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Can doomscrolling trigger an existential crisis?

A recent study found that habitual doomscrolling on social media can lead to feelings of existential anxiety, pessimism about human nature, and distrust. Researchers surveyed 800 university students from Iran and the US, discovering a link between excessive negative news consumption and increased anxiety, despair, and misanthropy.

SourceFlinders University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·TypeSurvey·DateJul 18, 2024

Gender inequality across US states revealed by new tool

A new tool has been developed to compare gender inequality among different US states, revealing substantial gender disparities across the country. States with higher gender inequality scores tend to have lower measures of women's wellbeing and fewer tweets about the #MeToo movement.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJul 17, 2024

Using early on-treatment circulating tumor DNA measurements as response assessment in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer

Researchers from Radboud University Medical Center discuss the potential of using early on-treatment circulating tumor DNA measurements as a response assessment for metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The detection of ctDNA at baseline and 4-weeks after treatment initiation can predict response durability to first-line ARPIs.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024
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.

HER2-low and HER2-zero in breast cancer between prognosis, prediction and entity

Researchers discuss HER2 in breast cancer, highlighting the prognostic and predictive factors. They found an independent positive prognostic effect of HER2-low compared to HER2-zero in early breast cancer, challenging the long-held view that HER2-negative tumors do not benefit from trastuzumab-based therapy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

Partisan politics and perceptions of immorality

A study found that Americans tend to believe their opponents approve of widely agreed-upon moral wrongs, fueling partisan divides. This bias, known as the basic morality bias, can lead to dehumanization and decreased willingness to work with opposing parties.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJul 16, 2024

Social media polls deliberately skew political realities of 2016, 2020 US presidential elections, finds research team led by UMass Amherst

Research by the University of Massachusetts Amherst team found that social media polls consistently predicted a landslide election win for Trump in both 2016 and 2020 presidential contests. The polls were predominantly crafted by males with a bias for Trump, and purchasing votes from troll farms was common.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalJournal of Quantitative Description Digital Media·DateJul 16, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Screen media use and mental health of children and adolescents

A short-term reduction in leisure-time screen media use within families was found to positively affect psychological symptoms of children and adolescents. This effect was particularly notable in mitigating internalizing behavioral issues and enhancing prosocial behavior.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 12, 2024

Taylor Swift’s impact on fans’ body image attitudes mostly positive, research shows

A new study from University of Vermont researchers finds that Taylor Swift's disclosures about her past eating disorder have a mostly positive influence on her fans' attitudes towards body image and disordered eating. Fans who felt connected to Swift were inspired to change their behaviors or attitudes around eating or their body image...

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateJul 10, 2024

Digital self-harm surges among U.S. teens from 2016 to 2021

A study published in the Journal of School Violence found that over 9-12% of 13-17 year olds in the US engaged in digital self-harm between 2019 and 2021. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to address this growing issue.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of School Violence·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 9, 2024
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.

Social media is a likely cause of ‘confusion’ in modern mate selection

A sociological study found that most young adults experience confusion in choosing life-partners, with women more likely to report this than men. The pervasiveness of social media and digital dating can distort the reality of available candidates, leading to impulsiveness and decreased in-person interactions.

SourceSociety for Experimental Biology·DateJul 3, 2024

Study explores what motivates people to watch footage of disasters and extreme weather

Researchers analyzed live-streams of hurricanes and storms, finding that people in affected areas used streams to discuss official risk advice and show support to impacted regions. The study highlights the importance of understanding how new technologies influence hazard risk perception and community engagement.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Hazards·TypeObservational study·DateJul 2, 2024
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.

Editorial: Genomics has more to reveal

A new editorial paper discusses molecular and cytogenetic analyses used to identify distinct subtypes of acute myeloid leukemias (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Researchers found that around 15% of AML cases remain genetically unclassifiable, emphasizing the need for further research.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 2, 2024

What can social media tell us about public views on climate change?

A recent study analyzed 333,635 English tweets on man-made climate change, identifying four main narratives and common stances on the topic. The analysis highlights the challenges of addressing climate change adaptation and mitigation measures, as well as the need to counter misinformation and conspiracy theories.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalCurrent Research in Environmental Sustainability·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 27, 2024

Invasive ants spread by hitchhiking on everyday vehicles

Researchers found that ants need three main things to succeed when hitchhiking: climbing ability, foraging/colonizing behaviors, and temperature tolerance. The study tracked the spread of invasive ants through non-commercial transport on personal vehicles, highlighting a significant threat to native species.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalEcological Entomology·DateJun 27, 2024
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.

How the Meta algorithm influences election advertising

A study by LMU researchers reveals systematic bias in how political ads are delivered on Facebook and Instagram. The platforms' targeting systems favor campaign ads promoting incendiary issues, leading to unequal reach for different parties.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 26, 2024

Family, friends can be more effective health role models than celebrities

A study published in Health Communication found that adults who looked to a person they knew, such as a friend or relative, for good health inspiration had greater motivation to reach their health goals. The women participants were more likely to choose a personal role model rather than a celebrity.

SourceWashington State University·JournalHealth Communication·DateJun 25, 2024

Leveraging gold nanostars for precision laser interstitial thermal therapy

Researchers have developed procedures for using gold nanostars to perform more efficient, conformal, and safe laser ablations for treating brain tumors. This technique addresses limitations in traditional LITT by providing improved precision for lesions greater than 3 cm or with complex shapes.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 24, 2024
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Doing a skin check? Confidence is key & social media ads may help

A study conducted by Oregon Health & Science University and Lewis & Clark College found that increasing melanoma literacy combined with strengthening skin-check confidence is key to increasing early detection. Social media ads were used to boost knowledge and confidence, leading to improved survival rates when melanoma is caught early.

SourceLewis & Clark College·JournalJID Innovations·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2024

Social media use is associated with more frequent vaccination

Researchers found a consistent positive relation between social media use and vaccination across all major political parties. For Democrats, social media exposure predicted greater vaccine uptake due to increased information about new pathogens. For Republicans, believing others were vaccinated was the key factor.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateJun 24, 2024
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.

Football spectators giving free kick to racist bigots

A study by UniSA found that half of AFL fans had witnessed racist 'barracking' such as name calling at matches compared to 36% of NRL fans and 27% of A-League fans. Only 3% of AFL fans reported incidents through the phone-text hotline.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Review for the Sociology of Sport·DateJun 19, 2024

When does a melanoma metastasize? Implications for management

Researchers identify key factors that determine when melanoma metastasizes, shedding light on optimal treatment strategies. Understanding tumor doubling time and risk assessment can help clinicians select high-risk patients who may benefit from adjuvant systemic therapy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 18, 2024

Impact of Russian social media campaigns less pronounced than often assumed

A study by Technical University of Munich found that Russian social media campaigns had a limited impact on the European public, with most people believing the disinformation being spread. The decisive factor in efficacy was whether a person is fundamentally receptive to conspiracy narratives.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPolitical Communication·TypeSurvey·DateJun 14, 2024
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.

Should celebrities and influencers turn off their social media comments? A new study suggests they are less persuasive and likable when they do

Influencers who disable social media comments are perceived as less sincere, less receptive to consumer feedback, and incur professional consequences. This behavior can undermine their ability to connect with followers, even when the displayed comments are mostly negative in nature.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJun 11, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Banning false information traffickers online improved public discourse

A study found that banning 70,000 false information traffickers on Twitter reduced the number of misinformation posts by users who stayed on the platform. The study also showed that many misinformation traffickers left Twitter after being de-platformed, resulting in a spillover effect that reduced circulation on the platform.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2024

US public opinion on social media is warming to nuclear energy, but concerns remain

A recent study analyzing 300,000 X posts found that 48 US states have a more positive than negative tone towards nuclear energy, with a national average at 54% positive. Concerns about waste, cost, and safety dominate negative sentiment, while technology themes fuel positive sentiments highlighting innovations and job creation.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateJun 5, 2024

Great news, parents: You do have power over your tweens’ screen use

Researchers found that restricting screens in bedrooms and at mealtimes has the biggest impact on reducing screen time and addictive behavior. Parents who model healthy practices at home also see a decrease in their child's screen use. Limiting and monitoring screen time can reduce usage by 1.29 hours and 0.83 hours, respectively.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalPediatric Research·DateJun 5, 2024

BTK inhibitor-related cardiotoxicity: the quest for predictive biomarkers and improved risk stratification

Researchers discuss Ibrutinib, a BTK inhibitor approved for chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatment, noting 20-25% of patients experience dose-limiting cardiovascular toxicities. A recent study identifies genetic biomarkers, such as KCNQ1 and GATA4, associated with cardiotoxic events, which may improve risk stratification.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 4, 2024

New study highlights risks of muscle-building supplement use among adolescents and young adults

A recent study from the University of Toronto analyzed data from 912 participants aged 16-30 and found that nearly 60% used protein bars and over half used whey protein powders. The study highlights alarming symptoms, including fatigue, digestive issues, and cardiovascular problems, with only 9.8% perceiving their use as problematic.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalPerformance Enhancement & Health·DateJun 3, 2024
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.

Where do Nextdoor communities exist—and what do these communities talk about?

Researchers analyzed 30 Nextdoor neighborhoods and found that information sharing indicates social capital formation, while discussions on suspicious persons may prompt biased behavior by law enforcement. The study contributes to understanding the digital media ecosystem's relationship with local communities and civic life.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Quantitative Description Digital Media·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 3, 2024

Crisis intervention program leverages social media to reduce suicide risk

A new study by OHSU and Lines for Life finds that a crisis intervention program using social media to monitor youth can deter suicidal behavior. The Safe Social Spaces program has avoided 163 instances of self-harm through supportive dialogue with over 3,000 young people.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalPsychiatric Services·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 1, 2024

Social media use and sleep duration connected to brain activity in teens

A new study found a strong correlation between social media usage and sleep duration in adolescents, with specific areas of the brain involved. The research suggests that digital engagement and poor sleep quality can alter neural reward sensitivity, potentially affecting adolescent brain development.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateMay 30, 2024

Researchers explain social media’s role in rapidly shifting social norms on gender and sexuality

New research reveals how social media has supported an explosion of diversity in gender and sexuality in America, enabling self-expression and authenticity. Online platforms like Tumblr, TikTok, and Twitter have created new cultural narratives around gender identity, bisexuality, asexuality, and intersectionality.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalAmerican Psychologist·DateMay 29, 2024
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.

Quality over quantity for screen time - study

A study published in World Psychiatry found that the content we consume online has a greater impact on our health than the amount of time spent online. The report highlights the importance of taking an individualised approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalWorld Psychiatry·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 29, 2024

Mattering must be central in youth suicide prevention: York expert

York University Professor Gordon Flett highlights the importance of mattering in preventing youth suicide, linking it to feelings of being seen and heard. He argues that excessive social media use can exacerbate anti-mattering feelings, which are a key risk factor for youth suicidal ideation.

SourceYork University·JournalChild Protection and Practice·DateMay 29, 2024

In international relations, it’s the message, not the medium

A study by MIT researchers found that the general public and policymakers take social media posts from world leaders just as seriously as traditional government statements. The research surveyed over 977 people about crisis signals in international relations, including tweets and official press releases. The results suggest that people...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Studies Quarterly·DateMay 28, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Study finds discreet shipping used to sell e-cigarettes to minors

Researchers found 45% of TikTok videos promoting age-verification-free sales, highlighting a loophole in local and federal laws. Small business owners used hashtag challenges like #discreetshipping to circumvent regulations, selling products via Instagram or Telegram.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 24, 2024

YouTubers cheer people up more than casual friends

A new study by the University of Essex suggests that watching online stars like Zoella and PewDiePie can be more emotionally fulfilling than talking to casual friends. The research found that parasocial relationships with YouTubers offer positive reinforcement, despite not being able to respond. People of all ages reported feeling a st...

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateMay 23, 2024

How stores use TikTok to sell e-cigarettes to children

Research found that 50.4% of TikTok videos advertised popular vaping brands and 45% included cannabis products. Vendors evade age restrictions by creating 'puffbundles' with non-vaping items, making it easy for minors to purchase e-cigarettes.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·TypeContent analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Twitter may be overlooking misinformation "superspreaders" - political pundits, low-credibility media outlets, and influencers who use more toxic language than the typical misinformation spreader

Researchers identify superspreaders of low-credibility content on Twitter, including political pundits and low-credibility media outlets that spread toxic language. The study suggests that these individuals and groups are overlooked by Twitter's algorithm despite being more effective at spreading misinformation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 22, 2024
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.

GZ17-6.02 kills PDX isolates of uveal melanoma

Researchers found that GZ17-6.02 killed uveal melanoma cells by enhancing autophagy, inactivating key proteins, and reducing growth factors. The compound also interacted with doxorubicin and ERBB inhibitors to enhance tumor cell killing, suggesting potential as a single agent or combination therapy.

SourceImpact Journals LLC·JournalOncotarget·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024

Preteens use dating apps, and 1 in 4 are sexual minorities

A new study reveals that preteens are using online dating apps at an alarming rate, with LGB adolescents being 13 times more likely to report engagement. The study also found that preteen boys spend more time on screens than girls, highlighting the need for guidance and media literacy programs to mitigate risks.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBMC Research Notes·DateMay 22, 2024

Language change harms our ability to communicate and understand

A University of Leeds academic argues that changes to word definitions are causing 'hermeneutical disarmament', leaving people without specific words to describe useful concepts. This phenomenon is particularly concerning when it affects specific phenomena like emotional abuse and women's work.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalThe Philosophical Quarterly·DateMay 21, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Social media: the stuff of nightmares?

A new scale, SMNS, measures social media's impact on nightmares, finding a link between excessive social media use and negative mental health outcomes. The study suggests that responsible social media use can help mitigate the occurrence of social media-related nightmares.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBMC Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2024