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Buffed-up avatars deter us from exercising hard

Researchers discovered that competing against an idealised avatar negatively impacts physical performance, whereas a realistic avatar increases motivation and improves outcomes. The study suggests that exergame designers should use realistic avatar customisation to enhance player experience and performance.

Tougher start could help captive-bred game birds

Research suggests that captive-bred game birds may be unprepared for life in the wild due to unnatural early life conditions. Mimicking natural conditions in captivity could promote more natural behavior and improve survival chances. Adding perches and unpredictable food supply are proposed solutions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAnimal Welfare·DateJan 29, 2020

Researchers bring gaming to autonomous vehicles

A new study created three games for level three and higher semi-autonomous vehicles, which can play with other players nearby. The researchers evaluated the games using a virtual reality driving simulator and participant feedback, finding that participants rated the games highly in immersion and enjoyed playing with strangers.

Choose your own adventure

A novel player trait model has been developed to evaluate individual gaming preferences, enabling the creation of tailored experiences. The five-trait model assesses social, aesthetic, challenge, goal, and narrative elements to provide personalized game recommendations.

Player athleticism increases head impact exposure in youth football

A study by Wake Forest School of Medicine found that youth football players with higher vertical jumping ability and faster times in speed and agility drills experience more head impacts, especially during games. The researchers analyzed performance on physical ability tests and on-field head impact data to quantify exposure.

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMedicine & Science in Sports & Exercise·DateSep 6, 2019

How do social networks shape political decision-making?

New research suggests that the structure of social networks can sway voting outcomes towards one political party, even if both parties are equal in size and influence. This phenomenon is known as information gerrymandering, where people's decisions are constrained by their social networks and distorted by zealots and automated bots.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature·DateSep 4, 2019

Care less with helmet

Researchers found that wearing a bike helmet decreases the 'Frontal Midline Theta Power' in brain activity, indicating reduced cognitive control during risk decision-making. This suggests that wearing a helmet can influence behavior through subtle suggestions on a subconscious level.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPsychophysiology·DateAug 15, 2019

Myth-busting study reveals that gamblers can't detect slot machine payout percentages

A recent study by UNLV researchers found that players cannot reliably detect differences in how much and often a slot machine pays, despite common perceptions. The study used two identical machines with varying payouts over nine months, showing no statistically significant indication of play migration from higher to lower payout games.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateJul 15, 2019

The mobile game that can detect Alzheimer's risk

A specially designed mobile game, Sea Hero Quest, can detect people at risk of Alzheimer's by analyzing their spatial navigation skills. Researchers found that those with a high genetic risk, like the APOE4 gene, performed worse on the game, highlighting a potential early detection method.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2019

Men sometimes act less interested in sex -- in order to get it

A recent study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that men tend to act less interested in sex when they want it, whereas women initially show less interest but can become more engaged if the man is attractive. The researchers suggest that this 'tactical game' allows individuals to assess each other's quality withou...

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEvolutionary Behavioral Sciences·DateApr 12, 2019

Virtual reality could be used to treat autism

Researchers from the University of Waterloo found that virtual reality can help individuals with autism and other neurological disorders recalibrate their internal clock. The study used a VR game to encourage participants to adjust their time perception, resulting in significant reductions in estimates of time by around 15 percent.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 28, 2019

Study highlights power of play

A University of Otago study reveals that structured play can help toddlers develop essential self-regulation skills, leading to improved behavior and life outcomes. The ENGAGE program, involving simple games and activities, was found to be equally effective as the Positive Parenting Programme in managing children's behavior.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2019

NBA players who shine early stay skilled for longer

A recent study published in Behaviour Research Methods found that NBA players who excelled early in their careers retained more skill as they aged. The researchers analyzed data from over 2,800 players and discovered a slower decline in performance after the peak of their career.

SourceSpringer·JournalBehavior Research Methods·DateJan 27, 2019