The principle of a growth mindset, a term originally coined by psychologist Carol Dweck, refers to the understanding that abilities and intelligence can be developed over time through dedication and hard work. The NTNU study leveraged this framework to examine how students’ perceptions of their ability to improve influenced their academic achievements and emotional engagement with school subjects. Crucially, this mindset was found to be particularly influential in both Norwegian language courses and physical education—subjects that inherently offer diverse forms of challenge and feedback.

While motivation is traditionally viewed as a multifaceted construct, this research focused intensively on four core dimensions: growth mindset, self-efficacy, passion, and grit. Self-efficacy captures students’ confidence in their capacity to execute specific tasks successfully. Passion represents the sustained drive and enthusiasm students have for academic performance over time. Grit, on the other hand, encapsulates long-term perseverance in the face of obstacles. Through large-scale surveys, the researchers correlated these motivational elements with key outcome variables including students’ sense of mastery, emotional well-being, and academic grades.

Findings illustrated that the conviction in the ability to improve through sustained effort emerged as the most consistent predictor of positive educational outcomes. Students who endorsed this belief reported higher enjoyment and better performance in their studies, underlining the role of learning-oriented attitudes in fostering academic resilience and achievement. Notably, this effect was amplified in physical education, a discipline characterized by immediate performance feedback and tangible skill development, which allowed students to directly experience progress.

Self-efficacy demonstrated a pronounced influence on students’ experience in physical education, linking not only to their academic success but also to their psychological well-being and perceptions of mastery. Given that physical education often builds upon extracurricular and informal physical activities familiar to students, the translation of confidence into performance is both immediate and measurable. This insight underscores the relevance of context-specific motivational constructs and their differential impact depending on the subject matter.

Contrary to expectations, factors such as passion and grit, while positively correlated with ambition and goal orientation, exerted comparatively less influence on academic achievement when growth mindset and self-efficacy were accounted for. Although perseverance and sustained engagement had a modest effect on enjoyment, particularly in Norwegian language classes, their generalized impact on overall academic outcomes was limited. This suggests that intrinsic motivation and resilience may exert more pronounced effects in self-chosen or highly personalized learning environments rather than standardized academic settings.

The study also highlights compelling gender-based disparities in motivation and outcomes. Male students tended to report higher levels of grit and goal-directedness, signaling strong drive and ambition. However, this did not translate into superior academic performance, challenging popular assumptions that sheer determination guarantees success. Female students, by contrast, displayed greater confidence in their abilities within the Norwegian language subject and achieved better grades, indicating potentially different motivational pathways and learning strategies across genders.

By drawing attention to the significant role of mindset beliefs, the research advocates for educational systems to prioritize the nurturing of growth-oriented attitudes among students. Encouraging learners to recognize that their intellectual and physical abilities are malleable, rather than fixed traits, can transform their approach to challenges and setbacks. Mistakes and difficulties, therefore, should be reframed as integral components of the learning process rather than signs of failure or inadequacy.

The implications for pedagogical practice are profound. Schools and educators are urged to develop curricula and teaching methods that actively reinforce the notion of improvement through effort and adaptive learning strategies. This could include explicit instruction on neuroplasticity, constructive feedback emphasizing progress, and fostering environments where struggle is normalized and viewed as a pathway to mastery. Such initiatives may contribute not only to improved academic performance but also to greater student well-being and persistence.

Beyond the immediate academic context, the findings resonate with broader psychological theories on motivation and learning science. They support a paradigm shift from achievement as a fixed endpoint to education as an ongoing developmental process. This perspective aligns with contemporary cognitive models emphasizing metacognition, self-regulation, and the role of beliefs in shaping behavior and outcomes.

The study’s robust methodological approach, involving survey data collection from a diverse cohort of upper secondary school students, enhances the generalizability of its conclusions. It stands as a critical contribution to educational psychology, urging researchers and practitioners alike to reexamine the relative weight of motivational constructs and to tailor interventions that capitalize on the most influential factors.

Ultimately, this NTNU research reaffirms the transformative power of mindset and confidence in educational settings. As students internalize the possibility of growth and improvement, they become better equipped to navigate academic demands, overcome setbacks, and cultivate lifelong learning dispositions. This insight carries the potential to reshape pedagogical strategies and promote educational equity by empowering all learners to believe in their ability to succeed.

Subject of Research: People
Article Title: The motivational predictors and gender differences of academic outcomes in upper secondary education: exploring the role of growth mindset, self-efficacy, grit and passion
News Publication Date: 30-Jan-2026
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2026.1708978
References: Sætre, Birger Olav; Sigmundsson, Hermundur. The Motivational Predictors and Gender Differences of Academic Outcomes in Upper Secondary Education: Exploring the Role of Growth Mindset, Self-efficacy, Grit and Passion. Front. Educ., 30 January 2026. Sec. Psychology in Education. Volume 11 – 2026
Keywords: Growth Mindset, Self-Efficacy, Grit, Passion, Academic Performance, Motivation, Upper Secondary Education, Gender Differences, Educational Psychology, Student Well-being

The foundational concept driving this investigation is the “work incentive principle,” a pillar underpinning labor economics which asserts that individuals should always experience a financial advantage when opting to work rather than relying on unemployment benefits. This principle is not merely a theoretical construct but a practical guideline that many governments deploy to structure both wage policies and social support systems. In essence, if the monetary returns from employment do not significantly exceed welfare payouts, potential workers may rationally choose to remain outside the labor market.

Iacono’s research delves into scenarios where both minimum wages and welfare benefits hover near subsistence levels, a situation increasingly relevant in certain developed economies grappling with inflation, labor market rigidities, and political resistance to increasing social support. Utilizing computational simulation and modeling methods, his study published in PLOS One captures the nuanced feedback loops and behavioral responses of workers faced with meager financial incentives. The results reveal a paradoxical effect: if both pay and benefits are too low, the work incentive collapses, undermining employment participation rates.

Understanding this paradox has profound economic and social implications. Increasing the minimum wage is conventionally seen as a strategy to attract and retain workers, thereby facilitating higher labor market engagement and boosting aggregate productivity. However, setting wage floors too low fails to achieve this effect; instead, it erodes the economic rationale for working. Workers calculate that their net financial gain is insufficient to justify the effort and opportunity costs of employment, leading to a preference for welfare benefits that at least guarantee subsistence without the burdens associated with low-paid employment.

This research underscores the pivotal role of the subsistence level as a benchmark in social policy design. For the work incentive principle to function effectively, the minimum wage must not only surpass basic living costs but do so by a meaningful margin, creating an unequivocal financial advantage for workers. This ensures that employment remains an attractively stable option despite the challenges or demands it may entail. Conversely, if benefits and wages stagnate at or just above subsistence, the system inadvertently disincentivizes workforce participation, thereby perpetuating unemployment and economic stagnation.

The dilemma, however, extends beyond purely economic calculations. Policymakers face the ethical imperative to protect individuals who cannot engage in paid labor due to health or disability reasons. Welfare states aim to offer a safety net that precludes poverty and social exclusion. When benefits are insufficient, these vulnerable groups suffer disproportionally, challenging the equitability and social cohesion that welfare programs seek to promote. Therefore, striking a balance between incentivizing work and providing adequate social protection remains a nuanced and politically sensitive challenge.

Moreover, the interplay of minimum wage and welfare policy influences employer behavior as well. Some employers may be tempted to offer near-minimum or minimum wage salaries to minimize labor costs. However, when the minimum wage is too low, this can backfire, as prospective employees might reject low-paying jobs or seek welfare options instead, reducing the available labor pool and potentially accelerating turnover rates and recruitment difficulties. This dynamic can destabilize labor markets and exacerbate economic inefficiencies.

From a macroeconomic perspective, maintaining a robust labor supply is essential for sustainable growth and fiscal health. Higher rates of workforce participation contribute to expanded tax bases, reduced demand for social benefits, and increased consumer spending, creating positive multiplier effects throughout the economy. Iacono’s findings therefore emphasize the long-term risks of wage suppression policies combined with austerity in welfare spending: they may yield short-term cost savings but ultimately impair economic vitality and social wellbeing.

Technically, Iacono employed computational simulation modeling to reconstruct labor market responses under varying policy scenarios. Such simulations integrate behavioral economic principles, demographic data, and welfare system parameters to generate predictive outcomes. This approach allows for a controlled environment to test hypotheses and forecast potential policy impacts without immediate real-world consequences. The modeling indicated clear threshold effects where sub-minimum wage and near-subsistence welfare traps activated, causing diminished work incentives.

The implications of these findings extend beyond Norway and touch on global debates regarding labor market reform, social equity, and economic resilience. They caution against simplistic fixes that overlook the complex interactions between wages and benefits. Policymakers must consider that fostering an active workforce requires more than nominal increases in income; it demands living wages that meaningfully enhance quality of life relative to welfare provisions.

Ultimately, the research contributes a vital lens for evaluating minimum wage policies within comprehensive social safety nets. It challenges developed countries to critically assess whether current wage floors and benefit levels align with the work incentive principle—to ensure that employment remains a rational and desirable choice. As labor markets evolve, policies based on this principle will be instrumental in addressing inequality, reducing unemployment, and fostering sustainable economic development.

Roberto Iacono’s work thus stands as a clarion call for evidence-based social policy design, leveraging sophisticated computational tools to unravel one of the modern economy’s most pressing paradoxes. Balancing support for the vulnerable with incentives for the workforce is not merely a political or moral question but a technical challenge that demands rigorous analysis and thoughtful implementation. Through this research, a clearer path emerges toward more effective, humane, and economically sound labor and welfare policies.

Subject of Research: Not applicable
Article Title: The Welfare versus Work Paradox
News Publication Date: 6-May-2025
Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0321564
References: Iacono R (2025) The Welfare versus Work Paradox. PLoS One 20(5): e0321564.
Keywords: work incentive principle, minimum wage, welfare benefits, labor market, unemployment, subsistence level, social policy, computational simulation

Quantum technology hinges on harnessing phenomena that manifest at the atomic and subatomic scale. Traditionally, researchers have focused on highly synthetic materials engineered in ultra-clean, controlled environments, which often involve costly and complex fabrication processes. However, this newly discovered clay material challenges that paradigm by offering a naturally occurring alternative with intrinsic quantum-relevant characteristics. These include an effective two-dimensional structure, semiconductor behavior, and an antiferromagnetic ground state, a trifecta that is rarely found in a single, naturally abundant substance.

At the heart of this revelation is the clay’s near two-dimensional fabric. Materials confined to a plane only a few atoms thick are critical in quantum research because they allow electronic and magnetic properties to manifest in ways unavailable to bulk materials. This dimensional thinness results in quantum behaviors that are both more pronounced and controllable, enabling breakthroughs in devices that require precise manipulation of electron spin and charge.

Further, this clay acts as a semiconductor — a class of materials crucial to modern electronics. Semiconductors have the intriguing ability to modulate electrical conductivity under varying conditions, enabling the binary on-off states foundational to digital processing. The discovery of a naturally antiferromagnetic semiconductor is particularly compelling because antiferromagnetism involves magnetic moments in adjacent atomic layers aligning in opposite directions. This alignment cancels out bulk magnetism while preserving magnetic ordering, a subtlety that can serve as a robust platform for controlling quantum spin states with less susceptibility to external magnetic noise.

This antiferromagnetic behavior embedded in the clay is especially promising for emerging technologies like spintronics, where controlling the spin of electrons, rather than their charge, allows for faster, more energy-efficient information processing. The material’s properties also hint at applicability in photonics, magnetic sensors, and even neuromorphic computing systems that emulate brain-like architectures. Such applications could revolutionize how data is processed, stored, and interpreted.

The environmental implications of this discovery cannot be overstated. Most quantum materials require elaborate synthesis routes that are resource-intensive and environmentally damaging. In contrast, this clay is non-toxic, stable, and abundant, sourced directly from natural deposits. As global research increasingly prioritizes sustainability, the availability of such a material represents a significant step toward eco-friendly quantum technologies that do not compromise performance for green credentials.

While the presence of such qualities in a naturally occurring clay is groundbreaking, transforming it into a practical component for quantum devices involves overcoming considerable challenges. Extraction and purification processes must be refined to isolate the material’s quantum-active layers without compromising their structure. Additionally, integration into functional architectures necessitates ultra-clean, controlled laboratory environments akin to semiconductor fabrication cleanrooms. This ensures that the pristine quantum properties are retained during device construction.

Moreover, the observed antiferromagnetic behavior currently does not persist at ambient room temperatures, imposing a limitation for immediate, everyday applications. Nonetheless, the fundamental quantum properties demonstrated offer a powerful foundation on which material engineering can build to elevate operational temperatures. Progress in this direction would exponentially expand the material’s usability across various quantum technology sectors.

Central to this research’s success is the multidisciplinary collaboration across continents. Partnering institutions include São Paulo’s Universidade de São Paulo in Brazil, the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility in Grenoble, France, and Prague’s Univerzita Karlova in the Czech Republic. Cutting-edge experimental techniques employed during the study rely on advanced synchrotron radiation and spectroscopic tools that enable atomic-level analysis of the material’s electronic and magnetic states.

The team at NTNU’s Soft and Complex Matter Lab has championed an unconventional approach, moving beyond the search for flawless synthetic materials. Instead, they have demonstrated a keen ability to identify complex, quantum-active substances arising naturally. This philosophy underscores the potential of natural minerals that have been overlooked in the vacuum of high-tech material research, illuminating new directions for sustainable innovation.

This breakthrough also highlights the vital role that emerging scientists, including early-career researchers and women in physics, play in advancing frontiers. The NTNU group includes several such researchers whose contributions have been integral in navigating the complexities of this interdisciplinary project. Support structures such as mentorship and inclusive research environments have proven instrumental in unleashing their potential.

Looking forward, the discovery opens up new research horizons where natural clay materials could be synthetically enhanced or combined with other compounds to tailor their quantum properties. Such efforts could catalyze the birth of a new class of quantum semiconductors that marry earth-friendly sourcing with technological sophistication, drastically reducing production costs and environmental burdens.

The implications of harnessing this naturally occurring 2D semiconductor with an antiferromagnetic ground state touch upon some of the most ambitious goals in quantum science. From powering supercomputers that can solve presently intractable problems to advancing sensor technology capable of unprecedented precision, this material promises to be a cornerstone for future quantum technological ecosystems.

As the scientific community continues to decipher the complexities of atomic-scale materials, this research reaffirms the importance of looking beyond the lab bench for answers. Nature’s repository may yet hold the keys to sustainable, powerful quantum devices, challenging assumptions and inspiring innovation at the intersection of physics, materials science, and environmental stewardship.

Subject of Research: Naturally occurring two-dimensional semiconductor with antiferromagnetic ground state

Article Title: Naturally occurring 2D semiconductor with antiferromagnetic ground state

News Publication Date: 13-May-2025

Web References:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41699-025-00561-5

References:
Pacakova, B., Lahtinen-Dahl, B., Kirch, A. et al. Naturally occurring 2D semiconductor with antiferromagnetic ground state. npj 2D Mater Appl 9, 38 (2025).

Image Credits:
Photo: NTNU/SNBL-ESRF

Keywords

Quantum technology, two-dimensional materials, antiferromagnetic semiconductor, natural clay material, quantum computing, spintronics, photonics, sustainable materials, NTNU, quantum materials, semiconductor physics, environmentally friendly quantum devices

Enteroviruses, members of the Picornaviridae family, encompass over 100 distinct types including polioviruses, coxsackieviruses, and echoviruses. These pathogens are notorious for their ability to cause diseases such as aseptic meningitis, myocarditis, hand, foot and mouth disease, and even chronic conditions potentially linked to type 1 diabetes. The viruses replicate intracellularly using host cellular machinery, rapidly generating progeny viruses that disseminate infection throughout the body. The lack of a universal antiviral or vaccine against this heterogeneous group has been a significant hurdle for clinicians and researchers alike.

An important reason for the absence of an approved general treatment regimen might lie in the fact that many enterovirus infections are self-limiting. The host immune system often clears the virus naturally, leading to a reduced perceived urgency in developing specific therapeutics. However, severe cases leading to neurological damage, paralysis, or fatal outcomes highlight a critical unmet medical need. Children and immunocompromised individuals remain particularly vulnerable, thus necessitating a treatment approach capable of broadly targeting various enterovirus strains.

The new study conducted by NTNU researchers focuses on inhibiting viral replication, a strategy that targets the fundamental process by which enteroviruses propagate. Viral replication is heavily reliant on viral proteases and polymerases, enzymes critical for processing viral polyproteins and synthesizing viral RNA genomes respectively. By obstructing these enzymes’ activity, the virus can be prevented from reproducing, stopping the infection at its foundation.

Utilizing a library of known antivirals, the research team screened combinations of agents to discover synergistic effects that could enhance antiviral potency while minimizing toxicity. They identified a promising cocktail comprising pleconaril, AG7404, and mindeudesivir — all previously tested for safety in humans. Pleconaril acts primarily by binding to a viral capsid, preventing viral uncoating and entry into host cells. AG7404 is an inhibitor targeting the viral 3C protease, essential for cleavage of viral polypeptides. Mindeudesivir, a nucleoside analog, inhibits viral RNA-dependent RNA polymerase activity, thereby blocking genome replication.

In vitro experiments demonstrated that this three-drug combination effectively halts enterovirus replication in human cell lines and organoid cultures derived from intestinal and cardiac tissues. Organoids, miniature 3D cultures that simulate human organs, offer a sophisticated platform for evaluating the efficacy and safety of therapeutics under physiologically relevant conditions. Importantly, the combination’s antiviral effect did not perturb critical cellular functions such as glucose metabolism or insulin secretion in pancreatic tissue models — a key consideration given the established links between enterovirus infections and type 1 diabetes pathogenesis.

Moreover, cardiovascular safety was assessed using heart organoids, where the drug combination did not induce arrhythmias or alter heart rates. These data are particularly reassuring because many antiviral candidates may exhibit off-target cardiotoxic effects, limiting their clinical viability. The oral bioavailability of the drugs offers additional advantages, simplifying administration and potentially increasing patient compliance compared to injectable antivirals.

The research extends earlier findings where combinations including pleconaril, rupintrivir, and remdesivir demonstrated broad-spectrum activity but suffered practical limitations. Rupintrivir and remdesivir require separate dosing due to formulation constraints, complicating treatment regimens. The substitution of rupintrivir and remdesivir with AG7404 and mindeudesivir respectively retains efficacy while creating a more practical single-pill therapy. This innovation underscores the importance of not only antiviral potency but also pharmaceutical development considerations such as dosing convenience.

Extensive testing encompassed 12 antiviral agents, both individually and in various combinations, against diverse enterovirus strains in lung epithelial cells and intestinal organoids. Such rigorous screening helps identify agents capable of targeting conserved viral functions, thereby increasing the likelihood of broad-spectrum efficacy across enterovirus species. These investigations provide valuable insight into the biochemical interactions and potential resistance liabilities inherent to combination therapy.

The implications of this study are far-reaching. A safe, effective, and easily administrable antiviral cocktail could transform the clinical management of enterovirus infections, particularly in pediatric populations and immunocompromised patients at risk of severe disease. Furthermore, the ability to inhibit multiple enteroviruses supports preparedness against future outbreaks and emerging strains with unpredictable pathogenic potential.

Despite these encouraging findings, the researchers emphasize the necessity for further studies to validate efficacy and safety in vivo and ultimately in human clinical trials. Comprehensive evaluation across multiple enterovirus types will be critical, as genetic diversity may influence drug susceptibility. Additionally, long-term impact studies on organ systems and immune responses will ensure that therapeutic benefits outweigh any adverse effects.

The innovative approach of repurposing safe-in-man molecules combined with intricate organoid modeling sets a new benchmark for antiviral drug development. It opens pathways toward tackling other challenging viral families where effective treatments remain absent. This study exemplifies how collaboration among molecular biology, pharmacology, and clinical medicine can accelerate translating basic research into tangible health solutions.

In summary, the NTNU team’s discovery of a synergistic drug trio inhibiting enterovirus replication in human cells and organoids represents a major stride in the antiviral field. With further refinement and clinical validation, this combination holds promise as the first broad-spectrum oral antiviral against enteroviruses, addressing a longstanding clinical void and potentially improving outcomes for millions worldwide affected by these pervasive pathogens.

Subject of Research: Cells

Article Title: Synergistic combination of orally available safe-in-man pleconaril, AG7404, and mindeudesivir inhibits enterovirus infections in human cell and organoid cultures.

News Publication Date: 23-Jan-2025

Web References: http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s00018-025-05581-4

References: Ravlo, E., Ianevski, A., Schjølberg, JO. et al. Synergistic combination of orally available safe-in-man pleconaril, AG7404, and mindeudesivir inhibits enterovirus infections in human cell and organoid cultures. Cell. Mol. Life Sci. 82, 57 (2025).

Image Credits: Photo: Idun Haugan, NTNU

Keywords: Enterovirus, antiviral therapy, pleconaril, AG7404, mindeudesivir, organoid culture, viral replication inhibitors, broad-spectrum antivirals, RNA viruses, drug synergy, oral antiviral, NTNU