Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Sights and sounds of emotion trigger big brain responses

A study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences identified a brain region that strongly reacts to emotional faces and voices. The research found that the posterior superior temporal sulcus responds supra-additively to simultaneous visual and auditory emotional stimuli.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2009

Plastic Surgery 2009 news briefs

Key findings from the ASPS Plastic Surgery 2009 conference include advancements in face and hand transplantation, with a focus on improving donor availability and patient selection. Additionally, plastic surgeons will discuss innovative technologies and techniques for repairing traumatic battlefield injuries and restoring function.

SourceAmerican Society of Plastic Surgeons·DateOct 27, 2009

Believing is seeing

Researchers found that initial thoughts about others' emotions bias subsequent facial expression perception and memory. Participants who initially interpreted faces as angry remembered them expressing more anger, while those who interpreted them as happy remembered less anger.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 2, 2009

Facial expressions show language barriers too

Research finds that Easterners and Westerners have different ways of recognizing facial expressions, with Easterners neglecting the mouth and focusing on the eyes. This complexity highlights that human communication of emotion is more nuanced than previously thought.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 13, 2009
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.

First near-total human face transplant for a severely disfigured patient

A groundbreaking surgery has enabled Connie Culp to regain facial function and appearance after being shot in the face with a shotgun. The procedure involved a 22-hour operation to connect donor tissues to her disfigured structures, resulting in restored smell, eating, drinking, and intelligible speech.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateJul 14, 2009

Robot learns to smile and frown

Researchers at UC San Diego used machine learning to empower their Einstein robot to learn realistic facial expressions, improving the process of teaching robots to make lifelike faces. The team discovered that the model learned to automatically compensate for missing servos and can now make facial expressions it had never encountered.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJul 8, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Brain detects happiness more quickly than sadness

A new study reveals that our brains detect expressions of happiness and surprise faster than those of sadness or fear. The right hemisphere performs better in processing emotions, particularly happy and surprised faces.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalLaterality Asymmetries of Body Brain and Cognition·DateJun 17, 2009

Personal discrimination on the Web

Researchers developed a system to extract subjective expressions from web pages, scoring them for subjectivity and indicating whether they express personal opinions or marketing speak. The method outperformed general search engines in detecting personal opinion pages across four categories.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business Intelligence and Data Mining·DateMay 21, 2009
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.

Rice psychologist explores perception of fear in human sweat

Research by Denise Chen reveals that human sweat contains emotional meanings, particularly in ambiguous situations, and modulates vision to detect fear. The study found that exposure to 'fearful' sweat biases women towards interpreting facial expressions as more fearful, especially when emotions are unclear.

SourceRice University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 6, 2009

Facial expressions of emotion are innate, not learned, says new study

A new study by San Francisco State University Psychology Professor David Matsumoto found that facial expressions of emotion are innate and not learned. The research shows that sighted and blind individuals use the same facial expressions in response to emotional stimuli.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 29, 2008

Oh, what a feeling!

Researchers found that training individuals to read body language, facial expressions, and voice tone in others resulted in significant gains in emotional perception. This skill is crucial for successful social communication and helps overcome chronic social difficulties or isolation. The training regime, known as self-instruction trai...

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalJournal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation·DateNov 20, 2008

Pain automatically activates facial muscle groups

A Université de Montréal study discovered that facial expressions of intense pain are a genuine reflection of the brain's response to painful stimulation. The research, led by Miriam Kunz, found that individuals with more intense facial reactions had lower pain thresholds.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalPain·DateOct 27, 2008

Facial expressions say more than 1,000 words

A study by Barkhuysen found that auditory and visual cues together are more effective than separate messages in conveying meaning. Facial expressions also play a crucial role in communication, as seen in the case of Margaret Thatcher who gave subtle signals when finishing speaking to avoid interruptions.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateOct 15, 2008
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.

Why an exciting book is just as thrilling as a hair-raising movie

Researchers found that the same brain regions are activated when observing facial expressions of disgust in others and experiencing it oneself. This study suggests that reading a book can elicit emotional responses comparable to those experienced while watching a movie, thanks to the shared brain activity patterns.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2008
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.

Better tools needed for assessing infant pain

Currently used pain assessment tools may not accurately reflect the pain experience in infants. A study published in PLOS Medicine found that changes in brain activity correlated with clinical pain scores, but were more strongly linked to behavioral components such as facial expression than physiological components like heart rate. The...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 23, 2008

I'm listening -- conversations with computers

A computer system called SEMAINE is being developed to recognize human emotions through facial expressions, gaze, and voice, enabling it to adapt its performance and engage in conversation. This project aims to bridge the gap between humans and technology, paving the way for more natural interactions.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateApr 16, 2008

Disgusting videos used to study coping methods

Researchers used fMRI to study two emotion regulation techniques: cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression. Cognitive reappraisal reduced negative emotions by reinterpretating the meaning of disgusting images, while expressive suppression increased neural activity in the amygdala and insula.

SourceStanford University·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateMar 19, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Reading a face is tricky business

A Northwestern University study found that electrical activity in the brain is altered within 200 milliseconds when viewing subliminal emotional expressions, leading to biased ratings of facial expressions. Those with anxiety tend to exhibit stronger brain responses to fear-primed expressions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateJul 31, 2007

UCLA study first to show autistic brains can be trained to recognize visual and vocal cues

Autistic individuals often struggle with interpreting subtle social cues like facial expressions and tone of voice. A UCLA study found that explicit instructions can train their brains to respond appropriately. Researchers trained ASD children to pay attention to these cues, resulting in increased activity in the brain's 'social' network.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJun 27, 2007
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Ape gestures offer clues to the evolution of human communication

Researchers found bonobos and chimpanzees use manual gestures more flexibly than facial expressions and vocalizations. The study suggests bonobos engage in multi-modal communication, combining gestures with facial expressions and vocalizations to convey a message.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2007

Pitt alumnus and professor put a face on Internet communication with personalized icon software

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new approach to online communication called FaceAlive Icons, which uses personalized images to convey emotions. The program allows users to alter their facial expressions and improve personal communication in emails, text messages, and online forums.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Visual Languages & Computing·DateApr 9, 2007

Research finds that culture is key to interpreting facial emotions

A study by University of Alberta researchers found that cultural differences affect how people interpret facial cues, with Japanese focusing on eyes and Americans on mouth. The findings suggest that understanding culture is essential when interpreting facial expressions.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateApr 4, 2007
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.

Emotional control circuit of brain's fear response discovered

Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center discovered an emotional control circuit that regulates fear responses in the brain. The study found that the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, a region of the frontal lobe, activates to resolve emotional conflicts and dampens activity in the amygdala, allowing for emotional cont...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateSep 20, 2006

Anxious adults judge facial cues faster, but less accurately

A new study reveals that highly anxious individuals can quickly detect changes in facial expressions, but often misinterpret their emotional meaning. This heightened sensitivity can perpetuate a cycle of conflict and misunderstanding in personal relationships.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality·DateJul 17, 2006
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.

Do angry men get noticed?

A recent study found that men and women both prioritize detecting angry male faces, suggesting a bias towards threat detection. Angry male faces were also found more rapidly by both sexes than angry female faces or socially relevant expressions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 5, 2006

$3.5 million from Homeland Security for lie detection in the 21st century

Researchers are developing new techniques to detect deception using cameras and sensors, aiming to improve security at border crossings and buildings. The Rutgers team will employ image-based models and machine learning algorithms to analyze facial expressions and body movements, increasing accuracy over current polygraph technology.

SourceRutgers University·DateAug 30, 2005
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The enigmatic face

A recent study found that motion significantly enhances people's ability to recognize subtle facial expressions, particularly when displayed dynamically rather than statically. The research suggests that motion reveals the temporal characteristics of emotions and improves sensitivity to communication of emotion.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 26, 2005

Very shy children may process some facial expressions differently

Researchers found that shy children with high shyness-BI indexes and specific genetic variations showed smaller responses to hostile and neutral facial expressions in certain brain regions. This suggests a biased pattern of processing emotional information, which can be recognized early in life.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of General Psychiatry·DateJan 3, 2005

Subconscious bias kicks in quickly and skews perceptions

Research suggests that subconscious bias can distort facial perceptions, leading to the perpetuation of stereotypes and racism. Studies show that even well-meaning individuals may view identical faces as more hostile in African American faces, highlighting the importance of addressing implicit bias.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 5, 2004
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.

Computer vision study links how brain recognizes faces, moods

A computer vision study reveals that the brain processes facial recognition and emotional expression in linked neural pathways. The researchers developed a model that explains how humans recognize familiar faces and emotions, which can be applied to create more accurate face-recognition systems.

SourceOhio State University·JournalVision Research·DateJun 30, 2003

Alcohol facilitates aggression among those who express anger outwardly

Researchers found that alcohol increases the likelihood of aggressive behavior in individuals who tend to express their anger outwardly, such as through verbal or physical aggression. This association is significant and highlights the importance of understanding emotions and regulation in relation to drinking and aggressive behavior.

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateJun 15, 2003

Experience alters how we perceive emotion

A recent study by Seth Pollak found that children who have experienced physical abuse categorize facial expressions differently than non-abused children. Abused children identified more faces as being 'angry' rather than fearful or sad. This suggests that experience can shape how people perceive and understand emotions.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2002
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.

Three new psychological studies show how positive and negative emotions affect us now and later

Three new studies show that expressing positive emotions can lead to better relationships, mental focus, and personal well-being. Additionally, research finds that a positive outlook on life persists into old age, with extraverted individuals less likely to experience a decline in positive affect.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 20, 2001

Study shows language loss may improve ability to spot lying

A study published in Nature found that individuals with aphasia, who experience language loss after a stroke or brain damage, possess an exceptional ability to detect deception. They were able to identify lies cued by facial expressions alone with high accuracy, outperforming other groups.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalNature·DateMay 10, 2000

Facial expressions are contagious

A study by Ulf Dimberg found that facial muscle activity can be spontaneously evoked without conscious awareness, suggesting subconscious emotional communication. The results support the theory that important aspects of face-to-face interaction can occur on a subconscious level.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 27, 2000
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.