Add BrightSurf on Google Email

A water test for the world

A team of McMaster researchers has developed a simple pill that can test water safety using a dissolving breath strip technology. The new method reduces the need for expensive lab equipment and shipping water to the lab, making it potentially life-saving for people in remote areas.

Survey finds errors in Wikipedia articles

A survey of public relations professionals found that 60 percent of articles on their company's clients contained factual errors. The research highlights the need for clear guidelines and consistent rules from Wikipedia regarding factual corrections, as many respondents struggled with engaging editors and securing responses.

Too much information: When does adding mildly favorable details dilute the big message?

A new study found that people tend to perceive bundles with both highly and mildly favorable components as less valuable than individual items. This 'presenter's paradox' affects product domains such as music and hotel advertisements, leading consumers to overvalue the bundle only when it has a high value component

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 16, 2012

Emotional intelligence empowers positive attitudes in private sector; not in public sector

A new study from the University of Haifa found that high levels of emotional intelligence empower positive attitudes and reduce negative behavior in private sector workplaces. However, this effect was not observed in the public sector, where organizational politics and stress may offset the benefits of emotional intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalPublic Administration Review·DateDec 23, 2010

CSR origins earlier than supposed

The concept of corporate social responsibility (CSR) can be traced to The World's Work magazine from November 1900. Arthur W. Page, editor of the magazine, advocated for sustainability, labor rights, and consumer education in his editorials. His actions as a vice president at AT&T further solidified CSR principles.

Loneliness can be contagious

Researchers found that lonely people tend to share their loneliness with others, gradually moving to the fringes of social networks. As a result, these individuals become less connected and more isolated.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateDec 1, 2009

PR pros are good ethical thinkers, study finds

A new study finds that public relations practitioners are good ethical thinkers, scoring better than orthopedic surgeons and business professionals on an ethical reasoning test. The research, conducted by two Johnson Legacy Scholars, measured the moral development of working PR professionals.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalJournal of Public Relations Research·DateAug 12, 2009

No evidence of 'Iraq War Syndrome'

A study published in The Lancet found that UK armed forces personnel who took part in the 2003 Iraq War experienced slight rises in common symptoms, but not to the same extent as those who fought in the 1991 Gulf War. Fatigue was not increased after the 2003 Iraq War.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 15, 2006