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New research warns charities against ‘AI shortcut’ to empathy

A new report from the University of East Anglia warns that charities using AI-generated images risk breaking the fundamental bond of trust with the public. The study found that when AI images are used, the humanitarian cause disappears from the conversation, and the public engages with charity rather than the cause itself.

Digital targeting creeps out customers

Researchers find that personalized digital marketing can evoke a powerful emotional response, leading consumers to feel uncomfortable and less likely to make purchases. To mitigate this 'creepiness,' brands can focus on prevention by designing personalization practices that minimize ambiguity and avoid signals of intrusive surveillance.

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.

New research offers businesses a playbook for surviving social media firestorms

A new study from Binghamton University School of Management provides a framework for organizations to anticipate, interpret, and respond to social media backlash. The toolkit identifies four phases of online social disapproval and offers guiding questions and analytical indicators to aid in early detection, response, and recovery.

Women more likely to choose wine from female winemakers

Research from Washington State University found that women are willing to pay higher prices for wines made by female winemakers, particularly those featuring feminine gender cues. The study suggests that promoting women's ownership in wineries can increase sales among the largest group of U.S. wine consumers, who happen to be women.

Using influencers to encourage people to drink tap water

A new study has identified the power of influencer marketing in overcoming psychological resistance to recycling tap water. The research found that sensory and emotional content on Instagram is more effective than rational arguments in encouraging sustainable consumption, making recycled tap water more appealing through mental imagery.

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.

Decentralized social media platforms unlock authentic consumer feedback

Research from Washington State University found that decentralized platforms encourage stronger emotions and less self-censorship, leading to more candid and emotionally rich reactions. This can have implications for companies and marketers looking to understand consumer concerns and make informed decisions.

Global food systems driving twin crises of obesity and global heating

A comprehensive review highlights the urgent need to transform unsustainable food systems, which drive both obesity and environmental harms. The authors recommend subsidies for healthy foods, taxes on unhealthy products, and restrictions on aggressive marketing to address these twin crises.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AI video translation shows promise but humans still hold the edge

A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that AI tools excel at speed and clarity, but human translators remain crucial for tone, cultural nuance, and natural sound. Generative AI can handle parts of video translation, but consumers still notice when something feels off.

ECU study shows AI strengthens agility and engagement

A new study by Edith Cowan University found that AI technologies boost marketing agility, leading to stronger stakeholder engagement. The research also highlights the importance of adapting to AI adoption to achieve sustained competitive advantage.

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.

Experts find £90K “sweet spot” for crowdfunding success

A new study by University of East Anglia researchers identified key factors contributing to successful crowdfunding campaigns on Seedrs. Setting a £90K target, having around 19 team members, and using specific phrases in campaign pitches all helped attract investors.

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.

Labelling clothes with cost per wear could curb fast fashion, shows research

A new study reveals that labelling clothes with a breakdown of the cost per wear (CPW) can help consumers recognize the long-term value of durable garments and discourage overconsumption of fast fashion. The research found that CPW increased preference for high-quality clothing, even when the upfront price was higher.

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.

For battered brands, consumers can be defenders

Researchers identified three types of online brand defenders: promoters (emotionally attached), justice promoters (fairness driven), and self-promoters (ego-driven). Companies can encourage promoters by acknowledging them, while justice promoters require a sense of fairness. Self-promoters are motivated by attention and rewards.

How can (A)I help you?

A new study by Yifan Yu offers guidance on how to deploy emotion AI in various scenarios, emphasizing the importance of balancing human involvement with AI's emotional detection capabilities. The analysis showed that emotion AI works best when integrated with human employees, and some scenarios are better handled by humans alone.

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.

FAU historian traces the transformation of U.S. nursing homes into big business

A recent study by Willa Granger examines the transformation of nursing homes in postwar America, tracing the development of the modern nursing home industry through the lens of the Americana Corporation. The research reveals how federal programs and corporate models reshaped eldercare, prioritizing scale and replication over community ...

Energy flexibility is reshaping Finland’s electricity market

A new study from the University of Vaasa examines how Finnish households are becoming more flexible with their energy consumption, driven by digitalisation and financial incentives. The research finds that material and monetary benefits are the most effective motivators for adopting flexible energy habits.

Inhaler-related greenhouse gas emissions in the US

A recent study highlights the growing concern of inhaler-related greenhouse gas emissions in the US, which have increased over the past decade. The study suggests that shifting utilization to dry powder and soft mist inhalers could be a key solution to reduce emissions.

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.

How EU’s data protection regulation affected news and media websites

The GDPR did not significantly affect EU and US news websites' ability to produce high-quality content, engage users, or receive traffic. Despite initial tracking reductions, EU sites stabilized at lower levels while using consent mechanisms, with no negative impact on visitor engagement.

Robot or human? It depends on the situation, a large study shows

A new meta-analysis of 327 studies with over 282,000 participants reveals that AI agents excel in situations where a negative response is required, such as rejecting loan applications. However, human presence remains essential in tasks requiring empathy and spontaneity.

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.

Shortlist announced for Panmure House Prize

Four leading researchers have been shortlisted for the prestigious Panmure House Prize with innovative ideas on long-term thinking and innovation. The finalists aim to address global societal challenges through rigorous research, open-source hardware, and integrating sustainability into business strategy.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

How NIL boosts college football’s competitive balance

A groundbreaking study challenges conventional wisdom on NIL policies in college football, demonstrating they enhance competitive balance and broaden opportunities for athletes. The research shows that NIL has led to a wider distribution of talent across college programs, directly benefiting athletes seeking to maximize their brands an...

AI salespeople aren’t better than humans… yet

A recent study from the University of British Columbia found that AI-powered digital streamers, used to promote products through livestreams, barely outperform having no streamer at all. Improving form realism and behavioral realism, such as real-time Q&A interactions, can lead to significant sales boosts.

Dynamic pricing can optimize profits but alienate customers

Researchers warn that dynamic pricing can erode customer loyalty and face regulatory scrutiny, highlighting the need for careful planning and human oversight in algorithmic pricing decisions. Companies must balance profit optimization with marketing strategy and customer sentiment to avoid backlash.

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 book offers a unique perspective on organizational transformation

The new book, Monster Transformation, argues that employees are key to overcoming transformational hurdles. By uncovering unique competencies and empowering them, organizations can break through challenges and succeed in a rapidly evolving space. The book offers a story-driven approach to meeting the needs of the current technological ...

MSU study unpacks what ‘Made in USA’ claims really mean to consumers

A new MSU study explores the perceptions of consumers regarding 'Made in USA' labels, finding that confusion exists and reality often exceeds or falls short of expectations. Researchers analyzed survey data from 131 adult respondents to better understand consumer attitudes towards domestic production and labeling.

Forget materialism, a simple life is happier: research

A recent study by University of Otago researchers found that people who adopt sustainable lifestyles and resist consumerism are happier and more satisfied. The commitment to simple living leads to wellbeing through providing opportunities for personal interaction and social connection.

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.

No credit history? You might have another way to prove creditworthiness

Researchers found that retail transaction data can significantly improve credit access for consumers without a formal credit history, increasing approval rates from 16% to 48%. This alternative approach breaks the classic catch-22 in lending by using everyday shopping habits to build credit scores.

Want to stay motivated? Think about time, not money

Researchers at Binghamton University found that focusing on the time invested in a goal, rather than the monetary cost, can enhance self-determination and increase persistence. This approach can be particularly effective for DIY customers, helping to reduce unhappiness and increase job satisfaction.

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.

To shape tech standards, cooperate with competitors

Research by Ramkumar Ranganathan explores how tech companies influence emerging standards through cooperation and competition. Companies that form strategic partnerships and offer benefits to other players in an ecosystem are more likely to shape standards in their favor, according to the study.

‘Returnless returns’ boost brands among consumers

A new study from the University of Notre Dame finds that returnless returns can increase brand support by up to 25%. The strategy involves allowing customers to keep returned items and receive a refund, rather than processing returns. This approach fosters goodwill and customer loyalty.

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.

New USF study: Why fake online reviews still fool consumers

A USF study reveals that consumers tend to believe fake online reviews, even when told they are fabricated, due to a psychological phenomenon called truth bias. The researchers argue that platforms should prioritize identifying and mitigating fake negative reviews and labeling potentially fraudulent content.

To spot toxic speech online, try AI

Researchers developed an algorithm that achieves high levels of both accuracy and fairness in detecting toxic speech on social media. The approach uses a fairness measurement called Group Accuracy Parity (GAP) to find desirable combinations of accuracy and fairness for specific situations.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Is virtual-only couture the new clothing craze?

Research from the University of Portsmouth suggests that virtual-only clothing could help bridge the gap between fast fashion and environmental sustainability. Consumers with strong appetites for novel experiences are drawn to e-fashion, valuing its creativity, customisability, and interactivity.