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Collaboration yields discovery of 12-sided silica cages

A team of researchers at Cornell University has discovered 10-nanometer, individual, self-assembled dodecahedral structures that could have significant applications in mesoscale material assembly and medical diagnostics. The discovery was made using a combination of machine learning algorithms and cryogenic electron microscopy.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateJun 20, 2018

A society divided by reconstruction

The reconstruction of Banda Aceh after the 2004 tsunami has led to socio-economic segregation, with lower-income residents facing increased exposure to coastal hazards. The study found that many tsunami survivors preferred to move inland, but were unable to afford it, leading to a divide between affluent and poorer residents.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 12, 2018

Discounting humanity: Bargain hunters see customer service workers as less human

A study by UBC Sauder School of Business found that price-conscious consumers perceive customer service workers as less human. This dehumanization can lead to poorer treatment and higher job dissatisfaction among employees. The research highlights the importance of recognizing human needs in customers, even when focusing on saving money.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateDec 20, 2017

Chip-based sensors with incredible sensitivity

Penn State electrical engineers create microchip-based sensors for multiple applications, including motion, temperature, pressure and biochemical sensing, using innovative on-chip glass microspherical shell whispering gallery mode resonators.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2017

Real or fake? Creating fingers to protect identities

Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a new type of fake finger containing multiple properties of human skin, designed to test fingerprint recognition systems' resilience to spoof attacks. The synthetic fingers aim to improve the accuracy and security of fingerprint readers used in various applications.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateSep 20, 2017

Does a candidate's religion matter to voters?

A new analysis by University of Houston political scientists found that party labels, not religious affiliation, are the most powerful predictors of how voters perceive candidates. Party brand matters more than a candidate's religious views when it comes to shaping voter beliefs about ideology.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalResearch & Politics·DateJul 12, 2017

Study links athletic performance to mortality

Researchers found that basketball players scored more points after being presented with death-related prompts, boosting their self-esteem and performance. Participants who thought about death performed 40% better in a second game and attempted more shots, suggesting a subconscious effort to regain a protective sense of self-esteem.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateOct 31, 2016

UC Davis study says logos make a group seem real

A UC Davis study found that group symbols like logos and flags create the impression of a unified, effective, and cohesive group, even among diverse members. However, this can come at the cost of appearing less inclusive and warm. The research suggests using symbols strategically to achieve desired impressions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateApr 15, 2016

CU-Boulder study: Ancient Salvadoran village buried by ash freezes daily life in time

The CU-Boulder study found that the ancient villagers of Ceren had significant interactions among families, village elders, craftspeople, and specialty maintenance workers. The village's high degree of preservation allowed researchers to see daily life in detail, with evidence of free market transactions and no control by elite royalty.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalLatin American Antiquity·DateNov 3, 2015

Passion for your job? If not, it's attainable

Researchers at University of Michigan examined two mindsets: fit theory and develop theory. They found that both are equally effective in achieving vocational well-being, with differing motivations. People with the fit theory prioritize initial enjoyment, while those with the develop theory focus on cultivating passion over time.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateAug 21, 2015

Musical tastes offer a window into how you think

A study by the University of Cambridge found that individuals' musical preferences reflect their cognitive style, with those scoring high on empathy preferring mellow music and those scoring high on systemizing favoring intense music. The research used a dataset of over 4,000 participants and found consistent results across genres.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 22, 2015

It's official: Workplace rudeness is contagious

A University of Florida study found that encountering rude behavior at work makes people more likely to perceive rudeness in later interactions, leading to a vicious cycle. The study's findings provide evidence that everyday impoliteness spreads in the workplace, having a powerful negative effect on performance.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateJul 16, 2015

Buckle up for fast ionic conduction

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new method to manipulate the buckling profile of ceramic membranes, significantly enhancing their conductivity. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for industries such as energy conversion and electronics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 15, 2015

New study finds group discussion improves lie detection

A new study published in PNAS found that groups outperform individuals in detecting lies, with a 61.7% group accuracy rate compared to 53.5% individual accuracy. The researchers discovered that the group advantage comes from the process of group discussion rather than statistical aggregation of individual opinions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Booth School of Business·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2015