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When people of different generations create together, brain activity changes

A study published in PLOS Biology found that brain synchrony between people of different generations increases when they create art together, predicting feelings of loneliness or social connection. Brain synchrony decreases between same-generation pairs, suggesting a dynamic relationship between social connections and brain activity.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 20, 2026

Historic discovery finds 19th-century estate agent used peepshow technology to create proto version of Rightmove

Researchers at the University of Exeter discovered that a 19th-century estate agent, Brooks & Green, created an early version of Rightmove using cosmorama technology. The discovery reveals how this innovative approach to property marketing paved the way for modern virtual tours and online property previews.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEarly Popular Visual Culture·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 5, 2026

Generative art enhances virtual shopping experience

A study by Cornell University researcher So-Yeon Yoon found that generative art can positively impact consumer behavior in virtual stores, with greater effects on mass-market shoppers. The research suggests that dynamic generative art may be more effective than static art in enhancing perceptions of exclusivity and aesthetic pleasure.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Retailing and Consumer Services·TypeObservational study·DateOct 14, 2025

A new way of visualizing blood pressure data can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension

A new study from the University of Missouri highlights how 'smoothed' graphs can help doctors better manage patients with hypertension. The findings suggest that these graphs can reduce errors in assessing blood pressure control, potentially alleviating pressure on the healthcare system.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2025

Professional artists viewed as more creative than AI programs

A recent study by the American Psychological Association suggests that professional artists are more creative than AI-generated artwork. The research found that artwork created with prompts by experienced artists was rated as significantly more creative than AI-generated work. Additionally, analysis revealed that professional artists u...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Aesthetics Creativity and the Arts·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2025

Branch patterns in trees and art

Researchers found branch patterns in art to mirror those in nature, with values of α ranging from 1.5 to 2.8, corresponding to natural trees. Abstract artworks can be visually identified as trees using realistic α values, while works deviating from scaling exhibit reduced recognition.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 11, 2025

Researchers put the shine on digitally rendered feathers

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeCase study·DateJan 22, 2025

How can we design humane autonomous systems?

The open-access book delves into the impact of AI and autonomous systems on human lives and ways of working, emphasizing their importance in prioritizing human well-being and creativity. Key learnings include the need for ethical design practices and considering AI as part of a larger system to enhance human experiences.

Physics and emote design: Quantifying clarity in digital images

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology create a metric to quantify clarity in digital images, enabling scientists to capture changes in structure during artistic processes and physical transformations. The metric is tested on digital artworks and physical systems, showing its versatility and effectiveness.

Gourds made by Indigenous women supplied the European luxury market in the 18th century

Indigenous women in the Amazon region of Brazil created varnished gourds with complex decorations inspired by local flora and fauna as well as European and Asian embroidery patterns. The craft was recognized at the beginning of the 18th century and was mainly produced for the European market, participating in a process of globalization.

South African rock art possibly inspired by long-extinct species

A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that South African rock art from the 19th century may be inspired by an extinct species of tusked animal called a dicynodont. The artwork, created by the San people, features a long-bodied animal with downward-turned tusks that is comparable to fossilized remains found in the region.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2024

AI art and human creativity

Text-to-image AI tools enhance human artists' output, but may hinder novel visual styles. Artists who adopt AI show increased productivity and favorable feedback, while those relying solely on AI struggle with creative stagnation.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMar 5, 2024

Is less more? Or is less sometimes less? Examining the consumer trend toward minimalist packaging in consumable products

A new study finds that simple packaging design is positively associated with price, but not always enhances consumers' willingness to pay. The research team discovers that store-brand products and health-oriented consumers benefit from simplicity, while indulgent consumers prefer complex packaging.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 11, 2023

Art that integrates data visualizations can help bridge the US political divide over climate change

A new study from University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher Nan Li shows that integrating art with data visualizations can make climate data more meaningful to viewers and reduce political divides. Participants who saw the painting reported stronger positive emotions, while those shown only graphs did not.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJul 7, 2023

Art evokes feelings in the body

A study of over 1,186 participants from various countries found that art evokes positive emotions, often despite dealing with sad or scary topics. The researchers discovered that human figures in art pieces can elicit empathy and mirroring, which contributes to the emotional experience.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalCognition & Emotion·DateMar 27, 2023

Publication of 500-year-old manuscript exposes medieval beliefs and religious cults

A 500-year-old English illuminated manuscript provides fresh insights into Catholic beliefs in England before the Reformation. The metre-long prayer roll contains religious verse and illustrations, including symbols of Christ's crucifixion, which were connected to a famous pilgrimage site.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the British Archaeological Association·TypeContent analysis·DateOct 25, 2021

Mason researchers planning ukulele workshops

Researchers at George Mason University are planning a series of four ukulele workshops as part of the National Endowment for the Arts Military Healing Arts Network initiative. The project aims to improve the health, wellness, and quality of life for military and veteran populations exposed to trauma through arts engagement.

Musical myth

A study by Harvard researchers found no effect of music training on the cognitive abilities of young children. Despite popular belief, studying music does not enhance intelligence or improve academic performance. However, the study did find some small differences in spatial task performance between music and visual arts groups.

SourceHarvard University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2013

A decline in creativity? It depends on how you look

A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that student creative writing is showing signs of decline over the past 20 years, while visual art is experiencing an increase in sophistication and complexity. The study analyzed 354 examples of visual art and 50 examples of creative writing by teenagers between 1990 and 2011.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCreativity Research Journal·DateNov 15, 2013