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In checking chess’s gender bias, researchers find parents and mentors shortchange girls’ potential

A NYU study reveals that parents and coaches of youth chess players consistently peg the highest potential rating for girl players lower than that of boy players. Coaches also believe that female mentees are more likely to stop playing due to a lack of ability, despite not recognizing their own biases.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeSurvey·DateOct 5, 2023

Controlled dynamics of colloidal rods

Scientists create controlled dynamics of colloidal rods on a magnetised chip using mathematical coding, increasing efficiency in research and potential applications in biomedicine and biotechnology. The study paves the way for mini-laboratories to study materials and biochemical agents.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 16, 2020

Skat and poker: More luck than skill?

Heidelberg economists developed a rating system to measure skill levels in skat and poker. The study found that both games have over 50% luck, but skill takes over in the long term, with a skilled player winning 75% more games against an average opponent after 100 games.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalEuropean Economic Review·DateAug 21, 2020

Science shows hype about your opponent actually messes with your game

A study from Duke University's Fuqua School of Business found that players perform worse against opponents with rising rankings due to 'status momentum', which affects their mental game. This theory counters the widely debated 'hot hand' concept, suggesting a player's positive momentum can heighten their own performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 28, 2019

Puzzling on a quantum chessboard

A quantum computer has solved a complex chess puzzle using quantum physics, with the solution determined by atomic microscopy. The experiment was designed to demonstrate quantum supremacy for certain optimization problems, and its feasibility is now within reach of laboratory implementation.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalQuantum·DateJul 10, 2019

Why chess masters win

Cognitive scientists at Bielefeld University have been investigating the secret of successful chess players by recording players' eye movements and facial expressions. The research group found that chess experts concentrate on main chess pieces and control their attention more efficiently than novices.

Practice makes perfect? Not so much

A study by Michigan State University's Zach Hambrick found that practice accounts for only about one-third of the differences in skill in chess and music. Natural talent and factors such as intelligence and age of start may contribute to the remaining two-thirds.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalIntelligence·DateMay 20, 2013

Deliberate practice: Necessary but not sufficient

Research by Guillermo Campitelli and Fernand Gobet found that deliberate practice is necessary to achieve mastery in skills like chess. However, the duration of practice alone does not guarantee success. Other factors such as intelligence, handedness, and working memory also contribute to an individual's ability to excel in these areas.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 24, 2011

Research sheds light on origins of greatness

A new paper by Michigan State University scientist Zach Hambrick finds that working memory capacity can outperform practice in complex tasks such as piano sight reading. The study shows people with higher levels of working memory capacity perform better even with extensive experience and knowledge.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateOct 5, 2011

Evolution of sport performances follows a physiological law

Research by Berthelot and Len found that athlete performance follows an exponential growth curve to a peak before declining irreversibly between the ages of 20 and 30. This pattern is also observed in other physiological parameters such as lung function and cognitive skills, suggesting a universal law governing human capability evolution.

SourceSpringer·JournalAGE·DateJul 1, 2011

Chess masters are quick on the trigger

Researchers found that top chess players' performances in fast-paced blitz chess are closely tied to their ranks in standard chess. In contrast, lower-ranked players see less correlation between the two. This suggests that experts rely on lightning-fast intuition, while less-skilled players struggle with time constraints.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 1, 2004

$88 Million From NSF To Maintain CESR

The National Science Foundation awards Cornell University $88 million to operate the Cornell Electron Storage Ring (CESR) accelerator for 54 months. The funding enables continued improvement of the facility for high-energy physics and X-ray research in various fields.