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Change the bias, change the behavior? Maybe not

A recent meta-analysis of research on implicit bias found that changing people's biases may not necessarily lead to changes in related behaviors. The study, published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, reviewed 492 studies and found no evidence of a causal relationship between biased thinking and behavior.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 2, 2019

Why companies should not give their customers discounts after service failures

A new study published in the Journal of Marketing found that price-based recovery incentives after service failures are negatively associated with the likelihood of subscribers renewing their contracts at the end of the contract period. The researchers propose several ways subscription-based service providers can reduce the negative ef...

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 25, 2019
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.

How do brains remember decisions?

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine used mice to study decision-based memories, finding that they are stored in the prefrontal cortex. The study revealed that neurons in this region fire at a higher rate when making decisions, and that this rate slows down over time. This knowledge can help develop models of decision-making and poten...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateJul 23, 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.

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.

IOF review of impact of drug holidays on bone health

For high-risk patients, treatment continuation outweighs rare side effects; rapid bone loss occurs after denosumab discontinuation. Long-term studies showed no increased fracture risk with continued treatment.

SourceInternational Osteoporosis Foundation·JournalOsteoporosis International·DateJul 8, 2019

Viewing pornography increases unethical behavior at work

New research finds that viewing pornography at work is linked to increased shirking of work and lying. The study suggests that this negative behavior is caused by a propensity to dehumanize others, leading to potential issues with sexual harassment and hostile work environments.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Business Ethics·DateJun 25, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Performance improves when the enemy of an enemy is a friend

A two-year study of day traders found that balanced professional networks lead to better performance and improved high-risk decisions. The researchers discovered that workers naturally gravitate towards a state of balance in their relationships, which ultimately frees up mental energy for making better trades.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2019

What influences critical care doctors in withdrawing life support for patients with brain injury?

A study in CMAJ provides new insights into the decision-making processes of critical care physicians and families in withdrawing life-sustaining treatments from critically ill patients with severe brain injury. Key findings include the influence of patient circumstances, family wishes, severity and location of the injury, past physicia...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJun 17, 2019

Study shows 70% of patients lack advance directives before elective surgery

A study by Regenstrief Institute researchers found that only 30% of patients reported having some form of advance directive, but only 16% had one on file in their electronic medical record. This lack of documentation can lead to complex situations for care providers and loved ones.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJun 17, 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.

Many choices seems promising until you actually have to choose

A study from the University at Buffalo found that people experience a 'paralyzing paradox' when faced with too many options, leading to fear of making the wrong choice. To manage this, considering the relative importance of the choice and having clear guidelines can help scale down decision-making process.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBiological Psychology·DateJun 13, 2019

Algorithm to transform investment banking with higher returns

A University of Bath researcher has created an algorithm that consistently outperforms conventional methods and other developed tools in financial trading, resulting in a 3% higher return than the benchmark U.S. Federal Reserve Funds rate. The tool's potential impact on employment at the highest banking levels is also significant.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJun 12, 2019

Ultimate destiny

Researchers from Harvard Medical School and others have discovered that undifferentiated cells face multiple competing choices before committing to their ultimate destiny. By analyzing single-cell sequencing data, they found that genetic programs regulate various cellular functions and influence cell specialization.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalScience·DateJun 6, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Dementia and the ethics of choosing when to die

The Hastings Center is conducting groundbreaking research on dementia and end-of-life choices, examining the ethical implications of living with dementia. The study aims to identify areas where further research or policymaking is needed to improve the experiences of those affected by dementia.

SourceThe Hastings Center·DateJun 6, 2019

Changing the conversation about elective sterilization for women

Research by Sara Davis and Abby Dubisar found a stark contrast in information provided for women and men seeking elective sterilization, reinforcing gender roles and stereotypes. The study recommends improved communication strategies for doctors to better counsel patients on the procedure's benefits and risks.

SourceIowa State University·JournalRhetoric of Health & Medicine·DateMay 28, 2019

When science and politics collide: Support for enhancing FDA independence

Seven former FDA commissioners and a new paper suggest the FDA should become an independent agency to protect science-based drug safety decisions from political interference. The authors propose safeguards, including six-year terms for commissioners and budgetary independence, to ensure the agency's mission is upheld.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 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.

FDA independence in an age of partisan politics

The FDA faces significant politicization, threatening its ability to make scientifically-informed decisions on public health. Experts argue that increased independence is needed to protect the nation's health, citing precedents from other agencies such as the FCC and SSA.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 16, 2019

Scientists locate brain area where value decisions are made

Researchers identified the retrosplenial cortex as the brain region responsible for value-based decision-making, which is crucial for neurological conditions such as schizophrenia and dementia. The study used data from tens of thousands of neurons to show that the RSC maintains subjective value information until the next experience.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalCell·DateMay 9, 2019
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.

New multi-player game brings out the science of wargames

Researchers developed an online multi-player game called SIGNAL to explore deterrence and decision-making in escalating conflicts. The game allows for large-N data analysis, collecting insights from thousands of games, which can inform policies, strategies, and tactics.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·DateMay 7, 2019

Research clarifies role of posterior parietal cortex in decision-making

The study provides new insights into the functional role of the PPC in decision-making, showing that it plays an essential role in making judgments about unknown sensory stimuli. The researchers used a novel behavioral technique and precise manipulation of neuronal activity to demonstrate the causal role of the PPC during decision-making.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 7, 2019

Reasons for delay in pelvic organ prolapse treatment revealed

Women are often prevented from seeking early treatment for pelvic organ prolapse due to confusion about symptoms and feelings of shame. The condition causes pain, incontinence, and psychological distress, but conservative treatments can be effective if detected early.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·DateMay 2, 2019

Morning exercise can improve decision-making across the day in older adults

A morning bout of moderate-intensity exercise improves cognitive performance like decision-making across the day compared to prolonged sitting without exercise. Brief light-intensity walking breaks can also boost short-term memory by disrupting uninterrupted sitting.

SourceBaker Heart and Diabetes Institute·JournalBritish Journal of Sports Medicine·DateApr 29, 2019
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.

Responses to environmental tragedies often make matters worse, ethicists find

Conservationists analyzed a controversial Australian goat removal program to develop a framework for evaluating intervention options. The study highlights the importance of considering community values, avoiding assumptions, and being logically sound in conservation decisions. It recommends key attributes such as clarity, transparency,...

SourceOregon State University·JournalConservation Biology·DateApr 29, 2019

Video plus brochure helps patients make lung cancer scan decision

A short video describing lung cancer screening benefits and risks, combined with an informational brochure, increased patients' knowledge and reduced conflicted feelings about the scan. Participants who watched the video as well as read the booklet were more certain of their decision to undergo the scan.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAnnals of the American Thoracic Society·DateApr 19, 2019

Collecting the right quantity of evidence: How the brain makes a difficult decision

Two studies investigate perceptual decision making in rats and humans, showing that the brain compares incoming sensory evidence to express a decision as soon as it reaches a fixed boundary. The findings support the 'bounded integration' model, which explains how the nervous system accumulates information over time.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 19, 2019
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.

Could computer games help farmers adapt to climate change?

Researchers developed a web-based game, Maladaptation Game, to improve understanding of climate change methods and adaptation strategies among Nordic farmers. The game presents players with four agricultural challenges and requires strategic decisions, providing a summary of potential negative outcomes.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Agriculture·DateApr 18, 2019

How do we make moral decisions?

A recent study published in Nature Communications challenges prior research on moral decision-making by showing that people's moral behavior can shift depending on the context. The researchers identified four moral strategies: inequity aversion, guilt aversion, greed, and moral opportunism, which involves switching between these strate...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2019

Could robots make a documentary about a 5K race?

A team of researchers is developing AI-powered mobile robots to direct a documentary-style coverage of a 5K race. The robots will predict likely events, adjust plans in real-time, and gather information as they go, capturing the most pertinent moments for an engaging narrative.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 16, 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.

Men's knowledge on prostate cancer needs improving

Research by UBC's Men's Health Research Program reveals that many men struggle with understanding prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options. The study highlights the importance of health literacy in making informed decisions and managing personal health.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalHealth Promotion Practice·DateApr 16, 2019

Visualization strategies may backfire on consumers pursuing health goals

A new study from Oregon State University found that using visualization with a third-person perspective can backfire on consumers pursuing health goals. When health goals are peripheral to a person's self-concept, adopting a third-person perspective can discourage goal-consistent intentions and behavior.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 4, 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.

NICE drops social and ethical values from revised Social Balue Judgements document

A commentary published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine warns that removing explicit ethics and values from NICE's revised Social Value Judgements document undermines the organization's innovative approach. Experts argue that this revision leaves patients and clinicians struggling to understand NICE's decisions.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2019

UTSA researcher studies bias in prosecutor filing trends

Federal prosecutors declined to pursue cases in about one quarter of all instances, with violent and drug cases being more likely to be dropped. The study found differences in decisions based on defendant characteristics, such as gender and race, as well as offense types.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateApr 1, 2019

New study models the proposed reintroduction of the Eurasian lynx to Scotland

Experts have developed a model to identify suitable locations for the reintroduction of Eurasian lynx in Scotland, suggesting that the Kintyre Peninsula is the most suitable site. The study found that Scotland possesses sufficient habitat for population establishment and spread, with the Central Belt acting as a barrier to colonization.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalBiological Conservation·DateMar 29, 2019

How debt affects decisions and cognitive health

A study on chronically indebted individuals in Singapore found that debt relief reduces anxiety and improves financial decisions. Paying off total debt was more effective than reducing partial debts.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 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.

Avoidance or responsible moral choices -- what is your supervisor like?

Researchers at the University of Jyväskylä identified four moral identity statuses in Finnish leaders: achieved, foreclosed, diffused, and moratorium. An achieved identity is characterized by a clear, self-chosen value framework, while foreclosed identities are based on adopted values without critical evaluation. The study highlights t...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalScandinavian Journal of Work and Organizational Psychology·DateMar 21, 2019

PCORI Board approves $3.8 million to support implementation of findings from PCORI-funded research

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) has approved funding for two projects that aim to disseminate and implement research findings on obesity and diabetes prevention through shared decision making. The projects, totaling $3.8 million, will focus on patients with severe obesity and higher blood sugars who are diagnos...

SourcePatient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute·DateMar 19, 2019

Experts to support global companies against cyber threats

A UK consortium of cyber security experts is supporting global businesses to address cyber threats and protect against cybercrime. The project aims to develop interventions to provide guidance and support, with a focus on board decision-making and risk assessment.

SourceUniversity College London·DateMar 19, 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.

It's not your fault -- Your brain is self-centered

A study published in Psychological Science found that our brains automatically prioritize self-referential stimuli, such as our names or faces, over random information. This 'self-referential bias' can drive decisions and behaviors, potentially leading to selfish outcomes.

SourceDuke University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 13, 2019

How intelligent is artificial intelligence?

AI systems often employ 'Clever Hans' strategies that are not meaningful from a human perspective, but still achieve success. Researchers have developed explainable AI technology to identify these flawed strategies and identify more intelligent problem-solving approaches.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 2019

How to take a census of Earth's biodiversity? One team of researchers has a plan

Researchers propose a new method to measure and track plant and animal populations, known as the 'hypercube,' which can generate health stats for the planet. The goal is to provide policymakers with accurate information to make sound conservation decisions, including assessing progress toward national and international policy goals.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateMar 11, 2019