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Mice, Rats and Humans All Engage in "Sunk Cost Fallacy"
Researchers from the University of Minnesota Medical School have found that the cognitive phenomenon known as the “sunk cost fallacy” — remaining committed to a choice despite a better alternative — is not unique to humans.
Considering the Impact of Climate Change on the Internet
Buried fiber optical cable in densely populated U.S. coastal regions could be submerged by rising seas in as soon as 15 years, according to a new study that assesses the risk of climate change to the internet.
Device Detects Virus-infected Mosquitoes
The system consists of an electrode covered with a material to which only certain virus DNA or RNA can adhere.
Study Throws Shade on Technique to Limit Evaporation During Droughts
Nearly 100 million black plastic balls were floated on a Los Angeles reservoir to prevent evaporation. The balls may have used more water than they saved.
Fluor Unit Wins Navy Nuke Contract
The award comes under a $1.2 billion cost-plus-fixed fee contract, and includes options that could bring the total value to $13 billion.
Watch How Aircraft Engines are Cleaned with CO2 Pellets
A time- and resource-saving process for washing aircraft engines has been developed by engineers from Lufthansa Technik AG.
Future North American Forests to Provide Limited Carbon Sequestration Service
North American forests have reached 78 percent of their capacity to sequester carbon and will gain only 22 percent capacity by the 2080s.
A New Solution to Eradicate Lifting Equipment Failures
A new solutions platform looks to eradicate lifting equipment failures and improve dropped object prevention schemes (DROPS) across several industries.
Template for 3D Printing Guns Can Now Be Legally Distributed Online
3D printing is making it easier to create and produce products in much shorter time frames. The technology can be used to print everything from material for bridges, new homes and now, thanks to a decision by the U.S. State Department this week -- guns.
R-12: The New Duct Insulation Standard
In 2015, the IECC made a new change regarding the thermal resistance requirements for duct insulations in unconditioned spaces.
Surgery Outcomes the Same for Robotic Surgeons and Human Surgeons
Amid growing concern that robots will take over the workforce comes good news — at least for doctors — suggesting that surgery conducted by either a surgical robot or an actual doctor had nearly identical outcomes, according to research from the University of Queensland (UQ), Australia
Video: Blazar Identified as a Source of High-Energy Neutrinos
Observations recently made by the IceCube Neutrino Observatory at the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station provide evidence for a known blazar as a source of high-energy neutrinos.
Microsoft Calling for Regulation of Facial Recognition Tech
As facial recognition technology gains a greater foothold in society, serving in a variety of capacities such as locating criminals in public places or unlocking devices such as smartphones, Microsoft’s Chief Legal Officer Brad Smith is urging officials to regulate the technology.
Machine Reliability in the Oilfield
Rotating equipment maintenance strategies heavily impacts the bottom line in rig operations. Severe-duty operation puts a strain on oil change intervals and lubrication requirements. Knowing when to schedule preventive maintenance procedures could be the difference between hours of downtime and days of downtime.
"World's Largest Robot" Transports Iron Ore
Three locomotives recently powered an autonomous train in western Australia, marking the first delivery of iron ore by Rio Tinto’s “world’s largest robot.”
Logistics, Inadequate Staffing Slowed FEMA's Hurricane Response Effort
An After-Action Report published by FEMA identifies 18 key findings across five focus areas and offers recommendations for improvements.
Using Virtual Reality to Help Doctors Spot Child Abuse
Realizing its potential in training doctors in real-life scenarios, researchers from the University of Birmingham and University College of London have been working to determine if general practitioners (GP) could use virtual reality (VR) to also assist them in detecting less-than obvious signs of child abuse.
Will Eliminating Rat Populations Save Coral Reefs?
Although a number of suggestions have been made as to why coral reefs are struggling — climate change, sunscreen, to name just a couple — a team of international researchers is offering yet another theory about what is contributing to the decline of coral reefs: rats.
Gold Nanostars Boost Efficiency of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
When exposed to sunlight, star-shaped gold nanoparticles coated with a semiconductor allow efficient production of hydrogen from water.
Virtual Reality to Successfully Treat Fear of Heights?
Acrophobia, which is an extreme fear of heights, affects a significant number of people worldwide — one in 5 people report such an affliction. Consequently, a British research team has set out to see how VR might help to remedy that fear.