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Federal Trade Commission actions on prescription drugs, 2000-2022

The FTC brought about enforcement actions against pharmaceutical manufacturers from 2000-2022, pursuing a small fraction of estimated misconduct in the market. A rule defining 'unfair methods of competition' remains untested, potentially allowing the FTC to more effectively prevent repetitive anticompetitive behavior.

‘Free’ delivery plans profit both retailers and customers

Researchers found that free-delivery subscription plans offer financial benefits to everyone involved, including retailers and customers. They do this by increasing average annual purchases, locking in customers, and adding value through perks such as exclusive sales and online entertainment.

When consumers would prefer a chatbot over a person

A new study by Ohio State University found that people prefer interacting with chatbots when they feel embarrassed about what they're buying online, such as personal care products. Chatbots are perceived as less judgmental and less emotionally expressive, reducing embarrassment and increasing willingness to provide personal info.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

USF research: Stars outweigh numbers in online review ratings battle

A study by the University of South Florida found that consumers perceive a 3.5-rated product as higher and better when the score is illustrated in shapes like stars, circles, and bars, versus numbers. This phenomenon, known as left-digit anchoring, affects consumer behavior in online marketplaces. Researchers recommend using visual rat...

Nearly half of B2B startups choose not to market themselves, researchers find

Researchers found that 55% of startup firms conduct systematic marketing, but early-stage B2B firms are the least likely to do so. Early-stage B2C firms benefit from systematic marketing more than late-stage B2B firms. The study suggests that investors and entrepreneurs can use this framework to determine whether to invest in marketing.

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.

Generating 'buzz' about new products can influence their success

A new study from Binghamton University finds that preannouncement marketing can positively impact stock market reactions, especially when it comes to costless approaches. The researchers analyzed 149 product launch events and found that surprise effects and information asymmetry can also play a role in shaping market expectations.

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.

AI can boost service for vulnerable customers

Researchers developed an AI framework to identify vulnerable consumers, address their needs, and mitigate potential discrimination. The framework provides real-time analysis of consumer chat responses to build risk scores and offer customized tips to customer service agents.

Does self-checkout impact grocery store loyalty?

Research from Drexel University finds that customers are more likely to remain loyal to a grocery store when using regular checkout service. The perceived ease of checkout, sense of entitlement, and number of items purchased play a role in explaining the effect of loyalty.

Feelings of impatience evolve over time, study says

A new study explores the intensity of impatient emotion during different phases of a waiting period. The research found that people experience the highest levels of impatience as the end of the wait approaches, driven by their desire for closure.

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.

The name game: CEOs with favorable surnames receive higher pay

A new study from Bayes Business School found that CEOs' surnames can significantly impact their total compensation by up to 4.9%. The research highlights organizational bias and inefficient contracting decisions based on surname attributes, which can affect talent recognition and rewards.

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.

Givers to crowdfunding campaigns enjoy vicarious success

A study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln researchers found that crowdfunding platforms create a sense of democracy, but backers often come from similar groups and give to projects they find cool. This limits the democratizing potential of crowdfunding.

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.

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.

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.

Font size can 'nudge' customers toward healthier food choices

A recent study published in the International Journal of Hospitality Management suggests that restaurants can encourage customers to choose healthier food options by adjusting the font size of nutritional information on menus. By representing calorie values incongruously, businesses can effectively 'nudge' customers towards making heal...

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study presents workaround for randomized experiments

A new statistical tool, two-step synthetic control, allows managers and policymakers to estimate effects they previously couldn't accurately. The study found that this method estimated a more modest increase in weekly tampon sales after New York's repeal, better matching actual sales figures.

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.

Study explores how social network users decide to make friends

Researchers found that similarity with a potential friend, the properties of a potential friend's network, and the potential friend's domain expertise are key drivers behind individuals' online friendship decisions. Having common interests and demographic traits improves the odds of two strangers becoming friends in an online community.

Historical memories have long reach in consumer preferences, study finds

A study by University of Toronto researchers found that historical memories have a lasting impact on consumer behavior, particularly in the automotive industry. The research analyzed vehicle registration data and archival records to show how past conflicts can affect car sales, with Japanese cars experiencing significant drops in sales...

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.

Mathematical model based on psychology predicts who will buy trendy products

A new study developed a mathematical innovation model grounded in psychology to predict adoption trends for new products. The model divides people into four categories: innovator, early adopter, majority, and laggard, and suggests that each group looks for specific properties of adoption trends to inform their purchasing decisions.

How to protect consumers from deceptive comparison pricing

A new study by Duke University, University of Notre Dame, and Microsoft proposes a solution to reduce deceptive comparison pricing: requiring firms to disclose their true normal price. The study finds that providing this information can moderate the effect of advertised regular prices on consumer behavior.

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.

Diverse teams survive longer when facing environmental changes

A recent study published in the Strategic Entrepreneurship Journal found that diverse founding teams lead to longer survival in ventures facing increasingly uncertain environments. The research, conducted by Carnegie Mellon University and other institutions, revealed that functionally diverse teams are better equipped to handle high le...

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.

Finding the sweet spot in sugar reductions

Researchers found that marketing diet or sugar-free versions does not increase overall turnover, but reducing package size leads to an increase in sales figures. Smaller packages also work better when marketed as a fun alternative.

11 ways to improve airlines for customers

Research using artificial intelligence analyzed nearly 400,000 customer reviews to identify key themes and customer sentiment towards airlines. The study found that customers commonly complained about lost luggage, uncomfortable seating and flight cancellations, but praised in-flight entertainment, ground staff and business-class servi...

THE LANCET: Health experts call for bold action to prioritize health over profit

A new series in The Lancet calls for governments to legislate higher standards for marketing harmful products and businesses to commit to ending lobbying against pro-health policies. The authors also congratulate commercial actors adopting alternative financing models that create social value and promote positive health outcomes.