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Online ratings influence parents' choices of physicians for their children

A U-M study found that almost three-quarters of parents are aware of online rating sites and over a quarter use them to choose healthcare providers for their children. The researchers also discovered that positive online ratings strongly influenced the likelihood of selecting a child's physician, while negative reviews had little impact.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateSep 22, 2014

Entrepreneurs aren't overconfident gamblers

A new study by UC Berkeley's Haas School of Business finds that entrepreneurs are motivated by the fear of losing their job and security, rather than a love of risk. This loss aversion is directly linked to the amount of effort they put into starting a business.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley Haas School of Business·DateSep 17, 2014

Habitual Facebook users more likely to be caught in phishing scams

A study published in the Journal of Computer-Mediated Communication found that habitual Facebook users are more likely to accept strangers as friends and give them personal information. This is because Facebook's design fosters habit formation and users with large social networks, frequent use, and impulsive behavior are more susceptib...

SourceInternational Communication Association·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 17, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Habitual Facebook users: Suckers for social media scams?

A study found that frequent Facebook use and inability to regulate social media consumption make individuals susceptible to phishing attacks. Social media phishing is used in various crimes, including home invasion, cyber bullying, and espionage, highlighting the need for understanding why people fall victim to such scams.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateSep 15, 2014

Angling chromium to let oxygen through

Researchers have discovered a new semiconducting material that allows solid oxide fuel cells to operate at two-thirds lower temperatures than current technology. This breakthrough enables more efficient fuel cells with wider applications, including quieter, pollution-free power generation in vehicles and neighborhoods.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 10, 2014
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.

Networking can make some feel 'dirty,' says new study

A new study found that professional networking can lead to feelings of moral impurity and physical dirtiness, particularly among those with less power. This can hold people back from networking more, reducing career opportunities and lowering job performance.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateSep 10, 2014

Study: Sports broadcasting gender roles echoed on Twitter

A new study by Clemson University researchers explores self-presentation strategies of sports broadcasters Erin Andrews and Kirk Herbstreit on Twitter. The study reveals clear differences in their approaches, with Andrews focusing on personal items and entertainment, while Herbstreit provides sports-related commentary and analysis.

SourceClemson University·JournalJournal of Sports Media·DateSep 10, 2014

Structure of enzyme seen as target for ALS drugs

The team determined the high-resolution structure of Dbr1 enzyme, which breaks loops of ribonucleic acids and could be a new target for treating most cases of ALS. By inhibiting this enzyme's activity, researchers hope to prevent TDP-43 aggregates from forming in motor neurons.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 10, 2014

Social networking can help people lose weight

Research by Imperial College London combining 12 previous studies shows social networking programmes have achieved modest but significant results in helping participants lose weight. The programme provides a community of support from clinicians and peers, empowering patients to be more proactive in their treatment.

SourceImperial College London·JournalHealth Affairs·DateSep 8, 2014
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.

Can sleep loss affect your brain size?

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found a link between sleep difficulties and rapid brain volume decline in adults. The research, which included 147 participants aged 20-84, revealed that poor sleep quality was associated with faster declines in brain regions including frontal, temporal, and parietal areas.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateSep 3, 2014
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.

Cellphone addiction 'an increasingly realistic possibility,' Baylor study finds

Women college students spend an average of 10 hours a day on their cellphones, while men spend nearly eight. The study identifies 11 cellphone activities associated with addiction, including texting, emailing, and social media use. Excessive phone use poses risks for academic performance, relationships, and mental well-being.

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·DateAug 28, 2014

Warm thanks: Gratitude can win you new friends

A recent study by UNSW psychologists found that expressing gratitude to a new acquaintance increases their desire to seek an ongoing social relationship. This theory, known as the find-remind-bind theory, suggests that gratitude helps people form new relationships and maintain existing ones.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEmotion·DateAug 28, 2014

MU researchers develop more accurate Twitter analysis tools

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a software program that analyzes event-based tweets and measures context, providing qualitative information about tweets. The program helps Twitter analysts gain better insight into human behavior during trends and events.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNew Media & Society·DateAug 27, 2014

Rubber meets the road with new ORNL carbon, battery technologies

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have created a more efficient anode for lithium-ion batteries using recycled tire-derived carbon black, with improved capacity and stability. The novel method could lead to cheaper, environmentally friendly batteries for various applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalRSC Advances·DateAug 27, 2014
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.

In our digital world, are young people losing the ability to read emotions?

A UCLA study suggests that excessive digital media use is linked to declining social skills in children, as they spend less time engaging in face-to-face interactions. The research found that sixth-graders who went device-free for five days showed significant improvements in recognizing human emotions compared to their peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 21, 2014

ORNL scientists uncover clues to role of magnetism in iron-based superconductors

ORNL scientists uncover clues to role of magnetism in iron-based superconductors, finding localized magnetism correlated with high critical temperature and influencing material performance. The study provides experimental evidence that local magnetic fluctuations can influence the behavior of iron-based superconductors.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 21, 2014

Celebrating 100 years of crystallography

X-ray crystallography has revolutionized our understanding of molecular structures and their influence on various scientific fields. The technique's future holds intriguing possibilities, including potential transformations beyond its current form.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateAug 20, 2014
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.

Study: Colds may temporarily increase stroke risk in children

A recent study found that minor infections like colds can increase the risk of stroke in children within a three-day time frame. The research, which reviewed a Kaiser Permanente database of 2.5 million children, suggests that infection has a strong but short-lived effect on stroke risk.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateAug 20, 2014

Mums trust mums on the net: Australian study

A new study by Queensland University of Technology found that mothers trust the opinions of other mothers when recommending products, making online communities a powerful marketing tool. The study suggests that fostering word-of-mouth in these environments is crucial for businesses looking to increase sales.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Web Based Communities·DateAug 20, 2014

This week from AGU: Long-term ecological research, predicting cholera outbreaks

Researchers used a modeling study to identify environmental conditions that trigger cholera epidemics near Lake Kivu, predicting potential warning time for health managers. By analyzing satellite data and precipitation patterns, they found the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and human mobility are key factors.

SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalWater Resources Research·DateAug 19, 2014
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 identifies factors that contribute to food trucks' fast spread

A study by University of Michigan researchers found that social and demographic factors, such as college graduates and diverse populations, contribute to the growth of gourmet food trucks. The study also reveals that cities with more craft breweries and farmer's markets tend to have more food trucks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateAug 16, 2014

New tool makes a single picture worth far more than a thousand words

Researchers developed AverageExplorer to tackle vast amounts of visual data, generating an image that represents key features of multiple photos. This tool enables users to quickly sort and analyze images by giving extra weight to specific features.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 14, 2014

People fake to look authentic on social media

Researchers at Aalto University found that users fake parts of their online image to be accepted by others. Despite this, sharing authentic content is often hindered by a fear of being perceived as excessive or attention-seeking. This paradox highlights the complexities of presenting an authentic image on social network sites.

SourceAalto University·JournalNew Media & Society·DateAug 14, 2014

Celebrity promotion of charities 'is largely ineffective,' says research

Research by UK academics suggests that celebrity advocacy has limited ability to reach people and encourage them to care about distant suffering. Celebrities can make themselves more popular with the public, but their work often benefits from attention rather than promoting genuine causes.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Journal of Cultural Studies·DateAug 11, 2014
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.

The economy of bitcoins

Researchers found that internet activity significantly influences Bitcoin's value, with correlations between price developments, new user growth, and online searches. The study also identified two positive feedback loops and a negative feedback loop, highlighting the complex dynamics of the Bitcoin economy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalInterface·DateAug 7, 2014

Researchers develop food safety social media guide

The researchers developed a framework for effective social media communication about food safety, highlighting the need for dialogue and engagement with key audiences. The guidance aims to reduce the risk of foodborne illness by leveraging platforms like Twitter and Facebook.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPerspectives in Public Health·DateAug 4, 2014

Australian Twitter accounts hit 2.8 million

The study found that Australian Twitter adoption grew slowly in early days before peaking at 100,000 new registrations per month in 2009. By August 2013, the monthly growth rate averaged 45,000 accounts, reaching 80,000. This trend suggests a steady influx of new Australian Twitter accounts.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateAug 3, 2014

Misinformation diffusing online

The study highlights the importance of understanding how social networks facilitate the spread of misinformation. The researchers propose a taxonomy to analyze and mitigate the impact of semantic attacks on human behavior.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Communication Networks and Distributed Systems·DateJul 31, 2014
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.

Facial features are the key to first impressions

Researchers at the University of York found that physical features in everyday face images can accurately predict social judgements and first impressions. The study developed a model that combined 65 features to explain over half of the variation in human raters' judgements.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2014

Study shows role of media in sharing life events

A new study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that nearly 70% of social sharing took place via media, with participants preferring texting and Twitter for positive events. However, sharing negative news led to increased feelings of sadness and anxiety, highlighting the importance of considering emotional well-being when sh...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 24, 2014

Monitoring pulse after stroke may prevent a second stroke

A new study published in Neurology suggests that regularly monitoring pulse after a stroke can detect irregular heartbeats and prevent a second stroke. The study found that healthcare professionals had a high sensitivity rate of nearly 97% in detecting irregular heartbeats.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJul 23, 2014
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.

NIH system to monitor emerging drug trends

The National Drug Early Warning System (NDEWS) will generate critically needed information about new drug trends in specific locations around the country. NDEWS will utilize social media and other innovative technologies to identify emerging drugs and trends, providing real-time information to experts and interested citizens.

SourceNIH/National Institute on Drug Abuse·DateJul 17, 2014

No-wait data centers

A new network-management system, Fastpass, can reduce average queue length of routers in a Facebook data center by 99.6 percent and shrink latency nearly as much. By using a central server called an arbiter, the system efficiently assigns transmission times to nodes in the network.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 16, 2014

Study: Young women with sexy social media photos seen as less competent

A study from Oregon State University found that young women with sexy social media photos are viewed by their peers as less physically and socially attractive. The research suggests that posting such photos may have negative consequences, including reduced task competence.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPsychology of Popular Media Culture·DateJul 14, 2014
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Research: Business should embrace 'boomerang employees'

Research by University of Illinois expert T. Brad Harris finds that boomerang employees have distinct experiences, often leaving due to personal shock rather than job dissatisfaction. Organizations can improve re-employment performance by considering previous performance histories, exit terms, and individual circumstances.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPersonnel Psychology·DateJul 14, 2014

Study looks at how Twitter can be used to address specific health issues

A study examines Twitter conversations about childhood obesity, finding that comments from government and public health organizations are scarce. The researchers believe Twitter can be a valuable tool for reaching a wide audience with accurate health information.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateJul 10, 2014

Study of dermatology on YouTube shows new ways science reaches public

Researchers at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus found that YouTube is a promising platform for disseminating research in dermatology. The study analyzed 100 videos with over 47 million views, driving 6,325 subscriptions to distinct user pages.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalDermatology Online Journal·DateJul 9, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Taking a short smartphone break improves employee well-being, research finds

A study by Kansas State University researcher Sooyeol Kim found that employees who take short smartphone breaks throughout the day are happier at the end of the workday. Microbreaks, defined as non-working-related behaviors during working hours, can provide employees with refreshment and help them cope with stressors.

SourceKansas State University·DateJul 7, 2014

Mathematical model illustrates our online 'copycat' behavior

A new study reveals that users tend to be swayed by recent activity of their friends on Facebook, rather than relying on best-seller lists. The researchers developed a mathematical model to capture the dynamics at play, finding that the 'copycat' tendency plays a strong role in online behavior.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2014

Bosses use private social media more than staff

Researchers found that managers are more likely to privately browse social media during work hours, contradicting their negative views on the practice. The study revealed that top executives' longer working hours and blurred lines between work and leisure contribute to this behavior.

SourceThe University of Bergen·JournalJournal of Computer-Mediated Communication·DateJun 30, 2014

Youth regularly receive pro-marijuana tweets

Researchers analyzed tweets from a popular marijuana account and found that 82% of recipients were under 19 years old, with 54% aged 17-19. The study highlights the need for discussion about pro-drug messages on social media platforms and their potential impact on vulnerable youth.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateJun 27, 2014
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.

Sleep, mood improves after substantial weight loss

A new study by the Endocrine Society found that obese adults who lose at least 5 percent of their body weight report better sleep and mood after six months. The study also discovered that weight loss improves sleep quality and mood regardless of how the individuals lost the weight.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 24, 2014
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.

Columbia Engineering team finds thousands of secret keys in Android apps

The Columbia Engineering team found a critical security problem in Google Play, where developers store their secret keys in their apps, making them vulnerable to malicious attacks. The discovery was made using a new tool called PlayDrone, which downloaded over 1.1 million Android apps and identified thousands of secret keys.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJun 18, 2014

Group doctor visits may improve life for people with muscle disorders

A new study published in Neurology suggests that group doctor visits can benefit individuals with muscle diseases, improving their quality of life. Participants who received group visits scored higher on a quality of life test compared to those who had individual appointments.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 18, 2014

Want to know about vaping? Turn on the TV or go online

A study found that adults are heavily exposed to e-cigarette marketing through various media channels, including TV and online platforms. E-cigarette users were more likely than non-users to search for information on Facebook and share it with others.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalTobacco Control·DateJun 17, 2014
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.