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How employees' rankings disrupt cooperation and how managers can restore it

Researchers found that performance rankings dramatically disrupt cooperation in groups, but sharing individuals' histories of pro-social contributions can largely offset this effect. By displaying prosocial reputations, managers can create systems of cooperation that withstand the negative impact of performance rankings.

SourceBocconi University·JournalOrganization Science·DateJan 27, 2020

How we learn is a quantum-like manner!

Researchers developed a quantum reinforcement learning framework to explain human decision-making behaviors, revealing a quantum-like neural mechanism. This breakthrough suggests that the human brain functions similarly to quantum systems, with potential implications for machine learning efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJan 23, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Police shootings linked to inaccurate dispatch information

A new study examined how dispatched call information influences police officer decisions to use deadly force. Inaccurate information about a subject's presence of a weapon was associated with an increased likelihood of shootings of unarmed subjects.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalPolice Quarterly·DateJan 21, 2020

Prosecutors' race, class bias may not drive criminal justice disparities

A new study led by Christopher Robertson found no significant differences in charges, fines, and sentences across racial and socioeconomic groups. This contradicts decades' worth of previous research on prosecutorial bias. Instead, policymakers may focus on addressing disparities before arrest, such as economic development and education.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Empirical Legal Studies·DateJan 17, 2020

How decisions unfold in a zebrafish brain

Researchers successfully tracked brain activity of zebrafish larvae to predict decisions, revealing a major role for the cerebellum in cognitive functions. The study used light field microscopy to track neuronal activity and identified specific patterns that predicted correct or incorrect turns.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalCell·DateJan 16, 2020

A molecular map of the brain's decision-making area

Researchers created a molecular 3D-map of nerve cells targeted by opioids in striatum, dividing it into subregions with spatiomolecular code. This knowledge may contribute to an increased understanding of normal reward processes and the effects of addictive substances on decision-making.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 24, 2019
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Scientists reveal the neural basis of confirmation bias

Researchers at Virginia Tech and University College London discovered a key brain region that drives confirmation bias, where activity modulates decision-making and memory. The study found that people tend to favor information reinforcing their existing opinions over contradictory ones.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 17, 2019

Strength of conviction won't help to persuade when people disagree

A recent study published in Nature Neuroscience found that when people disagree, their brains fail to encode the quality of the other person's opinion, making it harder to change their minds. This type of confirmation bias can lead to polarization and the maintenance of false beliefs.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 16, 2019

Focus on food security and sustainability

The researchers highlight the urgent need for investment in research infrastructure to provide reliable data on population health, nutrition, and agricultural practices. An international body is proposed to address pressing nutritional and agricultural issues and prepare policy decisions.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 11, 2019
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.

Online tool helps patients demystify the 'Pandora's box' of genomic sequencing

A new decision aid tool has been shown to reduce the time patients spend speaking with genetic counselors while increasing their knowledge of the benefits of genomic sequencing. The study found that patients who used the Genomics ADvISER needed to spend 24 minutes less speaking with a counselor than those who did not access the tool.

SourceSt. Michael's Hospital·JournalGenetics in Medicine·DateDec 10, 2019

Review Commons, a pre-journal portable review platform

Review Commons, launched by ASAPbio and EMBO Press, enables high-quality pre-journal peer review of manuscripts from the life sciences. This platform empowers authors to make informed decisions on paper submission and expedites submission to affiliate journals without restarting reviews.

SourceEMBO·JournalThe EMBO Journal·DateDec 9, 2019

Can a single-celled organism 'change its mind'? New study says yes

Researchers confirm what Herbert Spencer Jennings described over 100 years ago: single-celled organisms like S. roeseli can make decisions that allow them to 'change their mind.' The findings suggest a hierarchy of avoidance behaviors determined by previous experience, with protists exhibiting complex problem-solving behaviors in respo...

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 5, 2019

New study hints at complex decision making in a single-cell organism

A freshwater protist exhibits a hierarchy of avoidance behaviors, suggesting it can change its response to an environmental irritant. The study confirms that single cells can exhibit relatively complex decision-making processes, making evolutionary sense given their apex predator status in aquatic environments.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 5, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Developing a digital twin

University of Texas and MIT researchers develop predictive digital twins for UAVs, using physics-based models to capture the details of their behavior. The system can make real-time predictions of a UAV's health, enabling autonomous decision-making and reducing the risk of crashes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateDec 5, 2019

A new way to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value

A new tool called Long-term Investor Value Appropriation (LIVA) has been introduced to measure long-term firm performance and shareholder value. LIVA uses stock price data to calculate a backward-looking net present value over a given period, providing a more accurate reflection of underlying economic performance.

SourceINSEAD·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

Decision-making process becomes visible in the brain

Researchers have mapped zebrafish brain regions involved in decision making, revealing how sensory information is integrated to trigger a behavior. The study uses whole-brain imaging and behavioral paradigms to demonstrate the accumulation of evidence over time.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 2, 2019

New modeling will shed light on policy decisions' effect on migration from sea level rise

A new modeling approach can help researchers, policymakers and the public better understand how policy decisions will influence human migration as sea levels rise. The approach suggests that global policy decisions about greenhouse gas emissions and coastal policies will determine whether people need to migrate and where they may go.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 26, 2019

NASA space data can cut disaster response times, costs

A NASA study found that near-real-time satellite data can save an average of nine minutes per emergency response, potentially saving millions of dollars in disaster scenarios. The research used the 2011 Southeast Asian floods as a case study and developed a model to deploy in future disasters.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·DateNov 22, 2019
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.

Cybershoppers make better buying decisions on PCs than phones -- Ben-Gurion U. researchers

A recent study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that consumers make more accurate purchasing decisions using desktop computers compared to smartphones. The researchers discovered that mobile-friendly websites reduce information output and require more searching, whereas PC-based sites provide a clearer shopping experience.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateNov 21, 2019

The difference between an expert's brain and a novice's

Researchers studied mouse brain activity while learning tasks, finding neural networks become more focused and selective over time. The team developed computational models to inform decision-making neuroscience, revealing the role of inhibitory neurons in cognition.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateNov 18, 2019

Don't confuse luck with skill when rewarding performance

Researchers analyzed European football league matches to find that 'lucky' goals often led to increased playing time and ratings for players. The study highlights the importance of taking process and effort into account when evaluating performance to avoid bias and ensure fair rewards.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalThe Review of Economics and Statistics·DateNov 17, 2019
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.

First look at thermostat wars suggests women may be losing these battles

Research from Ohio State University reveals differences in how men and women interact around thermostat settings, with women more likely to report conflicts. The study found that thermostat adjustments tend to occur after agreements and compromises, but conflicts are associated with fewer temperature changes.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 13, 2019

Cooperating may result in better self-driving experience

Researchers argue that using cooperative game theory to model human-drone interactions can lead to better steering angle control and safer lane-change maneuvers. By taking into account human drivers' real-life experience, automated steering technology can achieve better shared control.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateNov 5, 2019

What we can learn from Indigenous land management

A new report highlights the importance of incorporating Indigenous decision-making and worldviews into environmental management, driving innovative solutions to pressing issues. By recognizing Indigenous sovereignty and relational ontologies, institutions can enhance sustainable approaches to land and water management.

SourceFlinders University·JournalGeographical Research·DateNov 5, 2019

The financial benefits of being bilingual

A new study suggests that bilingual individuals are less prone to emotional biases when making financial decisions, which could lead to better outcomes in negotiations and investments. The study found that thinking in a foreign language decreases sellers' attachment to their products, resulting in lower prices and improved interactions.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 30, 2019

Study considers double-edged sword of trust in regulatory agencies' monitoring of firms

Researchers found that strong relationships between regulators and firms improve monitoring quality initially, but eventually lead to negligence and collusion. The study suggests an optimal duration for relationships may exist, with mandatory auditor rotation programs potentially reducing failures in some cases.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateOct 30, 2019
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.

What's driving tropical deforestation? Scientists map 45 years of satellite images

Researchers use new mapping method to identify most vulnerable tropical forest areas, combining 45 years of satellite images with current land use data. The analysis reveals the impact of human activity, such as agriculture and infrastructure development, on deforestation and forest degradation.

SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Earth Observation and Geoinformation·DateOct 24, 2019

Simple conversations can reduce opioid prescriptions after hysterectomy

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that involving patients in pain management decisions significantly decreased opioid prescriptions without compromising pain control. The majority of patients reported their pain control as adequate or good and said their pain level was better or much better than expected.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalObstetrics and Gynecology·DateOct 22, 2019
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.

A Canadian essential medicines list must be evidence-based

A national essential medicines list in Canada could reduce inequitable access to medication, improve health outcomes, and optimize spending on medicines. The study highlights the importance of an independent decision-making body, selection criteria based on clinical and cost-effectiveness, and clear communication with stakeholders.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateOct 7, 2019

Tension around autonomy increases family conflict at end of life

New research highlights how caregivers can better manage family conflict as they deal with the approaching death of a loved one. Autonomy is a central tension in caregiving at the end of life, and strategies like communication, formal support, and emotional self-care can be used to address conflicts.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Family Nursing·DateOct 3, 2019

Different views on vaginal birth after previous caesarean section (VBAC)

A European study found significant variations in vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC) rates among six European countries, with Finland, Netherlands, and Sweden having high VBAC rates. In contrast, Ireland, Italy, and Germany have low VBAC rates due to a heterogeneous pro-against-VBAC culture.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalWomen and Birth·DateOct 3, 2019

A new strategy to alleviate sadness: Bring the emotion to life

A new study suggests that thinking of sadness as a person can help people regulate their emotions and make better purchasing decisions. Participants who wrote about sadness as a separate entity reported lower levels of sadness and made healthier choices, such as selecting a salad over cheesecake.

SourceSociety for Consumer Psychology·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateOct 2, 2019
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.

Estimating calorie content not clear-cut for all -- Otago study

A new University of Otago study found that people have varying levels of knowledge about food energy and portion sizes. Inaccurate judgements about these factors can result in overeating and subsequent weight issues. To combat this, the researchers suggest providing more explicit and salient energy labels on food packages.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalAppetite·DateOct 1, 2019

Sport has its benefits but do not overdo it

A study shows that intensive physical training can harm brain capacity, particularly cognitive control. Excessive physical activity is linked to reduced activity of the lateral prefrontal cortex, leading to impulsive decision-making and burnout syndrome.

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 26, 2019
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.

Don't make major decisions on an empty stomach, research suggests

A study by Dr Benjamin Vincent found that hunger significantly alters people's decision-making, making them more impatient and prone to settling for smaller rewards. This effect carries over into other kinds of decisions, such as financial and interpersonal ones, indicating a potential danger for those experiencing hunger due to poverty.

SourceUniversity of Dundee·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateSep 16, 2019

Expert feedback improves antibiotic prescribing decisions in paediatrics

A study by the University of Cologne found that expert feedback significantly reduces the length of antibiotic therapies and improves treatment decisions among pediatricians. The experiment showed that providing feedback can be a useful means to address excessive antibiotic use.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalMedical Decision Making·DateSep 12, 2019
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.

Brain: How to optimize decision making?

Neuroscientists develop mathematical model to maximize reward by considering the difference between choices. When values are similar, decision-making becomes complex, highlighting the brain's reliance on maximizing possible gains.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 11, 2019

Providing more testing choices does not increase colorectal cancer screening rates

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found that providing patients with more testing choices, such as home fecal immunochemical testing (FIT), does not increase participation in colorectal cancer screening. However, framing choice did impact patient decision-making, leading to a decrease in colonoscopy rates.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 30, 2019

Many who die waiting for a kidney had multiple offers, new study finds

A new study found that nearly one-third of kidney transplant candidates die or are removed from the list without receiving a transplant, with many having had multiple organ offers declined. The research highlights concerns about the allocation system and suggests better communication between patients and transplant centers could improv...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 30, 2019

Pregnant women of color experience disempowerment by health care providers

A new study reveals that women of color perceive their interactions with healthcare providers as misleading, with information being 'packaged' to limit maternity care choices. The research highlights the impact of implicit bias and racism on birth outcomes, providing a potential mechanism for how these associations occur.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateAug 27, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Spontaneous brain fluctuations influence risk-taking

Research at University College London found that minute-to-minute fluctuations in human brain activity, linked to dopamine levels, impact decision-making. When the brain's dopaminergic midbrain is in a state of low activity, individuals are more likely to choose risky options.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

Hiring committees that don't believe in gender bias promote fewer women

A new study by a UBC psychologist and researchers found that hiring committees who deny the existence of gender bias are less likely to promote women. The study, based on actual decisions made by 40 hiring committees in France, suggests that awareness and acknowledgement of barriers faced by women can help overcome implicit biases.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateAug 26, 2019

Dopaminergic midbrain and human behavior

Researchers found that dopamine-related changes in the brain stem may influence human behavior and decision-making. Fluctuations in the dopaminergic midbrain have been linked to behavioral variability, suggesting a possible non-random basis for human choices.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 26, 2019

Uncertainty in emissions estimates in the spotlight

Researchers investigated uncertainty in greenhouse gas emissions estimates, highlighting seven key issues that dominate current understanding. They emphasized the need for a holistic systems view and communicating uncertainties to policymakers and the public.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalMitigation and Adaptation Strategies for Global Change·DateAug 19, 2019
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.

Care less with helmet

Researchers found that wearing a bike helmet decreases the 'Frontal Midline Theta Power' in brain activity, indicating reduced cognitive control during risk decision-making. This suggests that wearing a helmet can influence behavior through subtle suggestions on a subconscious level.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalPsychophysiology·DateAug 15, 2019