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Digital content could be altering your visual perception, new research shows

New research explores the impact of digital media on visual perception, finding that online environments can shift what the brain pays attention to. Studies suggest that excessive digital use can lead to a reduced sensitivity to oblique angles, but this effect may not be permanent once exposure to nature increases.

Trends in screen time use among children during pandemic

A study of 228 children aged 4-12 found elevated screen time during the COVID-19 pandemic persisted even after precautions lifted. The long-term association between increased screen time and children's health needs further investigation.

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.

Cinema has helped ‘entrench’ gender inequality in AI

Research from the University of Cambridge found that cinematic depictions of AI scientists are heavily skewed towards men, contributing to a cultural stereotype that may deter women from pursuing AI careers. The study highlights the need for more diverse representation in AI development.

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.

Later brand reveal in advertisements leads to better sales

A University of Otago-led study found that television advertisements are more successful when the product is shown first and the brand is revealed later. This approach creates unresolved tension and attention, leading to prolonged processing and positive associations. The results contradict standard marketing theory and practice, highl...

Food marketing and research on kids lacks government oversight

A new analysis finds that the US lacks effective government oversight of food marketing and research on children, allowing companies to target unhealthy products at vulnerable populations. The industry's self-regulation efforts have failed to keep pace with modern marketing practices.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

The role of TV ad content in viewers’ zapping behavior

The study found that TV ad content drives zapping through irritation, while creativity mitigates zapping by reducing it. Researchers recommend investing in creativity and refraining from too much information to discourage zapping behavior.

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.

Alcohol, tobacco, and junk food common on reality TV shows

A new study found that reality TV programs in the UK exhibit frequent displays of alcohol, tobacco, and unhealthy foods, raising concerns about youth exposure. The research estimates that these shows delivered millions of impressions to children, highlighting the need for revised regulations.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

How picking up your smartphone could reveal your identity

Researchers found that smartphone app usage patterns can be used to identify individuals with over 30% accuracy. The study analyzed data from 780 people and showed consistent patterns in application usage behaviors on a day-to-day basis. This highlights the potential risks to privacy when using apps automatically collected by smartphones.

Who’s watching? Nearly a third of TV ads play to empty rooms

A new study by Cornell University reveals that nearly a third of TV ads play to empty rooms, indicating a significant gap between ad exposure and actual viewer engagement. The research found that viewers are more likely to leave the room or change channels than stay engaged with ads.

Research demonstrates importance of consistent branding in political television ads

A study by Washington University in St. Louis found that slant and consistency of messages in national television ads significantly impact online word-of-mouth chatter and candidate preference. Consistency with the primary message is crucial, even for more partisan messages, suggesting that campaign strategies should focus on building ...

UC study: Journalists might want to nix the term ‘storyteller’ from their bios

A recent University of Cincinnati study found that the term 'storyteller' attached to a journalist's bio diminishes public confidence in media. Participants on both sides of the political spectrum associated the term with biased reporting and decreased credibility. Researchers urge journalists to be more mindful of their online presence.

TV watching linked with potentially fatal blood clots

A study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology found that prolonged TV watching is associated with a higher risk of blood clots, including pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis. To reduce this risk, scientists recommend taking breaks every 30 minutes to stand and stretch or using a stationary bike.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Advertising plays key role in satellite TV success, study shows

A new study from the University of Notre Dame documents the crucial role of advertising in satellite TV operators' continued success. The study highlights how consumers were sensitive to advertising, particularly that of satellite operators, and how national advertising costs offered an entry advantage for these firms.

Screen use, mental health symptoms in children during pandemic

A recent study by Xuedi Li and colleagues found that excessive screen time was associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that parents should monitor their child's screen use to mitigate potential mental health effects.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

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.

TV ads inspire investment interest

A new study by Cornell University reveals that TV ads significantly influence retail investors' decisions, leading to increased online searches and stock trading volumes. The study found that certain types of ads, such as those airing during prime-time hours or for financial sector products, generated the strongest investor response.

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.

Toddler TV time not to blame for attention problems

A comprehensive review of early research on TV time and attention problems in children found no direct link, contrary to previous claims. The study's authors suggest that parents should not feel guilty for allowing their young children to watch TV.

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.

News media keeps pressing the mute button on women's sports

A 30-year study found that women's sports receive almost no attention on TV news and SportsCenter, while men's sports dominate the airtime. Despite some bright spots, such as increasing live televised coverage and prominent news outlets like the Los Angeles Times, the overall lack of coverage is significant.

Excessive social media use linked to binge eating in US preteens

A new national study found that excessive social media use is associated with a higher risk of binge-eating disorder in US preteens. Children who spend more time on social media are more likely to develop the disorder, with each additional hour linked to a 62% increased risk.

Ultraviolet 'television' for animals helps us better understand them

Researchers have developed an ultraviolet 'television' display to test animal vision, allowing them to study colour perception, motion detection, and social behaviour. The technology enables scientists to uncover new insights into the visual abilities of various species, including fish, birds, insects, and even clownfish.

Why does love of bargain hunting run in families?

A new study found that 70% of variability in deal proneness is associated with genetic factors, highlighting the existence of a heritable component. The research compared identical and fraternal twins, revealing stronger similarities in deal-proneness among identical twins.

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.

Communities and communication

The event aims to explore connections, camaraderie, and visibility within digital communities, considering their development, growth, and real-world interactions. The conference features keynote speakers, special guests, and a wide range of submissions from various media forms.

When kids watch a lot of TV, parents may end up more stressed

A University of Arizona-led study suggests that excessive TV viewing can lead to increased stress in parents, particularly when children are exposed to more advertising messages. Collaborative communication with children is found to be a effective strategy in reducing parent stress.

How is STEM children's programming prioritizing diversity?

A new study by Michigan State University found that STEM television programming for kids ages 3-6 underrepresented Latinx and female characters, but showed efforts to promote racial diversity through racially ambiguous characters. The research highlights the need for authentic representation in children's media.

Netflix - a zebra among horses: QUT researcher

A QUT researcher argues that Netflix has metamorphosed into a global television service, commissioning series in multiple countries and making them available to its 150-million subscribers. The study highlights the unprecedented impact of Netflix on national television markets and competitive fields.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Journalists' Twitter use shows them talking within smaller bubbles

Researchers identified nine clusters of journalists, including an 'elite/legacy' cluster dominated by The Washington Post and others, which showed high levels of insularity. In contrast, a long-form/enterprise cluster fostered exchange among journalists with diverse perspectives.

Engaging in family meals starts with healthy family communication

Researchers found parents with better communication and lower discouragement were more likely to participate in family meals, leading to healthier habits. The study also highlighted the importance of open communication about children's weight without promoting unhealthy body image.

Radio: The medium that is best dealing with the COVID-19 crisis

A recent study by the Media Psychology Lab found that radio consumption increased significantly during lockdown, with listeners tuning in for news, podcasts, and audiobooks. Radio was also rated as the most credible medium, helping to alleviate feelings of sadness, fear, and anxiety.