A University of Ottawa study found that using negative emojis in text messages produces a negative perception of the sender regardless of their true intent. This can lead to being labelled as a 'downer' and affects how warm or cold the receiver finds the message.
SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateFeb 22, 2021
Researchers from Colorado State University found that hospitals and schools are interdependent systems that rely on each other for community recovery following extreme events. They developed a social services stability index to measure the stability of these systems in communities.
SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 5, 2021
Researchers used thermography to measure marmosets' emotional responses to call interactions, finding they distinguish dialogues from monologues. Marmosets also prefer cooperative over competitive interactions, aligning with their natural behavior as cooperative breeders.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateFeb 3, 2021
A UNSW study in rats shows that social interaction can reverse food and cigarette cravings triggered by social isolation. The study found that socially isolated rats relapsed to nicotine seeking but showed no interest once returned to group housing, highlighting the importance of social interaction in treating substance abuse disorders.
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.
Researchers at McGill University have discovered a possible mechanism that contributes to LSD's ability to increase social interaction, activating serotonin receptors and AMPA receptors in the prefrontal cortex. The findings could lead to the development of novel therapies for anxiety and autism disorders.
SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 26, 2021
A study by York University researchers found that masks impair our ability to recognize faces and alter the way we process them. This decrease in performance can impact daily activities and personal interactions.
SourceYork University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2020
A study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev researchers found that wearing masks reduces facial recognition accuracy by 15%, making it harder to identify people we know. The altered processing style, focusing on individual facial features instead of the entire face, can cause significant errors.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 21, 2020
A recent study identified four attributes that predict user satisfaction with customer service chatbots: convenience, useful information, pleasant interaction, and social presence. The researchers found that companies investing in AI-driven chatbot services must prioritize data protection to boost user loyalty.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Broadcasting & Electronic Media·DateDec 15, 2020
Researchers develop model showing group polarization rises with economic decline and rising inequality. Strengthened social safety nets can help minimize conflict across groups.
SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 11, 2020
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.
Researchers found that listeners can accurately identify regional dialects and racial backgrounds from audio clips of English speakers. The study used 144 unique audio clips to categorize speakers into Midland, New York City, Southern U.S., Asian American, Black/African American, or white groups.
A Stanford University study reveals that users' moods play a significant role in shaping their trust in smart technologies. The research found that participants trusted devices more when they were in a positive mood, regardless of the experiment's intent. However, user trust also differed by age group, gender, and education level, with...
SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Mechanical Design·DateDec 8, 2020
A study by Tampere University found that making eye contact with a humanoid robot evokes strong physiological reactions, including arousal and positive emotional responses. The results suggest that interaction between humans and social robots may be surprisingly seamless, as people treat robots instinctively as if they could see them.
SourceTampere University·JournalBiological Psychology·DateDec 7, 2020
A team of researchers discovered detailed similarities between the social networks of honey bees and humans, which can be explained by new theoretical modeling. The study reveals individual differences between honey bees, just like humans, and shows that these patterns are universal across species.
SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020
A study on honey bees found that individual differences in social interactions lead to universal patterns of behavior across species. Genetically related bees show fewer individual differences than humans, but still exhibit some variation in interaction frequency and food sharing.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new study from MIT finds that long periods of social isolation activate the brain's substantia nigra region in a way similar to food cravings. The researchers used an innovative isolation method to induce strong feelings of loneliness, and found that the resulting craving signal was correlated with self-reported levels of loneliness.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 23, 2020
A new paper offers a framework for studying online hate and counter speech, analyzing millions of Twitter interactions. Researchers found that organized movements are more effective than individuals in countering hate speech.
Researchers created a new model combining SIR theory with dynamical density functional theory to describe the spread of infectious diseases. The results show that social distancing significantly decreases infection rates, reproducing the 'flattening the curve' effect.
SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 4, 2020
New research from UBC Okanagan finds that how people use social media impacts their overall happiness. Passive scrolling and comparison can lead to negative emotions, while direct interactions can enhance emotional well-being.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Happiness Studies·DateNov 2, 2020
Researchers found that vampire bats with activated immune systems and feeling sick interacted with fewer bats, spent less time near others, and were less well-connected to the social network. This behavior helps reduce the spread of disease in highly social animals like vampire bats.
SourceOhio State University·JournalBehavioral Ecology·DateOct 27, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers observed 21 male chimpanzees for 78,000 hours to see if they too prefer small circles of meaningful friendships. The study shows that older chimps have more mutual friendships and spend more time grooming those individuals, similar to humans.
A Russian research team found that social brain components are co-activated during group problem-solving, but do not form a holistic system. This suggests that the 'social brain' is not as integrated as previously thought.
SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateOct 15, 2020
According to a study published in Nature Communications, interactions with outsiders may drive the evolution of intelligence in animals. Big-brained animals have adapted to contend with rival outsiders, requiring considerable brain power to defend territories, find mates and compete for resources.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 6, 2020
A research team at Kobe University has identified 'social cells' in the brain related to social behavior, including Social-ON cells that activate during social interactions. The study found that these cells were active when a stranger mouse was present, regardless of location.
SourceKobe University·JournalPLOS Biology·DateOct 1, 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.
A survey of 340 UK residents found that positive social interactions with Chinese people reduced support for discriminatory policies. People with negative experiences were more likely to be fearful and supportive of anti-Chinese measures.
SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalGroup Processes & Intergroup Relations·DateSep 27, 2020
A new study has found that autistic people's sensorimotor difficulties are likely caused by complex neurobiological processes, including differences in perception. This discovery could pave the way for better treatment and management of these traits.
A study of over 5,300 students from 24 countries found that women are more prone to depression in societies with low gender equality. The research suggests that cultural congruence and inclusion in social groups are key predictors of psychological wellbeing.
SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Cross-Cultural Psychology·DateSep 16, 2020
A recent study published in The Economic Journal found that bus drivers are more likely to grant free rides to white passengers than Black passengers. The researchers tested the drivers' willingness to provide discretionary favours and discovered a strong racial bias against Black customers.
SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalThe Economic Journal·DateSep 2, 2020
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.
The conference highlights research on emotion AI, expressive writing, and dialogue systems to mitigate the impacts of COVID-19. Virtual attendees can engage with keynote speakers and other participants in interactive spaces, facilitating social interaction and discussion.
SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateSep 2, 2020
Researchers discovered that zebrafish use social interactions to achieve near-optimal foraging efficiency and promote equality among group members. The study found that the animals adapt to group size but not food distribution, resulting in a robust foraging strategy.
Researchers at NYU Tandon used a novel approach called 'behavioral teleporting' to study social interactions in live zebrafish. The system allowed them to isolate critical elements of animal behavior and explore predator/prey relationships without posing a risk to the animals.
SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournaliScience·DateAug 24, 2020
Researchers found two unique learning signals computed in distinct brain regions, one for direct learning and the other for social learning. This integrated brain network supports social influence in human decision-making, particularly in uncertain situations.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 20, 2020
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.
A team of researchers from Italy has proposed a new metric to evaluate the effectiveness of virtual groups. By analyzing interaction data from two Italian-based social networks, they found that trust plays a crucial role in forming cohesive and productive groups.
SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateAug 19, 2020
A recent study found that social components of fitness apps facilitate motivation and beliefs in physical activity, leading to increased engagement. The study highlights the importance of social support in promoting exercise behavior.
SourceFlinders University·JournalPsychology of Sport and Exercise·DateAug 17, 2020
Electrons in Planckian metals exhibit high-temperature superconductivity due to their desire for social distancing. By adjusting the ratio between kinetic energy and interaction energy, researchers created a model that captures the system's behavior down to absolute zero.
SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 23, 2020
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.
A new study by University of Vaasa researchers highlights the importance of strategic social media use in creating customer engagement value. The study identifies four distinct social media marketing strategies: social commerce, content, monitoring, and CRM, which can foster collaborative conversations and enhance customer relationships.
SourceUniversity of Vaasa·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateJun 25, 2020
A Dartmouth study has developed an interactive 3D printed circuit education tool for people with visual impairments, providing audio feedback in response to being touched. The tool aims to broaden the inclusivity and accessibility of maker spaces and engineering classrooms.
Researchers analyzed remains from a 30,000-year-old burial site in France, revealing sorted bones and elaborate cave art. The study provides new insights into complex mortuary dynamics of the Gravettian culture.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 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.
The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health experts call for policymakers to prioritize young people's social development and wellbeing during the pandemic. Research suggests that reduced face-to-face interaction with peers may have detrimental effects on brain development, mental health, and self-esteem in adolescence.
SourceThe Lancet·JournalThe Lancet Child & Adolescent Health·DateJun 12, 2020
Zebrafish studies reveal that isolation causes sensitivity to stimuli and increased brain activity related to stress and anxiety. The results suggest that social isolation can result in a decreased desire for social interaction, contradicting the assumption that loners are simply anti-social.
A new research study investigated how service robots in hotels could help redefine leadership and boost the hospitality industry. The results showed that while service robots increase efficiency, they also pose challenges like high costs and skill deficits.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalInternational Journal of Contemporary Hospitality Management·DateMay 6, 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.
Researchers scanned brain activity from 10 couples using a new simultaneous imaging method, finding motor and sensory areas were activated during physical contact. The study suggests that brain functions become flexibly linked with each other during real-time social interaction.
SourceAalto University·JournalFrontiers in Psychiatry·DateApr 28, 2020
Researchers at UC Davis studied the role of oxytocin in alleviating social withdrawal symptoms in mice, finding that blocking brain pathways affected by stress can reduce social avoidance behaviors. The study suggests potential for pharmacotherapies to effectively treat anxiety disorders.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateApr 27, 2020
Researchers at Penn State developed a public-speaking tutor on Amazon Alexa, which helps users recognize and modify negative thinking behaviors. The study found that the tutor eased pre-speech anxiety in participants.
Researchers found trends in human behavior absent in social media bots, including increased social interaction and decreased content production over time. The study suggests these differences can be used to develop more sophisticated bot detection strategies.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateApr 22, 2020
A study published in the Journal of Economic Psychology found that people extend similar levels of trust to humans and robots. However, social emotions such as anger, gratitude, guilt, and pride vary depending on partner type, with participants experiencing more intense emotions when interacting with humans.
SourceChapman University·JournalJournal of Economic Psychology·DateApr 16, 2020
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.
At 15 months, infants take into account the efficiency of others' actions to identify rational individuals and predict preferences. They exhibit a preference for interacting with efficient over inefficient individuals.
SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateMar 31, 2020
Researchers outline robots' potential roles in clinical care, logistics, and reconnaissance to combat COVID-19. They suggest robots for disinfection, delivery, and monitoring compliance with quarantines.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Robotics·DateMar 25, 2020
A study found that robot vulnerability fosters teamwork by encouraging humans to spend more time talking to each other, leading to more positive team dynamics. The results suggest that designing artificial agents to promote social engagement can lead to improved human collaboration.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2020
A study on vampire bats found that mothers continued to groom and feed their healthy offspring despite feeling sick, suggesting a strong family connection. Social grooming among unrelated bats decreased when they were ill, but food sharing remained consistent, highlighting the importance of social behavior in survival.
SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Animal Ecology·DateMar 5, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers used mathematical models to simulate social interactions and found that people's decisions can be influenced by others' indecisiveness. The study's findings could inform strategies to combat misinformation on the internet and provide insights into how people make choices in real-world scenarios.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateMar 2, 2020
A study of Agta hunter-gatherers in the Philippines revealed that their complex social networks accelerated cultural evolution and innovation. The researchers found that sharing knowledge and combining individual insights led to faster development of medicinal products, with an average of 250-500 rounds of interactions required.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 2020
Etesami aims to develop a platform that simulates human behavior in dynamic social networks like Facebook or Twitter. By analyzing data from these simulations, his team plans to build a richer model to predict and control the spread of false news.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateFeb 26, 2020
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.
A team of complexity scientists have developed a 'meme' model for multiple diseases, revealing that interacting contagious diseases follow the same complex spreading patterns as social trends. The study found that even one more contagion can dramatically shift dynamics and trigger macroscopic jumps in epidemic size.
SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 24, 2020
Researchers identified precisely which mouse is making which sound in a study published in Nature Neuroscience. Mouse calls are different depending on the position of the mouse and relate to dominant signals.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateFeb 17, 2020
A new study from the University of Colorado Boulder found that social media makes breakups harder to get distance from due to constant reminders and encounters with exes. Even when users take measures to remove their exes from their online lives, social media returns them multiple times a day.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateFeb 14, 2020
A new study analyzed reading behavior on the digital platform Wattpad, finding that young people intensely engage with both popular and classic literature, but differ in their interaction styles. The research sheds light on the impact of social media on our understanding of culture and literary habits.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 6, 2020
The study, conducted at FiraTàrrega market in Tàrrega, Spain, found that women are more likely to cooperate and have a better understanding of their partner's intentions. Men, on the other hand, tend to be more impulsive and less cooperative when interacting with someone of the same gender.
SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 30, 2020
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.
A study by Professor Grit Hein found that the presence of an unknown person can reduce anxiety and physiological tension in individuals. The effect was strongest when the test subject perceived the other person as less similar to themselves.
Researchers developed a model to study online polarization and echo chambers, finding that discourse becomes less stable when like-minded groups form. The model accurately replicated Twitter data on polarization and debates, providing insight into social network dynamics.
SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 27, 2020
A study by Aalto University researchers reveals that fans attend live esports events primarily for social interaction and excitement of being near sports stars. In contrast, fans watching online rated 'drama' and 'enjoyment of aggression' higher than live attendees.
SourceAalto University·JournalInternet Research·DateJan 17, 2020