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Researchers give robots the capability for deceptive behavior

The study explores robot deception from a general perspective, with applications in military and search and rescue operations. Robots can use deception to hide and mislead enemies or calm panicking victims.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalInternational Journal of Social Robotics·DateSep 9, 2010

Addressing negative thoughts most effective in fighting loneliness

A meta-analysis found that changing how people perceive and think about others is the most effective way to combat loneliness. Cognitive-behavioral therapy-based interventions were particularly effective in reducing loneliness by addressing negative thoughts about self-worth and social perceptions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Review·DateSep 7, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Study: Teasing about weight can affect pre-teens profoundly

A new study suggests that weight-based criticism in pre-teens can lead to negative body perceptions, lower self-esteem, and increased risk of internalizing problems. The research highlights the need for early identification and intervention efforts at schools to address this issue.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalJournal of Pediatric Psychology·DateSep 7, 2010

NSF announces new Expeditions in Computing Awards

The NSF announces three new Expeditions in Computing awards, providing up to $10 million in funding over five years. These projects will focus on novel approaches to complex problems in computer science and engineering, including modeling social behavior and understanding climate change.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 19, 2010

'The friend of my enemy is my enemy'

A new study analyzing interactions between players in a virtual universe game has provided large-scale evidence to prove an 80-year-old psychological theory called Structural Balance Theory. The research shows that individuals tend to avoid stress-causing relationships when they develop a society, resulting in more stable social networks.

SourceImperial College London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 19, 2010
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.

Tactile sensations influence social judgments and decisions

Psychologists at Harvard University found that physical attributes of incidental objects can profoundly impact our social interactions. Researchers discovered that weight, texture, and hardness of objects can unconsciously influence judgments about unrelated events.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJun 24, 2010

Signal like you mean it

A new study reveals that orangutan gestures carry specific intentional meanings and are made with the expectation of behavioral responses. The researchers identified 64 gesture types, 40 of which were used predictably to achieve six social goals, including initiating interactions and requesting objects.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateJun 17, 2010

Spending time in nature makes people feel more alive, study shows

A series of studies found that spending time in nature significantly increases feelings of vitality and energy, even in indoor settings. The research, led by Richard Ryan, suggests that nature is fuel for the soul and can provide a natural connection to living things, promoting physical and mental health.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·DateJun 3, 2010

Physicsts reveal how to cope with frustration

Researchers have simulated frustration in a smallest possible quantum system, revealing its relation to entanglement. The team created a fully controllable frustrated magnetic network with three spins, allowing them to manipulate interactions using laser beams.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·DateJun 2, 2010
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.

Communication intervention in preschool children with autism improves parent-child interaction but does not deliver clinically significant reduction in autism symptoms

A new autism intervention for preschool children showed improvements in parent-child interaction, but failed to deliver a clinically significant reduction in autism symptoms. The study assessed 152 children aged 2-4 years and found that the PACT intervention led to enhanced communicative and social development.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateMay 20, 2010

Paternal mice bond with their offspring through the power of touch

Research from neuroscientist Samuel Weiss shows that paternal mice physically interact with their babies grow new brain cells and form lasting memories of their babies. The study demonstrates a positive feedback loop between social interactions and healthy brains.

SourceUniversity of Calgary·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 9, 2010

Brain activity exposes those who break promises

Scientists from the University of Zurich have discovered the physiological mechanisms in the brain that underlie broken promises. Patterns of brain activity can even predict whether someone will break a promise, shedding light on the neural basis of pro-social and antisocial behavior.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNeuron·DateDec 9, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Personality predicts success in medical school, says new study by U of Minnesota professor

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology found that personality characteristics play a significant role in determining who succeeds in medical school. Conscientious individuals tend to excel in early years, while extraverted students perform better in later years as interpersonal skills become more important.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalJournal of Applied Psychology·DateDec 3, 2009

Right-handed chimpanzees provide clues to the origin of human language

Research suggests that the left hemisphere's dominance in humans may stem from ancestral gestural communication, with right-handed gestures in chimpanzees indicating a similar lateralization. This study supports the idea that speech evolved from a gestural system and shares key features with human language.

SourceElsevier·JournalCortex·DateNov 16, 2009
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.

It takes 2 to tutor a sparrow

In a field study, University of Washington researchers found that juvenile song sparrows learn their repertoire by eavesdropping on singing conversations between two adult birds. This process involves tracking the birds' movements and responses to recorded bird songs played over two speakers.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateOct 20, 2009

New science of learning offers preview of tomorrow's classroom

The new science of learning emphasizes computational, social, and brain-based approaches to understanding human learning. Key findings include the importance of machine learning, social interaction, and empathy in learning, which are now being applied to develop personalized teaching tools.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 16, 2009

Brain emotion circuit sparks as teen girls size up peers

A study by the National Institute of Mental Health found that teenage girls' brains activate more in social emotion circuitry as they age, indicating a shift towards approach rather than avoidance. This may reflect resilience to psychosocial stress among healthy female adolescents.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Mental Health·JournalChild Development·DateJul 15, 2009
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.

In adolescence, girls react differently than boys to peers' judgments

A study found that girls' brain regions associated with social rewards and motivation responded differently when thinking about being judged by peers, especially those with whom they wanted to interact. This difference was not evident in younger boys.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJul 15, 2009

Need something? Talk to my right ear!

Researchers found that people prefer to be addressed in their right ear and are more likely to perform a task when receiving a request there. In noisy night club environments, the side bias was consistently displayed, with 72% of interactions occurring on the right side.

SourceSpringer·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateJun 23, 2009

MU study finds connection between evolution, classroom learning

A University of Missouri researcher recommends increasing repetition learning and reducing 'fun' activities in US schools to help bridge the gap between natural human learning abilities and modern knowledge needs. This approach can improve students' performance in subjects like science and math.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEducational Psychologist·DateJun 8, 2009

Consumer anger pays off: Strategic displays may aid negotiations

A new study finds that consumers can use 'emotion gaming' to get better deals by exaggerating their anger levels. This tactic is effective when proposers believe the receivers' emotions are genuine. However, if proposers suspect a strategic display, its impact on offers disappears.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 12, 2009

Sociologist at UH receives lifetime achievement award

Joe Kotarba, University of Houston sociology department chairman, has received the George Herbert Mead Award for his lifetime achievement in symbolic interaction. He will be honored at the SSSI/American Sociological Association meeting in San Francisco this August.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 23, 2009
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.

R U learning?

A pilot study is testing the effectiveness of text messaging as a medium for delivering HIV prevention education to at-risk teens. The study, funded by the National Institutes of Health, uses a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-approved curriculum and involves sending text, image, and video material to teen participants.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Charlotte·DateApr 14, 2009

Humans may be losers if technological nature replaces the real thing

A study by University of Washington psychologists explores the effects of interacting with technological nature on human connections with nature. The researchers found that while technological nature can provide some benefits, it lacks the depth and social connections offered by natural interactions.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateApr 1, 2009

Close relationships can perpetuate individual health problems

A new study reveals that smoking habits are deeply intertwined with relationship dynamics, with couples experiencing increased positive emotions and synchrony when both partners smoke. This finding highlights the importance of considering social factors in health interventions.

SourceWiley·JournalFamily Process·DateMar 11, 2009

Houseplants increase quality of life for retirement community residents

A study by Claudia C. Collins and Angela M. O'Callaghan found that caring for houseplants can have positive effects on residents' happiness and overall sense of well-being. The 4-week study involved interactive horticulture classes, resulting in improved mastery, self-rated health and a general feeling of success.

SourceAmerican Society for Horticultural Science·JournalHortTechnology·DateFeb 26, 2009
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.

Fate and 'face': Cultural differences lead to different consumer approaches

A new study published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that Asian consumers are more tolerant of nonsocial failures due to their strong belief in fate, while Western consumers are more demanding. The researchers also discovered that brands emphasizing fate can increase Asian consumers' tolerance for social failures.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateFeb 23, 2009

The liberating effects of losing control

A study by Tufts University psychologists found that mentally depleted individuals were more direct and authentic in conversation with black interviewers, and perceived as less prejudiced. This suggests that relinquishing power over oneself can lead to more harmonious interactions.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 18, 2009

Kidnapped senior needed IU-patented home security system

A device patented by an Indiana University researcher would have alerted a kidnapped senior's closest friends and family to the crime within moments. The Portal Monitor connects home doorbell sensors to porch cameras, forwarding headshot images to pre-selected contacts via cell phones.

SourceIndiana University·DateDec 17, 2008

International Journal of Social Robotics debuts at Springer

The International Journal of Social Robotics will cover a broad array of topics related to socially interactive robots, including design philosophies, human-robot interaction, and neurorobotics. The journal aims to provide an overview of the current state of the field and its impact on society.

SourceSpringer·JournalInternational Journal of Social Robotics·DateNov 10, 2008
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.

Egalitarian revolution in the Pleistocene?

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that the first egalitarian societies may have appeared tens of thousands of years ago, driven by the social brain hypothesis. The research uses a complex mathematical model and large-scale numerical simulations to explore how alliances can emerge in groups, leading to a phase transition toward...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 3, 2008

Study: Facebook profiles can be used to detect narcissism

A University of Georgia study suggests that Facebook profiles can be used to detect narcissism, with individuals displaying self-promoting behavior and having shallow relationships. Untrained observers were also able to accurately identify narcissistic tendencies based on profile characteristics.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateSep 22, 2008

Animals adapt their vocal signals to social situations

Studies across various species reveal that animals adjust their vocalizations to suit different social contexts, such as altering call duration and frequency in response to competition. This adaptability enables individuals to communicate effectively and navigate noisy environments.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Comparative Psychology·DateAug 25, 2008

UNC, Caltech research finds further evidence for genetic contribution to autism

A new study by UNC and Caltech researchers found that some parents of children with autism process face information differently than other parents, suggesting a genetic link. The study analyzed 42 parents of autistic children and found that those who were socially aloof relied more heavily on the mouth to recognize emotions.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJul 17, 2008
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.

Predicting TB outbreaks based on the first 2 cases

Researchers found that if the first two TB patients are diagnosed within three months of each other, especially in urban areas with sub-Saharan African origin, there's a 56% chance of an outbreak. This information can help focus public health resources more efficiently.

SourceAmerican Thoracic Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine·DateJul 1, 2008
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.

Political participation is partially rooted in genetic inheritance

Research by James H. Fowler and colleagues shows that genes influence voter turnout and a range of political activities, with identical twins exhibiting significantly more similar voting behavior than fraternal twins. The findings also suggest that family upbringing has little effect on children's future participatory behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAmerican Political Science Review·DateJul 1, 2008

Pre-K students benefit when teachers are supportive

A new study by the Society for Research in Child Development found that high-quality emotional and instructional interactions with teachers are key to children's development in pre-K. The research suggests that supportive teacher-child relationships can improve academic, language, and social skills in young children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateMay 15, 2008

Biologists are from Mars, chemists are from Venus?

A two-year project at the University of Delaware investigates how scientists bridge disciplinary boundaries, finding that individuals can narrow back to niche specialization. The team also observes differences in culture between academics doing cancer research versus clinicians.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateApr 30, 2008

Who's bad? Chimps figure it out by observation

In experiments, chimpanzees showed an ability to recognize and generalize behavioral traits in strangers, forming reputation judgments based on observation. This finding suggests that chimps may possess a system for attributing reputation, a crucial feature of cooperative exchanges.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnimal Cognition·DateMar 26, 2008

Online technical support forums build social capital

Researchers found that online P3 communities produce social capital, which strengthens over time and provides a foundation for archived technical assistance and broad social connections. Members develop an extended family-like relationship, sharing moral support and valuable advice.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMar 17, 2008
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Children with autism may learn from 'virtual peers'

Researchers at Northwestern University have found that children with high-functioning autism produce more contingent sentences when interacting with virtual peers. This suggests that virtual peers can be a useful tool in helping children with autism develop communication and social skills. The study aims to generalize these skills to m...

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 29, 2008

Sniffing out insider threats

Researchers developed a technology to spot insider threats using data mining techniques on email interactions. Individuals with latent interests in sensitive topics or those feeling alienated within the organization are potential threats.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Security and Networks·DateFeb 19, 2008

Babies prefer good Samaritans

Babies as young as six months old showed a preference for individuals who help others, while hindering was met with disdain. This early ability to evaluate people suggests that assessing interactions is central to processing the social world.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 2007

10 minutes of talking has a mental payoff

A University of Michigan study found that conversing with others for just 10 minutes can improve memory and cognitive function. The research suggests that social interaction is an effective way to boost mental abilities, comparable to traditional mental exercises.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateOct 29, 2007
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.

Friends help friends avoid drug use

A USC study found that social network-tailored prevention curricula can significantly reduce substance use among teenagers, with a 15% decrease in high-risk teens. The program's success depends on how peer influence is channeled, with positive influences boosting participation and negative influences hindering it.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAddiction·DateOct 8, 2007