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Children likely to be pleading guilty when innocent, study argues

A recent study published in the Journal of Law and Society suggests that children are more prone to pleading guilty even when innocent due to their brain development and information processing abilities. The researchers argue that this can lead to inaccurate convictions and recommend tailored protection for young defendants.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Law and Society·DateMay 6, 2021

Loan applications processed around midday more likely to be rejected

A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that credit officers are less likely to approve loan applications at midday, resulting in missed opportunities for customers and financial losses for the bank. The study suggests that regular breaks during working hours can improve performance and productivity.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 4, 2021
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 does the brain flexibly process complex information?

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Human Development discovered that the brain rapidly shifts from a rhythmic to a 'noisy' state when task demands increase. This shift enables flexible information processing, allowing individuals to adapt to changing environments and make better decisions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Human Development·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2021

KICT's solution for monitoring massive infrastructures

KICT has developed an effective structural monitoring technique to monitor massive infrastructures, such as long-span bridges. The method uses multi-fidelity data fusion to combine point and distributed strain sensors for accurate responses over whole infrastructures.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·DateApr 29, 2021

Doctors overestimate risk leading to over-diagnosis, overtreatment, study finds

Researchers at University of Maryland School of Medicine found that primary care practitioners significantly overestimated the likelihood of conditions such as cardiac ischemia and breast cancer. The study highlights the need for better decision-making tools to help doctors estimate risk based on laboratory findings.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 28, 2021

New algorithm makes it easier for computers to solve decision making problems

A new approach to solving multiagent decision making problems using agent-by-agent optimization leads to reduced computational complexity, performing at par with standard rollout algorithms. The result is a dramatic reduction in computation cost with linear growth in computation with the number of agents.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateApr 27, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Supervisors focused on others' needs get 'benefit of the doubt' from employees

Employees perceive prosocially motivated supervisors as fairer and are more likely to give them the benefit of the doubt, even when they make mistakes. Research from the University of Notre Dame found that supervisor motives impact fairness judgments and that focusing on prosocial motives can buffer the negative effects of low justice ...

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateApr 26, 2021

Why climate change is driving some to skip having kids

A new study finds that climate change is a major consideration for people deciding whether or not to have children, with many citing concerns over resource depletion and population growth. The research identifies three themes: overconsumption, overpopulation, and an uncertain future, which can evoke feelings of guilt and moral obligation.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPopulation and Environment·DateApr 21, 2021

Explanations in online symptom checkers could improve user trust

Researchers at Penn State found that providing explanations for online symptom checker recommendations can increase user confidence and trust in the diagnosis. The study showed that users were more likely to trust the symptoms checker when they received clear explanations of how the system generated its probable diagnoses and suggestions.

SourcePenn State·DateApr 20, 2021
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.

People may trust computers more than humans

A recent study by University of Georgia researchers found that people are more likely to rely on algorithms for decision-making, even when faced with complex challenges. As the task becomes harder, people prefer algorithm-generated suggestions over human advice or 'wisdom of the crowd', according to the study.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 13, 2021

Husbands still seen as the experts on their household's finances

In a study published by Ohio State University, men are more likely to be designated as the most knowledgeable about household finances, especially in wealthy households. The study found that among households in the top 1% of net worth, husbands were designated as the most knowledgeable in 90% of the households.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFinancial Planning Review·DateApr 12, 2021
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.

POLST and other advance medical planning should not be a one-time conversation

Two studies from Indiana University and Regenstrief Institute found discrepancies between recorded POLST orders and current treatment preferences among nursing home residents. Regular review and update of these documents are crucial to ensure they reflect changing situations and patient wishes.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateApr 5, 2021

Consumers are searching online but not buying. Why?

A new study published in Marketing Science reveals that customized seller recommendations are more powerful than discounting in increasing conversion rates. The research also found that auction-based pricing mechanisms improve the efficiency of retargeting campaigns, especially when consumers have high search intensity for specific pro...

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateApr 1, 2021

The color red influences investor behavior, financial research reveals

A new study by William Bazley found that using the color red to represent financial data affects individuals' risk preferences, expectations of future stock returns, and trading decisions. The effects are not present in people who are colorblind, and they're muted in China, where red represents prosperity.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalManagement Science·DateMar 31, 2021

Why subsistence consumers need marketplace literacy

A new study found that subsistence consumers' effective participation in markets requires knowledge and skills, leading to increased wellbeing and entrepreneurship. Brief programs can aid the development of marketplace literacy and generate substantive outcomes.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 31, 2021
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.

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.

Female snowy plovers are no bad mothers

In snowy plover species, females often abandon their broods to mate with new partners, a behavior that may be beneficial for parental reproductive success. The study found that females desert their broods primarily due to poor environmental conditions or when chicks have a good chance of survival without them.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateMar 11, 2021
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.

UConn researcher finds 'Goldilocks problem' in child welfare decision-making

A new study examines the application of a risk assessment tool in child welfare decision-making and finds drastically different approaches between two states. The 'Goldilocks problem' highlights the challenges of standardizing a complex process, where too much rigidity can lead to inaccurate outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalSocial Service Review·DateMar 9, 2021

The impact of lockdown drives us to make poorer choices

A study led by Universitat Oberta de Catalunya finds that lockdowns reduce cognitive capacity, leading to poorer choices and decreased altruism. The shock from restrictions impairs decision-making, causing people to prioritize short-term benefits over long-term consequences.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 8, 2021

It's time to bolster women in conservation

A University of Queensland and Nature Conservancy study reveals that women's voices are critically lacking in conservation, with gender discrimination being systemic and consistent. The research found positive impacts when women were involved in conservation, but existing gender roles and dynamics limit their participation.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalOryx·DateMar 7, 2021
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.

Online dating: Super effective, or just... superficial?

Research finds that people's reason for swiping right is primarily based on attractiveness and the race of a potential partner. Decisions are often made quickly, with only personality, approach style, or long-term goals mattering slightly.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateMar 5, 2021

Can't solve a riddle? The answer might lie in knowing what doesn't work

A new study from the University of Washington reveals that people's brains have parallel learning systems for avoiding bad options and finding good ones. The research suggests that being able to 'turn down the volume' on irrelevant signals is critical to complex problem-solving.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCognitive Science·DateMar 4, 2021
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.

Short-term climate modeling forecasts drought for Southeast US

A new study predicts that the Southeastern United States is at high risk of extreme drought, which could expose its water-supply infrastructure to stress beyond its design limit. The researchers used short-term climate modeling forecasts to highlight the urgency of drought risk and inform policymakers' actions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateFeb 25, 2021

New sustainable building simulation method points to the future of design

A new framework allows designers to assess environmental impact early in the design process, reducing costs and increasing sustainability. By rapidly simulating tens of thousands of design iterations, architects can make more informed decisions and achieve greater efficiency.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Building Performance Simulation·DateFeb 25, 2021

A memory without a brain

Researchers have identified how Physarum polycephalum, a single-celled organism, stores and retrieves information about its environment through its network architecture. The slime mold weaves memories of food encounters into the architecture and uses stored information to make future decisions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2021
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.

Leaders valued over managers, regardless of fit

A recent study from Cornell University-led research highlights the risk of overvaluing prototypical leaders and undervaluing management skills. Participants preferred to hire a CEO with strong leadership qualities over those with more managerial expertise, despite the organization's need for management skills.

SourceCornell University·JournalAcademy of Management Discoveries·DateFeb 16, 2021

Learn what you live? Study finds watching others can reduce decision bias

Researchers at Indiana University Kelley School of Business found that observing others make decisions can help reduce bias and improve decision-making. The study used computer games to decrease bias and showed that watching others solve problems helped observers learn about decision biases and improve their own.

SourceIndiana University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateFeb 11, 2021

Learning by observation reduces cognitive bias, research suggests

New research suggests that observing others' decision-making can teach people to make better decisions themselves. The study, co-authored by Professor Irene Scopelliti, tested the effectiveness of a new debiasing training strategy and reports first evidence that watching others make decisions can improve our own decision making.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateFeb 11, 2021

Environmentally friendly behavior is easy -- tourists just need a 'nudge'

A new study in Frontiers in Communication demonstrates the impact of subtle messaging and cues on encouraging people to show socially desirable behaviors. Travelers were more likely to demonstrate environmentally conscious actions when given a 'nudge' towards the desirable action, whether framed positively or negatively.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateFeb 9, 2021
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.

Traffic noise makes mating crickets less picky

A new study found that traffic noise and man-made sounds significantly impact the mating choices of female field crickets. In noisy environments, females are unable to detect differences in male quality, leading to a reduction in offspring viability.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateFeb 1, 2021

Risk analysis helps contend with uncertainty of in-person activities

A new model developed by a Washington University mathematician helps estimate the relative risk of different in-person activities, such as traveling or attending events. By breaking down individual factors and adding their contributions to relative risk, the model allows for informed decision-making about participation.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 28, 2021

Fast decisions of flying insects

Scientists are using brain recordings, flight analyses, and computational modeling to uncover the neural mechanisms behind insect decision-making. The study aims to inform autonomous robotics, computational neuroscience, and other fields by understanding how insects utilize movement to simplify information sampling.

SourceFlinders University·DateJan 13, 2021
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.

Family court decisions distorted by misuse of key research, say experts

Seventy experts argue that misunderstandings around attachment research are hampering its accurate implementation in family courts. The group outlines three principles from attachment research to guide decision-making, including the child's need for familiar caregivers and the benefits of networks of familiar relationships.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAttachment & Human Development·DateJan 12, 2021

Potential jurors favor use of artificial intelligence in precision medicine

A study of potential jurors found they are more favorable towards physicians who accept standard AI medical recommendations. The study suggests the threat of legal liability may be smaller than commonly thought, influencing physician behavior and AI adoption.

SourceSociety of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging·JournalJournal of Nuclear Medicine·DateJan 11, 2021

COVID-19: Online tool identifies patients at highest risk of deterioration

Researchers developed an online risk-stratification tool to predict COVID-19 patients' likelihood of deterioration, using 11 measurements including age, oxygen levels, and laboratory tests. The '4C Deterioration Score' provides clinicians with a percentage risk score to support decision-making and potentially save lives.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Lancet Respiratory Medicine·DateJan 8, 2021
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.

Experts advocate responsible and transparent use of algorithms in government

A special issue of Information Polity explores the transparency challenges of using algorithms in government decision-making, highlighting potential benefits and drawbacks. Experts emphasize the need for regulations, organizational policies, and individual training to ensure transparent and responsible algorithm use.

SourceIOS Press·JournalInformation Polity·DateDec 14, 2020
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.

Focus on human factor in designing systems

A new study explores how human decision-making impacts engineered systems. Researchers found that people often overestimate their abilities and succumb to biases, leading to inefficiencies in system design.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalIEEE Control Systems·DateDec 8, 2020

Drones and AI detect soybean maturity with high accuracy

Researchers predict soybean maturity date within two days using drone images and artificial intelligence, greatly reducing the need for boots on the ground. The developed model performs well independent of data collection frequency, accounting for variables such as image quality and location.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRemote Sensing·DateDec 7, 2020

A new view of how the brain decides to make an effort

Researchers used fMRI to study effort-based decision-making and found two distinct regions of the ventral striatum associated with different phases of physical effort. The findings provide new insights into motivation, depression, schizophrenia, and PTSD.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·DateDec 3, 2020
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.

Study finds gamblers ignore important information when placing bet

Researchers found that individuals with gambling disorder focus on irrelevant information from previous gambles, rather than considering optimal probabilities and prize sizes. This impaired decision-making can lead to continued gambling despite mounting losses.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·DateDec 3, 2020

Why people become defensive and how to address it

Research at Flinders University found that defensiveness increases when people feel stigmatised or rejected, but decreases when they feel valued and included. The study suggests that emphasizing respect and value for the person, even if you disagree with their views or actions, can reduce defensiveness.

SourceFlinders University·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateDec 1, 2020