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Virtual workout partners spur better results

Researchers from Michigan State University analyzed the Kohler effect in health video games and found that working out with a virtual partner improves task persistence and reduces social anxiety. The study suggests that incorporating design features based on the Kohler effect could motivate vigorous exercise.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Sport and Exercise Psychology·DateMay 18, 2011
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.

Cardiovascular patients' perspectives on guilt as a motivational tool

A study found that guilt motivates cardiovascular patients to make lifestyle changes, particularly those with children. Providers are advised to address guilt in routine care to improve patient outcomes. The study involved 100 adult cardiology outpatients and revealed that nearly two-thirds had experienced a major cardiovascular event.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateApr 3, 2011

Lack of motivation, equipment main barriers for exercise for boys

A study from Michigan State University suggests that lack of motivation and equipment are the primary barriers to physical activity among adolescent boys. An after-school exercise program may help overcome this decrease in exercise, according to researcher Lorraine Robbins.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of School Nursing·DateMar 30, 2011
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Peter Shizgal distinguished by his peers

Peter Shizgal, a leading researcher in reward, motivation, and decision-making, has been awarded the prestigious Prix Adrien Pinard. A prolific scientist, he is known for his work on cognitive, emotional, and neural mechanisms that underlie human behavior.

SourceConcordia University·DateMar 25, 2011

More reasons to be nice: It's less work for everyone

A new study suggests that holding doors for others may be motivated by a desire to reduce the effort required, not just out of respect. The research found that when multiple people follow, the person holding the door holds it longer, and followers hasten their steps to fulfill an implicit pact.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 9, 2011
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.

Motivation in their work reduces stress among IT consultants

A study by Gothenburg University found that motivated employees experience less stress in their work environment. The research highlights the importance of managers understanding what motivates their IT consultants to reduce turnover and increase profitability.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalHuman Factors and Ergonomics in Manufacturing & Service Industries·DateFeb 28, 2011

Got a goal?: A helpful partner isn't always helpful

A new study in Psychological Science reports that thinking about a partner's support for goals can decrease motivation and increase procrastination. However, this phenomenon, known as self-regulatory outsourcing, can also lead to positive relationship outcomes if done consciously.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 15, 2011

This new year, how motivated are you?

A new study published in the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery found that personal motivation is a crucial factor in determining how quickly patients return to work following total knee replacement surgery. Motivated patients were able to return to work an average of 8.9 weeks after surgery, while those with lower motivation took longe...

SourceAmerican Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons·JournalJournal of Bone and Joint Surgery·DateJan 5, 2011
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.

For macaques, male bonding is a political move

Research finds that unrelated male macaques in the wild form close relationships with select males, resembling human friendship. These bonds are linked to future social dominance and successful mating, suggesting a role of politics in shaping male social dynamics.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 18, 2010

Anger makes people want things more

A study published in Psychological Science found that associating an object with anger motivates people to want it, similar to how positive emotions motivate us. This surprising result suggests that anger has some positive features and can even drive motivation.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 1, 2010

Benign envy sells iPhones, but malicious envy drives consumers to BlackBerries

A new study found that people are willing to pay an envy premium for products they covet when motivated by benign envy. Malicious envy, on the other hand, leads to a desire to 'pull down' others, causing consumers to seek alternative products. This can result in increased sales of competing brands.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateOct 18, 2010

How reasonable it is to deceive yourself?

Researchers Prof. Dr. Albert Newen and Christoph Michel propose that self-deception can be a motivating factor in certain situations, while maintaining basic rational evaluation processes intact. However, excessive self-deception can lead to reality distortion and harm.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalConsciousness and Cognition·DateSep 28, 2010
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.

2010 Balzan Prize winners announced in Milan

The 2010 Balzan Prizewinners were announced in Milan for their groundbreaking work in European History, The History of Theatre, Stem Cells, and Mathematics. Carlo Ginzburg won for his work on European History, while Manfred Brauneck received the prize for The History of Theatre.

SourceGold Communications·DateSep 7, 2010

York U researchers find anxiety may be at root of religious extremism

Researchers found that anxious conditions cause participants to become more engaged in their ideals and extreme in their religious convictions. The findings suggest that bold but vulnerable people gravitate to idealistic and religious extremes for relief from anxiety.

SourceYork University·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 6, 2010
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.

Is your left hand more motivated than your right hand?

Researchers found that only one side of the brain can be motivated at a time, with subliminal cues influencing hand grip strength. This unilateral effect challenges traditional views on motivation and its relationship to conscious awareness.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJun 29, 2010

Parkinson's patients' 'risky behavior' explained

Researchers found that Parkinson's patients with impulsive-compulsive spectrum behaviors have impaired self-control, but normal motivation. They prefer smaller immediate payments over larger delayed ones.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateJun 23, 2010

Relying too much on e-mail bad for business, study says

A University of Illinois study found that relying too much on e-mail and videoconferences can lead to a lack of trust among team members, which is critical for successful collaboration. The research suggests that businesses should balance the use of technology with face-to-face meetings to recharge relationships and maintain trust.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateJun 16, 2010
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.

What happens when we get angry?

A new investigation reveals that anger provokes profound changes in the state of mind of individuals, as well as psychobiological parameters. Heart rate, arterial tension, and testosterone increase, but cortisol levels decrease. The study also highlights the complexity of emotions, with anger exhibiting unique patterns.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalHormones and Behavior·DateMay 31, 2010

Will we succeed? The science of self-motivation

A study by University of Illinois professors found that those who ask themselves whether they will complete a task tend to do better than those who tell themselves they will. This phenomenon has implications for cognitive, social, and clinical psychology, as well as education and work settings.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 27, 2010

The sound of seduction

A study by Susan Hughes found that both sexes use lower-pitched voices when speaking to more attractive partners, indicating a potential means of demonstrating attraction. The researchers suggest that altering one's voice may be a learned behavior based on cultural stereotypes rather than actual vocal characteristics.

SourceDick Jones Communications·JournalJournal of Nonverbal Behavior·DateMay 20, 2010

Consumers and their rights: A new study from Australia

A new Australian study found that mainstream consumers value prudence and self-control, but lack sympathy for those with high credit card debt. The research suggests consumer advocacy is a top-down phenomenon driven by governments and media, leading to limited personal action.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 18, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Focusing on appearance may reduce tanning in young women

A study found that focusing on the negative effects of indoor tanning on appearance can reduce tanning behavior in young women, even those motivated by health concerns. The appearance-focused booklet also showed promise in reducing tanning behaviors among those with pathological motives for tanning.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateMay 17, 2010

Race and empathy matter on neural level

A new Northwestern University study finds that African-Americans show greater empathy for other African-Americans facing adversity than Caucasians do for Caucasian-Americans. The study suggests that identifying with a racial group can dramatically change one's ability to feel and respond to the pain of another person.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNeuroImage·DateApr 26, 2010

What's motivation got to do with weight loss?

Researchers found that autonomous motivation, driven by personal reasons, was a significant predictor of adherence and weight loss. The study suggests building motivation can be an effective means of promoting adherence and weight loss.

SourceElsevier Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateApr 26, 2010

Consumer remorse: Difficult choices can lead to second-guessing

A new study found that consumers who choose between equally appealing options build a positivity bubble to justify their decisions. However, this bubble is easily burst by minor negative information, leading to potential dissatisfaction in the long run.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010
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.

Buyer beware: Consumers in conflict may become victims to unwanted influence

A recent study found that consumers in conflict are more likely to accept compromise alternatives and defer decisions, leading to unintended choices. The researchers identified two types of regulatory goals: those focused on gains and those focused on losses, which affect decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010

Consumers: Why do you like what I like, but I don't like what you like?

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that different psychological processes drive consumer preferences, with 'projection' (predicting others' likes) and 'introjection' (considering others' preferences before one's own) underlying distinct motivations. Consumers who value uniqueness are more likely to like products ot...

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2010

Entertainment needs drive innovative mobile phone uses in India

Researchers found that Indians use mobile phones to transfer media files via Bluetooth for free, overcoming cumbersome processes, and even construct elaborate systems for entertainment content. The study suggests that motivation and not just usability barriers drive innovative uses of mobile phones in India.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 7, 2010
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Attitude toward everyday activity important for healthy lifestyle

Researchers found a positive correlation between individuals with a positive attitude towards physical activity and those who performed more unintentional physical activity. Unintentional activity, such as climbing stairs or walking further to reach a parking spot, can help burn extra calories.

SourcePenn State·JournalAnnals of Behavioral Medicine·DateApr 2, 2010

Cat-calls are detrimental to everyone

Women who witness sexism may experience negative emotions and feel motivated to take action against men in general. Research by Chaudoir and Quinn found that catcalls can shape women's feelings and attitudes towards men, with bystander sexism impacting how female observers view all men more negatively.

SourceSpringer·JournalSex Roles·DateMar 18, 2010

When mom has an eating problem

A Norwegian PhD candidate's study sheds light on the struggles of mothers with eating difficulties, including feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety. Despite being kept under wraps, these women face significant challenges in maintaining a double life, affecting their relationships and daily activities.

SourceUniversity of Stavanger·JournalInternational Journal of Mental Health Nursing·DateMar 17, 2010
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.

Underdogs have more motivation? Not so fast, study says

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that people work about 30 percent harder when their group is competing against a lower-status group. The motivation gains were observed when students felt their group's superior status was threatened, and not when competing against similarly ranked teams or higher-ranked colleges.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateFeb 8, 2010

School burnout

A recent study by the Academy of Finland has found a correlation between school burnout and parental work burnout. Children of parents experiencing burnout are more likely to experience school burnout, with shared experiences often occurring between adolescents and parents of the same gender.

SourceAcademy of Finland·JournalEuropean Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateJan 19, 2010
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.

Those less motivated to achieve will excel on tasks seen as fun

A new study by University of Illinois psychologists suggests that individuals with low achievement motivation actually perform better on tasks when they are framed as enjoyable. This finding challenges the common assumption that motivation is essential for success and highlights the importance of considering individual goals and prefer...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJan 19, 2010

Simple tool can boost motivation, improve health in older adults

Researchers have identified a 'Getting-Out-of-Bed' (GoB) measure to assess motivation and life outlook in older adults. The study found that women with higher GoB scores were more likely to have good health-related quality of life, self-perceived health, and regular exercise at 6 months.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Psychosocial Oncology·DateOct 8, 2009

Worth the effort? Not if you're depressed

Researchers discovered that individuals with anhedonia, a core symptom of major depressive disorder, are less willing to make choices requiring greater effort in exchange for greater reward. This finding suggests a plausible connection between dopamine deficiency and reward processing in depression.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2009
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.

If you do good, you look good

A study by Dr. Anat Bracha of Tel Aviv University found that participating in charitable events in public settings boosts donations due to positive recognition from the community. In contrast, monetary incentives are more effective in private settings, where social judgment is less present.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAmerican Economic Review·DateJun 11, 2009

Too much information: Process thinking can lead to difficult choices

A new study in Journal of Consumer Research finds that process-oriented thinking can increase decision difficulty and hinder consumers' motivation. This type of thinking involves considering both means and end benefits when making purchases, leading to more difficult choices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 12, 2009

Taking cues: Sometimes environmental cues can activate thrifty behavior

A new study examines how environmental cues influence consumer behavior, finding that primed goals can sustain for a duration or fade away. Consumers who rate themselves as unfit are more likely to select fitness-enhancing drinks after exposure to relevant words.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 31, 2009

Motivational readiness for alcohol/drug treatment is more about self-evaluation than consequences

New research on the University of Rhode Island Change Assessment Scale (URICA) finds that motivational readiness is more about individual self-reflection than avoiding negative consequences. The study, published in Alcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research, suggests that motivation and readiness to change are influenced by personal ...

SourceAlcoholism: Clinical & Experimental Research·DateMar 10, 2009

Study shows difficult to read instructions decrease motivation

A study found that participants who received exercise instructions in a difficult font were less motivated to engage in regular exercise, whereas those who received easy-to-read instructions were more willing to adopt the habit. Similarly, a recipe with a hard-to-read format led to lower willingness to attempt making sushi compared to ...

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 30, 2008
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.

Balzan Foundation announced 2008 prize winners

The Balzan Foundation has awarded four prestigious prizes in 2008 for outstanding contributions in Visual Arts, Moral Philosophy, Preventive Medicine, and Science of Climate Change. Maurizio Calvesi, Thomas Nagel, Ian H. Frazer, and Wallace S. Broecker received the awards with a total prize money of one million Swiss Francs.

SourceGold Communications·DateSep 8, 2008

Study examines motivations for tattoo removal

A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that women are more likely to remove their tattoos due to social stigma and embarrassment, with 69% of participants being women. The study also revealed that societal support for women with tattoos is limited, leading to increased dissatisfaction with their tattoos over time.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateJul 21, 2008

Motivation of small business managers affects firm growth

A new study published in Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice reveals that the motivation of small business managers has a long-term effect on firm growth. The study found that motivation is a relevant predictor of firm growth, with managers' motivations varying and affecting the growth achieved.

SourceWiley·JournalEntrepreneurship Theory and Practice·DateJun 5, 2008
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.

Economist labors over employment relationships

A researcher studies job satisfaction among Chinese workers, examining unique labor market institutions such as membership in the Communist Party. His work also explores motivating factors for workers, including high performance workplaces, performance pay, and family-friendly practices.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin - Milwaukee·JournalEconomica·DateMay 20, 2008

United we stand: When cooperation butts heads with competition

Researchers found that individuals preferred contributing to in-group pool, which increases everyone's stash, without harming anyone. Participants who could consult with each other showed increased preference for cooperation, challenging common assumption of human competitiveness.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 30, 2008