BIOL 244: Physiological Dynamics of Animals: STEM Biases

Amphibian behavioral endocrinology has focused on reproductive social behavior and communication in frogs and newts. Androgens and estrogens are critical for the expression of male and female behavior, respectively, and their effects are relatively clear.

Many questions in behavioral neuroendocrinology can be explored most effectively by studying wild populations of animals, and non-traditional organisms.

Evidence shows that environmental compounds can interfere with the endocrine systems of wildlife and humans. The main sink of such substances, called endocrine disruptors (EDs), which are mainly of anthropogenic origin, is surface water; thus, aquatic vertebrates such as fishes and amphibians are most endangered.

Chemicals act on hormone receptors and their downstream signaling pathways, and can interfere with hormone synthesis, metabolism, and actions. Because the developing brain is particularly sensitive to endogenous hormones, disruptions by EDCs can change neural circuits that form during periods of brain organization.

This article reviews data on the neural architecture across vertebrates that support the concept that association and integration are basic features of the vertebrate brain, which are needed to successfully adapt to a changing world. This property is not restricted to a few isolated brain centers, but rather resides in neuronal networks working collectively in a context-dependent manner.

Different injury models reveal molecular mechanisms involved in salamander CNS regeneration.

The biocompatibility of adhesive salamander secretions was evaluated in comparison to toxic secretions. The in vitro experiments showed different response of the tested cell types.

The focus of this study was to establish the relationship between modern science and indigenous knowledge (IK), particularly how modern science has become dominant over IK.

Despite efforts to recruit and retain more women, a stark gender disparity persists within academic science. Abundant research has demonstrated gender bias in many demographic groups, but has yet to experimentally investigate whether science faculty exhibit a bias against female students that could contribute to the gender disparity in academic science.

Workforce homogeneity limits creativity, discovery, and job satisfaction; nonetheless, the vast majority of university faculty in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields are men.

Psychologists have repeatedly shown that a single statistical factor—often called “general
intelligence”—emerges from the correlations among people’s performance on a wide variety of cognitive
tasks. But no one has systematically examined whether a similar kind of “collective intelligence” exists for
groups of people. In two studies with 699 people, working in groups of two to five, we find converging
evidence of a general collective intelligence factor that explains a group’s performance on a wide variety
of tasks.

AAAS is committed to ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to contribute to, and benefit from, science and engineering by encouraging the recruitment, development, and retention of scientists. AAAS provides tools that expand access to STEM education, strengthen and diversify the science and technology workforce, and amplify underrepresented and marginalized voices within STEM.

This is a grid that represents a collection of key actions and corresponding sample strategies on how to promote diversity and inclusion in science and technology workforces. This was created and put into action under the Obama administration.

Bias in science and academia is now being recognized as a prevalent problem, influencing hiring practices, attrition rates, and collaborations. This discusses how these issues can begin to be addressed.

This is a formal Canadian report that looks at Women in Science and Engineering.