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Behavioral studies from mobile crowd-sensing

A new study published in EPJ Data Science found that exercising and spending time outside the home reduces participants' stress levels, while reduced working hours have a minimal effect. The research used data from the StudentLife project at Dartmouth College to validate this approach, which has great promise for future studies.

SourceSpringer·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateDec 22, 2015
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.

How brain architecture leads to abstract thought

Using 20 years of fMRI data, researchers found that cognitive function and abstract thought exist as an agglomeration of many cortical sources. They developed a geometry-based method to analyze brain activity, revealing a hierarchy of abstraction related to the connectome structure of the whole human brain.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·DateDec 16, 2015

Understanding body language of mice

Harvard Medical School scientists developed a computational technique to analyze mouse movements, organizing them into distinct pose sequences with their own syllables and grammar. This breakthrough solves the problem of objectively studying complex animal behavior without human observers.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateDec 16, 2015
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.

Military families benefit from UCLA-developed resilience program

The UCLA-developed FOCUS program significantly improved the ability of military families to cope with deployment-related stresses and combat injuries. The eight-week program reduced anxiety and depression by half and improved family dynamics, particularly in areas such as communication and problem-solving skills.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateDec 15, 2015

Hybrid material presents potential for 4-D-printed adaptive devices

Researchers have developed a hybrid material that can change shape in response to different stimuli, such as light and heat. The material combines photo-responsive fibers with thermo-responsive gels to create a composite that is both highly reconfigurable and mechanically strong.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateDec 14, 2015

Republicans prefer politicians with deep voices

New research from Aarhus University found that conservative voters prefer strong leaders with deep voices, while liberal voters prefer more gentle features. This study challenges the idea that voters carefully weigh pros and cons when making decisions.

SourceAarhus University·JournalEvolutionary Psychology·DateNov 24, 2015

Yin and yang of serotonin neurons in mood regulation

Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center found that neighboring serotonin-producing brainstem regions exert different and sometimes opposing effects on behavior. Alterations in serotonergic neuronal activity in the DRN and MRN produce markedly different behavioral consequences, leading to an imbalance between DRN and MRN activ...

SourceColumbia University Irving Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 19, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New study explores how anxiety can aggravate asthma

A new study explores how anxiety can aggravate asthma, revealing that individuals with anxiety sensitivity experience greater asthma symptoms and decreased lung function. The researchers recommend interventions such as exposure therapy to reduce anxiety sensitivity and alleviate asthma symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateNov 12, 2015

Human handouts could be spreading disease from birds to people

Researchers at the University of Georgia are studying the effects of feeding wildlife at public parks on the health and ecology of white ibises in south Florida. The study found that being fed by humans is changing the behavior of the birds, making them more susceptible to disease.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·DateNov 11, 2015
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.

How sensorimotor intelligence may develop

Robots develop self-taught behaviors through sensory input and adaptation, mirroring natural sensorimotor development. This concept has implications for understanding early stages of evolution and may lead to new strategies for robotic learning.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2015

Study shows angry men gain influence and angry women lose influence

A new study from Arizona State University found that when men express anger, they are perceived as more credible and influential, whereas angry women are seen as more emotional and less confident. The research has implications for women's ability to exert influence in various settings, including politics and the workplace.

SourceArizona State University·JournalLaw and Human Behavior·DateOct 26, 2015

Fear-based appeals effective at changing attitudes, behaviors after all

A comprehensive meta-analysis found fear-based appeals to be effective in changing attitudes and intentions, with the greatest impact on women and one-time behaviors. The study also confirmed that fear appeals can lead to significant change across the board, although the effect is small.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateOct 22, 2015
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.

Journaling: Astronauts chronicle missions

Researchers analyze journals written by NASA astronauts to identify factors that affect their mental and emotional states during long-duration space missions. The study aims to develop recommendations for future missions, including training exercises and procedures to mitigate behavioral issues.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateOct 20, 2015

Think again before tapping the install button for that app

A study by researchers at North Carolina State University found that mobile device users are more susceptible to security errors while multitasking. The researchers created a simulated app store experience and asked participants to identify the safest app, with only half choosing correctly.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·JournalProceedings of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Annual Meeting·DateOct 16, 2015
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.

Everyone has their own daily rhythm of digital activity, shows study

Researchers detected distinct daily patterns in digital activities such as calling, texting, and emailing among individuals. These personal rhythms are influenced by geographical and physiological factors, suggesting potential medical applications for monitoring patients' mental health and sleep patterns.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateOct 7, 2015

Study shows how dominant parents affect kids' self-worth

A new study suggests that a parent's behavior plays a significant role in shaping their child's self-esteem. The research found that English children whose mothers displayed negative parenting traits reported lower self-esteem, while Indian children were more affected by their fathers' behavior.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateOct 6, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Accurate timing of migration prolongs life expectancy in pike

A study on migrating pike in the Baltic Sea found that accurate timing is crucial for survival and that fine-tuning behavior improves life expectancy. The research showed that individuals who adjust their migration timing based on experience have higher life expectancies than those who do not.,

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateOct 1, 2015

Mobile apps and online reviews influence consumer behavior

A new Iowa State University study finds that mobile app engagement directly impacts consumer purchasing behavior, leading to increased spending among customers who use interactive features. Companies must create value-driven apps to capitalize on the growing market, with ongoing monitoring and maintenance crucial for success.

SourceIowa State University·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·DateSep 30, 2015

Our brain's secrets to success?

Two studies reveal that the human brain's unique support system and connectivity are associated with higher levels of education, income, and life satisfaction. The research adds to our understanding of the human brain's parts list and enhances scientists' ability to model uniquely human disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 28, 2015

Particular brain connections linked to positive human traits

A new study by Oxford University researchers found a strong correspondence between positive lifestyle and behavior traits and specific variations in brain connectivity. Those with classically positive lifestyles had different brain connections to those with classically negative ones.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateSep 28, 2015
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Changing behavior through synaptic engineering

Scientists have successfully reversed an animal's behavior by altering a single synapse in its neural network. This groundbreaking study provides new insights into the stability of neural circuits and their role in controlling behavior.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 8, 2015

Changing behavior through synaptic engineering

Scientists have discovered a novel approach to study neural circuits that change behavior, using Caenorhabditis elegans worms. By flipping the sign of a synapse, researchers were able to completely reverse behavior, suggesting that neural wiring is remarkably stable and allows for changes in behavior.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 8, 2015

Shouldering the burden of evolution

Researchers at UC San Francisco show that early humans' tool use led to changes in their shoulders, which helped the emergence of human-specific traits like high-speed throwing. The study's findings suggest that the common ancestor of modern humans and African apes looked more like a chimp or gorilla.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 8, 2015
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.

Thinking people are born fat or born thin is bad for your health

A recent study published in Health Education and Behavior found that individuals who believe their weight is determined by DNA tend to make unhealthy food choices and engage in less exercise as they age. This association was observed across both men and women, with the relationship differing by age.

SourceSAGE·JournalHealth Education & Behavior·DateSep 8, 2015

2016 Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Awards announced

Two Stanford University researchers, Maria Barna and Carolyn McBride, received the award for their pioneering work on ribosome processing and mosquito behavior. The Rosalind Franklin Young Investigator Award recognizes outstanding contributions to genetics research in human and non-mammalian systems.

SourceAmerican Society of Human Genetics·DateSep 1, 2015

Interrupting sitting with walking breaks improves children's blood sugar

A new study published in the Endocrine Society's Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that interrupting sedentary behavior with short walking breaks can improve children's blood sugar levels. This benefit was observed even after a sugary drink was consumed, suggesting potential long-term benefits for metabolic health.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·JournalThe Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism·DateAug 27, 2015

Neurobiologist receives Beckman Young Investigator award

Yevgenia Kozorovitskiy, a Northwestern University neurobiologist, has been awarded a $750,000 Beckman Young Investigator grant to discover how chemical neuromodulatory systems work together to support complex behaviors. The award supports her research on using optical microscopy techniques and classical neuroscience technologies.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateAug 20, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How having racially diverse friends can help you on the job

A new study found that employees with a racially diverse group of friends outside of work tend to have a more racially diverse network of friends on the job and exhibit more helpful behavior towards their co-workers. This broader network was linked to increased trust in supervisors who also had a diverse friend network.

SourceOhio State University·JournalOrganization Science·DateAug 18, 2015

Apes may be closer to speaking than many scientists think

Researchers discovered apes can perform voluntary behaviors that require control over vocalization and breathing, such as blowing raspberries or mimicking phone conversations. This finding suggests the evolutionary groundwork for human speech was present in our last common ancestor with gorillas around 10 million years ago.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Fatherhood at young age linked to greater likelihood of mid-life death

Research finds that men who become dads before age 25 have poorer health and die earlier than those who delay fatherhood. The study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health, used a nationally representative sample of over 30,500 men to track their mortality rates from age 45 until death or age 54.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateAug 3, 2015
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.

McMaster scientists show a link between intestinal bacteria and depression

Researchers found that early life stress can alter gut microbiota, leading to anxiety and depression-like behavior. Transplanting stressed mice with altered bacteria into germ-free mice showed the bacteria's impact on host behavior, highlighting the complex interaction between gut microbiota and its host.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2015

Mosquitoes use smell to see their hosts

Researchers found that mosquitoes primarily use smell to detect CO2 plumes from 10-50 meters away, then switch to visual cues as they get closer. Visual and thermal sensory information are combined to create a spatial map of the host's location, allowing mosquitoes to pinpoint their target.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 16, 2015

Research letter: Indoor tanning rates drop among US adults

Indoor tanning rates declined significantly among US adults from 2010 to 2013, with notable decreases in younger age groups and certain health conditions. The decrease is attributed to increased awareness of indoor tanning's harms, including its link to cancer risk.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateJul 1, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Genes responsible for increased activity during the summer

A study by the University of Leicester reveals that a thermosensory gene called TrpA1 is linked to changes in behavior in flies during warmer climates. The research suggests that this gene plays a crucial role in regulating the biological clock, which is essential for controlling circadian rhythms.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

Three-year-olds help victims of injustice

Researchers found that three- and five-year-old children are just as likely to respond to the needs of another individual as they are to their own. This suggests a core component of a sense of justice based on empathy, which is central to human prosociality and punishment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 18, 2015
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

UC Davis awards $1 million to seed brain science research

The University of California, Davis has awarded a total of $2 million to five interdisciplinary teams to explore high-impact discoveries in brain science. The funding will enable researchers to conduct preliminary experiments and develop compelling data to support applications for Brain Initiative awards.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateJun 5, 2015

BPA can adversely affect parenting behavior in mice

Research finds that BPA exposure reduces maternal and paternal care in mice, with females adjusting their behavior based on male partner's exposure. The study suggests potential human implications for social, emotional, and cognitive development.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 3, 2015

Genes may influence leadership in the workplace, research finds

A study by Kansas State University researchers found that genes can influence leadership in the workplace, with both positive and negative effects. People with a certain allele of the dopamine transporter gene were more likely to engage in mild rule-breaking behavior, which is positively associated with leadership. However, those with ...

SourceKansas State University·JournalThe Leadership Quarterly·DateMay 19, 2015

Do fruit flies have emotions?

A new Caltech study reports that fruit flies display emotion primitives analogous to fear, including valence, persistence, scalability, trans-situationality, and context generalization. The researchers used a fear-inducing stimulus to track the flies' responses, finding that they exhibited these primitive states in their behavior.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 14, 2015

Study shows that children sleep better when they have a nightly bedtime routine

A multinational study found that children with a consistent bedtime routine had better sleep outcomes, including earlier bedtimes and increased sleep duration. The positive impact of bedtime routines on sleep increases with consistency and age, making it a simple yet effective step for families to improve their child's sleep.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·DateMay 7, 2015
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.