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Inside the brains of procrastinators

A recent study from the Paris Brain Institute has identified a region of the brain where the decision to procrastinate is made: the anterior cingulate cortex. The researchers developed an algorithm to predict participants' tendency to procrastinate, suggesting that procrastination is related to the impact of deadlines on task evaluation.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 26, 2022

Can robots have morals? Robots’ decisions on forced medication evoke doubts

A study at the University of Helsinki found that people accept human nurses overruling patient autonomy but reject similar decisions made by robots. The researchers suggest that human empathy is required to consider robot-made solutions equally acceptable as those made by humans. The findings imply that machines cannot comprehensively ...

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·DateSep 24, 2022
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.

Did my computer say it best?

A study from the University of Georgia shows people who rely on algorithms for creative tasks don't improve their performance and are more likely to trust low-quality advice. Participants preferred algorithm-derived advice over human-based advice, even when confident in their answers.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 20, 2022
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.

Wasatch Transportation Academy: piloting an investment in community capital

The Wasatch Transportation Academy provides community members with knowledge and tools to get involved in transportation decision-making. Key findings include a high degree of satisfaction among participants, who reported increased engagement in various transportation-related activities after taking part in the academy.

SourcePortland State University·DateSep 15, 2022

Healthcare researchers must be wary of misusing AI

Healthcare researchers caution against misusing AI algorithms in clinical research, highlighting concerns about bias, transparency, and data quality. The team advocates for evaluating ML methods against traditional statistical approaches and ensuring clinician decision-making is complemented, not replaced.

SourceDuke-NUS Medical School·JournalNature Medicine·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 13, 2022

What's the best way to combine sports and school?

Elite sports schools offer a balance between academic work and sports development, while regular sports-friendly schools pose more challenges. Students who attend elite sports programs have an easier schedule and better development opportunities.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Sports Science·TypeObservational study·DateSep 9, 2022

Preferred language associated with delayed ACL surgery in children, teens

A study of 543 children and teenagers found that those whose parents preferred a language other than English were twice as likely to wait more than 90 days for surgery. The researchers urge orthopedic departments to provide more equitable care for non-English speaking families.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalClinical Orthopaedics and Related Research·DateSep 8, 2022

Less invasive treatment for emphysema is as good as more invasive surgery: results from first randomised controlled trial comparing lung volume surgery and bronchoscopic lung volume reduction with valve placement

A randomized controlled trial found that both BVLR and surgery lead to significant improvements in lung function, breathlessness, and exercise capacity. The study suggests that less invasive BVLR may be a good therapeutic option for suitable patients, offering a similar outcome to traditional surgery.

SourceEuropean Respiratory Society·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 5, 2022
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.

A global vision for the ocean

A new scientific article highlights the need for a global ocean vision to guide marine policies, plans, and programs. The authors propose incorporating Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) into international agreements to develop this holistic approach.

SourceFaculty of Sciences of the University of Lisbon·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateAug 25, 2022

What makes us share posts on social media?

A new study by University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people share information that is meaningful to themselves or their friends and family. The study analyzed the behavior of over 3,000 individuals and discovered that sharing activates reward centers in the brain and is driven by social relevance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·DateAug 25, 2022

How minor changes in choice architecture can improve health insurance product choices and costs

Researchers found that providing default alternatives and using ordering and partitioning together can improve consumer choice. This study aims to provide a more efficient way for consumers to make better decisions about healthcare products, ultimately improving health outcomes and the efficiency of the healthcare system.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 24, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Maximizing could be key to minimizing our environmental footprint

A new study finds that maximizing behavior is linked to increased item usage, suggesting a potential strategy for reducing over-consumerism and its environmental impact. Maximizers tend to spend more time considering options and make greater use of their choices, which could encourage people to get more mileage out of their stuff.

SourceUniversity of Toronto, Rotman School of Management·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 22, 2022

Early blood tests predict death, severe disability for traumatic brain injury

Researchers developed a blood test that predicts poor outcomes in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI), allowing clinicians to make decisions earlier on possible treatment. The test, which measures protein biomarkers GFAP and UCH-L1, showed high accuracy in predicting death and severe disability six months after injury.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2022
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.

Greenland’s Indigenous population favours extracting and exporting sand from melting ice sheet

A national survey of 1000 adults in Greenland found that 3 out of 4 support extracting and exporting sand from the melting ice sheet, with most preferring local involvement. The study highlights a rare example of an Arctic Indigenous population wanting to be involved in decision-making about adapting to accelerated Arctic changes.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022

Random acts of kindness make a bigger splash than expected

Researchers found that givers underestimate the positive impact of their actions on recipients, while receivers focus on feelings of warmth. In experiments, random acts of kindness increased happiness and led to more generous behavior.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022

What happens to the waste after an oil spill clean up?

Researchers developed a lifecycle assessment-based framework to manage offshore oil spill cleanup waste. The study suggests combining centrifugation and landfilling as the most suitable remediation approach for low-impact spills.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 17, 2022
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.

Study: Individuals value information as they do material objects

A new study by Carnegie Mellon University and the University of Innsbruck found that individuals treat information as cherished possessions, exhibiting loss aversion and endowment effects. This discovery has implications for education, healthcare, and online consumer privacy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 16, 2022

Cath labs’ regard for patients’ DNR wishes varies widely

A study of cardiology programs found that patients' documented DNR preferences are often suspended during TAVR procedures, with varying durations across programs. Only 26% had formal policies governing clinicians' responsibilities in these decisions.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalJournal of the American Geriatrics Society·TypeSurvey·DateAug 14, 2022

Why thinking hard makes you tired

A study found that prolonged mental labor leads to glutamate accumulation in the prefrontal cortex, causing cognitive fatigue and altering control over decisions. Researchers suggest taking rest and sleep as a solution to overcome this limitation.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022
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.

B.C. ocean’s worth of almost $5 billion to GDP likely an underestimate

A new study by the University of British Columbia suggests that BC's ocean contributed around $4.9 billion to provincial GDP in 2015, with marine transport sector making the highest contribution. However, this estimate is likely an underestimate due to excluded ecosystem services and cultural value.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalSustainability·DateAug 9, 2022

Clinical trial reveals strategy for increasing shared decision-making by physicians and older patients about colorectal cancer screening

A recent clinical trial led by Massachusetts General Hospital validated a strategy for increasing shared decision-making about colorectal cancer screening in older patients. Brief physician training plus reminders resulted in patients reporting higher quality conversations, with more discussing their preferences and having more options...

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

When a task adds more steps, this circuit helps you notice

A new study by neuroscientists at MIT's Picower Institute finds that the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and motor cortex collaborate to update understanding and behavior when a task requires more steps. The ACC helps M2 adjust to new rules, but reduced activity leads to increased negative outcome encoding cells' activity in M2.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2022

Study examines voters’ threshold for transgressions by political candidates

Researchers examine voting decisions when favored candidates commit moral transgressions, identifying key factors affecting support. Strong ideological identity and severity of transgression influence voter loyalty, with significant differences between conservatives and liberals.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalJournal of Social and Political Psychology·DateAug 4, 2022

When heart-assisting implants could save a life, patients who are Black or female don’t get them as often

A new study reveals racial and gender disparities in access to life-saving heart-assisting implants, with Black patients and women facing lower rates of surgery. Despite similar survival rates, the findings suggest that unconscious bias may be influencing healthcare provider decisions.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2022
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.

A shortage with a silver lining: A chance to reduce unneeded blood tests

A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that an alert about a shortage of blood test tubes led to a significant reduction in unnecessary blood clotting tests. The study suggests that similar interventions could reduce low-value care and promote wise use of medical tests.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2022

COVID-19 may have increased UK doctors’ willingness to not resuscitate the very sick/frail

A survey of UK doctors found that the pandemic has led to an increase in willingness to forgo life-saving treatments for very sick patients, while views on euthanasia and assisted dying have remained unchanged. The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed end-of-life care, prompting a reevaluation of clinicians' decision-making processes.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Medical Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2022
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.

Melanoma thickness equally hard for algorithms and dermatologists to judge

Researchers from the University of Gothenburg found that assessing melanoma thickness is challenging for both human dermatologists and machine-learning algorithms. Despite differences in success rates, both groups achieved comparable results when evaluating dermoscopic images, highlighting the need for further study to improve diagnost...

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalJournal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 20, 2022

Advance care planning experiences among sexual, gender minority people

A recent study sheds light on the challenges faced by sexual and gender minority individuals when it comes to advance care planning. Despite fears of disclosure and discrimination, many SGM individuals engage in discussions with medical decision-makers about their preferences and values.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 20, 2022

Spirituality linked with better health outcomes, patient care

A study by Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health and Brigham and Women's Hospital found that incorporating spirituality into care can lead to healthier lives, including greater longevity and quality of life. The researchers recommend increasing awareness among clinicians about the protective benefits of spiritual community particip...

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalJAMA·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022
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.

Video game players show enhanced brain activity, decision-making skill study: Video game players show enhanced brain activity, decision-making skill

A study by Georgia State University researchers found that frequent video game players exhibit superior sensorimotor decision-making skills and increased brain activity compared to non-players. The study suggests that video games can be used for training in perceptual decision-making, with no trade-off between speed and accuracy.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalNeuroImage·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 11, 2022

Most patients with appendicitis can be treated with antibiotics

Outpatient antibiotic management of selected patients with appendicitis is safe, allowing many to avoid surgery and hospitalization. This treatment approach is associated with fewer serious adverse effects compared to hospitalization.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJul 6, 2022

An appetite map in the brain

A recent study published in Nature has identified a complex neural network in the fruit-fly brain that shapes behavior and decision-making, particularly when it comes to food choice. The 'appetite map' created by the researchers reveals how internal states, such as nutrient deficiencies and pregnancy, interact to guide behavior.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022
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.

Global contrast media shortage: Strategies for conservation

The global contrast media shortage has affected millions of diagnostic imaging examinations and requires immediate attention. Researchers propose several methods to conserve contrast media, including weight-based dosing and adjusting CT settings.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 30, 2022
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.

Decision-making: a new distribution of tasks in our prefrontal cortex?

Researchers propose a new framework for understanding how our prefrontal cortex makes decisions, highlighting the role of ventromedial prefrontal cortex in assigning value to options and medial prefrontal cortex in confidence and deliberation. The study's findings can be generalized to other types of behavior, such as judgments.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalJNeurosci·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 28, 2022

New study finds doctors prescribe fewer painkillers during nightshifts than during the day

A new study published in PNAS found that physicians prescribe less pain medication during night shifts than during the day. Researchers attribute this discrepancy to reduced empathy among doctors on night shifts. The study analyzed data from 13,482 discharge letters and found a significant bias towards prescribing fewer painkillers at ...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 27, 2022

Default options facilitate faster carbon offsetting in air travel

Research shows that default options on carbon offsetting websites can lead to faster CO2 compensation, even at higher costs. The study found that as costs increase, the effectiveness of these defaults decreases. This suggests that people are price-sensitive when it comes to high-cost defaults.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateJun 23, 2022
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.

Who benefits from brain training and why?

A joint UC Riverside and UC Irvine study found that people who show near transfer in brain training are more likely to experience far transfer, meaning improved focus and problem-solving skills. The research suggests that working memory training can be effective for certain individuals, but its impact on fluid intelligence remains deba...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022

Georgia Tech researcher finds that military cannot rely on AI for strategy or judgment

A Georgia Tech researcher argues that AI cannot replace human strategy and judgment in warfare, citing the unpredictable nature of war and the need for human sense-making and moral decision-making. The research highlights the importance of human intervention in making tactical and strategic decisions.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Security·TypeObservational study·DateJun 14, 2022

Stanford researchers reveal add-on benefits of natural defenses against sea-level rise

A new study by Stanford researchers shows that nature-based solutions, such as conserving marshlands and restoring beaches, can be as effective as concrete seawalls in protecting against sea-level rise. The research found that these solutions provide extra benefits, including opportunities for recreation, climate change mitigation thro...

SourceStanford University·Journalnpj Urban Sustainability·DateJun 9, 2022

Researchers sharpen Cupid’s aim on dating apps with new algorithm

Researchers developed an algorithm to improve matching efficiency, considering user preferences and behavior. The new algorithm shows improved results in field experiments, with at least 27% more matches than the current one.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022

Strengthening Europe’s resilience to emerging health threats

The EU project IDAlert aims to tackle the emergence and transmission of zoonotic pathogens by developing innovative decision-support tools and systems. It will assess the costs and effectiveness of adaptation measures to improve climate resilience in health systems across Europe.

SourceUmea University·TypeNews article·DateJun 7, 2022
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.