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Study: Handshaking viewed more positively by Westerners than by East Asians

Researchers found that Western participants had more positive evaluations of social interactions involving handshakes compared to East Asians. Western men and women also rated interactions differently, reflecting subtle cultural differences in expectations around handshaking.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Nonverbal Behavior·DateJul 5, 2017

Social status of listener alters our voice

A study by the University of Stirling found that people change their voice pitch depending on who they are talking to and how dominant they feel. Individuals tend to use a higher pitch when talking to high-status people, signaling submissiveness and avoiding confrontation.

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJun 29, 2017
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.

New method to rapidly map the 'social networks' of proteins

Researchers have developed a new high-throughput technique to determine protein interactions, generating massive libraries and revealing over 8,000 interactions in Arabidopsis transcription factors. This approach enables faster study of fundamental biological interactions and potential treatments for metabolic dysfunction.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJun 26, 2017

Contact with immigrants crucial to referendum voting intentions, study finds

A new study by University of East Anglia researchers suggests that positive contact with immigrants is associated with increased support for Britain staying in the EU. The findings confirm that prejudice towards EU immigrants was a powerful predictor of Brexit support, but positive contact had prejudice-reducing effects.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalBritish Journal of Social Psychology·DateJun 21, 2017

Musical mystery: Researchers examine science behind performer movements

Musicians can predict each other's moves without verbal cues through subtle body sway, according to a McMaster University study. The findings improve understanding of nonverbal communication and could lead to better techniques for individuals with autism or dementia.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Bouldering envisioned as new treatment for depression

A new study suggests that bouldering may be used to effectively treat symptoms of depression, with participants who immediately began the intervention showing a 6.27-point improvement in depression scores compared to those who waited, improving from moderate to mild depression levels.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateMay 25, 2017

A neural explanation for 'monkey see, monkey do'

A neural explanation for 'monkey see, monkey do' involves a specialized circuit in primates analyzing social interactions like grooming and fighting. The study found that brain networks associated with visual features are highly active when observing these interactions, similar to the human brain's social interaction systems.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Newly discovered brain network offers clues to social cognition

Researchers at Rockefeller University have identified a brain network exclusively dedicated to analyzing social interactions in rhesus macaques. This network may represent an evolutionary precursor to the neural circuitry that supports theory of mind in humans, potentially blurring the lines between human and primate cognition.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2017

Brain's hippocampal volume, social environment affect adolescent depression

A University of California, Davis, study found that adolescents with large hippocampal volume were more susceptible to depression depending on their home and community environments. The research suggests a greater ability to overcome fear and anxiety in larger hippocampi may indicate better resilience against depressive symptoms.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalClinical Psychological Science·DateMay 17, 2017

Can trusting your doctor help reduce pain?

A new study by Dr. Elizabeth Losin suggests that clinician-patient similarity and trust can significantly reduce pain during medical procedures. Patients who trusted their doctor and felt similar to them reported less pain, with those experiencing higher anxiety levels showing greater reductions in pain.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Pain·DateMay 4, 2017

Study finds Pokemon Go players are happier, friendlier

Researchers found that Pokemon Go users were more likely to be physically active, experience positive emotions, and make new social connections. The study, published in Media Psychology, suggests that augmented reality games can have a positive impact on players' emotional and social lives.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalMedia Psychology·DateApr 12, 2017

Study: Higher wages linked to immigrant diversity

A study by University at Buffalo researchers found that diverse immigrant populations lead to higher wages in cities with inclusive institutions, whereas anti-immigrant policies stunt wage growth for US-born employees. The study tracked data from 33 million people across 160 metropolitan areas and showed a significant wage increase of ...

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalEconomic Geography·DateApr 10, 2017
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.

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.

SourceStockholm University·DateMar 23, 2017

Can quantum theory explain why jokes are funny?

A new study suggests that a quantum theory approach may be able to account for the complexity of humor, proposing that our ability to perceive multiple meanings simultaneously makes puns and jokes funny. The research provides an exciting first step towards developing a formal quantum theory model of humor.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·DateMar 17, 2017
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.

Likelihood of dieting success lies within your tweets

Successful dieters tend to express positive sentiments on Twitter with language related to health and fitness. Their larger social networks and engagement also contribute to stronger support systems, positively impacting dieting compliance. In contrast, unsuccessful dieters often exhibit a negative tone and lack emotional control.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 21, 2017

Researchers document second case of 'Down syndrome' in chimps

Kanako, a 24-year-old chimp, has been diagnosed with trisomy 22, a chromosomal defect similar to human Down syndrome. She experiences stunted growth, congenital heart disease, blindness, and vision problems, highlighting the need for care and research into this condition in apes.

SourceSpringer·JournalPrimates·DateFeb 21, 2017

Stanford researcher examines unsung hero of science: Assessment

Katharine Mach, a senior research scientist at Stanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences, discussed the importance of assessment in climate science. She highlighted the challenges of navigating complex science policy territory and the need for tact and negotiation among experts and decision-makers.

SourceStanford's School of Earth, Energy & Environmental Sciences·DateFeb 19, 2017
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.

Key friendships vital for effective human social networks

Researchers used wireless tracking technology to map social interactions in remote hunter-gatherer populations, showing that close friendships facilitate the exchange of information and culture. Strong friendships are more important than family ties in predicting levels of shared knowledge among individuals.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateFeb 8, 2017

Dolphins following shrimp trawlers cluster in social groups

A study published in PLOS ONE found that bottlenose dolphins near Savannah, Georgia are divided into six social clusters, with half following shrimp trawlers and the other half not. This suggests that foraging behavior around humans may be socially learned.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 1, 2017

Chimps' behavior following death disturbing to ISU anthropologist

Researchers observed chimps abusing and cannibalizing Foudouko's body for nearly four hours after his death, contradicting traditional notions of grief. The study suggests competition for mates, power struggles, and isolation may contribute to such deadly behavior in chimpanzees.

SourceIowa State University·JournalInternational Journal of Primatology·DateJan 31, 2017

Study reveals best states for lovers

A nationwide study found that states like Mississippi, Utah and Wisconsin scored low on attachment anxiety and avoidance, while having high marriage rates and fewer isolations. The top states for lovers also had lower temperatures and more regional charm.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·DateJan 10, 2017

Most doctors ignore one of the most potent ways to improve health, Penn experts say

Experts at Penn Medicine propose a five-step ladder to engineer social incentives that promote health, citing the potential of spouses and friends in encouraging healthy behaviors. The approach aims to tap into existing relationships rather than increasing interactions with physicians or clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateDec 29, 2016
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.

Oxytocin improves synchronization in leader-follower interaction

A study from Center for Music in the Brain found that oxytocin enhances synchrony in finger-tapping pairs, indicating improved social bonding and prediction skills. The hormone's role in facilitating predictability explains its social effect without subjective affiliation.

SourceAarhus University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 9, 2016

A friend of a friend is ... a dense network

A new theoretical model shows that dense networks evolve differently depending on the rate of second-neighbor connections. Networks with high copying probabilities exhibit densifying behavior, growing faster than themselves, and an unlimited number of growth transitions related to copying are discovered.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 1, 2016

When judging other people, first impressions last

A Cornell University study found that first impressions formed from photographs predicted how people felt and thought about the person after a live interaction. Participants consistently evaluated the same person differently after meeting in person compared to their initial impression.

SourceCornell University·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateNov 28, 2016

Mathematical algorithms calculate social behavior

Researchers developed mathematical models to simulate and improve group behavior, demonstrating the feasibility of predicting and controlling crowd movements. The approach involves reducing interactions to a small number of effective ones, allowing for forecasts and interventions in groups with generalized patterns of behavior.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateNov 14, 2016
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.

With a little help from my friend

A study by Max-Planck-Gesellschaft researchers found that social support from bond partners significantly reduced stress hormone levels in wild chimpanzees during conflicts and everyday affiliations. This discovery has potential medical implications for humans, highlighting the importance of supportive relationships in regulating stress.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2016

UNC researcher develops test scenarios for sustaining ecotourism in the Galapagos

A new paper describes a research team's models forecasting potential outcomes in the Galapagos Islands, developed to help the Ecuador government balance economic development and resource conservation. The models use real data and social-ecological processes to predict sustainable growth by 2033.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 10, 2016

Concentrating on the social billions

Researchers have found that frequent users of online social media do not experience decreased attention spans or sociability compared to occasional users. The study suggests that modern communication tools do not interfere with primal instincts, such as long-term attitudes and concentration.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Social Media and Interactive Learning Environments·DateOct 7, 2016

Enjoying your workout is the best motivation

Researchers found that four factors - perceived competence, social interaction, novel experiences, and physical exertion - trigger positive emotions in exercise. Enjoyment is a key factor among regular exercisers, leading to increased motivation and adherence.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateOct 6, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Academies announce winners of 2016 Communication Awards

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recognized outstanding science communicators with the 2016 Communication Awards. Deborah Cramer won for her book 'The Narrow Edge,' while NPR's Christopher Joyce and Alison Richards took home the award for their film/TV series 'Close Listening: Decoding Nature Through Sound.'

SourceNational Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine·DateSep 8, 2016

The surprising side effect of kissing up at work

A new study found that when coworkers witness a colleague kissing up to their boss, it can lead to a more positive perception of the supervisor among newcomers. The researchers suggest that this phenomenon occurs because newcomers are eager for positive information about their supervisors.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateAug 16, 2016
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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Ravens learn best from their affiliates

Researchers found that networks based on affiliative behaviors, like preening and sharing food, play a major role in transmitting information among ravens. These social connections, especially between siblings, emphasize the importance of family ties in learning.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateJul 13, 2016

Dishonesty is aggressively punished in the world of paper wasps

A study found that paper wasps aggressively punish dishonest signals, leading to reduced hormone levels and long-term impacts on social interactions. The researchers tested how facial patterns influence behavior and hormone levels in paper wasps, revealing a complex relationship between honesty and evolutionary fitness.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2016
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.

New framework uses patterns to predict terrorist behavior

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a framework that calculates relationships between select features of terrorist attacks, predicting characteristics with over 90% accuracy. The framework analyzes past attacks to identify future patterns, supporting the idea that terrorists learn from each other's behavior.

SourceBinghamton University·DateJun 28, 2016

Monkeys get more selective with age

Monkeys' selectivity towards social and non-social information increases with age, similar to humans. Aging monkeys show reduced social interaction but remain interested in their social world.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJun 23, 2016

The benefits of friending a grownup

A Drexel University study found that teen-adult social media interactions can aid in students' maturation process by modeling appropriate behavior and teaching self-censoring skills. The research also highlights the importance of establishing healthy relationships with adults on social media to help teens understand boundaries.

SourceDrexel University·DateJun 21, 2016

Study of police officers finds fatigue impacts tactical social interaction

A new study found that police officers who work day shifts perform better in interactions with the public, while those working night shifts are more likely to have encounters escalate into violence. The research suggests that better fatigue management could improve officers' ability to manage encounters effectively.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·DateJun 8, 2016

Great apes communicate cooperatively

Research on great ape communication reveals cooperative turn-taking sequences in both bonobos and chimpanzees, differing in their styles of gaze-based and signal-pause response based interactions. These findings suggest that cooperative communication may have arisen to coordinate collaborative activities more efficiently.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 24, 2016
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.

'Virtual partner' elicits emotional responses from a human partner in real-time

Researchers develop virtual partner that elicits emotional responses from humans, exceeding intellectual capacity test. The study reveals coordinated motion between brains and machines can make therapeutic contributions to rehabilitation of diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Psychophysiology·DateMay 17, 2016

The 'Echoverse': A new way to think about brand-consumer interactions

A new study from the University of Maryland explores how messages about brands interact across various channels in a complex feedback loop. The research highlights the importance of Twitter in brand management and finds that negative news articles can create a spiral effect, leading to fewer deposits in banks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 16, 2016

Loneliness in midlife

A study of 16,132 participants found that midlife loneliness is associated with low income, health restrictions, and limited social interaction. High income, professional status, and good job security are protective factors against loneliness in this age group.

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·DateMay 12, 2016

Social objects in the brain

Researchers used LEGO bricks to investigate symbolic object engagement, finding brain areas associated with social cognition and language activation when attending to model meaning. Special activation patterns were observed for models built with own group members versus others

SourceAarhus University·JournalNeuroImage·DateMay 11, 2016
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.

Humanoid robotics and computer avatars could help treat social disorders

Researchers developed a system to enable robot or computer avatar interaction with patients playing the mirror game, promoting attachment and improving social coordination. The results show that players sharing similar movement features interact better, paving the way for social rehabilitation.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateApr 11, 2016

Top soccer players are under-performing because of gambling, research says

Research by Graeme Law found that gambling impairs soccer players' performances on the pitch, with worries causing them to struggle with boredom and team resentment. Players turned to online betting sites to conceal their habit from partners, highlighting the need for greater awareness of potential problems.

SourceBritish Sociological Association·DateApr 7, 2016

Children's interactions more complex than predicted

Researchers studied kindergarten children's social exchanges to understand dynamics of complex interactions, finding evidence of non-traditional hierarchies and reciprocal pairings such as leadership/followship and aggression/submission. The study suggests people do not always behave in a hierarchical manner, with some 'leaders' showin...

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateApr 6, 2016

Companies that are interactive, informative can be more influential

Researchers found that interactive companies are perceived as more informative, leading to stronger brand attitudes and increased purchase intentions. The study suggests that engaging with customers through communication is key to boosting a company's influence.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Promotion Management·DateMar 15, 2016
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Bromances may be good for men's health

Researchers at the University of California - Berkeley found that moderate stress can make male rats more social and cooperative, leading to increased oxytocin levels. This effect is comparable to the benefits seen in romantic relationships, suggesting that bromances may have healthful effects similar to those seen in human friendships.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNeuropsychopharmacology·DateMar 3, 2016