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Study demonstrates courts' critical, underappreciated role in climate policy

A study by George Washington University researchers found that air pollution and coal-fired power plants were the subject of most cases, while renewable energy and energy efficiency saw pro-regulation plaintiffs win more than twice as frequently. Courts are expected to play a significant role in shaping climate policy in the US.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2017

How monkey fights grow

Conflict durations in monkey societies grow more quickly as others join, according to researchers studying dynamic conflict patterns. The first interaction sets the tone for the fight, with brief episodes likely to follow if initial interactions are brief.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 6, 2017

How to implement Advance Care Planning for patients

Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process where patients discuss their goals and preferences with relatives and health-care providers. The study recommends adapting ACP to the individual's readiness, updating conversations and documents regularly.

SourceLancaster University·JournalThe Lancet Oncology·DateSep 5, 2017
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Two distinct brain regions have independent influence on decision-making

Research at Mount Sinai Hospital identified two distinct brain areas involved in decision-making: the orbital frontal cortex (OFC) and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (VLPFC). Monkeys with OFC lesions lost ability to track reward probability, while those with VLPFC lesions showed preference for M&Ms.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateAug 30, 2017

People favor highly reviewed products, even when they shouldn't

Research suggests that people prioritize products with more reviews, regardless of their quality, due to a popularity bias. This can lead to poor purchasing decisions, as statistical models recommend choosing products with fewer reviews when ratings are low.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 21, 2017

Using machine learning to improve patient care

Researchers developed a machine-learning approach called ICU Intervene that takes large amounts of ICU data to determine treatments for different symptoms. The system uses deep learning to make real-time predictions, learning from past cases to suggest critical care interventions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateAug 21, 2017

Communicating in a foreign language takes emotion out of decision-making

Research by UChicago psychologists found that using a foreign language decreases emotional aversion, leading people to be less averse to breaking taboos and more willing to make utilitarian choices. The study suggests that the decision-making process is affected by the emotional distance provided by speaking a non-native language.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateAug 17, 2017
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.

Should I stay or should I leave?

A new study investigates the decision-making process in relationships, revealing common pros and cons of staying versus leaving. Participants weighed reasons such as emotional intimacy, investment, and personality traits, with married individuals citing more constraint-based reasons for staying.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 17, 2017

How decision-making habits influence the breast cancer treatments women consider

A new study found that women with early-stage breast cancer are more likely to consider double mastectomy due to their decision-making habits and values. Researchers surveyed 2,362 women and discovered that those who were worried about making a bad decision and wanted to make their own choices were more likely to consider the aggressiv...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateAug 15, 2017

High-quality online video with less rebuffering

A new AI system developed by MIT researchers reduces online video rebuffering and improves quality, adapting to different network conditions. The system achieves higher-quality streaming with less rebuffering than existing approaches.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateAug 15, 2017
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.

Physician implicit racial bias does not impact their clinical decision making

A recent study published in Academic Emergency Medicine found that physician implicit racial bias does not directly affect treatment decisions, but may contribute to healthcare disparities. The study suggests that biases may indirectly influence patient outcomes and warrants further research.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateAug 7, 2017

Financial decisions influenced by intensity of light

A study of over 2,500 people found that higher light intensity leads to worse decisions and increased inconsistency in monetary gambles. Luminance also influences risk attitudes, with individuals more likely to avoid known risks on high-light days.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 2017

In making decisions, are you an ant or a grasshopper?

A recent study found that people who tend to maximize their decisions, like ants preparing for winter, are more likely to have better financial habits and a forward-thinking approach. This challenges previous research that linked maximizing tendencies to negative outcomes such as stress and regret.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Individual Differences·DateJul 20, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The dangers of driving after restricted sleep and moderate alcohol intake

Combining moderate alcohol consumption with moderate sleep restriction leads to increased deficits in attention and drowsiness compared to either factor alone. Performance impairment remains apparent even with frequent breaks, emphasizing the need for adequate rest before driving after consuming alcohol.

SourceWiley·JournalHuman Psychopharmacology Clinical and Experimental·DateJul 19, 2017

New study provides BRCA mutation carriers guidance for when surgery has greatest impact

A new study offers a decision-analytic model to help women with BRCA mutations determine the optimal age for preventive surgeries that can significantly reduce lifetime breast and ovarian cancer risk. The model recommends specific ages for bilateral mastectomy (BM) and salpingo-oophorectomy (BSO) procedures.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalDecision Analysis·DateJul 19, 2017

Brain training has no effect on decision-making or cognitive function

A recent study at the University of Pennsylvania found that commercial brain training with Lumosity had no effect on decision-making or cognitive function. The researchers recruited two groups, one following Lumosity and the other playing online video games, but neither group showed improvements in brain activity or decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJul 10, 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.

Your hands may reveal the struggle to maintain self-control

Researchers studied decision-making in real-time using mouse trajectories, finding that individuals with low self-control veer closer to unhealthy foods. The study suggests a more dynamical process where both healthy and unhealthy choices compete from the beginning, contradicting dual systems theory.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 6, 2017

Probing psychopathic brains

A study by Harvard University researchers found that psychopaths' brains prioritize short-term gains, leading to poor decision-making and violent behavior. The research used brain scans of nearly 50 prison inmates, revealing a specific connection between the ventral striatum and prefrontal cortex.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNeuron·DateJul 5, 2017
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.

How family and friends influence breast cancer treatment decisions

A new study found that nearly three-quarters of women relied on a support network to discuss their treatment options and attend appointments. Larger support networks were associated with more deliberation about treatment, suggesting patients are thinking through pros and cons.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateJun 28, 2017

Study examines disciplinary segregation across state prisons

A study by Sam Houston State University found that prison officials use disciplinary segregation as a punishment reserved for inmates with a history of misconduct. Inmates who were young, male, previously incarcerated, and serving longer sentences were more likely to receive disciplinary segregation.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateJun 27, 2017

Adults with autism make more consistent choices

Adults with autism spectrum conditions show reduced sensitivity to contextual information but may actually lead to more consistent choices. Participants with ASC made fewer switches and consistently chose the same option, suggesting less susceptibility to cognitive biases.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 27, 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.

'Own-point-of-view' video method leverages power of perception to improve emergency care

Researchers developed a novel technique that combines a micro-camera with a subjective re-situ interview to better understand physician decision-making in emergency medicine. The study found that this approach provided a more authentic understanding of clinical decision-making compared to traditional external perspectives.

SourceSociety for Academic Emergency Medicine·JournalAcademic Emergency Medicine·DateJun 26, 2017

In organizations, bullying begets whining, study finds

Researchers at Northern Illinois University found a significant correlation between bullying and whining in teams, negatively affecting group dynamics. The 'poor-pitiful-me' routine can disrupt decision-making groups, while both behaviors should be considered aggressive tactics that can derail meetings and lead to suboptimal decisions.

SourceNorthern Illinois University·JournalInternational Journal of Business Communication·DateJun 21, 2017

Forgetting can make you smarter

Researchers propose that forgetting is crucial for efficient memory, allowing us to adapt to new situations and generalize past events. By controlling what information we retain and forget, our brains optimize decision-making and prioritize core knowledge.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNeuron·DateJun 21, 2017

Smeal research helps assess humanitarian response capacity in disasters

A new study led by Penn State Smeal College of Business researchers assesses the capacity of humanitarian response systems following disasters. The research proposes new metrics based on optimization models to guide individual decisions toward system improvement and aid in real-time assessment of stockpile capacity.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Operations Management·DateJun 12, 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.

AI that can shoot down fighter planes helps treat bipolar disorder

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati developed a genetic fuzzy logic AI that predicted treatment outcomes for bipolar patients with 100% accuracy, surpassing conventional models. The AI, called LITHIA, can analyze vast amounts of data to identify the best treatment options, offering new hope for those affected by bipolar disorder.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalBipolar Disorders·DateJun 12, 2017

Penn Professor refutes groupthink, proving that wisdom of crowds can prevail

A new study from the University of Pennsylvania's Damon Centola refutes the classic theory that groupthink destroys the wisdom of crowds. In egalitarian networks, where everyone has equal influence, individuals help each other get smarter, leading to a striking improvement in the intelligence of the group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Home blood pressure monitors inaccurate 70 percent of the time: Study

A study by UAlberta researchers found that 70% of home blood pressure monitor readings are unacceptably inaccurate, which could lead to serious implications for people relying on them. The team advises comparing measurements with clinical readings and taking multiple readings.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·JournalAmerican Journal of Hypertension·DateJun 7, 2017

What makes a movement feel strenuous?

A study published in PLOS Biology found that duration, biomechanics, and force influence the subjective effort associated with arm movements, while movement amplitudes have no effect. The researchers also discovered a link between brain functions involved in decision-making and movement execution.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 2017
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.

What makes a reach movement effortful?

A study by Morel et al. found that physical effort in movements is not solely determined by force resistance but also by the duration of the movement. Additionally, the researchers identified common optimization principles in decision-making and motor control, suggesting a shared mechanism for both.

SourceDeutsches Primatenzentrum (DPZ)/German Primate Center·JournalPLOS Biology·DateJun 6, 2017

Sequential options prompt future thinking, boost patience

Researchers found that framing choices as a sequence of events increases imagination and its role in decision-making, leading to increased patience. This approach may be particularly useful when circumstances are less than ideal, such as when multitasking or stressed.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 6, 2017

How neurons use crowdsourcing to make decisions

Researchers found that neurons initially rely on many neurons for good prediction of a macaque monkey's decision, but eventually each neuron is maximally predictive as the decision point approaches.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 6, 2017
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.

Calcium dynamics regulating the timing of decision-making in C. elegans

A team of researchers discovered that C. elegans makes decisions by calculating mathematical integration of environmental information via calcium ion concentration changes in nerve cells. This process is similar to the human brain's integration of information for decision-making, suggesting a possible genetic link between the two.

SourceOsaka University·DateMay 22, 2017

Diverse populations make rational collective decisions

Researchers at Hokkaido University discovered that individual ants with different preferences can lead to a collective rational decision when making binary choices. The team found that the middle group of ants, which preferred a higher sucrose concentration, was the key to the colony's decision-making process.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMay 16, 2017
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.

May/June 2017 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

Researchers found that Canadian primary care practices scored an average of 5.36 out of 10 on the Patient Medical Home (PMH) model, with Ontario being the only province to score higher than the national average. Despite efforts to implement the PMH model, provinces showed little variation in achieving key objectives.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 8, 2017

Commuter marriage study finds surprising emphasis on interdependence

A new study of commuter marriages reveals a surprising emphasis on interdependence among married couples living apart due to their careers. The study found that many respondents described themselves as highly interconnected despite the distance, with communication technologies playing a key role in task sharing.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Marriage and Family·DateMay 8, 2017

Half of breast cancer patients pursue reconstruction without understanding risks

A study conducted by Ohio State University researchers found that over half of breast cancer patients undergoing mastectomy lack necessary medical knowledge to make informed decisions about reconstructive surgery. Only 43% of patients demonstrated adequate understanding of reconstruction facts and made choices aligned with their prefer...

SourceOhio State University Wexner Medical Center·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateMay 3, 2017

New role found for brain region: Focusing attention during decision-making

A new study published in Nature finds that the thalamus strengthens connections within the prefrontal cortex, enabling it to focus attention and make decisions. This discovery has implications for understanding cognitive deficits in diseases such as schizophrenia and improving cognition by adjusting thalamic function.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMay 3, 2017
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.

Facial expressions: How brains process emotion

Caltech researchers discovered that the amygdala has distinct neurons that judge the intensity and ambiguity of facial expressions, providing insights into autism and anxiety. The study found two groups of neurons: one for detecting emotion intensity and another for coding emotional ambiguity.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 24, 2017

Trust in local community leads to better long-term decisions among the poor

Research finds that low-income individuals who trust their communities make better long-term financial decisions by relying on friends and neighbors for support. Building strong communities is crucial for addressing poverty cycles, and targeted policies can help increase community trust.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2017

Can Latina breast cancer patients and their doctors bridge the cultural divide?

A new study found that language barriers, information overload, and cultural differences disadvantage some Latina breast cancer patients. However, no significant inequities were recorded in how doctors provide information. The research highlights the need for providers to be more culturally sensitive and patient-centered.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalCancer·DateApr 11, 2017

One in 3 teens with autism spectrum disorder receives driver's license

A new study from the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia finds that nearly 90% of teens with ASD obtain their intermediate driver's license within two years of becoming eligible. Most teens with ASD receive their license in their 17th year, suggesting families make the decision to drive before their teen gets behind the wheel.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalAutism·DateApr 11, 2017

The Forecaster's Dilemma: Evaluating forecasts of extreme events

The study evaluates forecast accuracy for extreme events, revealing the problem of limited data subsets and biased inferential procedures. By adopting probability distributions, forecasts can be evaluated using standardized tools to address this critical issue.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalStatistical Science·DateApr 10, 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.

Keeping the code: How cultural beliefs affect police, court decisions

Researchers at Florida State University discovered that adopting a 'code of the street' culture can increase arrest and conviction rates. They found that individuals who adhere to this code are disproportionately more likely to be arrested and convicted, even after controlling for factors like poverty and unemployment.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateApr 6, 2017

When the doctor recommends against the surgery a breast cancer patient wants

A new study found that surgeons' recommendations against contralateral prophylactic mastectomy (CPM) did not increase the likelihood of patients seeking a second opinion or receiving surgery from a different surgeon. In fact, many patients were satisfied with their treatment despite no discussion about CPM. The study surveyed 1,140 pat...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Surgery·DateApr 5, 2017
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.