Understanding and using symbolic fractions in mathematics is critical for access to advanced STEM concepts. However, children and adults consistently struggle with fractions. Here, we take a novel perspective on symbolic fractions, considering them within the framework of relational structures in cognitive psychology, such as those studied in analogy research.
lrrowley
Covering faces around kids won’t mask emotions
By Chris Barncard, UW Communications MADISON — The proliferation of face coverings to keep COVID-19 in check isn’t keeping kids from understanding facial expressions, according to a new study by University of Wisconsin–Madison psychologists. It’s …
Former Waisman Center director, Terrence “Terry” Dolan, dies at 80
Terrence “Terry” R. Dolan, PhD, former director of the Waisman Center passed away on December 11, 2020. He was 80 and is survived by his wife Mary Ann and their four grown children and their families.
Multiple gene edits and computer simulations could help treat rare genetic diseases
The lab of Kris Saha at the University of Wisconsin–Madison has developed an innovative combination of gene-editing tools and computational simulations that can be used to develop new strategies for editing genes associated with genetic disorders.
Holocaust survivor, geneticist, patient advocate remembered for inspiring others
A dedicated University of Wisconsin–Madison clinician, educator, advocate and researcher, Renata Laxova, professor emerita of medical genetics and pediatrics, passed away recently after a brief illness. She was 89.
Sigan Hartley, PhD – Slide of the Week
There is a critical need to identify measures of cognitive functioning sensitive to early Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathophysiology in Down syndrome to advance clinical trial research in this at-risk population. The objective of the study was to longitudinally track performance on cognitive measures in relation to neocortical and striatal amyloid beta (Aβ) in non-demented Down syndrome.
Manufacturing pharmaceuticals for the fight against COVID-19
Waisman Biomafacturing (WB) is at the forefront of the fight against COVID-19 with one vaccine and two therapeutic products in development. “Waisman Biomanufacturing’s mission is to advance novel vaccines and therapeutics into early human clinical …
Increasing accessibility: telehealth brings unexpected benefits
The COVID-19 pandemic pivoted many daily life activities, such as work and school, to a home base. Healthcare was no exception. In March, the Waisman Center Clinics transitioned all of its services to telehealth appointments …
H. Hill Goldsmith, PhD – Slide of the Week
Early infancy is characterized by rapid brain development that occurs alongside, and in response to, the development of cognitive and behavioral functions, including attention. Infants’ ability to orient and sustain attention to stimuli develops in concert with refinement of the orienting network in frontoparietal regions of the brain.
Richard J Davidson, PhD – Slide of the Week
Teachers vary in their ability to enact effective teaching practices. We randomly assigned 88 early education preservice teachers to standard teacher education or teacher education plus a 9-week mindfulness-based intervention. Using the Classroom Assessment Scoring System (CLASS) as our primary outcome, we assessed effective teaching practices at baseline and at a 6-month follow-up that occurred during full-time student teaching.