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Measuring risk-taking - by watching people move computer mouses

Researchers found that people who move their mouse towards a safe option may be more risk-averse than they appear, while those who veer towards a risky option may be more open to risk. The study used mouse tracking to analyze participants' decision-making and found accurate predictions of future behavior.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2020

A neural network learns when it should not be trusted

A neural network has been developed to estimate uncertainty, allowing for safer outcomes in AI-assisted decision-making. The 'deep evidential regression' approach accelerates uncertainty estimation, enabling faster and more accurate confidence levels, reducing the risk of errors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 19, 2020

Physics can assist with key challenges in artificial intelligence

Researchers from Bar-Ilan University demonstrate the application of physical concepts in physics to solve key challenges in artificial intelligence. By adopting power-law scaling, they show that learning each example once is equivalent to learning examples repeatedly, enabling rapid decision-making and ultrafast learning.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 12, 2020

Building an ethics framework for Big Data in health care

A new Hastings Center project aims to develop an ethics framework for scientists to anticipate and prevent biases in health data models. The framework will consider data use, bias toward white populations, and equitable interventions to address health disparities.

SourceThe Hastings Center·DateNov 11, 2020
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.

Do spoilers harm movie box-office revenue?

Researchers found that spoiler reviews can increase box office revenue by providing potential customers with more information. The study used topic modeling to measure the effect of spoiler reviews on box office revenue, and found an inverted-U relationship between ratings and spoiler intensity.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateNov 9, 2020

Brain region tracking food preferences could steer our food choices

Researchers discovered a specific brain region monitors food preferences as they change across thirsty and quenched states. By artificially manipulating neurons in the ventral pallidum, researchers were able to shift food choice preferences from a desired treat to a plain staple.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 4, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How people would choose who gets scarce COVID-19 treatment

A global study of over 5,000 participants found that age and probability of survival are the top characteristics considered when deciding who should receive scarce COVID-19 treatment. The study showed that people worldwide gave these two characteristics the most weight in their decisions, explaining about 50% of their choices.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateOct 29, 2020
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.

Study helps explain why motivation to learn declines with age

As people age, their motivation to learn declines. Researchers identified a brain circuit critical for maintaining this motivation and found that it can be boosted in older mice by reactivating the circuit, which was previously shown to suppress motivation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateOct 28, 2020

Knowing the model you can trust - the key to better decision-making

A recent paper proposes three screening questions to help policymakers choose the best model for their problem, reducing confusion and increasing trust. This approach aims to bring clarity to the decision-making process, especially during times of crisis like Covid-19.

SourceCranfield University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2020
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.

Happy endings trip up the brain's decision-making

Research finds that focusing on the ending of an experience can lead to undervaluing positive experiences that end poorly. The brain's neural representation of a pleasant ending can overpower information from the amygdala, resulting in poor decision-making.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 19, 2020

LGBTQ+ campus centers 'more important than ever' argue scholars

LGBTQ+ campus centers are essential resources for LGBTQ+ students, providing counseling, support and student sense of belonging. Research shows that these centers correlate with lower levels of discrimination, less distress and increased self-acceptance among LGBTQ+ students.

SourceLehigh University·JournalPsychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity·DateOct 16, 2020
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.

Safe sex or risky romance? Young adults make the rational choice

A study found that young adults tend to consider both risks and benefits in their sexual behavior, making consistent and thoughtful decisions. The research suggests that even those prone to heuristic decision-making become rational when faced with similar choices framed as sexual decisions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 16, 2020

Scientists report role for dopamine and serotonin in human perception and decision-making

Researchers recorded real-time changes in dopamine and serotonin levels in patients' brains during tasks, revealing that serotonin levels increased with uncertainty and decreased with confidence. The study provides insight into how dopamine and serotonin regulate perception, decision-making, and cognition, potentially leading to improv...

SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalNeuron·DateOct 12, 2020

Nerve cell activity shows how confident we are

Researchers identified nerve cells in the brain whose activity indicates decision-making confidence. The frequency of electrical pulses in these neurons increased with increasing decision confidence.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 9, 2020
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.

New study reveals one way police officers can reduce shooting errors

Researchers found that officers can cut their chance of making misdiagnosis shooting errors by more than half when using a low ready position. The study, published in Police Quarterly, suggests that this simple adjustment could lead to fewer perception shootings and improved safety.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalPolice Quarterly·DateOct 5, 2020

Men predominate in 85%+ COVID-19 decision-making/advisory bodies globally

A global analysis found that men predominate in over 85% of expert groups and task forces, with women making up just 11.5%. This 'disturbingly accepted pattern' of health governance underpins ineffective responses and costs lives. To combat this, experts advocate for truly representative membership, open communication, and inclusive da...

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Global Health·DateOct 1, 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.

Study explores link between methamphetamine use and risky sexual behavior

A study by Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers found that methamphetamine use increases the risk of casual sex without a condom, particularly among those with higher sexual desire. The study demonstrated that intense sexual arousal leads to rapid shift in preference for using a condom.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalExperimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology·DateSep 30, 2020

Smart cruise control steers drivers toward better decisions

A team of researchers developed a cooperative adaptive cruise control model that uses streaming data to predict the driving states of preceding vehicles, reducing congestion and traffic accidents. The model can be tested using actual connected, autonomous vehicles and could create a safer future for everyone sharing the road.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalTransportation Research Part B Methodological·DateSep 29, 2020
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.

Simpler models may be better for determining some climate risk

A team of Penn State researchers suggests that simpler models may be a better choice for determining some climate risk due to their ability to better sample uncertainties. This approach can help decision-makers quantify risks more effectively, even if it means sacrificing some detail in the model.

SourcePenn State·JournalPhilosophy of Science·DateSep 24, 2020

Boys' club barriers create issues for Australian boards

A recent study from the University of South Australia found that Australian boards struggle with gender diversity, resulting in unbalanced decision-making. The research highlights the importance of promoting women's participation on boards to effectively address corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalMeditari Accountancy Research·DateSep 23, 2020
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.

When bots do the negotiating, humans more likely to engage in deceptive techniques

Researchers found that humans are more willing to employ deceptive negotiating techniques when using virtual agents, particularly those with prior experience or negative negotiation experiences. The study suggests that people may feel more comfortable relying on virtual agents to act deceptively, as they perceive it as less personal.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Artificial Intelligence Research·DateSep 22, 2020

Better conservation planning can improve human life too

University of Queensland research reveals that conservation planning is often inadequate, neglecting critical ecosystem services that benefit humans, such as freshwater and pollination services. The study proposes a formal process for governments and policymakers to develop more effective plans.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateSep 22, 2020

Mapping the decision-making pathways in the brain

Scientists at OIST have identified a new area of the brain involved in cost-benefit decision-making, revealing complex connections between regions. The ventromedial thalamus sends signals to neurons in the prefrontal cortex, influencing decision-making processes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalBrain Structure and Function·DateSep 18, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Consumers value difficult decisions over easy choices

Researchers found that disfluency increases people's attitudes toward a message after a time delay, leading to more favorable post-purchase decisions. Consumers misattribute the time spent in decision-making, believing they made an informed choice rather than spending time understanding information.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalJournal of Marketing Communications·DateSep 17, 2020

Indigenous knowledge still undervalued - study

New research reveals Indigenous knowledge is regularly misunderstood when making important environmental decisions. The study highlights a power imbalance between Indigenous knowledge holders and scientists, with Indigenous knowledge often perceived as less valuable.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalPeople and Nature·DateSep 3, 2020

The effect of military training on the sense of agency and outcome processing

Research found that military training attenuates the sense of agency and outcome processing in individuals, especially those in lower ranks. In contrast, senior personnel showed no such effect. The study suggests that hierarchical environments can negatively impact an individual's feeling of responsibility for their actions.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 1, 2020
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.

CU Anschutz researchers shed light on split-second decision making

A new study from CU Anschutz researchers has identified the cerebellum as a critical region for making fast `go-no go' decisions. The study used mice to investigate the molecular layer interneurons in the cerebellum, which were found to play a role in learning valence and determining whether something is good or not.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 31, 2020

Perceptions of federal science advisory boards

A study of 900 US residents found that conservatives tend to view industry-majority boards as making unbiased decisions, while liberals see them as promoting business interests. The authors suggest this politicization could impact scientific advice given to the government.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 31, 2020

How to make AI trustworthy

A new tool, DeepTrust, generated automatic indicators of data and prediction trustworthiness in neural networks, addressing the need for trust in AI. The researchers used subjective logic to assess neural network architectures, providing insights into testing reliability and maximizing accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalFrontiers in Artificial Intelligence·DateAug 27, 2020
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.

Trust the power of markets

Research by UC Riverside found that information markets are more accurate than ad hoc groups in making decisions, despite initial skepticism. As people become accustomed to using markets, they gain trust in their reliability and accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalOrganization Science·DateAug 25, 2020

Why we distort probability

A team of researchers from New York University and Peking University found that human cognitive limitations lead to distorted probabilities and errors in decision-making. The model predicted human performance better than previous models, suggesting that people do as well as they can under their limitations.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2020

People can make better choices when it benefits others

A new study published in JNeurosci found that people learn and decide better when avoiding harm to others. The study used an fMRI scanner to investigate how participants learned to choose between two symbols to minimize pain, revealing increased activation in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VMPFC) when choosing for another person.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateAug 24, 2020

'Safely returning America to work' -- Occupational medicine specialists offer expertise

The American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (ACOEM) has published a set of general guidelines for safely returning to work during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guidelines address various aspects, including clinical manifestations of COVID-19, developing a successful return-to-work policy, and industry-specific guidance.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020
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.

Primary care at a crossroads: Experts call for change

Primary care providers face increasing workload with limited time due to insurance, EMR systems, and COVID-19. Many have reduced clinical schedules or switched to hospital medicine to manage workload.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateAug 24, 2020

OECD countries' politicians follow each other

The study found that democratic countries tend to copy each other's decisions, while the timing of implementation is crucial in containing the spread. The researchers conclude that political decisions during the pandemic were influenced by internal pressure and a desire for decisiveness.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 12, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Cricket umpires fumble on T20 calls

Research by Queensland University of Technology reveals that elite-level cricket umpires make more errors when making leg-before-wicket (LBW) decisions in T20 cricket, with a hit rate of 86.15% and false alarm rate of 2.04%. The study found that the format of the game affects decision-making behavior.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateAug 11, 2020

Make the best of bad reviews by leveraging consumer empathy

Researchers discovered that unfair negative reviews can evoke consumer empathy, leading to increased purchase and patronage intentions. Firms can capitalize on these reviews by responding in a more personable manner and highlighting employee involvement.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 6, 2020

Bargaining and the three-way transaction defines the daily deal market

Researchers analyzed the daily deal market to identify trade-offs made by both parties during transactions. Larger platforms can exert bargaining power, while smaller platforms offer higher profit shares to merchants, providing an alternative outlet for price negotiation.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalMarketing Science·DateAug 3, 2020

Partnerships with bankrupt companies could be double-edged sword for investors

New research found that a company's past investments in advertising and R&D can help suppliers and partners make informed decisions about whether to bet on the bankrupt customer or partner. Advertising increases survival odds when suppliers have high influence, while R&D decreases them when suppliers have low influence.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 30, 2020
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.

Local COVID-19 forecasts by AI

Researchers Xifeng Yan and Yu-Xiang Wang developed a deep learning tool to forecast COVID-19 trends by community. The model, called Transformer, uses attention mechanisms and U.S. Census data to provide hyper-local forecasts with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 30, 2020

Cambridge University Press launches Cambridge Sustainability Commissions

The first commission focuses on scaling sustainable behaviour change, addressing challenges in identifying high-impact projects and understanding the relation between individual behavior and system change. The results will be published Open Access in the Global Sustainability journal, freely available worldwide.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalGlobal Sustainability·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

How to get good at disagreeing

Disagreeing in groups can be difficult, but it's crucial for improvement. Research suggests that a culture where individuals feel empowered to speak up when they disagree is key. Practicing constructive confrontation through regular exercises can help build this skill.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalTeam Performance Management·DateJul 21, 2020