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Relieving a fear of public speaking

A researcher at Singapore Management University is using virtual reality technology and AI to help students overcome their fear of public speaking. The PresentationPro platform uses avatars that respond realistically to verbal and non-verbal cues, allowing students to practice public speaking in a low-risk environment.

SourceSingapore Management University·DateMay 31, 2024

How storytelling can help public health officials combat distrust, skepticism

Public health officials can use storytelling to resonate key messages with their audiences, taking into account social determinants of health and empathetic creativity. Effective storytelling highlights complexities, leading to strategies like outdoor firepits to address issues.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalThe Lancet·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 6, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Politicians must be held to account for mishandling the pandemic

A senior editor at The BMJ argues that politicians' inaction during the pandemic amounts to 'social murder' and demands accountability through legal and electoral means. The BMJ editorial calls for citizens to lobby their representatives for a public inquiry and for professionals to speak out against negligent leaders.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateFeb 3, 2021

Public opinion of drugs effectiveness may be too biased

A study published in BMJ Evidence-Based Medicine found that people with conflicts of interest were more likely to provide positive testaments about psychiatric drug treatments. The authors recommend stricter management or prohibition of COIs to promote transparency and validity in the approval process.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Evidence-Based Medicine·DateFeb 4, 2020
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.

New poll shows how little we know about dying

A new poll reveals six in ten people know little about dying, with most getting information from family conversations and documentaries. The UK Academy of Medical Sciences launches a national campaign to empower public conversations about death and dying, citing concerns about pain and fear as major worries.

SourceAcademy of Medical Sciences (UK)·DateMay 8, 2019

Voice impersonators can fool speaker recognition systems

Researchers found that skilled voice impersonators can successfully deceive automatic speaker recognition systems by mimicking specific speakers. The study highlights the vulnerability of these systems to human-induced voice modifications, particularly those produced through imitation and disguise.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalSpeech Communication·DateNov 14, 2017

New book examines human need for art and public space

The new book, 'Public Space? Lost and Found,' examines the crucial role of art in shaping our sense of community and politics. It argues that public space is an essential requirement of contemporary life and can never be politically neutral ground.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMIT Press OA Books·DateOct 5, 2017

Need skills? Corporate volunteering programs not always best place to acquire them

A study of Google, Cisco, Cognizant, and Fidelity employees found that skill improvements in areas like leadership, mentorship, and public speaking were linked to personal characteristics and the volunteering experience. Volunteers who had more opportunities to practice skills while volunteering showed greater improvement.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 30, 2016

How climate science denial affects the scientific community

A new study from the University of Bristol argues that climate science denial is seeping into the scientific community's discussion of climate change, causing them to overemphasize scientific uncertainty. This 'seepage' of contrarian claims has led scientists to downplay the degree of threat and undercommunicate knowledge, despite know...

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalGlobal Environmental Change·DateMay 7, 2015
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.

Wearable technology can help with public speaking

A team of researchers from the University of Rochester has created a system called Rhema that uses smart glasses to give real-time feedback on public speaking volume and rate. This feedback helps speakers adjust their performance, with tests showing an improvement in delivery compared to users who received no or continuous feedback.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMar 30, 2015

Reframing stress: Stage fright can be your friend

A new study found that encouraging people to reframe their natural bodily signals as helpful during stressful speaking tasks can improve performance. The study used the Trier Social Stress Test and found that participants who were prepped about the benefits of stress weathered the trial better, with increased blood flow and fewer physi...

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateApr 8, 2013

Persistent negative attitude can undo effectiveness of exposure therapy for phobias

Researchers at Ohio State University found that people with persistent negative attitudes towards feared objects or events are more likely to experience a return of their fear after exposure therapy. The study developed a tool to evaluate attitudes immediately after treatment and suggests that attitude change is key to lasting recovery.

SourceOhio State University·JournalBehaviour Research and Therapy·DateFeb 26, 2013
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.

Capital punishment has no place in the 21st century

The Lancet Editorial argues that capital punishment is a cruel practice with no place in modern society, citing declining support worldwide. The use of lethal injection is facing major legal challenges in the US, further eroding its legitimacy.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateFeb 1, 2007

Virtual reality therapy may ease fear of public speaking

Researchers at Georgia State University are exploring virtual reality (VRE) therapy as a potential solution to treat fear of public speaking. By immersing individuals in a controlled virtual environment, Anderson's study aims to reduce anxiety and improve confidence in real-world public speaking situations.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateMay 18, 2005