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Perceiving prosthesis as lighter thanks to neurofeedback

Researchers have developed neurofeedback prostheses that restore sensory feedback to amputees, enabling them to perceive their prosthetic leg as lighter and reducing the effort required for walking. The study found a 23% reduction in perceived weight and improved motor-cognitive tasks, suggesting a more natural limb experience.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 8, 2021

Study shows quizzes improve academic performance

A meta-analytic study of existing research found that frequent quizzes help students better grasp classroom material, leading to improved academic performance. The study discovered a strong link between quizzing and student success, with students who took quizzes performing better on midterm and final exams.

SourceIowa State University·JournalEducational Psychology Review·DateSep 17, 2020

New glove-like device mimics sense of touch

Researchers at UNSW Sydney developed a new haptic device that recreates the sense of touch, enabling users to feel virtual or remote objects in a more realistic way. The device overcomes existing issues with haptic technology by introducing a novel method to recreate an effective haptic sensation via soft, miniature artificial muscles.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalIEEE Access·DateSep 8, 2020

Creating buzz with potential end-users helps entrepreneurs with crowdfunding campaigns

A study by University of Oregon researchers found that companies that successfully engage with their target audience and incorporate feedback into their prototypes are more likely to reach their fundraising goals and attract media coverage. Engaging with potential end-users early on can create buzz and increase the chances of success i...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalOrganization Science·DateApr 30, 2020

Delayed neural communication may underlie anticipatory behaviors

Computational modeling suggests delayed neural communication underlies anticipatory behaviors, such as tapping along with a metronome or coordinating rowing. The study found that non-musicians exhibit a larger anticipatory tendency than musicians due to pruned attention towards external stimuli.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateOct 31, 2019

New haptic arm places robotics within easy reach

The University of Bristol's Mantis robotic arm provides light, affordable, and simple solution for everyday users, enabling them to build and use robots without expensive kit or skills. The system simulates the sense of touch, providing haptic force feedback, and can be built and used by anyone from a secondary school student.

Economic climate feedbacks

Researchers found that climate-driven economic losses can offset natural warming feedbacks, but this comes with increased inequality and reduced resources for mitigating climate change. The study suggests that climate-related economic activity slowdowns can temporarily reduce atmospheric CO2 levels.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2018

Local drivers of amplified Arctic warming

A new study reveals that Arctic amplification is primarily driven by local carbon dioxide forcing and polar feedbacks, outweighing other processes. This finding highlights the importance of understanding Arctic processes in controlling sea-ice retreat and ecosystem sensitivity to global warming.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 19, 2018

Fighting tobacco use among adults with mental illness

A University of Houston researcher is targeting adults with anxiety and depression who struggle to quit smoking by providing individualized, online feedback. The goal is to increase motivation, confidence, and intention to quit while reducing perceived barriers to quitting. The study aims to improve distress tolerance skills to help pa...

Providers preferences may be helpful in reducing inappropriate antibiotic prescriptions

A survey of 211 inpatient providers found that most preferred receiving feedback via email and compared to other providers within their service. The study suggests that anticipating providers' preferences can optimize the impact of antibiotic stewardship programs, improving the use of antibiotics.

SourceSociety for Healthcare Epidemiology of America·JournalInfection Control and Hospital Epidemiology·DateJun 7, 2018

Would you share your scientific results before publication?

A study of 7,103 active faculty researchers found that over half had disclosed their results before publication, with social scientists and mathematicians being the most likely to do so. The dominant motive was to receive feedback, while formulaic fields like computer science and mathematics shared results to attract competitors.

Study reveals challenges of menstrual hygiene management in emergencies

Researchers developed a toolkit to address menstruation-related needs of girls and women fleeing disaster or conflict, but found a lack of effective approaches for managing menstruation with dignity in challenging settings. The study highlights the need to expand practical guidance for vulnerable groups, including girls with disabiliti...

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalJournal of International Humanitarian Action·DateMay 9, 2018

Providing clinicians feedback on their opioid prescribing data alters future prescribing

A study found that providing clinicians with timely and actionable feedback on their opioid prescribing data significantly decreases future opioid prescribing among those who underestimate their baseline prescribing. This intervention may help combat the opioid epidemic by addressing inaccurate provider self-awareness.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateMay 7, 2018