Zebrafish Embryos Expose Cisplatin's Kidney Damage Pathway

March 11, 2025

　　Traditional animal experiments often rely on mice and rabbits, but they often spark ethical controversy. Distinguished Professor Li-Yih Lin of the Department of Life Science at National Taiwan Normal University leads a research team that makes effective use of a zebrafish embryo model to successfully elucidate the nephrotoxic mechanism of the chemotherapeutic drug, cisplatin. This work has not only opened up a new direction for developing protective drugs that counter nephrotoxicity, but also highlights the innovative value of alternatives to conventional laboratory animals, which is aligned with international standards that increasingly emphasize animal welfare. 　　Professor Lin specializes in fish environmental physiology and toxicology, and his laboratory focuses on how harmful substances in the environment affect aquatic organisms. Early on, the team studied how fish embryos adapt to global warming and aquatic acidification. During that process, they discovered that ionocytes on the skin of zebrafish embryos regulate acid–base balance and ion uptake, and that their function is highly similar to that of human kidney cells. This finding prompted the research to extend into medical applications. 　　Collaborating with clinicians, the team found that widely used chemotherapy drugs such as cisplatin, while highly effective against cancer, can cause nephrotoxicity in patients and lead to impaired kidney function. In addition, if medical wastewater containing cisplatin or patients’ excreta enters natural water bodies, it may also harm aquatic organisms such as fish. 　　To address these issues, the team used zebrafish embryos, the cells of which share some functional similarities with human kidney cells, as a model to test whether antioxidant drugs can reduce cisplatin-induced cellular injury. The results showed that antioxidant drugs can indeed reduce oxidative stress and lower the cell death rate. These findings not only strengthen the work’s clinical reference value, but also provide new possibilities for developing protective drugs against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. 　　 Figure caption: Zebrafish embryonic ionocytes are mitochondrion-rich cells with functions similar to those of human kidney cells. Under the action of cisplatin, mitochondria within the cells are damaged, reactive oxygen species (ROS) increase, and apoptosis is triggered. 　　However, unlike traditional studies that use mice and rabbits as experimental animals, zebrafish embryos come with fewer ready-made techniques and pieces of equipment. Professor Lin notes that the biggest challenge in this study was how to rapidly detect drug-induced damage and changes in cellular function in these tiny embryos. To overcome this, the team developed a non-invasive scanning ion-selective electrode technique to precisely measure ionocyte function, and introduced multiple fluorescent staining methods to rapidly detect mitochondrial injury and oxidative stress in ionocytes. These breakthroughs enabled the team to quickly characterize how chemotherapy drugs affect ionocytes. 　　This research not only contributes to clinical medicine, but also offers a new perspective on animal experimentation. Professor Lin explains that because the nervous system of zebrafish embryos is not yet fully developed, their capacity to perceive pain is limited. Their transparency also allows researchers to reduce the need for invasive procedures. In particular, zebrafish embryos can be used across multiple toxicity research areas, including nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and neurotoxicity, which can effectively reduce reliance on traditional animal experiments, meet international animal welfare expectations, and provide an efficient, ethical, and reliable alternative. 　　Looking ahead, Professor Lin says the team will further optimize the zebrafish embryo toxicity testing system to cover additional toxicity categories such as cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and ototoxicity. By improving analytical methods and refining the platform, they hope to more accurately model how human cells respond to drugs, thereby reducing the need for higher animals such as mice and rabbits in the early stages of drug development. This approach not only meets humane goals, but also improves the efficiency and reliability of toxicity testing while reducing the costs and ethical disputes associated with traditional animal experiments. 　　Professor Lin emphasizes that the techniques and methods developed by the team are not limited to chemotherapy drugs. They can be broadly applied to toxicity testing for many kinds of pharmaceuticals: any drug that may damage mitochondria or induce oxidative stress can be evaluated using this approach. At the same time, zebrafish embryos are also an ideal alternative model for international chemical toxicity testing. This research not only advances more humane experimental practices, but also supports national policies promoting alternatives to animal experimentation, offering a practical and innovative model for reducing animal use. (This article was provided by The Center of Public Affairs.) Source: Hung, G. Y., Wu, C. L., Motoyama, C., Horng, J. L., & Lin, L. Y. (2022). Zebrafish embryos as an in vivo model to investigate cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in mitochondrion-rich ionocytes. Comparative Biochemistry and Physiology Part - C: Toxicology and Pharmacology,259, Article 109395.　https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpc.2022.109395 

Landmark meta-review proves that even a single session of exercise is good for your brain

March 11, 2025

Looking to boost your cognitive performance? A single session of exercise may produce immediate benefits. A new study led by Chair Professor Yu-Kai Chang of the Department of Physical Education and Sports Sciences at National Taiwan Normal University, in collaboration with Distinguished Professor Jennifer Etnier of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and Dr. Shih-Chun Kao of Purdue University, has just been published in Psychological Bulletin. The team presents pioneering evidence on the effects of a single acute bout of exercise on cognitive function. Founded in 1904, Psychological Bulletin is among the earliest academic journals in psychology. It is the highest-tier official journal of the American Psychological Association, and is widely regarded as a flagship periodical in the field. As early as 2012, Professor Chang’s team published a meta-analysis in Brain Research synthesizing 79 independent studies, and demonstrated that even one session of exercise can improve cognitive performance. This study has since been cited more than 2,600 times, and was incorporated into the Scientific Report of the Physical Activity Guidelines for American. However, given the growth in both the quantity and quality of research in recent years, along with methodological advances, an updated synthesis of the evidence became necessary. Professor Chang and his international collaborators therefore extended this line of inquiry by conducting the first-ever meta-review, also known as a umbrella review, on this topic. This project integrated 30 meta-analyses, encompassing 383 independent studies and 18,347 participants, representing the largest and most comprehensive synthesis to date in this research area. The findings showed that a single bout of exercise yields significant cognitive benefits. Beyond reaffirming the team’s 2012 conclusions, the study also used subgroup analyses to examine moderating factors related to specific cognitive domains, participant characteristics, and exercise parameters. With respect to cognitive domains, the largest benefits were observed for attention and executive function (higher-order cognition), with additional improvements in memory and information-processing speed. Furthermore, the effects were greater after exercise than during exercise.  With respect to participant characteristics, acute exercise produced small-to-moderate benefits across multiple cognitive domains, regardless of age or cognitive status (healthy or clinical populations). With respect to exercise parameters, mixed-type exercise (comprising more than one exercise modality, such as aerobic plus resistance training or yoga) and high-intensity interval training produced the largest benefits, while aerobic exercise alone also yielded positive effects. In addition, moderate-to-vigorous or moderate-intensity exercise showed the greatest impact, although vigorous-to-maximal intensity also produced beneficial effects. Finally, both shorter and longer sessions, whether under or over 20 minutes, enhanced cognitive function. But this raises the question: How does exercise alter cognitive functioning? A 2022 meta-analysis published by Professor Chang’s group in the International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology offers a possible explanation. The study found that after a single bout of exercise, P3 amplitude increases and P3 latency decreases, indicating that during cognitive tasks the brain allocates greater attentional resources, and processes information more quickly. Such neurophysiological changes may underlie the cognitive enhancements produced by acute exercise. Overall, Professor Chang’s team highlights the importance of even one exercise session for cognitive functioning, and recommends mixed-type exercise at moderate to vigorous intensity for approximately 20 minutes as an effective strategy to promote cognition. Students who spend long hours studying may find that brief exercise breaks help improve their attention and executive control; busy adults can benefit from a simple 20-minute jog during lunch to enhance processing efficiency at work; while older adults may improve their memory, reduce dementia risk, and strengthen functional independence through mixed-type exercise. Building a habit of daily short exercise sessions may help all of us achieve healthier lives and sharper minds. (This article was provided by The Center of Public Affairs.)   References  Chang, Y. K., Labban, J. D., Gapin, J. I., & Etnier, J. L. (2012). The effects of acute exercise on cognitive performance: A meta-analysis. Brain Research, 1453, 87-101. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainres.2012.02.068 Kao, S. C., Chen, F. T., Moreau, D., Drollette, E. S., Amireault, S., Chu, C. H., & Chang, Y. K. (2022). Acute effects of exercise engagement on neurocognitive function: a systematic review and meta-analysis on P3 amplitude and latency. International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 1–43. https://doi.org/10.1080/1750984X.2022.2155488 Chang, Y.-K., Ren, F.-F., Li, R.-H., Ai, J.-Y., Kao, S.-C., & Etnier, J. L. (2025). Effects of acute exercise on cognitive function: A meta-review of 30 systematic reviews with meta-analyses. Psychological Bulletin, 151(2), 240–259. https://doi.org/10.1037/bul0000460 

The Shifting Shadow of M87*: A New Key to Understanding Black Hole Environments

February 11, 2025

　Cover image caption: Comparison of observed and theoretical images of M87*. Left: EHT images of M87* from the 2018 and 2017 campaigns. Middle: Example simulation images at two different times. Right: Simulation images convolved to the observational resolution. (Image credit: EHT Collaboration) 　Using observations from 2017 and 2018, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration has deepened our understanding of the supermassive black hole at the center of Messier 87 (M87*). This study opens a new window into multi-year analysis at horizon scales by leveraging a new simulation image library with more than 120,000 additional images compared to the last one. The team confirmed that M87*’s black hole rotational axis points away from Earth, and demonstrated that turbulence within the accretion disk — rotating gas around the black hole — plays an important role in explaining the observed shift in the ring’s brightness peak compared to 2017. The findings, published in Astronomy & Astrophysics, mark a major step forward in unraveling the complex dynamics of black hole environments. 　Six years after the historic release of the first-ever image of a black hole, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) Collaboration unveils a new analysis of the supermassive black hole at the heart of the galaxy M87, known as M87*. This analysis combines observations made in 2017 and 2018, and reveals new insights into the structure and dynamics of plasma near the event horizon. 　This research represents a significant leap forward in our understanding of the extreme processes governing black holes and their environments, providing fresh theoretical insights into some of the universe's most mysterious phenomena. “The black hole accretion environment is turbulent and dynamic. Since we can treat the 2017 and 2018 observations as independent measurements, we can constrain the black hole’s surroundings with a new perspective,” says Hung-Yi Pu, assistant professor at National Taiwan Normal University. “This work highlights the transformative potential of observing the black hole evolving in time.” 　The 2018 observations confirm the presence of the luminous ring first captured in 2017, with a diameter of approximately 43 microarcseconds—consistent with theoretical predictions for the shadow of a 6.5-billion-solar-mass black hole. Notably, the brightest region of the ring has shifted 30 degrees counter-clockwise. “The shift in the brightest region is a natural consequence of turbulence in the accretion disk around the black hole,” explains Abhishek Joshi, PhD candidate at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. “In our original theoretical interpretation of the 2017 observations, we predicted that the brightest region would most likely shift in the counterclockwise direction.  We are very happy to see that the observations in 2018 confirmed this prediction!” 　The fact that the ring remains brightest on the bottom tells us a lot about the orientation of the black hole spin. Bidisha Bandyopadhyay, a Postdoctoral Fellow from Universidad de Concepción adds: “The location of the brightest region in 2018 also reinforces our previous interpretation of the black hole’s orientation from the 2017 observations: the black hole’s rotational axis is pointing away from Earth!” 　Using a newly developed and extensive library of super-computer-generated images — three times larger than the library used for interpreting the 2017 observations — the team evaluated accretion models with data from both the 2017 and 2018 observations. “When gas spirals into a black hole, it can either flow in the same direction the black hole is rotating, or in the opposite direction. We found that the latter case is more likely to match the multi-year observations thanks to their relatively higher turbulent variability,” explains León Sosapanta Salas, a PhD candidate at the University of Amsterdam. “Analysis of the EHT data for M87 from later years (2021 and 2022) is already underway and promises to provide even more robust statistical constraints and deeper insights into the nature of the turbulent flow surrounding the black hole of M87.” 　The new simulation library developed for this analysis was also more diverse than the one used to analyze just the 2017 data, including additional simulations designed to better model the electron energy distributions and investigate tilted accretion disks.  “The first set of EHT papers energized the simulation community, and kickstarted the development of a huge number of new, state-of-the-art simulations,” said Britton Jeter, a postdoctoral fellow at Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics.  “This is the first opportunity we’ve had to include some of those new simulations, and some match the data quite well, and others not so much.  We expect that these new comparisons will push the simulators to develop even better models, and I am excited to see what they produce.”   More Information: 　The EHT collaboration involves more than 400 researchers from Africa, Asia, Europe, and North and South America. The international collaboration is working to capture the most detailed black hole images ever obtained by creating a virtual Earth-sized telescope. Supported by considerable international investment, the EHT links existing telescopes using novel systems, creating a fundamentally new instrument with the highest angular resolving power that has yet to be achieved. 　The individual telescopes involved are ALMA, APEX, the IRAM 30-meter Telescope, the IRAM NOEMA Observatory, the James Clerk Maxwell Telescope (JCMT), the Large Millimeter Telescope (LMT), the Submillimeter Array (SMA), the Submillimeter Telescope (SMT), the South Pole Telescope (SPT), the Kitt Peak Telescope, and the Greenland Telescope (GLT).  Data were correlated at the Max-Planck-Institut für Radioastronomie (MPIfR) and MIT Haystack Observatory.  The postprocessing was done within the collaboration by an international team at different institutions. 　The EHT consortium consists of 13 stakeholder institutes: the Academia Sinica Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the University of Arizona, the University of Chicago, the East Asian Observatory, Goethe University Frankfurt, Institut de Radioastronomie Millimétrique, Large Millimeter Telescope, Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy, MIT Haystack Observatory, National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Radboud University, and the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory.  (This article was provided by The Center of Public Affairs.)   This research was presented in a paper "The persistent shadow of the supermassive black hole of M87 II. Model comparisons and theoretical interpretations" by The Event Horizon Telescope Collaboration, Astronomy & Astrophysics, January 22, 2025 DOI: https://www.aanda.org/10.1051/0004-6361/202451296

NTNU is Working with Caltech to Advance Quantum Memory Tech

February 11, 2025

A recent collaboration between the Department of Physics at National Taiwan Normal University and the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) has successfully overcome a key bottleneck in quantum memory technology. The study demonstrates that at extremely low temperatures, a magnetic field induces polarity ordering in monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) transistors. This breakthrough is poised to bring revolutionary changes to the development of two-dimensional materials and electronic technologies.   Advancing International Collaboration and Quantum Technology Innovation Under the collaboration of NTNU Physics professors Ting-Hua Lu and Yann-Wen Lan, postdoctoral researcher Wen-Hao Chang, NTNU Yushan Scholar and Caltech professor Nai-Chang Yeh, and Ph.D. student Duxing Hao, this research was officially published in the internationally renowned journal, Advanced Materials, at the end of December 2024. The work has attracted significant attention from the global academic community, and provides new directions for the development of quantum technology and the semiconductor industry worldwide. This breakthrough not only showcases NTNU’s innovative capabilities in quantum technology, but also highlights the value of international scientific collaboration. The research was jointly supported by Taiwan’s National Science and Technology Council and the U.S. National Science Foundation, and was conducted in close partnership with Caltech, further strengthening the two universities’ collaboration in both fundamental science and high-tech applications.  This study focuses on monolayer semiconductor materials, particularly their structures characterized by strong spin–orbit coupling and the absence of mirror symmetry, which make the electronic valley effect a key feature. The research team found that at a low temperature of 20 K, the application of a magnetic field breaks the valley degeneracy in monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), and induces real-space structural transformation, resulting in a pronounced polarization effect. The research team designed a specialized field-effect transistor structure and, under ultra-low temperature and high magnetic field conditions, observed a large electrical hysteresis exhibiting a butterfly-shaped curve similar to that of ferroelectric materials. This technique overcomes the long-standing challenge in conventional ferroelectric materials, which lose their polarization when scaled down to the nanoscale. The team successfully realized a quantum memory material only 0.65 nanometers thick, featuring non-volatile memory characteristics and stable operation at extremely low temperatures. The study further revealed that magnetic-field–induced asymmetric lattice expansion breaks the mirror symmetry of monolayer molybdenum disulfide, giving rise to ferroelectric-like polar ordering. This phenomenon not only provides a novel way to manipulate the physical properties of monolayer materials, but also opens up possibilities for applications in ultra-low-temperature non-volatile memory, highly sensitive magnetic sensors, and nanoscale electronic devices.   Potential Applications: Quantum Memory and Ultra-Sensitive Sensors This material has significant application potential, particularly in the field of quantum memory. Its ability to maintain stable polarization even at low temperatures offers new approaches and possibilities for the development of quantum memory and in-memory computing technologies. As technology advances, this novel memory material could be further miniaturized, increasing storage capacity and computational speed, potentially driving breakthroughs in the field of quantum computing. In addition, this technology also shows potential for operation in extreme environments, particularly in ultra-sensitive magnetic sensors and nanoscale electronic devices. The material’s unique properties make it an ideal candidate for next-generation high-precision sensing technologies, as it is capable of stable operation under ultra-low temperatures and strong magnetic fields, thus offering unparalleled performance for future sensors. Ting-Hua Lu stated, “The professors in the Physics Department have maintained long-term and close collaboration with Professor Nai-Chang Yeh. This partnership successfully combined NTNU’s and Caltech’s experimental capabilities, not only verifying new physical phenomena of two-dimensional materials under low temperatures and magnetic fields, but also demonstrating Taiwan’s significant role in fundamental science and international collaboration.” Yann-Wen Lan also noted, “Our close collaboration with Caltech has greatly facilitated the progress of this research. We hope this technology will become a cornerstone for the future development of quantum and semiconductor technologies and lead to breakthroughs in practical applications.” The research team pointed out that this phenomenon may also be applicable to other monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides. By designing substrate-induced strain engineering, similar polar effects could be achieved. The results demonstrate the combination of innovative materials science with advanced nanotechnology, and are expected to have a profound impact on the electronics and optoelectronics industries in the future. (This article was provided by The Center of Public Affairs.)   Source: D. Hao, W.-H. Chang, Y.-C. Chang, W.-T. Liu, S.-Z. Ho, C.-H. Lu, T. H. Yang, N. Kawakami, Y.-C. Chen, M.-H. Liu, C.-L. Lin, T.-H. Lu, Y.-W. Lan, N.-C. Yeh, Magnetic Field-Induced Polar Order in Monolayer Molybdenum Disulfide Transistors. Adv. Mater. 2024, 36, 2411393. https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202411393 

How Comments Can Make or Break Your Crowdfunding Campaign

January 12, 2025

　　With the rise of internet financing, crowdfunding has become an important channel for many small and medium-sized enterprises and individual entrepreneurs to obtain funding. However, the common “all-or-nothing” outcome of crowdfunding campaigns is often a painful hurdle for entrepreneurs. Professor Yen-Chun Jim Wu from National Taiwan Normal University’s Graduate Institute of Global Business and Strategy used algorithms to conduct sentiment analysis on campaign comments made before and after fundraising. His research explored the predictive power of online comments for crowdfunding outcomes. The findings show that incorporating early-stage comments during a campaign can significantly increase the likelihood of crowdfunding success. 　　Wu specializes in research on supply chain management, innovation and entrepreneurship, and technology management. In this study, he led his research team to focus on analyzing comments posted on crowdfunding platforms, with particular attention to how “pre-campaign comments” influence fundraising outcomes. The team drew on data from 126,593 projects and more than 5.4 million comments on the well-known U.S. crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. Using sentiment analysis tools such as fastText, and leveraging deep learning algorithms at the core, they enhanced the accuracy of their predictions. 　　The crowdfunding process is fraught with uncertainty, and figuring out how to succeed is a critical challenge every entrepreneur is eager to solve. According to Wu, the timing and content of comments play a decisive role in crowdfunding. Typically, comments on crowdfunding platforms fall into three stages: first, those made before a project is launched; second, those made during the fundraising period; and third, those made after the campaign ends, which often reflect user feedback and experiences. This study focused on the first two—comments made in the “pre-funding” stages. 　　Wu explained that although most comments occur after a campaign ends, “pre-campaign comments” are often based on backers’ initial impressions or expectations of a project and are therefore more effective in terms of predicting its likelihood of success. The study found that as crowdfunding progresses, user sentiment toward projects tends to become increasingly negative. This pattern appears in both successful and unsuccessful campaigns, although with varying intensity. However, incorporating early-stage comments significantly improves both prediction accuracy and recall. 　　The “all-or-nothing” model of crowdfunding means that if a project fails to reach its target, both the entrepreneur and the platform suffer a loss of resources. This study offers clear guidance for entrepreneurs: greater emphasis must be placed on managing comments during the project preparation stage and early fundraising period, while also considering whether early comments convey a sufficiently positive sentiment. On the other hand, the research also provides significant value to crowdfunding platforms. By analyzing shifts in sentiment within pre-campaign comments, platforms can more accurately predict a project’s likelihood of success, identify high-potential campaigns, and in turn allocate resources more effectively, thereby improving overall operational efficiency. 　　In addition, the study also yielded new insights for researchers. The team tested different algorithms and found that the deep learning algorithm Feedforward Neural Network (FNN) performed best in sentiment extraction and prediction accuracy. Wu noted that in previous studies, there were various approaches to extracting sentiment-related terms and applying algorithms. Through multiple rounds of testing, his team was able to offer recommendations to other researchers regarding algorithms and text-mining tools—constituting the study’s contribution on the academic front. 　　The research process was not without its setbacks. Wu admitted that the study carried a high degree of uncertainty. From defining the research questions and hypotheses to processing massive amounts of data, the team could not feel entirely at ease until the analysis was completed. He explained that the study itself was also “all or nothing”: if the results lacked statistical significance or turned out to be too ambiguous, no matter how the report was written, it would attract little attention. 　　Many factors influence the success or failure of crowdfunding campaigns. Speaking about more advanced research, Wu Yen-Chun noted that people often hope to solve most problems with minimal effort—for example, whether the campaign’s theme alone can predict outcomes, or how entrepreneurs respond to online comments. In some cases, such as a restaurant receiving negative reviews, an appropriate response can generate greater returns and contribute to larger success. Conversely, a poor response can make a bad situation even worse. These are all potential directions for further, focused research. (This article was provided by The Center of Public Affairs.)   Source: Wang, W., Guo, L., & Wu, Y. J.(2022). The merits of a sentiment analysis of antecedent comments for the prediction of online fundraising outcomes.Technological Forecasting and Social Change, 174, Article 121070. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2021.121070 

NTNU Team Leads ICILS Global Study: Taiwan Students Claim #1 in Computational Thinking

December 10, 2024

In response to the arrival of the AI era, Taiwan participated for the first time in the International Computer and Information Literacy Study (ICILS). Led by a research team from NTNU, the Taiwan ICILS National Research Center held a press conference on the evening of November 12 at the Ministry of Education, jointly releasing the results of ICILS 2023 in coordination with the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA). The findings revealed that Taiwanese students demonstrated outstanding performance in computational thinking, ranking first in the world—underscoring the nation’s strong foundation in information education. In its first participation in the ICILS program, Taiwan’s research was carried out by a team from NTNU, commissioned by the K–12 Education Administration of the Ministry of Education and the National Academy for Educational Research. The project was personally led by NTNU President Professor Cheng-Chih Wu, who served as National Research Coordinator alongside Professor Meng-Jong Tsai of NTNU’s College of Learning Informatics. Professor Yu-Tzu Lin from NTNU’s Graduate Institute of Information and Computer Education and Professor Jiun-Yu Wu from National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University’s Institute of Education served as co-principal investigators. The press conference was attended by Director-General Fu-Yuan Peng of the K-12 Education Administration, National Academy for Educational Research President Chung-i Lin, and Vice President Chin-Hsiang Yen. Caption: Group photo of the NTNU research team with distinguished guests from the Ministry of Education. From left to right: Professor Yu-Tzu Lin (far left), Vice President Chin-Hsiang Yen (second from left), President Chung-i Lin (third from left), Director-General Fu-Yuan Peng (fourth from left), NTNU President Professor Cheng-Chih Wu (fifth from left), Professor Meng-Jong Tsai (third from right), and Professor Jiun-Yu Wu of National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (far right). Caption: NTNU President Professor Cheng-Chih Wu (second from right) responds to questions. Caption: Professor Meng-Jong Tsai explains the research findings.   The ICILS is administered by the IEA. It assesses Grade 8 students’ understanding of ICT concepts, practical skills, and problem-solving abilities through online tests and questionnaires. The study also examines teachers’ digital teaching practices and schools’ digital leadership, providing a comprehensive view of the factors influencing students’ computer and information literacy across participating countries. Launched in 2013, ICILS is conducted every five years and surveys Grade 8 students, teachers, ICT coordinators, and principals worldwide. ICILS 2023 marked the third cycle of this global assessment. A total of 34 countries participated, with over 5,000 schools, more than 130,000 students, and over 60,000 teachers taking part. From Taiwan, 169 schools participated, including 5,112 Grade 8 students and 2,233 Grade 8 teachers. The key findings from the survey are as follows: Taiwan Ranks First Globally in Computational Thinking (CT), and Fourth in Computer and Information Literacy (CIL) In computational thinking (CT), Taiwanese students scored an average of 548 points—the highest among the 24 participating countries (global average: 483). The CT assessment evaluates students’ abilities to understand digital systems, analyze problems, devise solutions, and develop algorithms and programs. The results show that Taiwanese students outperformed their global peers in problem-solving using computational methods. CT is a core focus of Taiwan’s current ICT curriculum. Compared to students in other countries, Taiwanese students receive more in-depth instruction in CT-related concepts and skills.   Computational Thinking (CT): Taiwan Ranks First Taiwanese students achieved an average score of 548, significantly above the international average of 483. Ranked 1st among the 24 participating countries.  Computer and Information Literacy (CIL) — Taiwan Ranks Fourth Taiwanese students averaged 515 points, significantly higher than the international average of 476 points, ranking fourth among the 34 participating countries. South Korea, the Czech Republic, and Denmark ranked as the top three.    CIL achievement results show that Taiwanese students scored an average of 515 points (global average 476 points), ranking fourth among 34 countries, only behind South Korea, the Czech Republic, and Denmark. This indicator mainly assesses students’ abilities in using ICT tools, gathering information, producing information, and digital communication. It demonstrates that Taiwanese students perform well in terms of using ICT for problem solving, creation, and interactive communication.  In terms of CT performance, more than half of Taiwanese students (52%) achieved Level 3 or above, demonstrating the ability to independently solve complex problems—far exceeding the international average (29%). Regarding CIL performance, the majority of Taiwanese students (64%) reached Level 2 or above, capable of completing basic information processing tasks, which also surpasses the international average (49%).   CT performance shows little gender difference; female students outperform males in CIL. International assessments found no consistent conclusions regarding gender differences in CT. In most countries, male students slightly outperformed females in CT, but only six countries showed statistically significant differences. In Taiwan, female students scored slightly higher than males, but the difference was not statistically significant, indicating no notable gender gap in CT performance. This aligns with findings from countries like Finland, Norway, and South Korea. In terms of CIL, Taiwanese female students scored significantly higher than males, consistent with global trends. Overall, the results challenge the traditional stereotype that male students have an advantage in ICT-related learning. Taiwan’s CT and CIL performance is less correlated with students’ socioeconomic background. The survey results show that across countries, student performance is associated with socioeconomic background factors such as parental education, occupation, and access to computer resources at home. However, in Taiwan, the correlation between CT and CIL performance and socioeconomic background is significantly lower than the international average. This indicates that ICT education outcomes in Taiwan are less influenced by family background, suggesting more equitable access to information education and a higher degree of social fairness.  ICT Usage Among Students Across Countries Students in all countries reported using ICT more frequently outside of school than in school, and mostly for non-academic purposes. However, trend analysis shows that increased ICT usage frequency does not lead to higher CIL performance. In most countries, students use general-purpose software (e.g., word processing, presentation, spreadsheets) in class more frequently than specialized software (e.g., multimedia production, simulation and modeling software, interactive game-based learning platforms). In contrast, Taiwanese students reported more frequent use of specialized software than general-purpose applications. Taiwanese Principals Show High Awareness of Students' and Teachers' Use of Generative AI Tools Principals across countries expressed mixed views on generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT). Over half of the students’ principals globally believe that generative AI will improve student learning, and nearly two-thirds think it will help increase student engagement. However, concerns remain that students may become overly reliant on AI and lose the ability to learn independently. Compared to the international average, Taiwanese principals are more aware of the impact generative AI tools have on both student learning and teacher instruction. While recognizing the potential benefits of AI in education, they are also attuned to its possible disruptions and consequences.   Summary Taiwan’s Grade 8 students performed exceptionally well in CT and CIL, ranking first and fourth respectively among participating countries. Female students stood out in particular, overturning traditional stereotypes. While students’ performance is linked to family SES, the correlation in Taiwan is significantly lower than the international average, demonstrating greater social equity. Students reported opportunities to use ICT both in and out of school, and felt confident in acquiring appropriate internet literacy. Taiwan’s students performed remarkably well in this assessment, clearly reflecting the success of national ICT education strategies and their effective implementation at all levels of teaching, aligning with international trends and enhancing students’ CT and CIL to meet the demands of the digital era. In addition to Taiwan’s internationally advanced ICT curriculum and the concrete implementation of curriculum content in schools, relevant ICT education policies include: (1) establishing a three-tier support system through cooperation between central, local, and school levels to strengthen teachers’ digital teaching competencies and resource sharing; (2) promoting international CT assessment challenges to spark interest in CT learning; (3) implementing the one-tablet-per-student policy and encouraging private-sector investment in rural areas to reduce urban–rural disparities in classroom ICT use; (4) emphasizing online behavior guidance and actively promoting topics such as information ethics and cybersecurity; and (5) advocating gender equality and digital inclusion education, encouraging students to break boundaries and pursue self-fulfillment. NTNU has long been committed to advancing ICT education, not only participating in the development and promotion of national ICT education policies, but also actively engaging in textbook review, promoting widespread information literacy, and collaborating with top domestic and international universities through international conferences and academic exchanges to foster inter-school resource sharing and educational innovation. NTNU also continues to advance professional development programs for in-service teachers, helping them enhance their ability to teach with modern ICT tools to meet the rapidly evolving demands of digital education. Facing the ever-changing challenges of technology, NTNU also spares no effort in teacher education, actively cultivating future educators with contemporary ICT teaching capabilities to ensure they can effectively leverage technology and create digital learning environments that meet the needs of today’s students. (Source: Taiwan ICILS National Research Center / Photo: Chang Shih / Editor: Hu Shih-tse) Download the ICILS 2023 results presentation from the official ICILS National Research Center website (CIRN-ICILS).

Designing for Impact: Lessons from a Decade of AR in Education

December 10, 2024

　　In the digital era, educational technologies continue to evolve rapidly, and augmented reality (AR) has emerged as one of the most closely watched technologies in the field of education. Hsin-Yi Chang, Chair Professor of the Bachelor’s Program in Learning Sciences at National Taiwan Normal University, led a research team in collaboration with several experts and professors in digital learning to systematically review and conduct a series of meta-analyses on AR-related research from the past ten years, with the goal of examining the effectiveness of AR in education. The study found that AR technology can help cultivate students’ performance abilities, but how to carefully design AR curricula and effectively integrate virtual and real contexts remains a new challenge for contemporary educators.   　　Hsin-Yi Chang specializes in the development of digital science curricula, learning activities, and scaffolding, and conducts in-depth research on key factors influencing students’ science learning. In the past five years, she has contributed to the fields of science education, STEM education, and online learning. Since 2022, she has been listed for two consecutive years among the world’s top 2% of scientists in the “2023 Annual Scientific Impact Rankings,” and she was also awarded the Taiwanese National Science and Technology Council’s Distinguished Research Award in 2023. 　　Augmented reality (AR) is a technology that overlays virtual information onto real-world environments. It not only offers learners immersive learning experiences and enhances student motivation but also effectively aids in knowledge acquisition. However, the actual benefits of AR remain underexamined due to a lack of empirical research. 　　To address this gap, Chang’s research team collaborated with digital learning experts to systematically review studies published between 2012 and 2021. Out of more than 2,000 papers, they selected and analyzed 134 experimental studies. These studies examined the effects of AR on three learning outcome categories—response, knowledge and skill, and performance—spanning over 10,000 students across all levels of education and a wide range of subject areas. Notably, only two to three papers focusing on AR appeared in 2012, but interest rapidly expanded after 2019, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic, marking AR as a rising topic in the research community. Figure caption: Compared to non-AR instruction, AR-based instruction demonstrated a large mean effect size (g = 0.739) for the learning outcome of performance.   　　Over the past decade, studies comparing AR-based instruction with traditional instruction revealed that AR had positive effects across all three learning outcome categories, with the greatest impact observed on performance. This finding highlights the significant potential of AR for supporting students’ ability to perform real-world tasks. 　　The research further found that the effectiveness of AR varied by subject area and instructional design. Meta-regression results showed that AR instruction in language learning and social studies tended to produce higher learner responses. By using AR to concretize abstract concepts and create immersive experiences—for example, visualizing historical scenes or interacting with virtual historical figures—student engagement and interest in learning increased substantially. Figure caption: Meta-regression results indicated that the longer AR was used in instruction, the greater its effect on learning outcomes.   　　However, in the natural sciences, while AR-enabled 3D visualization can allow students to explore the solar system or virtually observe dissection procedures, excessive use of 3D effects may induce “deceptive clarity.” That is, students may falsely believe they understand the content while in fact remaining confused or only partially grasping the material. Furthermore, if AR is used for only a short duration—such as a single class session—the instructional effectiveness may fall short of expectations. 　　Although applying AR in instructional settings may seem to offer more advantages than disadvantages, Hsin-Yi Chang cautions that it should still be implemented with care. In particular, many prior AR applications featured 3D visualizations with inadequate resolution or poorly designed content, which may reduce learning effectiveness. Thus, the question of how to carefully design AR curricula and meaningfully integrate virtual and real contexts has become a major challenge for today’s educators. 　　To prevent students from forming misconceptions due to 3D effects, Chang recommends that future AR instruction focus on the quality of 3D design and make appropriate use of 2D or 1D visualizations to enhance learning outcomes. She also emphasizes that educators should tailor AR instructional design to the characteristics of different subject areas and the specific learning needs of students in order to fully realize the potential of the technology. (This article was provided by The Center of Public Affairs.)   Source: Chang, H.-Y., Binali, T., Liang, J.-C., Chiou, G.-I., Cheng, K.-H., Lee, S. W.-Y., Tsai, C.-C. (2022). Ten years of augmented reality in education: A metaanalysis of (quasi-) experimental studies to investigate the impact. Computers & Education,191, Article 104641.https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2022.104641  

Singing always off pitch? Study shows that it may not entirely be your fault

November 10, 2024

　　Have you ever experienced difficulty controlling your pitch while singing, or been thrown off by the voices of others around you? This phenomenon is closely related to the brain’s mechanisms for controlling sound. A study by Professor Li-Hsin Ning from the Department of English at National Taiwan Normal University revealed human responses to auditory interference, identifying three distinct response types: switching, opposing, and following. This research offers new insights and potential directions for fields such as speech learning and language therapy. 　　The human brain utilizes two main mechanisms when processing sound: feedforward and feedback. To illustrate, think of driving a car. The feedforward mechanism is like the “accelerator,” where the brain draws on accumulated experience to quickly and accurately produce speech. The feedback mechanism, on the other hand, acts like the “brake,” adjusting the pitch or sound in real time when it detects deviation. These two mechanisms work together in the brain to ensure our speech aligns with our expectations, much like how the accelerator and brake must be properly controlled for safe driving. 　　The study collected data from 36 Mandarin Chinese speakers. Each participant was asked to repeatedly produce the vowel sound /a/ for 3 seconds, followed by a 2-second rest before producing the next vowel, for a total of 30 trials. During the process, participants listened to their own voice through headphones, but they also heard an artificial pitch shift, either higher or lower than their original pitch, lasting for 200 milliseconds. This pitch shift could potentially influence their pitch control. Using latent class analysis, the researchers identified three main response patterns from the participants. 　　Among the participants, 57% exhibited a “switcher” response type, alternating between opposing and following the interfering sounds during the test. This group demonstrated high plasticity in their responses, sometimes following the direction of pitch-shift stimulus and other times correcting their pitch. This suggests that their brains are highly adaptable to varying situations, akin to a driver who alternates between pressing the accelerator and brake based on the circumstances. 　　The “opposer” response type accounted for 28% of participants, who primarily exhibited immediate pitch correction. Their brains displayed a high degree of resilience to pitch variation, quickly responding to errors and maintaining pitch accuracy. The “follower” response type made up 15% of the participants, who were more easily influenced by surrounding sounds. These individuals tended to mimic the pitch shift they heard, showing a more relaxed brain response to auditory signals. When others sang off-pitch, they followed suit, demonstrating looser control over their pitch regulation.   Caption: This study collected data from 36 Mandarin Chinese speakers, where each participant sequentially produced the vowel sound "/a/" for 3 seconds, followed by a 2-second rest before producing the next vowel. A total of 30 trials were conducted.   　　Previous research often suggested that individuals with excellent pitch control, such as singers or vocalists, are better able to resist pitch interference from their environment, quickly “braking” when they detect an incorrect tone. However, Professor Ning, who has long studied phonetics, articulatory phonetics, and psycholinguistics, challenges this perspective. Through her research and analysis, she proposes a more complex response model—following, opposing, and switching—which demonstrates the variety of human responses to pitch interference. Furthermore, when the direction of pitch change is predictable, the proportion of following responses significantly increases, highlighting the importance of predictability in language control.  　　The study also discovered that as the experiment duration increased, participants’ responses began to change. Professor Ning divided the experiment into three stages: initial, middle, and final. Initially, participants tended to use a consistent response mechanism. However, as time passed, their response patterns switched between opposing and following. By the later stages of the experiment, their responses stabilized, with participants selecting a fixed response strategy. This phenomenon provides new insights into the plasticity of language learning, suggesting that adaptability in response patterns evolves over time.  　　This research, spanning across fields such as motion science, speech science, and language learning, exemplifies an interdisciplinary collaboration. Professor Ning acknowledges the significant challenges faced during the process, particularly the relative scarcity of experts in acoustic engineering in Taiwan. Finding a suitable collaborator took one to two years. Ultimately, the team partnered with Dr. Tak-Chang Hsu, a Senior Lecturer at Hong Kong Metropolitan University, who not only has a background in music, but also has programming skills and experience in electronic music production. Through collaboration with a partner from a different professional background, the research team was able to overcome technical barriers and successfully complete the study. 　　When discussing the applications and future directions of the research, Professor Ning highlighted that the findings could be applied to language learning and speech therapy, particularly for learners who struggle with pitch control. In language learning, the study revealed different response patterns among learners when processing speech, suggesting that, based on their response types, personalized learning strategies could be developed for individuals with high plasticity or those exhibiting more fixed responses. This could also help improve speech control abilities, offering new therapeutic avenues for individuals with speech disorders. 　　National Taiwan Normal University also houses a Neurolinguistics Laboratory. Professor Ning mentioned that current research primarily focuses on behavioral experiments. Moving forward, she hopes to integrate this research with neuroscience to observe how the brain controls responses during speech production. This would allow for further validation of the behavioral findings, providing more precise scientific data to support the proposed theories. (This article was provided by The Center of Public Affairs.)   Source: Ning, L. H.(2022).Identifying distinct latent classes of pitch-shift response consistency: Evidence from manipulating the predictability of shift direction. Frontiers in Psychology, 13, https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2022.1058080

Triboelectric Generators Could Change the Future of Wearable Devices

November 10, 2024

　　What types of microgenerators can be worn on the body? Professor Chii-Rong Yang from the Department of Mechatronic Engineering at National Taiwan Normal University and his research team have made a significant breakthrough by integrating flexible electronics with triboelectric technology. They have successfully developed a self-powered wearable sensor. This advancement not only opens new avenues for research into energy-autonomous wearable electronics but also introduces novel directions and possibilities for future technological applications. 　　Professor Yang’s primary research areas include micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), nanotechnology, emerging energy devices, and the synthesis of nanocarbon materials. He holds numerous domestic and international invention patents. Initially, his laboratory focused on research in solar and fuel cells. However, the energy-harvesting potential of triboelectric technology soon captured the team's interest. From early experiments using liquid metal electrodes to the later adoption of malleable metal electrodes, the team has continually sought materials and structural designs that offer enhanced functionality, performance, and safety. 　　The triboelectric generator (TEG) is a device capable of converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, making it well-suited for wearable technologies that require self-sustaining power sources. To meet the demand for high flexibility in wearable applications, Professor Yang’s team selected an innovative material that combines liquid metal with glaze powder. This composite not only maintains excellent electrical conductivity but also provides the flexibility and durability essential for wearable use. As the research progressed, and in response to the increasing performance demands of wearable systems, the team replaced conventional polymer substrates with textile-based materials. This shift further enhanced the triboelectric performance and device stability. Ultimately, they succeeded in developing a triboelectric device that is highly flexible, stable, cost-effective, and manufacturable through a simplified process.  　　Experimental tests demonstrated that this TEG, utilizing a GO@PDMS film treated with SF₆ plasma surface modification, was capable of generating an open-circuit voltage of 140.37 V and a short-circuit current of 2.57 μA. Under a load resistance of 50 MΩ, the device achieved a maximum output power of 130.5 μW. These results indicate a significant enhancement in energy conversion efficiency, highlighting the system’s potential for practical applications in self-powered wearable electronics.  　　Due to the triboelectric properties of PDMS, which tends toward negative charge generation, along with its ease of formulation and surface modification, the research team further engineered PDMS into a porous structure. By mixing graphene oxide (GO) flakes with deionized water to form a suspension, and blending it with PDMS slurry, they successfully fabricated a porous GO@PDMS triboelectric layer. This layer was then integrated with conductive fabric composed of 100% polyester electroplated with nickel and copper, resulting in a fabric-based triboelectric device characterized by high flexibility and softness. This configuration is particularly well-suited for integration with wearable electronic devices.  　　During the experiments, the research team integrated a TEG device into clothing and various parts of the body, successfully harvesting motion signals. Remarkably, the device was able to power 180 green LEDs connected in series, showcasing its potential as a micro-scale energy generator. Furthermore, the team demonstrated its application in wireless sensing by transmitting pressure signals to a computer via a Bluetooth module. According to Professor Yang, the triboelectric device also exhibits washability and long-term durability. When embedded in garments, it can function as a motion sensor, capturing human movement data for wearable sensing applications.  　　Professor Yang noted that beyond energy generation, the device also functions effectively as a pressure sensor capable of monitoring human motion and physiological signals. For instance, when embedded in footwear, it can emit light with each step; when integrated into clothing, it can continuously monitor heart rate. In critical situations such as cardiac arrest, the system could instantly alert emergency services or trigger automatic hospital notifications, thereby maximizing the chances of timely medical intervention during the golden rescue   timing.  　　This research has also involved collaboration with the Department of Electrical Engineering, where the sensor was integrated into a robotic arm. Upon detecting contact signals, the system was able to immediately cut power to the arm—functioning like an "electronic skin" that enhances the safety of robotic systems by enabling rapid response and providing crucial escape time in emergency scenarios. Beyond everyday energy harvesting, this technology also shows promise in specialized environments, such as integration into life vests, where it can ensure both safety monitoring and continuous power supply in critical situations.  　　Looking ahead, Professor Yang emphasized that the team is currently working on integrating capacitors with triboelectric generators, aiming to enable energy storage within the system itself. This innovation is expected to significantly expand the application potential of fabric-based triboelectric devices. In the era of the Internet of Things (IoT), where sensors are required in virtually every environment, reliance on conventional batteries becomes impractical. By allowing sensors to harvest mechanical energy and convert it into electricity through triboelectric generators, this technology offers a promising solution for sustainable, maintenance-free sensing systems—paving the way for broader deployment and functionality in the IoT application field. (This article was provided by The Center of Public Affairs.)      Figure 1: LED bulbs illuminated by a TEG   Figure 2: Wireless transmission of pressure sensing data using a TEG    Figure 3: Application of TEG as "electronic skin" for a robotic arm   Source: Yang, C. R., Ko, C. T., Chang, S. F., & Huang, M. J. (2022). Study on fabric-based triboelectric nanogenerator using graphene oxide/porous PDMS as a compound friction layer. Nano Energy, 92, Article 106791. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nanoen.2021.106791

Asian children are less susceptible to constipation – except for Taiwanese children

October 11, 2024

　　Child or adult, nearly everyone knows what it feels like to be “a little backed up,” so to speak. Assistant Professor Ngan Thi Kim Nguyen from the NTNU Programs of Nutrition Science has conducted in-depth research on the prevalence of constipation among Asian children and its related factors. Her findings reveal that the prevalence of constipation among Asian children is approximately 12%, which is significantly lower than the global average of 29%. Among Asian regions, South Asia has a slightly lower prevalence rate (6.9%) compared to East Asia (14.1%). However, a surprising discovery is that the prevalence of constipation among school-aged children in Taiwan reaches 32.2%, far exceeding that of other regions in Asia. 　　Deputy Director of the Nutrition Science Programs, Szu-Chuan Shen, says that Assistant Professor Nguyen’s paper Prevalence and Determinants of Constipation in Children in Asia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis was recently published in eClinical Medicine, a sub-journal of the internationally prestigious The Lancet. With an impact factor of 15.1, being published in eClinical Medicine speaks to the study’s significance in both the global medical and academic communities. Figure 1: Assistant Professor Ngan Thi Kim Nguyen (left) from the Nutrition Science Programs has had her research published in eClinical Medicine, a sub-journal of the prestigious The Lancet.   Filling the Gaps in Pharmaceutical Research: A Comprehensive Look at Childhood Constipation from an Asian Perspective   　　Assistant Professor Ngan Thi Kim Nguyen from the Programs of Nutritional Science originally graduated as a medical doctor from University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam and was also a practicing clinician. Driven by her deep interest in nutritional science, she moved to Taiwan alone to pursue International Master Degree in Medicine and then Ph.D. in School of Nutrition and Health Sciences at Taipei Medical University. Upon earning her doctorate, she joined the Undergraduate Program of Nutrition Science at National Taiwan Normal University as a faculty member. 　　Assistant Professor Nguyen explains that functional constipation (FC) is characterized by symptoms such as dry, hard stools, infrequent bowel movements, and incomplete evacuation. Despite ongoing research, the pathophysiology of constipation remains insufficiently understood. Currently, most studies on the nutritional factors related to functional constipation are based on data from children in Western countries, while research on Asian pediatric populations is severely lacking. However, given the significant differences between Asia and Western countries in terms of national conditions and dietary habits, the prevalence and causes of functional constipation in children may also differ. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to directly apply Western data to Asian children without further investigation. 　　Assistant Professor Nguyen shared that her personal motivation for studying constipation stemmed from her own niece’s struggles with this condition. She recalled, “There was a time when my little niece was in so much pain while trying to pass stool that she burst into tears—it shook me to the core.” Despite trying various treatments, including enemas, dietary changes, and applying established medical theories, her niece’s condition did not improve. Over time, the painful experiences even led to a fear of using the toilet. Witnessing her niece's suffering firsthand solidified Assistant Professor Nguyen’s determination to dedicate her research to understanding and addressing this issue.   Systematic Meta-Analysis: Mapping Childhood Constipation Across Asia 　　Reflecting on the research process, Assistant Professor Nguyen shared, “The collecting of data alone took two years, and completing the paper took another.” Her study employed a meta-analysis approach, systematically reviewing existing literature to reconstruct an overview of childhood constipation in Asia. She analyzed data from international academic databases, initially screening over 3,000 research papers before narrowing the selection to 50 studies containing relevant data on pediatric constipation in Asia. By examining the correlations within these datasets, she was able to generate advanced findings and provide a comprehensive clinical overview of constipation symptoms among children across Asia.   Figure 2: Research Process   Figure 3: Prevalence of Constipation and Diagnostic Methods Across 15 Countries or Regions. The gradient colors represent the prevalence of constipation. The darker the shade, the higher the prevalence. The symbols denote the diagnostic methods used in each study. If a study was conducted in two cities, the marker is placed between them; if conducted in three or more cities, the marker is positioned at the country's central location.   　　Assistant Professor Nguyen’s research highlights that in Asia, functional constipation is more prevalent among older children aged 1 to 12 compared to those under 1 year old.  Aside from being the first study to report the prevalence of pediatric constipation in Asia, her findings challenge traditional assumptions. She discovered that, contrary to what was previously believed, neither geographical location nor gender are major factors influencing functional constipation. While dietary fiber is known to help alleviate constipation, the lack of comprehensive data on fiber intake among Asian children and its relationship to functional constipation makes it difficult to establish a definitive correlation at this stage. 　　Furthermore, Assistant Professor Nguyen’s research represents a breakthrough in the field of childhood constipation, uncovering a potential link between constipation and children’s mental health. She found that children experiencing psychological distress or significant stress—such as competing with siblings for parental attention—had a higher prevalence of constipation (22.6%). She also proposed a hypothesis: “Constipation and psychological stress may be mutually interactive. Mental health issues could trigger constipation, affect brain development, and ultimately have a negative impact on children's academic performance.”   The Ongoing Research: Exploring Links Between Constipation, Insomnia, Obesity, Gut Microbiota, and Psychological Stress 　　Assistant Professor Nguyen noted that the biggest limitation of her study was the inability to establish a clear link between sleep disorders and childhood constipation. “While many previous studies have shown a connection between constipation and sleep disorders in adults, our study did not find a significant association in children,” she explained. Despite this, her research has paved the way for further exploration in the field. She has now secured funding from the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) and is actively conducting new studies to investigate the connections between childhood constipation, insomnia, obesity, gut microbiota, and psychological stress. 　　Assistant Professor Nguyen concluded that, historically, the diagnosis and treatment of childhood constipation have largely relied on standards and medications developed in Western countries. However, these methods may not be suitable for Asian children. Her research, which provides a comprehensive analysis of childhood constipation in Asia, offers valuable data that can help develop more accurate and tailored diagnostic frameworks specifically for Asian—and perhaps Taiwanese—children with functional constipation. (This article was provided by The Center of Public Affairs.)   Source: Djurijanto F., Lin S. H., Vo N. P., le N. Q. K., Nguyen-Hoang A., Shen S. C., Wu C. H., Chen J. Y., and Nguyen N. T. K., Prevalence and determinants of constipation in children in Asia: a systematic review and meta-analysis, EClinicalMedicine. (2024) 71, 102578, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2024.102578.