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George Clooney or Saddam Hussein? Why do consumers pay for celebrity possessions?

Researchers found that participants were willing to pay more for items owned by well-liked celebrities due to the concept of contagion, which suggests that people can transfer an individual's immaterial qualities onto an object. In contrast, despised individuals decreased the value of their belongings

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 14, 2011

Language may play important role in learning the meanings of numbers

A new study reveals that deaf people in Nicaragua who developed their own 'homesigns' language lack a complete understanding of numbers greater than three. The research suggests that language plays a vital role in learning mathematical concepts, including the value of large numbers.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 8, 2011

Apologies aren't as good as people imagine they'll be

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people's predictions of apology value are often inaccurate. The researchers used an experiment to test how individuals perceive apologies and discovered that those who imagined receiving an apology valued it more than those who actually received one.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJan 18, 2011
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.

Study: Outsourcing hurts consumers by softening competition among firms

A new study finds that outsourcing can lead to softened competition among firms, resulting in higher prices for consumers. The practice also leads to lost jobs for workers. Businesses may outsource to reduce costs, but the savings are often not passed on to consumers, instead being used to maintain profit margins.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalManagement Science·DateJan 10, 2011

Imagine your future self: Will it help you save money?

A new study by Daniel M. Bartels and Oleg Urminsky found that consumers struggle to connect with their future selves, leading to impatient consumption habits. When people feel a strong sense of identity with their future self, they are more patient and willing to save for long-term benefits.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 2010

Climbing Mount Everest: Noble adventure or selfish pursuit?

A new study on commercialized climbing expeditions on Everest found that paying climbers tend to prioritize individual accomplishments over communal experiences. The research suggests that transformative experiences can reinforce an individualistic and competitive ethos, undermining feelings of camaraderie.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 22, 2010

Redrawing our borders

A Northwestern University team analyzed Wheres's George? data to identify areas of high connectivity, finding that some borders split states, while others align with cultural segmentation. The study reveals the strength of local travel over long-distance relationships.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 18, 2010

Tightwads and spendthrifts: A Black Friday tradition

Research from University of Michigan Marketing Professor Scott Rick shows that tightwads and spendthrifts tend to spend about the same amount on gifts during Black Friday. This discrepancy arises due to differences in psychological pain associated with spending decisions, particularly when purchases are optional.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 17, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Portrait of gambling behavior in Quebec

A survey of 11,888 Quebec adults found that nearly 70% have gambled in the past year and spend an average of $483. Researchers also identified higher risks among video lottery terminal users and online gamblers.

SourceConcordia University·DateNov 10, 2010

Researchers in Bonn find an 'altruism gene'

A study published in Social Cognitive & Affective Neuroscience found that a specific genetic variant, COMT-Val, is associated with an increased willingness to donate. Participants with this variant donated twice as much money to charity compared to those with the other variant, COMT-Met.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalSocial Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience·DateNov 8, 2010

Lead poisoning maps in R.I. reveal huge disparities, guide cleanup

A Brown University-led study reveals significant geographic disparities in lead poisoning rates across Rhode Island, with some areas experiencing rates as high as 48.6% among young children. The analysis highlights the need for targeted cleanup efforts to address these disparities and mitigate the long-term effects of lead poisoning.

SourceBrown University·JournalMaternal and Child Health Journal·DateNov 1, 2010

Exploring Africa's success stories

The African Successes project identifies and analyzes African successes, focusing on economic and political improvements, transparency, and freedom of press. Researchers are studying successful initiatives such as an anti-malaria campaign in Zambia and a cellphone-based money transfer system in Kenya.

SourceBrown University·DateOct 20, 2010
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.

Thoughts about time inspire people to socialize

A new study finds that people who think about time plan to spend more time with loved ones, while those who focus on money fill their schedules with work. The research suggests that prioritizing time for social connections can lead to increased happiness.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 7, 2010

Study: Small firms need more access to credit during financial troubles

Research by University of Illinois finance professors Murillo Campello and Heitor Almeida finds that small firms face higher costs of financing when economic conditions worsen. They often re-invest profits before paying off creditors, leading to increased debt and potential financial distress.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Financial and Quantitative Analysis·DateOct 5, 2010

Buyer backlash: Why do slogans about saving money increase spending?

A new study reveals that people spend more when exposed to brands associated with saving money, but less when exposed to their slogans. The researchers found that participants who saw the Walmart slogan 'Save money. Live better.' were willing to spend $184 on average, compared to $94 for those who saw the brand name alone.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 20, 2010
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.

Money, drugs and chicken feet? What consumers will do for social acceptance

A new study found that people who feel socially excluded are willing to engage in distasteful consumption, such as eating chicken feet or using illicit drugs, to fit into a group. Excluded individuals use consumption as a flexible and strategic way to commence new social relationships.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 20, 2010

Discovered: Audubon's first engraving of a bird

After a decade-long search, Audubon's first published bird illustration of a running grouse has been discovered. The find sheds light on Audubon's development as an artist and provides a rare view of the Heath Hen, a subspecies that became extinct in the early 19th century.

SourceAcademy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University·JournalJournal of the Early Republic·DateJul 29, 2010
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.

A woman's touch: Physical contact increases financial risk taking

A new study published in Psychological Science found that physical contact from a female experimenter increases financial risk taking in adults. The researchers suggest that this effect is due to the way mothers use touch to make their babies feel secure, creating a sense of attachment and increased willingness to take risks.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 11, 2010

In-store slack: Consumers often plan for unplanned purchases

A study found that shoppers frequently estimate how much they'll spend on unplanned items and are remarkably accurate. In-store slack refers to the mental budgeting strategy used by consumers to accommodate unforeseen purchases.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 6, 2010

Why we need a world social health insurance

Scientists argue that a 'Global Fund for Health' would improve transparency and efficiency in international health aid. The current system masks variances, making it difficult to accurately trace health funding.

SourceInstitute of Tropical Medicine Antwerp·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 9, 2010

Short-term program for binge eaters has long-term benefits

A 12-week self-guided program helps binge eaters stop binging for up to a year, saving an average of $447 per person per year. The program reduces costs on weight loss programs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements.

SourceGolinHarris International·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·DateApr 1, 2010
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.

Caltech scientists find first physiological evidence of brain's response to inequality

Researchers found that the brain responds more strongly to a poor person receiving a financial reward than a rich person, even if the brain being studied belongs to the rich individual. This study suggests that the human brain is wired to respond to inequality, contradicting the prevailing view of human nature as solely self-interested.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 24, 2010

Farmers' markets offer different strokes for different folks

A University of Illinois study identified five consumer segments at farmers' markets, including enthusiasts, recreational shoppers, and serious buyers. The research found that each market's personality attracts specific people and can be replicated by changing the location or time of day.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInternational Food and Agribusiness Management Review·DateFeb 19, 2010

What is in-store slack? Consumers often plan for unplanned purchases

A study found that shoppers often expect to buy unplanned items and have a mental budget that leaves room for unexpected expenses. The researchers discovered that consumers with high impulsivity tend to overspend when they shop in aisles with little in-store slack.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 17, 2010

What the brain values may not be what it buys

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center found that the brain evaluates faces in two distinct ways: for quality of experience and economic value. The study used fMRI to measure brain activation while participants viewed faces and money, predicting how much they would pay to see a more attractive face.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·DateFeb 16, 2010
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.

Caltech neuroscientists discover brain area responsible for fear of losing money

Researchers found that the amygdala structure in the brain is critical for triggering caution when making gambles with potential losses. This study provides new evidence for the role of the amygdala in fear and anxiety, shedding light on economic behavior and emotional decision-making.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2010

'Subjective time' can improve your bottom line

Researchers found that businesses can reduce waiting times by up to 50% by manipulating customer perception, using techniques such as fragmented lines and distractions. By designing well-structured lines and providing enjoyable experiences, businesses can decrease the subjective waiting duration, turning a long wait into a short one.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNeuroQuantology·DateFeb 4, 2010

Money changes what we think is fair, Rotman research finds

A study published in Psychological Science shows that when distributing resources, people's ideas of fairness change depending on the item's value. Intrinsic values like food or vacation days are seen as fair to distribute equally, while market-based attitudes dominate for monetary rewards.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 9, 2009
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.

Biology, training and profit sharing make best traders

A study by John Coates and Lionel Page found that experienced traders outperform the market with a high Sharpe Ratio, indicating prudent risk-taking. The researchers also discovered that profit-sharing incentives encourage traders to lower risk variance.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 24, 2009

Researchers can predict hurricane-related power outages

Researchers have developed a way to accurately predict power outages in advance of a hurricane, allowing utilities to plan crew requests and locations more effectively. The study's findings could help save utilities money and restore power faster after the storm.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateOct 20, 2009

Buying green can be license for bad behavior, study finds

A new study found that buying green products can set up moral credentials, leading people to behave more selfishly. Researchers discovered that participants who bought green products were more likely to lie and steal than those who purchased conventional products.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 7, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Rich people don't need friends

A study published in Psychological Science found that reminders of money can reduce feelings of pain and social exclusion. The researchers suggest that acquired symbolic value of money can influence responses to both emotional and physical pain.

SourceFaculty of 1000·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 16, 2009

Fake video dramatically alters eyewitness accounts

Researchers found that nearly 50% of people shown fake footage were prepared to believe the video version rather than what they actually saw. Fake video evidence was used in an experiment to test whether it could induce individuals to accuse another person of doing something they never did.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateSep 14, 2009

Poor money saving linked to general impulsiveness

A study of over 40,000 participants found that those who prefer immediate gratification are more likely to show other impulsive behaviors such as smoking and infidelity. The research suggests that individuals with an impulsive money-today attitude may ignore long-term consequences, leading to financial imprudence.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateSep 3, 2009

Research recommends compromise when choosing conservation site

University of Illinois researchers found that prioritizing sites closer to people can increase financial support for conservation. The study suggests compromising on ecological value for locations near human populations can improve outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateSep 2, 2009
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.

Father-son team says positive gains can be made in 'psychological wealth'

Research by the American Psychological Association found that while money may improve life's comfort level, it doesn't necessarily contribute to happiness or life's pleasant moments. A focus on psychological wealth can help people adapt to good and bad events, providing a more sustainable path to happiness.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 8, 2009
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Rejection for $500, please: Money and its symbolic powers

Researchers found that counting money reduced social distress and physical pain compared to counting paper, while thinking about finances increased these negative reactions. The study suggests that the mere idea of money has considerable psychological power.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 15, 2009

Peer pressure plays major role in environmental behavior

A Michigan State University study suggests that social norms significantly impact Chinese citizens' decisions to participate in conservation programs like Grain to Green. The research found that when neighbors enroll in the program, it encourages others to do so as well.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2009
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.

Opportunity costs: Remind consumers about savings

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research found that drawing consumers' attention to opportunity costs leads to different purchasing decisions. By explicitly naming opportunity costs, consumers become more price sensitive and tend to choose cheaper options.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 12, 2009

'We all live in a Robbie Fowler House!'

Experts warn that the buy-to-let market will survive the recession, but smaller private landlords will struggle to compete. The report suggests that lenders will favor established properties over new builds in city centers, limiting geographical access for investors.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·DateMay 11, 2009

Ka-Boom! The sequel

The US Department of Homeland Security has successfully tested new camera prototypes in a simulated bomb attack, with 14 out of 16 surviving without image degradation. The cameras were designed to be rugged and affordable for use in mass transit venues, where full surveillance systems are not feasible.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateApr 29, 2009

If it works in London's streets, it can work in our skies

Introducing congestion pricing at airports could reduce airport congestion and delays, saving airlines money. However, some airports with monopoly airlines may not benefit from this approach, and passengers may need to adjust their plans to arrive earlier.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateApr 22, 2009
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.

The price of pain and the value of suffering

Researchers found that demand for pain relief is almost completely dependent on recent past pain experience and available cash. The study's results suggest that the value of pain relief is flexible and cannot be predicted by individual behavior, with significant economic implications.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 22, 2009

Inflation 'felt' to be not so bad as a wage cut

A study by University of Bonn researchers found that the brain's ventro-medial prefrontal cortex is less active when faced with a low-wage scenario, despite being aware of the true purchasing power remaining the same. This confirms the existence of the money illusion and offers insights into its cerebro-physiological processes.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2009

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

Brighten up! Paint study could save states millions

A North Carolina State University study reveals painted road markings outperform thermoplastics in reflecting headlights, helping states comply with federal safety standards and reduce painting costs. The research found that paint reflects more light when driven in the direction of application, saving states millions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPublic Works Management & Policy·DateMar 10, 2009
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.

What's in a name? Perhaps more (or less) money

A study published in the Journal of Labor Economics found that immigrants to Sweden who change their foreign-sounding names experience an increase in earnings, with African, Asian, and Slavic immigrants seeing a 141% rise. The study suggests that name changes improve job interview chances and employment probabilities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Labor Economics·DateMar 10, 2009

What consumers want: MSU researchers pinpoint common threads

A groundbreaking study by MSU researchers has pinpointed four major factors that make up the total experience: benefit, convenience, price, and environment. This knowledge can help businesses allocate resources to enhance the customer experience and gain a competitive advantage.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCornell Hospitality Quarterly·DateMar 5, 2009

Financial risk taking: Blame it on the genes

Researchers found that individuals with short serotonin transporter gene and 7-repeat allele of the DRD4 gene invest more in risky investments. The study suggests that genetics play a role in predicting financial risk-taking, but experience and upbringing also contribute to investor behavior.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 10, 2009
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.