34 research outputs found
Using Zebrafish to implement a Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) to study Teratogenesis in Two Biology Laboratory Courses
poster abstractAbstract: Two related course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs)
were introduced into a freshman introductory biology and a sophomore level cell
biology class. In fall 2013, first semester freshman students were introduced to
scientific research in an introductory biology laboratory course. Students were
mentored to develop and execute original research projects investigating embryonic
nicotine and caffeine exposure effects on development, particularly on heart
development and function, using zebrafish embryos. In spring 2014, sophomore
level cell biology students extended these studies and analyzed the effects of
nicotine and caffeine at precise times in gastrulation. The freshman research
experience was repeated in fall 2014 where a new group of students expanded the
earlier research to investigate effects of additional toxicants on development.
Students designed new protocols, made measurements, documented data,
presented results and generated novel, high quality preliminary data that will be
further studied in successive semesters. Student researchers identified novel effects
of nicotine exposure on gastrulation and heart morphogenesis. Student surveys
showed the greatest gains in ability to (1) design experiments, (2) analyze data, and
(3) make scientific presentations. This CURE approach generated excitement and
engagement that translated into high student satisfaction and enhanced learning
Self-help interventions for anxiety disorders: An overview.
Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and are associated with a marked impairment in quality of life and a huge economic cost to society. Unfortunately, a considerable number of people who struggle with anxiety do not seek or receive adequate treatment. Self-help interventions have been proposed to constitute a relatively cheap, effective, efficient, and low-threshold intervention for anxiety disorders. This paper offers a critical discussion of their advantages and disadvantages and the evidence for their effectiveness. We conclude that guided self-help can play a major role in mental health care for patients with anxiety disorders. However, several research questions need to be answered before broad-scale dissemination is possible. The Internet will continue to play a prominent role in the further development of this field of research and clinical practice