Focus on human factor in designing systems
A new study explores how human decision-making impacts engineered systems. Researchers found that people often overestimate their abilities and succumb to biases, leading to inefficiencies in system design.
Human Behavior
Articles tagged with Human Behavior
Astrocytes improve decision-making
Recent study reveals astrocytes modulate balance of inhibition/excitation in neural networks controlling decision-making. Astrocyte activation improves cognitive performance and regulates gamma oscillations involved in perception, working memory, and other cognitive functions.
Is it better to give than receive?
A University of California, Davis study found that children who experienced compassionate love from their mothers were more willing to give up tokens for others. The study also showed that being generous had a calming effect on the children, reinforcing the behavior and promoting prosocial orientation.
A multidisciplinary policy design to protect consumers from AI collusion
Algorithms can adopt collusive pricing rules without human intervention, posing a threat to consumers. A multidisciplinary policy design is proposed to investigate AI pricing algorithms for collusion in controlled environments.
Are we the same person throughout our lives? In essence, yes
A recent study published in Psychophysiology found that the essence of human being remains stable throughout life, with a component of self-awareness remaining intact. The study suggests that changes to physical aspects, attitudes, and values are more likely to occur over time.
Parasite infection discovery could assist mental health treatments
New research suggests that T. gondii infection alters human behavior by lowering norepinephrine levels, which control stress response and neuroinflammation. This finding may contribute to the development of antipsychotic treatments for schizophrenia and other neurological disorders.
Dogs are sensitive to their owners' choice despite their own preference
Researchers found that dogs' looking times were influenced by the owner's expressed preference, but not their fetching behavior. The study suggests that dogs can perceive and respond to human displays of preference, but may not fully understand the subjective nature of desire.
Robotic AI learns to be spontaneous
Researchers developed a new method for designing spontaneous behaviors in robots, inspired by complex temporal patterns in animal brains. The approach uses high-dimensional chaos and reservoir computing to implement humanlike cognitive functions.
Leaf-cutter bees as plastic recyclers? Not a good idea, say scientists
Researchers studied the use of plastic in nest construction by leaf-cutter bees and found it could change the environment of their nests. They suggest using natural fibers instead to avoid harmful effects on the insects.
Hot or cold, weather alone has no significant effect on COVID-19 spread
A new study by UT Austin found that temperature and humidity have no significant role in coronavirus transmission, while human behavior plays a major role. Travel habits and urban density are among the top contributing factors to COVID-19 growth.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateNov 2, 2020
Scientists identify specific brain region and circuits controlling attention
A new study by MIT neuroscientists shows that the activity of norepinephrine-producing neurons in a single brain region, the locus coeruleus, controls both focus to ignore distractions and discipline to curb impulses. Stimulating LC activity improved attentional control tasks, while inhibiting it had the opposite effect.
SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 2020
Possible triggers of autism symptoms and motor issues identified for several rare diseases
Research on Prader-Willi and Angelman syndromes reveals associations between UBE3A gene expression levels and social communication difficulties in PWS, as well as fine motor skills impairment in AS. The study's findings suggest a potential link between inflammatory pathways and disease severity in these conditions.
Trust levels in AI predicted by people's relationship style, study shows
Researchers from the University of Kansas have discovered a link between people's attachment styles and their trust in artificial intelligence. Attachment anxiety is associated with reduced trust, while enhanced attachment security increases trust. The study suggests that reminding individuals of their secure relationships can boost tr...
Reduced flexible behavior in autistic individuals is driven by less optimal learning
A study published in PLOS Biology found that individuals with autism spectrum disorder show reduced flexible behavior due to less optimal learning. The research used a developmental approach and examined flexible behavior on a probabilistic reversal learning task in children, adolescents, and adults with ASD.
Couples share heart disease risk factors and behaviors
A study of over 5,000 couples found that nearly all shared unhealthy habits, such as low-quality diet and inadequate exercise. The vast majority fell into the non-ideal category for cardiovascular health, with most sharing these behaviors. Improving one partner's health may positively impact their loved one.
Simple actions can help people survive landslides
A University of Washington study reveals certain human actions increase survival chances in devastating events. Researchers suggest simple behavioral changes, such as being aware of local hazards and moving to a higher floor, can save more lives than expensive engineering solutions.
Light pollution may increase biting behavior at night in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes
Research from the University of Notre Dame found that artificial light abnormally increases mosquito biting behavior at night in Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The study suggests that increasing levels of light pollution could impact the transmission of diseases such as dengue fever, yellow fever, and Zika.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalAmerican Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene·DateOct 20, 2020
How initiatives empowering employees can backfire
Research from Michigan State University and Ohio State University found that empowerment initiatives can be effective when implemented by leaders who value being respected, but can lead to micromanaging and decreased motivation when led by those who prioritize control. The study suggests that candid conversations between employees and ...
Rethinking the link between cannabinoids and learning
A study by Megan Carey and Catarina Albergaria found that altered cannabinoid signalling impairs learning in mice. However, this was not due to direct effects on neural plasticity, but rather the reduced activity levels of the mutant mice. Restoring behavioral state through exercise fully restored learning abilities.
HKU physicist joins international effort to unveil the behavior of "strange metals"
A joint research team has solved the puzzle of non-Fermi liquid behaviour in interacting electrons systems through quantum many-body computation and analytical calculations. The findings provide a protocol for establishing new paradigms in quantum metals, with potential applications in solving the energy crisis.
New deep learning models: Fewer neurons, more intelligence
Researchers developed new AI models inspired by nature, reducing complexity and enhancing interpretability. These models can control vehicles with just a few artificial neurons, outperforming previous deep learning models in tasks such as autonomous lane keeping.
New deep learning models: Fewer neurons, more intelligence
A new deep learning model inspired by tiny animals has shown decisive advantages over previous models in tasks such as autonomous driving. The model achieves better performance with fewer neurons and is more interpretable than complex 'black box' systems.
SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateOct 13, 2020
Mental accounting is impacting sustainable behavior
Researchers analyze how our minds plan resource use to reduce excessive energy consumption and carbon emissions. They propose concrete strategies to fine-tune policy instruments and promote sustainable behavior, taking into account cognitive mechanisms such as spillover effects, rebound effects, and mental accounting labels.
US viewer preference for right-wing TV media linked to fewer preventive measures against COVID-19
Research published in BMJ Global Health found that viewers who trust right-wing US TV media are less likely to engage in preventive behaviors and more likely to report risky behaviors. This association was observed despite health behaviors becoming more cautious over time.
VA Boston and BU researchers streamline PTSD diagnosis with machine learning
Researchers from VA Boston Healthcare System and Boston University School of Public Health used machine learning to explore streamlining the diagnostic tool for PTSD. They found that six questions could be cut from the SCID-5 while maintaining accuracy, with different questions being more or less important for male and female veterans.
Driving behavior less 'robotic' thanks to new Delft model
Researchers developed a new model that describes driving behavior based on a 'human' principle: managing risk below a threshold level. The model can accurately predict human behavior in various driving tasks and may be used in intelligent cars to reduce their 'robotic' feel.
Visual learning in honeybees and humans
Researchers found that honeybees use a simple counting-based model to learn from visual scenes, unlike humans who employ complex probabilistic learning to recognize patterns. This difference may contribute to human superiority in cognitive capacities.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020
Researchers explore how the human brain is so resilient
The US Army Research Laboratory teamed up with Italian Institute of Technology, Harvard Medical School, and University of California, Irvine to study the complexities of the human brain. Researchers used transcranial magnetic stimulation and fMRI to track neural changes after inhibiting a specific part of the brain.
Reprogramming brain cells enables flexible decision-making
Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered that the orbitofrontal cortex can reprogram neurons in sensory areas to enable flexible decision-making. This process involves a direct connection between the two regions, allowing for rapid adaptation to new situations.
Camera monitoring significantly improves safety of HGV driving
A recent study found that installing cameras in HGV cabs significantly reduces risky driving behaviors, with coaching further improving results. The analysis of 669 vehicles over two years revealed a 31% reduction in harsh cornering and a 34% decrease in speeding incidents.
Princeton lab uncovers small fratricidal molecule
Researchers at Princeton University have discovered a small molecule named Streptosactin, which exhibits fratricidal activity in the human microbiome. This is the first time a small molecule has been found to kill its own kind.
TRESK regulates brain to track time using sunlight as its cue
Research from the University of Kent found that TRESK plays a crucial role in regulating the brain's central circadian clock. Lowering TRESK levels disrupted the biological rhythm, causing the clock to lose its day-night association.
Weight stigma predicts emotional distress and binge eating during COVID-19
A study found that weight stigma in young adults predicted higher levels of stress, depressive symptoms, and binge eating during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research also showed that weight stigma was associated with worse health outcomes for both males and females, regardless of their body weight.
SourceUConn Rudd Center for Food Policy and Obesity·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateSep 10, 2020
Research sheds light on earliest stages of Angelman syndrome
A new study from North Carolina State University has shed light on the earliest stages of Angelman syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting brain development and function. The research used human cerebral organoids to monitor the behavior of a key gene, UBE3A, revealing its role in early brain tissue development.
Awareness raising alone is not enough
A German-Israeli research team found that nature conservation initiatives rarely lead to behavioral changes, citing the need for a broader range of interventions. The study analyzed eight national strategy papers on pollinator conservation and identified a lack of focus on behavioral change interventions, with most measures relying on ...
College students access eating disorders therapy via phone app
A new phone app has been shown to effectively reduce symptoms of eating disorders in college women, including binge eating and depression. The app-based cognitive behavioral therapy provided a convenient and accessible means of intervention, with 83% of participants completing at least some of the program.
Only the nose knows: New international network explores how odors lead to actions
A groundbreaking international research network will study how animals use odor information to guide behavior, aiming to understand the brain's evolution and potential applications in robotics and disease research. The project, led by CU Boulder, will reverse-engineer how the brain interprets odors and activate motor circuits.
Why flat-faced dogs remain popular despite health problems
Despite severe health problems, 93% of flat-faced dog owners want to own their breed again in the future. Positive behavioral attributes and suitability for a sedentary lifestyle are common reasons for reacquisition or recommendation. However, owners acknowledge significant health risks, including respiratory disease and heat stroke.
Optical illusions explained in a fly's eyes
Scientists at Yale University found that flies perceive motion in static images similarly to humans, using a shared strategy for motion detection. By analyzing specific neuron types and behavior, the researchers developed a theory explaining how optical illusions work, which may also apply to human visual systems.
Termite-fishing chimpanzees provide clues to the evolution of technology
Researchers studied 25 immature chimpanzees learning to use tools, discovering they acquire complex termite-extracting skills over time. The study provides insights into how technology evolved in human culture and highlights the sophistication of Central African chimpanzee tool-using skills.
MU researchers aim to improve classroom behavior, student well-being and performance
Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing online resources to support early-career teachers in implementing effective classroom management practices, which have been shown to lead to improved student behavior and academic outcomes.
Individual differences in the brain
Scientists selectively bred zebrafish to exhibit distinct personality traits, finding that brain activities soon changed and new brain regions were activated. The study suggests a rapid pace of personality trait changes and potential implications for human behavior.
Humans and flies employ very similar mechanisms for brain development and function
Research has found that the brains of humans, flies, and mice share similar mechanisms for brain development and function. This similarity can be interpreted in two ways: as evidence of a single ancestral brain or independent evolution of brain circuits. The study identified shared genetic regulatory mechanisms controlling brain area f...
'Little brain' or cerebellum not so little after all
New research using ultra-high-field MRI reveals the cerebellum has a surface area equal to 80% of the cerebral cortex's surface area, challenging the long-held idea that it is smaller. This expansion is linked to human behavior and cognition evolution, enabling the processing of complex concepts like language and abstract reasoning.
SourceSan Diego State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 2020
'Selfish and loveless' society in Uganda really is not
A Baylor University study led by Cathryn Townsend challenges the long-held notion that the Ik ethnic group in Uganda is selfish and loveless. The research found that sharing and cooperation are integral to Ik culture, with a strong emphasis on supernatural punishment for those who do not share.
Sci-fi foretold social media, Uber and Augmented Reality, offers insights into the future
Research highlights parallels between sci-fi author Frederik Pohl's works and modern world's consumer patterns, including hyper-consumption and ecological disaster. Dr Mike Ryder's study explores how Pohl's predictions are relevant today, with social media and augmented reality games mirroring his futuristic worlds.
UTEP awarded $1.3 million to research how neural circuits regulate specific cognitive functions
The University of Texas at El Paso has been awarded $1.3 million to investigate how neural circuits regulate specific cognitive functions in humans. The research, led by Dr. Manuel Miranda-Arango, aims to identify and characterize glycinergic neurons in the basal ganglia and their connections to other brain areas.
How fear transforms into anxiety
A University of New Mexico research team has identified brain-wide neural correlates of the transition from fear to anxiety, shedding new light on the brain's response to fearful events and why some people don't easily recover. The study found that vulnerability to anxiety correlates with elevated activity in specific regions of the br...
Research advances understanding of how the brain focuses while ignoring distractions
A recent study has identified the precise spot in the brain where distracting stimuli are blocked, allowing concentration on a task. The researchers found that responses to distractor stimuli were abruptly suppressed beyond the sensory cortex, preventing further signal transmission within the cortex and triggering a motor response.
Consumers prefer round numbers even when the specific number is better news
A recent study published by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute found that people tend to perceive non-round numbers as unique and jarring, leading to a negative evaluation. This effect has implications for public health messaging, economic marketing, and organizational behavior.
SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJul 6, 2020
Coexistence and conflict between humans and bears
Brown bears increasingly live among human settlements due to habitat loss, leading to conflict and high mortality rates. The study found that connected wilderness areas and nocturnal behaviors are crucial for coexistence between humans and bears.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020
Study: New leaders emerge as organizations go to virtual work spaces
In virtual teams, team members value concrete steps to ensure achievement over charismatic personalities. Effective leadership online is driven by small actions like monitoring timelines, providing feedback, and coordinating teamwork.
Dolphins learn in similar ways to great apes
Dolphins use complex techniques like 'shelling' to obtain food, a behavior comparable to tool use in humans. A study revealed that dolphins learn new foraging methods mainly through social transmission among peers, similar to great apes and gorillas. This discovery expands our understanding of how dolphins adapt to changing environment...
Uganda's Ik are not unbelievably selfish and mean
A Rutgers-led study challenges the notion that the Ik are selfish and mean, instead revealing their culture promotes generosity. The researchers found that the Ik live by a saying 'tomora marang,' which means it's good to share.
An ant-inspired approach to mathematical sampling
A team of researchers from the University of Bristol developed an ant-inspired method for mathematical sampling, which outperforms traditional methods. The study found that ants' collective behavior can be used to create a more efficient way of exploring complex probability distributions.
Decide now or wait for something better?
Researchers developed a mathematical model to describe human behavior in various scenarios, helping to understand decision-making. The study found that people tend to use a linear threshold model, increasing the price they're willing to pay over time.
Elsevier announces support for World Environment Day 2020
Elsevier has launched a free access special issue of curated content focused on biodiversity, highlighting the urgent need for climate action and protecting the planet. The collection features over 60 carefully selected journal articles and book chapters supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Temperament affects children's eating habits
A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that temperament plays a significant role in shaping children's eating habits. Children with temperamental traits are more likely to develop unhappy relationships with food and exhibit picky eating, leading to greater weight issues.
Study: COVID-19 lockdowns worsen childhood obesity
Research suggests that COVID-19 lockdowns have a detrimental impact on the diet, sleep, and physical activity habits of children with obesity. Compared to pre-pandemic behaviors, these children consumed more junk food, watched more TV, and slept an extra half hour per day.
People try to do right by each other, no matter the motivation, study finds
A comprehensive study examined how various motivations to be generous interact with one another. Researchers found that people overwhelmingly chose to be generous to others, regardless of motivation, and that all four established motivators work together in the real world.