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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.

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

The science of knitting, unpicked

The study of knitting reveals the underlying mathematical rules governing shape and stretchiness, which could lead to designing new tunable materials. Researchers aim to create flexible material replacing biological tissues with personalized sizing and elasticity.

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.

Atari master: New AI smashes Google DeepMind in video game challenge

A new breed of algorithms has mastered Atari video games 10 times faster than state-of-the-art AI, using a combination of reinforcement learning and intrinsic motivation. This method autonomously identifies sub-goals and exhibits relatively human-like behavior, making it competitive with Google DeepMind in the game Montezuma's Revenge.

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.

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...

Pitt researcher uses video games to unlock new levels of A.I.

A University of Pittsburgh researcher is using video games to test and improve artificial intelligence algorithms. The goal is to create AIs that can learn from their mistakes in complex, uncertain environments. By analyzing gameplay data, the algorithm can refine its strategies for optimal decision-making.

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.

Tetris: It could be the salve for a worried mind

Researchers found that playing Tetris can induce a state of 'flow', reducing worry and negative emotion in individuals waiting for uncertain news. The game's adaptive difficulty level played a key role in achieving this state, which provides a convincing link between flow and improved well-being during anxious periods.

Grant to fund video game that will help children with ADHD

A $1.38 million grant from the US Department of Education will fund a three-year project to develop a video game designed to help kids with ADHD learn academic skills and better succeed in school. The project aims to provide a cost-effective means to educate students with ADHD, who require more counseling and disciplinary action.

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.

Improving physicians' judgment with video games

Researchers designed video games to enhance heuristic judgment in emergency medicine physicians. The intervention improved accuracy in trauma triage decisions, with participants who used the games showing a 17-18 point lower under-triage rate compared to those receiving no intervention.

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.

How a computer learns to dribble: Practice, practice, practice

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and DeepMotion Inc. developed a physics-based method for controlling animated characters to learn dribbling skills from motion capture data. The system requires millions of trials but produces arm movements closely coordinated with physically plausible ball movement.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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.

How GDP affects success in eSports

A study by HSE University researchers found that per capita GDP and IT infrastructure significantly impact success in competitive gaming. Countries with higher GDP tend to perform better, while living standards also play a role, especially for online tournaments.

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.

For blind gamers, equal access to racing video games

A new audio-based interface called RAD enables visually impaired players to experience full 3D graphics and complex racetracks in racing video games. The system uses sonification techniques to provide players with relevant information, allowing them to form a plan of action and compete at the same level as sighted players.

No evidence to support link between violent video games and behavior

Despite previous mixed conclusions, a large-scale study by University of York researchers found no evidence to support the theory that violent video games make players more violent. The team tested over 3,000 participants with varying levels of gaming realism, including 'ragdoll physics', and discovered no priming effect on aggression.

Pong paddles and perception: Our actions influence what we see

A new study led by Colorado State University researcher Jessica Witt investigates the impact of actions on vision. The findings suggest that vision is influenced by actions, but this effect may not be entirely dependent on the participant's level of understanding the experiment's purpose.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Pokémon Go could help people who struggle socially

A UBC study found that extroverts perform better in Pokémon Go due to their strong social skills, while introverted players struggle. The researchers now aim to design video games with increasingly involved social features to aid those who struggle socially.

Action games expand the brain's cognitive abilities

A meta-analysis of 15 years of research on action video games found that gamers showed significant improvements in cognitive abilities compared to non-gamers. The study suggests that playing action video games can train the brain and improve attention, spatial cognition, and reaction time.

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.

Video game improves balance in youth with autism

A new video game-based training program has shown significant improvements in balance and posture for children and youth with autism spectrum disorder. The six-week program, which rewards participants for holding 'ninja' poses, also improved in-game performance outside the gaming environment.

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.

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.

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.

Gamers have an advantage in learning

A study by Ruhr-University Bochum found that gamers excelled in a learning competition against non-gamers, particularly in situations with high uncertainties. This advantage is linked to increased brain activity in the hippocampus, a key region for learning and memory.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Do video game players make the best unmanned pilots?

Research from the University of Liverpool reveals video game players excel in accuracy and confidence decisions as UAS operators. Professional pilots also perform well, but with less overconfidence compared to VGPs.

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.

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.

Brain training has no effect on decision-making or cognitive function

A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania found that commercial brain training with Lumosity had no effect on decision-making or cognitive function. The researchers recruited two groups, one following Lumosity and the other playing online video games, but neither group showed improvements in brain activity or decision-making.

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.

Kent State researchers study link between Pokémon GO and a healthier lifestyle

A study by Kent State researchers found that playing Pokémon GO increased daily walking behavior by 102 percent among college students. The game also reduced sedentary behavior by 25 percent during the first week after downloading. These positive effects persisted weeks later, even with a decrease in game play frequency.

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.

When artificial intelligence evaluates chess champions

A new chess ranking system ranks players based on the quality of their moves, producing more accurate results than traditional ELO scores. The system uses probabilistic models to estimate win/loss/draw probabilities for any match between two players.

Changing the game

A new architecture for 3D stacked memory increases rendering speeds by up to 65% by processing data in memory, reducing traffic between GPU cores. This innovation benefits both science, particularly complex modeling and virtual reality, and the gaming industry.

Researchers find video games influence sexist attitudes

A new study of over 13,000 adolescents found a link between video game exposure and sexism. The research suggests that repeated exposure to media influences how we perceive social realities, and that video games can shape attitudes towards women.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Meet your new electronic trauma intervention

A new study found that playing a highly visual-spatial computer game like Tetris can help prevent intrusive memories after a traumatic event. The intervention, which took just 20 minutes, reduced symptoms of acute stress disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder by 62% in patients waiting for emergency care.

Playing to beat the blues: Video games viable treatment for depression

A new UC Davis study found that video game users who received reminders played more often and experienced increased time spent playing, with some games increasing feelings of control over depression. The study, using six three-minute games, showed promise in reducing symptoms of mild depression.

People remain calm as the world ends, video game study suggests

A new study on ArcheAge players found that despite violent acts, most exhibited prosocial behavior, strengthening social relationships and forming new ones. The study provides insights for game designers on how to reduce player churners and offers a realistic view of end-of-world scenarios.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Violent video games found not to affect empathy

Researchers found that gamers had similar neural responses to emotionally provocative images as non-gamers, suggesting no long-term effects on empathy. The study used fMRI and a psychological questionnaire to compare gamers' and non-gamers' brain activity and emotional responses.

New studies illustrate how gamers get good

Researchers analyzed data from thousands of online Halo and StarCraft matches to understand skill development patterns. They found that players who spaced out their activity and used consistent hotkeys habits improved most efficiently, while elite players warmed up with meaningless dummy commands to get into peak performance mode.

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.

Video game ratings work, if you use them

Research from Iowa State University shows that video game ratings can effectively reduce violent play in children when used by parents to guide purchases and set rules. Parents who use the rating system and mediate their child's play are less likely to experience negative behaviors, such as acting out or misbehaving.

Birds of a feather flock together to confuse potential predators

Researchers found that starlings are safer from predation in larger flocks due to the confusion effect, where predators struggle to target individual birds. The study suggests that this behavior may be one of many functions of these impressive groups in starlings.

Brain training video games help low-vision kids see better

A new study found that children with poor vision show vast improvement in their peripheral vision after eight hours of training via kid-friendly video games. The game trains players to pay attention to the entire visual field, not just where their vision is most impaired, resulting in up to 50% improvement in visual perception tasks.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

How long should children play video games?

A new study found that limited video game play time may provide benefits to children, including improved motor skills and higher school achievement scores. However, excessive gaming was linked to conduct problems, peer conflicts, and reduced social abilities.