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Grand prizes might help induce sports 'hot streaks'

A forthcoming study by North Carolina State University economists found that players who perform well early in the season have an incentive to maintain their high level of performance into the middle part of the season. This is because they are competing for a top-30 finish and a spot in the Tour Championship, which guarantees them mon...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Sports Economics·DateMar 17, 2009

In-store video ads a boon to retailers, a peril for traditional media

A new study by University of Illinois business professor Yunchuan Liu finds that in-store marketing has surged in the last decade, offering retailers a pricing edge over traditional media. The study suggests that in-store advertising will become increasingly important for impulse purchases and brand awareness campaigns.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMarketing Science·DateFeb 24, 2009
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Marching to the beat of the same drum improves teamwork

A new study suggests that synchrony fosters cooperation, even when individuals have financial incentives to behave selfishly. Volunteers who participated in synchronized activities, such as walking in step or moving cups to music, were more likely to cooperate with others and report feeling part of a team.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 28, 2009

Study: Sometimes 100 cents feels like it's worth more than a dollar

A study found that participants cooperated more often when playing for a higher numeric reward, such as 300 cents, rather than an equivalent economic value. This challenge traditional assumptions about decision-making and has implications for fields like politics and finance.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 21, 2009

Blue ribbon task force: Economic plans needed to preserve digital data

A blue ribbon task force has issued its interim report, highlighting the need for sustainable economic models to provide access to growing amounts of digital information. The report identifies systemic challenges, including inadequate funding models, confusion among stakeholders, and a lack of incentives for collaboration.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateDec 16, 2008
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Are men hardwired to overspend?

A University of Michigan researcher found that men who overspend on consumer goods have higher mating intentions and past success in attracting mates. The study suggests an evolutionary link between financial consumption and mating behavior, with men competing for status and resources to attract partners.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateDec 8, 2008

Another bailout? Government pension insurer could be next, expert says

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., which insures pensions of 44 million American workers and retirees, is facing a $14 billion shortfall that could soar as the economy shutters more businesses. Expert Jeffrey R. Brown predicts a government fix similar to the recent Wall Street bailout as the likely solution.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Economic Perspectives·DateOct 15, 2008
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.

Incentives for carbon sequestration may not protect species

A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that paying rural landowners in Oregon to protect at-risk animals may not lead to increased carbon sequestration. In fact, conservation efforts may even harm species if they prioritize tree and plant growth over animal protection.

SourceOregon State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2008

Economist labors over employment relationships

A researcher studies job satisfaction among Chinese workers, examining unique labor market institutions such as membership in the Communist Party. His work also explores motivating factors for workers, including high performance workplaces, performance pay, and family-friendly practices.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalEconomica·DateMay 20, 2008
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.

New 'Lemurs of Madagascar' book released

The new book provides comprehensive information on lemurs, including detailed photos and illustrations, to help identify the 71 species found in Madagascar. Conservation International's updated guide highlights the critical need to protect lemurs due to deforestation and habitat destruction.

SourceConservation International·DateFeb 6, 2006

Pediatricians are plentiful, but not in poorer states

The number of pediatricians in the US has more than doubled since 1978, with a higher concentration in wealthier states. This disparity affects access to care among children in poorer states.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateJul 2, 2004

Does shade coffee help or hinder conservation?

Researchers argue that shade coffee farming can help protect bird species, but also poses a risk of accelerating forest clearance if not done sustainably. The Society for Conservation Biology examines the benefits and drawbacks of this traditional farming method.

SourceSociety for Conservation Biology·JournalConservation Biology·DateNov 24, 2003
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.

Selling a kidney does not benefit the seller

A study in southern India found that selling a kidney led to a decline in economic and health status for the seller, with only 14% experiencing no negative effects. The findings contradict arguments in favor of financial incentives, suggesting they may deter organ donations instead.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJAMA·DateOct 1, 2002

Economist says government should subsidize training of innovators

The proposed program aims to increase the number of university math, science, and engineering majors, with a focus on undergraduate education. The $25 million pilot program could grow to $200 million annually if successful, and would provide portable fellowships for graduate students to shift towards innovation in the business sector.

SourceStanford University·DateFeb 19, 2002

An end to the trend towards early retirement?

Recent changes in public and private pension schemes are reducing incentives for early retirement, particularly among men and women. The analysis highlights the growing life expectancy and ageing population, making it less necessary to retire early.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateFeb 8, 2002
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Science reviewer calls anti-environmental book 'dangerous' and 'misguided'

A science reviewer strongly criticizes Bjørn Lomborg's book, arguing that it gives little recognition to modern environmental professionals and fails to make the connection between new policies and environmental advances. The reviewer highlights the importance of economic incentives, such as those contained within the Kyoto Protocol, i...

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2001

Are we breeding a culture of obesity?

The number of obese Canadian children has surpassed double since 1981, according to a study. The poor dietary habits learned in childhood come home to roost later in life, and physical inactivity is a major contributor to healthcare costs, with reducing it by just 10% potentially saving $150 million annually.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateNov 26, 2000

Public programs encourage retirement at 60, says research

Researchers found that Canadians are less likely to retire in a year where working an additional year would increase their lifetime benefits significantly. The study shows that seniors recognize the importance of retiring at age 60 due to incentive systems in place.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·DateOct 17, 2000

Trade agreements help prevent military conflicts, study shows

A new study from Ohio State University reveals that trade agreements between countries can significantly reduce the likelihood of military conflicts. Countries belonging to the same preferential trade arrangements (PTAs) were 30-45% less likely to become involved in military disputes, compared to those without such agreements.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSecurity Studies·DateJun 28, 2000
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.

Study: Productivity can be increased even as baby boomers retire

A study by Professor Robert L. Brown suggests that maintaining a larger labor force and increasing productivity can mitigate the impact of baby boomers' retirement on society. By keeping workers in the workforce longer and investing in education and capital, it is possible to produce enough goods and services for the economy.

SourceSociety of Actuaries·DateJan 26, 2000

Patients May Not Be Receiving The Highest Quality Of Care

A nationwide survey of internists found that up to 50% of physicians in managed care settings failed to prescribe recommended services, while 39% in fee-for-service settings did so. Financial incentives led to a decrease in ordering tests and referrals.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalWestern Journal of Medicine·DateApr 6, 1999