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Scientists determine how birds soar to great heights

Researchers develop mathematical models to mimic bird navigation in turbulent thermals, revealing key environmental cues like vertical wind acceleration and torque. The study aims to guide the design of energy-efficient autonomous gliders.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Compromise nearly guaranteed when a woman is involved in decision-making pairs

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that compromise is less likely to occur when two men make decisions together, whereas it's a common practice among female-female and mixed-gender pairs. Men tend to prefer extreme options to prove their masculinity, while women act more pragmatically and choose the middle ...

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 28, 2016

'Advance warning'

Geographers from UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Group will help African scientists predict food deficits using remote sensing tools and climate data. The new project aims to provide early warning systems for severe hunger, giving policymakers four months of advanced notice to allocate resources.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 28, 2016

Study identifies neural circuits involved in making risky decisions

Researchers at WashU Medicine discovered a region of the brain involved in decisions made under uncertainty and identified cells that suppress value-coding neurons when making a risky choice. This study could lead to treatments for psychological disorders, such as problem gambling and anxiety disorders.

SourceWashU Medicine·DateJul 26, 2016

How to sound the alarm

Researchers aim to reduce errors in warning decisions by considering all three key aspects: who, what, and when. Effective warnings are crucial for mitigating casualties and increasing transparency.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJul 26, 2016
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.

Putting software on a diet

Researchers aim to improve energy efficiency in software applications by increasing understanding of their impact on power usage. The three-year project will develop novel automatic analyses and tools to support decision-making, with the goal of enabling software engineers to create more energy-efficient code.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJul 20, 2016

Counteracting poor decision-making due to sleep loss

Researchers aim to reduce decision-making errors with cognitive flexibility training, building on previous studies that showed sleep deprivation affects sustained attention and causes 'feedback blunting' phenomenon. The three-year project will test its effectiveness in a laboratory-based experiment.

SourceWashington State University·DateJul 19, 2016
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.

How to decide if watchful waiting is the right choice

A new pilot study evaluates an online decision-support tool called the Decision Counseling Program, which increases rates of active surveillance among men with localized, low-risk prostate cancer. Patients who used the tool reported feeling less conflicted about their treatment decisions.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Cancer Education·DateJul 18, 2016

What free will looks like in the brain

Johns Hopkins researchers track brain activity as participants make choices entirely on their own, pinpointing the parietal lobe's role in attention switching and frontal cortex involvement in deliberation. The findings shed light on the neural mechanisms underlying human volition and decision-making.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJul 13, 2016

Palliative care offers no additional benefit to caretakers of chronically critically ill

A new study has found that intensive care units provide adequate communication and family support for families of chronically ill patients, rendering palliative care unnecessary. The study revealed no difference in patient outcomes when families received additional support from palliative care specialists versus standard ICU care.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJAMA·DateJul 12, 2016

Pea plants demonstrate ability to 'gamble' -- a first in plants

In a groundbreaking study, pea plants were found to make choices that take into account environmental variance, similar to animal behavior. The plants grew more roots in pots with variable nutrient levels when conditions were poor and more roots in constant pots when conditions were good.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 30, 2016
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.

In making tough decisions, plants weigh the risks

A study found that pea plants choose to grow more roots in a pot with variable nutrient levels when the average level is low, accepting more risk. This decision-making ability allows them to adapt and respond to their environment much like humans or other animals.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 30, 2016

To tool or not to tool?

Researchers investigated the Goffin's cockatoo's ability to make flexible decisions about tool use based on the current 'market' situation. The study found that the birds could overcome immediate impulses in favor of future gains, but only when both tools were not offered simultaneously due to limitations in working memory capacity.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 23, 2016
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.

Some women's retirement plan: Rely on Prince Charming

A study by Hiroshima University reveals that women in Japan are more likely to accept employer-provided retirement savings plans over self-managed options. This phenomenon is linked to the 'Prince Charming Syndrome,' where women believe a future spouse will take care of their financial security.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Women & Aging·DateJun 21, 2016

Reforming clinical research to reduce waste

Clinical research waste is estimated at 85% of total medical research costs. Professor Ioannidis argues that reforming clinical research with problem-base, context-placing, and patient-centered features can make it more useful to clinicians. This would result in more efficient and effective clinical decision-making.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateJun 21, 2016

When it comes to knowing your true self, believe in free will

Researchers found that diminishing free will leads to increased self-alienation and decreased authentic feelings. In contrast, high-free-will groups showed greater self-awareness and authentic decision-making.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 17, 2016
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.

Our brain activity could be nudged to make healthier choices

Researchers tracked macaque monkeys' neural activity as they weighed options for juice rewards, predicting their choices based on brain patterns. The study sheds light on internal decision-making processes and could lead to implants to treat addiction, anxiety, and depression.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateJun 8, 2016

Slime mold gives insight into the intelligence of neuron-less organisms

Researchers studied Physarum polycephalum's decision-making abilities using the two-armed bandit problem, finding it compares relative options to make adaptive decisions. The slime mold's algorithm exploits environments in proportion to their reward experienced through past sampling.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJun 8, 2016

Dartmouth researchers develop a new method to transparently measure health care value

Researchers developed a new method to measure healthcare value transparently, combining quality and cost measures. They found that hospitals' ability to deliver high-quality, low-cost care varied across procedures, with those providing the highest-value care having more beds and beds than those providing the lowest-value care.

SourceThe Dartmouth Institute for Health Policy & Clinical Practice·JournalMilbank Quarterly·DateJun 6, 2016
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.

Declining dopamine may explain why older people take fewer risks

A new study of over 25,000 people found that declining levels of dopamine in the brain may be responsible for older people's reduced willingness to take risks for potential rewards. Older adults were less likely to choose risky gambles to win points, but not to avoid losing points.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 2, 2016

Sparrows with unfaithful 'wives' care less for their young

A new study reveals that male sparrows can distinguish between their faithful and unfaithful partners. When paired with an unfaithful female, males provide less food for their chicks. The research suggests that males make this decision based on the partner's behavior during fertile periods rather than detecting which chicks are theirs.

SourceImperial College London·JournalThe American Naturalist·DateMay 31, 2016

Study show female heart patients less likely to get blood thinning therapy

Researchers found that female atrial fibrillation patients are less likely than men to receive blood thinning therapies. The study used a computerized decision support tool to review medical therapies for over 1,500 patients and found significant sex differences in treatment.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·DateMay 31, 2016
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.

Do dressings prevent infection?

A recent Cochrane review found insufficient evidence to conclude that dressings reduce surgical site infection. However, dressings may provide a barrier to direct injury and reduce patient anxiety. The authors recommend using basic, low-absorbency dressings at a cost of a few pence per dressing.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMay 24, 2016

Female members on corporate boards can lower number of mergers and acquisitions

Research by University of Notre Dame found that companies with higher female representation on boards engage less in mergers and acquisitions, identifying potential challenges in deals. The study suggests diverse board dynamics lead to more thorough discussions, increasing likelihood of deal delays or shelving.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalStrategic Management Journal·DateMay 19, 2016
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.

The Samfund to receive ASTRO Survivor Circle Grant

The Samfund, a Boston-based cancer organization, will receive $8,500 from ASTRO for its work in supporting young adult cancer survivors financially. The grant funding will support the development of new financial programs and tools to aid in recovery.

SourceAmerican Society for Radiation Oncology·DateMay 18, 2016

How your brain learns to ride the subway -- and why AI developers care

A team of researchers from Google DeepMind and the University of Oxford used a navigational game to decode human brain's decision-making processes. They found that brain activity increases with the number of line changes between participants and their destinations, rather than individual stations.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 18, 2016
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.

Winter is coming! New sensors could cut millions from gritting costs

Researchers have developed low-cost temperature sensors to help local authorities make targeted gritting decisions. The sensors can detect significant temperature differences across a county, enabling localized decisions about when and where to apply salt, potentially saving £100 million per year.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateMay 10, 2016

Our brain uses statistics to calculate confidence

A study found that human responses and statistical calculations align in making decisions, indicating an objective calculation of confidence. The model suggests that the brain produces feelings of confidence inform decisions like computers pull patterns from data.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·DateMay 4, 2016

Our brain uses statistics to calculate confidence, make decisions

Researchers found that human brains produce feelings of confidence that mirror statistical calculations, informing decisions. The study's model suggests that confidence is an objective computation, with the brain acting as a 'statistician' to make informed choices.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNeuron·DateMay 4, 2016
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.

Analyzing the psyche of risky drivers

A study from McGill University found that repeat drunk drivers and speeding offenders have unique emotional and behavioral profiles, making prevention strategies more effective when tailored to their characteristics. The research suggests that high-risk drivers respond better to targeted interventions addressing their specific traits.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 28, 2016

Dartmouth study measures bias in how we learn and make decisions

A Dartmouth College study measures bias in how we learn and make decisions, revealing contradictory biases when combining evidence from different sources. The research shows that our ability for learning and inference is limited and biased due to the inability to separate information about cues from overall probability of outcomes.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 26, 2016
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.

In gaming, player behavior reflects roles -- even when no roles are given

A new study from North Carolina State University finds that players' behavior in narrative role-playing games (RPGs) consistently reflects specific character roles, regardless of whether the role is assigned or chosen. The researchers also found that players without explicit role information still tend to exhibit role-based behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateApr 20, 2016

Fewer romantic prospects may lead to riskier investments

Research shows that people who face uncertain outcomes may prioritize high-risk options even when unrelated to romance. This study found that exposure to unfavorable sex ratios led participants to make riskier financial decisions, such as investing more in a single high-stakes option.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 18, 2016

Saving lives through real-time flood forecasting

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new system to predict floods in real-time using advanced computing resources. With the National Flood Interoperability Experiment (NFIE), they can forecast floods continually, improving the accuracy and speed of flood warnings for communities nationwide.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateApr 5, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Antibiotics for appendicitis -- yes and no

A meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials suggests that antibiotics can be used as primary treatment for mild appendicitis, reducing surgeries by 92% within the first month. However, recurrence rates remain high at 23% and long-term follow-up is needed to determine effectiveness.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBJS·DateMar 18, 2016

Death-related thoughts discourage consumers from purchasing annuities

Researchers found that mortality salience is a significant factor in consumers' reluctance to purchase annuities. The study suggests that when people consider annuities, they are more likely to think about their own mortality, leading to increased anxiety and decreased interest in the product.

SourceBoston College·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateMar 14, 2016

UTA research blends public health measures in regional transportation plan

The project aims to integrate public health performance measures into the North Texas Council of Governments' regional transportation plan, considering factors like safety, air quality, and physical activity. The research will inform transportation decisions that enhance livability and community development.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMar 11, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study identifies racial bias in US court sentencing decisions

Researchers analyzed over 17,000 South Carolina court decisions to find that black offenders are more likely to be jailed and serve longer sentences than their white counterparts. The study highlights racial bias in sentencing decisions, with the 'black penalty' varying depending on an offender's criminal history.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·DateFeb 29, 2016

Louisiana Tech University professor awarded NSF CAREER grant

Dr. Marisa Orr receives a five-year CAREER grant to develop an online Academic Dashboard for empowering engineering students to make adaptive decisions and achieve academic success. The project aims to improve student outcomes by reducing time to graduation and increasing student satisfaction with their major and eventual career.

SourceLouisiana Tech University·DateFeb 25, 2016

Underwater robots can be programmed to make independent decisions

Researchers at the University of Delaware have successfully programmed underwater robots to independently analyze data and trigger new missions based on real-time information. This technology has the potential to reveal new details about prey movement and behavior in the ocean.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalRobotics·DateFeb 23, 2016
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.

Graphical display of nutrition information helps keep health-conscious eaters on target

A new study found that graphical displays of fiber and protein per calorie values can encourage consumers to purchase healthier menu items. The researchers observed a significant reduction in calories purchased from entrees and an increase in protein per calorie when nutrition information was displayed graphically.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNutrition Research·DateFeb 4, 2016