At a time when science denial has become deadly, this is a vital book on  how to improve science literacy, understanding, and communication 

SCIENCE DENIAL: Why It Happens and What to Do About It 

Oxford University Press 
July 6, 2021; 9780190944681 

By Gale M. Sinatra and Barbara K. Hofer  

How do we decide whether to accept the human causes of climate change, practice social distancing during a pandemic or decide whether to vaccinate ourselves or our children? The past year has brought home to each and every one of us how critical it is for scientists, policy makers and the media to be good communicators of often complex scientific subjects. It’s also shown why each and every one of us has a responsibility to make informed decisions that are based on facts and evidence, rather than emotions and instincts. Neither of these tasks are easy, but they can save lives. 

UMass Amherst research advances understanding of brain circuits

University of Massachusetts Amherst neuroscientists examining genetically identified neurons in a songbird’s forebrain discovered a remarkable landscape of physiology, auditory coding and network roles that mirrored those in the brains of mammals.

The research, published May 13 in Current Biology, advances insight into the fundamental operation of complex brain circuits. It suggests that ancient cell types in the pallium – the outer regions of the brain that include cortex – most likely retained features over millions of years that are the building blocks for advanced cognition in birds and mammals.

Cognitive decline, or the weakening of our ability to think, learn, pay attention, remember, or reason, over time can be predicted by certain health risks present in later life. Hypertension, diabetes, depressive symptoms, and smoking are all known predictors. Current research has not shown how these risk factors affect cognition in midlife and if there are differing results between racial groups. A better understanding of how these risk factors influence cognition in midlife could lead to more effective and timely health interventions. 

John Bickford, Senior Lecturer

Outstanding Teaching Award

"I often tell people that being a lecturer at UMass Amherst feels like winning the career lottery. It is the perfect position for me, not only because I’m doing exactly what I’ve always wanted to do, but also because I’m doing it in an incredibly supportive environment. The university, the College of Natural Sciences, and especially the Psychological and Brain Sciences department have always done an amazing job of making me feel completely welcomed and valued here, and this great honor is another wonderful example of that. Moreover, the amazingly bright, talented, enthusiastic, and just plain delightful students at UMass are a constant source of inspiration for me. So I feel incredibly fortunate to be here, and deeply honored by this award."