Infotrak

Students in Asia outperform kids from other nations, including the US. Teru Clavel spent a decade living in Asia, with her three children attending public schools in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Japan, before returning to the US. She shared what she learned in her book “World Class: One Mother’s Journey Halfway Around the Globe in Search of the Best Education for Her Children.”

Recent research reveals an alarming increase in the death rate among 25 to 64 year old Americans Why? And which states have the highest mortality rates? Steven Woolf, MD, from Virginia Commonwealth University

Educational experts have long recognized that there is something of a "sweet spot" when it comes to learning. Prof. Robert Wilson from Arizona State University led a study using artificial intelligence that determined the sweet spot is when failure occurs 15% of the time and the right answer is given 85% of the time.

Millions of Americans suffer from it. It may be connected with serious illness. Yet many who have the problem are reluctant to admit it. It's hearing loss. David Owen, is the author of “Volume Control: Hearing in a Deafening World”, and he explains why hearing loss starts in youth. He also talks about the rapidly improving technology in hearing aids and similar devices.

The percentage of Americans living in poverty may be higher than official estimates. Prof. Chris Wimer from the School of Social Work at Columbia University led a recent study that suggests that the rate of inflation may hit those at the low end of the income scale harder. He outlined his results and explained the possible reasons behind it.

It's heartbreaking statistic: a child dies every five days in a train accident. Morag MacKay from Safe Kids Worldwide explains what can parents do to prevent these tragedies.

If you think cutting down trees has a big impact on the environment, think again! Prof. Brent Sohngen from Ohio State University led a recent study that found that deforestation's contributions to climate change are vastly overestimated.

Most college freshmen say they are attending college to get a better job. But Michael Itzkowitz from Third Way, a think tank in Washington, DC, found that half of the country’s schools in 2018 left the majority of their former students earning less than $28,000 a year, which is what the typical high school graduate makes.

A recent study found that the more a baby weighs at birth, the more likely it is that the child will develop food allergies. Dr. Kathy Gatford, from the Robinson Research Institute in Australia, explains what expectant parents need to know.

Geoffrey Sanzenbacher from The Center for Retirement Research at Boston College was the co-author of a shocking report that found that only about one-quarter of workers ages 50-62 are consistently in traditional jobs with benefits. He explains why this trend is doing serious damage to retirement planning.

Suicide attempts are rising among black teens in America, while early signs of suicidal tendencies get harder to spot. Prof. Michael Lindsey from New York University led a recent study exploring the reasons for this puzzling trend.

Today, Americans throw away over three-quarters of plastics after one-time use, but what if it could be easily and cheaply recycled? Dr. Massimiliano Delferro from the U.S. Department of Energy's Argonne National Laboratory has developed a chemical recycling method for converting many discarded plastics into higher quality products, for eventual use in everyday products like detergents and cosmetics.

Prof. Rachel Voth Schrag from the University of Texas at Arlington joins us to discuss a little-known form of abuse: educational sabotage, which is a form of control intended to prevent the victim from furthering their education. She explained why it has a huge effect on the victim's long term economic independence and safety.

Gambling addiction is a very real problem for many Americans, especially military personnel and veterans. Yet gambling doesn't get the same attention as other addictive behaviors. Brianne Doura from the National Council on Problem Gambling explains why members of the military are often reluctant to seek help.

What’s one way to dispel racism? Teesha Hadra, co-author of “Black and White: Disrupting Racism One Friendship at a Time,” says racism can be disrupted, by developing relationships with people of other races and backgrounds. She also notes that well-meaning people can passively participate in racism by simply being unaware of it.

Can we predict a kindergarten student’s future success? One simple test may be the answer, according to Prof. Melissa Stormont, PhD, from the University of Missouri College of Education. She also She outlines steps that parents can take to prepare their children for kindergarten.

Kenneth P. Rosenberg, the author of a book called "Bedlam," is one of the nation's leading psychiatrists and he says America is having a genuine mental health crisis. Many who need help are ending up in prisons or on the streets. He discusses the steps that could make progress in dealing with the mentally ill.

How many Americans live truly healthy lifestyles? The answer will shock you! Dr. Ellen Smit from Oregon State University explains the importance of the four pillars of a healthy lifestyle.

Homelessness is surging across America. Why are there so many homeless people? John Snook, from the Treatment Advocacy Center, says one reason may be that those needing treatment for serious mental illness aren't getting it.

The latest research into neuroplasticity has found that the human brain has far more ability to learn and adapt than we ever knew. Jo Boaler from Stanford University is the author of “Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers." She said whenever a student is struggling, that is the best time for brain growth.