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Justified and unjustified movie violence evokes different brain responses, study finds

A new study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that scenes of unjustified and justified violence in movies activate different parts of the adolescent brain. Viewers show a synchronized response in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex when watching justified violence, suggesting they see it as acceptable for self- or f...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateDec 10, 2019

Study questions video games' effects on violent behavior

A new study examined data from over 15,000 participants and found that playing video games as an adolescent is not linked to acts of violence in young adulthood. The research suggests that competing factors, such as gender differences, may contribute to the observed relationship between gaming and fighting.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateNov 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Digital media and child development

Research explores digital media's effects on children, revealing enhanced phoneme learning and potential links to aggressive behavior. Early media exposure also affects attention in young minds.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 1, 2018

White mass shooters receive sympathetic media treatment

A new study found that white mass shooters are 95% more likely to be described as mentally ill in media coverage compared to black shooters. The research analyzed 219 mass shootings and found that whites were often framed as sympathetic characters, while black shooters were portrayed as dangerous and a menace to society.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Research in Crime and Delinquency·DateJul 17, 2018
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.

Can watching pro sports on TV prevent crime?

A study by the UC Davis Violence Prevention Research Program found that televised sporting events in Chicago reduced violent, property and drug crime reports by as much as 25 percent. Winning games had a significant impact, with crime rates being approximately 15 percent lower during Bears Monday Night Football games.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis Health·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateJun 13, 2018

Parents say intense gun violence in PG-13 movies appropriate for teens 15 and older

A study by the Annenberg Public Policy Center found that parents think PG-13 movies with unjustified gun violence are more suitable for 16-year-olds than those with justified violence. Parents also reported becoming desensitized to violence when repeatedly exposed to it, but this was more pronounced in scenes without justification.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateMay 14, 2018

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.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalEntertainment Computing·DateJan 16, 2018
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.

Negative portrayals of shooting victims lead to victim blaming

A new study by researchers at Duke University found that negative portrayals of shooting victims can lead to victim blaming and sympathize with the shooter. The study showed that participants favored lighter sentences for the shooter when given a negative biographical sketch about the victim, regardless of their race.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Social Issues·DateDec 18, 2017

Are children who see movie characters use guns more likely to use them?

A randomized experiment found that children who watched a PG-rated movie clip containing guns played with a disabled real gun longer and pulled the trigger more often than those who saw the same movie without guns. Children who saw the movie containing guns also played more aggressively and sometimes fired the gun at people.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateSep 25, 2017

Violent news videos can be a moral motivator, says UB researcher

Research suggests including graphic content in serious stories can increase moral sensitivity and desire for intervention, contradicting prevailing wisdom on sensationalism. Editors should consider showing graphic video if the story is important and accurate representation of severe events is necessary.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateAug 8, 2017
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.

Study finds Pokemon Go players are happier, friendlier

Researchers found that Pokemon Go users were more likely to be physically active, experience positive emotions, and make new social connections. The study, published in Media Psychology, suggests that augmented reality games can have a positive impact on players' emotional and social lives.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMedia Psychology·DateApr 12, 2017

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.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 8, 2017

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.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Public Policy & Marketing·DateJan 25, 2017

Gun violence in PG-13 movies continues to climb past R-rated films

Research reveals that top-grossing PG-13 movies have more frequent and graphic gun violence than comparable R-rated films, with little attention to consequences. The study suggests that Hollywood prioritizes action-oriented films over responsible portrayals of gun violence, raising concerns about its impact on children.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateJan 11, 2017
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.

Study finds superhero culture magnifies aggressive, not defending behaviors

Research by Brigham Young University professor Sarah M. Coyne found that children who frequently engage with superhero culture are more likely to be physically and relationally aggressive. However, the study also suggests that parents can find a balance between allowing their kids to enjoy superheroes while promoting prosocial behavior.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Abnormal Child Psychology·DateJan 11, 2017

Consuming violent media linked to 13x surge in violent dreams

A study of over 1,000 Turkish residents found that consuming violent media within 90 minutes of bedtime increased the likelihood of having a violent dream by 13 times. Similarly, viewing sexual media was linked to sex-related dreams six times more often. The study suggests that the media we consume can influence our dreams.

SourceOhio State University·JournalDreaming·DateNov 15, 2016

Are violent video games associated with more civic behaviors among youth?

A study published in Psychology of Popular Media Culture found that violent video game use was associated with increased civic behaviors, such as volunteering, among youth. The relationship was small and correlational in nature, suggesting that violent games may not be a significant contributor to problem behaviors.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateAug 10, 2016

The irony of awkward

A recent study published in Developmental Psychology found that individuals who engage in problematic media, such as violent video games, gambling, or pornography, become more withdrawn over time. The research suggests that avoidant individuals are particularly at risk for negative outcomes, including depression and crime, when they co...

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateJun 29, 2016

Study: News stories often wrongly link violence with mental illness

Researchers found that nearly four in 10 news stories connect mental illness with violent behavior, despite less than five percent of violence being directly related to mental illness. The study suggests that this routine linkage paints an unfair portrait of those with mental illness and may have increased stigma.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalHealth Affairs·DateJun 6, 2016
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.

Gamers don't notice the ads when they're busy killing

A study found that gamers playing violent video games recalled 51% fewer corporate brand names than those playing the same game with nonviolent goals. The study also discovered that when players' goal is killing, they notice little else - including corporate brands.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateMar 9, 2016
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Meaningful media may push altruism across bounds of race and age

Researchers found that watching meaningful entertainment can boost altruism, especially towards people from different age and racial groups. The study suggests that this is due to the production of warm, uplifting feelings known as 'elevation', which lead to increased willingness to help others.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateFeb 4, 2016

School shootings and street violence: How they're alike and different

A new report by Ohio State University researchers highlights the similarities in prevention approaches for school rampage shootings and street violence, despite differences in demographics and risk factors. The study emphasizes the need for a multifaceted approach to prevent youth violence, including strengthening families, reducing ac...

SourceOhio State University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateJan 14, 2016

Parents influence children's play of violent video games, according to Iowa State study

According to a new study by Iowa State University, parents' emotional states influence their children's behavior when it comes to playing violent video games. Warm and restrictive parenting styles can limit gaming time, while anxious and emotional parents may have the opposite effect. The research found that authoritative parents were ...

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateOct 7, 2015

Schools with higher black, minority populations call cops, not docs

Research reveals that schools with more black and minority students tend to prioritize punishment over medical or psychological interventions, leading to higher rates of expulsions, suspensions, and referrals to law enforcement. This trend is linked to centralized governance and zero-tolerance policies in disadvantaged districts.

SourcePenn State·JournalSociology of Education·DateJul 22, 2015
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.

Do sex and violence sell? Maybe not, says new study

A new study by the American Psychological Association found that violent and sexual media content may decrease advertising effectiveness and deter purchasing. The research suggests that ads with G-rated content might be more effective than those with violent or sexual themes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJul 21, 2015

Sex and violence may not really sell products

A meta-analysis of 53 studies involving nearly 8,500 people found that programs featuring violence and sex don't improve advertising effectiveness, while some nuances were discovered, such as improved ad recall when the content matches the media.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJul 21, 2015

Black athletes stereotyped negatively in media compared to white athletes

A new study by Cynthia Frisby reveals racial stereotyping in the way media portrays athletes, with more stories about black athletes focusing on criminal actions and domestic violence. The research found that more than 66% of crime stories involved black athletes, while only 22% involved white athletes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateJun 2, 2015
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.

Violent video games not linked to aggression in adults with autism

A study from the University of Missouri found that violent video games do not affect adults with autism spectrum disorder differently than typically developing adults. Over 100 participants, half with autism and half without, showed similar aggression levels after playing violent or nonviolent games for 15 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 14, 2015

Study: 'Broad consensus' that violent media increase child aggression

A new national study found that 66% of researchers, 67% of parents, and 90% of pediatricians agree that violent video games can increase aggressive behavior in children. The study also found a causal relationship between exposure to violent media and aggressive behavior.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateOct 6, 2014

The damaging effect of media violence on young children

Research demonstrates a clear link between screen violence and increased aggression in real life, highlighting the importance of minimizing exposure to violent media. Leading pediatricians and researchers will discuss ways to address public health implications of media violence at the Pediatric Academic Societies Annual Meeting.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateMay 6, 2014
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.

Surveys indicate decline in children's exposure to violence

Rates of violent crime in the US have decreased since the 1990s, with significant declines in assaults involving weapons or injuries, bullying, and sexual victimization. Researchers attribute these declines to factors such as increased use of psychiatric medication and electronic technology.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateApr 28, 2014

Playing as black: Avatar race affects white video game players

A new study suggests that playing as a black character in violent video games can lead to stronger explicit negative attitudes toward blacks and display stronger implicit attitudes linking blacks to weapons. White players who played as black avatars showed more aggressive behavior against partners, with 115% more hot sauce forced on them.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 21, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Genetics linked to children viewing high amounts of violent media

A study found that children with a specific variation of the serotonin-transporter gene were more likely to consume high amounts of violent media and exhibit ADHD-related behaviors. The researchers suggest that genetic factors may play a role in shaping children's media use habits.

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Communication·DateFeb 19, 2014

Teens 'eat more, cheat more' after playing violent video games

Research at Ohio State University found that teenagers who played violent video games ate more chocolate, stole raffle tickets, and showed less self-control. Teens with high moral disengagement were most likely to engage in these behaviors.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 25, 2013

Gun use in PG-13 movies has more than tripled since 1985

A new study found that gun use in PG-13 movies has more than tripled since 1985, with an average of 700 segments featuring gun violence per film. The increased gun violence is concerning because it may be strengthening the 'weapons effect', where people become more aggressive after seeing a gun.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateNov 11, 2013
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.

Alcohol-related violence: Is 'glassing' the big issue?

A study found that 'glassing' incidents account for only 9% of alcohol-related assault injuries, mostly occurring in homes. The paper highlights the need to address social norms and emerging drinker issues through grassroots strategies and regulatory reforms.

SourceWiley·JournalEmergency Medicine Australasia·DateOct 15, 2013

Nearly 1 in 10 young people report perpetrating sexual violence

A study of 1,058 young people aged 14-21 found nearly 9% reported coercive or forced sex, with males more likely to start at a younger age. The study suggests monitoring adolescents' consumption of violent media and implementing bystander intervention programs to prevent victim blaming.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Pediatrics·DateOct 7, 2013

Video games do not make vulnerable teens more violent

Researchers found a slight calming effect of violent video games on youths with attention deficit symptoms, reducing aggressive behavior. The study challenges the popular belief that violent video games increase aggression in vulnerable youth.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Youth and Adolescence·DateAug 26, 2013

Video games boost visual attention but reduce impulse control

New research finds that playing violent video games boosts visual skills but impairs proactive executive control, leading to increased aggression. This reduction in impulse control is linked to increased attention problems and aggression.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 2, 2013
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.