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Improvement of humanlike conversations in humanoid robots

A child-like android named 'ibuki' was developed to facilitate human-robot interaction. The robot's conversation control system allows it to regulate speech, motion, gaze, and emotion based on its intention, increasing perceived human-likeness. This technology enables more natural conversations and social interactions.

Social Impact Bonds have a role but are no panacea for public service reform

A new study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that Social Impact Bonds (SIBs) have a role in developing outcome-based contracting but are not a panacea for public service reform. SIBs were shown to be effective in providing personalized support and flexibility, but their impact on cost savings is limited.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Special-purpose buildings bring together earliest Neolithic communities

Researchers found that specialized buildings regularly featured in the world's earliest agricultural villages, providing a focal point for everyday activities and facilitating social interaction among community members. The study suggests that these architectural features helped shape human interaction during a period of significant so...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Research finds tipping point for large-scale social change

Research finds that a minority group of 25% can establish a new behavioral norm in the larger group, leading to improved outcomes like reduced energy consumption and less sexual harassment. The study's model also suggests environments can be engineered for pro-social directions, particularly in organizations.

Researchers see role of 'imaginativeness' in new business success

A study published in the Academy of Management Journal found that people with high levels of creative, social, and practical imaginativeness generated more and better-quality new venture ideas. This suggests that developing these skills can improve entrepreneurial performance and team success.

Developmental psychotherapy for antisocial adolescents

This approach aims to help antisocial young people become responsible adults by considering their values, goals, and maladaptive responses to age-related psychological tasks. It incorporates a combination of psychoanalytic and developmental understanding to promote behavioral change and control.

New film highlights human pressures of diamond industry in Sierra Leone

A new film, 'Voices from the Mine', sheds light on the human costs of artisanal diamond mining in Sierra Leone, where miners face poverty and hardship despite the industry's $250 million annual value. The film highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the diamond trade, particularly among consumers and policy makers.

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.

Blood pressure-regulating hormone may be a key marker of sociality in monkeys

Researchers found a potential biomarker for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in monkeys with low social behavior, which had lower arginine vasopressin concentrations in their cerebrospinal fluid. This discovery suggests that AVP may be a target for developing new drugs to alleviate social impairment in ASD patients.

New study improves 'crowd wisdom' estimates

A new study developed a mathematical correction to improve crowd estimates by accounting for individual bias and social information. Researchers found that collective intelligence is highly predictable and can be improved with the right rules for collective estimation.

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.

From lullabies to live concerts: How music and rhythm shape our social brains

Research finds that lullabies soothe both mothers and babies simultaneously, while playful songs increase babies' attention and displays of positive emotion toward their mothers. Live concerts also trigger neural synchronization, creating a sense of community among concert-goers. These findings shed light on the universal power of musi...

Sensor City awarded £3.5 million for 5G health and social care project

Sensor City, a joint venture between University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University, has been awarded £3.5m to investigate 5G community Wi-Fi in health and social care. The project aims to reduce the digital divide and measure its impact on patient monitoring, loneliness, and communication between hospitals and communities.

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.

Personality: Where does it come from and how does it work?

The theory proposes that personalities develop around three basic psychological needs: predictability, competence, and acceptance. These needs form the basis of personality and drive behavior. The article also highlights the role of temperament in shaping personality, particularly in children.

Researchers develop the first model to capture crosstalk in social dilemmas

Researchers developed a new framework to analyze the effects of crosstalk on cooperation dynamics in groups. The model shows that crosstalk hinders the evolution of cooperation and requires strategies with the correct level of forgiveness. This has significant implications for understanding human behavior in social dilemmas.

Babies' babbling betters brains, language

New research shows that babies' babbling has a significant impact on their language development, with mothers responding more often to speech-like sounds. The study found that infants who babble more effectively learn words and vocabulary earlier in life, highlighting the importance of social feedback in language acquisition.

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.

Nearly zero-energy buildings: A difficult challenge for Southern Europe

Researchers in Southern Europe face significant challenges in achieving nearly zero-energy buildings due to sociological and climatic factors. The study highlights the need for improved regulations, design, construction, and use of these buildings to address thermal comfort issues and minimize environmental impact.

How teens learn about others

A new study reveals that teenagers are slower to learn about their peers' preferences due to underdeveloped brain regions. The fusiform cortex and medial prefrontal cortex, responsible for understanding mental states, show ongoing development during adolescence, which may explain these differences.

When friends become objects

Researchers found that Facebook users with strong materialistic values use the platform more frequently and engage deeper, objectifying their friends. The Social Online Self-Regulation Theory proposes self-regulation as the key to social media usage, aiming for a neutral attitude towards platforms.

Study: Non-fearful social withdrawal linked positively to creativity

A new study by University at Buffalo psychologist Julie Bowker suggests that unsociability, a form of non-fearful social withdrawal, is linked positively to creativity. The research findings indicate that individuals who enjoy spending time alone and engaging in solo activities may have the potential for enhanced creative thinking and ...

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.

Modeling social interactions to improve collective decision-making

Researchers analyzed social interactions in France and Japan, identifying five behaviors that influence group decisions. They developed a mathematical model that reproduces the results and predicts group performance based on information exchange, which can lead to improved cooperation and collaboration.

NSF announces $19.5 million in awards

The NSF's Smart & Connected Communities program has awarded $19.5 million to 38 projects across the US, focusing on public safety, water systems, community health, energy, transportation, and rural planning. Researchers will collaborate with diverse stakeholders to address challenges and transform communities.

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.

New conservation method empowers indigenous peoples

A new study published in Ecology and Society explores a conservation method that empowers indigenous peoples by focusing on their traditional skills and knowledge. By adopting an assets-based approach, researchers found that local communities can manage natural resources sustainably, protecting the rainforest ecosystem.

Education faculty research suggests social action may give youth a career edge

A study published in Developmental Psychology found that socially active youth have higher expectations for their careers and are more likely to attain prestigious jobs. Researchers suggest that educators provide spaces for students to reflect on and challenge inequalities, leading to improved engagement and learning outcomes.

What motivates men to donate sperm online? World-first QUT study

A QUT world-first study found that informal sperm donors are motivated by factors such as family, friends, and personal characteristics, with little impact from perceived risks. Donors who have previously used clinical settings also tend to donate more and generate more offspring in the informal market.

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.

Face value

A new Harvard Medical School study suggests that brain regions key to facial recognition form only through experience and are absent in primates who don't encounter faces. This finding sheds light on neuro-developmental conditions such as autism and developmental prosopagnosia, where individuals struggle with recognizing familiar faces.

How the brain recognizes familiar faces

Researchers discovered two previously unknown brain areas involved in face recognition, which integrate visual perception with memory and social knowledge. The brain's response to familiar faces is distinct from visually familiar ones, with a sudden 'aha' moment when recognizing a long-known acquaintance.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sibling bonding is stronger when dad's around

A study published in Springer's Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology found that paternal half-siblings in olive baboons develop stronger bonds when their shared father is present. This challenges the long-held assumption that maternal kin dominate primate social behavior.

The need to understand what works in social prescribing

A health service research expert warns that social prescribing requires a nuanced evidence base to address individualisation and responsiveness to patient needs. The UK policy push to integrate social prescribing into 'new models of care' highlights the need for more research on its delivery and effectiveness.

Insufficient levels of Vitamin D in pregnancy detrimental to child development

A new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that pregnant women with insufficient vitamin D levels had children with lower scores in pre-school development tests. Vitamin D insufficiency was also associated with impaired social development at age 3½ years, while no associations were found at older ages.

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.

Is a biological driver behind the need for self-fulfillment?

A new series of studies reveals that self-actualization is linked to pursuing status and esteem, which can translate into 'fitness' and passing genes to future generations. This challenges traditional assumptions about self-actualization being 'above' basic physiological and social desires.

Kenan Charitable Trust awards $1.5 million to UNC Health Affairs schools

The UNC School of Medicine, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and other health professions schools will establish clinical experiences for students in rural areas of North Carolina, launching the UNC Rural Interprofessional Health Initiative (RIPHI). The program aims to improve health disparities and develop a health workforce prepared ...

Boston Medical Center, Head Start partner to prevent maternal depression

A five-year study screened over 2,200 mothers for depression risk, using lay health workers to deliver a depression prevention intervention within the Head Start program. The study found a 40% reduction in clinically significant depressive symptom episodes, with a 61% reduction among those with low initial screening levels.

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.

Why pot-smoking declines -- but doesn't end -- with parenthood

A study by the University of Washington's Social Development Research Group found that adult marijuana use declines with parenthood, but doesn't end. The research, published in Prevention Science, surveyed 808 adults over a 12-year period and found that parents' marijuana use is strongly related to their children's use.

Mobile technology and child and adolescent development

A new special section of Child Development examines the effects of mobile technology on various aspects of child and adolescent development, including risks and benefits. The research considers outcomes such as radiation exposure, cognitive control, sleep, mood, mental health, and security.

Social, computer scientists want to share data on group behavior

Computer scientists and social scientists collaborate to create Collaborative Interaction Corpus (CIC) dataset, featuring 135 participants' online activity and discussion data. The dataset can be used to address various computer-science questions, including predicting user behavior and machine learning.

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 finds social challenges amplify negative effects of childhood lead exposure

A new study found that lead exposure has a negative impact on cognitive and language development in preschoolers, with poverty amplifying these effects. The research analyzed data from the Bellevue Early Language and Education Project and showed that even low levels of blood lead above 5 micrograms per deciliter can cause reduced cogni...

Can dealing with emotional exhaustion enhance happiness?

New research from the University of East Anglia suggests that dealing with emotional exhaustion can sometimes boost happiness. The study found that perceived supervisor support and instrumental social support enhance happiness when employees engage in planning activities. This may help individuals build happiness from an internally str...

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.

The role of context in ethnic/racial identity among minority youth

Research highlights the importance of social context, including policies, peer groups, and family relationships, in developing ethnic/racial identity among youth. Studies show that strong familial and religious identities can lead to better well-being, while peer group support can enhance cultural identity.

Three ERC Advanced Grants to Stockholm University

Researchers at Stockholm University will receive prestigious ERC Advanced Grants for innovative projects tackling dark matter detection, social-ecological interactions, and the impact of social media on Chinese society. The grants support interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex global challenges.

Robot uses social feedback to fetch objects intelligently

Researchers at Brown University created an algorithm that enables robots to ask for clarification when unsure about object requests. The system uses a combination of speech commands and human gestures to improve interpretation accuracy and efficiency.