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Fractured, fed up and fully competitive

A new survey finds Orange County's governor race virtually tied, with the top issue being the cost of housing. The poll also reveals an increasing divide by generation and gender, yet an electorate converging on fixing housing costs. This leaves Democrats and Republicans scrambling to assemble winning coalitions.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJul 29, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

LA wildfires had lasting mental health impacts for the most vulnerable residents

A new USC study found that LA County residents in evacuation zones experienced heightened levels of anxiety and depression after the 2025 wildfires. The effects were greatest among those facing social and economic hardship, highlighting the need for policies to bolster housing security and community support networks.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateJul 29, 2026

Europeans are increasingly worried about climate change

Climate change has become Europe's top environmental issue, with concerns rising despite global crises, particularly in Nordic countries. Local impacts are also being recognized, such as water scarcity in Spain and air pollution in Italy.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·DateJul 27, 2026
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Traffic accidents increase the day after a mass shooting

Research by Harvard Medical School found that traffic fatalities increased by 14.3% the day after mass shootings, resulting in nearly 20 additional deaths nationwide. The study analyzed internet search patterns and data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System to identify a consistent pattern across the country.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateJul 15, 2026

HSE researchers determine which internet users are more likely to fact-check

A study by HSE University found that younger users and those in Moscow and St Petersburg are more likely to fact-check information online. The researchers also discovered that middle- and high-income users are more likely to question the accuracy of content they encounter, highlighting digital inequality.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalThe monitoring of public opinion economic&social changes·DateJul 8, 2026

Government of the few

A recent poll found that Orange County residents generally trust their local institutions, with 60% trusting the police department and 25% trusting the federal government. However, Independents express skepticism towards county government at just 32%, highlighting a concerning trend in the civic landscape.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateJun 30, 2026
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.

Feeling poorer than peers linked to lower wellbeing, even when incomes are similar

A global study of over 200,000 people across 22 countries found that those who feel worse off financially than their peers are more likely to report signs of languishing, including lower happiness, health, and financial stability. The negative effects were strongest among young people, particularly young women.

SourceMcGill University·JournalSocial Science & Medicine·TypeContent analysis·DateJun 15, 2026

High prevalence of poor sleep quality among Japanese esports players

A study of 90 Japanese esports players found 43.3% had poor subjective sleep quality, with later bedtimes and shorter sleep times common among pros. Early-morning gaming was linked to poor sleep quality, highlighting the need for sleep support tailored to competitive status.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalSAGE Open·DateJun 11, 2026
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How healthcare systems shape native preferences for immigrants

A study from Tokyo University of Science found that public preferences for immigrants shift towards high-income individuals when their participation in the welfare system is highlighted. The researchers also discovered a joint interaction between concerns about welfare systems and job security on attitudes toward immigration.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPublic Choice·TypeSurvey·DateJun 9, 2026

Travel dating apps and the emotional risks of intimacy

Research reveals that gay dating apps during travel can bring excitement and connection but also lead to emotional exhaustion and catfishing. Participants describe using apps to cope with boredom, insecurity, and the emotional intensity of unfamiliar places.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·TypeObservational study·DateMay 22, 2026

Buying your way to better health comes at the expense of others

A study by Norwegian University of Science and Technology found that private health insurance uptake is linked to poorer health in the population, particularly among those with low education levels. The researchers suggest that policymakers should implement strategies to mitigate this negative effect.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalHealth Policy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 21, 2026
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.

Fast-food waste driven by wrong orders: study

A review of food waste in Australia's quick service restaurants found order mistakes as the biggest driver of waste, with better staff training crucial for reduction. The study recommends ongoing training and making food waste metrics part of performance evaluations to mitigate back-of-house food waste.

SourceRMIT University·DateMay 20, 2026

Unexpected digital flexibility in monasteries

Researchers found that monasteries are surprisingly adaptable to technological change, using historic forms of organization as a strength in their digital transformation. The study highlights the importance of co-determination and decentralized decision-making processes in successful digitalization.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalResearch Policy·TypeSurvey·DateMay 19, 2026

Refugees reveal hidden trauma of life in the UK

A new study by the University of East Anglia reveals that refugees who entered the UK as unaccompanied minors experience relentless cycles of intrusive memories, loneliness, and physical pain. Social connection emerges as a powerful buffer against distress, with many participants finding comfort in activities like cricket or prayer.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalTranscultural Psychiatry·TypeSurvey·DateMay 13, 2026

60% of U.S. teens have tried AI chatbots, 11.4% use them almost daily

A recent study reveals widespread exposure to harm among US teens using AI chatbots, with entertainment being the most common motivation. The study found that nearly half of teens experienced at least one risk, including exposure to unsafe content and encouraging risky behavior.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·TypeSurvey·DateMay 12, 2026

Early institutional care lowers life expectancy

A long-term study finds that children in infant care institutions had a 48% higher risk of mortality and shorter life expectancy than those raised at home. The research highlights the importance of affection and stimulation in early childhood, revealing lifelong consequences for those who experienced institutional care.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalChild Abuse & Neglect·DateApr 30, 2026
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.

Orange County residents take pragmatic view on immigration

Orange County residents hold broadly positive but carefully qualified views on immigration, recognizing its benefits while drawing distinctions around enforcement. The UCI-OC Poll found that Orange County residents are pragmatic about immigration, supporting targeted enforcement against human trafficking and limiting immigration from u...

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateApr 28, 2026

New study finds a simple rule behind how social norms spread

Researchers found that people follow a two-stage process, sampling behaviors at first and committing once enough evidence accumulates. The Tolerance Principle predicts when people have seen enough regularity to treat a pattern as a rule despite some exceptions.

SourceThe Graduate Center, CUNY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2026

Why heat deaths occur during low-level alerts - new UK study

A new UK study found that many heat-related deaths occur during lower-level alerts, highlighting widespread gaps in awareness and response. Older people are particularly vulnerable to these risks, with lower engagement with warnings leaving them exposed.

SourceUniversity of East London·JournalEnergy Research & Social Science·TypeSurvey·DateApr 23, 2026

Economic hardship tied to increased violence across California

A new statewide survey found that economic instability is strongly associated with higher rates of violence among California adults. Adults experiencing homelessness were about five times more likely to report physical violence, while those facing food insecurity were about four times more likely. The study highlights the need for a pu...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·TypeSurvey·DateApr 15, 2026
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.

Modest employment gains for people with disabilities in March

The April 2026 nTIDE report shows modest gains in employment-to-population ratio for people with disabilities, increasing from 38.1% to 38.5%, and labor force participation rate also increased, suggesting more individuals with disabilities entering the workforce to support their families amid rising prices.

SourceKessler Foundation·DateApr 3, 2026

Adult children’s unemployment is associated with the depression risk of older parents in India

A new study from Umea University reveals that adult children's unemployment is strongly associated with the depression risk of older parents in India. The research, based on extensive data from the Longitudinal Ageing Survey of India, shows a clear link between child employment and parental mental health.

SourceUmea University·JournalSSM - Population Health·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 1, 2026
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.

Survey suggests one million UK adults had drink spiked in previous year

A recent UK survey conducted by Anglia Ruskin University found that approximately 2% of adults reported being victims of drink spiking in the previous 12 months, equating to nearly one million people. Women were more likely to experience spiking, and incidents are often linked to sexual assault, physical assault, theft, or 'pranks'.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·DateMar 19, 2026

Some Canadians are willing to eat insect-based food — but conditions apply

A study found that 44% of respondents were open to trying insects, while 27% were willing to include them in their regular diet. Curiosity and perceived health benefits were key motivators, while disgust and fear were major barriers. Presenting insect-based products in a appealing way can help increase acceptance.

SourceConcordia University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeSurvey·DateMar 17, 2026
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.

Gen Z holds companies to account for greenwashing

Members of Gen Z actively observe, evaluate and judge companies' environmental behavior, valuing commitment and credibility. They are more critical and demanding than previous generations, with varying perceptions across countries and genders.

SourceUniversitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC)·JournalYoung Consumers Insight and Ideas for Responsible Marketers·TypeSurvey·DateMar 12, 2026

Racial, political cues on social media shape TV audiences’ choices

A recent study suggests that social media users are more likely to watch TV programs endorsed by members of their political party. However, individuals' racial identity and perceptions of racial and political ingroup norms also play a role in their decisions. The study found that white Republicans reported the weakest intentions to wat...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalHuman Communication Research·TypeSurvey·DateMar 10, 2026

Increased risk of bullying in open-plan offices

A study by Linköping University found that traditional open-plan offices increase the risk of bullying, while activity-based offices show no increased risk. The researchers suggest providing private spaces and handling irritation before it escalates as key lessons for employers.

SourceLinköping University·JournalOccupational Health Science·TypeSurvey·DateMar 9, 2026
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Almost a third of Gen Z men agree a wife should obey her husband

A global study of 23,000 people found that Gen Z men are more likely to agree that a wife should obey her husband and have traditional views on decision-making within a marriage. Meanwhile, Gen Z women showed less agreement with these statements compared to Baby Boomer women.

SourceKing's College London·TypeSurvey·DateMar 4, 2026

Report: US history polarizes generations, but has potential to unite

A new report from Johns Hopkins University and Millions of Conversations finds that US history is more polarizing by generation than by race or ideology. Older generations tend to admire early American history, while younger generations favor contemporary social justice movements.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 18, 2026

New research shows God-believing ‘nones’ align more closely with religious Americans

A new study by University of Nebraska-Lincoln sociologist Philip Schwadel found that God-believing religious nones are more likely to hold conservative views than other nones. They tend to support school prayer, the death penalty, and anti-abortion laws, while opposing increased spending on welfare and education.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalSociology of Religion·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 11, 2026

In Sweden, young adults feel most dissatisfied while the oldest thrive

A new study reveals that young adults in Sweden report lower life satisfaction, a weaker sense of meaning, and higher levels of loneliness, anxiety, and depression compared to older age groups. In contrast, older Swedes are among the happiest in the world, with strong close relationships and less loneliness.

SourceStockholm School of Economics·JournalInternational Journal of Wellbeing·TypeSurvey·DateFeb 2, 2026
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.

Why U.S. middle-aged adults are falling behind peers abroad

A new study finds that U.S. middle-aged adults experience higher loneliness, depressive symptoms, and poorer memory and physical strength compared to peers in Nordic Europe. This decline is largely attributed to the lack of comprehensive family policies, inadequate healthcare access, and rising income inequality.

SourceArizona State University·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 26, 2026

Learning about public consensus on climate change does little to boost people’s support for action, study shows

A new study based on data from Germany found that learning about widespread public support for climate action policies initially makes people think such policies are more politically feasible, but these effects are small and short-lived. The study challenges common expectations about the power of public consensus to drive climate action.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Environmental Psychology·TypeSurvey·DateJan 15, 2026
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.

Call your pop-pop: Unlocking conversations between generations

Researchers study topics most frequently discussed with grandchildren, revealing cultural and gender differences. The study highlights the importance of investing in well-being for both grandparents and grandchildren, showing that digital communication is a valuable way to maintain relationships.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalResearch in Human Development·DateDec 18, 2025

Among psychologists, AI use is up, but so are concerns

The American Psychological Association's 2025 Practitioner Pulse Survey reveals that two-thirds of psychologists worry about AI's impact on patients and society. Most common uses of AI among psychologists include administrative support and task automation.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateDec 9, 2025
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.

FAU study finds connection between poor mental health and dark web use

A new FAU study reveals significant mental health differences between dark web users and surface web users, with dark web users reporting substantially higher levels of depressive symptoms and paranoid thoughts. The study also found substantial differences in suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, and digital self-harm.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2025

First Nations Australians twice as likely to be digitally excluded: report

The Mapping the Digital Gap report found that three in four First Nations people living in remote communities are digitally excluded, facing barriers to accessing and using online services. Despite an 8.7 point improvement in digital ability for First Nations people in very remote communities, the gap remains significant.

SourceRMIT University·TypeSurvey·DateDec 2, 2025
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.