A Curtin University-led study found that playing video games for more than 10 hours a week can lead to a decline in diet quality, obesity, and poor sleep quality. The study suggests that low and moderate gaming is generally fine, but excessive gaming may crowd out healthy habits.
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
A new study found that playing classic video games such as Super Mario Bros. and Yoshi can evoke childlike wonder, boosting overall happiness and reducing burnout risk in young adults. The research used mixed methods, including interviews and surveys, to understand how these games resonate with students.
ConnectPlayWise offers a low-cost, in-house solution for delivering social-emotional learning (SEL) and reducing loneliness in care homes. The platform allows children aged 7–12 to connect safely with older adults through interactive mini-games, improving socio-emotional skills while fostering intergenerational understanding.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed PropType, a unique interface that transforms everyday objects into typing surfaces within an AR environment. This technology leverages tactile feedback to reduce reliance on visual cues and provides an alternative to traditional keyboards.
A new longitudinal study found that young people who engage in gaming habits with gambling-like elements are more likely to gamble with real money. The research team urges policymakers to broaden regulations beyond loot boxes and includes social casino games, prize wheels, and gambling videos in the scope.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study by the University of Ottawa exposes how video game studios are violating children's privacy rights. Researchers analyzed 139 privacy policies and found none fully comply with existing legal frameworks.
A study surveyed gamers about video game effects, finding that 78% of respondents experienced altered lives through meaningful gaming experiences. These experiences often involved rich storytelling, which inspired self-reflection and identity building. The study's findings highlight the importance of designing games that promote positi...
A study found that mindfulness meditation training significantly decreased depressive symptoms, Internet Addiction Test scores, and video game cravings in individuals with depression and gaming disorder. Brain imaging revealed a decrease in brain responses to gaming cues and increased activity in the lentiform nucleus.
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.
A Michigan State University study found that unstructured digital media use contributes to digital skills, which are strong predictors of performance across academic domains. However, the study also highlights a significant gender gap, with boys experiencing substantially larger benefits from digital media use.
A new study published in JMIR Serious Games reveals that playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and watching Studio Ghibli films can significantly improve young people’s overall happiness and sense of purpose in life. The study found that immersing oneself in these activities can nurture essential human capacities, including e...
Researchers found that siblings, friends, and extended family play crucial roles in helping parents keep their children safe on online gaming platforms like Roblox and Minecraft. Online safety risks include scams, anti-social behavior, and adult roleplays.
A study reveals how extremist groups exploit video games to recruit and radicalize impressionable users on gaming-adjacent platforms. The research highlights the challenges faced by moderators in detecting and reporting harmful content, and emphasizes the need for better understanding of these platforms and their subcultures.
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
The EmoWELL video game has been shown to improve emotional management in young university students by helping them identify, understand, and manage their emotions. Participants who played the game demonstrated reduced use of strategies that worsen emotional distress and improved self-acceptance.
A study identified distinct trajectories of addictive social media, mobile phone, and video game use in US youths, finding links to increased suicidal ideation and worse mental health outcomes. The research suggests that high or increasing addictive screen use may warrant further clinical evaluation and intervention design.
Researchers found that playing certain commercial video games increased students' confidence in their ability to pass a programming course. The games, Human Resource Machine and 7 Billion Humans, presented puzzles that required programming commands, promoting computational thinking. The study's results suggest that playing these games ...
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.
Project Chimera combines a VR computer game with educational problems to convey scientific content in a motivating way. The game enables players to develop a desire for learning through story-based exploration of physics, mechanical engineering, and other subjects.
Groundbreaking research from the University of South Australia shows that any form of exercise can significantly boost brain function and memory across children, adults, and older adults. Regular exercise improves general cognition, memory, and executive function in both healthy individuals and those with clinical conditions.
Researchers found that digital games effective in reducing drinking, smoking, and illicit drug use among adolescents when personalized to individual players, had social components, and included content encouraging behavior change.
Digital safe spaces are created by marginalized groups to feel protected from online harassment and oppression. These spaces, often with strict rules and moderation, provide a sense of community and well-being for their participants.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid developed video games 'Peter Jumper' and 'Andromeda' to promote hand and wrist rehabilitation. The system also measures grip strength and stores patient data for analysis, showing encouraging results in improving range of motion and grip strength up to 100%.
Scientists at Nagoya University developed a nanoscale video game that manipulates nanoparticles in real-time, enabling interaction between virtual and physical objects. The 'nano-mixed reality' system has potential applications in nanotechnology and biomedical engineering, including 3D printing and targeted virus killing.
A study of over 3,600 adolescents found that spending more than 3 hours a day engaged in sedentary behaviors increases the risk of psychological distress. In contrast, moderate screen exposure invested in educational activities was linked to less psychological distress.
Heavy screen use, particularly social media and video games, is associated with an increased risk of developing manic symptoms in U.S. preteens. The study found that prolonged screen time can lead to behaviors characteristic of bipolar-spectrum disorders, including inflated self-esteem, decreased sleep needs, and impulsivity.
A new study of over 1400 adults found loot box buying associated with real-world gambling, video gaming addiction, and mental health issues. Researchers highlight the need for regulations to address this growing concern.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers have developed software tools that analyze student behavior in real-time, assessing how well students develop and use collaborative problem-solving skills. The tools can modify the game to improve learning outcomes by identifying patterns of behavior associated with specific learning outcomes.
Research at the University of South Australia found that Minecraft fosters teamwork, communication and social skills in children through collaborative play. The game also promotes problem-solving skills, creativity and language abilities, making it a powerful tool for learning and social development.
A new study finds that parents' own screen habits significantly increase the likelihood of preteens engaging with mature media. Proactive parental monitoring and clear media rules are linked to lower consumption of mature content.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new video game, CAMI, uses motion-tracking technology to detect differences in motor imitation skills, distinguishing children with autism from neurotypical children and ADHD patients with 80% accuracy. The tool has the potential to transform autism diagnoses worldwide by providing a quick, low-cost, and easy-to-use alternative.
A cognitive science professor at UC Merced proposes a suite of video games to accelerate cancer research using artificial intelligence and gamified citizen science. The 'Cancer Wars' initiative aims to harness the collective problem-solving power of millions of gamers to tackle complex scientific problems.
Researchers created digital images of iridescent bird feathers that change colors at different angles, incorporating tiny variations for a glittery appearance. The new method uses specimens from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology as a reference and has potential applications in video games and animation.
A study by Penn State researchers found that fake mobile games often use free-to-play models, lack promised content, and make in-app purchases appear optional. The researchers suggest that developers can update their games to align with advertised features, making 'fakeness' a fluid state.
A study published in Journal of Medical Internet Research found that open-world video games provide cognitive escapism, reducing stress levels and improving mental health. Popular titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild offer a sense of freedom and autonomy.
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.
A study of 367 parents found that two-thirds recalled watching diverse media with their children, and their racial-ethnic identity predicted their attitudes but not their beliefs. Parents were more open to diverse content than previously thought.
Researchers at UniSA found that certain sedentary behaviors, like reading, are beneficial for cognitive function, while others, such as watching TV, have a negative effect. The study suggests a nuanced approach to thinking about the link between sedentary behaviors and cognitive function.
A new study found that Norwegian boys are outperforming girls in learning English as a second language, with the gap increasing at age 13. The researchers suggest that online gaming and digital technology may be contributing factors, contradicting conventional wisdom about gender differences in language acquisition.
A new report from the University of Houston found that massive multiplayer online gamers learn valuable skills in the workplace, including problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. The study revealed that gaming can be a way for people to grow both personally and professionally when done in moderation.
Researchers found that individuals with stronger autistic traits displayed distinct exploration patterns and higher levels of persistence, leading to better performance in a computer game. These findings suggest that tailored learning environments can benefit individuals with autistic traits.
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.
Researchers used a virtual cow game to study human movement and navigation, developing a model that can simulate human behavior and predict choices. The study found that humans make decisions based on angular distance and previous choices, and the developed model could accurately mimic these patterns.
A study by UC San Francisco found that more screen time is associated with severe symptoms of depression, anxiety, inattention, and aggression in 9-10 year olds. The effects were small but consistent, with activities like video chatting and playing video games strongly linked to depressive symptoms.
Research by Alesha Serada at the University of Vaasa highlights that NFTs in games derive value from social relations and community, rather than rarity or price. The study, focusing on CryptoKitties, suggests a three-dimensional model for value creation, including subjective player value and collective community-created value.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A Princeton-led research team has built the first neuron-by-neuron and synapse-by-synapse roadmap through the brain of an adult fruit fly. The map reveals connections within the brain at every scale, enabling researchers to better understand its underlying logic and potentially develop tailored treatments for brain diseases.
A team of researchers has developed a compact augmented reality (AR) display that can be integrated into eyeglasses, significantly improving image quality and field of view. The new technology combines two optical technologies to create a high-resolution AR system with minimal distortions.
Video games created as mental health interventions can be modest tools in improving the mental well-being of children and teens with anxiety, depression, and ADHD. These digital mental health interventions showed a reduction in symptoms related to ADHD and depression, but not for anxiety.
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
A new study led by Uppsala University researchers found that a single treatment session playing the video game Tetris can reduce PTSD symptoms. After five weeks and six months, participants showed significant improvements in reducing intrusive memories and alleviating other symptoms.
Researchers at the University of Bath have developed sensors that track physical changes experienced by exercisers while using VR headsets, allowing game designers to create immersive programs that adapt to a person's abilities and mood. This technology aims to increase user engagement and adherence to exercise.
New research finds that Dungeons & Dragons provides a friendly environment for autistic adults to engage in social interactions, build confidence, and feel included. The study shows that playing the game allows participants to relax without pressure and take on new personas outside of the game.
Researchers created a virtual game environment and connected it to hydrogels, which improved their accuracy over time. The hydrogels used 'memory' to learn from previous patterns and improve their gameplay, with an improvement rate of up to 10%.
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.
The game illustrates how lifestyle choices, such as eating vegetables and drinking alcohol, impact the human microbiome. Researchers developed the game to provide a comprehensive overview of the microbiome in a fun and accessible way.
Researchers warn that smart vapes with touch screens, animated displays, and built-in games can couple nicotine addiction with gaming disorder. The devices are user-friendly and attractive to youth, potentially broadening the market to include non-nicotine users.
A new Australian study reveals widespread cyberbullying and sexual harassment in the esports industry, particularly affecting cis-gendered and trans-gendered women players. The study found that professional gamers are exposed to hostile behavior, which affects their mental health.
Research from Texas McCombs finds that developers who multihome their software attract more users to the original product, improving its performance and standing out in the market. The study also shows that multihoming can lead to a 5.3% increase in average monthly usage for similar products.
Researchers at the University of Malaga have developed an instruction manual to understand the operating limits of phantom motion, allowing for cost-effective and lighter haptic devices. The study found that individuals can perceive phantom sensation when a vibrating point travels at least 20% of the separation between actuators.
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.
A new study reveals that gamers believe smurfing is toxic, but most admit to doing it for valid reasons. Researchers found that participants perceived smurfs as more likely to be toxic, yet reported similar levels of smurfing themselves.
A recent study found that cinematographic techniques can significantly increase user engagement with virtual environments and improve their aesthetic appeal. The researchers developed a new teleportation method for exploring virtual environments using principles of composition and continuity, commonly used in filmmaking.
Food and drink advertisements on videogame livestreaming platforms (VGLSPs) like Twitch are associated with more positive attitudes towards and purchases of unhealthy foods. Researchers call for stronger regulations to protect young viewers from the potential harms of digital food marketing.
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.
A study by Uppsala University found that a computer game called Bad News improved students' ability to identify manipulative techniques in social media posts and distinguish reliable from misleading news. The game, played individually or in groups, had positive effects on students' critical thinking skills.
A study found that almost 17% of adolescents experience weight-related bullying online, with the highest rates reported by Twitter users. The survey also revealed a strong association between screen time, social media use, and weight-related bullying, with a 13% increase in bullying for every additional hour of screen time.
Millions of gamers worldwide contribute to reconstructing microbial evolutionary histories using a minigame in Borderlands 3, significantly refining estimates of human gut microbes. This collaboration lays groundwork for improved AI programs and advances knowledge of the microbiome.
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.
A researcher at West Virginia University is using 'reverse engineering' to study the structural characteristics of slot machines and their impact on players. The study aims to understand what makes these games immersive and how they interact with individual vulnerabilities, ultimately informing the development of safer gambling products.
A new study by the University of Plymouth shows that at-risk individuals are more likely to engage with loot boxes than those without, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement around these features. The research found that loot box use is driven by beliefs such as 'I'll win in a minute', echoing the psychology seen in gambling.