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Learning empathy as a care giver takes more than experience

Research at Thomas Jefferson University shows that nursing students' pre-existing assumptions about poverty are not challenged by existing training, and that service learning may even be detrimental to building empathy. The study suggests that nurses need more education on reflecting on their role in combating societal stigma of poverty.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Nursing Education·DateMar 9, 2020
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Study finds empathy can be detected in people whose brains are at rest

Researchers found that brain activity while resting can reveal a person's empathic disposition, potentially helping health care professionals better assess those with autism or schizophrenia. The study used functional magnetic resonance imaging to analyze brain scans and machine learning algorithms to predict participants' empathy levels.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Integrative Neuroscience·DateFeb 18, 2020

Medical students become less empathic toward patients throughout medical school

A nationwide study found that medical students' empathy levels drop significantly as they transition from preclinical to clinical years of medical school. The study, led by Dr. Mohammadreza Hojat, surveyed over 10,700 students at DO-granting medical schools and compared their results with those of MD-granting medical schools.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalAcademic Medicine·DateFeb 5, 2020

Rats are more social than we thought

Researchers discovered that rats can use empathy to sense danger and react accordingly, showing a more interactive process than previously thought. By observing the emotions of other rats, they can prepare for potential threats, with less scared bystanders reducing fear in demonstrators.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalPLOS Biology·DateDec 5, 2019

Women wearing hijabs in news stories may be judged negatively

A study by Penn State researchers found that women wearing hijabs in news stories can elicit harsher social judgment, with conservatives showing lower empathy and perceived innocence. The study suggests potential obstacles for women who wear hijabs in the real world, highlighting the need for more nuanced portrayals in media.

SourcePenn State·JournalMass Communication & Society·DateDec 3, 2019
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.

Analysis of US labor data suggests 'reskilling' workers for a 'feeling economy'

The article discusses how the rise of AI will shift jobs towards feeling tasks, making emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills vital for success. Research by the University of Maryland suggests that companies and individuals must adapt to this new economy, where firms need to recruit people who excel in feeling tasks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCalifornia Management Review·DateOct 7, 2019

Do single people suffer more?

Researchers found that men and women exhibited higher pain thresholds and lower sensory pain ratings when their partners were present. The study suggests that partner empathy can buffer affective distress during pain exposure, even without verbal or physical contact.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalScandinavian Journal of Pain·DateAug 23, 2019

Research shows TCOM and osteopathic approach making a difference

A 2 ½-year study found that osteopathic physicians' empathetic approach reduces pain catastrophizing and disability among patients with chronic pain. Osteopathic physicians are also less likely to prescribe opioids, aligning with CDC guidelines.

SourceUniversity of North Texas Health Science Center·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateAug 19, 2019
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AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Empathy for perpetrators helps explain victim blaming in sexual harassment

Research finds that men's greater empathy for male perpetrators is a consistent explanation of variability in victim blame, highlighting the dark side of empathy. The studies highlight the damaging consequences of media focus on male perpetrators' point of view, which can lead to increased victim blaming.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPsychology of Women Quarterly·DateAug 18, 2019

In product design, imagining end user's feelings leads to more original outcomes

A University of Illinois study finds that designers who focus on how a product makes consumers feel create more innovative products. By incorporating feelings into the design process, designers experience greater empathy and cognitive flexibility, leading to higher levels of outcome originality.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateAug 15, 2019

Researchers suggest empathy be a factor in medical school admissions

A cross-sectional study of over 16,000 osteopathic medical students found that high empathy scores are linked to better clinical competence and patient outcomes. The study established national norms for assessing medical students' empathy, which can help identify students who need additional education to boost their level of empathy.

SourceAmerican Osteopathic Association·JournalThe Journal of the American Osteopathic Association·DateJul 25, 2019

July/August 2019 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A UK study found that type 2 diabetes patients experiencing empathy from their primary care practitioners had a lower risk of all-cause mortality over the next 10 years. Additionally, metformin use was associated with a significantly lower risk of dementia in African American patients with type 2 diabetes.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 10, 2019
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Patients with an 'empathic' GP at reduced risk of early death

A new study from the University of Cambridge found that patients with diabetes who have an empathetic GP are at a lower risk of early death. The study analyzed data from 867 individuals and found that those with better experiences of empathy had a significantly lower risk of death over the subsequent 10 years.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 8, 2019

Antidepressants can reduce the empathic empathy

Researchers found that antidepressant treatment, rather than depression itself, leads to reduced neural responses and empathy towards pain in patients. This effect may help patients recover from social interactions more easily.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateJun 18, 2019

The power of empathy in product development

Researchers found that considering an end-user's feelings increases cognitive flexibility, leading to more creative and practical solutions. This technique can be used by companies to boost their generation of innovative product ideas.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 28, 2019
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.

Shared emotional states in ravens

Researchers observed ravens exhibiting negative emotional contagion when watching demonstrator ravens with induced negative emotional states. The results suggest convergent emotional evolution in birds and mammals.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019

Responding to extremist attacks: For Muslim leaders, 'It's damned if you do, damned if you don't'

A University of Michigan study found that expressing empathy for victims after an extremist attack can alleviate negative responses from non-Muslims. However, accepting group responsibility can cultivate perceptions of collective guilt and backfire, increasing the perception that Muslim Americans are to blame for terrorist acts.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMedia Psychology·DateApr 30, 2019

Schadenfreude: Your pain is my gain

A new study by the University of Zurich finds that schadenfreude is more likely to occur in highly competitive working environments, where one person's misfortune can facilitate another's success. The study suggests that this emotion can be contagious and lead to vicious cycles of mistreatment.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalAcademy of Management Review·DateApr 24, 2019
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.

I feel you: Emotional mirror neurons found in the rat

Researchers found that rat brain activates same cells when observing others' pain as when experiencing pain itself, indicating shared empathy mechanism. The cingulate cortex region is responsible for this emotional sharing, and suppressing its activity can prevent rats from freezing in response to others' distress.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 11, 2019

Empathy and cooperation go hand in hand

Researchers found that empathy fosters cooperation over selfishness by taking into account another person's perspective when forming moral judgments. Empathy tends to spread throughout a population under most scenarios, leading to increased cooperation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·DateApr 9, 2019
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.

Autism brings qualities which help at home and at work, study shows

A study of autistic adults reveals that traits associated with autism can be both beneficial and burdensome. The research found that autistic individuals often possess exceptional memory, attention to detail, and creative abilities, making them highly focused and tenacious. However, these same traits can also cause anxiety or exhaustion.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalAutism in Adulthood·DateApr 5, 2019

A simple strategy to improve your mood in 12 minutes

Researchers at Iowa State University found that practicing loving-kindness and extending good wishes to others reduces anxiety, increases happiness, and fosters social connection. The study suggests that this simple strategy is effective regardless of personality type.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateMar 27, 2019

Beyond romance

A new study explores how an individual's genetics and brain activity correlate with altruistic behaviors directed toward romantic partners. The team found that pathways related to bonding in other animals showed up in humans, suggesting a link between empathy and altruism more generally.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateFeb 11, 2019
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.

Parents: Take a timeout before you force your child to apologize

A new study from the University of Michigan found that children can distinguish between willing and coerced apologies. Parents are advised to help their child learn empathy for the victim before forcing an apology. This approach ensures a sincere apology and maintains a positive relationship.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalMerrill-Palmer Quarterly·DateNov 26, 2018
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.

Largest ever study of psychological sex differences and autistic traits

The study tested over half a million people, confirming two psychological theories of sex differences and autism. Autistic individuals showed a 'masculinized' shift on systemizing and autistic traits tests, with empathy scores lower than typical males.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018

Testing theories of sex differences and autism

A large-scale study analyzing over 600,000 people found that females scored higher on average in empathy, while males scored higher on average in systemizing. The results supported both the empathizing-systemizing and extreme male brain theories of sex differences and autism.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018

Does putting the brakes on outrage bottle up social change?

A team of psychologists found that moral outrage can lead to collective action and inspire people to take part in long-term social change. The study, published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences, combined findings from moral psychology and intergroup psychology to investigate the dynamics of outrage.

SourcePenn State·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018
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.

Virtual reality may encourage empathic behavior

A study published in PLOS ONE found that virtual reality systems can aid perspective-taking and foster empathy, leading to more altruistic behaviors. Participants who used VR reported higher levels of empathy and were more likely to sign petitions supporting homeless populations.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 17, 2018

Nearly half of resident physicians report burnout

Burnout among US resident physicians is widespread, with high rates in urology, neurology, and emergency medicine. High levels of anxiety during medical school are associated with burnout symptoms during residency.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalJAMA·DateSep 18, 2018

For the first time, a neural link between altruism and empathy toward strangers

Using fMRI scans, University of Pennsylvania researchers found that people who donated a kidney to an anonymous recipient were more sensitive to a stranger's fear and pain, with activation in the anterior insula brain region. This study provides the first clear link between real-world altruism and empathy for the pain of strangers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 11, 2018

Effectively expressing empathy to improve ICU care

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that physicians who showed unburied empathy during care conferences had more effective conversations with families, leading to better patient outcomes. The researchers recommend slowing down, using the 'NURSE' mnemonic, and avoiding transitions like 'but' to improve empathetic communication.

SourceChildren's National Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateAug 14, 2018
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

A video game can change the brain, may improve empathy in middle schoolers

A new video game designed to train empathy in middle schoolers showed improved connectivity in brain networks related to empathy and perspective-taking. The game, 'Crystals of Kaydor,' was developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers and found to enhance emotional regulation skills.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·Journalnpj Science of Learning·DateAug 9, 2018

Empathetic dogs lend a helping paw

Research shows that dogs that remain calm and exhibit empathy during their owner's distress help out faster. Therapy dogs performed as well as other dogs in opening doors, highlighting the importance of traits like obedience over human-animal bonding.

SourceSpringer·JournalLearning & Behavior·DateJul 24, 2018

Empathetic police are less effective in the face of public criticism, study says

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin found that empathetic police officers who feel undervalued perform poorly in their duties. In contrast, conservative officers with punitive approaches to justice tend to maintain high performance levels despite public criticism. Policymakers are urged to address the issue by implementi...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdministrative Science Quarterly·DateJun 28, 2018
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.

Lonely and non-empathetic people more likely to make unethical shopping decisions

Research from Binghamton University found that lonely individuals with low empathy levels are more likely to cheat and return items, while those with high empathy levels exhibit less immoral behavior. Increasing empathy in lonely people can lead to better moral decision making, but has no effect on non-lonely individuals.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Consumer Psychology·DateApr 30, 2018

Gene variant increases empathy-driven fear in mice

Researchers identified a gene variant linked to increased empathic fear in mice, which may contribute to individual variability in neuropsychiatric conditions. The study found that the variant affects neurons in the cerebral cortex, leading to heightened observational fear response.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNeuron·DateApr 19, 2018

Study finds that genes play a role in empathy

A new study found that genetics contribute to individual differences in empathy, with genetic variants associated with lower empathy linked to higher autism risk. Women are also more empathetic than men, but this difference is not due to DNA, suggesting non-genetic factors at play.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 11, 2018

Genes play a role in empathy

A new study published in Translational Psychiatry found that genetic variations contribute to individual differences in empathy, with women generally showing higher levels of empathy than men. The research also linked genetic variants associated with lower empathy to a higher risk for autism.

SourceInstitut Pasteur·JournalTranslational Psychiatry·DateMar 11, 2018
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Holding hands can sync brainwaves, ease pain, study shows

A recent study published in PNAS found that holding hands can synchronize brain wave patterns and reduce pain. The study also discovered that empathy plays a crucial role in this phenomenon, with more empathetic partners experiencing greater brain activity sync.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 28, 2018

Arts and humanities in medical school promote empathy and inoculate against burnout

A new study from Tulane University finds that medical students who devoted more time to the humanities during medical school had significantly higher levels of positive physician attributes like empathy, tolerance of ambiguity, wisdom, and emotional intelligence. This is linked to lower levels of adverse traits like burnout.

SourceTulane University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJan 30, 2018

Clothes make the woman: Less empathy towards women showing more skin

Researchers found that altering the clothing worn by actresses affected empathic responses, with reduced feelings towards objectified women and reduced brain activity in empathy-related areas. The study suggests a link between objectification and diminished emotional understanding.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCortex·DateJan 11, 2018
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.

Inpatient satisfaction improved by five-minute intervention, study finds

A daily five-minute conversation that focuses on hospitalized patients' overall well-being and medical symptoms significantly improved their satisfaction with medical care. Patients who received BATHE showed a high degree of satisfaction and rated their medical care as excellent.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalFamily Medicine·DateOct 16, 2017

Doctors gain a greater understanding of skin cancer using tattoos

A study using temporary tattoos helped medical students develop a greater understanding of skin cancer and empathy for patients. The study found that wearing a realistic tattoo provided a powerful experience, allowing students to consider the person behind the illness.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalBritish Journal of Dermatology·DateSep 26, 2017