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Washington State University


Robot planning tool accounts for human carelessness

A new algorithm developed at Washington State University improves safety and efficiency in robots working with humans by accounting for human carelessness. The tool has shown a maximum improvement of 80% in safety and 38% in efficiency compared to existing methods, and the researchers plan to test it in real-world settings.

SourceWashington State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Systems Man and Cybernetics Systems·DateAug 15, 2024

Anxiety reframed can make business pitches more effective

A recent study by Washington State University found that entrepreneurs who connected their pitch anxiety to their passion for their venture performed better in funding pitches and were more likely to receive recommendations. This emotional reframing strategy was shown to be effective in leveraging anxiety as a positive energy source, r...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateAug 6, 2024

Using the term ‘artificial intelligence’ in product descriptions reduces purchase intentions

A recent study published in the Journal of Hospitality Marketing & Management found that including artificial intelligence in product descriptions reduces purchase intentions. Emotional trust plays a critical role in how consumers perceive AI-powered products, and mentioning AI can lower trust levels.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Hospitality Marketing & Management·DateJul 30, 2024

Movement sensors show promise in identifying horses at injury risk

Researchers used movement sensors to track thoroughbreds' stride patterns and identified miniscule changes associated with increased injury risk. The technology has been shown to prevent catastrophic injuries by alerting trainers and veterinarians to intervene before a major injury occurs, resulting in longer careers for affected horses.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of the American Veterinary Medical Association·DateJul 11, 2024

Robot-phobia could exacerbate hotel, restaurant labor shortage

A Washington State University study found that robot-phobia increases job insecurity and stress among hospitality workers, leading to greater intentions to leave their jobs. The impact is pronounced even for managers, highlighting the need for employers to communicate technology's limitations and human workers' roles.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateMay 20, 2024

Cybersecurity education varies widely in US

A study reviewed 100 US institutions with National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity designations, finding significant variation in program types, credits, and learning outcomes. The research aims to improve industry-readiness and graduate employability by highlighting areas for improvement in cybersecurity education.

ChatGPT fails at heart risk assessment

A study by Washington State University found ChatGPT's generative AI system provided inconsistent heart risk assessments for patients with chest pain. The AI failed to match traditional methods used by physicians and returned different results for the same patient data, highlighting its limitations in high-stakes clinical situations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 1, 2024

Growth mindset messages can close grade gap for first-generation students

A Washington State University study found that growth mindset emails improved the grades of first-generation students in an introductory science course by an average of a third of a letter grade. The intervention, which included personalized messages and strategies for improvement, helped bridge the gap with continuing-generation stude...

SourceWashington State University·JournalCBE—Life Sciences Education·DateApr 9, 2024

Polar bears unlikely to adapt to longer summers

A recent study found that polar bears, closely observed by scientists, struggled to maintain weight when their preferred seal prey was out of reach during longer ice-free seasons. Despite trying various strategies, including resting and foraging, nearly all the bears lost weight rapidly, highlighting their vulnerability to climate change.

SourceWashington State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2024

Better mental, physical health in older people tied to living near nature

A Washington State University study found that living near nature can reduce serious psychological distress and improve general health in older adults. Researchers analyzed data from over 42,000 people aged 65 and older, finding a strong association between access to green spaces and better mental and physical health outcomes.

SourceWashington State University·JournalHealth & Place·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2024