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Construal level theory: Opening consumer behavior research with a new approach
That the consumer behavior of these people carries systematic rules, and is not completely impulsive, has been made clear in a field called “behavioral economics”, an interdisciplinary area in economics and psychology. Behavioral economics was founded by two psychologists, Daniel Kahneman and the late Amos Tversky, with Kahneman receiving the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002. Behavioral economics is a theory discrediting, from the roots, the rational human image of the “economist” hypothesized in classical economics, and took the world by storm.
That the consumer behavior of these people carries systematic rules, and is not completely impulsive, has been made clear in a field called “behavioral economics”, an interdisciplinary area in economics and psychology. Behavioral economics was founded by two psychologists, Daniel Kahneman and the late Amos Tversky, with Kahneman receiving the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences in 2002. Behavioral economics is a theory discrediting, from the roots, the rational human image of the “economist” hypothesized in classical economics, and took the world by storm.
Senate: Punish misusers of body scanner images
(AP) -- Misusing body scanner images would become a federal crime punishable by up to a year in prison under a proposal approved Tuesday by the Senate, an attempt by lawmakers to address concerns raised by some travelers.
(AP) -- Misusing body scanner images would become a federal crime punishable by up to a year in prison under a proposal approved Tuesday by the Senate, an attempt by lawmakers to address concerns raised by some travelers.
How do women fend off domestic violence?
For many women in violent relationships, leaving is not an option. Yet a woman's arsenal of defenses for resisting violence critically depends on her position within the family and community, according to new research from Concordia University published in the journal Review of Radical Political Economics.
For many women in violent relationships, leaving is not an option. Yet a woman's arsenal of defenses for resisting violence critically depends on her position within the family and community, according to new research from Concordia University published in the journal Review of Radical Political Economics.
Game on! Instructional design researcher works to make learning fun
It's a frustrating problem for many of today's parents: Little Jacob or Isabella is utterly indifferent to schoolwork during the day but then happily spends all evening engrossed in the latest video game.
It's a frustrating problem for many of today's parents: Little Jacob or Isabella is utterly indifferent to schoolwork during the day but then happily spends all evening engrossed in the latest video game.
The truth about bonuses
Bankers may well love them by the billion, but new research has claimed bonuses don't actually make us work any harder.
Bankers may well love them by the billion, but new research has claimed bonuses don't actually make us work any harder.
Laptops in school classes improve scores
The use of laptops in elementary and high school classrooms fosters academic success according to a study conducted in the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) by Thierry Karsenti of the Université de Montréal Faculty of Education.
The use of laptops in elementary and high school classrooms fosters academic success according to a study conducted in the Eastern Townships School Board (ETSB) by Thierry Karsenti of the Université de Montréal Faculty of Education.
Change in Chinese mating preferences sparked by expanding economy
As China's economy continues to grow, more young adults desire potential mates with good financial prospects, according to new psychology research from The University of Texas at Austin.
As China's economy continues to grow, more young adults desire potential mates with good financial prospects, according to new psychology research from The University of Texas at Austin.
Unearthing ancient secrets of daily life in Roman city
The Department of Ancient History’s Dr. Arianna Traviglia will be part of a groundbreaking cooperative archeological project in which she will be exploring what life was like for the more than 100,000 people who would have lived outside the city walls.
The Department of Ancient History’s Dr. Arianna Traviglia will be part of a groundbreaking cooperative archeological project in which she will be exploring what life was like for the more than 100,000 people who would have lived outside the city walls.
Mimicry among stocks can predict stock market crashes
(PhysOrg.com) -- Since early October 2008, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average began its drop that reached a low point the following March, many questions have been raised - particularly about what caused the crash and if it could have been predicted and somehow prevented. Some possible answers involve market volatility, changes in regulations, bank failures, easy credit, or any combination of external influences and internal market dynamics. In a new study, research analysts have found another clue to stock market crashes: high levels of collective stock movements - or market mimicry - tend to precede crashes, which suggests that measuring the mimicry level of the market could provide significant advance warning of an impending stock market crash.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Since early October 2008, when the Dow Jones Industrial Average began its drop that reached a low point the following March, many questions have been raised - particularly about what caused the crash and if it could have been predicted and somehow prevented. Some possible answers involve market volatility, changes in regulations, bank failures, easy credit, or any combination of external influences and internal market dynamics. In a new study, research analysts have found another clue to stock market crashes: high levels of collective stock movements - or market mimicry - tend to precede crashes, which suggests that measuring the mimicry level of the market could provide significant advance warning of an impending stock market crash.
Nanotechnology news
Researcher investigates new material grown from sugar
(PhysOrg.com) -- Ordinary table sugar could be a key ingredient to developing much lighter, faster, cheaper, denser and more robust computer electronics for use on U.S. military aircraft.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Ordinary table sugar could be a key ingredient to developing much lighter, faster, cheaper, denser and more robust computer electronics for use on U.S. military aircraft.
Complexity in core-shell nanomagnets
The magnetic exchange bias coupling between core and shell depends critically on the "frozen spins" that reside at the interface between the two different magnetic nanomaterials, according to users from Purdue University working with the Electronic & Magnetic Materials & Devices Group.
The magnetic exchange bias coupling between core and shell depends critically on the "frozen spins" that reside at the interface between the two different magnetic nanomaterials, according to users from Purdue University working with the Electronic & Magnetic Materials & Devices Group.
Physics news
Scientists say it's high 'NOON' for microwave photons
An important milestone toward the realization of a large-scale quantum computer, and further demonstration of a new level of the quantum control of light, were accomplished by a team of scientists at UC Santa Barbara and in China and Japan.
An important milestone toward the realization of a large-scale quantum computer, and further demonstration of a new level of the quantum control of light, were accomplished by a team of scientists at UC Santa Barbara and in China and Japan.
Unique new probe of proton spin structure at Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider
Scientists hoping to unravel the mystery of proton spin at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), a 2.4-mile-circumference particle accelerator at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, have a new tool at their disposal — the first to directly explore how quarks of different types, or “flavors,” contribute to the overall spin of the proton. The technique, described in papers just published by RHIC’s STAR and PHENIX collaborations in Physical Review Letters, relies on the measurement of particles called W bosons, the mediators of the weak force responsible for the decay of radioactive nuclei.
Scientists hoping to unravel the mystery of proton spin at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC), a 2.4-mile-circumference particle accelerator at the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Brookhaven National Laboratory, have a new tool at their disposal — the first to directly explore how quarks of different types, or “flavors,” contribute to the overall spin of the proton. The technique, described in papers just published by RHIC’s STAR and PHENIX collaborations in Physical Review Letters, relies on the measurement of particles called W bosons, the mediators of the weak force responsible for the decay of radioactive nuclei.
Space & Earth news
NASA chief: Giffords welcome at husband's launch
(AP) -- NASA's chief says it would be tremendous for the space shuttle crew and the nation if Rep. Gabrielle Giffords can watch her astronaut husband launch from Cape Canaveral in April.
(AP) -- NASA's chief says it would be tremendous for the space shuttle crew and the nation if Rep. Gabrielle Giffords can watch her astronaut husband launch from Cape Canaveral in April.
Final flight of space shuttle Discovery to carry 2 payloads built by CU-Boulder
Following a more than three-month delay due to technical problems, NASA's space shuttle Discovery will make its final flight Feb. 24 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida carrying two University of Colorado Boulder-built biomedical payload devices.
Following a more than three-month delay due to technical problems, NASA's space shuttle Discovery will make its final flight Feb. 24 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida carrying two University of Colorado Boulder-built biomedical payload devices.
NASA satellite sees most of Cyclone Bingiza's rainfall over Mozambique Channel
Infrared data from NASA's AIRS instrument revealed that the low level center of Cyclone Bingiza was still over land in western Madagascar this morning, but the bulk of its rainfall was over the Mozambique Channel.
Infrared data from NASA's AIRS instrument revealed that the low level center of Cyclone Bingiza was still over land in western Madagascar this morning, but the bulk of its rainfall was over the Mozambique Channel.
Extinction predictor 'will help protect coral reefs'
A new way of calculating the vulnerability of coral reef fish has revealed more than a third of species are in jeopardy of local extinction from the impacts of climate change.
A new way of calculating the vulnerability of coral reef fish has revealed more than a third of species are in jeopardy of local extinction from the impacts of climate change.
Weeds and the Murray
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study has revealed that human-induced changes in the flow of the Murray River has led to mass weed invasion and reduced biodiversity in wetlands along the riverbank, highlighting the need for a review into how we manage the river's flow.
(PhysOrg.com) -- A new study has revealed that human-induced changes in the flow of the Murray River has led to mass weed invasion and reduced biodiversity in wetlands along the riverbank, highlighting the need for a review into how we manage the river's flow.
Volcano study lays foundations for ancient maps
Research into submarine volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean will lay the groundwork for scientists to map the Earth as it was millions of years ago.
Research into submarine volcanoes in the Pacific Ocean will lay the groundwork for scientists to map the Earth as it was millions of years ago.
EU sets new limits on CO2 emissions for vans
The European parliament signed off Tuesday on new carbon dioxide restrictions for commercial vans to cut fuel costs and limit emissions blamed for global warming.
The European parliament signed off Tuesday on new carbon dioxide restrictions for commercial vans to cut fuel costs and limit emissions blamed for global warming.
Happy Valentine's Day from Mars
(PhysOrg.com) -- An image taken by the Context Camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows a heart-shaped feature that the camera's team at Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego, wants to share with other Mars fans on St. Valentine's Day.
(PhysOrg.com) -- An image taken by the Context Camera on NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows a heart-shaped feature that the camera's team at Malin Space Science Systems, San Diego, wants to share with other Mars fans on St. Valentine's Day.
If greenhouse gas emissions stopped now, Earth still would likely get warmer: study
While governments debate about potential policies that might curb the emission of greenhouse gases, new University of Washington research shows that the world is already committed to a warmer climate because of emissions that have occurred up to now.
While governments debate about potential policies that might curb the emission of greenhouse gases, new University of Washington research shows that the world is already committed to a warmer climate because of emissions that have occurred up to now.
Climatologists: La Nina may bring warm late winter to Southeast
(PhysOrg.com) -- After interference from an unexpected climate event, La Nina is expected to re-establish her influence over weather patterns in the Southeast and bring warm and dry weather to the region for the rest of the winter, according to officials at the Florida Climate Center at The Florida State University.
(PhysOrg.com) -- After interference from an unexpected climate event, La Nina is expected to re-establish her influence over weather patterns in the Southeast and bring warm and dry weather to the region for the rest of the winter, according to officials at the Florida Climate Center at The Florida State University.
NASA satellite sees two 'tropical fists' threatening Australia
Australia is getting hit with two "tropical fists" as NASA satellites watch two low pressure areas develop near the Northern Territory and Western Australia. System 99S is currently strengthening near Darwin, Australia and another low pressure area called System 97S is strengthening near Western Australia.
Australia is getting hit with two "tropical fists" as NASA satellites watch two low pressure areas develop near the Northern Territory and Western Australia. System 99S is currently strengthening near Darwin, Australia and another low pressure area called System 97S is strengthening near Western Australia.
Aqua satellite catches a tropical cyclone forming near Darwin, Australia
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a low pressure area known as System 99S that appears to be strengthening very close to Darwin, Australia. Aqua satellite data indicated that the strongest thunderstorms were over the Timor Sea on Feb. 15.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a low pressure area known as System 99S that appears to be strengthening very close to Darwin, Australia. Aqua satellite data indicated that the strongest thunderstorms were over the Timor Sea on Feb. 15.
Europe delays launch of space station robot freighter
A European rocket poised to lift a 20-tonne automated supply ship into space was delayed minutes before scheduled lift off Tuesday, launch operator Arianespace said.
A European rocket poised to lift a 20-tonne automated supply ship into space was delayed minutes before scheduled lift off Tuesday, launch operator Arianespace said.
Rising seas will affect major US coastal cities by 2100
Rising sea levels could threaten an average of 9 percent of the land within 180 U.S. coastal cities by 2100, according to new research led by University of Arizona scientists.
Rising sea levels could threaten an average of 9 percent of the land within 180 U.S. coastal cities by 2100, according to new research led by University of Arizona scientists.
NASA's Stardust spacecraft completes comet flyby, sending photos back to Earth
(PhysOrg.com) -- Mission controllers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., watched as data downlinked from the Stardust spacecraft indicated it completed its closest approach with comet Tempel 1.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Mission controllers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., watched as data downlinked from the Stardust spacecraft indicated it completed its closest approach with comet Tempel 1.
Scientists find new way to estimate global rainfall and track ocean pollution
A study by scientists at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science suggests a new way to estimate how much of the ocean's pollution is falling from the sky. The new findings can help improve scientific understanding of how toxic airborne chemicals, from the burning of fossil fuels and industrial power plants emissions, are impacting the oceans globally.
A study by scientists at the University of Miami (UM) Rosenstiel School of Marine & Atmospheric Science suggests a new way to estimate how much of the ocean's pollution is falling from the sky. The new findings can help improve scientific understanding of how toxic airborne chemicals, from the burning of fossil fuels and industrial power plants emissions, are impacting the oceans globally.
NASA's Nautilus-X: Reusable deep manned spacecraft
(PhysOrg.com) -- NASA is currently examining several key technologies that can advance space exploration. Dubbed Nautilus-X this tubular spacecraft can be used as a reusable vehicle for lunar and deep-space missions, holding a crew of six with enough supplies for a two-year voyage.
(PhysOrg.com) -- NASA is currently examining several key technologies that can advance space exploration. Dubbed Nautilus-X this tubular spacecraft can be used as a reusable vehicle for lunar and deep-space missions, holding a crew of six with enough supplies for a two-year voyage.
HARPS-N instrument will help confirm Kepler's planet finds
(PhysOrg.com) -- The search for planets outside our solar system continues to heat up. NASA's Kepler spacecraft has located more than 1,200 planetary candidates, however confirming them remains a challenge. In some circumstances, an eclipsing binary star can mimic the shallow dimming due to a planet crossing in front of its star. Ground-based measurements are needed to verify an orbiting world by spotting the gravitational wobbles it induces in its host star, in a method known as radial velocity.
(PhysOrg.com) -- The search for planets outside our solar system continues to heat up. NASA's Kepler spacecraft has located more than 1,200 planetary candidates, however confirming them remains a challenge. In some circumstances, an eclipsing binary star can mimic the shallow dimming due to a planet crossing in front of its star. Ground-based measurements are needed to verify an orbiting world by spotting the gravitational wobbles it induces in its host star, in a method known as radial velocity.
NASA spacecraft unravels comet mystery
A NASA spacecraft's flyby with a comet showed erosion on the Tempel 1's surface since it skimmed by the Sun in 2005, and revealed Tuesday the first clear pictures of the crater made by a Deep Impact probe.
A NASA spacecraft's flyby with a comet showed erosion on the Tempel 1's surface since it skimmed by the Sun in 2005, and revealed Tuesday the first clear pictures of the crater made by a Deep Impact probe.
Astronomers identify thick disc of older stars in nearby Andromeda galaxy
(PhysOrg.com) -- An international team of astronomers has identified for the first time a thick stellar disc in the Andromeda galaxy, the nearest large spiral galaxy to our own Milky Way.
(PhysOrg.com) -- An international team of astronomers has identified for the first time a thick stellar disc in the Andromeda galaxy, the nearest large spiral galaxy to our own Milky Way.
Chemistry news
Researchers develop new hydrogen storage technology
(PhysOrg.com) -- Working with scientists from the STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and the University of Oxford, LCN researchers Zeynep Kurban and Professor Neal Skipper and UCL graduate Dr Arthur Lovell have developed a new technology that allows hydrogen to be stored in a cheap and practical way, making it promising for widespread use as a carbon-free alternative to petrol.
(PhysOrg.com) -- Working with scientists from the STFC’s Rutherford Appleton Laboratory and the University of Oxford, LCN researchers Zeynep Kurban and Professor Neal Skipper and UCL graduate Dr Arthur Lovell have developed a new technology that allows hydrogen to be stored in a cheap and practical way, making it promising for widespread use as a carbon-free alternative to petrol.
Science review casts doubt on 2001 anthrax case (Update 2)
A scientific review released Tuesday cast doubt on the US government's conclusion that scientist Bruce Ivins, who killed himself in 2008, was to blame in the 2001 case of deadly anthrax mailings.
A scientific review released Tuesday cast doubt on the US government's conclusion that scientist Bruce Ivins, who killed himself in 2008, was to blame in the 2001 case of deadly anthrax mailings.
The lock shapes the key: Mystery about recognition of unfolded proteins solved
Proteins normally recognize each other by their specific 3-D structure. If the key fits in the lock, a reaction can take place. However there are reactions at the onset of which the key does not really have a shape. German chemists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen and the Max Planck Research Unit for Enzymology of Protein Folding (Halle/Saale) have now shown how this might work. Their results will appear in PNAS this week.
Proteins normally recognize each other by their specific 3-D structure. If the key fits in the lock, a reaction can take place. However there are reactions at the onset of which the key does not really have a shape. German chemists at the Technische Universitaet Muenchen and the Max Planck Research Unit for Enzymology of Protein Folding (Halle/Saale) have now shown how this might work. Their results will appear in PNAS this week.
New material provides 25 percent greater thermoelectric conversion efficiency
Automobiles, military vehicles, even large-scale power generating facilities may someday operate far more efficiently thanks to a new alloy developed at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory. A team of researchers at the Lab that is jointly funded by the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, achieved a 25 percent improvement in the ability of a key material to convert heat into electrical energy.
Automobiles, military vehicles, even large-scale power generating facilities may someday operate far more efficiently thanks to a new alloy developed at the U.S. Department of Energy's Ames Laboratory. A team of researchers at the Lab that is jointly funded by the DOE Office of Basic Energy Sciences, Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, achieved a 25 percent improvement in the ability of a key material to convert heat into electrical energy.
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