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You don't need to be very altruistic to stop an epidemic

Researchers used mathematical modeling to find that even people with minimal concern for others would choose to self-isolate when sick, suppressing diseases in the long-term. The study suggests that only a small amount of altruism is needed to achieve indefinite suppression as an alternative to herd immunity.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 2026
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Brain stimulation can nudge people to behave less selfishly

Researchers used transcranial alternating current stimulation to synchronize frontal and parietal lobes, increasing participants' ability to make altruistic choices. This study provides new insights into the neural basis of social decisions and has implications for future research on cooperation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 10, 2026

Egalitarianism among hunter-gatherers

A resource redistribution experiment with Hadza adults suggests that egalitarianism is not primarily driven by a desire for equality, but rather by individual self-interest and norms of fairness. The results highlight the importance of extrinsic factors in shaping traditional sharing behaviors among hunter-gatherers.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateFeb 10, 2026

Ants signal deadly infection in altruistic self-sacrifice

Researchers discovered that terminally ill ant brood release an odor signaling their impending death and risk, allowing the colony to detect and remove pathogenic infections. This early warning system facilitates rapid disease detection and effective removal of pathogens.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2025
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.

The do-gooder dilemma: to disclose or not to disclose

A study by Cornell University researchers found that people believe reporting their own good deeds would lead to negative emotions, unlike sharing personal achievements. The study suggests that sharing stories of one's good deeds may undermine moral character, and anonymity might be the nicest way to show kindness.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateNov 13, 2025

Tie climate action to protecting a way of life to increase motivation, study says

A global study of participants from six countries found that addressing psychological distance and the threat to one's way of life are most effective interventions in boosting motivation for environmental efforts. The study suggests that making climate action a patriotic duty can increase willingness to exert physical effort.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 5, 2025

Who shows up in times of need? High school extracurriculars offer clues

A Rutgers study found that participation in nonathletic clubs and volunteering in high school is linked to higher levels of altruism later in life. The study analyzed data from over 2,700 respondents and found that volunteer service ranked highest in predicting altruism.

SourceRutgers University·JournalYouth & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 12, 2025

Helping others shown to slow cognitive decline

A study of over 30,000 adults found that regular time spent helping others outside the home significantly slows cognitive decline. Informal helping behaviors also provided comparable cognitive benefits to formal volunteering.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 13, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Cultivating compassion in children can lead to healthier eating habits

A study found that kids who displayed kind, caring behaviors were more likely to consume fruit and vegetables as teenagers. Prosociality strengthens social ties and improves psychological functioning, influencing health-related choices.

SourceElsevier·JournalAmerican Journal of Preventive Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 11, 2025

Mice exhibit altruistic rescue behavior driven by oxytocin

Researchers have found that mice can instinctively exhibit rescue-like behavior toward anesthetized conspecifics without prior training or external rewards. Oxytocin neurons in the paraventricular nucleus are activated when detecting distress signals, releasing OXT and coordinating emotional and motor responses.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 23, 2025
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.

Rethinking altruistic punishment: New experimental insights

Researchers investigated how people decide to confront or avoid unfair behavior, revealing that avoidance is driven by both not wanting to witness inequality and a desire to avoid confrontation. Even those who tend to avoid unfairness will hand out punishment if forced to observe such behavior.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025

Media coverage of civilian casualties in allied countries boosts support for U.S. involvement

A new study finds that media coverage of civilian casualties increases public support for U.S. involvement in conflicts when the victims are from allied countries, evoking empathy and a sense of democratic justification. However, this effect is absent when civilians from non-allied nations are affected.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateJan 6, 2025
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Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Religious people are not more generous – with one exception

A study published in Judgment and Decision Making found that religious believers give more to those of the same faith, while atheists also favor their own group. In follow-up studies in the USA and Egypt/Lebanon, Muslims were more generous towards their own kind than Christians or atheists.

SourceLinköping University·JournalJudgment and Decision Making·TypeSurvey·DateDec 11, 2024

Children contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals

A study found that children as young as six can contribute to group projects when there are clear and common goals. The researchers used a game where children worked together to fill a pool with water, with benefits for the whole group but individual costs. The results showed that most groups achieved their objectives and cooperated, e...

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPsychological Science·TypeObservational study·DateAug 29, 2024

First case of Down syndrome in Neandertals documented in new study

A new study published in Science Advances documents the first case of Down syndrome in Neandertals, named 'Tina', and reveals that they provided extensive care for a young child with severe hearing loss. The discovery sheds light on the existence of true altruism among Neandertals.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2024
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Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Does simple guesswork lead to more cooperation than complicated calculus?

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania explored how Bayesian and abductive reasoning can be used to model social dynamics. They found that in some scenarios, simple guesswork can lead to more cooperation than complicated calculus, while in others it may result in less cooperation due to stricter judgment criteria.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2024

What motivates high-quality medical care: Is it all about money?

A recent study found that quality-based incentives increase the quality of medical treatment, particularly for severe illnesses. However, financial incentives do not necessarily lead to better patient outcomes. The study's results suggest that doctors' altruistic motivations play a crucial role in providing high-quality care.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalJournal of Health Economics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 27, 2024

Successful employer-driven disability initiatives benefit individuals and companies

Research in Journal of Vocational Rehabilitation reveals that companies with inclusive values and committed leadership teams experience improved performance and positive employee perceptions. Disability initiatives also foster a cohesive culture, valuing disabled employees as a vital part of the workforce.

SourceIOS Press·JournalJournal of Vocational Rehabilitation·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 13, 2024
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.

Negative actions cascade to third parties

A new study found that negative behavior can spill over to unrelated third parties, regardless of the initial intent. When individuals face resource loss due to negative action, they are inclined to seek compensation from both immediate offenders and unrelated third parties.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 12, 2023

Study: People expect others to mirror their own selfishness, generosity

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that individuals' own behavior influences their expectations and treatment of others. Generous people tend to reward generous behavior, while selfish individuals punish generosity. This research has practical relevance to social interactions and decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCognitive Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Altruism can make job seekers afraid to negotiate salary

A new study found that job candidates who are exposed to social impact framing tend to refrain from negotiating for higher salaries due to feelings of discomfort. The researchers suggest that managers should be aware of this phenomenon and create greater transparency about company norms and values regarding compensation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalOrganization Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 4, 2023

Study explores prosocial behavior within, between religious groups

A study involving over 4,700 people from diverse ethnoreligious populations found that participants showed increased generosity when prompted to think about God. The researchers discovered that belief in God may promote positive intergroup relations and cooperation across religious divides.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 19, 2023

Georgetown psychologists map the psyche of extreme altruists

A study of over 300 extreme altruists reveals they share unselfish traits, not higher levels of empathy or agreeableness. Researchers found that their choices reflect a genuine value for strangers' wellbeing and communities.

SourceGeorgetown University Medical Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateApr 19, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Moral behavior pays off

A game-theory-based approach explains the emergence of moral norms through the coupling of two games: social dilemma and coordination tasks. Cooperation can pay off when individuals prioritize group benefits over personal interests, leading to a self-sacrificing behavior that benefits all parties.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2022

The brain circuits governing social decisions

Studies have identified specific neural circuits responding to positive and negative social interactions, shedding light on the nature of social behavior, motivation, and empathy. The findings underscore the vital role of social structures and connections in maintaining physical and mental well-being.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2022

Summer camps promote altruism in children

A UNIGE team found an increase in altruism among children returning from summer camps, compared to those who did not participate. These results suggest that holiday camps can be a valuable tool for developing socio-emotional abilities in children.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeNews article·DateNov 7, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Good leaders are more helpful, a study in rats say

Rats with high social status are more likely to help others, according to a new study that suggests social hierarchy is a crucial factor in prosocial behavior. The research found that dominant rats are more helpful and pay attention to the needs of their subordinates.

SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 7, 2022

Native bee key to social evolution

Researchers studied Australian native bee Amphylaeus morosus, finding it exhibits extreme reproductive skew and high relatedness, which challenges theories on social complexity. The study provides evidence that kin selection can promote worker sterility at the initial transition to social living.

SourceFlinders University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2022

Are we born with a moral compass?

Researchers found that infants can punish antisocial behavior exhibited by a third party, indicating an intrinsic motivation for morality. The study's findings suggest that humans may have acquired behavioral tendencies toward moral behavior during evolution.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Unselfish behavior has evolutionary reasons

Researchers find that cooperative breeding in animal societies increases survival chances of carers, leading to higher reproductive success. The study also reveals the relative importance of kin selection and individual selection varies depending on environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 30, 2022

Are people more willing to empathize with animals or with other humans?

A new Penn State study found that people are more likely to choose empathy for an animal over a human, but only when the choices are not in competition. When context matters, people's willingness to engage in human empathy decreases, while their interest in animal empathy increases.

SourcePenn State·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Equal is better? How people think Covid-19 vaccines should be shared worldwide

A study found that people in Germany and the US prioritize equal access to COVID-19 vaccines worldwide. In contrast, vaccine distribution according to a country's production capacity or free market regulation received little support. The research highlights the public's willingness to share vaccines despite logistical challenges.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalVaccine·TypeSurvey·DateMar 28, 2022
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.

Impatient and risk-tolerant people more often become criminals

A study published in PNAS found that risk-tolerant and impatient individuals are more likely to commit crimes. The research used data from economic experiments involving over 7,000 young Danish men, who were shown to be more prone to theft and other property offenses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2022

Context-dependent behavior can make cooperation flourish

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that changing social strategies between settings can lead to more cooperative behavior in a society. In a model with spillover between domains, cooperation is favored when actors can observe and imitate each other's behaviors in different contexts.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 9, 2022

Study outlines ways to help children learn forgiveness

A recent study by North Carolina State University suggests that teaching children to understand others' perspectives can make it easier for them to forgive. Children are more likely to forgive someone who has apologized and is part of their in-group. The study also highlights the importance of helping kids develop Theory of Mind skills...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2021
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.

Finding the perfect match

A new paper proposes a means of filtering for candidates who identify with organizational goals and are willing to go the extra mile. Researchers found that those who strongly identified with the organizational goal were willing to expend significantly more effort towards finding ways to reduce carbon emissions.

SourceElsevier·JournalManagement Accounting Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2021

Older adults across the globe are more willing to help others, but mostly those in the same country

A global study of 46,500 people aged 18-99 found that older adults are more willing to donate to charities within their own country, but less likely to do so internationally. This preference for 'in-group' behavior remains consistent even after accounting for wealth, pandemic severity, and perceived risk.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021

Past suffering can affect future praise

A study by the University of Missouri found that people are more likely to praise someone for good deeds if they know the person has also faced suffering earlier in life. This discovery sheds light on how humans process and react to positive behaviors, such as giving praise.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021
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.

Alcoholics Anonymous method can mesh well with other treatments for alcohol misuse

A Baylor University researcher suggests that clinicians should be aware of their misconceptions about Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and educate themselves about the program to integrate it into their work with clients. Both AA and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) aim to help individuals accept personal responsibility for their actions.

SourceBaylor University·JournalTraining and Education in Professional Psychology·DateApr 28, 2020

Altruistic behavior and pain

Researchers discovered that altruistic individuals experience less physical pain than controls. Brain activity scans revealed a correlation between altruism and decreased pain activity in the brain's medial prefrontal cortex.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 30, 2019

Beyond romance

A new study explores how an individual's genetics and brain activity correlate with altruistic behaviors directed toward romantic partners. The team found that pathways related to bonding in other animals showed up in humans, suggesting a link between empathy and altruism more generally.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 11, 2019

Altruism can be trained

Scientists discovered that specific mental trainings can improve prosocial behavior over several months. Affect Module, consisting of daily practices, boosted altruistic behaviors, making it a potential step towards a caring society.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 10, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Sensitive babies become altruistic toddlers

A study found that infants' responsiveness to fearful faces at 7 months predicts altruistic behavior in toddlerhood. Additionally, brain responses in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are linked to this early precursor of prosocial behavior.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Cognitive and Brain Sciences·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 28, 2018

Sensitive babies become altruistic toddlers

A study published in PLOS Biology found that infants' attention to fearful faces at seven months predicts altruistic behavior at 14 months. The analysis revealed that brain responses in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex measured through functional near-infrared spectroscopy also predicted altruistic behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 25, 2018

Neural fingerprints of altruism

Research elucidates the neural basis of complex altruistic behavior, discovering two brain circuits that govern moral decisions in war veterans. The study used CT scans and an altruistic decision task to map brain damage and behavior, finding correlations between specific brain areas and punishment or donation behaviors.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalBrain·DateMar 26, 2018

Sagging confidence can lead to more self-interested behaviour -- or less.

A study by the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management found that low confidence can lead to selfish behavior, but also increased generosity when public choices are made. In contrast, high confidence participants tend to be more generous in their choices.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateMar 22, 2018
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.

Neuroimaging of soccer fans' brain reveals neural basis of ingroup altruistic motivation

Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging to investigate the neural basis of team-related altruism in soccer fans. The study found that brain areas involved in decision-making and values, such as the medial orbitofrontal cortex, showed increased activity when donations were targeted to fans of the same soccer club.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 27, 2017

Generous people live happier lives

A recent study by UZH neuroeconomists found that generosity increases happiness, regardless of the amount. The researchers discovered that intent alone can trigger a change in brain activity, making people happier before they take action. The study provides insight into the interplay between altruism and happiness.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2017

Chatter in the deep brain spurs empathy in rats

A study by neuroscientists at Duke and Stanford University found that multiple brain regions collaborate to produce empathetic decision-making in rats. The results clarify conflicting findings on the role of specific brain regions in guiding antisocial behavior, suggesting a more complex neural context.

SourceDuke University·JournalBrain and Behavior·DateJun 23, 2017

Studying altruism through virtual reality

Researchers used virtual reality to test participants' willingness to help others, finding that 65% chose to rescue an injured person despite the risk to themselves. Altruistic individuals showed a larger anterior insula, linked to social emotions processing, and higher empathic concern.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNeuropsychologia·DateMar 8, 2017
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.