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Young people from poorer families make fewer friends

A new study by the University of Zurich found that children from low-income families have fewer opportunities to make friends and socially integrate at school. This has significant effects on their mental health, grades, and future careers.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalSocial Networks·DateJan 25, 2024

Centralized social networks potentially hinder innovation by making decision-making too similar

A study by researchers at the University of Sydney and Stockholm University found that centralized social networks can lead to a culture of homogeneity, where innovative voices are crowded out and traditionalist practices prevail. This can have significant consequences for the environment and global food security.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPeople and Nature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2024

New study demonstrates the importance of diverse social ties to entrepreneurship, even in divided societies

A new study demonstrates the importance of diverse social ties to entrepreneurship, even in divided societies. Researchers found that entrepreneurs used tactics like finding commonalities and defocusing on ethnicity to build trust and access resources. The study offers specific strategies for navigating partisan divides productively.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Entrepreneurship Journal·TypeCase study·DateJan 19, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Social networks of sanctuary-living Grauer’s gorillas provide unique insights into the behavior of a critically endangered species and inform on their care and future release

Social network analysis of sanctuary-living Grauer's gorillas reveals adult females are central to the group's dynamics and most gregarious. This study provides unique insights into the behavior of a critically endangered species and informs on their care and future release strategies.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 17, 2024

“Not everyone has the same number of friends” – Overhaul epidemic modelling to include social networks, says new research

A new study from the University of Birmingham suggests that epidemic modeling can significantly overestimate infection numbers due to ignoring network structures. The researchers found that heterogeneous networks can lead to smaller epidemic waves and fewer infections, contradicting standard 'random mixing' models.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalJournal of Physics Complexity·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2024

Pandas active posters on social media

A new study reveals that pandas are more socially active than previously thought, using scent-marking trees to exchange information about their lives. In non-mating seasons, they primarily hang with family members, but branch out during mating seasons.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalUrsus·DateDec 19, 2023

We need to talk about social chatbots and their impact on neurodiverse people

Researchers flag potential concerns over the impact of social chatbots on neurodiverse people, citing risks of fostering bad habits and reinforcing dysfunctional habits. The technology may relieve social anxiety but can also develop into a form of dependency that negatively impacts actual relationships.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Behavioral Addictions·TypeNews article·DateDec 10, 2023
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.

A better way of measuring homophily

Researchers have developed a new method to measure homophily in social networks, which can accurately capture biases within group interactions. The study found that traditional methods may produce misleading results, particularly in networks with unequal groups and asymmetric mixing.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalScientific Reports·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 5, 2023

Addicted to your phone? New tool identifies overuse of digital media

The Digital Media Overuse Scale (dMOS) is a new tool that measures digital media addiction, providing clinically relevant scores across various domains. Researchers found that overuse is typically reported in one or a few domains only, with social media being a significant concern.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalTechnology Mind and Behavior·DateDec 5, 2023

Digital payment platforms can easily be misused for drug dealing

Researchers from UC Davis analyzed 23 million Venmo transactions to find at least 83,068 unique users using drug-related emojis or slang. The study highlights the need for vigilance and adaptive regulatory measures to prevent digital footprints from being misused.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAnnals of Operations Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 21, 2023
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.

Geese ‘keep calm and carry on’ after deaths in the flock

Researchers observed Canada goose flocks before and after a population-management cull, finding that the birds strengthened existing relationships rather than forming new connections. This social conservatism helps reduce the potential for increased disease transmission.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 14, 2023

UArizona researchers examine the relationship between loneliness and being alone

A new study by UArizona researchers found that solitude does not correlate with feelings of loneliness unless a person spends 75% of their time alone. The study also highlights the importance of social connections for human health and introduces a new method to measure social activity using a smartphone app.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Research in Personality·TypeContent analysis·DateNov 1, 2023

K-pop fans helped COVID-19 public health messaging go viral

A Dartmouth-led study found that tweets featuring K-pop group BTS generated 111 times more virality than similar tweets without the artist's name. This highlights the power of entertainment in driving public health messages and bridging cultural divides.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalOnline Social Networks and Media·DateOct 5, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Fair and sustainable futures beyond mining

A researcher from Göttingen University advises on overcoming difficulties faced by mining communities in transition, suggesting a three-step approach centered around stakeholder collaboration. This approach combines early planning, local-based solutions, and targeted investments to foster economic and workforce transformation.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Energy·TypeObservational study·DateOct 2, 2023

Unraveling complex systems: The Backtracking Method

Researchers at EPFL have developed the Backtracking Dynamical Cavity Method (BDCM) to study disordered systems, which are found in materials science, climate, and social networks. By tracing steps backward from stable points, the BDCM provides valuable insights into complex system dynamics.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 23, 2023

Why childhood adversity impacts how a person’s behavior is judged

Researchers found that childhood adversity can reshape an individual's moral development, leading to a 'deformative experience' that pulls them away from their true nature. This asymmetric sensitivity to life history information affects judgments of praise and blame.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalSocial Cognition·DateAug 22, 2023

Study explores the influence of social networks on oral health outcomes

The study found that network-level variables significantly improved model fit and displayed strong independent associations with oral health outcomes. Network proportion needing dental treatment was positively associated with current dental treatment needs, while exposure to reported dental visits decreased odds of no recent dental vis...

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·JournalJDR Clinical & Translational Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 28, 2023
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.

What do bats, priests and rabbis have in common?

A new computer science tool is applied to examine Judeo-Christian relations in literature from the early first centuries CE, yielding wondrous results. The study reveals that Jewish sources are familiar with early Christian sources, but show wider geographical familiarity with both eastern and western Christian sources in later periods.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalHumanities and Social Sciences Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 17, 2023

It’s a small world after all

A recent study by Bar-Ilan University researchers proves that six degrees of separation exist in social networks due to human behavior and cost-benefit analysis. Social networks tend to favor this pattern as individuals seek strategic connections to gain prominence, balancing drive for prominence with limited budget for new friendships.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 26, 2023

Community spaces may promote healthy aging for rural Black, Hispanic adults

New research found that social infrastructure in rural communities can provide essential support to older, non-white adults. This study highlights the importance of community spaces in promoting healthy aging among Black and Hispanic older adults, who are disproportionately affected by loneliness and mental health issues.

SourcePenn State·JournalRural Sociology·DateJun 20, 2023
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.

Study explores how social network users decide to make friends

Researchers found that similarity with a potential friend, the properties of a potential friend's network, and the potential friend's domain expertise are key drivers behind individuals' online friendship decisions. Having common interests and demographic traits improves the odds of two strangers becoming friends in an online community.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 12, 2023

What your likes, posts really say about you

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis offers a fine-grained scale to understand how people use social media, revealing four categories: belief-based, consumption-based, image-based and comparison-based. Each category is associated with unique personality traits and behavioral characteristics.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAssessment·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023

Couples’ social networks took long-lasting hit during COVID

The study found that COVID-19 lockdowns led to significant declines in face-to-face and virtual interactions among couples, particularly among lower-income and Latino/Black couples. These declines persisted even after vaccines became available and restrictions were lifted. The researchers highlight the need for public health measures t...

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPersonality and Social Psychology Bulletin·DateJun 2, 2023

Monkey see, monkey do: observing macaques to better understand movement synchronization

Researchers observe 'social motor entrainment' in macaques, where movements synchronize with others, and find it varies by animal pairs, social hierarchy, and stimulus type. This study provides insights into the neural underpinnings of social cohesion and has implications for understanding human conditions like autism spectrum disorder.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 30, 2023
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.

Could online gaming social networks have a positive impact on mental health?

A new study found that social support, sense of community, and depressive symptoms played a role in changes to an online gaming site's social structure over time. Members who reported more social support and a greater sense of community were more likely to form communication ties and connect with others.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalSociological Focus·DateMay 9, 2023

When employees leave their jobs, coworkers call it quits: UBC study

A UBC study found that employee layoffs have a strong impact on voluntary turnover among remaining employees, especially when high performers are let go without clear justification. The research suggests that organizations should prioritize clear communication and compassionate decision-making to avoid destabilizing their workforce.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAcademy of Management Journal·DateApr 28, 2023

Recent study on how to get people to share a corporate post

A recent study by Sara Valentini and colleagues at Bocconi University found that consistency between online content and the values associated with a brand increases rebroadcasting frequency. Posts containing price promotions also perform well when aligned with the brand's identity, with followers being 109% more likely to share them.

SourceBocconi University·JournalJournal of Interactive Marketing·DateApr 26, 2023

What makes someone likely to be a first-gen college grad? Money

A new study reveals that first-generation college graduates often originate from more affluent families with greater resources. This challenges the notion of a meritocracy, where success is solely based on individual effort. The research highlights the significant advantage these students have due to their family's socioeconomic status.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalSociological Quarterly·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 21, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Remember me? Gender, race may make you forgettable

A new study by Cornell University researchers found that being a woman or racial minority can help someone stand out in memory, but also increases the likelihood of confusion when others share similar attributes. The findings suggest that biases in memory may contribute to discrimination and have significant implications for career adv...

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Behavioral and Experimental Economics·DateApr 3, 2023

How repeated questions could put you at risk of cyber crime

A new study found that repeated requests for personal data increase disclosure, despite unchanged concerns about privacy. Researchers suggest practical measures to reduce this effect and encourage mutually beneficial sharing.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalJournal of Cybersecurity·TypeObservational study·DateMar 27, 2023

Harnessing incoherence to make sense of real-world networks

A new approach to describing network connections can help predict system strong and weak points, crucial for understanding disease spread and communication networks. Researchers found that mapping hierarchies and incoherence within a system enables prediction of strong and weak connections.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 20, 2023
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.

HSE researchers examine wellbeing of Russian social media users and rank public holidays by popularity

A machine-learning model was trained on 10 million tweets to infer users' subjective wellbeing. The study found that New Year's Day is the most popular holiday, followed by Defender of the Fatherland Day and International Women's Day. The researchers also discovered gender differences in attitudes towards certain holidays.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPeerJ Computer Science·DateMar 15, 2023

Americans share fake news to fit in with social circles

Research finds that both conservative and liberal Americans share fake news due to a fear of exclusion from their social groups. The study suggests that pre-bunking methods and highlighting the importance of accurate news can help reduce the spread of fake news.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·JournalJournal of Experimental Psychology·DateMar 9, 2023
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.

Rewarding accuracy instead of partisan pandering reduces Republican-Democrat divide over the truth – study

A new study by University of Cambridge researchers found that offering tiny cash rewards for accuracy can increase people's ability to distinguish between misinformation and the truth. The study suggests that fake news thrives due to a motivational imbalance, where users have more incentive to get clicks than to spread accurate content.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Flamingos form cliques with like-minded pals

A study by the University of Exeter found that flamingos form groups based on their individual personalities, with birds of similar traits spending more time together. This complex social behavior could help improve the welfare of captive flocks and provide insights into the evolution of bird societies.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateMar 1, 2023

Targeting wealth managers would cripple Russia's oligarchs

A new study by Dartmouth College researchers finds that sanctions on wealth managers would be more effective than asset seizure in crippling Russia's oligarchs. The research uses network science to map the connections between wealthy individuals and their financial experts, revealing a vulnerable network that can be disrupted with targ...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 28, 2023

Pairing students supports integration at universities

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that pairing students reduces academic and social gaps, increasing well-being. The study, conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic, showed positive effects on communication, stress, and personal contacts.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Studies in International Education·TypeCase study·DateFeb 23, 2023
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.

Lesson from Flint: Social networks must be engaged in disaster recovery

A new study found that people with large social networks, particularly those with women, are more likely to take action to protect their health during environmental disasters. The research also highlighted the importance of community leaders and local groups in disaster recovery efforts.

SourceCornell University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateFeb 20, 2023

Online hate speech is often hidden in plain sight

A new study reveals that online hate speech is frequently conveyed through subtle and modified wording, allowing it to evade detection. Covert methods of expression are being used by haters to avoid detection, highlighting the need for increased attention to implied ways of expressing hate.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalJournal of Pragmatics·DateFeb 2, 2023

Predicting human group sizes with physics

Researchers at Complexity Science Hub developed a model using physics principles to predict group sizes in humans. By analyzing social stress and homophily, they found that group sizes can be predicted with relatively small information, revealing new insights into human behavior.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalPhysical Review·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2023
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.

Study: Political polarization doesn’t dominate people’s perceptions of COVID-19

A recent study by University of Missouri researcher Jake Haselswerdt suggests that partisan beliefs do not overshadow how people perceive the severity of COVID-19 in their communities. Local public health information appears to get through to individuals, regardless of their political leanings.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Health Politics Policy and Law·DateJan 11, 2023

The AVID college prep program leads to lower substance use, better health behaviors among high school students, UCLA-led research suggests

The AVID college preparatory program has been shown to have a positive effect on students' social networks, psycho-social outcomes, and health behaviors. Students who participated in the program had lower odds of using substances and associating with substance-using peers compared to those in usual school programs.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalPEDIATRICS·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 16, 2022

Five key factors affect physical activity in multi-ethnic older adults

A recent study published in Geriatrics found that age, education, social network, pain, and depression are significant predictors of physical activity in older adults. The findings suggest that modifying these factors through targeted interventions can increase physical activity levels.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalGeriatrics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 1, 2022
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.

Female monkeys ‘actively reduce’ social network as they age

Researchers found that female rhesus macaques become increasingly selective in their social interactions as they get older, focusing on relatives and established friendships. This trend suggests that females play an active role in shaping their social networks, rather than being shunned by society.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateNov 30, 2022

The interplay between epidemics, prevention information, and mass media

A new model examines the interplay between epidemic spreading and information diffusion to understand how reliable info can be better disseminated during epidemics. Effective prevention practices and mass media can increase the epidemic threshold, making it harder for infections to spread.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 22, 2022

Social media damages appearance satisfaction

A study published in Body Image found that social media use is associated with lower appearance satisfaction. Engaging with content from friends and family was found to have a significantly stronger negative impact on appearance satisfaction compared to celebrities or influencers.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalBody Image·DateOct 19, 2022
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.

Scant evidence to support roll out of social prescribing policy internationally

A systematic review found scarce evidence supporting social prescribing's effectiveness in improving social support, physical function, or primary healthcare use. The link worker model showed promise in reducing hospital admissions and improving self-rated health for those with multiple conditions in deprived communities.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·TypeSystematic review·DateOct 17, 2022

Study outlines one way employers can head off ‘quiet quitting’

A recent study from North Carolina State University found that employees' relationships with coworkers significantly impact their sense of purpose and drive at work. The researchers discovered that employees who receive advice and support from their peers are more likely to feel a strong connection to the company.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHuman Resource Management·TypeObservational study·DateSep 27, 2022

A team of MIT, Harvard and Stanford scientists finds “weaker ties” are more beneficial for job seekers on LinkedIn

A large-scale experimental study by Harvard, Stanford, and MIT researchers found that weaker social connections on LinkedIn have a greater beneficial effect on job mobility than stronger ties. Weaker ties increased the likelihood of job mobility the most, while strongest ties had the least impact.

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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