DR. GAIL EVERETT FIELDS, DO

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This study looked at how girls' confidence in science and their identification with science (STEM identity) impact their interest in pursuing a career as a scientist over two years. The researchers followed 308 girls from different STEM programs in the U.K. and U.S. and found that girls who believed in their science abilities were more likely to develop a strong STEM identity and interest in scientific careers. Specifically, stronger science confidence at the beginning was linked to increased career interest a year later, and those who felt a stronger STEM identity also reported higher science confidence over time. Who this helps: This is beneficial for adolescent girls interested in science, educators, and programs aiming to encourage girls in STEM fields.

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This research studied how adolescents' motivation for math changes over time and how factors like mindset and the inclusivity of informal STEM learning environments affect this motivation. Researchers found that participants' expectations and interest in math generally decreased over three years, but those who believed they could develop their math skills (growth mindset) had better utility in math compared to those who thought their abilities were fixed. Additionally, girls started with lower expectations than boys, and older teens had lower expectations but experienced a slower decline in motivation. Who this helps: This research benefits educators and program organizers aiming to improve math motivation among students, especially girls and older adolescents.

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This study looked at how children and teenagers perceive differences in opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) based on wealth. Researchers found that young children (around age 6) believed a wealthy character was better in STEM, but by middle childhood (around age 9), kids recognized both characters as equally capable and wanted to involve the less wealthy character in STEM activities. However, older children still thought peers would favor the wealthy character, indicating a lingering bias. Who this helps: This research benefits educators and policymakers by highlighting the need to address wealth inequality in STEM education.

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This study looked at how the mindsets and beliefs of both adolescents and their parents influence interest in math-related careers like engineering and computer science. Researchers found that teens' belief in their math abilities and the usefulness of math directly impacted their interest in these fields, with 87.7% of parents showing significant influence through their own beliefs. This is important because it shows that when parents have positive views about math, it can boost their children's confidence and career interests in math-intensive jobs. Who this helps: This helps both adolescents interested in STEM careers and their parents.

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This study looked at how feelings of inclusivity and belonging in informal science programs impact young people's career development. It involved 209 adolescents from diverse backgrounds in the U.S. and the U.K. The findings revealed that when young people felt included based on their gender or ethnicity at the start of the program, they were more likely to feel a sense of belonging three months later, which then made them view the program as better for preparing them for future careers. Who this helps: This helps diverse youth participating in STEM programs.

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This study looked at how interests in science and positive attitudes affect how engaged teenagers are in science activities outside of school. Researchers found that students who had a positive outlook on learning science at the beginning were more interested and engaged in science a year later, and those who became more interested in the first year were more optimistic about their science abilities the following year. Notably, girls showed lower levels of positive attitudes towards science compared to boys. This information is important because it highlights how informal science programs can help encourage young people's interest and confidence in science. Who this helps: This helps teenagers involved in science programs, especially girls.

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This study looked at 467 teenagers involved in STEM programs to understand their motivation for math and science, along with their interpersonal skills. Researchers found four groups, one of which showed high motivation and strong interpersonal skills. Teens who felt they belonged in these STEM programs were more likely to be in the high motivation group, which is important for encouraging future workers in these fields. Who this helps: This benefits young people interested in pursuing careers in STEM.

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This study looked at how children and adolescents perceive gender roles in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields. Researchers found that many kids believe boys are generally better than girls at technology and engineering, but they didn't see this belief in science and math. Specifically, younger kids were more likely to hold these stereotypes, and those who thought boys excelled in science were more likely to pick boys for help with science questions. Who this helps: This research benefits educators and parents working to encourage girls in STEM.

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This study looked at a method called autoionization to measure specific energy transitions in strontium atoms that have an unusually high energy state. Researchers found that this method effectively detected transitions between energy levels, including those for states moving from 5snfF to 5s(n + 1)gG and others, showing clear signs of oscillation. This is important because it provides a better way to understand atom behavior, which can be applied to other similar elements, potentially enhancing fields like quantum computing. Who this helps: This helps researchers in atomic physics and quantum technology.

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This study looked at how a process called stop codon readthrough, which affects gene regulation, evolves in two types of insects: malaria-carrying mosquitoes and fruit flies. Researchers found that in the malaria vector *Anopheles gambiae*, there are 353 instances of this readthrough, while *Drosophila melanogaster* has 51 instances. Most changes in the readthrough patterns between these species happened because genes either gained or lost this ability over time, rather than from new genes being created or existing ones disappearing. Who this helps: This research benefits scientists studying gene regulation and could aid in developing new strategies for controlling mosquito populations and malaria transmission.

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This study looked into how to quickly improve promising compounds found in a screening method called "one bead one compound" (OBOC) libraries, which is used to find potential new drugs. Researchers found that by measuring how tightly these compounds bind to their target, they could gather useful information that helps create better versions of the most promising compounds. This method led to the quick improvement of a compound targeting matrix metalloproteinase-14, which is important for various diseases. Who this helps: This benefits researchers and pharmaceutical companies looking to develop new and effective medications.

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This study looked at umbilical cord blood from African American and Caucasian mothers to see how vitamin D levels affect the blood’s composition. The researchers found that African American samples had much lower vitamin D levels, total nucleated cell counts, and certain stem cells compared to Caucasian samples. Specifically, 25(OH)D levels were significantly lower in African American samples (with a p-value of less than 0.0001), leading to potential issues with banking these blood units, as lower cell counts can make them less viable. Who this helps: This benefits African American patients and their newborns by highlighting the need for monitoring vitamin D levels in pregnancy.

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This paper looks at how corruption and conflicts of interest in Congress can also apply to the pharmaceutical industry. It highlights that these issues damage ethical standards, which could affect drug pricing and availability. By examining these problems, we can better understand and address the challenges faced in ensuring fair access to medications. Who this helps: This helps patients and healthcare providers.

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This study looked at 110 women aged 40 to 90 who had been experiencing bleeding after menopause for at least six months. The researchers found that nearly 90% had benign issues like polyps or fibroids causing the bleeding, and most women were happy with the treatment they received, whether it was just removing the growths or also treating them with ablation. This is important because it shows that using hysteroscopy can effectively treat and manage postmenopausal bleeding, helping doctors identify and address the root causes. Who this helps: This helps patients experiencing postmenopausal bleeding and their doctors.

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This study looked at women who experienced pelvic pain and vaginal bleeding after undergoing a procedure to permanently block their fallopian tubes, followed by a procedure to remove the lining of the uterus. Researchers found that all six women they examined had significant scarring in the uterus and swollen fallopian tubes, with some tubes even resembling early pregnancy. After surgery to remove the affected tubes, five out of six women saw their symptoms improve, indicating that this condition may be linked to their previous surgeries. Who this helps: This research helps women who have had tubal ligation and endometrial ablation and are suffering from similar symptoms.

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The study looked at how a balloon catheter can be used to stop bleeding in patients with serious heart and blood vessel injuries from gunshot or stab wounds. Out of 12 patients treated, 9 received temporary balloon catheter treatment, and 8 of them survived without any further bleeding. This is significant because it suggests that using a balloon catheter can effectively control bleeding in critical situations, helping to save lives. Who this helps: This benefits trauma patients and the doctors treating them.