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July/August 2020 Annals of Family Medicine tip sheet

A majority of US men (9/10) support healthcare providers inquiring about intimate partner violence, with those who experienced violence more likely to agree. In contrast, LGBT-friendly primary care practices have been shown to increase STD and HIV screening rates among vulnerable populations.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateJul 14, 2020
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.

Self-isolation may increase susceptibility to COVID-19

Research by Sheldon Cohen suggests that interpersonal stressors during self-isolation can increase vulnerability to upper respiratory viruses and potentially COVID-19. Social integration and support offer a protective shield against respiratory infection and illness.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJul 8, 2020

New research examines links between religion and parental support from non-family members

A new study found that mothers who receive help from their congregation have higher fertility rates and better child cognitive development. The research suggests that religion supports cooperative breeding strategies, allowing women to have more children without sacrificing their children's success.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (B )·DateJul 1, 2020
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.

Similar to humans, chimpanzees develop slowly

Researchers mapped developmental milestones in wild chimpanzees, finding gross motor skills emerge at 4 months, while fine motor skills appear at 15 months. The study suggests that extended development is necessary for acquiring adult skills, similar to humans.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateMay 26, 2020

Online romance scams: A modern form of fraud

Online romance scams have spread in Western societies, preying on women and middle-aged individuals with higher anxiety levels. Victims often experience double trauma from financial loss and emotional attachment, leading to shame upon discovery.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalClinical Practice and Epidemiology in Mental Health·DateMay 15, 2020

Government investments and social capital

The study found that the expansion of the US postal network from 1800 to 1890 positively associated with social and nonprofit organizations, while negatively associated with arrests and mortality. Local newspapers also emerged during this period, explaining the continued effect of state investment on social capital.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 4, 2020
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.

Territorial short food supply chains foster food democracy and sustainability

A study in Colombia and Spain found that territorial short food supply chains foster governance processes that prioritize social narratives, reflexive governance, and network governance. These mechanisms enable stakeholders to participate in decision-making and collective action, leading to more sustainable and democratic food systems.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Rural Studies·DateApr 14, 2020
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.

Commentary on an approach to Indigenous homelessness

A new guideline aims to address Indigenous homelessness through four broad protocols: situating oneself, visiting, hospitality, and treating others with respect. The guidelines emphasize the importance of inter-relationality and community-based approaches to support Indigenous peoples experiencing homelessness.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCMAJ Open·DateMar 9, 2020

Social isolation during adolescence drives long-term disruptions in social behavior

Research in animal models shows that social isolation during adolescence can lead to disruptions in social behavior and activity patterns of inhibitory neurons involved in social approach. Increasing activity of these neurons in adult animals restores normal social behavior. The study highlights the importance of social experience duri...

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Intervention is essential for reducing loneliness and social isolation in ASD

Children with ASD can develop social relationships with peers if given appropriate help and guidance, according to a new study. The Preschool Peer Social Intervention (PPSI) has shown promising results in improving social engagement, play, and conversation skills among preschoolers with ASD.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 21, 2020

MEMEX project will help the inclusion of endangered communities

The MEMEX project aims to develop new technologies that encourage the visibility of vulnerable social groups, using smartphones. By telling their stories, communities can gain visibility and connect with their territory, discovering historical and artistic insights.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·DateFeb 20, 2020

The verdict is in: Courtrooms seldom overrule bad science

A new study found that only 40% of psychological assessment tools used in courts are favorably rated by experts. Lawyers rarely challenge these conclusions, and when they do, only one-third succeed. The study examined over 360 tools and 372 legal cases across the US.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science in the Public Interest·DateFeb 15, 2020

Study challenges assumptions about social interaction difficulties in autism

Researchers examine social interaction in autism, finding that successful interactions revolve around partner compatibility and not just individual skill sets. Autistic adults prefer interacting with other autistic peers, disclosing more about themselves and feeling closer to their partners compared to typically developing individuals.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalAutism·DateJan 29, 2020
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.

More autonomy at work reduces the risk of low back pain

A recent meta-analysis found that psychosocial factors in the workplace, such as workload and job control, contribute significantly to chronic low back pain. Employees with more autonomy in scheduling their work experienced lower rates of CLBP.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalBMC Musculoskeletal Disorders·DateJan 23, 2020

A new link between fear, imitation, and antisocial behavior in children

Researchers found that young children who exhibit less fear and desire for social connection are at risk of developing callous-unemotional traits, which can lead to antisocial behavior. These traits are characterized by a lack of empathy and sensitivity to others' emotions.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJan 6, 2020

Teaching group work to students with autism

A study by Kristina Scott found that a structured group work protocol increased social interactions among four children with ASD, aged 10-11, who had been excluded from peer groups. The protocol helped them maintain meaningful conversations with peers, although three of the subjects returned to baseline after the experiment.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalOpen Education Studies·DateNov 13, 2019

Flame-retardant exposure increases anxiety, affects social behaviors in prairie vole

Research led by NC State University found that early life exposure to flame retardants increases anxiety and affects socioemotional behaviors in prairie voles. The study, published in Neurotoxicology and Teratology, highlights the potential risks of chemical flame retardants on neurological development and social behavior.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNeurotoxicology and Teratology·DateNov 12, 2019
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.

Children's language skills may be harmed by social hardship

Research suggests that children from economically deprived areas are three times more likely to have speech, language and communication concerns than their more affluent peers. This study highlights the need for policies addressing social factors that impact language development.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 8, 2019
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.

Positive relationships boost self-esteem, and vice versa

A meta-analysis of over two decades of research found a robust reciprocal link between positive relationships and self-esteem across the lifespan. The study analyzed 52 studies involving over 47,000 participants and found that both positive relationships and high self-esteem shape each other's development.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateSep 26, 2019
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.

Feeling depressed? Mahjong might be the answer

A new study from the University of Georgia suggests that playing mahjong can reduce rates of depression among middle-aged and older adults in China. The study found that urban residents who played mahjong were less likely to feel depressed, while rural Chinese overall tended to report poor mental health.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·DateSep 17, 2019

Finding your niche

New research suggests that societal complexity is linked to personality traits, with more complex societies exhibiting greater diversity of personality types. This is explained by the presence of multiple socioecological niches, which shape individual behavior and contribute to success or reinforcement within a given environment.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateSep 16, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Social isolation derails brain development in mice

Research published in eNeuro found that female mice isolated during adolescence showed atypical brain development and habitual behavior in adulthood. Social isolation was linked to dendritic spine excess and impairment of goal-dependent decision making, highlighting the importance of social experience during adolescence.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateSep 16, 2019

Teens who don't date are less depressed and have better social skills

Research from the University of Georgia found that adolescents who were not in romantic relationships during middle and high school had good social skills and low depression. Non-dating teens fared equally well or even better than their peers who dated, according to a new study.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of School Health·DateSep 6, 2019

Study examines personality and motivation in relation to internet gaming disorder

A new study found that male gender, neurotic and introverted personality traits, and motivation related to achievement are predictors of internet gaming disorder (IGD). The research highlights the importance of understanding the social context of clients' situations in developing prevention and treatment strategies for IGD.

SourceWiley·JournalJournal of Addictions & Offender Counseling·DateSep 5, 2019

Chance, not ideology, drives political polarization

A new study suggests that chance and opinion cascades, rather than deeply rooted ideological differences, drive political polarization. The researchers found that early movers can trigger a cascade in which later partisans pile on to their party's position, leading to large political differences.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2019

Enhancing the quality of AI requires moving beyond the quantitative

Researchers suggest that AI engineers should adopt a broader approach, including qualitative methods, to better understand how AI harms emerge and to avoid documented pitfalls. By integrating social sciences in AI development, they aim to create more democratic and socially just technologies.

SourceNew York University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateAug 9, 2019
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.

Paradoxical Survival: Examining the Parrondo effect across biology

Researchers from SUTD examine Parrondo's paradox across biology, finding connections between disparate studies that suggest a unified fundamental characteristic of life. The study reveals nested recurrent mechanics spanning the entire biological gamut.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalBioEssays·DateAug 5, 2019
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.

Does health care help us live longer?

Estimates suggest health care accounts for between 5% and 15% of the variation in premature death, while behavioral and social factors account for a much higher percentage. Health experts advocate for a diversified portfolio of national investments to generate a higher health yield.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateMay 14, 2019

Study: Playing video games generally not harmful to boys' social development

A new longitudinal study found that playing video games did not affect boys' social development, but girls who played more frequently at age 10 had weaker social skills two years later. The study suggests that gaming may be a way for socially struggling youth to cope with feelings of isolation and loneliness.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateApr 23, 2019

Strongly agree: It's time to test the Likert scale

A University at Buffalo researcher and his team tested the impact of response options on the reliability of psychological measures, finding that six options appears to be the magic number for optimal accuracy. They argue that too few or too many options can lead to inaccurate results due to human cognitive limitations.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPsychological Assessment·DateApr 23, 2019

Researchers outline how humans reduce uncertainty in social situations

A team of Brown University scientists has developed a framework to apply mathematical models of uncertainty to social scenarios, proposing three interrelated methods people use to reduce social uncertainty. The first method, automatic inference, involves predicting another person's behavior based on appearance and social norms, while t...

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateApr 22, 2019
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.

New technology to empower Parkinson's patients

A new service in the UK uses wearable technology to monitor Parkinson's symptoms, enabling patients and specialists to identify and implement changes to therapy remotely. The project aims to reduce healthcare burden and improve quality of life for people with Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·DateApr 10, 2019

For hyenas, there's no 'I' in clan

In a new study, researchers found that female spotted hyenas who form strong coalitions with other females can overthrow their superiors and improve their fitness. The study revealed that these alliances play a crucial role in maintaining stable social hierarchies and improving the overall rank of coalition members.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Parenting in the age of legal pot: Household rules, conversations help guide teen use

A study by the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group examines parents' attitudes and challenges around marijuana use, highlighting the need for guidance and education. Parents want to learn how to talk to their kids about marijuana risks and effects, and seek information from trustworthy sources.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of Child and Family Studies·DateFeb 7, 2019

Sociologists study the impact religion has on child development

Researchers analyzed data from third-graders to find that religion positively correlates with social psychological development but negatively affects academic performance in math and science. The study suggests that religion is a mixed blessing for children's development.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalReligions·DateFeb 7, 2019

Science of science communication

Articles explore interdisciplinary projects on climate change, automated vehicles, and misinformation, with recommendations for responsible science communication

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

Social and environmental costs of hydropower are underestimated, study shows

A new study reveals that large dams in developing countries ignore climate change impacts, displacement of communities, and economic damages. The researchers argue that these effects should be factored into the total cost of hydropower projects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 10, 2019
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.

Boys with social difficulties most susceptible to early substance use, study finds

A new study found that boys with social skills problems, anxiety, learning and conduct issues are at the greatest risk of developing aggressive behavior and using tobacco, alcohol and marijuana by the end of eighth grade. The study identified four distinct patterns of co-occurring social-emotional learning and behavioral problems among...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Early Adolescence·DateDec 3, 2018