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When eyeing a predator, horses keep a poker face as their hearts race

Researchers found that horses' heart rates increased when viewing wolves, regardless of behavior, while keeping a poker face and not displaying overt behaviors. The study's findings have implications for horse welfare and rider safety, as horses may be experiencing internal agitation without physical signs.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPLOS One·DateJul 15, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How some skills become second nature

A team of MIT engineers identified tacit knowledge in volunteers who classified images, shifting focus to easier-to-classify areas without awareness. Bringing this concealed knowledge to the surface enhances experts' performance, suggesting a method for boosting learning experience in disciplines requiring keen observation skills.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMar 4, 2026

Numbers in our sights affect how we perceive space

A team from Tokyo Metropolitan University found that numerical information in vision affects spatial perception, introducing complex interplay between object-based processing and number value. Their experiments with squares showed a strong vertical bias when numbers were present, highlighting the impact of the ventral visual stream.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 27, 2025
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.

Local news services need to adapt or face extinction: report

A new report from RMIT University and the University of Canberra proposes that local news organisations must adapt to their audiences' shifting news habits. The report recommends embracing community-driven content, including hyperlocal news, human-interest stories, and practical information.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournalism Practice·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 27, 2025

Self-trained vision transformers mimic human gaze with surprising precision

Researchers from The University of Osaka have demonstrated that vision transformers can spontaneously develop human-like visual attention patterns without specific training. This breakthrough showcases the potential of self-supervised learning for advancing AI applications and modeling biological vision.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalNeural Networks·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 26, 2025

Robotic system zeroes in on objects most relevant for helping humans

A new robotic system uses cues in a scene to determine a human's objective and quickly identify relevant objects, enabling intuitive assistance in household, workplace, and warehouse settings. The approach achieved 90% accuracy in predicting human objectives and 96% accuracy in identifying relevant objects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 24, 2025
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.

Study: The brain learns to filter out distracting stimuli over time

The human brain can learn to suppress early visual processing of distracting stimuli, such as roadside billboards, after repeated exposure. This learned suppression enhances attention to relevant stimuli and improves performance in tasks that involve frequent distractions.

SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalJNeurosci·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2025

Hunger shifts attention towards less healthy food options

A new study reveals how hunger influences dietary decisions by prioritizing tastiness over healthiness, leading to poorer nutritional choices. Researchers used eye-tracking technology and computational modeling to demonstrate that hungry individuals focus more on the visual appeal of food options and ignore nutritional information.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·DateMar 25, 2025

New research finds how fighting female flies focus on their foes

Scientists have uncovered how aggression affects vision in female fruit flies, revealing three distinct mechanisms that regulate visual attention. This breakthrough provides insight into the link between sensory information and social behaviors, with potential implications for understanding and treating neuropsychiatric disorders.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature·DateDec 12, 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.

Newly devised covert eye tracking “CovET” system succeed in measuring visual recognizability of Saizeriya logo

A new covert eye-tracking system, CovET, has been developed to evaluate visual recognizability of brand logos in peripheral visual fields. The study found that participants could recognize the Saizeriya logo even when it was presented outside their line of gaze, indicating higher visual recognizability on covert attention.

SourceChuo University·JournalInternational Journal of Affective Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2024
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.

Activity in brain system that controls eye movements highlights importance of spatial thinking

The superior colliculus, a brain region traditionally thought to control eye movements, also plays a crucial role in complex cognitive tasks like visual categorization and decision making. Research from UChicago shows that activity in this region is more involved than previously thought in guiding cognitive processes.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2024

Brain-wide decision-making dynamics discovered

Neuroscientists have discovered a global process across the brain that coordinates sensory input with motor action through learning. In trained mice, neurons link sensory evidence to action initiation, integrating information across multiple brain regions.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024
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.

Enhancing the mind-body connection through technology and touch

A recent study demonstrates how real-time haptic feedback can enhance interoceptive awareness, improving mental and physical health. Participants showed improved accuracy in heart rate discrimination tasks after receiving haptic feedback, suggesting a deeper connection between the mind and body.

SourceReichman University·JournalPsychophysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

The secret to finding balance: improving interoception

A new Reichman University study demonstrates how external representation of physiological signals can improve internal balance. The researchers created an immersive multisensory environment that mirrors the user's breathing pattern, leading to significant improvements in interoceptive sensibility and flow among users.

SourceReichman University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

How the brain’s arousal center helps control visual attention too

Researchers have discovered that activating the locus coeruleus, a brain structure producing norepinephrine, improves visual sensitivity in non-human primates. The study used optogenetics to selectively boost LC activity, resulting in drastic enhancements in performance on a visual attention task.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024

New study examines influence of social media on televised debate viewing

A new study by a multi-disciplinary team suggests that including social media visuals on screen undermines the purpose of presidential primary debates. The researchers found that competing visual stimuli may distract viewers from what is being said, hindering learning outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Arkansas·JournalJournal of Visual Political Communication·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 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.

The construction of visual attention highlighted at the neuronal level

Researchers used intracortical recordings to study the neural mechanisms behind exogenous attention, identifying three cortical networks activated in sequence as attention was captured by visual stimuli. The findings suggest a continuum of activity in the cortex, with attention emerging as a bridge between perception and action.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2024

The “eyes” have it: Demystifying gaze and attention

Two new studies explore the link between attention and eye movements, showing that attention can be lost when objects change suddenly before gaze falls on them. Researchers also found distinct neuronal signatures in primate visual cortex for attention and eye movement signals.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 29, 2024
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.

Knowing what dogs like to watch could help veterinarians assess their vision

A study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that dogs are most engaged when watching videos featuring other animals, with content featuring other dogs being the most popular. The research aims to improve the assessment of canine vision and support a healthier life for dogs as they age.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalApplied Animal Behaviour Science·DateJan 18, 2024

How does social attention develop in autistic children?

Research reveals that autistic children develop their own unique visual preferences for social elements, unlike typically developing children who synchronize their attention on social interactions. Early intervention targeting social attention may help guide autistic children onto developmental courses more akin to their peers.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournaleLife·TypeNews article·DateJan 11, 2024

Children’s brains shaped by their time on tech devices, research to-date shows

A review of 23 years of neuroimaging research finds that screen time affects the pre-frontal cortex and other brain regions involved in executive functions, memory, and processing. Digital experiences may shape children's brains and influence cognitive development, with both positive and negative impacts.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalEarly Education and Development·DateNov 17, 2023

Stunting in infancy linked to differences in cognitive and brain function

Research from the University of East Anglia found that children who are too short for their age can suffer reduced cognitive ability due to differences in brain function as early as six months. The study discovered a link between stunted growth and disrupted visual working memory, making them more easily distracted.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeObservational study·DateOct 26, 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.

Is less more? Or is less sometimes less? Examining the consumer trend toward minimalist packaging in consumable products

A new study finds that simple packaging design is positively associated with price, but not always enhances consumers' willingness to pay. The research team discovers that store-brand products and health-oriented consumers benefit from simplicity, while indulgent consumers prefer complex packaging.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 11, 2023

Visual search: Context facilitates more effective strategies

Contextual cueing enhances visual search capabilities by facilitating more effective scanning strategies. The brain learns to store relative positions of target objects in relation to distractors, leading to faster reaction times.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCommunications Psychology·DateSep 29, 2023

Expanding the VR immersion comfort zone

Researchers have developed high-resolution near-eye displays with integrated light field technology, overcoming limitations of earlier displays. The new designs feature improved resolution, pixel density, and vision correction capabilities, resulting in enhanced visual comfort and immersive VR experiences.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateSep 19, 2023

Selling a juicy burger with a mouthwatering photo on Instagram? The effect of induced positive consumption simulations on purchases

Researchers synthesized over 50 studies to find that mental simulations using visuals or verbal calls to action improve behavioral intentions and behavior. However, the effectiveness varies depending on the modality, frequency, type of consumption experience, and target populations.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 15, 2023
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Consumers should have more visual cues when making online purchases, experts say

A new study found that providing visual information about terms and conditions after purchase improves understanding and memory, with reading times increasing by 41-162% and comprehension improving by 14-21%. Researchers recommend combining textual and visual cues to improve transparency in online consumer transactions.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Consumer Policy·TypeObservational study·DateAug 7, 2023

Links between attention and conscious perception highlighted in frontoparietal networks

A recent study revealed that attention plays a crucial role in shaping our conscious experience of the world. Researchers found that manipulating attention can modify an individual's ability to consciously perceive visual stimuli, highlighting the intricate relationship between attention and conscious perception. By using advanced neur...

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 1, 2023

Real-world context increases capacity for remembering colors

A study led by Dartmouth College researchers found that participants' color memory improved when stimuli were meaningful and part of real-world objects. The results demonstrate that the capacity for visual working memory of colors is more continuous and flexible than previously thought, with better recall of colors in meaningful contexts.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Dominating over junk food on social media

Researchers found that healthier foods require more photographic staging to gain popularity, but using warm colors, repetition, and clean backgrounds can increase audience engagement. This study aims to help health communication and practitioners create visually appealing content that garners higher social media engagement.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalHealth Communication·DateMar 28, 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.

Trained brains rapidly suppress visual distractions

Researchers trained monkeys to ignore distracting colors in a video game, showing that the brain can suppress pop-out stimuli after training. The study reveals how the brain balances attention between internal goals and environmental cues, improving efficiency and reducing distraction.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2023

Digital content could be altering your visual perception, new research shows

New research explores the impact of digital media on visual perception, finding that online environments can shift what the brain pays attention to. Studies suggest that excessive digital use can lead to a reduced sensitivity to oblique angles, but this effect may not be permanent once exposure to nature increases.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalPerception·DateFeb 21, 2023

Attention and running influence individual brain cells independently

Neuroscientists at Sainsbury Wellcome Centre discovered that individual neurons in the visual cortex of mice are modulated separately by attention and running. The study found that spatial attention and running influence neurons independently, with different dynamics.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2022
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.

Gamers can have their cake and eat it too

A study by Kyoto University and BonBon Inc found that complex games like Potion can measure distinct cognitive skills such as stealth behavior and abstract thinking in young players. However, older players did not exhibit the same level of engagement, challenging existing beliefs about gaming's impact on cognition.

SourceKyoto University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 8, 2022

Can ‘random noise’ unlock our learning potential?

A recent ECU study discovered that tRNS can enhance neuroplasticity, allowing the brain to form new pathways and connections. This technology has shown promise as a tool to assist individuals with learning difficulties or neurological conditions.

SourceEdith Cowan University·JournalNeuroscience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 4, 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.

Better assess the needs of people with multiple disabilities

Researchers at UNIGE develop new method using eye-tracking to evaluate social-emotional and perceptive abilities in children and adolescents with severe multiple disabilities. This approach enables assessment of individual skills and preferences, allowing for personalized stimulation and care devices.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeNews article·DateApr 26, 2022

Infants preferentially perceive faces in the upper visual field

A study found that infants aged 5-8 months preferentially perceive faces in the upper visual field. The bias emerges around 7 months and is specific to faces, with no observed bias for non-face images. This suggests an important role of experience with faces in daily life in shaping this perceptual bias.

SourceChuo University·JournalDevelopmental Science·DateApr 24, 2022

Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him...

Researchers at Kyoto University found that chimpanzees exhibit a preference for faces and skulls of their own species, similar to previous studies with African elephants. This suggests the presence of a face module in chimpanzee brains that detects and processes facial cues.

SourceKyoto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022

Taking a closer look into fibroblasts in the central nervous system

Researchers developed new method to visualize CNS fibroblasts and their intercellular interactions in the CNS. The technique provides a detailed picture of CNS fibroblasts, including their location, size, morphology, and gene/protein expression patterns.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalNeurophotonics·DateApr 6, 2022
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.

Validation of home visual acuity tests for telehealth

Researchers validated at-home visual acuity tests to measure eye health in telehealth settings, improving accessibility and reducing reliance on in-office appointments. The study found that these home tests were comparable to in-office measurements, demonstrating their potential as a reliable tool for remote eye exams.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Ophthalmology·DateMar 31, 2022

Haider’s window system allows for long-term studies of brain activity

Researchers have developed a new approach to studying brain activity, allowing for longer-term studies and improved understanding of neural traffic jams. The new cranial window system uses surgical glue and a tiny glass window to capture high-quality blood flow imaging and stable electrical recordings.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2022

Researchers teach algorithm to predict success in effortful tasks

A machine learning model has been developed to predict cognitive performance based on reaction time, eye movement, and difficulty level. The model achieved an accuracy of 82.8% in predicting participant success in visual attention tasks.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalDecision Support Systems·DateMar 2, 2022

Visual facilitation around hands: hand proximity attention and handedness

Researchers at Tohoku University discovered that visual processing is facilitated by spaces near the hand, revealing a process independent of top-down attention. The study found differences in hand proximity attention between left-handers and right-handers, suggesting a possible link to handedness variation.

SourceTohoku University·JournalCerebral Cortex Communications·DateMar 1, 2022
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Seeing ‘green’ can ease confusion, anger in navigating hospitals, WVU researcher says

Research by Shan Jiang found that introducing nature views into hospital corridors can significantly ease confusion and anger in navigating large medical complexes. The study revealed that participants used shorter time and walked less distance to complete wayfinding tasks when exposed to green spaces.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalHERD Health Environments Research & Design Journal·DateFeb 18, 2022

Flies possess more sophisticated cognitive abilities than previously known

Researchers at UC San Diego's Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind discovered that fruit flies possess more sophisticated cognitive abilities than previously known. Using virtual reality and real-time brain imaging, they found attention, working memory, and conscious awareness-like capabilities in flies.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022
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.

Who’s watching? Nearly a third of TV ads play to empty rooms

A new study by Cornell University reveals that nearly a third of TV ads play to empty rooms, indicating a significant gap between ad exposure and actual viewer engagement. The research found that viewers are more likely to leave the room or change channels than stay engaged with ads.

SourceCornell University·JournalMarketing Science·DateFeb 10, 2022

Finding structure in the brain’s static

Scientists found smaller, faster waves in the visual cortex that relate to how attentive the brain is. These wave patterns may help understand sleep, anesthesia, and attention by suppressing irrelevant information. The discovery could also improve artificial brains using machine learning techniques.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 1, 2022