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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.

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

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

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.

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