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The friendly extortioner takes it all

Scientists found that a strategy called 'extortion' is unbeatable, as it alternates between cooperation and egoism to force opponents to cooperate. This tactic can lead to significant gains for the 'extortioner', even when competing against cooperative players.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

How game theory can bring humans and robots closer together

Researchers used game theory to programme robots that can anticipate human movements and respond safely. The breakthrough could aid robots in sports training, physical rehabilitation, or shared driving, complementing human capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateJan 7, 2019

MDMA makes people cooperative, but not gullible

The study found that MDMA increases activity in brain regions linked to social processing, particularly when interacting with trustworthy players. This suggests that MDMA may be a valuable tool in treating psychiatric conditions like PTSD by enhancing cooperation and rebuilding relationships.

SourceKing's College London·DateNov 19, 2018

Army scientists discover mathematics of brain waves

Researchers create a new model for collective behavior within the brain, bridging the gap between EEG waves and random fluctuations. The technique has potential to reduce stress and onset of conditions like PTSD in military personnel.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Physiology·DateSep 26, 2018

Outside competition breeds more trust among coworkers: Study

A new study from the University of British Columbia and Princeton University found that intense competition fosters pro-social behavior, including sharing, co-operation, and volunteering. This results in higher levels of contribution to collective pools and reported increases in generalized trust among coworkers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 19, 2018

Researchers outline game-theory approach to better understand genetics

Researchers outline a novel view of biochemistry as a signaling game between genes and their associated macromolecules, where sender and receiver interactions lead to biochemical reactions. This approach reveals the presence of molecular deception and conflict of interest between gene players, with potential implications for understand...

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 4, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Tackling the great paradox of biodiversity with game theory

Scientists developed a new mathematical model using game theory to explain the biodiversity paradox, which predicts that hundreds of plankton species can coexist in open sea water despite limited resources. The model shows that biodiversity increases exponentially with the number of resources, leading to a large number of potential spe...

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·DateAug 28, 2018

New study views cancer treatment as a game to find strategies that improve patient outcomes

A new study suggests that cancer treatment should be viewed as a game where physicians can exploit their knowledge of the cancer's evolutionary dynamics to develop flexible strategic treatment plans. By continuously adjusting drugs and doses, physicians can delay or prevent cancer progression caused by resistance.

SourceH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute·JournalJAMA Oncology·DateAug 9, 2018

Engineering cooperation

Researchers from IST Austria introduce a new framework to overcome social dilemmas and foster cooperation, considering feedback that affects players' actions. The framework extends the theory of repeated games, enabling the design of systems that maximize cooperation.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Rush hour metro crowd governed by people's eagerness to go home

A new model examines the relative role of random interactions between individuals in a crowd compared to interactions stemming from their eagerness to be on their way. The study reveals that internal interactions between pedestrians can be negligible, and external factors such as crowd pressure drive the flow of people toward exits.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateJun 19, 2018

The logic of modesty -- why it pays to be humble

A team of scientists created a new model to explain behaviors like anonymous donations and subtle art styles. They found that hiding signals can be a signal in itself, conveying confidence or unconcern with others.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 28, 2018

Why children with autism may be at risk of bullying

Research suggests that children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are at higher risk of being bullied due to their willingness to accept unfair behavior and reduced reciprocation in trading games. The study found that children with ASD were 37% less likely to reciprocate fair offers and three times more likely to accept unfair offers...

SourceLancaster University·JournalAutism and Developmental Disorders·DateMay 3, 2018

Why it doesn't pay to be just nice -- you also need to be intelligent

A new study reveals that intelligence is a primary factor in achieving success through cooperation. Researchers found that individuals with higher IQs displayed significantly higher levels of cooperation, leading to increased earnings. Personality traits like agreeableness and conscientiousness had a smaller impact on behavior.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateMar 20, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers develop the first model to capture crosstalk in social dilemmas

Researchers developed a new framework to analyze the effects of crosstalk on cooperation dynamics in groups. The model shows that crosstalk hinders the evolution of cooperation and requires strategies with the correct level of forgiveness. This has significant implications for understanding human behavior in social dilemmas.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2018

Is punishment as effective as we think?

A social dilemma experiment found that punishment is ineffective in promoting cooperation among players, with players instead replacing defection with punishment. The study suggests that punishment has a demoralizing effect and reduces the incentive to choose cooperation over competition.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 27, 2017

On a collision course with game theory

Researchers developed a new approach to modeling pedestrian behavior in collisions, combining game theory with the Fokker-Planck equation. Experiments confirm that the calculated paths match actual paths taken, suggesting a reliable solution for optimizing public spaces.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateSep 27, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Evolution of cooperation through longer memory

Researchers created a set of axioms for robust cooperative strategies, reducing computational hurdles. Players with these strategies and memories of length k cooperate if all players took the same actions for the last k rounds, giving rise to all-or-none strategies.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 19, 2017

Empathy from the sick may be critical to halting disease outbreaks

Researchers at Georgia Tech used game theory to study individual behavior during influenza outbreaks and found that empathy of infected persons is key to eradicating the illness. Healthy individuals' attempts to protect themselves cannot stop the disease from spreading.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 16, 2017
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Profiting from the fight against corruption

Researchers at HEC Montréal found that cooperative civil society organizations can increase government payoffs, as they become more efficient and allocate time to productive activities. This surprising finding suggests that corruption can be a net positive for governments.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMathematical Social Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

Game theory could improve cyberwarfare strategy

A new framework guided by game theory, known as the Blame Game, can help policymakers decide whether to retaliate against a cyber attack. The framework considers vulnerability and potential consequences of assigning blame, helping nations make informed decisions in the face of increasing cybersecurity threats.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 1, 2017

Gaining an edge in head-to-head competition

Researchers found that only early adopters benefit from switching to PPS, while MBG becomes a dominant strategy under competition, forcing all retailers to switch to MBGs regardless of their benefits. The study reveals how each retailer responds and reacts to its competitor's adoption of PPS or MBG.

SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateFeb 10, 2017
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study applies game theory to genomic privacy

A new study from Vanderbilt University uses game theory to simulate re-identification risks and strikes an optimal balance between data sharing and privacy. The approach compares various data sharing policies in terms of risk and scientific utility, providing a more realistic estimate of the risk.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Genetics·DateJan 16, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Game theory shows how tragedies of the commons might be averted

Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a unified approach to study behavior's impact on the environment, proposing an 'oscillating tragedy of the commons' that considers co-evolution of actions and environment. Cooperation can prevent tragedies, especially when incentives are aligned with environmental conditions.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2016

Butterflies: Agonistic display or courtship behavior?

A study by Tsuyoshi Takeuchi found that aerial displays in butterflies are not due to a war of attrition between males, but rather an inability to distinguish the sex of their opponents, leading to prolonged courtship behavior.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Ethology·DateSep 5, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

How to get moral 'free-riders' to cooperate

Researchers found that pre-assessment of moral free riders can stabilize costly moral systems and promote cooperation. This approach considers a pool account where individuals can contribute in advance, allowing for more efficient detection of those unwilling to pay for justice.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalBiology Letters·DateJul 6, 2016

Why people help distant kin

A new study suggests that socially enforced nepotism, a concept that expands the classic theory of kin selection, may explain why people are altruistic towards distant kin. The simulations show that helping distant relatives can increase one's reputation and lead to more help from others, improving social rules and enforcing them.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 15, 2016
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Outwitting poachers with artificial intelligence

Researchers use AI and game theory to improve anti-poaching patrols, reducing poacher activities per kilometer and saving time and energy. The system also incorporates complex terrain information and natural transit paths to create practical patrol routes.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateApr 21, 2016

Your brain might be hard-wired for altruism

Recent studies by UCLA neuroscientists indicate that our brains may be primed for empathy and altruism, with areas like the amygdala and anterior insula linked to experiencing pain and emotion. Temporarily disrupting prefrontal cortex activity can increase generosity, particularly towards those in need.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateMar 18, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Voters prefer to be represented by extortioners

In a climate game experiment, researchers found that 40% of participants chose representatives with extortionate strategies. However, these strategies ultimately led to successful outcomes due to the benefit for all parties involved. The results suggest that such strategies could be beneficial in avoiding dangerous climate change.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2016

UMD-led team first to solve well-known game theory scenario

A UMD-led team has solved the Colonel Blotto game theory scenario, a two-party conflict used to analyze election outcomes. The new algorithm can help political strategists and business leaders make better decisions by computing the best resource investment strategy for any competitor.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·DateFeb 11, 2016

New experiments challenge economic game assumptions

Researchers at Oxford University conducted a series of experiments that challenged traditional economic game assumptions. The results showed that people are more generous towards computers, which cannot benefit from cooperation, and that misunderstanding the game can lead to altruism in some cases.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Frequently discounting maximizes retailer revenues

A study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business found that frequent discounting is the most optimal strategy for retailers to maximize revenues. This approach balances the trade-off between dynamic and static pricing, allowing retailers to charge high prices when demand is high while maintaining flexibility. By doing so, retailers can...

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateSep 29, 2015

Altruism is simpler than we thought

A computational model suggests that generosity and selfishness can be both fast and effortless, depending on the person and context. The model indicates that people are happier when mistaken generosity doesn't happen, highlighting the importance of focusing on others' thoughts and experiences.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateJul 15, 2015

Game intelligence can be learned

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a mathematical theory on game intelligence in team sports. They studied former NHL player Nicklas Lidström's moves during games and found that he used principles such as minimizing the opponents' best alternative to gain an edge.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 13, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Cooperative communities emerge in transparent social networks

Transparency of network connections and reputation enhances cooperation, leading to a community of highly cooperative individuals. The study suggests that in a world with more accessible information, people may form insular communities, and belonging to such groups is beneficial.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2015

Cooperation, considered

A new model developed by Harvard researchers explains how motives impact cooperation and why people trust genuine altruists over those who open envelopes. The 'envelope game' helps capture the notion that people value principle-driven behavior, especially in situations where cooperation comes with a cost.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Game theory explains social interactions of cancer cells

Researchers used game theory to model cooperation among cancer cells, finding that free-riding cells can outcompete producing ones. Computer simulations and experiments with pancreatic cancer cells validated the predictions, suggesting new insight into cancer dynamics.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 28, 2015

Know when to fold 'em

Researchers at the University of Alberta have solved heads-up limit Texas hold'em poker, a challenge problem for artificial intelligence going back over 40 years. The breakthrough is attributed to general algorithmic advances that make game-theoretic reasoning more tractable.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2015

Carrot or stick?

Researchers found that a sequential use of reward and punishment can promote cooperation in collaborative endeavors. The study suggests that initially rewarding minor cooperators and then punishing free riders can lead to better outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 3, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Solving the puzzle of cooperation in group environments

The study reveals that cooperation emerges when individuals assemble into groups that interact through repeated Public Goods Games. The authors propose an evolutionary game theory model, which suggests a large set of possible responses depending on previous levels of group cooperation. Ultimately, the most successful strategy is 'All-o...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateNov 13, 2014

Together we are strong -- or insufferable

Researchers found that individuals can control cooperative behavior in large groups by acting generously or punishing egoistic behavior. However, the effectiveness of these strategies decreases with an increasing number of players.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 30, 2014