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Social sensing game detects classroom bullies

A new social sensing game created at Illinois detects bullying behavior and identifies classroom bullies more effectively than traditional research methods. The game analyzes students' interactions in real-time, revealing behaviors like private messages and negative nominations.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of School Violence·DateNov 19, 2014

Liberals are more emotion-driven than conservatives

A study found that emotions have a greater influence on leftists' positions than on rightists', even with induced negative emotions. Real-world scenarios showed Jewish-Israeli leftists' policy support was more related to empathy and anger than rightists'. Future research aims to investigate how emotions motivate changes in rightists' p...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateNov 7, 2014

Study shows why cliques thrive in some schools more than in others

A new study published by the American Sociological Association finds that schools with limited social choices and prescribed formats lead to less clique formation and segregation. In contrast, larger schools with more freedom and choice tend to foster cliquishness and self-segregation among teens.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalAmerican Sociological Review·DateNov 6, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Framework may help improve use of social media during disasters

A new analysis identifies 15 distinct social media uses during disasters, including providing preparedness information and reconnecting community members. The proposed framework aims to standardize and organize disaster social media practices, potentially protecting lives and aiding recovery

SourceWiley·JournalDisasters·DateNov 4, 2014

Whites of their eyes: Study finds infants respond to social cues from sclera

A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that infants at 7 months old can distinguish between fearful and non-fearful eye expressions, indicating an early ability to detect social cues. This suggests that brain processes for automatic eye recognition develop during infancy.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 27, 2014

Chemical present in broccoli, other vegetables may improve autism symptoms

Researchers found daily sulforaphane treatment improved behavioral and communication assessments in participants with moderate to severe autism spectrum disorder. The study showed significant improvements in factors such as irritability, lethargy, and communication after 18 weeks of treatment.

SourceMassachusetts General Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 2014
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.

Study shows sharks have personalities

Researchers found that individual sharks possess social personalities, determining how they interact with group mates in the wild. The study revealed that socially well-connected individuals remained connected under different habitats, while less social individuals camouflaged alone.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBehavioral Ecology and Sociobiology·DateOct 1, 2014
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.

Tipping the balance of behavior

Researchers at Caltech have discovered a seesaw-like circuit in the mouse amygdala that controls whether animals engage in social or repetitive asocial behaviors. The discovery, led by Weizhe Hong, may have implications for understanding neural circuit dysfunctions underlying autism in humans.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateSep 11, 2014

Diverse neighborhoods may help infants' social learning

A new study found that hearing diverse languages in infancy can make babies more open-minded in their social learning. Infants from diverse neighborhoods were more likely to imitate actions from a non-English speaker than those from less diverse areas.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalCognition·DateSep 10, 2014

In our digital world, are young people losing the ability to read emotions?

A UCLA study suggests that excessive digital media use is linked to declining social skills in children, as they spend less time engaging in face-to-face interactions. The research found that sixth-graders who went device-free for five days showed significant improvements in recognizing human emotions compared to their peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 21, 2014
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 identifies 'bonus effect' for certain multiracial daters

A new study has identified the 'bonus effect' for certain multiracial daters, where they are viewed as more desirable than individuals from all other racial groups. Three multiracial groups - Asian-white women, Asian-white and Hispanic-white men, and black-white daters - were found to be on the receiving end of this preference.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·DateAug 18, 2014

Can fiction stories make us more empathetic?

Research suggests that exposure to narrative fiction can enhance our ability to understand mental states and empathize with others. Studies have shown that children who read fiction regularly develop better theory-of-mind skills, while adults who engage deeply with stories report higher levels of empathy.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateAug 11, 2014

Study shows role of media in sharing life events

A new study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that nearly 70% of social sharing took place via media, with participants preferring texting and Twitter for positive events. However, sharing negative news led to increased feelings of sadness and anxiety, highlighting the importance of considering emotional well-being when sh...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 24, 2014

Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting opened

The 64th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting brings together 37 Nobel laureates and over 600 young scientists from around the world. They will engage in discussions on topics such as immune system defenses against infection, advances in cancer research, and intelligent drug development.

SourceLindau Nobel Laureate Meetings·DateJun 29, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Your genes affect your betting behavior

Researchers found that genetic variants in dopamine-regulating genes influence strategic thinking, with three genes linked to belief learning and two genes linked to trial-and-error reinforcement learning. The study's findings have implications for understanding diseases like schizophrenia and social interaction disorders.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 16, 2014

Emotional contagion sweeps Facebook, finds new study

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that emotional contagion occurs when people are exposed to positive or negative emotions expressed by their friends on Facebook. The study showed that reducing exposure to negative content in news feeds led to an increase in positive words used by users, and vice versa.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2014
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.

Negative social interactions increase hypertension risk in older adults

A study by Carnegie Mellon University researchers found that negative social interactions significantly increase the risk of hypertension among older adults. Women were more affected by these interactions than men, and relationships with friends and family led to a higher risk of developing hypertension.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalHealth Psychology·DateMay 28, 2014

Putting a number on opinion dynamics in a population

A mathematical model studies opinion dynamics in a population, considering factors like interaction with peers, media influence, and social media. The study provides insights into how information distribution affects societal opinions.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Applied Dynamical Systems·DateMay 22, 2014
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Racism -- not what the doctor ordered

A review of 37 studies found evidence of racist beliefs and practices among healthcare providers, including negative perceptions of black patients' intelligence and compliance with medical advice.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateMay 6, 2014

Oxytocin promotes social behavior in infant rhesus monkeys

Researchers found that oxytocin increased two facial gestures associated with social interactions in infant rhesus monkeys. The hormone promoted more communicative behavior, including lip smacking and standing close to caregivers, in strong imitators, suggesting its potential as a treatment for autism spectrum disorders.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 28, 2014

Genes increase the stress of social disadvantage for some children

A study found that genes amplify stress from harsh environments for some children, while supportive environments help mitigate this effect. The research used telomere length as a biomarker of stress and showed that genetic pathways play a role in the stress response.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 7, 2014

'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

Social feedback loop aids language development

Researchers found a social feedback loop between parents and children is essential for speech development, but this loop occurs less frequently and is weaker in autistic interactions. The study used audio recordings to analyze interactions and found that higher maternal education was associated with faster speech development.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 19, 2014
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.

MIT political scientist proposes new polling method based on conjoint analysis

A new paper by an MIT political scientist suggests a way to assess the relative impact of several factors at once in politics, using conjoint analysis. The method allows for direct comparison of how voters weigh different candidate characteristics, providing insights into voter preferences.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPolitical Analysis·DateFeb 27, 2014

Cultural foundations of human social behavior

Joan Chiao's research investigates how cultural factors influence basic psychological and neural processes underlying social behavior and emotion processing. The study focuses on the physiological and cultural foundations of traits such as empathy and altruism, shedding light on their role in shaping human social interactions.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 15, 2014

How politics divide Facebook friendships

A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology found that people with differing opinions engage less on Facebook. The research also highlights design changes that could help bridge political differences, such as displaying shared interests and increasing exposure to weak ties.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 28, 2014

Researchers use sensory integration model to understand unconscious priming

Carnegie Mellon University researchers Roberta Klatzky and J. David Creswell develop a new sensory integration model to explain the mechanisms underlying unconscious priming, which affects how we think and behave in social contexts. The model provides a clearer understanding of when and why primes influence behavior.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalPerspectives on Psychological Science·DateJan 24, 2014
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.

Cocaine users enjoy social interactions less

Chronic cocaine users exhibit poor emotional empathy, recognize less emotion from voices, and engage in less prosocial behavior, impacting their social networks. Social interaction is perceived as less rewarding compared to non-users.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2014

When a doctor's visit is a guilt trip

A recent study from UC San Diego found that nearly half of patients experience shame or guilt during doctor visits, with weight and sex being common triggers. Focusing on behaviors rather than self-attributions can lead to positive changes in patient behavior and health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBasic and Applied Social Psychology·DateJan 15, 2014

Social experience drives empathetic, pro-social behavior in rats

Rats will help a stranger in distress if they have had prior positive social interactions with the type of unfamiliar individual. This behavior is driven by social experiences and not genetics or kin selection. Rats are able to categorize others into groups and modify their social behavior accordingly.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateJan 14, 2014
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.

Autism spectrum disorder: A guide for physicians to help families

The Canadian Medical Association Journal provides a comprehensive review of autism spectrum disorder, emphasizing the importance of early detection and referral to intervention services. The article highlights best practices for pediatricians and family doctors, including behavioral interventions and personalized medicine.

SourceCanadian Medical Association Journal·JournalCanadian Medical Association Journal·DateJan 13, 2014

ASU researchers discover chameleons use colorful language to communicate

Researchers at Arizona State University discovered that chameleons change colors to convey important information during social interactions, such as territory disputes and mating. The study found that the intensity and speed of color changes can predict which chameleon will win a fight or approach an opponent.

SourceArizona State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateDec 11, 2013

Thinking ourselves into eating more, reinforcing female math stereotypes, and more

Research in Personality and Social Psychology Review sheds light on the psychological barriers to healthy eating, including how thinking before eating can undermine dieting goals. Meanwhile, studies on terror-management theory and violent video games reveal the complex relationships between death awareness, celebrity endorsements, and ...

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateNov 21, 2013

Researchers propose social network modeling to fight hospital infections

A study by researchers at the University of Maryland and American University has proposed a framework for hospitals to model their social networks to predict and minimize the spread of bacterial infections. The study found that sparse, social network structures are associated with lower infection transmission rates.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalIIE Transactions on Healthcare Systems Engineering·DateOct 22, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Putting a face on a robot

A new study from Georgia Institute of Technology found that people's preferences for a robot's appearance change depending on its intended use. Older adults tend to prefer human-like robots for social interactions, while younger participants prefer robotic faces for decision-making tasks. The research suggests that the design of an ass...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 1, 2013

Responsive interactions key to toddlers' ability to learn language

A new study found that responsive interactions are crucial for toddlers' language learning, particularly when compared to video instruction. When conversing with a person or in a live video chat, children learn new words and use them to label actions.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateSep 24, 2013
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Researcher wins best paper award for automated interview coach

A computer system called MACH helps users practice social interactions, including eye contact, tone of voice, and filler words. Students who practiced with MACH demonstrated an improvement in interviews compared to the control group, suggesting its potential for addressing behavioral health issues.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateSep 11, 2013

Improved caregiver training helps HIV-infected children

A new study by Michigan State University found that improved caregiver training can significantly enhance the development of HIV-infected children. The program also reduces depression in caregivers, who are often the children's mothers and must work long hours to provide food.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateAug 15, 2013
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.

Studying the emotions which cause opinions to change

A physicist has developed a model to study the dynamics of opinions, combining information with emotions to understand how opinions form and change. The study reveals that minority groups can persist despite being surrounded by enemies and that many elections have close results.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJul 31, 2013

Materialism and loneliness: Is there really a vicious cycle?

A recent study found that materialism can lead to loneliness, but it also decreases loneliness for those who acquire possessions solely for enjoyment. The research suggests that materialism may not be entirely detrimental to consumer well-being when pursued in a 'happy hedonistic' lifestyle.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 26, 2013

Robot mom would beat robot butler in popularity contest

A recent study published in Computers in Human Behavior found that people express more positive feelings towards a robot that takes care of them than one that needs care. Researchers observed 60 interactions between college students and a social robot, Nao, to determine how human perception of robots changed based on their role.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 8, 2013

Knowing the end goal increases productivity

A new study from Aarhus University's Interacting Minds Centre found that when team members know their exact goal, they are more willing to trust and cooperate with each other. The research suggests that trust and clear goals are essential ingredients for successful cooperation in various settings.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 3, 2013
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.

Automated 'coach' could help with social interactions

Researchers developed MACH software to help individuals improve their interpersonal skills through simulated conversations. The system uses facial and speech analysis to provide objective feedback, leading to statistically significant improvements in performance and perceived competence.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 14, 2013
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.

Training gives kids of AIDS patients a leg up

A simple training program can improve early-childhood development in children of AIDS patients by teaching caregivers how to support their children's social skills and cognitive abilities. The study found that these children made significant gains in language learning, memory, and overall cognitive skills after receiving the training.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics·DateApr 10, 2013
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.