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Self-disclosure in the era of video communication and embodied virtual reality

A team of researchers from Waseda University investigated the effects of new communication media, including video-conferencing and embodied virtual reality, on self-disclosure. They found that embodied VR, especially with unrealistic avatars, resulted in higher self-disclosure of personal feelings compared to face-to-face conversations.

SourceWaseda University·JournalBehaviour and Information Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2025
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.

AI used for real-time selection of actionable messages for government and public health campaigns

Researchers developed an AI tool to automatically generate HIV prevention and testing campaign messages for counties in the US, leveraging real-time social media data. The method was tested in three studies, showing that AI-selected messages were perceived as more actionable and effective by target audiences than control messages.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 22, 2025

Knowing better, doing worse: The science behind self-sabotaging behavior

A new study reveals three distinct behavioral types: Sensitives who avoid bad choices, Unawares who don't, and Compulsives who continue making wrong choices despite awareness. Researcher Dr. Philip Jean-Richard-dit-Bressel found that these traits are stable and require intervention to break.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2025

The secret to resolutions? Enjoy the pursuit, not the outcome

A new study published in Psychological Science found that people are more likely to stick to New Year's resolutions if they find the goal enjoyable and engaging. The study tracked over 2,000 U.S. adults for a year and found that intrinsic motivation led to immediate benefits and long-term success.

SourceCornell University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 17, 2025
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.

How stress strengthens group bonds – and fuels intergroup conflict

Research found that physiological stress messengers noradrenaline and cortisol affect social behavior in different ways, promoting cooperativeness within groups and competition with outsiders. The study suggests a neurobiological explanation for the 'us versus them' mentality and increasing polarization in the world.

SourceHeinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2025

UTA fights digital abuse in domestic violence cases

The University of Texas at Arlington's MAVS ETA project provides GPS scanners to detect hidden tracking devices and other surveillance tools, helping survivors of domestic violence maintain safety. The project also educates advocates and survivors on TFA tactics and strategies for prevention and intervention.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJul 15, 2025
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.

Kindness counts—even to a five-day-old baby

A study found that five-day-old newborns prefer watching videos of helpful actions over hindering ones, indicating an innate sense of social goodness. The research suggests that humans may be born with basic social preferences that shape moral understanding.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 14, 2025

Adults with autism show similar brain mapping of body parts as typically developing adults

Researchers found that adults with autism perceive visual body information similarly to neurotypical adults, challenging long-standing assumptions about social difficulties in ASD. The study used fMRI to compare brain activity patterns in adults with autism and typically developing adults while viewing images of body parts.

SourceWaseda University·JournalImaging Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2025

Uncovering behavioral clues to childhood maltreatment

Researchers developed a non-invasive questionnaire to identify children at risk of maltreatment, highlighting seven behavioral problem areas linked to maltreatment. The study found critical timing patterns and type of abuse matters, offering a more comprehensive approach to support maltreated children.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalFrontiers in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJul 11, 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.

“It just makes you feel less alone”: Using the power of play to break menopause taboos in the workplace

Researchers used Playmobil kits to facilitate discussions about women's experiences of menopause at work. Participants shared their symptoms and ideas for making work easier during menopausal times, highlighting the importance of social support and flexi time. The workshop provided a safe space for powerful and meaningful conversations.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalMenopause·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2025

The myth of 200 daily food decisions

Researchers challenge simplistic statements on food decisions, citing methodological flaws in a 2007 study. They propose defining food-related decisions in concrete terms and advocate for methodological pluralism to gain a realistic picture of people's everyday food choices.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalAppetite·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 7, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Why your infant is crying

A new Swedish twin study found that genetics largely determine an infant's crying duration, with 50% of variation explained by genes at 2 months and 70% by 5 months. Environmental factors also play a role in infants' ability to settle during the first months of life.

SourceUppsala University·TypeObservational study·DateJul 4, 2025

How game-play with robots can bring out their human side

A new study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology found that interacting with robots through social games makes them seem more human-like. The researchers used a box-shaped robot called Cozmo and found that participants who played games with it considered it more human-like, whereas those who interacted mechanically did not.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 3, 2025

Retirement is about confidence as well as money

A new study by Ramesh Rao and colleagues found that subjective financial knowledge (SFK) has a significant impact on retirement readiness. People with higher levels of SFK are more likely to feel confident about their retirement savings.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Journal of Wealth Management·DateJul 2, 2025
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.

Aston University research: Parents should encourage structure and independence around food to support children’s healthy eating

New research from Aston University suggests that parents can help promote healthy eating in their children by creating structure and independence around mealtime. The study recommends prioritizing health, maintaining a calm atmosphere during meals, and setting regular meal times to encourage supportive feeding practices.

SourceAston University·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·TypeObservational study·DateJul 1, 2025

Have tattoos? New study shows people consistently misjudge your personality

A new study by Michigan State University found that people's personality perceptions of tattooed individuals are often inaccurate. Researchers discovered that those with quirky or wacky tattoos were accurately judged as open-minded and open to new experiences, despite not aligning with other traits.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJul 1, 2025

Fact or fiction? The ADHD info dilemma

A study found that exposure to inaccurate ADHD-related content on TikTok significantly reduced students' accurate understanding of the disorder. Participants who viewed factually incorrect content showed lower accuracy in their ADHD knowledge but reported greater confidence in it afterwards, leading to increased motivation for treatment.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalEuropean Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJun 30, 2025

Why Human empathy still matters in the age of AI

A new study reveals that human-attributed responses are perceived as more supportive and emotionally resonant than identical AI-generated responses. Participants consistently rated 'human' responses as more empathic and satisfying, especially when emphasizing emotional sharing and genuine care.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2025
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.

Despite recovery from depression, the brain retains sensitivity to negative cues

A new study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging found that individuals with remitted depression show increased habenula activity and reduced connectivity between the habenula and dopamine-producing regions, suggesting a heightened sensitivity to negative cues. This suggests that even after recove...

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 26, 2025
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.

New study calls for rethink on alcohol policy

A new study by psychologists, linguists, and policy experts reveals that policymakers and drinkers have different ways of framing alcohol consumption. The findings suggest that policies must reflect real-life behaviours and motivations to make a meaningful difference.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalDrug and Alcohol Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 25, 2025

Researchers reveal how brain amplifies perception of pain from multiple sources

Researchers have discovered that multimodal pain integration in the brain significantly enhances overall pain perception when participants are instructed on how to perceive the pain. The precuneus region of the brain plays a vital role in integrating pain information into a cohesive and intensified pain experience.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 24, 2025

Simple household water tests trigger major behaviour change that could reduce E.coli risk

A new study found that providing households with simple, low-cost information about their drinking water quality increased the use of safe water practices by 26-48% in areas where many families rely on unsafe supplies. This approach has the potential to save lives at a lower cost than other public health programs.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalHealth Economics·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 24, 2025

Research reveals why receiving food before others is a source of discomfort for social diners

A study by Bayes Business School found that people are more concerned about violating the norm of waiting for others to be served than they are about others doing so. The research suggests that restaurants and dinner hosts could improve dining experiences by serving guests at the same time, reducing social awkwardness.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAppetite·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2025

How lottery-style bottle returns could transform recycling

A new study found that people recycle 47% more bottles when offered a lottery-style refund, rather than the traditional 10-cent deposit return. This approach increases the thrill of possibly winning a big prize, making recycling more enjoyable and motivating.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalWaste Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

BEES: A new mental health tool set to create a buzz

The Brief Emotional Experience Scale (BEES) is a simple, short questionnaire designed to assess emotional health. It has been validated in a large-scale study involving over 7,000 participants and shows high accuracy and low stress for users.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalBehavioral Sciences·TypeSurvey·DateJun 10, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study reveals how fatal school shootings disrupt local economies

A new study reveals that fatal school shootings have far-reaching consequences, altering daily life and disrupting economies in affected communities for months. Anxiety about public safety drives a measurable decline in consumer activity, particularly in grocery stores and restaurants.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJun 9, 2025

Effects of psilocybin on religious and spiritual attitudes and behaviors in clergy from major world religions

A study found that psilocybin increased overall psychological well-being, including positive changes in religious practices and attitudes. Clergy who received psilocybin reported sustained improvements in their behavior and attitudes up to 16 months after treatment.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalPsychedelic Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2025

Online game, developed at Harvard, proven to reduce partisan animosity

A new online tool, Tango, pairs Democrats and Republicans on common teams, reducing negative partisanship and increasing warmth and financial generosity. The results showed comparable effects to rolling back rising polarization in American political life, lasting at least a month and often up to four months from gameplay.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 3, 2025

Major new study reveals key insights into incel community

A major new study provides unprecedented insights into the incel community, revealing a diverse group marked by poor mental health, loneliness, and neurodiversity. The research challenges common stereotypes and highlights two key factors that contribute to the development of harmful attitudes and beliefs among incels.

SourceSwansea University·JournalArchives of Sexual Behavior·TypeSurvey·DateJun 3, 2025
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.

Circadian preference is associated with impulsivity in adolescents

A study found that adolescents with self-reported evening preference, or 'night owl' tendencies, reported greater negative urgency and lack of perseverance, which are two aspects of impulsivity. The study suggests that unmeasured psychological or behavioral factors may be influencing both impulsivity and circadian preference.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeObservational study·DateJun 2, 2025

Digital games facilitate learning about mental illness

A new study by University of Cologne researchers found that digital games can effectively teach people about depression, reducing stigma and increasing empathy. The study showed that participants who watched gaming videos on the topic reported improved knowledge, emotional responses, and motivation to learn more about depression.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 2, 2025

Compassion makes employees more resilient when employers behave badly

New research finds that compassionate employees are more resilient to workplace broken promises, experiencing lower emotional exhaustion and higher job performance. Self-compassion and other-compassion play different roles in coping with these negative emotions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateMay 28, 2025

Research reveals missed opportunities to save George Floyd’s life

Researchers analyzed 12 videos of bystanders' attempts to intervene during the 2020 George Floyd killing. They found that bystanders made over 205 direct verbal interventions, with most focused on checking George Floyd's well-being. However, police mostly ignored or rejected these interventions, leading to his tragic death.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 25, 2025
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.

Study reveals influence behind illegal bear bile consumption in Việt Nam

A new scientific study sheds light on the social dynamics driving demand for bear bile in Vietnam, highlighting the role of gift-giving among close social networks. The findings suggest that targeting key individuals within influential groups could reduce demand and support conservation efforts.

SourceSan Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance·JournalPeople and Nature·DateMay 22, 2025

Beyond intuition: using mathematical models to shape behavior

Researchers developed a novel approach called choice engineering, which uses computational models and optimization techniques to influence human decisions. The study found that this approach outperformed traditional psychology-based methods in shaping behavior, paving the way for smarter decision-making tools.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

Cyberbullying in any form can be traumatizing for kids

A national study by Florida Atlantic University reveals that cyberbullying, including exclusion and rejection, can lead to significant trauma in youth. The study found that almost 9 in 10 students experienced at least one form of victimization, highlighting the increasing ubiquity of digital aggression.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateMay 15, 2025

VR flight experience reduces fear of heights by action-based prediction of safety

A VR flight experience has been shown to reduce both physiological and subjective fear responses to heights. The degree of fear reduction correlates with the extent to which participants felt they could transition to a safe state through self-initiated actions.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025
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.

What behavioral strategies motivate environmental action?

Researchers tested 17 behavioral strategies to overcome barriers to climate action, finding that emphasizing relevance and future thinking are most effective. Interventions like letter-writing and brainstorming short-term benefits increased intentions to act on both individual and collective levels.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

Study shows postpartum depression eased through peer support

A study published in Behavior Therapy shows that a peer support program provides 'rapid relief of symptoms' and 'significant clinical improvement' to new moms struggling with postpartum depression. The program, Alma, pairs new and expectant moms with trained peers who have experienced similar mental health challenges.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalBehavior Therapy·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2025

Narcissistic men are drawn to gossip, study finds

A recent study found that narcissistic individuals tend to prefer negative gossip, while those who are not narcissistic may be uncomfortable with either positive or negative gossip. Gossip can serve social functions when done with good intentions and without lies.

SourceUniversity of Mississippi·JournalSelf and Identity·DateMay 8, 2025

Why people reject new rules – but only until they take effect

A study by Technical University of Munich and University of Vienna found that resistance to restrictive measures is often less robust than feared by policymakers. Once the new rules come into force, people's attitudes towards them decline significantly, revealing a psychological mechanism behind this phenomenon.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2025
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.

Are you curious? It might help you stay sharp as you age

A study published in PLOS One suggests that curiosity and interest in lifelong learning can help offset or prevent Alzheimer's disease. Researchers found that state curiosity, which is a momentary feeling of curiosity when asked about specific topics, increased sharply after middle age and continued well into old age. This contrasts wi...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS One·DateMay 7, 2025

Study explores how Reddit is used to work through pre-wedding doubts

A study found that Reddit is being used by people with second thoughts to openly share and seek advice before getting married. Researchers discovered that users are more comfortable expressing their unease on the platform than with family or friends, sharing topics from major red flags to smaller frustrations.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMay 6, 2025

Certain traits in romantic partners can amplify the impact of a person’s genetic risk for alcohol problems

Research led by VCU and Rutgers University found that romantic partners' substance use habits, personality traits, and mental health status can enhance or diminish a person's genetic predisposition to binge drinking. The study suggests that couple-based interventions could be more effective when addressing environmental influences.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 5, 2025
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.

Adolescents with mental health conditions use social media differently than their peers, study suggests

A study by the University of Cambridge found that adolescents with mental health conditions spend an average of 50 minutes extra on social media each day compared to their peers. They also report higher levels of social comparison, mood changes due to online feedback, and lower self-control over time spent on platforms.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateMay 5, 2025

Personality traits shape our prosocial behavior

Researchers analyzed 29 studies involving over 90,000 participants to examine the links between Big Five personality traits and prosocial behavior. Extraverts are more likely to engage in volunteer work, while agreeable individuals tend to be more generous with their finances.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 28, 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.