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Decoding how kids get into hacking

Researchers found that predictors of juvenile delinquency, such as low self-control, are common factors for both boys and girls. For girls, peer associations played a significant role in hacking behavior, while for boys, time spent playing video games was associated with hacking. The study highlights the importance of parents understan...

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCrime & Delinquency·DateSep 19, 2019

Making it count

Round numbers can significantly increase people's sense of accomplishment when tracking progress towards goals, according to Washington State University research. Studies show that customers feel more accomplished when their progress is expressed in round numbers, particularly at intermediate targets.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMarketing Letters·DateAug 21, 2019

Do video games drive obesity?

A meta-analysis of 20 studies with over 38,000 participants found a small positive correlation between video game playing and body mass in adults, but no link was established for children and teenagers. The study suggests that people who spend more time gaming may also spend less time exercising, contributing to weight gain.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateJun 17, 2019

Lure of the 'loot box' looks a lot like gambling

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found a correlation between excessive engagement with loot boxes and measures of problem gambling, but not problem video gaming. Loot box use was associated with risky gambling behaviours, suggesting that the feature may be contributing to gambling-like problems in gamers.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateMay 1, 2019

A video game aids in research on Alzheimer's disease

Researchers developed a video game to study spatial orientation and navigational abilities, finding that virtual navigation performance is comparable to the real world. The game was played by 4 million people and showed changes in navigational habits before clinical Alzheimer's symptoms appear.

SourceCNRS·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2019

One among many

Researchers Korbut observed crowds in metro-mobs to understand how they move and coordinate actions, finding that individuals follow free space minimization rules and rely on others' movements for direction. The study highlights the importance of speed control, stopping signals, and joining methods in mob organization.

Walking simulation games signal a new literary genre

Research from the University of Kent reveals that walking simulations are blurring art forms, creating a new genre with stories akin to reading a book. Games like Dear Esther engage players more than traditional video games, making it a fantastic way to tell a story.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalInternational Journal of Transmedia Literacy (IJTL)·DateFeb 12, 2019

The German Bundesliga: Are the players worth the money?

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg investigated the relationship between footballers' performance and market value in the German Bundesliga. They found that star players tend to be overvalued, while others are traded at below-market value. The study also highlights the impact of a club's reputation and commercia...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalJournal of Applied Statistics·DateNov 29, 2018

The psychobiology of online gaming

A recent study published in the American Journal of Human Biology found that healthy gaming experiences are linked to favorable gene expression profiles. The research, led by Dr. Jeffrey Snodgrass, highlights the importance of social connectedness in mitigating negative effects of online gaming.

SourceWiley·JournalAmerican Journal of Human Biology·DateJun 21, 2018

Some video games are good for older adults' brains

Researchers found that playing 3D video games like Super Mario 64 increased gray matter volume in the hippocampus and cerebellum of older adults. This led to improved short-term memory and cognitive function. The study suggests that learning new things, such as through video games or piano lessons, can reverse age-related brain atrophy.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 6, 2017

Social mobile gaming boosts rehabilitation for physically impaired patients

Researchers at Imperial College London designed a video game called Balloon Buddies to enable physically impaired patients to engage in rehabilitation through collaboration with healthy volunteers. The study found that this type of engagement boosts performance and increases motivation, leading to better physical outcomes.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateNov 19, 2017

Genre may impact cognitive training using video games

Researchers found that video game genres impact cognitive training, with strategy games offering unique benefits for memory and processing speed. Strategy games were associated with improved white matter connectivity in brain regions related to memory, while action games were linked to a brain region governing mood.

SourceIOS Press·JournalRestorative Neurology and Neuroscience·DateOct 2, 2017

Playing with your brain

A new study by Dr. Véronique Bohbot and Dr. Greg West found that playing action video games for 90 hours can lead to grey matter loss in the hippocampus, but playing 3D-platform games may be safer and more beneficial for brain spatial memory. This research highlights the importance of choosing the right type of game to play.

SourceMcGill University·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 8, 2017

Playing action video games can actually harm your brain

A new study suggests that habitual players of action video games have less grey matter in their hippocampus, a major part of the brain associated with spatial memory and remembering past experiences. The study found that gaming can lead to changes in the brain that increase the risk of developing brain illnesses and diseases.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateAug 7, 2017

Video games can change your brain

Research has shown that playing video games can change the brain regions responsible for attention and visuospatial skills, making them more efficient. Additionally, studies have found evidence of increased brain activity in reward system regions associated with internet gaming disorder.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateJun 22, 2017