As universities increasingly adopt digital tools and automated analytics systems, attention often centers on these tools’ gains in accuracy and efficiency. Far less visible, however, is another critical dimension: the additional work students must do to produce, organize, and interpret their own data within these systems.

A team led by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Maner at Koç University has identified the earliest evidence of indigo-dyed textiles and single-needle knitting (nålbinding) in Anatolia at Beycesultan Höyük. Dating to c. 1915–1595 BC, the fragments were analyzed using advanced scientific methods. Published in Antiquity, the findings reveal sophisticated knowledge of plant fibers and dye chemistry in Bronze Age Anatolia and suggest the production of high-status textiles.

Despite their widespread use in various applications, synthetic polymers such as polyethylene (PE) remain susceptible to structural deformation when exposed to stress. In a new study, scientists from Japan have utilized focused electron beam (FEB) irradiation to precisely induce micro-voids and nano-scale fibrils to improve the mechanical strength of PE. Following irradiation with FEB, PE demonstrated minimal crack opening and prevented further crack propagation. This study can fuel the development of superior polymer-based materials.

A new study from Murdoch University reveals that components of restored Banksia woodlands may struggle to cope with fire as effectively as natural bushland.

Kyoto, Japan -- Whether you practice ballet or prefer the tango, the benefits of dancing are self-evident. It's good exercise both physically and mentally due to the complexity of the movements, and it's also a fun social activity. But the benefits of dancing may extend beyond this: the mental activity and social interaction involved in dancing may also help prevent cognitive decline.

Previous research indicates that dance practice can improve the cognitive test scores of older adults with mild cognitive impairment, or MCI, an intermediate state of cognitive decline between normal aging and dementia. This inspired a team of researchers from Kyoto University to extend this research to older adults in an earlier stage of cognitive decline called subjective cognitive decline, or SCD. This refers to an individual's self-reported worsening memory or increased confusion that cannot yet be verified by tests.

"We focused on SCD because earlier intervention is more important from the viewpoint of dementia prevention," says first author Masatoshi Yamashita.

A recent study shows that human employees can believe their jobs are at risk and their morale can sink when working with robots, specifically where performance comparisons are involved. Just as employees can divide into cliques -- psychologically identifying themselves with an "in" group they belong to and "out" groups they don't -- humans can feel in competition with robot counterparts and outclassed by them. recent study shows that human employees can believe their jobs are at risk and their morale can sink when working with robots, specifically where performance comparisons are involved. Just as employees can divide into cliques -- psychologically identifying themselves with an "in" group they belong to and "out" groups they don't -- humans can feel in competition with robot counterparts and outclassed by them. Fortunately, companies may be able to ease the discord. One possibility the researchers found, was to assess employee performance against a benchmark. Even more promising though were team-based incentive policies. When study participants were told they were being evaluated and rewarded in a human-robot team instead of individually, their workplace attitudes were not negatively impacted.