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How simple prompts can make partially automated cars safer

A new study found that driving-related conversational prompts improve driver performance in taking control of the vehicle, but only when drivers are engaged. Conversely, non-driving related tasks like solving anagrams can significantly decrease performance and render prompts ineffective.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHuman Factors The Journal of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 28, 2025

Rethinking altruistic punishment: New experimental insights

Researchers investigated how people decide to confront or avoid unfair behavior, revealing that avoidance is driven by both not wanting to witness inequality and a desire to avoid confrontation. Even those who tend to avoid unfairness will hand out punishment if forced to observe such behavior.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists uncover rapid-acting, low-side-effect antidepressant target

A new study reveals that delta opioid receptor agonist KNT-127 has a rapid and effective antidepressant effect with minimal side effects. The research highlights the molecular mechanisms underlying its action, including mTOR signaling pathways and Akt activation in the medial prefrontal cortex.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025

Rats anticipate location of food-guarding robots when foraging

Researchers studied rats navigating an L-shape track with a food-guarding robot. The rats created neurological maps of places to avoid after experiencing negative events and thought about these locations even after leaving the area. This finding provides insight into the neuroscience of common psychological conditions like anxiety.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 14, 2025

Bias in AI amplifies our own biases

A new study by UCL researchers found that AI systems amplify human biases, leading to a snowball effect where small initial biases increase the risk of human error. The researchers demonstrated real-world consequences, including overestimating white men's likelihood of holding high-status jobs and underestimating women's performance.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 18, 2024

Do animals get jealous like people? Researchers say it’s complicated.

A new UC Berkeley study analyzed over 60,000 animal observations and found no conclusive evidence of inequity aversion in non-human species. However, the researchers suggest that some animals may exhibit disappointment or social protest when their expectations are not met.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 12, 2024
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.

What social rejection teaches your brain

A USC study reveals that forming social ties relies on learning from positive outcomes, such as rewards, and tracking relational value. The findings help explain why we are drawn to certain people and how we navigate relationships, with implications for mental health and social behavior.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2024

Judging knots throws people for a loop

A study published in Open Mind journal found that most people struggle to distinguish between strong and weak knots by visual inspection. Despite their experience with everyday knots, participants failed to identify the strongest knot in various experiments, even when shown videos or diagrams of the knots' construction.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalOpen Mind·DateDec 9, 2024

Is 'bypassing' a better way to battle misinformation?

Researchers found that bypassing misinformation, by providing accurate information with positive implications, can be superior to correction in situations where people form beliefs rather than attitudes. This approach has potential for informing strategies to combat misinformation and change behavior. The study suggests a more nuanced ...

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2024

Simplicity is key to understanding and achieving goals

A new study from the University of Waterloo found that people's preference for simple explanations mirrors their desire for efficient actions. The study discovered that individuals are more attracted to explanations involving common and reliable causes.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalCognitive Psychology·DateNov 22, 2024
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.

Your child, the sophisticated language learner

A study published in Psychological Science found that 2-year-olds rely on grammatical information to understand the meaning of new words. The researchers used focus signals in sentences to manipulate children's responses, showing that young kids can absorb grammatical cues and leverage them to learn new words.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 21, 2024

The chilling sound of the Aztec death whistle

Researchers created digital reconstructions of Aztec death whistles and found they produce unique air turbulence, creating a chilling sound. Listeners perceived the whistle's sound as natural and organic, similar to human voices or screams, suggesting a symbolic association with mythological entities.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2024

Texting abbreviations makes senders seem insincere, study finds

Using texting abbreviations is associated with being perceived as less sincere and receiving fewer responses, according to a new study published by the American Psychological Association. Texters who used abbreviations were seen as exerting less effort in text conversations and eliciting negative perceptions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2024

How to reduce social media stress by leaning in instead of logging off

A new study by University of British Columbia researchers found that young people's mental health benefits from thoughtful social media management and intentional online interactions. The study showed that users who managed their online interactions more intentionally experienced reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and loneliness.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology General·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2024
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.

Prof. Tamar Saguy awarded prestigious SESP Diversity Science Award for 2024

Prof. Tamar Saguy, a full professor at Reichman University's School of Psychology, has been recognized for her groundbreaking research on reconciliation processes between groups. Her work highlights the importance of addressing power imbalances in dialogue initiatives and proposes effective strategies to promote social change.

SourceReichman University·DateOct 29, 2024

Reminders can eliminate age-related decline in memory

A new study from UT Arlington found that setting reminders can significantly reduce age-related declines in memory, particularly in prospective memory. The study suggests that reminders help counteract cognitive strain by making memory retrieval less reliant on internal processes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalPsychology and Aging·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2024

Unpaid caregiving is undervalued by society

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that unpaid caregiving contributes billions of dollars' worth of labor annually, yet is often overlooked in societal value. The study suggests that people with lower socioeconomic status are more likely to provide care within their social networks but perceive themselve...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateOct 17, 2024
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.

Educational psychologists can play a part in fighting TikTok mental health and neurodiversity misinformation

A new study highlights the need for educational psychologists to engage with TikTok to address self-diagnosis of mental health and neurodiversity conditions. The platform's vast amount of inaccurate content can lead to misunderstandings and inaccurate self-assessment, emphasizing the importance of raising accurate content.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEducational Psychology in Practice·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateOct 15, 2024

The flirting paradox: Why the attention your partner receives from others is liable to diminish your desire for them

A recent Reichman University study explores how attention one partner receives from others affects sexual desire, commitment to the relationship, and the inclination to ward off competitors. The findings show that when participants observed others showing interest in their partner, they experienced decreased desire for their partner.

SourceReichman University·JournalThe Journal of Sex Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024

Asking a person to talk about their parents in therapy can distort memories of childhood emotions

A recent study suggests that asking people to reflect on their relationships with family during therapy can shift their emotions and memories towards a parent, even when the question isn't suggestive. The lead author emphasizes the importance of being aware of this phenomenon to ensure accurate childhood memories.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPsychological Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

To make children better fact-checkers, expose them to more misinformation — with oversight

A new study suggests that exposing young children to more misinformation online, with proper education and oversight, can help them develop essential critical thinking skills. Children who encounter more false information early on are more likely to fact-check and debunk potential misinformation, according to researchers.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2024

Our brains divide the day into chapters. New psychology research offers details on how.

A new study published in Current Biology found that our brains organize experiences into individual events based on what we currently care about and are paying attention to. The researchers used audio narratives to test this hypothesis, finding that people's brain activity creates new chapters depending on their perspective.

SourceColumbia University·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2024
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.

Eyes on the fries: how our vision creates a food trend

Research reveals people's perception of a food's appeal and calorie content is biased towards their previous rating, creating a chain reaction. This 'serial dependence' can inform strategies for food marketers and have potential applications in addressing eating disorders.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2024

Feet first: AI reveals how infants connect with their world

A new study published in Scientific Reports reveals the importance of foot movement in early infant development and interaction. By using machine and deep learning techniques, researchers found that AI can accurately classify five-second clips of 3D infant movements, with foot movements showing the highest accuracy rates.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2024

UTA study suggests simple steps may improve team ethics

A UT Arlington study suggests that speaking up is key to ethical decision-making in research groups. The researchers found that fostering an environment where everyone feels empowered to voice concerns can help prevent unethical behavior. An 'ethical champion' who steps up to speak out against potential issues was a common finding.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalScience and Engineering Ethics·TypeObservational study·DateSep 30, 2024

Older people are more swayed by the impulsive actions of others when making financial decisions – new study reveals

A new study published in Communications Psychology found that older adults (60+ years) are more susceptible to social influence when making impulsive financial decisions. In contrast, younger adults tend to stick to their original preference even after seeing others opt for the impulsive option.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeObservational study·DateSep 23, 2024

People prefer to work with higher-paid colleagues

Research suggests that people prioritize collaborating with higher-paid colleagues, assuming they possess greater knowledge and skills. In contrast, lower-paid subordinates are preferred for hiring due to the belief that salary differences reflect organizational rank.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalAmerican Psychologist·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2024
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.

Yet another reason why you should sleep on it before making an important decision

A study published in the Journal of Experimental Psychology: General found that people are strongly biased by first impressions, but 'sleeping on it' can lead to more rational choices. Participants who didn't make a decision immediately were less likely to fall into these traps and made more rational decisions.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateSep 23, 2024

Study shows psychedelic drug psilocybin gives comparable long-term antidepressant effects to standard antidepressants, but may offer additional benefits

A 6-month study found that psilocybin offered similar improvements to SSRI escitalopram in depressive symptoms, but with greater social functioning and psychological connectedness. Psilocybin may offer an alternative for those not responding to SSRIs, but its benefits are still being studied.

SourceEuropean College of Neuropsychopharmacology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 21, 2024

Can toddlers help explain the origins of our bias for wealth?

New research suggests that toddlers can track and prefer people with more resources, tracking this preference until around 13 months of age. This bias towards wealth is thought to be driven by negative assessments of those with less, rather than positive evaluations of the wealthy.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 18, 2024
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.

Identifying body-scan postures suitable for people with hyperactivity tendency

Researchers found that participants with hyperactivity/impulsivity tendency perform body-scan meditation better in supine and upright postures, which can alleviate anxiety and depression. The study developed scales to assess the ease of mindfulness meditation, aiding psychiatrists and therapists in choosing suitable interventions.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalJapanese Psychological Research·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024

Enhancing the mind-body connection through technology and touch

A recent study demonstrates how real-time haptic feedback can enhance interoceptive awareness, improving mental and physical health. Participants showed improved accuracy in heart rate discrimination tasks after receiving haptic feedback, suggesting a deeper connection between the mind and body.

SourceReichman University·JournalPsychophysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

New Reichman University study: People in financial distress behave more morally

A new study by Reichman University researchers found that individuals experiencing financial hardship tend to act more ethically, contrary to common beliefs. Despite economic temptation, those in need uphold their moral standards and actually cheat less than more affluent participants.

SourceReichman University·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024
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.

HSE scientists propose using heart rate analysis to diagnose anxiety and depression

A study by HSE University scientists found that changes in heart rate can serve as an early biomarker for anxiety and depressive disorders. The research used PPG technology to analyze heart function during cognitive tasks, revealing more pronounced changes in individuals with higher levels of anxiety or depression.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 3, 2024

Facts alone fall short in correcting science misinformation

Researchers found that a refutational approach can help overcome misinformation, leading to fewer misconceptions and improved emotional responses. The study tested students' knowledge of fluoridation and found that those who read an article with a refutation had more positive emotions toward the subject.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Research in Science Teaching·DateAug 21, 2024

Swiping through online videos increases boredom, study finds

Research published by the American Psychological Association found that digital switching, such as swiping through videos, actually increases boredom and reduces satisfaction with content. Participants reported feeling less engaged when watching a single video versus rapidly switching through multiple short videos.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2024

Anxiety reframed can make business pitches more effective

A recent study by Washington State University found that entrepreneurs who connected their pitch anxiety to their passion for their venture performed better in funding pitches and were more likely to receive recommendations. This emotional reframing strategy was shown to be effective in leveraging anxiety as a positive energy source, r...

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Business Venturing·DateAug 6, 2024
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.

The secrets behind Ukraine President Zelensky's appeal

A recent study by Prof. Meital Balmas Cohen found that highlighting Zelensky's warmth, morality, and communal traits boosts global empathy and pro-social behaviors towards Ukrainians. The research aimed to explore how national leaders can leverage their personality traits to influence public opinion.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalJournal of Conflict Resolution·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2024

High ceilings linked to poorer exam results for uni students

Researchers from UniSA and Deakin University found a link between rooms with high ceilings and poorer examination results. The study analyzed data from 15,400 undergraduate students, comparing their exam scores to ceiling heights, and found lower scores when sitting exams in larger rooms.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Environmental Science·TypeCase study·DateJul 2, 2024
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.

Watching others’ biased behavior unconsciously creates prejudice

Researchers at Universiteit van Amsterdam found that observing prejudiced individuals interact with group members can lead to the formation of similar prejudices. Observers often go on to act with prejudice without realizing they've been influenced, misperceiving worse behavior from group members who interacted with a prejudiced actor.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 2, 2024

Individuals can tell if their memories are trustworthy, new study shows

Researchers at the University of Birmingham found that people are aware when their brain is filling in gaps with generic information, enabling them to factor in this knowledge when assessing memory accuracy. The study suggests individuals can recognize prototypical memories and distinguish them from accurate ones.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024

How uncertainty builds anxiety

Researchers at UC Davis discover that uncertainty drives anxiety by changing how we perceive hazard rates. The study found that when the timing of a potential threat is unknown, our brains respond with increased anxiety.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalComputational Psychiatry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Biological underpinnings of romantic attraction and bonding

A new study reveals that physiological synchrony significantly enhances perceived romantic attraction. Super Synchronizers, who naturally synchronize well in social and nonsocial contexts, are perceived as more romantically appealing. This study integrates experimental and observational methods to investigate the mechanisms of romantic...

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024
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.

Authority's physical proximity means greater obedience. New look at results of famous experiment

Researchers from SWPS University have re-examined the causes of obedience in the iconic Milgram experiment. The team found that physical proximity to the experimenter enhances subjects' willingness to obey, while proximity to the learner reduces it. This new understanding sheds light on the complex dynamics underlying human behavior.

SourceSWPS University·JournalThe Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 18, 2024

May I touch you? Being given a choice makes touch more pleasant

Studies found that even minor choices, such as picking a color, can increase the enjoyment of touch. The results suggest that providing patients with perceived control over their treatment may yield greater benefits in clinical settings. This study provides new insights into how choice shapes our experiences on a fundamental level.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAttention Perception & Psychophysics·DateJun 13, 2024

To combat loneliness, buy experiences, not things

A new study found that spending money on experiences, such as concerts, restaurants, or travel, increases feelings of social connection and similarity with others. In contrast, buying material goods has a lesser effect on these connections. The research suggests that this could lead to improved health and happiness.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Behavioral Decision Making·DateMay 21, 2024
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.

Don't matter if you're this or that

A research team at Kyoto University found that interactive AI programs can reduce prejudice and anxiety among historically divided ethnic groups in Afghanistan during online interactions. Participants in the AI intervention group showed more engagement and significantly less prejudice and anxiety compared to the control group.

SourceKyoto University·JournalCommunications Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2024

Network model unifies recency and central tendency biases

Researchers have developed a network model that replicates the experimental findings of how short-term history effects lead to central tendency bias in working memory. The model shows that neural circuits can give rise to both recency and central tendency biases at the same time through a single mechanism.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024
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.

Aston University research finds that social media can be used to increase fruit and vegetable intake in young people

Researchers found that participants who followed healthy eating Instagram accounts ate an extra 1.4 portions of fruit and vegetables per day, compared to those in the control group. The study suggests that exposure to positive social norms on social media can encourage higher consumption of fruit and vegetables.

SourceAston University·JournalDigital Health·TypeObservational study·DateApr 24, 2024