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Interactive floor system makes tracks in encouraging children’s play

Researchers developed an interactive system using floor projections that respond to the player's movements to encourage children's imagination and engagement. The system was evaluated in a study, revealing that unrealistic interactions stimulate children's imaginations more than realistic interactions.

SourceKobe University·JournalInternational Journal of Child-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Permanent Twitter ban of extremist influencers can detoxify social media

A Rutgers-led study found that banning right-wing extremists from Twitter significantly reduces the spread of anti-social ideas and conspiracy theories. Removing these individuals from social media platforms leads to a nearly 92% decline in tweets referencing them, as well as a 90% decrease in new users tweeting about them.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateOct 21, 2021

Pandemic took a toll on older adults serving as unpaid caregivers for chronically ill or disabled loved ones

A new study highlights the challenges faced by unpaid caregivers of chronically ill or disabled loved ones during the pandemic. The survey found that 60% of caregivers experienced at least one challenge related to accessing medical care for their loved ones, leading to increased stress, depression, and isolation.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalInnovation in Aging·TypeSurvey·DateOct 6, 2021

The unique brain state of team flow

Researchers discovered a distinct brain signature associated with team flow, characterized by increased beta and gamma waves in the middle temporal cortex. This neural pattern is linked to enhanced information processing and synchronization between teammates during the team flow state.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateOct 4, 2021

Study shows tiger sharks have social preferences for one another

A study by the University of Miami found that tiger sharks form social groups and exhibit social preferences, but interactions become more random when fed by dive tourism. The researchers tracked tiger sharks over three years and used Social Network Analysis to examine their behavior.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 3, 2021

Science-backed tips for maximizing play time with kids

Research highlights six core pillars of learning: active, engaged, meaningful, socially interactive, iterative, and joyful. Experts offer practical advice on transforming everyday spaces into playful learning environments that support children's growth.

SourcePenn State·JournalTrends in Cognitive Sciences·TypeCase study·DateAug 26, 2021

Study: As cities grow in size, the poor 'get nothing at all'

A new study found that larger cities produce more income inequality, with the poor experiencing a decline in quality of life. The researchers analyzed data from municipal areas across the US and found that the top 10% of earners gain an increasingly large portion of wealth as cities grow.

SourceSanta Fe Institute·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 17, 2021

Like humans, apes communicate to start and end social interactions

A study published in iScience found that apes purposefully use signals to start and end interactions, similar to human politeness. The researchers observed that the social dynamics between interacting apes affected the communication efforts used, with closer bonobo pairs showing shorter entry and exit phases.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateAug 11, 2021

Readiness to punish others for selfish behaviour explained by functional brain connections

Researchers found that stronger functional brain connections between the temporoparietal junction and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex are associated with lower levels of punishment for unfair behavior. This suggests that individuals with stronger connectivity in these areas may be less inclined to punish others for selfish actions.

New research reinforces impact men can have as gender equality allies in the workplace

New research published in Social Psychological and Personality Science reveals that men who express support for gender equality can significantly reduce women's anticipation of workplace harassment and hostility. The presence of an ally also increases feelings of identity-safety, such as a sense of belonging and trust in the group.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 9, 2021

Coping with COVID-19 through music

A global study found that people use music as a coping mechanism for emotional and social stress, with music listening helping to regulate depression and fear. Music making also provides a sense of community and self-reflection, while 'coronamusic' reveals the power of collective creative responses during times of crisis.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·DateAug 8, 2021

Far out: Why political parties go to extremes

A recent study modelled social, economic, and personal factors influencing voters and parties to identify four key levers that tip the balance towards political extremes. Social contagion and macro-economic factors such as employment and economic growth play a significant role in driving polarization.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 5, 2021

Officers' tone of voice reflects racial disparities in policing

A study published by the American Psychological Association found that police officers' tone of voice conveys less warmth, respect, and ease when speaking to Black male drivers during routine traffic stops. This subtle negativity contributes to a downward cycle of distrust between police and the Black community. The researchers suggest...

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Personality and Social Psychology·DateJul 12, 2021

Parrot talk

Research reveals that parrots rely on eavesdropping on vocal interactions to assess unfamiliar individuals. In flock encounters, flocks primarily choose to follow a leader's contact call, indicating the importance of vocal imitation in social interactions.

Religious participation makes both old and young more likely to trust their neighbors and donate to charity

A new study found that religious participation increases social trust among both millennials and older adults, with those attending church more likely to donate to charity. The research also shows that younger generations can benefit from intergenerational interactions with their elders, who tend to have more social capital.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe Sociological Review·DateJun 17, 2021

Keeping the peace

A new study suggests that peacekeeping patrols can increase individuals' optimism about cooperation with outgroups, making them more willing to engage in intergroup cooperation. This cooperation limits communal violence, promotes economic development, and bolsters social trust. The research, conducted by William Nomikos, found that UN ...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalThe Journal of Politics·DateJun 15, 2021

Popularity runs in families

A Rice University study, likened to the movie 'The Truman Show,' found that genetic variation plays a significant role in determining social positions within groups of cloned fruit flies. The researchers measured social interactions between identical clones in separate enclosures under different environmental conditions.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2021

The role of computer voice in the future of speech-based human-computer interaction

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology and RIKEN, Japan, conducted a meta-synthesis to understand human perception and interaction with computer voices. They found that users prefer human-like voices, particularly those with high pitches and empathetic tones, and that the inclusion of vocal fillers improves interactions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACM Computing Surveys·DateJun 1, 2021

Lockdown led to positive lifestyle changes in older people

A University of Stirling study found that COVID-19 lockdowns triggered feelings of loneliness in older adults but also encouraged them to engage with technology, reconnect with friends, and build new relationships with neighbors. The research highlights the importance of addressing loneliness and social support in older adults, particu...

SourceUniversity of Stirling·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateMay 14, 2021

Scientists launch 'next generation' human brain imaging lab

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a wearable headset that measures brain activity in real-time, allowing for the study of social interactions, humans of all ages and sizes, and people in motion. The optically pumped magnetometry technology enables movement-tolerant brain imaging simultaneously with two research volunteers.

Time seems to pass more slowly in the UK COVID-19 lockdown

During England's second national lockdown, people with depression experienced distorted perceptions of time, while those dissatisfied with social interactions also reported slower time passage. The findings suggest that mental health and social dissatisfaction play a significant role in how we experience time during isolation.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2021