Rolling balls or trapping ions? How students relate models to real-world phenomena in the physics laboratory

The creation and use of models in science is of great importance for knowledge production and communication. For example, toy models are often used as idealized explanatory models in physics education. Models can be a powerful tool for exploring phenomena in ways that facilitate learning. However, careful consideration of instruction and explanations needs to be considered to guide how students relate models to real-world phenomena in subject-correct ways. A design experiment was conducted to investigate how upper secondary school students can use models for learning in the physics laboratory. The intervention used in the study was a laboratory exercise developed over three phases where students worked with a mechanical Paul trap and a simulation to understand the principle behind a real Paul trap. Each phase of the study consisted of three to five laboratory sessions. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and the learning process was understood using the theoretical framework of variation theory. From the results, it was possible to identify patterns of variation for successful lab groups and critical aspects and features students need to discern to effectively modelize the mechanical Paul trap. The findings also indicate that having students work with models can be a meaningful clarificatory process to develop a deeper understanding of the use and limitations of models in science

Integrating CAD, 3D-printing technology and oral communication to enhance students\u27 physics understanding and disciplinary literacy

How do engineering physics students come to understand and share their physics learnings as a result of careful integration of oral communication with engineering skills like computer aided design and 3D-printing technology? Based in a sociocognitive theory of situated communication pedagogy, the action research conducted in this study set out to answer this research question in an introductory first-year course in engineering physics. A re-design intervention was planned, overseen, and evaluated by a teaching team comprising three physicists and a communication specialist. The findings-supported by student surveys, reflective field notes from the teachers\u27 observations, and a focus group interview with students-strongly indicate that the students\u27 structured oral engagement with disciplinary content confer learning benefits and promote the development of disciplinary (physics) literacy

Integrated micro-optics for microfluidic systems

Generation of multiple traps within a microfluidic channel is a subject with practical applications e.g. in life sciences. In the approach presented here a diffractive optical element, integrated in the channel walls, is used to generate the necessary spot pattern

Diet and body constitution in relation to subgroups of breast cancer defined by tumour grade, proliferation and key cell cycle regulators

BACKGROUND: The general lack of clear associations between diet and breast cancer in epidemiological studies may partly be explained by the fact that breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that may have disparate genetic associations and different aetiological bases. METHOD: A total of 346 incident breast cancers in a prospective cohort of 17,035 women enrolled in the Malmö Diet and Cancer study (Sweden) were subcategorized according to conventional pathology parameters, proliferation and expression of key cell cycle regulators. Subcategories were compared with prediagnostic diet and body measurements using analysis of variance. RESULTS: A large hip circumference and high body mass index were associated with high grade tumours (P = 0.03 and 0.009, respectively), whereas low energy and unadjusted fat intakes were associated with high proliferation (P = 0.03 and 0.004, respectively). Low intakes of saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids were also associated with high proliferation (P = 0.02, 0.004 and 0.003, respectively). Low energy and unadjusted fat intakes were associated with cyclin D(1 )overexpression (P = 0.02 and 0.007, respectively), whereas cyclin E overexpression was positively correlated with fat intake. Oestrogen receptor status and expression of the tumour suppressor gene p27 were not associated with either diet or body constitution. CONCLUSION: Low energy and low total fat (polyunsaturated fatty acids in particular) intakes, and high body mass index were associated with relatively more malignant breast tumours. Dietary behaviours and body constitution may be associated with specific types of breast cancer defined by conventional pathology parameters and cyclin D(1 )and cyclin E expression. Further studies including healthy control individuals are needed to confirm our results

Combining Engineering Studies with Sports

The National Sport University in Gothenburg is a joint venture between Chalmers University of Technology and University of Gothenburg. It is an initiative from the Swedish National Sport Federation with the aim to support elite athlete students to combine their elite sport activities with higher education for dual careers. This could be achieved via individual study plans with allowances made to include training and event schedules. A part of this activity is the Sports and technology cluster at Chalmers, a facility where athletes, coaches, business and sports federations meet researchers, engineers and students to initiate advanced sports related research. The goal of this initiative, incorporating several scientific branches, is to enhance athlete’s performance and security across a range of sports, including sailing, swimming and equestrian. An important part of the business is also to create interesting projects that motivate all interested engineering students in their studies

Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy Combined with Multiphoton Laser Scanning Microscopy—A Practical Guideline

Multiphoton laser scanning microscopy (MPM) has opened up an optical window into biological tissues; however, imaging is primarily qualitative. Cell morphology and tissue architectures can be clearly visualized but quantitative analysis of actual concentration and fluorophore distribution is indecisive. Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is a highly sensitive photophysical methodology employed to study molecular parameters such as diffusion characteristics on the single molecule level. In combination with laser scanning microscopy, and MPM in particular, FCS has been referred to as a standard and highly useful tool in biomedical research to study diffusion and molecular interaction with subcellular precision. Despite several proof-of-concept reports on the topic, the implementation of MPM-FCS is far from straightforward. This practical guideline aims to clarify the conceptual principles and define experimental operating conditions when implementing MPM-FCS. Validation experiments in Rhodamine solutions were performed on an experimental MPM-FCS platform investigating the effects of objective lens, fluorophore concentration and laser power. An approach based on analysis of time-correlated single photon counting data is presented. It is shown that the requirement of high numerical aperture (NA) objective lenses is a primary limitation that restricts field of view, working distance and concentration range. Within these restrictions the data follows the predicted theory of Poisson distribution. The observed dependence on laser power is understood in the context of perturbation on the effective focal volume. In addition, a novel interpretation of the effect on measured diffusion time is presented. Overall, the challenges and limitations observed in this study reduce the versatility of MPM-FCS targeting biomedical research in complex and deep tissue—being the general strength of MPM in general. However, based on the systematic investigations and fundamental insights this report can serve as a practical guide and inspire future research, potentially overcoming the technical limitations and ultimately allowing MPM-FCS to become a highly useful tool in biomedical research

3D printing emphasizes and broadens university programs in physics

A new development in our department is that students in physics and teacher training now learn CAD and 3D printing. The teaching is based on a very brief introduction, after which the students will create final products that are later shown to other students and teachers during an exhibition. To further deepen the understanding and maintain the creativity of the students, a room with 3D printers all day accessible is provided. The students learn CAD and 3D printing well. In addition, the students use CAD and 3D printing in advanced experimental courses in physics where they benefit from creating different accessories to experimental setups. The students have also formed their own club for 3D printing to support other students, to produce creative solutions, and to test business ideas. This development has provided the first steps toward a maker movement environment in the teaching lab. We strongly believe in this concept