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Posttraumatic brain activity predicts resilience to PTSD

A study published in Biological Psychiatry: Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging found that greater activation in the right inferior frontal gyrus predicts better recovery from early PTSD symptoms. This breakthrough suggests a potential role for cortical/cognitive regions in regulating fear and PTSD development.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Socializing boosts mood more than screentime

A new study from the University of Georgia found that people generally enjoy conversation over smartphone use, with a significant emotional boost from talking to strangers. In contrast, sitting alone was found to be the least preferred task, even when participants were given a choice.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateSep 12, 2023

Experiencing negatively-perceived emotions might prompt people to withdraw from a social group - specifically, shame for individualistic societies, but anger for more collectivistic cultures

A recent study published in PLOS ONE reveals that experiencing shame leads to disidentification in individualistic societies, while anger triggers this effect in collectivistic cultures. The findings highlight the distinct emotional responses to social withdrawal in different cultural contexts.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 6, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Positive body image linked to better life satisfaction

A new study led by Anglia Ruskin University found that positive body image is strongly associated with better psychological wellbeing and life satisfaction. The research involved 56,968 participants in 65 nations and discovered that body appreciation was higher in single individuals and those living in rural areas.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateSep 5, 2023

Researchers predict film scores by the activity of facial muscles

A study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience found that the activity of zygomaticus major, heart rate variability, and EEG indicators can predict film scores. The researchers used a machine learning model to analyze physiological data from 21 participants who watched short films and rated them on a scale from 1 to 10.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateAug 31, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

People experience emotions with computer-generated art

A study published in Computer in Human Behavior found that people experience emotions and perceive intentions when viewing computer-generated artworks. Participants rated human-made art more positively than AI-generated art, even if they were told the latter was created by a person.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 2, 2023

DARPA-funded project develops AI system to identify social norm violations

Researchers at Ben-Gurion University developed an AI system to identify social norm violations using GPT-3 and zero-shot text classification. The system characterized ten social emotions, including competence, politeness, and trust, with empirical success on massive datasets.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 20, 2023

Why do we articulate more when speaking to babies and puppies?

Scientists studied vocal behavior of ten mothers and found they articulated better and expressed more positive emotions when speaking to their babies or puppies. This hyperarticulation led to clearer pronunciation of words and easier processing for infants.

SourceCNRS·JournalJournal of Child Language·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 30, 2023
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.

People in power who are guilt-prone are less likely to be corrupt

A study by UC Santa Barbara psychology professor Hongbo Yu found that individuals prone to guilt in their everyday lives are less likely to take bribes. The research suggests that anticipatory guilt may make people think twice before engaging in corrupt behavior, particularly when they can see the potential harm to others.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 26, 2023

Here comes the sun

A recent study suggests that songs with high energy and positive emotions are more likely to match prevailing weather conditions, influencing listener preferences. The research found a strong association between energetic and positive music and warm and sunny weather, but only for popular songs.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJun 19, 2023
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.

Computational model mimics humans’ ability to predict emotions

Researchers at MIT have designed a computational model that can predict other people's emotions, including joy, gratitude, and regret. The model uses insights into human intuition, incorporating factors such as desires, expectations, and observation of actions to make predictions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 6, 2023

Childhood maltreatment predicts adult emotional difficulties

A new meta-analysis suggests a strong link between childhood maltreatment and adult alexithymia, with three types of child maltreatment - emotional neglect, physical neglect, and sexual abuse - being particularly predictive. This can lead to difficulties in identifying and describing emotions, harming social and intimate relationships.

SourceStanford University·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateJun 5, 2023

Grief can increase risk of heart problems, study finds

Researchers at the University of Arizona studied the impact of grief on heart function and found a significant association between grief severity and elevated systolic blood pressure response. Grief can cause a marked rise in blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiac events.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalPsychosomatic Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateJun 1, 2023
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.

Activity sessions in daycare already nurturing emotional skills by 10 weeks

Researchers from the University of Helsinki found that daycare centers using SAGA and Pikkuli interventions strengthened children's ability to help others, reduced internalising problems, and advanced social orientation. The studies showed positive experiences among early childhood educators, leading to further development of the methods.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalScandinavian Journal of Educational Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 24, 2023

Are you prone to feeling guilty? You may be less likely to take a bribe

New research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science found that guilt-prone people are less likely to accept bribes, especially when the act would cause obvious harm to other people. The study highlights the importance of assessing candidates' guilt proneness in personnel selection, particularly for leadership positions.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023

Our brain prefers positive vocal sounds that come from our left

Researchers found that the brain's auditory cortex responds strongly to positive human sounds coming from the left, but not from the right or front. This bias may have an evolutionary advantage, as it could help detect potential threats or predators.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2023

Good news reports may emotionally buffer effects of negative news stories

People who consumed kind acts after a terrorist attack reported fewer negative emotions and more positive perceptions. Lighthearted news also showed an emotional buffering effect. The study suggests that positive news can mitigate the negative impact of bad news, promoting good mental health.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023
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.

Mental imagery a helpful way to distract teens from negative thought patterns, OSU study finds

A recent study from Oregon State University found that refocusing on mental imagery is a more effective distraction than verbal thoughts for adolescents stuck in negative thought spirals. The study, led by Hannah Lawrence, suggests that mental imagery can help break up the thought spiral and seek help from a therapist or support system.

SourceOregon State University·JournalJournal of Affective Disorders·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023
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.

Emotion-focused therapy for bipolar disorder targets the amygdala

A new study found that emotion-focused therapy increased activation and connectivity of the amygdala in patients with bipolar disorder, leading to improved emotion processing. In contrast, cognitive-behavioral therapy showed increased activation of brain regions related to social function but not altered amygdala activity.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry Cognitive Neuroscience and Neuroimaging·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 17, 2023

How creativity is possible despite frustration

Despite emotional challenges like negative affect and fatigue, response inhibition can enhance divergent thinking by partially mediating the relationship between emotional states and creative potential. Frustration, when handled differently, can be a catalyst for invention and creativity.

SourceJacobs University Bremen gGmbH·JournalCreativity Research Journal·DateApr 12, 2023

Kids judge Alexa smarter than Roomba, but say both deserve kindness

Four to eleven-year-olds deemed Alexa more human-like, but neither robot deserved to be harmed or yelled at. As kids advanced towards adolescence, the feeling dwindled, and older children reported it was slightly more acceptable to attack technology.

SourceDuke University·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateApr 10, 2023

Study finds neighborhood apps increase perceptions of crime rates

A new study by University of Houston psychologist Adam Fetterman found that neighborhood apps are associated with inaccurate perceptions of higher local crime rates. The frequent use of such services by a large portion of the population suggests important implications for perceptions and behaviors related to people's neighborhoods.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalPsychology of Popular Media·DateMar 27, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Art evokes feelings in the body

A study of over 1,186 participants from various countries found that art evokes positive emotions, often despite dealing with sad or scary topics. The researchers discovered that human figures in art pieces can elicit empathy and mirroring, which contributes to the emotional experience.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalCognition & Emotion·DateMar 27, 2023

Positive emotion drives disinformation ads on Facebook

Research by University of Florida researchers found that disinformation ads on Facebook use a clear recipe with short ad buys, familiar language, and big budgets to reach more people. The most engaging ads were full of positive feelings encouraging good emotions about one's own groups rather than bad emotions towards others.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Interactive Advertising·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

Highlight facts or appeal to feelings? The psychology of persuading individuals to contribute to a collective goal

Researchers find that fact-based appeals are more effective when the goal is near completion, while affect-based appeals match people's feelings-oriented psychological state and are better suited for shorter-term goals. The study advances understanding of persuasive messages in collective goals and provides key insights for marketers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMar 8, 2023

Study finds perception of time linked to heartbeat

Researchers found that the heart influences our sense of time, causing it to stretch or shrink with each heartbeat. The study used electrocardiography to measure heart activity and showed that temporal wrinkles in time perception are synchronized with heartbeats.

SourceCornell University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateMar 7, 2023

Does more money correlate with greater happiness?

A new study by researchers from Penn and Princeton reveals that, on average, larger incomes are associated with ever-increasing levels of happiness. However, an unhappy cohort within each income group shows a sharp rise in happiness up to $100,000 annually before plateauing.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2023
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.

Wildlife recording is good for people, as well as for science

A recent UK study found that participating in nature-based 'citizen science' projects improves both participants' well-being and their connection to nature. The research involved 500 volunteers who completed a range of activities, including wildlife recording, and showed increased scores in wellbeing and pro-nature behaviour.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalPeople and Nature·DateFeb 9, 2023

Joy at the café: Tweets reveal where in cities people express different emotions

A study of nearly 2 million Tweets in London and San Francisco identified specific events and locations associated with different emotions. The analysis showed that certain locations, such as hotels and restaurants, were linked to higher levels of joy, while train stations and transportation sites were linked to disgust.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 1, 2023

Negative marital communications leave literal, figurative wounds

Research suggests that avoiding or withdrawing from tough conversations can lead to emotional distress, bad feelings about the relationship, chronic inflammation, and lowered immune function. Couples who exhibit negative communication patterns report fewer positive emotions and slower wound healing.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPsychoneuroendocrinology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Strict-sounding teachers worse in the classroom than kind colleagues

A study by University of Essex and University of Reading found that controlling tones made students' self-esteem plummet, while supportive voices inspired connection to the teacher. The research aimed to influence teacher training and boost classroom results.

SourceUniversity of Essex·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Digital technology can assist toddlers with problem solving

Research from the University of Houston suggests that digital technology can enhance learning in young children by leveraging mind-wandering moments. When toddlers exhibit attentiveness and persistence while playing educational apps on an iPad, it leads to positive creative problem-solving skills and improved learning outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJournal of Intelligence·DateJan 17, 2023
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.

Politics seep into daily life, negatively affecting mental health

Research published by the American Psychological Association finds that following daily political news can negatively impact people's mental health and well-being. Disengaging from politics also comes with a cost, as it reduces motivation to take action on political causes.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 13, 2023

Placebo reduces feelings of guilt

Researchers at the University of Basel found that placebos can significantly reduce feelings of guilt in healthy subjects. Participants who received open-label placebos showed a significant decrease in guilt, even when they knew they were receiving a placebo.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Do mood fluctuations impact confidence in decision-making?

Researchers found no correlation between daily mood and confidence markers, but mood-related states and confidence level fluctuated at different time scales. Mood changes occurred faster than confidence level changes.

SourceBIAL Foundation·JournalCognitive Affective & Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Do the negative ways that others treat us contribute to later self-harm?

A new longitudinal study examines neural-based correlates and risk factors for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents. The study found that greater amygdala reactivity during anticipation of social punishment predicted NSSI engagement one year later, particularly in those with lower peer-nominated social preference.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·TypeObservational study·DateJan 5, 2023

Social media may prevent users from reaping the creative rewards of profound boredom – new research

Research found that people using social media to escape superficial boredom are preventing themselves from progressing to profound boredom, a state that can lead to more creative and meaningful activity. Profound boredom stems from uninterrupted time spent in solitude, allowing individuals to question their sense of self and existence.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalMarketing Theory·TypeObservational study·DateDec 21, 2022
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.

Cheerful chatbots don’t necessarily improve customer service

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that AI chatbots' positive emotional displays have no effect on customer service evaluations when the source is a bot, but improve when human agents exhibit emotions. The study suggests businesses should be cautious about equipping AI agents with emotion-expressing capabilities.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022

Human empathy makes us better at understanding animal sounds

A new study from the University of Copenhagen found that individuals with high empathy scores can accurately detect emotional sounds in animals, including arousal and valence. The study involved 1024 participants from 48 countries and showed a significant correlation between empathy for humans and understanding animal sounds.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateDec 20, 2022

Internet treatment for anger works

A new study from Karolinska Institutet shows that internet-based therapy can help people with anger and aggression, with a combination of mindful emotion awareness and cognitive reappraisal being the most effective strategy. Four-week treatments resulted in decreased self-reported anger and aggressiveness.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 12, 2022
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 universal sound of swearing across languages

Research suggests a universal pattern in profanity across different languages, with the lack of approximants being a common feature when perceiving swear words. Participants rated pseudo-words with and without approximants differently, indicating that approximant-free words were more likely to be considered swear words.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateDec 5, 2022

The stories men tell themselves after getting dumped

New research reveals that men who successfully transition post-breakup are those who seek to understand their experiences and change negative behaviors. These men focus on gaining positive personal transformations in the aftermath of the breakup, rather than blaming themselves or others.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalHealth Psychology Open·TypeCase study·DateNov 29, 2022

Changing feelings can boost creativity for conventional thinkers

Researchers found that conventional thinkers can come up with more creative ideas after practicing emotional reappraisal, which involves viewing a situation through another emotional lens. This technique can be trained and helps individuals tap into their knowledge and experience, improving business productivity.

SourceWashington State University·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateNov 22, 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.

Higher sense of purpose in life may be linked to lower mortality risk

A new study found that people with a higher sense of purpose in life have a lower risk of death from any cause, regardless of race or gender. The association was strongest among women, who may benefit more from the health-protective effects of purpose.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalPreventive Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022