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Study outlines steps to reduce ‘cybervetting’ bias in hiring

Researchers developed guidance for organizations to regulate cybervetting, reducing biases and promoting diversity. Job seekers can also take steps to limit their exposure to bias by removing negative posts and using privacy settings.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIndustrial and Organizational Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 13, 2022

Study: Minority, immigrant populations faced misinformation, hostility when seeking COVID-19 information online

A new study from the University of Kansas found that racial and ethnic minority populations in the US faced unique challenges while seeking COVID-19 information online, including misinformation, harassment, and hostility. Younger and healthier individuals were more resistant to vaccination due to lower perceived risk and benefit.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalConvergence The International Journal of Research into New Media Technologies·TypeSurvey·DateSep 8, 2022

Replacing social media use by physical activity

A study found that replacing social media use with physical activity improves mental health, leading to increased happiness and reduced depression. Participants who followed the advice for two weeks experienced positive effects that lasted up to six months.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2022
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.

Extreme temperatures fuel online hate speech

A new study has found that extreme temperatures are fueling online hate speech, with hate tweets increasing by up to 12% for colder temperatures and 22% for hotter temperatures. The researchers analyzed over 4 billion tweets from the US between 2014 and 2020, finding a 'feel-good window' of 15-18°C where hate tweets were at their lowest.

SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalThe Lancet·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 7, 2022

Facebook and Instagram addiction in adolescents linked to inequality, international study of 179,000 children suggests

A new study published in Information, Communication and Society journal found a strong link between economic inequality and problematic social media use among adolescents. The research, involving over 179,000 schoolchildren from 40 countries, suggests that new strategies are needed to reduce the impact of deprivation on social media use.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalInformation Communication & Society·DateSep 7, 2022

Fervent fans keep faith with heroes even after ‘immoral acts’, study finds

A new study analyzing YouTube comments found that fans of a celebrity will often continue to support them despite immoral acts. The study used language-processing algorithms to analyze comments on Logan Paul's videos before and after a scandalous incident in which he shared a video of a dead body.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateSep 5, 2022

COVID rekindled an appreciation of nature for many

Researchers found that people's perception of natural spaces changed during the pandemic, with increased use of rural trails and a newfound appreciation for nature. The study suggests that parks and greenspaces serve as essential amenities for overall well-being, particularly for marginalized communities.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 2, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

YouTube more likely to direct election-fraud videos to users already skeptical about 2020 election’s legitimacy

A new study by New York University found that YouTube's recommendation algorithm prioritized election-fraud-related videos for users already skeptical about the 2020 presidential election's legitimacy. This highlights the dangers of opaque algorithms perpetuating misinformation and disinformation.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Online Trust and Safety·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Sharing on social media makes us overconfident in our knowledge

A study from researchers at the University of Texas at Austin found that social media sharers believe they are knowledgeable about the content they share, even if they have not read it. This rise in confidence is due to the public commitment to an expert identity through sharing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022
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.

What makes us share posts on social media?

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people share information that is meaningful to themselves or their friends and family. The study analyzed the behavior of over 3,000 individuals and discovered that sharing activates reward centers in the brain and is driven by social relevance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·DateAug 25, 2022

Using digital media to relax is related to lower-quality parenting

A multinational study found that caregivers who consume digital media for relaxation are more likely to engage in negative parenting practices. The researchers also discovered that maintaining social connections through digital channels is related to lower levels of anxiety and depression.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 24, 2022
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.

Social media boycott of Goya did not harm sales

A new study found that social media boycotts of Goya Foods actually caused the company's nationwide sales to rise for a few weeks before subsiding to previous levels. Sales revived after a few weeks, even in geographic areas where customers forgo Goya products, driven by politically motivated first-time buyers supporting the brand.

SourceCornell University·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 24, 2022

Assessing the toxicity of Reddit comments

A study analyzing over 2 billion Reddit comments found that 16.11% of users publish toxic posts and 13.28% of users publish toxic comments, with a positive correlation between community growth and increased toxicity

SourcePeerJ·JournalPeerJ Computer Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 18, 2022
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.

WVU researcher studies the effects of online ‘sharenting’ and the risks facing kids

A West Virginia University researcher highlights the risks of sharing children's information on social media, including consent and privacy issues, as well as increased vulnerability to online predators. The study suggests that parents should be aware of these risks and take steps to protect their children's digital footprint.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalJournal of Consumer Affairs·DateAug 18, 2022
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.

Social media helps scientists monitor rarely sighted whales

A study published in Ocean & Coastal Management reveals that southern right whales are slower than expected at re-establishing a habitat in mainland waters. Social media posts and citizen scientist reports played a crucial role in assessing the species' population demographics, aiding conservation efforts.

SourceUniversity of Auckland·JournalOcean & Coastal Management·TypeSurvey·DateAug 11, 2022

Elephant tweets highlight divide on conservation issues

A recent study found that social media platforms like Twitter do not accurately reflect the most pressing threats to wild elephant populations, such as habitat loss and human-elephant conflict. Local communities that live with elephants often face resentment due to their safety and livelihoods being at risk.

SourceGriffith University·JournalConservation Science and Practice·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 11, 2022

Behavior problems and excessive use of gadgets - cause or effect?

A study from the Alpha Generation Lab found that hyperactive children are more likely to use digital devices, while fidgety children may be more prone to social problems. The researchers suggest a two-way street where digital devices and behavior problems influence each other.

SourceEötvös Loránd University·JournalSustainability·DateAug 10, 2022

New insights on the significance of willpower to self-control

Researchers at Rutgers University have disentangled the two ways of thinking about self-control, highlighting the importance of diachronic regulation and the limited effectiveness of synchronic regulation. This distinction has implications for understanding willpower's role in helping people break habits.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCognition·DateAug 10, 2022
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.

Greater empathy in adolescents helps prevent bias-based cyberbullying

A study found that higher empathy in adolescents is linked to lower odds of cyberbullying others based on their race, religion, or other identity factors. Cognitive empathy was the key factor in reducing bias-based cyberbullying.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 8, 2022

Digital security dialogue

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo developed a system called DualCheck, which replaces traditional human verification tasks with educational content on online safety and ethics. Trials showed that users responded positively to the experience and felt they gained something from these microlearning sessions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Study finds cable news networks have grown more polarized

A study analyzed 10 years of cable TV news and found that networks like Fox and MSNBC have shifted further to the right and left, respectively. The ideological gap between channels became extreme after the 2016 Presidential election, particularly in primetime programming.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2022

Tweeting their way to higher pay

A recent study by the University of Texas at Austin found that C-level executives who regularly promote their knowledge and expertise on Twitter are 32% more likely to land high-paying job offers. This type of personal branding has tangible effects in the form of better job opportunities and higher overall earnings.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalMIS Quarterly·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 28, 2022

Tweets suggest people consumed healthier foods during the pandemic

A study analyzing Twitter data from May 2020 to January 2021 found that the share of tweets about healthy foods increased by 20%, while fast-food and alcohol tweets decreased by 9% and 11%, respectively. The study suggests that people may have made healthier dietary changes during the pandemic, depending on their neighborhood environment.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalPatterns·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2022
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.

Elevated tween screen time linked to disruptive behavior disorders

A new study by University of California - San Francisco-led researchers found that tweens who spend more time on screens have a higher likelihood of developing disruptive behavior disorders. Social media was most likely to be linked to conduct disorder, while other forms of screen use were associated with oppositional defiant disorder....

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 26, 2022

Twitter health amplifiers combat COVID-19 misinformation

Groups of healthcare workers, including nurses and physicians, use Twitter to share accurate health information and combat misinformation about COVID-19. They have faced public harassment but continue to amplify accurate information, creating infographics in multiple languages to reach diverse audiences.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJul 25, 2022

How ‘shark week’ could inspire love for ocean predators

A new study from North Carolina State University found that positive YouTube videos of sharks can increase human tolerance and support for shark conservation. The study showed a significant increase in attitudes, acceptance, and intentions to help sharks after watching positive videos compared to negative ones.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAnimal Conservation·TypeSurvey·DateJul 21, 2022

Zooming across the political divide

A UCLA study found that conversations between liberals and conservatives over Zoom can be meaningful and congenial, with participants reporting less conflict and stress. The presence of an ideological ingroup's audience can make conversations more conflicted, but even then, participants still find them more enjoyable.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 20, 2022
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.

Study debunks rise of conspiracy theories

A new study published in PLOS One suggests that the number of people believing in conspiracy theories has not increased over time. The research, conducted by University of Miami academics and supported by a U-LINK grant, analyzed data from polls dating back to the 1960s and found no significant increase in belief in these theories. Des...

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022

Beliefs in conspiracy theories may not be increasing

Researchers found no statistically significant evidence that beliefs in conspiracy theories have increased over time, despite popular claims. The study suggests that some conspiracy theories are gaining popularity while others recede into history.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateJul 20, 2022

BU study finds plus size models rising presence on social media

A Boston University School of Medicine study found that plus-sized models are increasingly present on social media, with 144 plus-sized models having 51 million followers. The study suggests that this shift may lead to increased demand for procedures such as breast and buttock augmentation among plastic surgeons.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalCureus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 14, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

American Journal of Roentgenology announces historic impact factor increase

The American Journal of Roentgenology has dramatically increased its impact factor from 3.959 to 6.582 in 2021, according to Journal Citation Reports. The journal's new ranking places it in the 83rd percentile in the Radiology category, reflecting the high quality of work by authors and reviewers.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 12, 2022

Your brain is better at busting deepfakes than you

A study by University of Sydney neuroscientists found that people's brains can detect AI-generated fake faces with a 54% accuracy rate. However, verbal identification was only successful 37% of the time, highlighting the potential for using brain activity to flag deepfakes on digital platforms.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalVision Research·DateJul 10, 2022
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.

Helping teens channel stress, grow in resilience

A new study teaches teenagers to reframe their stress responses from negative to positive driving forces. The intervention improves stress-linked health outcomes, including biological responses, psychological well-being, anxiety symptoms, and academic performance in high-stress environments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

Theatre provides body image boost for children

Theatre productions have been shown to promote positive body image in young children by improving body appreciation scores and increasing unique qualities perception. The study evaluated the impact of a body-positive production on 99 children aged 5-9, finding significant improvements in both boys' and girls' body image attitudes.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·TypeSurvey·DateJun 30, 2022

How Facebook clickbait draws users into engaging with posts

Researchers analyzed 4,000 Facebook posts to understand how clickbait influences user engagement. They found that both headlines and text can 'bait' users into interacting with a post, with some techniques more successful than others.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 29, 2022

Republicans and Democrats see their own party’s falsehoods as more acceptable

Researchers found that partisans tend to justify their own party's falsehoods and view those of opposing parties as unacceptable. The study suggests that this partisan charitability can be driven by a desire for trustworthiness within one's own group, but not necessarily outside it.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJun 28, 2022
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.

Finding social support through social media during COVID lockdowns

During the pandemic, people used social media to bond with friends and family, learn new skills, and stay active. Social media use increased across all demographics, with significant increases among females and 18-24 year-olds, highlighting its potential as a source of social support.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2022

Seeing is deceiving

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a new method to detect deepfakes, using self-blended images that improve detection accuracy by 5-12%. The team created novel synthesized images with controlled artifacts to train algorithms and found significant improvements in detecting deepfake images and videos.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 24, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Scientists warn of misleading nutrition advice on TikTok

A new study reveals that a high proportion of posts on #mediterraneandiet are confusing and inaccurate, with only 53% of posters listing health credentials. The study emphasizes the need for strategies to communicate about nutrition and counter misinformation online.

SourceAmerican Society for Nutrition·DateJun 14, 2022

How to get more ROI from your influencer marketing investments

Researchers found that increasing the influencer marketing budget increases consumer engagement, but firms are allocating budgets sub-optimally. Selecting influencers who post original content and have more followers leads to greater effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 9, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

More equal online: Study reveals people’s idealized self-representation on the internet

Researchers found a clear tendency for people to assign idealized attributes to their online avatars, particularly regarding psychological traits. This phenomenon suggests that internet users often present an idealized version of themselves, with significant differences between actual and ideal self-representations.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalCurrent Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

A ‘Goldilocks amount’ of time spent online could be good for teenagers’ wellbeing

A new study from Trinity College Dublin suggests that teenagers who spend a 'goldilocks amount' of time online may have better mental wellbeing. The research found that low engagement with digital media is also associated with poor mental health outcomes for adolescents, while high engagement predicts worse mental health outcomes.

SourceTrinity College Dublin·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJun 1, 2022