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If you're a neuroscience-obsessed undergrad with dreams of doing brain research, the American University Neuroscience REU might be your perfect summer plan. This NSF-funded program offers a $6,000 stipend, free housing, and hands-on experience exploring everything from traumatic brain injury to brain-machine interfaces.

Next, scientists have developed molecular "scissors" so precise they can slice a single strand of RNA to silence disease-causing genes. Unlike CRISPR, this RNA-targeting tech is temporary, tunable, and already showing promise in treatments for cancer and viruses like HPV.

Finally, let’s flash back to 1880, when the Curie brothers discovered that squeezing certain crystals creates electricity—a phenomenon now known as piezoelectricity. From old-school sonar to modern car sensors and medical devices, this property of crystals still shapes the technology we use today.

Upcoming Opportunities

🧠 $4,500 Summer REU in Computational & Theoretical Neuroscience

The Neuroscience Institute at Carnegie Mellon University invites undergraduates to apply for a competitive 10-week NIH-funded summer research experience in computational neuroscience. Students will conduct mentored research on cutting-edge topics in theoretical neuroscience and data-driven brain modeling as part of a vibrant research community in partnership with the Center for the Neural Basis of Cognition.

Participants will explore advanced research topics, attend seminars, learn about research ethics and career paths, and present their findings at a final symposium.

📅 Program Details

• Award: $4,500 stipend + free housing + paid travel

• Duration: May - August 2026 (~ 10 weeks)

• Location: Carnegie Mellon University; Pittsburgh, PA

• Application Window: Fall 2025 - February 2026

• Apply Here: [Website]

✅ Eligibility

• U.S. citizen or permanent resident

• 18+ years old

• Enrolled in a 4-year accredited college/university

• Must be a sophomore or junior at time of application

• Strong interest in pursuing a PhD in neuroscience or other STEM-related fields

⚠️ Bonus Opportunities You Should Know

• 🧪 NSF REU Summer Research Programs: List of funded undergrad research programs. (Search here)

• 🎓 Zintellect: List of scholarships, research fellowships, and internship opportunities funded by the U.S. government or private sector. (Search here)

• 💰 NASA OSTEM Internships: List of NASA Internships for high school and undergraduate STEM students. (More info)

• 🪖 Department of Defense (DoD) SMART Scholarship: $30,000-$46,000 scholarship awarded to top STEM students. (Link)

🌍 International Opportunities

• 🧲 Pathways to Science: List of upcoming internships, scholarships, and research programs hosted by any country [open to international students]. (Search here)

• 🔬 Amgen Scholars Program: Prestigious summer research program for undergraduate students in the U.S., Europe, or Asia. (More info)

• ⚛️ European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN): Search for any upcoming internships related to chemistry, physics, engineering, or data science! (Link here)

• 🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Intrax Global Internships: STEM-focused internship program for international students hosted by the U.S. Department of State. (More info)

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Scientist’s Scroll

🧬 NIST Cracks the Code on Measuring RNA “Scissors” for Cellular Engineering

Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed a new method for accurately measuring self-cleaving ribozymes, RNA molecules that act like genetic scissors by slicing themselves at precise points.

These ribozymes are critical tools in synthetic biology, enabling scientists to program cells for everything from biofuel production to RNA-based therapeutics. But when scientists tried to measure how well these ribozymes functioned inside living cells, they hit a problem: standard sample preparation techniques caused the scissors to cut before the actual measurement, skewing results.

The breakthrough came when NIST scientists discovered a way to “tie up” the ribozymes using DNA strands, keeping the scissors inactive until the correct moment. This innovation allows researchers to confidently measure ribozyme behavior as it actually happens in both in vitro and cellular environments.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

Tip of the Day

😴 Sleep Isn’t a Luxury — It’s a Study Strategy

Pulling all-nighters might feel productive, but consistent, high-quality sleep is one of the most underrated tools for academic success. Here’s why smart students treat sleep like part of their syllabus:

• Memory Booster: Sleep is when your brain consolidates information. Studying all day but skipping sleep is like saving a file but never hitting “Save.”

• Stress Shield: Regular sleep helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone. Less sleep = more anxiety, mood swings, and burnout risk.

• Focus Enhancer: A rested brain processes information faster and resists distractions better. You'll finish that p-set or lab report faster and smarter with sleep on your side.

• Better Time Management: Prioritizing sleep forces you to work within boundaries. That discipline pays off in school and in life.

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Today’s Theme: Throwback Thursday

🔋 Piezoelectricity: From Crystals to Cutting-Edge Tech

In 1880, French physicist Pierre Curie and his older brother Jacques made a groundbreaking discovery: squeezing certain crystals—like quartz or Rochelle salt—generated electricity. This phenomenon, known as the piezoelectric effect, would go on to power technologies from microphones to medical ultrasound.

Working with simple tools like tinfoil, glue, and wire, the Curies showed that mechanical stress could produce electric potential in asymmetric crystals. A year later, they confirmed the converse piezoelectric effect too: electricity could also make these crystals physically deform.

While early research stalled due to complex math, physicist Woldemar Voigt’s 1910 treatise revived interest, laying the theoretical foundation for real-world applications. By WWI, piezoelectric materials enabled sonar, and their role has only expanded in modern tech like inkjet printers, vehicle sensors, and precision instrumentation.

🔗 Read the full article here —>

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