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Electrical signals kick off flatworm regeneration

Scientists have discovered that electrical activity is the first known step in planarian flatworm regeneration, starting before genetic machinery kicks in. This breakthrough enables cells to communicate and make decisions about their position and overall organ structure.

SourceCell Press·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 5, 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 intervention shows promise in HIV prevention

A new online intervention tool shows promise in decreasing sexual risk-taking and promoting HIV/STI prevention behaviors among young gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. The My Desires & Expectations (myDEx) tool was pilot-tested in a randomized trial and found to improve HIV prevention behaviors and emotional decision-m...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Nursing·JournalAIDS and Behavior·DateFeb 26, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New in the Hastings Center Report, January-February 2019

The article explores the intersection of social media, emerging technologies, and medical ethics. Bioethicists discuss various issues such as bias in AI systems and patient relationships affected by social networking sites. The authors also provide recommendations for addressing ethical challenges in these areas.

SourceThe Hastings Center·JournalHastings Center Report·DateFeb 21, 2019

Believing in yourself can backfire when investing in equity crowdfunded ventures

A new study from Indiana University's Kelley School of Business found that amateur investors with high self-efficacy are prone to crowd bias and herding behaviors, leading to poorer investment decisions. The researchers suggest that online training courses could help mitigate these risks and improve the equity crowdfunding landscape.

SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateFeb 21, 2019

Visualizing mental valuation processes

A new computer model has been developed to map mental valuation processes in the brain, enabling accurate predictions of food choices. The model takes into account individual valuations and efficiency principles, allowing for the prediction of decision behavior.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 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.

To tool or not to tool?

Researchers studied tool-related decision-making in orangutans and found they carefully considered factors like tool functionality and food quality. The apes chose the tool when it worked with the apparatus, but prioritized immediate food rewards if the tool was non-functional.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 14, 2019

Programming autonomous machines ahead of time promotes selfless decision-making

Researchers found that programming autonomous vehicles in advance leads to more cooperative decisions, as people prioritize collective interests over short-term rewards. This effect generalizes beyond the domain of autonomous vehicles and has implications for shaping societal dilemmas.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2019

Do cold temperatures result in heat-of-the-moment purchases?

Researchers found that cold temperatures cause consumers to rely more on emotions when making decisions, favoring products with sentimental value. This phenomenon may benefit luxury retailers who sell emotion-laden products.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of the Association for Consumer Research·DateFeb 7, 2019

When does noise become a meaningful message?

Bats use rain noise as a salient informational cue to inform their decision making about emerging from roosts. This study shows that noise can be beneficial for animals, providing important information about their environment and when it's safe to hunt.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateFeb 6, 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.

The good and evil of ghosts, governments, and machines

A new study reveals that people believe good spirits reside in mountains and evil spirits in caves, and that governments are rated as more moral than organizations after a transgression. Meanwhile, concerns about machines making life-or-death decisions may limit their role in the future.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 6, 2019

Gerontologists find functional status after TAVR, SAVR linked to pre-op fragility

Researchers found that patients with high functional status and lower frailty scores before valve replacement fared best after the procedure. After SAVR, three-quarters of patients experienced functional improvement, while among those who underwent TAVR, only 37% saw an improvement in functional status.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateFeb 4, 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.

Nudging does not necessarily improve decisions

Researchers from the University of Zurich found that nudging's effectiveness depends on a person's underlying decision-making process. The study suggests that certain behavioral models can improve decisions through nudging, such as the limited attention model.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Political Economy·DateJan 16, 2019

Personalized treatment benefits kidney cancer patients

A new study published in Radiology suggests that personalized treatment plans can significantly extend the life expectancy of early-stage kidney cancer patients with risk factors for worsening kidney disease. The study used computer-based simulations to assess the impact of different treatment approaches and found that personalized str...

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJan 15, 2019

Enhanced research reporting method to improve patient care

A new approach to collating and analyzing qualitative studies has led to the creation of tailored reporting guidance for meta-ethnography. This will give researchers and healthcare bosses greater confidence in findings, ultimately improving patient care and services.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalBMC Medical Research Methodology·DateJan 15, 2019

Excessive social media use is comparable to drug addiction

Research from Michigan State University found a correlation between excessive social media use and impaired risky decision-making capabilities. Participants who struggled with poor decision-making on the Iowa Gambling Task also displayed more problematic social media use.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·DateJan 10, 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 are you looking at? How attention affects decision-making

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that people's gaze influences their choices when faced with two visible options. The researchers used eye-tracking technology to show that attention amplifies a person's desire for chosen items, particularly those already liked.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 19, 2018
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.

A holiday gift to primary care doctors: Proof of their time crunch

A new study published in BMJ found that primary care doctors need to work six more hours a day to provide recommended preventive care, including colonoscopy and lung cancer screening. The simulation model also reveals that this would lead to 17 out of every 100 doctors taking early retirement each year.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 14, 2018

Driving with dementia -- New guidance for doctors

The new guidelines aim to support doctors in assessing and managing patients with dementia who drive. Key findings indicate that many people with dementia are safe to drive in the early stages, but making the decision to stop can be difficult.

SourceNewcastle University·DateDec 12, 2018
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.

Utility customers overestimate cost savings with energy-conservation plans

A new study by Ohio State University found that utility customers rely on perception of cost savings rather than actual savings when deciding to participate in energy-conservation programs. The study involved 8,702 customers and showed that consumers who thought they were saving more were more likely to renew their programs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Energy·DateDec 3, 2018

Snails become risk-takers when hungry

Hunger increases risk-taking behavior in snails by altering brain control mechanisms, allowing them to ingest potentially harmful substances. The study's findings have major societal relevance, highlighting the importance of motivation in controlling feeding behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 21, 2018
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.

Where the brain turns quality and quantity into value

Researchers pinpointed the anterior cingulate cortex as the brain region responsible for integrating disparate information to inform 'on-the-fly' decision-making. Activity in this region was associated with combining quality and quantity, while other areas linked to interaction between these factors were also activated.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 19, 2018

A new 'buddy system' of nurse education gets high marks from students

A new 'buddy system' of nursing education has been found to improve student learning and confidence by promoting collaborative decision-making. The 'Two Heads Are Better than One' method involves two students working together as one nurse, forcing them to prioritize and make clinical decisions, resulting in less anxiety and more robust...

SourceBaylor University·JournalJournal of Nursing Education·DateNov 15, 2018

Escape decisions in fish shoals

A recent study using computer vision technology reveals how diverse fish species make decisions when fleeing from predators. The researchers found that neural circuits previously identified in lab animals are also present in wild fish shoals, governing escape decision-making.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018
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.

New study: Parents put nature in the shopping basket

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that parents consider naturalness a benchmark for consumer choice, driven by concerns over health and protection. This preference is rooted in the increased responsibility felt by parents to make informed decisions about their children's well-being in a knowledge society.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalInternational Journal of Advertising and Marketing to Children·DateNov 12, 2018

Pitt researcher uses video games to unlock new levels of A.I.

A University of Pittsburgh researcher is using video games to test and improve artificial intelligence algorithms. The goal is to create AIs that can learn from their mistakes in complex, uncertain environments. By analyzing gameplay data, the algorithm can refine its strategies for optimal decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateNov 5, 2018
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.

Lisa Giocomo and Christopher Harvey receive Young Investigator Award

Lisa Giocomo and Christopher Harvey, recognized for their novel insights into spatial perception and synaptic specificity of neural plasticity, have made strides in bridging molecular processes with cognitive function. Their work has the potential to provide new applications of tools and techniques in systems neuroscience.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 5, 2018
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.

Lights, sounds paired with winning encourages risk-taking

A laboratory study of over 100 healthy adults found that pairing larger wins with sensory cues increased participants' preference for high-risk decisions. The researchers also observed greater pupil dilation in subjects who were more aroused when winning outcomes were paired with sensory cues.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 29, 2018

Severity of crime increases jury's belief in guilt

A new Duke study reveals that mock jurors' confidence in guilt increases with the severity of the alleged crime, regardless of evidence. The study found that DNA and non-DNA physical evidence have a significant impact on jurors' decisions, while prior convictions have less effect.

SourceDuke University·DateOct 29, 2018
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.

Closing the gender gap in competitiveness with a psychological trick

Researchers found that using priming can lead to significant changes in competitive behavior among both men and women. The study revealed that when men were primed to exert influence, they became more cautious, while women became more confident. This breakthrough has implications for education and professional training.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2018

Invention of ionic decision-maker capable of self-learning

Researchers at NIMS Japan developed an ionic device that can make decisions quickly and adapt to changing situations without relying on computer memory. The technology has the potential to develop novel AI systems processing analog information using hardware, addressing issues with current digital-based systems.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 15, 2018
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.

Analyzing half a million mouse decisions

Researchers analyzed over 500,000 mouse decisions to identify a brain region supporting a decision-making strategy similar to nonhuman primates. This discovery paves the way for manipulating this circuit using advanced techniques.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateOct 15, 2018

Small-brained female guppies aren't drawn to attractive males

A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that female Trinidadian guppies can differentiate between attractive and dull males, regardless of brain size. Larger-brained fish showed different patterns of activity in decision-making brain regions when evaluating attractive or unattractive males.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 8, 2018

Bag a job, bag your prey

Researchers applied job search theoretical models to study hunters' decision-making, identifying optimal stopping points and dietary trait thresholds to manage hunting pressure. The model could be used to infer changes in harvested prey communities and evaluate the efficacy of hunting regulations.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalEcological Applications·DateOct 5, 2018

Even small gifts boost business

A study by the University of Zurich found that even small gifts can significantly increase sales, particularly when given to the boss. In a controlled experiment, sales representatives gave customers six tubes of toothpaste worth around 10 francs, leading to orders almost twice as high.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalManagement Science·DateOct 4, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Do we trust people who speak with an accent?

A study by McGill University found that confidence in speech can overcome accent bias, making accented speakers equally believable to native speakers. The researchers discovered different brain regions are activated when evaluating speech from within and outside groups.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNeuroImage·DateSep 18, 2018

Novel framework to address uncertainty in water management

Researchers developed a decision-making framework addressing water scarcity under climate change, explicitly considering uncertainties. The framework provides guidelines for policy options and helps policymakers make informed decisions on investments and interventions.

SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 14, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Experts reveal 'football vision' as important as ball skills

Young footballers would benefit from more time learning to read the field and less on ball skills. Research suggests scanning should be taught alongside technical and tactical skills to improve awareness, decision-making, and technical actions. Coaches with higher qualifications and experience tend to prioritize scanning.

SourceUniversity of Chichester·DateSep 12, 2018

In gut we trust when it comes to choices

A study published by the American Psychological Association suggests that focusing on feelings instead of logic in decision-making leads to increased attitude certainty and stronger advocacy for chosen options. This approach can also change behavior, as seen in experiments where participants who made intuitive decisions shared their ch...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalEmotion·DateSep 10, 2018

Does technology really enhance our decision-making ability?

A recent study by US Army Research Laboratory scientist Dr. James Schaffer and his collaborators found that users' subjective satisfaction with their decisions is strongly influenced by their cognitive state and traits, not just the system's user experience.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateSep 7, 2018

Understanding family involvement in Chinese immigrant women's health and healthcare

A study by Northwestern University researchers explored the attitudes and beliefs of Chinese immigrant women regarding their children's and spouse's involvement in their health and healthcare. The findings suggest opportunities for culturally tailored interventions to improve these women's health outcomes.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalHealth Equity·DateSep 6, 2018