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The science of Hollywood blockbusters

The study found that modern films, particularly those from the action and adventure genres, exhibit a pattern called the 1/f fluctuation, which is a natural pattern of human attention. This pattern appears in music, engineering, economics, and elsewhere in nature.

Babies and sleep: Another reason to love naps

Researchers found that daytime naps significantly aid infants' ability to generalize knowledge and recognize patterns in new information. The UA study revealed that napping within four hours after exposure to artificial language enhances abstract learning and sentence structure recognition in young children.

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.

Babies' brains tuned to sharing attention with others

Researchers found that infants as young as five months old engage in joint attention with adults, activating the left prefrontal cortex, a region involved in complex cognitive and social behaviors. This suggests that the human brain develops this important social skill surprisingly early in infancy.

Seeing without looking

A recent study by researchers at the Salk Institute found that the superior colliculus plays a key role in controlling attention, particularly in covert attention. This discovery may shed light on neurological disorders such as neglect syndrome and autism.

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.

Chart junk? How pictures may help make graphs better

According to new research, background images in charts and graphs can actually enhance one's ability to read them. When presented against a contrasting background, design elements such as rectangles or circles make the graph pop out, allowing viewers to focus on individual components more effectively.

Lessons from oil industry may help address groundwater crisis

A new analysis by Oregon State University researchers highlights the scope of the US groundwater crisis, which threatens drinking water for half the world's population. Experts say lessons from the oil industry could help manage this crisis through techniques like unitization and maximizing water value.

How do we perceive art?

Researchers are studying the principles of perception in art using both artistic and neuroscientific viewpoints. The collaboration aims to understand how we gaze at art pieces compared to non-artistic images.

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.

The mind's eye scans like a spotlight

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute for Learning and Memory discovered that brain waves regulate the timing of attention shifts in the visual system. The study found that brain waves cycle between high and low activity states, providing a framework for shifting attention from one location to another.

Chimps, like humans, focus on faces

A recent study suggests that chimps respond to faces in a similar manner to humans, capturing attention more effectively than other objects. Reaction times improved when the target appeared behind the image of a chimpanzee face.

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.

Ability to literally imagine oneself in another's shoes may be tied to empathy

A study from Vanderbilt University found that individuals with higher empathy levels were better at mentally transforming their body position to simulate another person's perspective. This suggests a link between spatial abilities and empathy, with implications for understanding the neural basis of emotional intelligence.

Scientists discover neurons that 'mirror' the attention of others

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center discovered neurons that mirror the attention of others, which may contribute to social deficits in autism and other disorders. The attention-mirroring neurons were found in the parietal lobe, a part of the brain dedicated to eye movements and attention.

Brain's problem-solving function at work when we daydream

A new study finds that brain regions associated with complex problem-solving are highly active during daydreaming, challenging the long-held notion that these areas are dormant. This suggests that daydreaming may be an important cognitive state for unconsciously tackling important problems in life.

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.

Sex is in the brain, says new research from Stanford

A new study from Stanford University School of Medicine found that brain activity patterns differ in women with hypoactive sexual desire disorder compared to those without the condition. The research suggests that increased attention to one's own responses to erotic stimuli may play a role in sexual dysfunction.

Do doodle: Research shows doodling can help memory recall

Research shows doodling while listening can significantly improve memory recall, with participants recalling an average of 7.5 names of people and places compared to 5.8 non-doodlers. Doodling helps maintain focus on the main task without affecting performance.

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.

When less attention improves behavior

A study published in Cortex found that reducing attentional resources enhances memory accuracy in confabulating patients. By dividing their attention between tasks, these patients showed significantly reduced false-memory levels.

Cognitive rehab helps people with acquired brain injury

A meta-analysis of cognitive rehabilitation studies suggests that treatments tailored to age, injury, symptoms, and time since injury are more effective. Cognitive skills training in specific domains like attention and visuospatial processing shows promise, while holistic approaches have limited benefits.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MU psychologists demonstrate simplicity of working memory

University of Missouri researchers discovered that the human brain has a fixed capacity for holding information in working memory, with an average capacity of 3-4 items. This finding has significant implications for understanding attention-deficit disorders and improving learning outcomes.

Fear of messing up may undermine interracial contact

Research shows that individuals who are anxious about appearing prejudiced may avoid interactions with people of different races due to fear of social disapproval. A study by Jennifer Richeson and Sophie Trawalter found that white participants focused on neutral black faces for longer periods than white faces, suggesting a cognitive bi...

Your brain on Krispy Kremes

A new study from Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine explores the neural mechanisms behind hunger and food cravings. The research found that when subjects were fasting, their brains responded strongly to visual cues of donuts, highlighting the brain's ability to prioritize needs in a complex environment.

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.

Awkward! New study examines our gazes during potentially offensive behavior

A new study examines how our gazes shift towards potentially offended individuals, revealing a complex interplay of social identity, possible reactions, and assessment of the situation. The researchers found that participants fixated on the Black discussant four times longer when they believed he could hear what was being said.

Listening to music improves stroke patients' recovery

Researchers found that listening to music improved verbal memory and focused attention in stroke patients, with a 60% improvement in verbal memory three months after the stroke. Music also reduced depression and confusion in patients, suggesting its potential as an addition to clinical practice.

MIT: Culture influences brain function

Researchers discovered that people from different cultures use their brains differently to solve visual perceptual tasks. East Asians and Americans showed distinct patterns of brain activation when performing absolute and relative judgments.

Older adults not more distractible, research shows

Researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center found that older adults' ability to engage multisensory attention remains intact with age. Despite previous research suggesting otherwise, the study showed that older adults can speed up and slow down their brain's processing of relevant information, similar to younger adults.

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.

Study on joint attention has implications for understanding autism

A recent study on joint attention reveals its crucial role in understanding autism, suggesting impaired social skills and communication difficulties. The 'attention-systems model' proposes that joint attention is the result of two basic forms of attention interacting throughout development.

The eyes have it: What do we see when we look at ads?

A new study using eye-tracking software found that consumers focus on ads based on their goals, such as memorization or learning about a brand. The researchers suggest that understanding these goals is crucial for effective advertising.

The grass isn't greener

New research shows that anticipating future choices can cause consumers to selectively focus on information suggesting alternative options, leading them to disregard their current choice's advantages. This phenomenon was replicated even when the chosen store was less expensive than others.

The end of barroom brawls

Researchers found that alcohol can both increase and decrease aggression depending on where attention is focused. Drunk individuals were less aggressive when their attention was divided between tasks, while sober individuals exhibited low-level aggression due to natural attention towards provocations.

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.

Meditate to concentrate

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found that mindfulness training enhanced performance and attention in subjects. Even new meditators saw improvements in just weeks, with benefits extending to executive functioning skills.

You are what you buy: How different consumer types shop

Researchers identify two distinct cognitive processes underlying consumer behavior: promotion-focused and prevention-focused individuals. Promotion-focused consumers seek time-saving products and perceive a safe environment, while prevention-focused consumers focus on negative outcomes and respond better to unambiguous advertising.

Meditation may fine-tune control over attention

Researchers found that three months of Vipassana meditation improved ability to detect a second target within the typical attentional blink window. Meditation reduced brain activity associated with seeing the first target, allowing more resources for the second target.

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.

Monkey see, monkey do?

Researchers found that participants could learn a complex sequence of motions by viewing and remembering it without actually reproducing it. This suggests that imitation learning is crucial for acquiring many skills used in daily life, such as sports and rehabilitation after an accident.

Subliminal advertising leaves its mark on the brain

Researchers at UCL found that subliminal images can attract the brain's attention on a subconscious level, sparking debate on the impact of subliminal advertising. The study used fMRI to detect neural activity in response to subliminal stimuli, revealing a complex relationship between consciousness and attention.

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.

Seniors look on the bright side

Researchers found that older participants preferred happy faces and avoided angry ones, while younger subjects showed a preference for fearful faces. This study challenges traditional views on how age affects emotional processing and suggests a more positive outlook in older adults.

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 good night's sleep can mean a better day at school

A study monitored 74 healthy children between 6-12 years old, showing that reduced sleep hours led to lower academic ratings and attention issues. Parents' consistent emphasis on bedtime and limiting after-school activities can help protect against these negative effects.