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Study: Behavioral therapy for children with autism can impact brain function

Researchers found increased activation in brain regions utilized by typically developing kids after four months of Pivotal Response Treatment. This suggests improved social engagement and processing of low-level social stimuli. The study's findings have implications for early intervention and potential long-term benefits.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Autism and Developmental Disorders·DateFeb 14, 2013

Can therapy dogs be beneficial for children with autism spectrum disorder?

A review of published studies suggests that interactions with therapy dogs can help children with ASD develop emotional attachments and interaction in a social setting, leading to improved interpersonal communication. Larger studies are needed to confirm these findings and build on the current evidence.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalThe Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine·DateFeb 12, 2013

Using Twitter to predict the influence of lifestyle on health

Researchers used Twitter data to model how lifestyle factors such as social status, pollution exposure, and interpersonal interaction influence health. They found that even people who regularly talk about exercising get sick more often than those who actually exercise.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateFeb 8, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How do stay-at-home dads seek greater social acceptance?

Stay-at-home fathers are mobilizing to build greater legitimacy for their marginalized gender identity by aggressively pursuing recognition from mainstream institutions. They attempt to avoid feminizing associations by masculinizing domesticity, instead enacting a rebel dad persona and portraying themselves as a gender vanguard.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 11, 2012

When identity is tied to former employer, unemployed report higher well-being

A study by San Francisco State University Assistant Professor Jennifer Tosti-Kharas found that unemployed individuals who strongly identified with their former employer reported feeling more confident and having a greater sense of purpose. This strong sense of self appeared to offset the isolation common during job loss, particularly f...

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Managerial Psychology·DateNov 9, 2012

Social factors trump genetic forces in forging friendships, CU-led study finds

A CU-led study found that social environments play a crucial role in determining friendships, with genetically similar individuals more likely to form bonds in stratified settings. In contrast, egalitarian environments led to weaker genetic homophily among friends.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2012
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.

Early autism intervention improves brain responses to social cues

An autism intervention program that emphasizes social interactions has been found to improve cognitive skills and brain responses to faces, a building block for social skills. The program improved attention and cognition brain activity to social stimuli, making the brain function patterns more similar to typical developing children.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateOct 29, 2012

Science reveals the power of a handshake

A study by Beckman Institute researchers found that a firm, friendly handshake enhances the positive impact of approach and diminishes the negative impact of avoidance behavior on social interaction evaluations. The results demonstrate the importance of handshakes in making a good first impression.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Cognitive Neuroscience·DateOct 19, 2012

Study examines thoughts and feelings that foster collaboration across cultures

A study by Michael Morris and colleagues reveals that individuals with high cultural metacognition tend to develop more affectively trusting relationships with people from other cultures, enabling the free flow of ideas. This leads to greater success in collaborative creativity across cultural lines. The research highlights the importa...

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalOrganizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes·DateSep 12, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Favorite TV reruns may have restorative powers, says UB researcher

Watching a favorite TV show taps into surrogate relationships people form with characters, restoring mental resources and willpower. This activity allows for effortless control without exerting mental energy, leading to a restorative effect.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateSep 6, 2012

Male mice exposed to chronic social stress have anxious female offspring

A study published in Biological Psychiatry found that chronic social stress caused by unstable cage composition in adolescent mice led to increased anxiety and poor social interactions in their female offspring. The effects were observed across multiple generations, with stressed male mice also passing on these behaviors to their femal...

SourceTufts University, Health Sciences Campus·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateAug 22, 2012

IU researchers interview pro-anorexic bloggers for groundbreaking new study

A new study suggests that the 'pro-ana' online community provides a way for individuals with eating disorders to express themselves without judgment, leading to improved mood and increased support. Researchers found that nearly 20% of participants were in recovery, highlighting the potential benefits of this community for treatment.

SourceIndiana University·JournalHealth Communication·DateAug 20, 2012

Middle-class children: Squeaky wheels in training

A study by Indiana University sociologist Jessica McCrory Calarco found that middle-class parents encourage their children to ask questions and seek help, while working-class parents coach them to avoid problems. This difference in parenting approaches can impact children's ability to interact with institutions later in life.

SourceIndiana University·DateAug 19, 2012
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.

Babies may not have a 'moral compass' after all

Recent studies from New Zealand's University of Otago challenge the idea that infants as young as six months possess an innate moral compass, instead suggesting their preferences may be driven by interesting events. Researchers found that infants' choices could be explained by simple associations with specific visual stimuli.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 15, 2012

UCSB autism researchers find that focusing on strengths improves social skills of adolescents

A new study by UCSB researchers found that adolescents with ASD can improve their social skills by playing to their strengths, such as high intelligence and specific interests. The research team created social clubs around these interests, where students with ASD could interact and make friends with peers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Positive Behavior Interventions·DateAug 1, 2012
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.

Researchers find a brain center for social choices

A new study at Duke University found that the temporal-parietal junction (TPJ) is responsible for processing information related to social interactions. The TPJ was active when subjects made decisions against human opponents, but not against computer opponents.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience·DateJul 5, 2012

Individuals cooperate according to their emotional state and their prior experiences

Researchers found that individuals prioritize reciprocity over network structure when deciding to cooperate. This challenges traditional theories on cooperation among individuals. The study, published in PNAS, used a social conflict prototype called the Prisoner's Dilemma and involved 1,200 Aragon secondary students.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 4, 2012

Schooling fish: Wild zebrafish assess risk through social learning

Wild zebrafish use social learning to assess risk by observing other individuals' behavior and adjusting their own. They become more bold after interacting with bolder domesticated fish but do not change their behavior when encountering shy ones.

SourceUniversity of Veterinary Medicine -- Vienna·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJun 19, 2012
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.

Most older pedestrians are unable to cross the road in time

A study found that most older adults (65+) in England cannot safely use pedestrian crossings, leading to social isolation and reduced access to healthcare services. The research highlights the importance of prioritizing safe crossing times for vulnerable populations.

SourceOxford University Press UK·JournalAge and Ageing·DateJun 13, 2012

Voters' views of Mormonism still hamper Romney's campaign

Research reveals a 'stained glass ceiling' limits Romney's chances due to unpopularity of Mormons and lack of social contact. Public attitudes toward Mormons must change for Romney's religion to no longer be a hurdle.

SourceSpringer Science+Business Media·JournalPolitical Behavior·DateMay 22, 2012

How Twitter broke its biggest story, #WeGotBinLaden

A study analyzing over 600,000 tweets found that opinion leaders and celebrities fueled the spread of news about Osama bin Laden's death on Twitter. Nearly 80% of tweets were certain that bin Laden was dead within 21 minutes of TV confirmation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateApr 26, 2012

Contact networks have no influence on cooperation among individuals

Researchers' study shows that people prioritize personal cooperation over network reciprocity, contradicting previous studies. The study's findings suggest that decision-making in cooperative dilemmas depends solely on individual experiences, not social networks.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 2, 2012

Scratching the surface of social interaction

Researchers tracked the transfer of parasitic lice on brown mouse lemurs to infer their social contacts and habits. The study found that lice were transferred between 43% of males during the breeding season, indicating conflicts over females.

SourceBMC (BioMed Central)·JournalBMC Ecology·DateMar 25, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Mouse lemur social interactions: Tell-tale lice

A team of researchers tracked mouse lemur lice to understand their social interactions, finding that lice transfer occurred between 43% of males, with peak transfers during breeding season. Louse transfer showed greater distances and geographic areas than previously thought.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalBMC Ecology·DateMar 25, 2012

NIH launches online resource on behavioral and social science research methods

The NIH has launched an online resource called e-Source, which offers a range of interactive chapters, discussion forums, and references to help researchers apply behavioral and social science methods to public health activities. The resource is designed to provide a foundation for collaborations between biological and social scientists.

SourceNIH/Office of the Director·DateMar 23, 2012

Finding your friends and following them to where you are

Computer scientists at the University of Rochester developed a model that can determine a person's location within a 100-meter radius using only their friends' locations on Twitter. The researchers achieved an accuracy rate of 85% in one experiment, tracking individuals to within one city block in over eight out of ten instances.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMar 6, 2012

It's not solitaire: Brain activity differs when one plays against others

Researchers used fMRI to track brain activity in competitive game players, finding differing patterns of activity during social interactions. The study sheds light on how the brain processes information in competitive settings and may aid understanding of neuropsychiatric illnesses.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 6, 2012
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.

Harnessing the predictive power of virtual communities

Scientists have created a propagation-based algorithm to extract both link-density and link-pattern communities from real-life networks. This approach outperforms existing state-of-the-art algorithms in detecting real-life communities, particularly those characterized by internal patterns of similar connectedness.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateJan 30, 2012

Interactive maps reveal London's history in unprecedented detail

Researchers have created an interactive map that reveals London's social history in unprecedented detail, mapping information from a vast array of sources. The website allows users to explore the capital's past, including crime and punishment, distribution of wealth and poverty, and ownership of consumer goods.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·DateDec 12, 2011

Autism Speaks launches 'Visual Supports' tool kit

The new tool kit provides valuable guidance on utilizing pictures and visual supports to facilitate daily communication, social interactions, and adaptation to new situations. It has been found to decrease challenging behaviors and increase compliance and independence in families who use it.

SourceAutism Speaks·DateDec 1, 2011

Nice guys can finish first

A new Harvard study found that dynamic social networks encourage cooperation and friendliness, while selfish behavior can lead to exclusion from the group. Players who re-wired their social connections were more willing to form new relationships with generous individuals.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2011
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.

Men and women cooperate equally for the common good

A meta-analysis of 50 years of research finds no difference in cooperation between men and women in social dilemmas, but men are more cooperative than women in same-sex studies. Women's lower cooperation may be linked to evolutionary pressures, such as sexual competition among co-wives.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalPsychological Bulletin·DateSep 22, 2011

Watching viruses 'friend' a network

Researchers created a Facebook application called PiggyDemic to simulate viral interactions and gather data on how viruses spread among populations. The app can predict patterns of infection, seasonal outbreaks, and the impact of human interaction on viral dynamics.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateAug 30, 2011

Social class as culture

People from lower classes have fundamentally different ways of thinking about the world than people in upper classes. Lower-class individuals are better at reading other people's emotions and act altruistically. In contrast, wealthier people don't read others' emotions as well and hoard resources.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 8, 2011
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.

Your brain on nicotine: Nicotine receptors affect social behavior

Research suggests that nicotinic receptors play a crucial role in establishing a balance between social interactions and competing motivations. Mice with normal or modified nicotinic receptors exhibit different social behaviors, highlighting the importance of these receptors in social interactions.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJun 30, 2011

Do kids prefer playmates of same ethnicity?

A study by Concordia University researchers found that Asian-Canadian and French-Canadian preschoolers tend to interact more with children of their own ethnic group. The children were observed to be more competitive when playing with peers of the same ethnicity.

SourceConcordia University·JournalEuropean Journal of Developmental Psychology·DateJun 21, 2011

Our own status affects the way our brains respond to others

A new study found that people with higher social status respond more strongly to information about others of higher status, while those with lower status respond more strongly to information about others of lower status. This effect is linked to the brain's value system and has important implications for social behavior and interactions.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 28, 2011

Social wasps show how bigger brains provide complex cognition

Researchers found that larger social wasp bodies are linked to larger brains and more devoted brain tissue for social interactions, learning, and memory. Queens had larger central processing areas than worker wasps.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 11, 2011
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.

Gene linked to severity of autism's social dysfunction

Johns Hopkins scientists have identified a gene, GRIP1, associated with autism that affects social interaction deficits. The study found that variants of the gene contribute to the severity of social behavior in individuals with autism.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2011

Elevated levels of sodium blunt response to stress, study shows

New research from the University of Cincinnati shows that elevated levels of sodium can suppress social anxiety by inhibiting stress hormones in the body. The study found that rats exposed to high sodium levels responded less to stress and displayed reduced cardiovascular responses.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 5, 2011

To meet, greet or retreat during influenza outbreaks?

A new model suggests that severing social interactions may not be the best approach to prevent disease spread during influenza outbreaks. The researchers found that a moderate increase in the price of interpersonal contact can lower the peak prevalence of the disease while increasing overall societal utility.

SourceNational Institute for Mathematical and Biological Synthesis (NIMBioS)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 28, 2011

Wayne State study links testosterone with men's ability to 'woo' potential mates

A study by Richard Slatcher found that testosterone levels are associated with men's dominance behaviors and success when competing for an attractive woman. Men with high testosterone levels and a strong desire for social dominance were more likely to suppress their competitors' ability to attract the woman.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateMar 10, 2011

Teaching robots to move like humans

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that when robots move in a more human-like fashion, people can better recognize what the robot is doing and mimic it themselves. The study used motion-capture technology to program a robot to perform human movements, resulting in improved human-robot interaction.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateMar 7, 2011
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.

Freedom to choose leisure activities benefits people with autism

A recreation program that allowed autistic adults to choose their own leisure activities improved their communication and social skills, according to Penn State researchers. Participants scored higher on personality tests than a control group, showing significant improvement in recognizing and labeling emotions.

SourcePenn State·JournalResearch in Autism Spectrum Disorders·DateMar 1, 2011

Family mealtimes play a role in health of children with asthma

A new study finds that family interactions during mealtime significantly impact the health of children with persistent asthma. Families who engage in meaningful conversations and turn off electronic devices report better health outcomes for their children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 4, 2011

Attention ladies and gentlemen: Courtship affects gene expression

Research published in GENETICS suggests that being around the opposite sex activates genes in fruit flies that cause them to perform certain courtship behaviors. This study provides insight into the complex genetic machinery that affects social interactions, potentially leading to new understanding of disorders such as autism.

SourceGenetics Society of America·JournalGenetics·DateJan 12, 2011

What makes a face look alive? Study says it's in the eyes

Researchers found that people distinguish between living and non-living faces, particularly around two-thirds of the way along a continuum from doll to human face. The study suggests that our brains scrutinize faces, especially the eyes, for signs of life.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 20, 2010
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.

Study finds prayer can help handle harmful emotions

A study by University of Wisconsin-Madison sociologist Shane Sharp found that prayer can help victims of violent relationships cope with their emotions and find comfort through venting and positive self-perceptions. Prayer also serves as a useful distraction, allowing individuals to momentarily escape from anxiety and feelings of anger.

SourceAmerican Sociological Association·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2010

Study finds prayer can help handle harmful emotions

A University of Wisconsin-Madison sociologist found that prayer can help victims of violent relationships cope with their emotions by finding comfort in God's perspective. Prayer serves as a distraction and reprieve from anxiety, while also raising self-worth counteracting the abuser's hurtful words.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalSocial Psychology Quarterly·DateDec 14, 2010

Walk places, meet people and build social capital

A study by Shannon Rogers and her team found that living in a walkable neighborhood is associated with increased civic involvement, trust, and social connections. Residents in more walkable areas reported better health, happiness, and community involvement.

SourceSpringer·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·DateDec 7, 2010

Social tools prove powerful for online health programs

A U-M study found that adding an interactive online community to an Internet-based walking program significantly decreased participant dropout rates. Seventy-nine percent of participants who used the social component stuck with the program, while only 66% of those without it completed it.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateDec 7, 2010
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.

I want to see what you see: Babies treat 'social robots' as sentient beings

Researchers found that babies who watched a robot interact socially with people were more willing to learn from it than those who didn't see the interactions. The study suggests that social interaction and communication are fundamental features of being human, implying that humanoid robots must be able to interact socially with humans ...

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNeural Networks·DateOct 14, 2010