A new Curtin University-led study has shed new light on the widespread number of households in developing countries burning plastic as an everyday energy source, uncovering serious international health, social equality and environmental concerns.

A new study from Bar-Ilan University reveals that people with social anxiety, a common condition marked by fear or discomfort in social situations, may actually feel and perform better when they believe that others’ opinions of them are fixed rather than changeable. Adopting this “fixed mindset” made social interactions feel less stressful and more manageable, leading to improved performance and more positive everyday experiences.

STEM education, emphasizing innovation and practical skills, is a global priority. However, integrating it systematically into core national curricula remains a challenge. A new study reveals that a school in Shanghai has developed a replicable “Chinese-Style STEM” model. This Deep Integration Teaching approach successfully achieves deep subject integration, thematic learning, and competency development without increasing instructional hours or student workload.