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Exploring how people interact with virtual avatars

A study found that people process movements differently based on avatar appearance, with a neural system dedicated to perceiving others' movements playing a key role. The findings may help scientists improve human-AI interactions.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateApr 7, 2025
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.

VR study reveals how pain and fear weaken sense of body ownership

A virtual reality experiment found that fear, pain, and expectations can disrupt the mind's grip on the body. The study used the rubber hand illusion to test how top-down factors influence a sense of body ownership in individuals with depersonalization tendencies.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateMar 21, 2025

Aston University study reveals the illusion of ‘dazzle’ paint on World War I battleships

A new analysis of 105-year-old data found that while dazzle camouflage had some effect, the 'horizon effect' had a much greater influence on confusing enemy ships. The study, led by Aston University researchers, showed that when people looked at a ship in the distance, they significantly underestimated its direction of travel.

SourceAston University·Journali-Perception·TypeObservational study·DateMar 17, 2025

How perception may shape health safety-related assessments

Research reveals that perceived trustworthiness of others alters brain activity in reward and salience networks, driving assessments of safety and risk. Higher perceived odds of HIV transmission lead to more distrust and activation of the salience network.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateFeb 10, 2025

Desert ants use the polarity of the geomagnetic field for navigation

Researchers found that desert ants rely on the polarity of the geomagnetic field to navigate during learning walks, contradicting previous findings in other insects. The team manipulated magnetic fields and observed the ants' behavior, concluding that a compass-like navigation system is useful for short-distance navigation.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Seeing the future: how expectations guide eye movements

A study found that people's eyes are drawn to areas with high potential for change before any movement occurs, even when the scene appears static. This behavior is not limited to animate objects and has significant implications for intelligent machines.

SourceTechnische Universität Berlin – Science of Intelligence·JournalPsychological Science·DateNov 25, 2024

Novel motion simulator reveals key role of air flow in rodent navigation

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University used a novel motion simulator to study rodent navigation in dark environments. The study found that rats use airflow cues, combined with their sense of balance, to enhance their self-motion perception. This breakthrough sheds light on the mechanisms behind sensory processing and brain function.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 29, 2024

Pink elephants in the brain?

A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 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.

Risk perception influenced less by media than previously thought

A study at TUM has debunked the assumption that people overestimate dramatic causes of death due to media attention. Instead, deaths in personal environments have a more significant impact on risk perception. Respondents can consciously engage with news reports and incorporate other sources into their judgment.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCognition·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 16, 2024

“What was that?” — How brains convert sounds to actions

A new study reveals that neural activity related to sound detection and movement are temporally separated but share commonalities, with neurons adapting their activity based on experience. The findings shed light on the brain's complex processing of sensory information and behavioral choices.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2024
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.

Association for Chemoreception Sciences (AChemS) 46th Annual Meeting

The Association for Chemoreception Sciences (AChemS) 46th annual meeting features 62 presentations and 184 accepted posters on various topics including taste transduction, olfactory dysfunction, and social behavior. The conference promises a comprehensive exploration of cutting-edge research with keynote presentations and symposia.

SourceAssociation for Chemoreception Sciences·DateApr 18, 2024
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.

Guessing game: Response may bias understanding of future scenarios

A study published in Scientific Reports found that people who respond to estimations are more likely to be influenced by their previous answers, a phenomenon known as serial dependence. This could aid research into how information presentation affects human understanding.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 12, 2024

GW research explores how people make a snap judgment about unfamiliar dogs

A new study by George Washington University researchers found that people make instant judgments about unknown dogs based on their facial appearance. The study's lead author, Courtney Sexton, suggests that better understanding canine and human communication is crucial as these animals play increasingly important roles in society.

SourceGeorge Washington University·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·DateFeb 21, 2024

Foul fumes pose pollinator problems

A University of Washington team discovered that nitrate radicals in the air degrade scent chemicals released by wildflowers, making them undetectable to nighttime pollinators. The researchers found that pollution likely has worldwide impacts on pollination, with areas including western North America and Europe most affected.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024
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.

Shaping tobacco control messages for the Chinese lunar new year through effective short videos

A new study evaluates effective short video concepts for tobacco control during the Chinese Lunar New Year, finding that certain designs can change behavioral intentions and cultural appropriateness. The most suitable design was a 'Gamified couple at home' style video, while another option showed promise in personal motivation but was ...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGlobal Transitions·TypeObservational study·DateDec 6, 2023

Anesthesia blocks sensation by cutting off communication within the cortex

Research suggests that consciousness requires synchronized communication across cortical regions; propofol general anesthesia cancels sensory processing by cutting it off. Neural activity in higher-level processing and cognitive regions fails to propagate during anesthesia.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Reshaping financial content: Enhancing consumer appreciation in Australian professional practice

A recent study found that a reimagined financial content structure improved consumer appreciation, particularly with clarity, organization and formatting. The new structure incorporated language improvements, explanatory videos, and hyperlinks, leading to higher levels of consumer appreciation compared to the existing structure.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalThe Journal of Finance and Data Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023
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.

Experiencing record-breaking heat days affects perception of weather trends

A new study finds that experiencing record-breaking heat days increases perceptions that the weather is getting hotter, but has little effect on beliefs in climate change. Record-heat days can drive changes in the general perception that the weather is worsening, regardless of season or media coverage.

SourceAnnenberg Public Policy Center of the University of Pennsylvania·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateOct 11, 2023

Curiosity about religion is viewed as morally virtuous, new research finds

Researchers found that displaying curiosity about religion is viewed favorably by others, suggesting it's a moral trait. Atheists also attribute greater moral goodness to curious individuals, although to a lesser extent.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2023
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.

Fewer teens now perceive themselves as overweight – international study of more than 745,000 adolescents

A recent international study of over 745,000 adolescents from 41 countries found a decrease in those who overestimate their weight and an increase in those who underestimate it. This shift could reduce the effectiveness of public health interventions aimed at weight reduction in young people, as they may make unhealthy lifestyle choices.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalChild and Adolescent Obesity·TypeObservational study·DateJul 3, 2023

Research finds prediction may be key to eye-and-hand coordination

Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center found that predicting movement is crucial for eye-and-hand coordination. The study used high-speed cameras and AI methods to analyze primate behavior and developed a detailed model of vision-guided reaching behavior.

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 5, 2023

Why people include themselves in photos

Researchers found that first-person photos best represent physical experiences, while third-person photos depict deeper meanings. People intuitively choose perspective for self-representational goals, affecting photo satisfaction and personal motives.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023

Presenting information about mental health in a second language could help counter cultural norms against treatment

Bilingual individuals from cultures where mental health is stigmatized may be more open to treatment when presented with information in their second language. Studies found participants recommended therapy more strongly in English compared to Chinese, suggesting a potential counteractive effect of cultural norms.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalClinical Psychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

A recent research on why pundits can be unreliable

Researchers found that forecasters have an incentive to misreport when their reputation is at stake, with higher levels of misreporting in less uncertain situations. The study suggests firms should trust expert advice when uncertainty is high and link evaluations to ex-post accuracy to reduce misreporting.

SourceBocconi University·JournalManagement Science·DateApr 18, 2023
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Think before you design your brand's logo: How marketers can capitalize on the power of perception to influence beliefs about brand performance

A new study found that structured visual design properties, such as symmetry and balance, reinforce claims about a brand's utilitarian benefits. In contrast, unstructured designs are associated with hedonic benefits. The research suggests marketers can use perception to influence beliefs about brand performance and consumer choice.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJan 4, 2023

What do you see when you listen to music?

A study found that listeners in Arkansas and Michigan imagined similar stories, while those in China envisioned unique narratives. The results suggest that music can generate shared experiences despite cultural differences.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2022
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.

Reichman University researchers have developed a unique technology that uses the sense of touch to help understand speech and sound

Researchers developed an audio-tactile sensory substitution device (SSD) that converts sound frequencies to vibrations, significantly improving speech comprehension in noisy environments. The technology has shown promise in training hearing-impaired individuals to better understand speech.

SourceReichman University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Filtering out the noise

Researchers find that familiar stimuli quiet down brain activity in fruit flies, allowing for clearer processing of specific odors. This mechanism applies to neural circuits in other animals, including humans, and is essential for filtering out distractions to focus on relevant information.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell Reports·DateFeb 14, 2022

Study IDs visual characteristics that make people ‘Like’ images on Instagram

A study by North Carolina State University found that image complexity drives consumer engagement on Instagram. The researchers identified six measures of image complexity and developed a model to determine which combination generates the most positive feedback.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Research in Marketing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2022

GIST Researchers develop Terrain-Aware AI for predicting battle outcomes in StarCraft 2

A team of scientists from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed a deep learning-based approach to predict SC2 battle outcomes by considering army composition and terrain type. The proposed model leveraged parameter sharing, enabling it to analyze complex factors accurately and make predictions.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2022
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.

For new mothers, feeling low in social status poses risk to health

A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that new mothers who perceive themselves as lower in social status have worse health outcomes one year after childbirth. The study highlights the importance of subjective social status in maternal health disparities.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalHealth Psychology·DateJan 13, 2022

Self-perceptions of aging and stress have significant impact on physical health, OSU study finds

A recent study from Oregon State University found that individuals with more positive self-perceptions of aging were less susceptible to the negative effects of stress on their physical health. This suggests that thought patterns and conversations reinforcing stereotypes of aging can have a measurable impact on one's life.

SourceOregon State University·JournalThe Journals of Gerontology Series B·TypeSurvey·DateJan 12, 2022
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.

We prefer farmed salmon – as long as we don't know what we're eating

A blind taste test by University of Copenhagen researchers shows Danes prefer conventional and organic farmed smoked salmon over wild-caught. The study reveals that people's expectations about a product affect their overall taste experience.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateDec 3, 2021

How does the brain create our perception of reality?

Researchers uncover how sensory inputs and cognitive processes interact in the brain to create our perception of the world. The study explores the neural basis of perceptual phenomena, shedding light on disorders like ADHD, autism, and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·DateNov 3, 2021

New tool assesses how well people read kids’ emotions

Researchers developed a new tool, PerCEIVED Task, to measure people's accuracy in recognizing emotion in elementary school-aged children. The study highlights the existence of emotional biases, such as incorrectly perceiving Black children as angry, and emphasizes the importance of asking children what they're feeling.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalEmotion·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Sense of smell is our most rapid warning system

The study found that negative smells trigger a physical avoidance response, indicating an unconscious and rapid reaction mechanism. The olfactory bulb processes smells rapidly, with signals reaching the brain within 100-150 milliseconds.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021

Does our mind’s eye match real life? New study shows differences in how we perceive images

A new study by the University of Plymouth and Essex found that many adults struggle to imagine their own visual perception as a flat image, resisting the idea of 'corrected' vision. When shown two lines with different lengths, participants often judged them as equal in length, despite being able to see one as longer when viewed on camera.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateSep 2, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

More to pictures than meets the eye: New study

A new study by UBC researchers found that people perceived as being less real and having 'less mind' when appearing within a photo. This discovery has implications for digital communication, particularly in online trials, healthcare, and education, where the perception of a person's mind can influence moral judgement.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 2, 2021

Imagined music and silence trigger similar brain activity

Researchers used EEG to measure brain activity while musicians listened to or imagined Bach piano melodies. Brain activity during imagined music had the opposite polarity of actual listening, indicating prediction-driven responses. The study found that the brain continues to respond to music even when none is playing.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournalJNeurosci·DateAug 2, 2021