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Take caution when mirroring one’s actions or words - social psychologists with a warning to therapists

A recent study found that mimicking participants' actions or words increased feelings of guilt, contradicting the assumption that it fosters social bonding and reduces negative emotions. The researchers suggest that therapists carefully consider the potential benefits and drawbacks of using mimicry in therapy.

SourceThe Polish Association of Social Psychology·JournalSocial Psychological Bulletin·DateApr 1, 2024

To keep volunteers, connect them

A new study from the University of Texas at Austin suggests that fostering social connections among volunteers can help organizations recruit and retain scarce volunteers. Researchers analyzed data from a Chinese crowdsourcing platform and found that social connections were a powerful predictor of volunteer behavior, with findings appl...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalInformation Systems Research·TypeObservational study·DateMar 28, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Children with language disorders may fall victims to false friends, study warns

A study by the University of Exeter warns that children with language disorders are susceptible to making false friends due to a lack of awareness about peers' motives and thoughts. Children consider peers as friends because they play with them, without fully understanding what constitutes a good or bad friend.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalInternational Journal of Language & Communication Disorders·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2024

Perceived gender discrimination linked to decline in wellbeing for older women

A study of 3,000 middle-aged and older women found that those who perceived gender discrimination reported declines in wellbeing over time, including more depressive symptoms, loneliness, and lower quality of life. Perceived sexism was linked to depression, loneliness, and poor life satisfaction six years later.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Active social lives help dementia patients, caregivers thrive

People with dementia experience declines in social well-being as their disease progresses, while caregivers become isolated due to caregiving responsibilities. Experts recommend screening for loneliness and finding ways to keep individuals socially connected to improve quality of life and reduce health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Gerontologist·DateMar 18, 2024

New study reveals the evolutionary nature of animal friendships

Researchers from Stockholm University and University of Neuchâtel discover social bonds in group-living animals develop over time through mutual aid and shared activities. Existing members actively initiate new friendships with recruits, expanding the social network.

SourceStockholm University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 8, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Unravelling the genetic and environmental influences on trust

A new study found that genetic factors contribute around 33% to the variation in levels of trust among individuals, while life circumstances such as age, health, and relationship status also increase trust. The research used twin studies to disentangle genetic and environmental influences on trust.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Economic Behavior & Organization·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 20, 2024

Some Pre-Roman humans were buried with dogs, horses and other animals

A study of human-animal co-burials from ancient Italy suggests that the practice may have been related to enduring companion relationships or religious beliefs. Researchers found that the people buried with animals did not share common traits, leaving multiple interpretations for this phenomenon.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2024
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.

Low voice pitch increases standing among strangers

A cross-cultural study found that lower voice pitch makes women and men sound more attractive for long-term relationships and more formidable among other men. Lower male voice pitch also confers formidability and high social status in societies with higher relational mobility, suggesting evolutionary origins.

SourcePenn State·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 8, 2024

Violence is contagious among members of Italian mafia groups, study shows

Researchers analyzed the criminal careers of over 9,800 Italian mafia members and found that prior violent co-offending significantly increases the likelihood of future violent offenses. The study suggests that group-based violent actions have a stronger impact on future violence than solo violence.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Quantitative Criminology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 5, 2024
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.

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

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

Joking apart: What men and women find funny

A new study published in De Gruyter journal Humor found that men rate visual jokes higher than women, who prefer jokes involving political commentary or dynamics of close relationships. Both sexes enjoyed cartoons with complex romance themes.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalHumor - International Journal of Humor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2024

How does the inability to burp affect daily life?

The inability to burp, known as retrograde cricopharyngeus dysfunction (R-CPD), significantly impacts daily life, causing symptoms like abdominal bloating, flatulence, and difficulty vomiting. Participants reported feeling embarrassed, anxious, and depressed due to R-CPD, highlighting the need for increased awareness and identification.

SourceWiley·JournalNeurogastroenterology & Motility·DateDec 20, 2023
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.

Vervet monkeys follow different social “norms” and respond to “peer pressure,” new long-term study shows

A new long-term study has found that vervet monkeys in neighboring groups have distinct social traditions, with some exhibiting more affiliative behaviors than others. The researchers observed that males adapted their social style to match their new group, suggesting a phenomenon akin to social conformity driven by peer pressure.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 19, 2023

A new force of nature is reshaping this planet

Erle Ellis, professor of geography and environmental systems, argues that human societies have developed unprecedented capabilities to scale up and transform ecological systems. However, these advancements often come with negative environmental consequences, such as climate change and species extinctions.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 14, 2023

‘Friendly’ hyenas are more likely to form mobs

Research from Michigan State University reveals that spotted hyenas form mobs based on strong social relationships and can cooperate even when there's no obvious benefit. The study found that female hyenas were more likely to join mobs when there were no male lions present.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 5, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Sydney researchers discover hidden structure in networks like Twitter

Sydney researchers have identified new structural relationships in complex networks like Twitter and political blogs. A 'source-basin' structure plays a crucial role in organizing the flow of information, with influential nodes serving as sources and densely connected active nodes forming basins.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateNov 28, 2023

Chinese-Russian cooperation has strengthened significantly in the past 30 years, analysis shows

The study reveals that bilateral cooperation intensity has gradually strengthened between China and Russia over the past three decades. Energy trade assumed new importance after 2008, while military cooperation showed a more varied pattern of evolution. Political cooperation structures the Sino-Russian relationship, driving its progress.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEurope Asia Studies·DateNov 22, 2023

The liking gap is real for second language English speakers, new Concordia research shows

Researchers found that second language English speakers underestimate how much they are liked by others, with females underestimating their speaking skills even more. This 'liking gap' can limit beneficial interactions and hinder meaningful relationships, potentially affecting students' academic and social integration at universities.

SourceConcordia University·JournalLanguages·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 15, 2023
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.

Research examines why mask usage in Japan persists

Research out of Osaka University reveals that many Japanese people continue to wear masks for socio-psychological reasons, including relief and norm. The study found correlations between mask usage motivations and actual mask usage before and after the government downgraded COVID-19's legal status.

SourceOsaka University·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·TypeObservational study·DateNov 2, 2023

Study examines the devastating impact of loneliness on Autistic people

A new study found that sensory differences exacerbate loneliness and poor mental health in Autistic adults, highlighting the need for inclusive social spaces. The research also showed that financial inequalities and lack of employment opportunities contribute to feelings of isolation among Autistic individuals.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAutism in Adulthood·TypeSurvey·DateNov 2, 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

Canine cuddles can comfort equally across all genders

A recent UBC Okanagan study found that canine cuddles have a comparable positive wellness effect across all genders, contradicting previous studies with predominantly female participants. The research suggests that canine-assisted interventions can be an inclusive option for post-secondary mental health and wellness programs.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalHuman-Animal Interactions·TypeObservational study·DateOct 30, 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.

New distractibility “d factor” may be linked with ADHD

Researchers identified a novel measure, the 'd factor', linking distractibility with ADHD symptoms and hyperfocus. The study found strong statistical links between external distraction, intrusive thoughts, and mind-wandering, suggesting a general distractibility trait.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateOct 25, 2023

How parents’ work stress affects family mealtimes and children’s development

A new study from the University of Illinois found that children of parents with higher work-related stress have lower socioemotional competency at age 4-5. Meanwhile, mothers' job dissatisfaction does not impact family mealtimes, but fathers' financial dissatisfaction leads to reduced attendance and negative child development outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Family Psychology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 28, 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.

Study identifies patient and clinician-level characteristics associated with sexual history screening administration

A mixed methods study of 53,246 patients and 56 clinicians found that gay and lesbian patients, cisgender women, and doctors' sociodemographics are linked to higher odds of documented sexual history. Conversely, older patients, long-term relationships, and non-English primary languages are associated with lower odds.

SourceAmerican Academy of Family Physicians·JournalThe Annals of Family Medicine·DateSep 25, 2023

Food insecurity linked to muscle dysmorphia symptoms in adolescent and young adults

A recent study by the University of Toronto has found a significant link between food insecurity and muscle dysmorphia symptoms among adolescent and young adult Canadians. The research revealed that individuals experiencing food insecurity were more likely to suffer from symptoms of muscle dysmorphia, including functional impairment an...

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalBody Image·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2023

Conformity hinders group performance in variable environment

A new study by Hebrew University researchers reveals that conformity impairs group performance in temporally variable settings. In contrast, lower conformity facilitates more efficient adaptability in groups, shedding light on the nuanced relationship between conformity and group outcomes.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalHuman Nature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

Jackdaws switch friends to gain food – but stick with family

Researchers found that wild jackdaws strategically switch friends to get mealworm rewards, but stick with offspring, siblings, and mating partners. The study provides new insights into how animals manage social relationships and how societies emerge from individual decisions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 11, 2023
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.

First-time fathers seem to experience a steeper decline in relationship satisfaction in the first two years post-partum than second-time fathers

A study published in PLOS ONE found that first-time fathers face a steeper decline in relationship satisfaction following childbirth compared to second-time fathers. Second-time fathers experience an increase in relationship satisfaction within 14 months postpartum, returning to baseline levels.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 30, 2023

Do digital hugs work?

A new study reveals that digital hugs can be cultivated through the development of social skills and attention to norms and conventions in online interactions. By understanding how people interact with each other online, researchers have identified a key factor in creating meaningful connections: 'digital tact.'

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·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

Young kids may learn to identify dog aggression with age and experience

A study published in PLOS ONE found that children's ability to recognize dog emotions, especially aggression, improves with age. Four-year-olds were less able to recognize aggressive dog expressions than six-year-olds and adults. As children grow older and gain experience with dogs, they become better at reading canine facial expressions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 26, 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.

Interracial relationships don’t always make people less racist

A new academic paper from Rice University and Texas A\(M g University found that interracial relationships do not necessarily end discriminatory tendencies among individuals, even those in romantic partnerships. Researchers examined existing research on close interracial relationships to see how they impacted overall attitudes about ra...

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Family Theory & Review·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 18, 2023

How positive contact with diverse groups reduces conspiracy theories

A new study from UEA found that friendly interactions with people from diverse groups can significantly reduce the endorsement and tolerance of conspiracy theories. Positive intergroup contact has been shown to decrease prejudice towards targeted groups, including Jewish people and immigrants.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalEuropean Journal of Social Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJul 17, 2023

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
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.

Friendly teasing or traumatic bullying? Homophobic name-calling leaves scars

A new study found that homophobic name-calling, even from friends, has a negative impact on teenagers' mental health, including depressive symptoms and decreased sense of belonging. The research highlights the importance of clear anti-bullying policies, teacher education, and supportive interventions to prevent such behavior.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of School Violence·TypeSurvey·DateJul 5, 2023

People in power who are guilt-prone are less likely to be corrupt

A study by UC Santa Barbara psychology professor Hongbo Yu found that individuals prone to guilt in their everyday lives are less likely to take bribes. The research suggests that anticipatory guilt may make people think twice before engaging in corrupt behavior, particularly when they can see the potential harm to others.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateJun 26, 2023

Powerful board allies are a CEO's best weapon

A new article explores how a CEO's subgroup power can impact decisions about CEO dismissal. Powerful subgroups of directors can exert influence to protect the CEO, even if the company is performing poorly. The study analyzed 20 years of data from S&P 500 boards.

SourceStrategic Management Society·JournalStrategic Management Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 22, 2023
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.

Walkable neighborhoods help adults socialize, increase community

A study published in Health & Place found that walkable neighborhoods foster social interactions with neighbors, promoting a sense of community. Researchers analyzed data from 1,745 adults living in Seattle, Baltimore, and Washington D.C., revealing that these environments encourage active behaviors like walking and socializing.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalHealth & Place·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 20, 2023

The evolution of societal cooperation

Researchers developed a model that considers multiple coexisting social norms and studied how these norms might compete as individuals learn from one another. Key findings include the success of 'stern judging' in promoting cooperation, particularly in situations where individuals show a preference for interacting within their own group.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 8, 2023

Study finds socially tolerant monkeys have better impulse control

A study by researchers at the University of Portsmouth found a significant connection between social organisation and cognitive skills in monkeys. Tonkean macaques, known for their diverse and complex relationships, demonstrated better overall control of distraction, emotions, and actions compared to less tolerant species.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalAnimal Cognition·TypeObservational study·DateJun 8, 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.

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

Discovery of neurons that recognize others

Researchers at the Institute for Basic Science have identified specific neurons in the hippocampus that allow us to recognize individual social counterparts and update their value through interactions. The dorsal CA1 region plays a crucial role in this process, enabling long-term memories of individuals to be formed.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 1, 2023