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San Francisco State University


When identity is tied to former employer, unemployed report higher well-being

A study by San Francisco State University Assistant Professor Jennifer Tosti-Kharas found that unemployed individuals who strongly identified with their former employer reported feeling more confident and having a greater sense of purpose. This strong sense of self appeared to offset the isolation common during job loss, particularly f...

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Managerial Psychology·DateNov 9, 2012

Leaders' emotional cues may predict acts of terror or political aggression

Leaders' expressions of anger, contempt, and disgust in speeches may predict violent acts. Analysis found a significant increase in these emotions before aggression, while decreases were seen before nonviolent resistance. The findings suggest a leader's emotional tone can motivate their group to take part in violent actions.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalBehavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression·DateAug 30, 2012

Do menu 'sweet spots' really exist?

A new study by San Francisco State University researcher Sybil Yang found that diners do not linger noticeably longer over any particular location on the menu, contradicting decades of conventional wisdom. Instead, they read menus sequentially like a book, moving from left to right and down the pages.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalInternational Journal of Hospitality Management·DateFeb 1, 2012

Researchers turn to museums to track down clues in mysterious amphibian declines

A study using DNA from museum specimens reveals a clear pattern of amphibian decline linked to the deadly fungus Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. The researchers found that the fungus first appeared in southern Mexico in the early 1970s, spreading southward to Central America and causing mass extirpation of neotropical amphibians.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2011

New evidence details spread of amphibian-killing disease from Mexico through Central America

A team of researchers used museum specimens to document a wave of <i> Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis </i> infection spreading from southern Mexico to western Guatemala and Costa Rica. The study highlights the devastating impact of this epidemic on amphibian populations, with over 40% in decline globally.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2011

Genome sequences for wasps will aid pest and disease control, provide new model organism

The availability of genome sequences for three parasitic wasp species will aid in analyzing complex genetic traits and advance our understanding of using these wasps as natural agents against pests and disease-carrying insects. Scientists hope to harness the power of these tiny wasps to protect food crops and save billions of dollars a...

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalScience·DateJan 14, 2010

No pain, no gain: Mastering a skill makes us stressed in the moment, happy long term

A study published in the Journal of Happiness Studies found that individuals who engage in activities increasing their competency experience decreased happiness in the moment but increased happiness on a daily basis. In contrast, those who meet their need for autonomy or connectedness report higher hourly and daily happiness levels.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateOct 29, 2009

7 new luminescent mushroom species discovered

Researchers at San Francisco State University have discovered 7 new glow-in-the-dark mushroom species, including four new species and three new reports of luminescence in existing species. The discoveries, which include species from Belize to Japan, suggest that luminescence evolved at a single point and was later lost by some species.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalMycologia·DateOct 5, 2009