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School lunch decisions made by the child and not the parent

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that children are often the primary decision maker for school lunches and packed lunches, prioritizing their own enjoyment and food preferences. The study's findings suggest that parents' anxieties and reassurances play a significant role in accommodating ch...

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateApr 6, 2018
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.

Satellites, supercomputers, and machine learning provide real-time crop type data

A new technique uses satellite data and machine learning to distinguish between corn and soybean fields in Illinois, providing accurate crop type data every two months. The researchers used Landsat satellites and a deep neural network to analyze the data, showing promise for future innovations in agricultural applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateApr 4, 2018

Gender roles highlight gender bias in judicial decisions

A study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that judges may be biased against women in sexual discrimination lawsuits and favor mothers in custody cases, even when similar to the general public's views. This bias is linked to traditional gender roles and their influence on court decisions.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateApr 3, 2018

Census data can level the playing field for small businesses

A University of Waterloo study found that census data can aid in decision-making for small businesses, helping them avoid costly mistakes. By combining public and proprietary data, researchers identified geographic hot spots and cold spots related to consumer spending habits.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalInternational Journal of Geographical Information Science·DateApr 3, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New heart attack test better informs of underlying condition

A new blood test developed by University of Alberta physician Peter Hwang promises to eliminate the guesswork in diagnosing apparent heart attacks. By analyzing fragmented troponin levels, clinicians can better determine the extent of cardiac damage and make informed decisions about treatment options.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateMar 15, 2018

Cash payments prompt tropical forest users to harvest less

A University of Colorado Boulder study shows that cash payments can induce people to conserve nature longer term, even after payments are discontinued. Participants who received cash incentives cut down 48% fewer trees and continued to conserve even after payments stopped.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 14, 2018

March/April 2018 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A randomized controlled trial found that mindfulness meditation training reduced the incidence of major depressive disorder by 11% compared to usual care, while also improving depression symptoms. Additionally, comprehensive asthma management tools improved asthma control and reduced hospital visits in primary care practices.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 13, 2018

Study finds shared decision making still lacking in prostate cancer screening

A new study finds that many men receiving prostate specific antigen (PSA) testing do not have a comprehensive shared decision making process, contrary to current guidelines. The study found that in both 2010 and 2015, fewer than one in five men with recent PSA testing reported full discussion.

SourceAmerican Cancer Society·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMar 12, 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.

Who makes the NCAA tournament? Researchers at the University of Illinois can help

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a decision-tree model to predict the NCAA tournament field, achieving 90% accuracy for bubble teams between 2012 and 2016. The model provides a data-driven foundation for selecting tournament teams based on publicized criteria.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Sports Analytics·DateMar 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.

New study aims to measure how PTSD affects police officers

A new study at the University at Buffalo aims to measure the effects of PTSD symptoms on attention and cognitive control in police officers. The research, led by Janet Shucard, will examine brain structure and function in police officers using electrophysiological activity and psychological interviews.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateFeb 20, 2018

Patients with advanced cancer may be less competent to make decisions than doctors think

A study found that patients with advanced cancer were less capable of making treatment decisions than healthy adults, but doctors often overestimated their competence. The research suggests a shift in patient-doctor relationships, emphasizing the importance of respecting patient autonomy while ensuring decision-making capacity.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalAmerican Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry·DateFeb 20, 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.

Uniting diverse research areas to drive autonomous cars

WPI researchers Raghvendra Cowlagi and Alexander Wyglinski combine their expertise in autonomy and wireless communications to create a network that enables self-driving cars to share information about traffic flow, road conditions, and accidents. This allows for safer operation on highways and congested city streets.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateFeb 14, 2018

Risk of extreme weather events higher if Paris Agreement goals aren't met

A Stanford University study found that even a 1-degree difference between the UN goal and country commitments may increase extreme weather likelihood. The researchers predict a fivefold increase in record-breaking warm nights over Europe and a threefold increase in record-breaking wet days over North America, Europe, and East Asia.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 14, 2018

March Madness mentality: Faced with chance to win, most coaches go for tie

A study by Cornell University researchers found that most coaches prefer to tie games over risking a potential win to avoid sudden defeat. This phenomenon, known as sudden-death aversion (SDA), reflects a common bias in decision-making that can lead to suboptimal choices.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 13, 2018

Pride tops guilt as a motivator for environmental decisions

A recent Princeton University study found that highlighting the pride people will feel if they take pro-environmental actions may be a better way to change environmental behaviors. Participants who were exposed to anticipation of pride consistently reported higher pro-environmental intentions than those exposed to anticipated guilt.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 13, 2018
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.

Brain thickness provides insight into teenage decision-making

A study of adolescents found that thinner brain cortex regions are associated with more impulsive decision-making. Cortical thickness predicted delay discounting, a measure of impulsivity related to the value of rewards, above cognitive and demographic variables.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateFeb 12, 2018

Helping authorities respond more quickly to airborne radiological threats

Researchers from North Carolina State University have developed a new technique that can detect potential airborne radiological materials in hours, instead of days. This approach uses existing technologies to provide quality information to first responders, allowing them to make informed decisions about evacuating the area.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHealth Physics·DateFeb 7, 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.

Farsightedness and future investment

Experiments suggest that farsightedness is negatively associated with risk-taking and positively associated with choosing increased future rewards. Analysis of over 90 million tweets reveals a connection between future thinking and decision-making.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 5, 2018

Study may improve strategies for reducing nutrient runoff into Mississippi River

A new study examines nutrient loss reduction strategies from three upper Midwestern states and finds promise in certain practices like cover crops and bioreactors. The researchers also assess the trackability and stackability of these practices, which will aid decision makers in choosing specific conservation practices to adopt or avoid.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateJan 22, 2018

Recreational marijuana legalization: Do more youth use or do youth use more?

A recent Oregon Research Institute study found that recreational marijuana legalization had no significant effect on the number of youth who used marijuana, but increased the frequency of use among those already using it. The study suggests that community sales policies may not reduce teenage marijuana use and highlights the need for p...

SourceOregon Research Institute·JournalPsychology of Addictive Behaviors·DateJan 8, 2018

Brain lesions and criminal behavior linked to moral decision-making network

Research finds brain lesions associated with increased risk of criminal behavior, specifically impacting the moral decision-making network. The study analyzed MRI and CT scans of individuals with brain lesions, revealing a strong correlation between lesions in the same brain network as those with criminal behavior.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A good decision is not made in one go

Scientists at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam found that averaging all estimates yields significant accuracy gains, especially when considering multiple people. Taking the average of estimates from different individuals is a more effective approach for good decision-making than relying on personal expertise.

SourceVrije Universiteit Amsterdam·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateDec 11, 2017

Effects of early life stress

Research on early life stress found that high childhood stress was associated with reduced brain activity and poorer risk-taking decisions in a decision-making task. The findings suggest that childhood stress exposure may influence adult decision-making patterns.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

IU, Regenstrief study finds surrogate decision makers experience psychological distress

A new IU, Regenstrief study explores predictors and frequency of surrogate decision-maker distress, finding that emotional support is crucial for effective decisions and better psychological outcomes. Surrogate anxiety and depression were found to be prevalent among family members making medical decisions for hospitalized older adults.

SourceRegenstrief Institute·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 4, 2017
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.

Microwave-based test method can help keep 3-D chip designers' eyes open

Researchers at NIST develop a new approach to testing multilayered, three-dimensional computer chips using microwaves. This method provides real-time insight into material performance and defects, potentially reducing electromigration issues and improving chip stability.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 28, 2017

Most older adults prefer to participate in medical decisions

A recent study found that older adults with four or more chronic conditions are less likely to participate actively in medical decisions. In contrast, those without multiple conditions tend to prefer more active involvement.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 20, 2017
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.

Stress can lead to risky decisions

Researchers found that stressed animals chose high-risk options despite increased costs, and restored normal behavior by manipulating the prefronto-striosome circuit. This study suggests a potential method for treating disorders like depression and addiction.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateNov 16, 2017
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.

Doctors and patients make more decisions together

A study by Northwestern University and Harvard University found that shared decision-making between doctors and patients increased 14% from 2002 to 2014, resulting in better-informed patients who opt for fewer marginal treatments.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateNov 13, 2017

How challenges change the way you think

Research in Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience found that challenging situations negatively impact the brain's ability to acquire spatial and sequential context. Participants performed poorly on tests after watching clips of positive, negative, and neutral situations.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·DateNov 9, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Do animals think rationally?

Researcher suggests a wide range of animal species exhibit executive control when making decisions, consciously considering their goals and ways to satisfy them. Studies have shown that elephants, chimpanzees, ravens, and lions engage in rational decision-making, remembering specific events, using tools, and solving problems.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPhilosophy and Phenomenological Research·DateNov 1, 2017

The problem with being pretty

Researchers found that attractive candidates are perceived as more entitled to good outcomes, leading decision makers to favor unattractive individuals for less desirable jobs. This challenges the common assumption that attractiveness is an advantage in job selection.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 24, 2017

Anticipating aftershocks

The new earthquake forecast, UCERF3, provides self-consistent rupture probabilities from short-term to long-term, including increased likelihood of powerful aftershocks and revised earthquake frequencies. The model also assesses short-term changes in seismic hazard based on earthquake clustering and aftershock excitations.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalSeismological Research Letters·DateOct 24, 2017

Study highlights value of acknowledging adolescents' perspectives

A new study found that parents who acknowledge their adolescent children's perspectives and encourage them to express themselves have youths with stronger self-worth, intrinsic motivation, and engagement. However, the benefits of autonomy and decision-making differ across cultures.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateOct 24, 2017
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.

NIST urges caution in use of courtroom evidence presentation method

Statisticians Steve Lund and Hari Iyer argue that Likelihood Ratio's Bayesian reasoning approach is flawed for courtroom use, risking conclusions driven by assumptions rather than data. NIST recommends using the method only in cases where probability-based models are warranted.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Research of the National Institute of Standards and Technology·DateOct 12, 2017

An 'internal GPS' helps seabirds find home

A new animal movement model reveals seabirds orient themselves over an ocean and compensate for wind drift without landmarks, hinting at a 'map sense'. This breakthrough paves the way for analyzing animal decision-making using GPS tracking data.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 27, 2017
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.

Yale announces collaboration with WBCSD to improve corporate reporting

The Yale Initiative on Sustainable Finance (YISF) will provide high-quality research on capital flows into sustainability-oriented projects. YISF aims to investigate challenges in sustainable finance by partnering with market participants, non-profit organizations and WBCSD. The project focuses on clarifying ESG materiality for companies.

SourceYale School of the Environment·DateSep 22, 2017

Are you happy you voted -- or didn't?

A study published in Party Politics found that 97% of voters were glad they participated, while 60% of non-voters regretted not voting. People who feel morally duty-bound to vote and those interested in politics are more likely to be satisfied with their decision.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalParty Politics·DateSep 22, 2017

Reliance on 'gut feelings' linked to belief in fake news

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people who rely on concrete evidence to form their beliefs are less likely to have misperceptions about high-profile scientific and political issues. On the other hand, those who trust their intuition over evidence are more likely to believe fake news.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 18, 2017
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.

New research examines how people make high-stakes choices

The study aims to identify variables that predict why certain individuals are better at making tough decisions, as well as understand how people arrive at difficult choices. By training soldiers, first-responders, and civilians, the research hopes to produce better outcomes in life-threatening situations.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Lowell·DateSep 13, 2017

To Improve smartphone privacy, control access to third-party libraries

A new app developed by Carnegie Mellon University researchers allows users to control access to third-party libraries, which helps app developers make money by targeting people with ads or compiling marketing profiles. This approach promises to be an effective way of limiting the unwanted release of personal information.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateSep 12, 2017