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Think that conversation will be boring? Science says think again

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that people consistently underestimate how interesting and enjoyable conversations about boring topics would be. People reported enjoying these conversations much more than they had predicted, even when both parties agreed the topic was boring.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 13, 2026
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.

African voices in ink

The book uses a 'history from below' approach to center the voices of petitioners, revealing how they framed their demands using language like justice, rights, and equity. Through over 4,000 petitions, Dr. Bright Alozie shows the significance of this genre in shaping colonial society and influencing decision-making.

SourcePortland State University·DateNov 8, 2024

How digital religion is shaping spirituality among millennials

Digital religion among millennials provides important spiritual spaces, enriching existing religious experiences. A new study found that digital forms of communication stem secularization and facilitate a 'spiritual revolution', but are not attracting new participants.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalReview of Religious Research·DateJul 27, 2022

A text-reading robot with heart

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba created a handheld social robot, OMOY, that can appear to convey emotions by shifting an internal weight while reading out text messages. The robot was tested with 94 people and found to reduce negative emotions such as anger, revenge, and avoidance motivation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·DateMar 9, 2022
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.

Unique strengths and facilitators in American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity

A new study published in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior reveals that unique strengths and facilitators within American Indian and Alaska Native communities can help reduce food insecurity. The study found that cultural values such as sharing and supporting one another can improve healthy food access for older adults.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2022

Autism diagnosis by 2.5 years of age leads to dramatic improvements in social symptoms as compared to those diagnosed later in life, Ben-Gurion University researchers and colleagues find

A new study published in Autism highlights the benefits of early diagnosis and treatment for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children diagnosed before 2.5 years old showed considerable improvements in core social symptoms compared to those diagnosed later in life. Early intervention is critical, emphasizing the need for u...

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalAutism·TypeObservational study·DateNov 17, 2021

Happy stories synch brain activity more than sad stories

New research published in eNeuro found that sharing happy stories increases feelings of closeness and synchronizes brain activity between the speaker and listener. Brain synchrony was linked to increased interpersonal closeness, particularly in regions involved in emotional processing and theory of mind.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateNov 8, 2021

Transparency and kinder managers could lead to less collusion among staff, finds study led by NTU Singapore

A study led by NTU Singapore found that combining transparency with kinder management styles reduces collusion attempts among employees. The researchers conducted a roleplaying experiment in Amsterdam, assigning participants as managers or employees and observing the effects of increased transparency on collaboration.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAccounting Organizations and Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021
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.

LSU Health funded to support community health workers for pandemic response

LSU Health has been awarded funding to support community health workers in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana, enabling them to serve as liaisons between healthcare services and under-resourced communities. The grants will promote health equity and provide essential public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

SourceLouisiana State University Health Sciences Center·DateOct 13, 2021

Social inclusion of women by male colleagues in STEM fields can improve their workplace experience

Research suggests that fostering positive workplace social relationships between men and women can improve gender equity and inclusion in STEM. Even small gestures of social inclusion, such as chatting with female teammates during breaks, can reduce stereotypes and increase feelings of engagement.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2021

The user journey behind socially electric live event experience

Researchers outline a four-stage process to facilitate pleasurable social atmospheres, including preparation, activation, unification, and memory storage. The study highlights the importance of cooperation between firms and consumers in creating successful social atmospheres.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateJul 13, 2021

Psst! Have you heard that gossip isn't all bad?

A Dartmouth study reveals that gossip creates social connections and enables learning through indirect information sharing. The research finds that participants who engaged in private chats with their group members felt more connected and shared similar impressions of others.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 26, 2021
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.

Considering social influences across the customer journey

Researchers analyze social distance continuum, categorizing influences as distal (larger groups) or proximal (individuals with strong ties). Joint journeys involve interdependent utilities and decision-making among multiple consumers.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 5, 2020

Face-to-face contact with police builds trust in fledgling states

Researchers found that personal contact between police officers and citizens encourages a positive attitude towards the country's central authority. The study suggests building relationships may help a new government earn legitimacy in the eyes of citizens, potentially preventing violence in the future.

SourceCornell University·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateFeb 13, 2020

The songwriter is creative -- the singer, not so much

Researchers found that country music songwriters employ two strategies to co-write songs with less talented but more famous artists: bespoke facilitation, where they take a backseat, and the manipulation dance, where they pre-write most of the song. This approach helps create good songs while avoiding alienating their partner.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSocial Psychology·DateDec 11, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

People eat more when dining with friends and family -- Study

A study found that people eat up to 48% more food when dining with others than alone. This 'social facilitation' effect is driven by ancient hunter-gatherer instincts that still influence modern dietary behavior, leading to overeating in the presence of others.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalAmerican Journal of Clinical Nutrition·DateOct 4, 2019

Lost your appetite? Try inviting yourself to dinner

Researchers at Nagoya University found that people eat more and rate food as tasting better when eating with a mirror, not just another person. The study suggests a possible approach to improving the appeal of food for older people who frequently eat alone.

SourceNagoya University·JournalPhysiology & Behavior·DateJun 8, 2017

Retreat of multiculturalism 'is a myth'

A study comparing citizenship programs in four European nations found that multiculturalism policies are still in place and being expanded to support ethnic minority integration. Researchers argue that the term 'multiculturalism' is being used less frequently with a positive connotation, but actual policies have not been repealed.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalAmerican Behavioral Scientist·DateJan 27, 2015

'Touched' female cockroaches reproduce faster

Researchers at NC State University found that tactile stimulation, such as touch from other female cockroaches or even duck feathers, speeds up reproduction in females. Pairing two cockroaches together produces the fastest rate of reproduction.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateApr 1, 2014
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.

In 'reading' a gaze, what we believe changes what we see

Researchers found that when people believe another person cannot see, the effects of adaptation are greatly reduced, suggesting a bi-directional relationship between gaze processing and mental-state attribution. This discovery could lead to a better understanding of what goes wrong in individuals with autism.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 25, 2009

A hormone that enhances one's memory of happy faces

Researchers found that oxytocin increases the encoding of positive social memories, allowing individuals to better recall happy faces. This breakthrough has potential implications for treating psychiatric disorders related to social isolation.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJul 28, 2008

Women and cigarettes, the causes for consumption

A study by María Luisa Jiménez Rodrigo explores the reasons behind women's rising cigarette consumption in Spanish society over the past 50 years. Women use cigarettes as a tool for stress relief, social interaction, and to control appetite and body weight, reinforcing traditional feminine norms.

SourceUniversity of Granada·DateFeb 7, 2008