Research initiatives at Stanford University have unveiled significant findings across various fields, including disease prevention, earthquake mapping, and educational strategies for students with math learning disabilities. These studies not only offer innovative solutions but also aim to enhance our understanding of critical issues impacting communities and education.
Catfish as a Sustainable Solution for Disease Control
A team led by Giulio De Leo, a professor of oceans and earth systems at Stanford, is exploring the potential of African catfish to combat the spread of schistosomiasis, a debilitating disease affecting rice farmers in Senegal. The disease is caused by a parasite transmitted through freshwater snails, which thrive in rice paddies. Farmers are particularly vulnerable as they often come into contact with contaminated water.
With funding from the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, De Leo’s research focuses on reducing snail populations by introducing the catfish as a natural predator. Initial findings suggest a promising decrease in snail numbers, leading to higher rice yields and increased incomes for farmers. Local organizations are collaborating with researchers to enhance agricultural practices in the region. De Leo stated, “With the guidance of our partners in Senegal, we’re demonstrating a proof of concept to scale adoption.”
Mapping Earthquake Risks in the Mantle
In a separate study, researchers at Stanford’s Doerr School of Sustainability have created the first global map of earthquakes occurring in the Earth’s mantle. Conducted by Shiqi “Axel” Wang, a former Ph.D. student in geophysics, this groundbreaking research analyzes data from over 46,000 earthquakes documented since 1990. Out of these, only 459 were categorized as mantle earthquakes, a figure considered conservative due to the limited sensor coverage in remote areas.
Understanding mantle earthquakes could illuminate their relationship with more frequent seismic activity along the Earth’s crust. Wang explained, “Continental mantle earthquakes might be part of an inherently interconnected earthquake cycle, both from the crust and also the upper mantle.” This research aims to provide insights into the mechanisms behind earthquake occurrences, thereby enhancing risk assessment and preparedness.
Insights into Math Learning Disabilities
Finally, research from the Stanford School of Medicine published in the Journal of Neuroscience on February 9, 2024, reveals that students with math learning disabilities approach problems differently, despite achieving similar outcomes. The study involved 87 children, including 34 diagnosed with learning disabilities based on standardized test scores.
The findings indicate variations in brain activity related to focused attention and error-checking among these students. Senior author Vinod Menon, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, emphasized the need for targeted interventions that address not just fundamental number sense, but also metacognitive processes. “Our findings suggest that interventions should target not only basic number sense, but also metacognitive processes, like performance monitoring — how do you adjust when you notice an error?”
This research has the potential to inform educators and parents, guiding them in supporting children with math learning disabilities, ultimately fostering resilience and motivation in mathematics.
These studies reflect Stanford University’s commitment to addressing real-world challenges through innovative research and collaboration, paving the way for healthier, more informed communities.
