Emerging Topics in Life Sciences最新文献_第2页

Molecular tags for electron cryo-tomography. 电子冷冻断层扫描的分子标签。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-12-23 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20240006

Emma Silvester, Lindsay A Baker

引用次数: 0

Case study: creating an 'AI for Academic Writing Skills' induction session for postgraduate life science courses. 案例研究：为研究生生命科学课程开设“学术写作技巧人工智能”入门课程。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-12-18 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20253026

Jennifer Carter, Anne Ferrey, Hubert Lam, Kelly Webb-Davies, Damion Young, Barbara Zonta, Delia O' Rourke

{"title":"Case study: creating an 'AI for Academic Writing Skills' induction session for postgraduate life science courses.","authors":"Jennifer Carter, Anne Ferrey, Hubert Lam, Kelly Webb-Davies, Damion Young, Barbara Zonta, Delia O' Rourke","doi":"10.1042/ETLS20253026","DOIUrl":"10.1042/ETLS20253026","url":null,"abstract":"Student use of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) technology in university is as ubiquitous as it is controversial, and students and staff need guidance on how to use it effectively, responsibly, ethically and critically. In this case study, we present the conception, design and evaluation of a pilot 'AI for Academic Writing Skills' induction session designed for postgraduate taught (PGT) students in Medical Sciences. The induction session was designed by an institution-wide collaboration between Master of Science (MSc) programme directors, senior learning technologists and senior business technologists in AI competency to provide approximately 100 PGT students with structured, practical training on ethical GenAI use in academic writing. To ensure equitable access for all students in the pilot, this initiative integrated ChatGPT4 via a paid application programming interface into the institution's virtual learning environment, Canvas, ensuring all the students had access to the latest version of the chatbot. Evaluation of the 'AI for Academic Writing Skills' induction session demonstrated that 100% of survey respondents rated the training positively, 86% found the academic writing lecture beneficial, and 100% found the lecture on general GenAI skills helpful. Furthermore, 82% appreciated interacting with the chatbot in group work, and 70% reported significantly reduced uncertainty about using GenAI in their academic work. This case study details our approach, which first surveyed students to assess current levels of engagement and confidence with GenAI tools. Based on these findings, we developed a scalable, evidence-based induction session on the ethical use of GenAI in academic writing. This report describes the process of creating this training, its impact on student confidence, and our reflections on how we will continue to refine the programme in future academic years.","PeriodicalId":46394,"journal":{"name":"Emerging Topics in Life Sciences","volume":"9 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12794324/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145783229","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Perceived impact of field trips on students' sense of community, skills and knowledge in Biosciences and Chemistry undergraduate degrees. 实地考察对学生在生物科学和化学本科学位中的社区意识、技能和知识的感知影响。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-12-18 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20253024

Melissa M Lacey, Neil Bricklebank, David P Smith, Rachel Schwartz-Narbonne

{"title":"Perceived impact of field trips on students' sense of community, skills and knowledge in Biosciences and Chemistry undergraduate degrees.","authors":"Melissa M Lacey, Neil Bricklebank, David P Smith, Rachel Schwartz-Narbonne","doi":"10.1042/ETLS20253024","DOIUrl":"10.1042/ETLS20253024","url":null,"abstract":"Field trips are widely recognised for their pedagogical value in natural sciences, yet their role in Biosciences and Chemistry undergraduate education remains underexplored. This case study investigates the perceived impact of field trips on students' subject knowledge, employability skills and sense of community within the School of Biosciences and Chemistry at Sheffield Hallam University. Using questionnaire data from students and academic staff across five undergraduate programmes, the study reveals that field trips are highly valued for linking theory to practice, strengthening practical and employability skills, and fostering peer relationships. Biology students expressed the strongest desire for field trips, while Biochemistry students showed the least interest. Academic staff, and the majority of undergraduates, supported field trip inclusion across all courses. Thematic analysis of questionnaire open-text responses identified key benefits, including deepened subject knowledge, career insights and increased course belonging. However, barriers to participation - primarily financial constraints, health concerns and work commitments - were reported by both students and staff. Recommendations to improve accessibility included offering free or low-cost trips, scheduling within teaching hours and early communication. The findings underscore the importance of inclusive, well-structured field trip opportunities to enhance student engagement and learning outcomes. This research informs the development of a cost-effective and accessible field trip programme across Biosciences and Chemistry courses, aligning with institutional goals and student needs.","PeriodicalId":46394,"journal":{"name":"Emerging Topics in Life Sciences","volume":"9 4","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13137671/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147785207","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

A holistic approach to addressing the degree awarding gap: a perspective. 解决学位授予差距的整体方法：一个视角。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-12-12 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20253031

Prachi Stafford

引用次数: 0

Clinical assessment meets laboratory science: adapting OSCE methodology for authentic biosciences evaluation in the age of generative AI. 临床评估符合实验室科学：在生成人工智能时代适应欧安组织方法进行真正的生物科学评估。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-12-12 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20253021

Ruchira Mann, Sabrina Tosi, David Tree

{"title":"Clinical assessment meets laboratory science: adapting OSCE methodology for authentic biosciences evaluation in the age of generative AI.","authors":"Ruchira Mann, Sabrina Tosi, David Tree","doi":"10.1042/ETLS20253021","DOIUrl":"10.1042/ETLS20253021","url":null,"abstract":"The proliferation of generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools has fundamentally challenged traditional written assessments across higher education, with particular implications for laboratory-based disciplines where written work may substitute for demonstration of practical competence, necessitating approaches that prioritise direct performance. This study presents the adaptation of objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) methodology from medical education to laboratory biosciences, demonstrating a practical framework for authentic assessment in the AI era. We describe and evaluate the transformation of a microscopy assessment in FHEQ Level 4 Biomedical Sciences from a traditional laboratory report to a 20-minute OSCE-style practical evaluation. The redesigned assessment maintained grade distributions while eliminating AI vulnerability through real-time performance demonstration and conversational examination. The implementation achieved close alignment between learning outcomes and assessment methods while providing inherent resistance to generative AI exploitation through direct performance requirements. Equity implications are complex and context-dependent, with potential barriers for students with communication differences alongside potential benefits for others, such as those with written communication difficulties, emphasising the importance of balanced assessment portfolios and appropriate reasonable adjustments. The cross-disciplinary adaptation demonstrates that OSCE methodology offers a scalable solution to AI-era assessment challenges, with performance-focused design maintaining academic integrity more effectively than restrictive policies while enhancing authenticity and equity outcomes.","PeriodicalId":46394,"journal":{"name":"Emerging Topics in Life Sciences","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13085831/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147505219","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

"I need to learn how to cite without the website": using think alouds to understand students' struggles with academic referencing. “我需要学习如何在没有网站的情况下引用”：用大声思考来理解学生在学术参考方面的挣扎。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-12-12 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20253027

Jayne L Dennis

{"title":"\"I need to learn how to cite without the website\": using think alouds to understand students' struggles with academic referencing.","authors":"Jayne L Dennis","doi":"10.1042/ETLS20253027","DOIUrl":"10.1042/ETLS20253027","url":null,"abstract":"Many students struggle with the mechanical process of academic referencing when they transition into higher education. Previous research has typically utilised questionnaires and/or interviews to gain retrospective insight into students' cognitions while referencing. The think-aloud method, which asks participants to verbalise their thoughts while performing a task, was utilised while 30 undergraduate participants completed a referencing exercise, followed by semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis of transcripts identified that students could articulate why referencing was important, although they struggled with the mechanical process of referencing, often experiencing nervousness and a dislike of referencing. As a generation of information consumers, participants held little regard for the nuance of academic referencing, instead placing importance on finding sources via search engines using minimal information such as first author and article title. The referencing exercise used in this study received positive feedback and could be incorporated into taught sessions to better support students' development of this core academic skill.","PeriodicalId":46394,"journal":{"name":"Emerging Topics in Life Sciences","volume":"9 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12802344/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145745118","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Electrifying the UNSDGs with microbial power. 为联合国可持续发展目标提供微生物动力。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-12-11 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20253010

Sai Kushal Kumar Solleti, Sahashransu Satyajeet Mahapatra, S K Shakthi Thangavel, A S Vishwanathan

{"title":"Electrifying the UNSDGs with microbial power.","authors":"Sai Kushal Kumar Solleti, Sahashransu Satyajeet Mahapatra, S K Shakthi Thangavel, A S Vishwanathan","doi":"10.1042/ETLS20253010","DOIUrl":"10.1042/ETLS20253010","url":null,"abstract":"Water stress represents a critical global challenge demanding innovative solutions for effective water resource management. Microbial electrochemical technologies (METs) leverage bacterial extracellular electron transfer for addressing issues related to water stress. These technologies exhibit a diverse range of applications, positioning them as integral to sustainable development through effective water resource management. Their versatility allows them to function as key contributors to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Through their application, METs offer promising strategies for mitigating pollution, recovering valuable resources, and enabling real-time water quality monitoring. Employing these technologies facilitates the concurrent addressing of various UNSDGs, fostering a holistic and integrated approach. METs present opportunities for decentralized wastewater treatment and reuse, thereby promoting accessibility to clean water and sanitation, particularly in marginalized communities. However, the realization of these benefits faces significant challenges, including technological scalability, optimization, and regulatory frameworks. Overcoming these obstacles is crucial for harnessing the full potential of METs to meet UNSDGs. This perspective article underscores the imperative of further research, collaboration, and policy support to propel METs towards becoming a cornerstone in the sustainable management of water resources and the achievement of UNSDGs on a global scale.","PeriodicalId":46394,"journal":{"name":"Emerging Topics in Life Sciences","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12751043/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145702242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Molecular life sciences in the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution: sequencing, multi-omics and artificial intelligence. 第四次工业革命时代的分子生命科学：测序、多组学和人工智能。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-12-11 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20253019

Lee Keenan, R Lorna Younger, Paul R Race, Matt Bawn

引用次数: 0

Microbial pathogens of edible insects: a growing problem for the insect farming industry. 食用昆虫的微生物病原体：昆虫养殖业面临的一个日益严重的问题。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-12-09 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20253013

Stephen E Akemu, Alexandra E G Welford, Roger D Santer, David E Whitworth

{"title":"Microbial pathogens of edible insects: a growing problem for the insect farming industry.","authors":"Stephen E Akemu, Alexandra E G Welford, Roger D Santer, David E Whitworth","doi":"10.1042/ETLS20253013","DOIUrl":"10.1042/ETLS20253013","url":null,"abstract":"Insect farming is widely extolled as a sustainable alternative to the traditional agricultural production of protein for human and animal consumption. However, pathogen contamination endangers insect health, food safety, production yields and market acceptance. Because insect farming is intensive, growth and transmission of pathogens are promoted, elevating the risk of disease outbreaks with severe economic outcomes. Fungal pathogens can invade host insects through their cuticle, reproducing within the nutrientrich haemolymph within the haemocoel until the host's defences are overwhelmed and the insect dies. Other pathogens, such as viruses, oomycetes and bacteria, enter the host orally before penetrating the midgut wall to infect the haemolymph. Even apparently healthy farmed insects carry a diverse array of potentially pathogenic bacteria/fungi within their guts, as well as sub-lethal viral infections, and these covert infections can quickly become epizootic breakouts. Consequently, there is an urgent need to understand the infection and transmission of pathogens in insect farms, as well as to develop strategies to prevent and treat infections/outbreaks. This review collates information about the susceptibility of farmed insects to infection by fungi, bacteria, viruses, nematodes and other parasites, current pathogen detection methods, and possible control measures, with the aim of making this information accessible to practitioners and researchers of insect farming. We suggest that prophylactics/treatments are urgently needed by insect farms, alongside improvements in infection control, to ensure the long-term viability and acceptance of edible insects as a sustainable alternative protein source.","PeriodicalId":46394,"journal":{"name":"Emerging Topics in Life Sciences","volume":"9 1","pages":"13-24"},"PeriodicalIF":3.3,"publicationDate":"2025-12-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12751071/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145709780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

引用次数: 0

Applications of artificial intelligence in drug discovery. 人工智能在药物发现中的应用。

IF 3.3

Emerging Topics in Life Sciences Pub Date : 2025-11-25 DOI: 10.1042/ETLS20250001

Madhurima Dey, Augustin Amour

引用次数: 0