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12-year-old children consume on average 8 1/4 hours of media daily, with media multitasking associated with worse mental health outcomes but videogaming associated with better mental health outcomes

A study of 8-12 year olds reveals that media multitasking is associated with worse mental health outcomes, while videogaming shows a positive correlation. The research highlights the importance of balancing screen time with other activities for children's overall well-being.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 17, 2021

Just a game? Study shows no evidence that violent video games lead to real-life violence

Research by Dr Agne Suziedelyte found no evidence that violent video games increase aggression against people, but did show a link to property destruction. The study suggests that video games may agitate children but does not translate into violence against others.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 5, 2021

COVID-19 lottery announcements, vaccinations

A study found that COVID-19 vaccination rates increased in states with cash drawing announcements compared to those without. The analysis suggests a positive association between these announcements and vaccine uptake, providing insight into innovative strategies for improving public health.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateOct 15, 2021

How a committed minority can change society

An agent-based study found that a committed minority can influence the majority to overturn long-standing practices. The researchers created an online game where participants voted on a product launch, with a small group of 'activists' able to sway the majority. The study's findings may help stimulate sustainable behavior.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Red Dead Redemption 2 teaches players about wildlife

A new study found that Red Dead Redemption 2 players were able to identify 10 of 15 American animals in a multiple-choice quiz, with those who completed the game's main storyline performing best. The game's high level of detail and realistic animal behavior also taught players about animal behaviour and ecology.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPeople and Nature·DateJul 9, 2021

Junk food game helps people eat less and lose weight

A new study suggests that using a brain-training app can help people reduce their junk food consumption and lose weight. The app trains users to associate healthy foods with stopping and unhealthy snacks with avoiding, resulting in an average weight loss of half a kilogram and a small increase in healthy food eaten.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAppetite·DateJun 1, 2021

Psst! Have you heard that gossip isn't all bad?

A Dartmouth study reveals that gossip creates social connections and enables learning through indirect information sharing. The research finds that participants who engaged in private chats with their group members felt more connected and shared similar impressions of others.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 26, 2021

Airbnb hosts in college towns hike up prices game days to deter rival fans

A new study by the University of California San Diego found that Airbnb hosts in college towns increase their listing prices during home football games against rival teams, resulting in a 78% reduction in rental income. This phenomenon is attributed to strong emotions involved in college football rivalries and financial constraints.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalReal Estate Economics·DateApr 19, 2021

New study shows that football fixture pile-ups are forcing layers and coaches to change

A new study reveals that footballers are conserving energy for intense bursts in games with congested fixture lists. Coaches are also rotating players more frequently to manage fatigue and injury risks, particularly among central defenders. The findings highlight the impact of fixture congestion on player performance and team management.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalSports Medicine·DateNov 5, 2020

Secrets behind "Game of Thrones" unveiled by data science and network theory

Researchers used data science and network theory to analyze 'A Song of Ice and Fire', finding that character interactions are similar to real-life relationships and deaths appear random but reflect common events. The study suggests good writers work within psychological limits of the reader, making complex narratives relatable.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020

Forgetting past misdeeds to justify future ones

In a study published in PNAS, researchers found that when participants were informed they could return some of the money they had overreported, they forgot their past cheating behavior more accurately. This 'unethical amnesia' allowed them to restore their reputation, making it more acceptable for future moral breaches.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2020

Evolutionary theory of economic decisions

A new study from Stanford University proposes that the brain was constructed over evolutionary history to make high-stakes decisions with a bias towards pessimism. This perspective challenges traditional economic models, which assume humans act rationally and weigh probabilities to maximize personal gain.

SourceStanford University·JournalEvolutionary Human Sciences·DateAug 11, 2020

Towards prosperous public goods with freedom of choice

Research suggests that giving individuals the freedom to choose preferred public goods significantly increases participation rates, fostering conditional cooperation and leading to more wealth generated for players. Local circumstances are found to be more important than global social network characteristics in driving this effect.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 14, 2020

Simulating cooperation in local communities

Researchers introduced a new system to improve cooperation among goods and service providers in rural villages, by assigning reputation scores and rewarding responsible welfare usage. The study's findings suggest that the payoff transfer mechanism can optimize public cooperation without significant costs.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJun 18, 2020

Using Jenga to explain lithium-ion batteries

A University of Birmingham team has created a hands-on educational tool using Jenga to explain lithium-ion battery operation and characteristics. The game helps students visualize electrochemistry and redox reactions, demonstrating the importance of rate of charge and performance over time.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Chemical Education·DateJun 15, 2020

Vaccination and moral obligation

Researchers discovered that vaccinated participants were less generous to non-vaccinated individuals than to other vaccinated peers, especially among those who viewed vaccination as a moral duty. This suggests that vaccination is perceived as a societal obligation, transcending social group affiliations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020