Building Radical Listening and Empathy through an Implementation Lab in an Undergraduate Microbiology Course.

With rapid advances in science and technology, individuals are faced with the challenging process of making decisions based on sound and accurate information. As a result, to promote scientific literacy, scientists must be able to engage with a wide range of audiences in an inclusive and engaging manner. In addition to a solid knowledge of facts and data, effective scientific communication requires an empathetic approach that comes from a place of understanding and values the knowledge and experience of the intended audience. Here, we present two modules designed to introduce undergraduate students to fundamental concepts in empathetic science communication and provide an opportunity for students to develop a personalized methodology. Over the course of two 75-min classes, students engaged in the process of character development and role play in support of discussions around vaccine hesitancy or community-based service learning. Based on student feedback, the module was well received and supported student growth as engaged scientists and citizens.

Communications between the superficial and deep fibular nerves in the foot: An anatomical and electrophysiological study.

INTRODUCTION: The deep fibular sensory nerve can be recorded to evaluate for peripheral nerve injury; however, it can be challenging in some individuals. Anatomic variation could account for some of this difficulty. Cadaver dissection and electrophysiological testing were used to characterize deep and superficial fibular sensory nerve supply to the foot. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nineteen feet from 15 (8 males and 7 females) cadavers were dissected to identify the deep fibular nerves (DFNs) and superficial fibular nerves (SFNs). Sensation to the first dorsal web space was tested electrophysiologically in 101 participants (31 males and 70 females) with an age range of 18-47 years with stimulation over both DFNs and SFNs. RESULTS: Eleven of the 19 (58%) cadaver limbs had a communication between SFNs and DFNs in the dorsum of the foot. A reliable sensory response was recorded in the first dorsal web space in 88% of the limbs tested. Deep fibular stimulation alone produced a response in 34% of the limbs, while superficial fibular stimulation alone produced a response in 10% of the limbs. A separate response with stimulation of both the DFNs and SFNs was recorded in 44% of the limbs. CONCLUSIONS: A functional superficial to deep fibular sensory communication is present in a significant portion of the population. Those with the communication may not have the isolated sensory loss that would be expected in the first dorsal web space in conditions impacting the DFNs.