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New program will study the role of religion in practicing medicine

The University of Chicago Medicine will launch a new program to study the role of spirituality in medical practice and education, with a focus on how a physician's personal beliefs inform their professional life. The Faculty Scholars program aims to train junior faculty to conduct research on this topic.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateApr 2, 2012

Creativity and human reasoning during decision-making

Researchers found that humans can only monitor up to three strategies while making decisions, and creativity is favored over reliable options. The frontal lobe plays a crucial role in this process, with individual differences in performance linked to variations in creative ability.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 27, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is there good research evidence for health systems interventions?

The article discusses the importance of researching health systems interventions and assessing the reliability of evidence. The authors argue that useful tools are available to evaluate effectiveness, but more work is needed to assess other key factors such as policy acceptability and implementation feasibility.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateMar 20, 2012

Empowered citizens or hopeful bystanders?

A study by Professor Nick Gallent found that communities are 'hopeful bystanders' rather than contributors to planning decisions, citing lack of investment in building relationships and inadequate protocol support. The research highlights the need for a more responsive approach to community input in local planning.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council·DateMar 19, 2012
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.

Bias in decision-making leads to poor choices and possibly depression

A new study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that our brains use a simplistic strategy to filter out options when faced with complex decisions, leading to poor choices. The researchers also linked this 'pruning' decision-making bias to depressive symptoms, suggesting a possible connection between the two.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateMar 8, 2012

Americans more concerned with viability rather than electability in primary races

A recent study by Mitchell S. McKinney and J. Brian Houston found that voters are more likely to see a candidate's viability as a key factor in making their decision, rather than electability. This focus on party viability may explain why some Republican candidates struggle to gain traction despite strong debate performances.

SourceInternational Communication Association·DateMar 5, 2012
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.

CWRU study finds quality-of-life discussions are important for ICU patients

A new study from Case Western Reserve University highlights the importance of discussing quality of life with critically ill patients. The researchers found that many family meetings lacked essential information about a patient's desired quality of life, making it difficult for decision-makers to make informed choices.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateMar 5, 2012

Family preferences strongly influence decision making in very premature deliveries

A study found that obstetricians' approaches to managing periviable deliveries vary widely, with many prioritizing patient preference over evidence-based guidelines. The authors recommend improving communication of uncertainty and managing patient expectations to provide more patient-centered care.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology·DateMar 2, 2012

Does power cloud one's ability to make good decisions?

A recent study by USC Marshall professor Nathanael Fast and colleagues found that unconstrained power can lead to overconfident decision-making. In experiments, participants who felt powerful made riskier bets, losing money, whereas those who didn't feel powerful were less risky and did not lose.

SourceUSC Marshall School of Business·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

Stress changes how people make decisions

Research shows that stress changes how people weigh risk and reward, leading to a greater emphasis on the upside of possible outcomes. This can impact decision-making in various areas, including job choices and addiction. Additionally, stress affects how men and women perceive risk differently.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 28, 2012

JCEDM special issue on innovations in CEDM now online

A two-part special issue of the Journal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making is available online, highlighting recent CEDM-related research and practice in various application domains. The issue features articles on psychological principles, human-technology interactions, and cognitive engineering methodological enhancements.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·JournalJournal of Cognitive Engineering and Decision Making·DateFeb 15, 2012

Contraceptive preferences among young Latinos related to sexual decision-making

A new study by Oregon State University found that half of young adult Latino men and women acknowledge not using regular effective contraception despite expressing a desire to avoid pregnancy. Involvement in sexual decision-making is crucial for contraception use, with those who are more active tend to use male condoms.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPerspectives on Sexual and Reproductive Health·DateFeb 15, 2012
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.

Finding it difficult to make a purchase? Try creating some distance from the problem

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that creating psychological distance can reduce cognitive difficulty and anxiety in choice situations. By manipulating abstract thinking and body postures, researchers discovered that leaning away from a screen or task can make decisions feel less difficult.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 14, 2012

Different bodies, different minds

Studies show that people's preferences for things on the same side as their dominant hand affect abstract evaluations, such as value and intelligence. This phenomenon, known as the body-specificity hypothesis, highlights how our bodies influence our minds.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 14, 2012

Physician approaches to palliative sedation

Researchers studied physician approaches to palliative sedation, finding some use mild sedation gradually deepening as needed while others opt for deeper sedation from the start. Patient preferences, communication needs, and fear of awakening influence sedation choice.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateFeb 13, 2012
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.

Practice makes perfect, but not when it comes to decisions about risk

Researchers found that even with explicit knowledge of probabilities, people tend to make suboptimal choices when relying on experience-based estimates. Despite extensive practice, participants in the study made similar mistakes as those without any training, suggesting a distorted appreciation of probability remains.

SourceNew York University·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 13, 2012

Numeracy: The educational gift that keeps on giving?

A new study examines how numerate individuals process information differently, leading to more informed decisions. People who are numerate are less influenced by other information and see numbers as abstract symbols, allowing them to make better choices.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateFeb 10, 2012

People with easy-to-pronounce names are favored at work and in personal life

Researchers analyzed how name pronunciation affects impression formation and decision-making, finding that people with easy-to-pronounce names are more likely to be favored for promotions and jobs. The study's results have important implications for understanding and managing bias in society.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateFeb 8, 2012

'Explorers,' who embrace the uncertainty of choices, use specific part of cortex

A study published in the journal Neuron reveals that individuals with strategic decision-making skills, known as 'explorers,' use a specific region of the prefrontal cortex to calculate relative uncertainty. This brain area is not active in non-explorers, suggesting a specialized cognitive process for making uncertain decisions.

SourceBrown University·JournalNeuron·DateFeb 8, 2012
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.

CIHR invests in Queen's-led study on end-of-life decision making

A multi-center study, DECIDE, aims to improve end-of-life decision making amongst hospital-based physicians and nurses. The study will assess processes for improving communication and explore staff views on fulfilling care goals with seriously ill patients and their families.

SourceQueen's University·DateFeb 6, 2012

Cardiologists suggest patient-centered approach to replacing implantable cardioverter-defibrillators

The article proposes a more personalized approach to ICD replacement, taking into account each patient's unique circumstances, such as the risk of inappropriate shocks and personal preferences for end-of-life care. A shift in focus towards individualized decision-making could lead to more informed and cost-effective treatment.

SourceBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 25, 2012

How does 365 days (instead of 1 year) affect consumer decision making?

A study found that consumers generally prefer more precise or granular information when making decisions. In product descriptions, choosing fine-grained units like '28 minutes' instead of coarse terms like 'half an hour' influences consumer perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJan 17, 2012
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.

Adolescents' brains respond differently than adults' when anticipating rewards

Researchers found increased brain cell activity in adolescent rats in an unusual area called the dorsal striatum, associated with habit formation and decision-making. This suggests that adolescents may be more susceptible to developing disorders like addiction and depression due to their unique brain response to reward.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2012
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.

Great apes make sophisticated decisions

Research reveals that great apes like chimpanzees and orangutans use complex decision-making strategies to weigh risks and rewards. The study found that the apes chose the smaller piece more often when uncertain, suggesting a sophisticated understanding of probability and risk assessment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 29, 2011

People don't just think with their guts; logic plays a role too

Research suggests that people's gut feelings are not entirely disregarded logic, but rather an intuitive sense of conflict. Wim De Neys' study found that brain activity indicates a 'sense of something fishy' when people make decisions, highlighting the importance of logical intuitions in decision-making.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateDec 29, 2011

Elderly can be as fast as young in some brain tasks, study shows

Research suggests that older adults can be trained to respond faster without compromising accuracy, indicating their cognitive skills are not as impaired as previously thought. In contrast, younger children exhibit slower response times and poorer accuracy compared to adults, improving with age. The study's findings challenge the preva...

SourceOhio State University·JournalChild Development·DateDec 27, 2011
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.

Swarms of bees could unlock secrets to human brains

Researchers found that swarms of bees can inhibit rival nest sites through a 'stop signal' behavior, preventing indecision and promoting efficient nesting choices. This behavior is similar to how humans make decisions, with individual bees targeting their stop signals only at rivals within the colony.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2011

Decision making in bee swarms mimic neurons in human brains

A new study reveals that bee swarms use inhibitory 'stop signals' to inhibit competing sites and choose the best option, similar to how neurons in human brains make decisions. This mechanism helps avoid costly dithering and ensures a single site is chosen.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2011

Impatient people have lower credit scores

A new study published in Psychological Science found that people with poor credit scores are more impatient and prefer shorter-term gains over longer-term benefits. This impulsivity can lead to strategic defaulting on loans, as individuals weigh the costs of delayed gratification against short-term benefits.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 2, 2011
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.

Awareness biases information processing

A new study found that conscious awareness influences information processing during decision making, leading to non-linear integration strategies. Participants who were aware of the evidence weighted new information based on their existing knowledge.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateNov 22, 2011

Cancer screening reform needed

A commentary by Michael Stefanek advocates for cancer screening reform to educate the public about potential harms and benefits. Conflicting guidelines and new technologies may lead to overtreatment or under-treatment, and false positives and negatives are a concern.

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateNov 21, 2011
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.

Which way you lean -- physically -- affects your decision-making

A study found that subtly manipulating body posture influences people's estimates of quantities such as sizes, numbers, or percentages. Participants who leaned left estimated lower quantities, while those who stood upright gave more accurate estimates.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 8, 2011

Online interactions can lead to risky financial decision-making

A recent study by researchers at Rice University finds that people participating in online communities tend to make riskier financial decisions. This is attributed to the false assumption that fellow community members will come to their aid when needed.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 1, 2011

UC Berkeley findings offer new clues into the addicted brain

Researchers identified the orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate cortex as key players in impaired decision making, leading to addictive and compulsive behavior. The study's findings may pave the way for more targeted treatments for substance abuse and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateOct 30, 2011
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.

Is it best to withhold favorable information about products?

A recent study published in Journal of Consumer Research found that consumers tend to choose products when marketers withhold some favorable information until late in the choice process. This approach can increase a product's overall probability of being chosen by shifting consumer priorities and creating a preference boost.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 21, 2011
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 study shows passing mood can profoundly alter 'rational decisions'

Researchers find that people's economic decisions change when survival or reproduction is on their minds. This contradicts the idea of humans making rational choices in finance, suggesting biases developed millions of years ago still affect us today. The study suggests these ancient biases can profoundly alter financial decisions over ...

SourceArizona State University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 19, 2011

'Evidence in European Asylum Procedures'

The thesis analyzes three national appellate asylum procedures in Europe, comparing their evidentiary standards and relating them to the EU legal order and international law. The study finds that national impacts play a significant role in adapting national procedures to external requirements.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateOct 12, 2011