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How media impacts digital technology adoption in U.S. and Brazilian agriculture

A study found that farmers in both countries rely on interpersonal meetings, social media, and mass media for technology adoption, with social media playing a more significant role in Brazil. The researchers suggest that understanding the complex process of technology adoption can help tech companies reach potential customers.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgriculture·DateAug 7, 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.

Shaping dairy farm vaccination decisions: social pressure and vet influence

A new study by Prof. Eyal Klement and PhD Student Michal Morgenstern has identified key factors influencing vaccination intentions among Israeli dairy farmers, revealing the significant impact of social pressure and underscoring the need for improved communication between veterinarians and farmers.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPreventive Veterinary Medicine·TypeSurvey·DateAug 6, 2024

People's moral values change with the seasons

A new UBC study reveals regular seasonal shifts in people's moral values, with stronger endorsement of group cohesion and conformity in spring and fall. This finding has potential implications for politics, law, and health, including the timing of elections and court cases, as well as public response to a health crisis.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 6, 2024

Balancing fairness and welfare in the face of uncertainty

A mathematical model developed by Chris Zobel and colleagues optimizes resource allocation in urban infrastructure while considering social vulnerabilities and projected sea level rise impacts. The approach prioritizes investments that enhance resilience and mitigate socio-economic disparities, enabling informed decision-making that ba...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProduction and Operations Management·DateAug 5, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tradition meets transformation for Maasai women

A new study reveals that Maasai women are gaining access to household decisions through livelihood diversification, education, and secure land tenure. This research contributes to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality, highlighting the value of empowering decision-making for women in pastoralist communities.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Rural Studies·DateAug 5, 2024

Study identifies unique treatment preference profiles in men with prostate cancer

Researchers at UCLA Health Sciences identified three distinct patient preference-based profiles among men with low-risk prostate cancer. Despite differences in preferences, physician recommendations played a crucial role in determining treatment choices. The study highlights the need for better integrating patient preferences into trea...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalUrology Practice·DateJul 25, 2024
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.

Deeper down the rabbit hole

This study reveals the extent and causes of technology conspiracy beliefs, finding they are widespread among the general population, with at least 20% believing in six out of ten theories. The research highlights the detrimental effects of these beliefs, including a breakdown of social collaboration and constructive political debate.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2024

Weight loss influences risky decisions in obesity

Severe obesity can alter metabolism and psyche, leading to impulsive behavior and a willingness to take risks. A study found that massive weight loss improved glucose metabolism and mood, allowing for more metabolically driven decision-making.

SourceDeutsches Zentrum fuer Diabetesforschung DZD·JournalClinical Nutrition·TypeObservational study·DateJul 16, 2024

A new neural network makes decisions like a human would

Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a neural network that makes decisions similar to humans, using Bayesian neural networks and evidence accumulation processes. The model outperformed rival deterministic models and showed improved performance in high-speed scenarios, demonstrating its potential for more accurate decision-making.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJul 15, 2024

Student leadership development requires holistic approach, educators say

Leadership education should encompass both horizontal and vertical development, with skills like conflict management and wisdom being crucial for effective leaders. The authors provide a comprehensive model for training competent leaders by outlining concepts and strategies that can be embedded in coursework.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Leadership Education·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJul 10, 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.

Exploring the relationship between civilians and military organizations through an experiment in Japan

A Japanese online survey experiment examines how public confidence in the military is affected by civilian control during an armed conflict. Participants showed significant loss of trust in the military when it deviated from civilian control, but not significantly when the legislature was involved.

SourceWaseda University·JournalJournal of Peace Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

The time it takes a person to decide can predict their preference

A recent study published in PLOS Biology reveals that people can infer hidden social preferences by observing how fast others make social decisions. By analyzing response times and options, participants were able to predict the other person's preference even if they didn't know what choices were made.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

What’s going on in our brains when we plan?

A team of scientists has uncovered how our brains simulate possible future actions using stored memories. The prefrontal cortex and hippocampus work together to enable mental simulations, allowing us to make better decisions. This research provides foundational knowledge on brain circuits enabling decision-making.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2024

New study finds people living with dementia who had surgery for hip fractures lived longer than those treated non-surgically

A new study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with dementia who underwent surgery for hip fractures experienced lower odds of death compared to those treated non-surgically. The benefit was seen in patients with head and neck of the femur fractures, but not in other locations.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 30, 2024
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.

Research to uncover the impact of water use in the Colorado River Basin

A new study by Virginia Tech researchers reveals that agricultural demand for water is significantly higher than cities, with crops used for feeding cattle being the largest consumers. The researchers also found that reservoir levels are dropping due to overuse and climate change, highlighting the need for efficient water use strategies.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 28, 2024

Brain damage reveals part of the brain necessary for helping others

A study published in Nature Human Behaviour reveals that the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) is critical for prosocial behaviors, including helping others. Participants with vmPFC damage exhibited reduced motivation to help, exert less effort, and earned less money compared to control groups.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 27, 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

More than two hearts beat as one

Researchers found that heart rate synchrony was a reliable measure for assessing and improving team dynamics. The study used fire-walking rituals as an example to demonstrate physiological synchrony, which predicted the probability of groups reaching the correct consensus.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 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.

The tentacles of retracted science reach deep into social media. A simple button could change that.

A new interface developed by researchers at the University of Sydney aims to reduce the spread of misinformation on social media. The tool adds a 'more information' button to posts, linking users to details about retracted science claims, which can help them make informed decisions about their health.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeSurvey·DateMay 16, 2024

How much gossip is needed to foster social cooperation?

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania developed a model that incorporates two forms of gossip to study indirect reciprocity. They found that there is a mathematical relationship between these forms of gossip, allowing them to understand how much gossip is required to foster cooperation and how incorrect information ...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 15, 2024

Heat’s effects on police and judges

High temperatures reduce emotional control and increase aggression in police officers, resulting in more dismissals of hot-day arrests. Judges also make harsher decisions on hotter-than-average days, issuing longer prison sentences and higher fines.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateMay 14, 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.

Study led by ORNL informs climate resilience strategies in urban, rural areas

A new study led by ORNL provides valuable insights into vegetation resilience in response to extreme heat events, informing pathways for climate mitigation. The analysis found that impervious surfaces, moisture conditions, and type of land cover affect vegetation resilience, with preservation and enhancement of vegetation contributing ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 8, 2024

First Nations patients leave ED without completing treatment more than comparable non–First Nations patients

A new study found that First Nations patients in Alberta are more likely to leave emergency departments without completing treatment, with 6.8% of visits ending in incomplete care compared to 3.7% for non-First Nations patients. Racism and stereotyping, as well as communication issues, transportation barriers, and wait times, were iden...

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·TypeObservational study·DateApr 22, 2024

Storks fly with a little help from their friends

A study from the Max Planck Institute found that storks choose routes with high densities of other storks, especially for young birds. As they gain migration experience, their preference decreases, suggesting a shift towards independence.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2024

Developing best practices for human-AI collaboration in engineering design

Lehigh University researcher A. Emrah Bayrak explores best practices for human-AI collaboration in complex design tasks, aiming to maximize productivity and job satisfaction. His project uses models that predict human decision-making and combines it with AI's training data analysis to determine strategies for division of labor.

SourceLehigh University·DateApr 11, 2024
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.

Social media use may help to empower plastic surgery patients

A survey found that social media use significantly increases patient empowerment and informed decision-making in plastic surgery. Patients who used social media to gather information scored higher on key categories of the Cyber Info-Decisional Empowerment Scale.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateMar 29, 2024

What if the heavy rain would have fallen 50 kilometers away?

Researchers develop hypothetical extreme flooding scenarios by shifting precipitation events, showing regions previously spared could have been hit hard. The approach aims to motivate society to prepare for exceptional flooding events in a warming world.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 27, 2024

Why charities focused on the money, not the mission, should listen up

A Rutgers study reveals that nonprofits with a stronger utilitarian identity tend to acknowledge the importance of listening but fail to implement changes. In contrast, those with a normative identity prioritize stakeholder inputs and interests. The study highlights the need for mutually reinforcing identities in NPOs.

SourceRutgers University·JournalCommunication Research·DateMar 20, 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.

Decision aid helps patients make informed decisions about sterilization

Researchers developed a web-based decision aid to support pregnant individuals in making informed decisions about tubal sterilization. The study found that those who used the decision aid had significantly higher knowledge of the procedure's permanence and reduced uncertainty, compared to those who did not use it.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMar 19, 2024

Text nudges can increase uptake of COVID-19 boosters– if they play up a sense of ownership of the vaccine

Researchers found that adding a note to play up psychological sense of ownership was more effective at convincing people to get the booster. This approach outperformed lab findings and expert insights, highlighting the importance of reproducibility in behavioral science.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateMar 18, 2024

A mental process that leads to putting off an unpleasant task

New research from Ohio State University suggests that people with negative attitudes tend to delay tackling unpleasant tasks due to valence weighting bias. This phenomenon can be shifted towards neutrality to reverse procrastination.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateMar 1, 2024
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.

First-in-humans discovery reveals brain chemicals at work influencing social behavior

Researchers have discovered a previously unknown neurochemical mechanism behind human tendency to make decisions based on social context. The study reveals the dynamic interactions of dopamine and serotonin in the brain's substantia nigra area, which contribute to our brain's overall assessment of value during social interactions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

Navigating Israeli security and foreign policy: Before and after October 7th

A new study conducted by Dr. Ofek Riemer finds that Jewish Israeli citizens experience decreased levels of security after exposure to the new defensive-oriented foreign policy approach, highlighting the importance of understanding the link between foreign policy and citizens' sense of security.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPolitical Studies·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 20, 2024

Why do(n’t) people support being nudged towards healthier diets?

A study by the Universities of Göttingen and Bonn found that reducing effort required to opt out of nudged options and increasing transparency of the nudge significantly improved public support for these interventions. The perception of upholding free choice and effectiveness were key drivers of acceptance.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 15, 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.

Doctors have more difficulty diagnosing disease when looking at images of darker skin

A new study from MIT researchers found that doctors are less accurate in diagnosing skin diseases based on images of patients with darker skin. The researchers also discovered that an artificial intelligence algorithm can assist doctors in improving their diagnosis, although the improvements were more pronounced for lighter skin tones.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Medicine·DateFeb 6, 2024

Swarming cicadas, stock traders, and the wisdom of the crowd

Researchers developed a mathematical model showing how cicadas come to a consensus about local average temperature, leading to large-scale swarms. The model is related to those describing 'avalanches' in decision-making among stock market traders, highlighting the importance of communication in collective behavior.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhysical Review E·DateFeb 1, 2024

Game mimics reality to improve life for older adults with cancer

A team led by UCF College of Nursing Professor Victoria Loerzel developed an innovative educational game for older adults with cancer, simulating symptoms and self-management. The game was successful in increasing the use of preventative strategies among participants, reducing symptom severity and hospital admissions.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateJan 30, 2024

“Not everyone has the same number of friends” – Overhaul epidemic modelling to include social networks, says new research

A new study from the University of Birmingham suggests that epidemic modeling can significantly overestimate infection numbers due to ignoring network structures. The researchers found that heterogeneous networks can lead to smaller epidemic waves and fewer infections, contradicting standard 'random mixing' models.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Physics Complexity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 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.

Alaskan allies: Communities unite to protect the areas they love

The University of Illinois initiative brings Denali neighbors together in an online discussion forum to share views on protected area conservation and land management. The study finds that engaging diverse stakeholders leads to collaborative dialogue and thoughtful discussions, despite differing priorities.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSustainability Science·DateDec 11, 2023

Social media influencers may affect more than voter opinions

Researchers found that social media influencers with distorted messages cause political parties to moderate their policies to win over independent voters. However, this leads to traditional media outlets becoming more extreme in their editorial positions, and citizens swayed by influencers growing more polarized.

SourcePenn State·JournalMIS Quarterly·DateDec 1, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Fish brains may provide insight into the molecular basis of decision-making

Researchers found that male sticklebacks have a unique molecular response when faced with conflicting demands, including genes related to dopamine and neurogenesis. The study provides insights into the underlying mechanisms of animal behavior, suggesting that complex decision-making processes are ancient and widespread among animals.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalBiology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2023

Pulling an all-nighter? Don’t follow with an important decision

A study from the University of Ottawa found that sleep deprivation significantly impacts decision-making processes, reducing neural responses to winning and losing outcomes. This can lead to diminished positive emotions in response to winning and negative emotions when faced with losses.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalPsychophysiology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2023

The economic damage of a pandemic is inevitable, but targeted interventions can save more lives and lessen its social impact

Research published in Nature Human Behaviour suggests that lockdowns and voluntary behaviour change lead to similar economic damage, with lockdowns saving more lives. The study's model simulates the balance between health and economic impact, predicting health-economic outcomes of political and health measures during a pandemic.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 17, 2023

Ethical, environmental and political concerns about climate change affect reproductive choices

A systematic review found that climate change-related concerns are linked to less positive attitudes towards reproduction and a desire for fewer children or none at all. The study identified four key factors: uncertainty about the future of an unborn child, environmentalist views on overpopulation and overconsumption, meeting family su...

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPLOS Climate·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 9, 2023
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.

Like humans, baboons are strategic cooperators

Guinea baboons develop strategies to choose cooperative partners based on past interactions, mirroring human behavior like reciprocity. The study, published in Science Advances, suggests this behavior has been inherited at least 30 million years ago from a common ancestor with humans.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 27, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New methodology reveals health, climate impacts of reducing buildings’ energy use

Researchers have developed a new method to calculate the health and climate impacts of reducing buildings' energy consumption. The tool estimates co-benefits under different energy use scenarios, providing insights into the economic value of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and premature deaths caused by air pollution.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalBuilding and Environment·DateSep 11, 2023