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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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

'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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

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.

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.

Protecting the nest egg: Special gifts have symbolic value

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research finds that gifts from family members have great symbolic value, treated with care, and become surrogate family members. Families sustain their heritage by imposing hierarchies on assets, expanding our understanding of inalienable wealth.

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.