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Delivering bad news: 'Patients remember these conversations forever'

A new study by Northwestern University found that a simulation-based training program can help medical students develop the skills to break bad news to patients in a clear and compassionate way. The training, which uses a mastery learning approach, has been shown to improve patient outcomes and increase student satisfaction.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateFeb 20, 2020

Army researchers develop efficient distributed deep learning

Army researchers developed a new algorithm that enables collaborative and communication-efficient deep learning, reducing the need for centralized data pooling. The algorithm decreases communication overhead by up to 70% without sacrificing performance accuracy or learning rate.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateFeb 18, 2020
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 identify commonly overlooked key attributes of effective leaders

Effective leadership is driven by four distinct mindsets: growth, learning, deliberative, and promotion. Leaders with these mindsets are more likely to engage, navigate change, and lead effectively. Prioritizing mindset development can significantly impact leadership effectiveness.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateFeb 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New insights into how the human brain solves complex decision-making problems

Researchers at KAIST discovered a computational and neural mechanism for human meta reinforcement learning, enabling the porting of key human intelligence elements into AI algorithms. The study highlights how humans adapt to complexity and uncertainty in decision-making.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2020

Earthquake catalog shows complex rupturing during 2019 ridgecrest sequence

A high-resolution catalog of earthquakes from the 2019 Ridgecrest sequence reveals complex rupturing and crosscutting fault structures. The catalog helps researchers understand the triggering and evolution of the sequence, shedding light on the physics and processes involved.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateJan 22, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

How zebra finches learn to sing

Researchers analyzed how juvenile male zebra finches learn to sing using a novel framework that revealed multilayered changes in brain wiring. Good songs improve slowly over time, while bad ones change quickly but are often forgotten the next day.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2020

In vivo imaging of CREB dynamics: Coupling sensory experience to activity

Scientists at Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience have developed novel biosensors to study CREB dynamics in living brains. They found that sensory experiences shape CREB activity over hours to days after a stimulus, and this effect can be observed even when visual stimuli are absent.

SourceMax Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience·JournalNeuron·DateDec 26, 2019
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.

Learning to read boosts the visual brain

A recent study by Max Planck Institute researchers found that learning to read does not harm the brain's ability to process culturally relevant objects like faces and houses. In fact, reading may even enhance overall visual processing.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Psycholinguistics·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 18, 2019

The market in your head

A study by neuroscientists from HSE University found that brain signals in the striatum and parietal cortex influence price adjustments in competitive markets. The results provide insight into the brain mechanisms at work when determining prices in such conditions.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEuropean Journal of Neuroscience·DateSep 17, 2019

AI learns to model our Universe

Researchers developed a neural network model using machine learning to predict Universe structure formation. The new model is more accurate than existing analytic methods and efficient enough for large-scale simulations.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 28, 2019
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Take a break! Brain stimulation improves motor learning

Researchers found that brain stimulation during short breaks improves recall of learned motor sequences, even after several hours of practice has stopped. The study suggests that pauses between practice sessions solidify learning in the brain, and stimulation can enhance this process.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalCerebral Cortex·DateAug 9, 2019

New study explains a secret to more efficient learning

Researchers found that students who see objects first and then hear the name process inconsistent information better than those who hear the name first. This 'frequency boosting' ability helps learners identify and use the most frequent rule, leading to more consistent learning outcomes.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCognitive Science·DateJul 24, 2019

Improving the odds of synthetic chemistry success

University of Utah chemists developed an algorithm that analyzes previous chemical reaction data to predict hypothetical reactions, narrowing the range of conditions needed for successful synthesis. The model successfully predicted outcomes for various reactions, offering a time-saving solution for pharmaceutical and materials research.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Holistic view of planning energy self-sufficient communities

Researchers have integrated power grid considerations into the model of a newly planned net-zero energy district, enabling expansion of sustainable urban areas. The study found that centralized planning provides a means to proactively ensure reliable electricity service and mitigate daily and seasonal fluctuations.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateJun 11, 2019

How cryptocurrency discussions spread

Data scientists at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory studied three years of discussions on Reddit from January 2015 to January 2018, analyzing the speed and scale of discussion spread related to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Monero. The findings reveal that Bitcoin discussions grow the fastest, followed by Ethereum and then Monero.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJun 10, 2019
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Mature galaxy mesmerizes in new Hubble view

The Hubble Space Telescope's Wide Field Camera 3 has captured a breathtaking image of NGC 7773, a mature barred spiral galaxy. The galaxy features a luminous bar-shaped structure, thought to be a sign of galactic maturity and stellar nursery.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 7, 2019

Deep learning techniques teach neural model to 'play' retrosynthesis

Researchers at Columbia University have developed a new technique using reinforcement learning to train a neural network model to plan synthetic routes to any target molecule. This approach is more successful than existing strategies and can optimize user-specified objectives such as cost, time, and sustainability.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 4, 2019
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.

Synapse-boosting factors in young blood

Researchers identified two proteins in young mouse blood that enhance neuronal connectivity and synaptic function in human neurons. These findings suggest that young blood contains multiple synapse-promoting factors that could contribute to cognitive aging and decline.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 3, 2019

Brain stimulation enhances visual learning speed and efficiency

Researchers found that transcranial random noise stimulation improved participants' motion integration thresholds, enabling better learning of visual cues. The technique also showed long-term retention of benefits, suggesting a promising approach for overcoming key hurdles in vision therapy.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMay 27, 2019

Automatic neurological disease diagnosis using deep learning

Researchers at Osaka University developed an automatic diagnosis system using deep learning and MEG, achieving high accuracy in classifying patients with neurological diseases. The system outperformed conventional methods using waveforms, offering a promising approach for clinical practice.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 16, 2019
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.

Learning language

Researchers discovered that the right hemisphere plays a crucial role in processing foreign speech sounds at the beginning of language learning. Successful learners showed increased activity in the right hemisphere during sound recognition tasks. The study's findings have the potential to improve instructional methods for adult learners.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateMay 7, 2019

Threatened sturgeon learns for the fitness

A recent study led by IGB demonstrates complex learning behaviour in Atlantic sturgeons. The fish trained to search for food in a sandy environment showed improved feeding behavior and increased formation of the transcription factor neurod1 in their brains.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalAquaculture·DateMay 7, 2019

Research explores ways to bridge gaps in science communication

Research by Laurie Weingart and Matthew Cronin focuses on respect to promote learning and consensus building in science communication. The study highlights the importance of bridging representational gaps, or rGaps, which occur due to fundamental differences in values, perspectives, and knowledge bases.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2019
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.

Relationship benefits can be seen in your eyes

A recent BYU study used infrared cameras to measure pupil diameter and found that couples who worked together experienced reduced stress levels. The research, published in PLOS ONE, builds on previous landmark studies showing the benefits of relationships for longevity.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 8, 2019

Arbitrary categories improve visual learning transfer, study finds

A new study at Brown University found that using arbitrary categories can improve the transfer of visual learning to real-life skills. Participants trained on categorizing blurry striped circles showed significant improvement in recognizing patches with the same angle, even when not training specifically on it.

SourceBrown University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 28, 2019

Family businesses should prepare for the unexpected if next generation to succeed

Modern family businesses should prioritize equipping all members for the unexpected, rather than focusing on internal relationships. The study's findings highlight the importance of interactive socialization, where younger family members network with external stakeholders and peers to bring new skills and knowledge into the business.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalFamily Business Review·DateFeb 27, 2019

Did you get it? I can see it in your eyes

Researchers at Università di Trento's Center for Mind/Brain Sciences found that preparatory, unconscious eye movements can be a window into the learning process. By analyzing these eye movements, scientists can infer what people know before responding to external stimuli, potentially advancing our understanding of learning and attention.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalJournal of Vision·DateFeb 20, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

'Ambidextrous' robots could dramatically speed e-commerce

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed an ambidextrous approach that enables robots to grasp various objects without training, paving the way for faster and more efficient e-commerce fulfillment. The system uses a common reward function for different gripper types, allowing it to rapidly decide which gripper to use for each situation.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 16, 2019

School counselors reflect on their experience following student deaths

The study reveals four key themes: gravity of losses, logistics of care, personal versus professional conflicts, and increased student cohesion. The school counselors' reflections provide valuable insights into how they navigated crises while balancing their own needs.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Counseling & Development·DateJan 9, 2019

How words get an emotional meaning

A study at the University of Göttingen found that people learn positive associations with words much faster than neutral or negative associations. The researchers used electroencephalography to analyze brain activity, revealing specific neuronal reactions after just 100 milliseconds for words associated with loss.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateJan 9, 2019

Machine learning award powers Argonne leadership in engine design

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory are using machine learning algorithms to optimize engine simulations, significantly reducing design time and increasing accuracy. The project aims to create a more efficient and emissions-free combustion process, with potential applications in the automotive industry.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateJan 2, 2019
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.

New approach towards an improved treatment of anxiety disorders

Researchers at Mainz University Medical Center have developed a new approach to treating anxiety disorders by anchoring positive experiences in the brain's memory. The study, published in Nature Communications, found that administering a commercially available drug that increases dopamine levels can reinforce fear extinction memories a...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Peers, student attitudes, and student deviance in Japan and the United States

This study examines the relationship between peer reactions, peer behavior, student attitudes, and student deviance in Japan and the US. It finds that peer reactions more strongly predict student attitudes toward deviance in both countries, while peer deviance predicts student deviance in the US more strongly than in Japan.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalAsian Journal of Criminology·DateNov 5, 2018
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.

'Posture cells' encode 3D body position in the brain

Researchers discovered that the brain's 'posture cells' can predict an animal's position in three-dimensional space. These neurons, found in the posterior parietal cortex (PPC) and frontal motor cortex (M2), encode body posture and spatial awareness in mice.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2018

Changes to RNA aid the process of learning and memory

A study published in Nature reveals that the RNA modification m6A facilitates learning and memory in mice by promoting translation through the Ythdf1 reader protein. The researchers found that knockout mice showed significant deficits in spatial learning and fear memory, but these deficits were reversible upon re-expression of Ythdf1.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

Machines that learn language more like kids do

A new parser developed by MIT researchers can learn language through observation, mimicking a child's process, to improve human-machine interaction and natural language processing. The parser uses captioned videos to associate words with objects and actions, allowing it to accurately predict sentence meaning without direct context.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 31, 2018

Humans help robots learn tasks

Researchers at Stanford University have created two frameworks, RoboTurk and SURREAL, that enable humans to teach robots basic skills more efficiently. The systems allow people to direct robot arms to perform tasks like picking up objects in real-time using a smartphone and browser.

SourceStanford University·DateOct 26, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Army scientists develop computational model to predict human behavior

Researchers developed a new dynamic model that quantitatively incorporates group behavior into individual decision-making, predicting the sensitivity of individuals to persuasion and deception. The model uses non-integer derivatives to compress the influence of groups into a single parameter.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateOct 24, 2018

RIT researchers use deep learning to help preserve the Seneca language

RIT researchers are building an automatic speech recognition application using deep learning to document and transcribe the traditional Seneca language. The project aims to support other rare or vanishing languages as well. The team has collected over 50 hours of recorded material and achieved promising results.

SourceRochester Institute of Technology·DateOct 15, 2018

Artificial intelligence helps reveal how people process abstract thought

A study by Cameron Buckner using deep neural networks suggests that human knowledge stems from sensory experience, a school of thought known as empiricism. The networks demonstrate how abstract knowledge is acquired and can be used to understand complex tasks in neuroscience and psychology.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalSynthese·DateOct 8, 2018

For better multiple-choice tests, avoid tricky questions, study finds

Researchers recommend creating simple formats with limited answer options to enhance learning and recall. The study also advises engaging 'real-world' cognitive processes in test questions and avoiding 'none of the above' and 'all of the above' answer choices.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateOct 2, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Heartbeat paces learning

Researchers found that the cardiac cycle modulates neural responses to external information in humans and rabbits, with improved learning rates observed during the resting phase of the cardiac cycle. This suggests a potential link between bodily rhythms and learning, warranting further investigation.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateSep 19, 2018

New insight into aging

Researchers at McGill University found that aging brains retain neuroplasticity but experience dysregulation leading to unstable learning. Increasing GABA levels in older rats prolonged the effects of audio tone exposure, suggesting a potential strategy for improving retention in the aging brain.

SourceMcGill University·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 19, 2018
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.