainty and challenges to the agencies. The remaining six bills, expected to be finalized by March 22, will determine funding for critical research bodies like the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) faces tough decisions due to a significant reduction in its budget, posing challenges for its various research directorates. NASA's budget sees a modest increase overall, but its planetary science program suffers a significant 15% cut, reflecting concerns over the soaring costs of missions like Mars Sample Return. The bill pressures NASA to maintain a broad spectrum of missions, despite budget constraints, emphasizing the importance of ongoing projects like the Dragonfly rotocopter and the Near-Earth Object Surveyor mission.
The Department of Energy (DOE) receives a slight boost in funding, with allocations to specific programs showing both increases and decreases. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) experiences a minor rise in overall budget, with cuts affecting certain research programs. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) faces a reduction in funding but is encouraged to explore lithium resources and carbon sequestration possibilities. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) sees a slight decrease in overall funding, with a focus on vital research areas like artificial intelligence, quantum science, and biotechnology.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) witnesses a notable decline in its budget, impacting its science and technology initiatives, despite a lesser decrease compared to the White House's initial request. As these spending bills near approval, the scientific community braces for the challenges posed by these financial constraints, which could hamper important research endeavors and innovation in the U.S.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/final-u-s-spending-bills-offer-gloomy-outlook-science
Summary of Drug Price Negotiations in Court: The Current Status
In an article discussing drug price negotiations in court, various aspects of the ongoing legal battles surrounding drug pricing are examined. The piece delves into the complexities and outcomes of these negotiations within the pharmaceutical industry. The author highlights the current state of affairs in court battles over drug prices and provides a comprehensive analysis of the situation.
Moving on to a different topic, the concept of "living fossils" is explored in-depth. The term was coined by Charles Darwin in 1859 to describe species that have remained virtually unchanged over millions of years. The study published in Evolution sheds light on the evolution rates of these "living fossils," particularly focusing on the gar fish species. The research reveals that gars exhibit an exceptionally slow rate of molecular evolution, indicating a near standstill in their genetic changes. This unique characteristic is attributed to their efficient DNA repair machinery, which has preserved their genomes over long periods, leading to minimal divergence between species and genera.
The study compares the evolution rates of various vertebrate groups, highlighting the contrasting mutation rates among different species considered as living fossils. While some species such as the coelacanth and the elephant shark have relatively faster mutation rates compared to gars, the latter stand out for their remarkably slow genetic evolution. Gars' genetic stability is further evidenced by their ability to produce fertile hybrid offspring between genera that diverged millions of years ago, showcasing their exceptional genetic conservation.
The researchers suggest that gars' low substitution rates are driven by a global mechanism that efficiently repairs DNA, preventing significant genetic changes even as environmental factors shift. This hypothesis is supported by the observation of gars' slow metabolic rates, long generation times, and unique chromosomal structures that contribute to their genetic stability. The study also explores the implications of gars' DNA repair mechanisms beyond evolutionary biology, emphasizing their potential relevance in understanding human DNA repair pathways and diseases like cancer.
The article concludes by proposing future experiments to validate the role of DNA repair mechanisms in gars' genetic conservation. By introducing gar DNA repair genes into model organisms like zebrafish, researchers aim to unravel the mechanisms underlying gars' slow mutation rates. Despite the challenges associated with manipulating fundamental genes, the potential insights gained from studying gars' genetic stability could have broader implications in biomedical research and human health.
The study offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of evolutionary biology, highlighting the remarkable adaptations of "living fossil" species like gars and their implications for understanding genetic conservation and DNA repair mechanisms. The findings open up new avenues for research and underscore the importance of studying ancient lineages to unravel the mysteries of genetic stability and evolution.
(Source: https://www.science.org/content/blog-post/drug-price-negotiations-court-scorecard-so-far, https://www.science.org/content/article/these-gars-are-ultimate-living-fossils)
Moving on to a different topic, the concept of "living fossils" is explored in-depth. The term was coined by Charles Darwin in 1859 to describe species that have remained virtually unchanged over millions of years. The study published in Evolution sheds light on the evolution rates of these "living fossils," particularly focusing on the gar fish species. The research reveals that gars exhibit an exceptionally slow rate of molecular evolution, indicating a near standstill in their genetic changes. This unique characteristic is attributed to their efficient DNA repair machinery, which has preserved their genomes over long periods, leading to minimal divergence between species and genera.
The study compares the evolution rates of various vertebrate groups, highlighting the contrasting mutation rates among different species considered as living fossils. While some species such as the coelacanth and the elephant shark have relatively faster mutation rates compared to gars, the latter stand out for their remarkably slow genetic evolution. Gars' genetic stability is further evidenced by their ability to produce fertile hybrid offspring between genera that diverged millions of years ago, showcasing their exceptional genetic conservation.
The researchers suggest that gars' low substitution rates are driven by a global mechanism that efficiently repairs DNA, preventing significant genetic changes even as environmental factors shift. This hypothesis is supported by the observation of gars' slow metabolic rates, long generation times, and unique chromosomal structures that contribute to their genetic stability. The study also explores the implications of gars' DNA repair mechanisms beyond evolutionary biology, emphasizing their potential relevance in understanding human DNA repair pathways and diseases like cancer.
The article concludes by proposing future experiments to validate the role of DNA repair mechanisms in gars' genetic conservation. By introducing gar DNA repair genes into model organisms like zebrafish, researchers aim to unravel the mechanisms underlying gars' slow mutation rates. Despite the challenges associated with manipulating fundamental genes, the potential insights gained from studying gars' genetic stability could have broader implications in biomedical research and human health.
The study offers a fascinating glimpse into the intricate world of evolutionary biology, highlighting the remarkable adaptations of "living fossil" species like gars and their implications for understanding genetic conservation and DNA repair mechanisms. The findings open up new avenues for research and underscore the importance of studying ancient lineages to unravel the mysteries of genetic stability and evolution.
(Source: https://www.science.org/content/blog-post/drug-price-negotiations-court-scorecard-so-far, https://www.science.org/content/article/these-gars-are-ultimate-living-fossils)
Updates on Drug Price Negotiations in Court: Progress Report
In the realm of drug price negotiations within the United States, a significant legal battle is unfolding, primarily concerning the Inflation Reduction Act's provisions allowing Medicare to negotiate drug prices. Recent legal developments indicate a trend favoring the government, with several cases being dismissed in courts. Notably, a case brought by PhRMA and other associations in Texas was dismissed due to jurisdictional issues related to the Medicare Act. Similar dismissals occurred in cases brought by the US Chamber of Commerce and AstraZeneca, with judges ruling against claims of constitutional violations and lack of standing, respectively.
Despite these legal setbacks for drug manufacturers, more lawsuits are pending, each echoing similar arguments. The possibility of appeals remains, but the chances for successful reversals seem slim. The uncertainty surrounding the Supreme Court's potential involvement adds complexity to the situation. The current landscape suggests that Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices will likely persist, as evident by initial price offers made by Medicare and subsequent counteroffers by drug companies.
Beyond the legal battles, the article also explores the evolution of certain fish species, particularly gars, deemed "living fossils" for their resemblance to ancient ancestors. A recent study in Evolution reveals that gars exhibit an incredibly slow rate of molecular evolution, attributing this to their exceptional DNA repair mechanisms. These mechanisms have kept gar genomes stable over millions of years, leading to minimal divergence even among species and genera with common ancestors dating back over 100 million years.
While some species considered living fossils show faster mutation rates, gars stand out for their extraordinarily sluggish evolution. The research team suggests that gars' efficient DNA repair, slow metabolic rates, and chromosome evolution contribute to their genetic stability. The study's findings offer insights into the mechanisms behind living fossils and could have broader implications for understanding DNA repair pathways in humans, potentially aiding cancer research.
Overall, the legal wrangling over drug price negotiations and the fascinating evolutionary traits of gars highlight the complexities of legal battles and biological adaptations in the modern world, showcasing the intricate interplay between law, science, and evolution.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/blog-post/drug-price-negotiations-court-scorecard-so-far
Despite these legal setbacks for drug manufacturers, more lawsuits are pending, each echoing similar arguments. The possibility of appeals remains, but the chances for successful reversals seem slim. The uncertainty surrounding the Supreme Court's potential involvement adds complexity to the situation. The current landscape suggests that Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices will likely persist, as evident by initial price offers made by Medicare and subsequent counteroffers by drug companies.
Beyond the legal battles, the article also explores the evolution of certain fish species, particularly gars, deemed "living fossils" for their resemblance to ancient ancestors. A recent study in Evolution reveals that gars exhibit an incredibly slow rate of molecular evolution, attributing this to their exceptional DNA repair mechanisms. These mechanisms have kept gar genomes stable over millions of years, leading to minimal divergence even among species and genera with common ancestors dating back over 100 million years.
While some species considered living fossils show faster mutation rates, gars stand out for their extraordinarily sluggish evolution. The research team suggests that gars' efficient DNA repair, slow metabolic rates, and chromosome evolution contribute to their genetic stability. The study's findings offer insights into the mechanisms behind living fossils and could have broader implications for understanding DNA repair pathways in humans, potentially aiding cancer research.
Overall, the legal wrangling over drug price negotiations and the fascinating evolutionary traits of gars highlight the complexities of legal battles and biological adaptations in the modern world, showcasing the intricate interplay between law, science, and evolution.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/blog-post/drug-price-negotiations-court-scorecard-so-far
Assessing the progress of drug price negotiations in court: A review of outcomes to date.
The court cases surrounding the provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act concerning Medicare's ability to negotiate drug prices have seen some recent developments. A suit brought by PhRMA and other associations was dismissed in Texas, where the judge ruled that the district court lacked jurisdiction as the claims fell under the Medicare Act. Despite constitutional questions raised by the plaintiffs, such as violations of separation of powers and due process clauses, the judge determined that the claims did not warrant further review. A case brought by the US Chamber of Commerce was also dismissed last September based on the argument that there was no constitutional obligation for companies to engage in business with the government.
More recently, a Federal judge in Delaware dismissed AstraZeneca's lawsuit, stating that the company did not have standing to bring the suit as they had not shown their property interests were at risk. The judge rejected the notion that not being able to maintain drug prices constituted a violation of due process. The government has been successful in all three cases so far, with dismissals based on lack of jurisdiction, standing, and constitutional need.
Despite the government's favorable outcomes, some cases brought by drug manufacturers are ongoing, but many repeat arguments that have not been successful. While appeals are likely, the chances of reversal seem slim. The impending lawsuits and potential appeals may lead to requests for the Supreme Court to hear the cases. The author believes that Medicare drug price reductions are likely to proceed for the foreseeable future.
The Inflation Reduction Act's drug price negotiation provisions have broader implications beyond Medicare pricing, which will be explored in future articles. Currently, Medicare has already made price offers for the initial list of ten drugs, with respective companies countering these offers. Details of these negotiations are not yet public and may not be disclosed until September.
The author, Derek Lowe, is an expert in pharmaceuticals with a background in organic chemistry. His blog, "In the Pipeline," provides insights into drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry from an independent standpoint.
In summary, recent court cases have favored the government in upholding the Inflation Reduction Act's drug price negotiation provisions, with several suits by drug manufacturers being dismissed. The future of Medicare drug prices remains uncertain, with potential appeals and Supreme Court involvement looming. The implications of these legal battles extend beyond Medicare pricing and will continue to be monitored.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/blog-post/drug-price-negotiations-court-scorecard-so-far
More recently, a Federal judge in Delaware dismissed AstraZeneca's lawsuit, stating that the company did not have standing to bring the suit as they had not shown their property interests were at risk. The judge rejected the notion that not being able to maintain drug prices constituted a violation of due process. The government has been successful in all three cases so far, with dismissals based on lack of jurisdiction, standing, and constitutional need.
Despite the government's favorable outcomes, some cases brought by drug manufacturers are ongoing, but many repeat arguments that have not been successful. While appeals are likely, the chances of reversal seem slim. The impending lawsuits and potential appeals may lead to requests for the Supreme Court to hear the cases. The author believes that Medicare drug price reductions are likely to proceed for the foreseeable future.
The Inflation Reduction Act's drug price negotiation provisions have broader implications beyond Medicare pricing, which will be explored in future articles. Currently, Medicare has already made price offers for the initial list of ten drugs, with respective companies countering these offers. Details of these negotiations are not yet public and may not be disclosed until September.
The author, Derek Lowe, is an expert in pharmaceuticals with a background in organic chemistry. His blog, "In the Pipeline," provides insights into drug discovery and the pharmaceutical industry from an independent standpoint.
In summary, recent court cases have favored the government in upholding the Inflation Reduction Act's drug price negotiation provisions, with several suits by drug manufacturers being dismissed. The future of Medicare drug prices remains uncertain, with potential appeals and Supreme Court involvement looming. The implications of these legal battles extend beyond Medicare pricing and will continue to be monitored.
Source: https://www.science.org/content/blog-post/drug-price-negotiations-court-scorecard-so-far
Despite having valid U.S. visas, Chinese graduate students were still deported.
Amid escalating political tensions between the United States and China, over a dozen Chinese graduate students with valid U.S. visas have faced unexpected deportations in recent months. These students, enrolled in Ph.D. science programs at prestigious universities like Yale and Johns Hopkins, were denied re-entry to the U.S. after visiting their families in China. The reasons for their abrupt deportations remain unclear, leaving their academic institutions grappling with finding solutions for them to complete their research and obtain their degrees.
The affected students, who have chosen to remain anonymous due to concerns about their chances of returning to the U.S., have shared their distressing experiences. One student's ordeal included a 50-hour process involving intense interrogation, solitary confinement, and a mandated expensive one-way ticket back to China. Despite efforts by legal representatives and university officials to understand and challenge these deportations, the students are facing a ban of up to five years from returning to the U.S.
The uncertainty surrounding these deportations has sparked fear and uncertainty among Chinese students considering pursuing advanced degrees in the U.S. The potential consequences of being denied entry despite possessing a valid visa have raised doubts about the value of pursuing education in the U.S. and have put a damper on the aspirations of many aspiring scholars. The chilling effect of these incidents is not only affecting the individual students but also posing a threat to the diversity and excellence of scientific research in the U.S.
The lack of transparency in the decision-making process by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has added to the confusion surrounding these deportations. While the CBP has the authority to deny entry based on national security concerns, the criteria for such decisions, particularly concerning Chinese scholars, remain ambiguous. The impact of a directive issued by former President Donald Trump in 2020, empowering CBP to refuse entry to Chinese students associated with institutions promoting the acquisition of foreign technologies with potential military applications, has further complicated the situation.
Efforts by legal representatives to challenge the bans have faced obstacles, with limited avenues for redress and a lack of accountability from CBP. Some affected students are exploring alternatives, such as transferring to universities in Europe or working remotely from their home countries. Meanwhile, academic institutions like Yale are exploring options to support affected students, including remote work arrangements, although limitations exist, especially for students at early stages of their graduate programs.
The dearth of official data and communication from CBP regarding the reasons for these deportations has led to speculation and theories among the academic community. While some patterns, such as the involvement of specific CBP agents in multiple cases, have been observed, the lack of conclusive information has fueled uncertainty and mistrust. Despite the challenges faced by these students, efforts are ongoing to advocate for their rights and seek solutions to enable them to continue their academic pursuits.
(Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/valid-u-s-visa-didn-t-stop-these-chinese-graduate-students-being-deported)
The affected students, who have chosen to remain anonymous due to concerns about their chances of returning to the U.S., have shared their distressing experiences. One student's ordeal included a 50-hour process involving intense interrogation, solitary confinement, and a mandated expensive one-way ticket back to China. Despite efforts by legal representatives and university officials to understand and challenge these deportations, the students are facing a ban of up to five years from returning to the U.S.
The uncertainty surrounding these deportations has sparked fear and uncertainty among Chinese students considering pursuing advanced degrees in the U.S. The potential consequences of being denied entry despite possessing a valid visa have raised doubts about the value of pursuing education in the U.S. and have put a damper on the aspirations of many aspiring scholars. The chilling effect of these incidents is not only affecting the individual students but also posing a threat to the diversity and excellence of scientific research in the U.S.
The lack of transparency in the decision-making process by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has added to the confusion surrounding these deportations. While the CBP has the authority to deny entry based on national security concerns, the criteria for such decisions, particularly concerning Chinese scholars, remain ambiguous. The impact of a directive issued by former President Donald Trump in 2020, empowering CBP to refuse entry to Chinese students associated with institutions promoting the acquisition of foreign technologies with potential military applications, has further complicated the situation.
Efforts by legal representatives to challenge the bans have faced obstacles, with limited avenues for redress and a lack of accountability from CBP. Some affected students are exploring alternatives, such as transferring to universities in Europe or working remotely from their home countries. Meanwhile, academic institutions like Yale are exploring options to support affected students, including remote work arrangements, although limitations exist, especially for students at early stages of their graduate programs.
The dearth of official data and communication from CBP regarding the reasons for these deportations has led to speculation and theories among the academic community. While some patterns, such as the involvement of specific CBP agents in multiple cases, have been observed, the lack of conclusive information has fueled uncertainty and mistrust. Despite the challenges faced by these students, efforts are ongoing to advocate for their rights and seek solutions to enable them to continue their academic pursuits.
(Source: https://www.science.org/content/article/valid-u-s-visa-didn-t-stop-these-chinese-graduate-students-being-deported)
Sunday, March 3, 2024
Valuable outcomes and strategies to enhance informal STEM learning and success for students from underrepresented communities.
The text discusses a study focusing on informal STEM learning experiences for high school students from historically marginalized communities. These experiences aim to engage students in complex socio-scientific issues, providing them with opportunities to develop STEM literacy. The study uses a mixed method approach to analyze the impacts of these informal programs on students over various timeframes, ranging from 22 to 320 hours.
The introduction highlights the importance of promoting equity in STEM education, addressing the underrepresentation of women, Black, Latinx/a/o, Indigenous, individuals with disabilities, and those affected by poverty in STEM fields. The study aims to provide insights into how informal STEM programs can support equitable STEM learning for students from historically marginalized communities.
The research, conducted by the Systems Education Experiences (SEE) program, explores the progress made by students from historically marginalized communities as a result of participating in STEM experiences. The study also investigates the successes and challenges faced by these students in engaging with authentic STEM experiences. The findings reveal the importance of hands-on participation in projects, connections to STEM professionals, and group work in supporting students' progress across various STEM learning constructs.
The study demonstrates that research-based informal STEM programs can be implemented with minimal resources while still being effective in supporting students' STEM learning and outcomes. It emphasizes the need for programs to address barriers along STEM pathways and help students understand the societal connections in STEM fields.
The analysis further explores the impact of different program durations, both in-person and remote, on students' STEM success. Results show that students benefited from various program models, with consistent positive outcomes across different experience durations. The study suggests that interactions with STEM professionals and engagement in authentic research activities play a vital role in fostering students' STEM identity, interest, and 21st-century learning skills.
Overall, the study provides practical insights for advancing informal STEM learning and outcomes for students from historically marginalized communities. It underscores the significance of supporting students in making informed decisions about their STEM pathways, understanding career options, and building social capital and 21st-century skills. The findings highlight the importance of creating inclusive and effective STEM programs to address equity issues in STEM education.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02797-w
The introduction highlights the importance of promoting equity in STEM education, addressing the underrepresentation of women, Black, Latinx/a/o, Indigenous, individuals with disabilities, and those affected by poverty in STEM fields. The study aims to provide insights into how informal STEM programs can support equitable STEM learning for students from historically marginalized communities.
The research, conducted by the Systems Education Experiences (SEE) program, explores the progress made by students from historically marginalized communities as a result of participating in STEM experiences. The study also investigates the successes and challenges faced by these students in engaging with authentic STEM experiences. The findings reveal the importance of hands-on participation in projects, connections to STEM professionals, and group work in supporting students' progress across various STEM learning constructs.
The study demonstrates that research-based informal STEM programs can be implemented with minimal resources while still being effective in supporting students' STEM learning and outcomes. It emphasizes the need for programs to address barriers along STEM pathways and help students understand the societal connections in STEM fields.
The analysis further explores the impact of different program durations, both in-person and remote, on students' STEM success. Results show that students benefited from various program models, with consistent positive outcomes across different experience durations. The study suggests that interactions with STEM professionals and engagement in authentic research activities play a vital role in fostering students' STEM identity, interest, and 21st-century learning skills.
Overall, the study provides practical insights for advancing informal STEM learning and outcomes for students from historically marginalized communities. It underscores the significance of supporting students in making informed decisions about their STEM pathways, understanding career options, and building social capital and 21st-century skills. The findings highlight the importance of creating inclusive and effective STEM programs to address equity issues in STEM education.
Source: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02797-w
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