Smartphone plant identification apps may not be accurate enough to be relied on, especially in avoiding toxic plants when foraging

A meta-analysis of 14 clinical trials found that using smartphone apps or wearable technologies can increase daily step count and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity among people with heart disease. The analysis showed that digital tools, such as self-monitoring, feedback, and goal setting, can motivate patients to be more active.

Smartphone apps based on psychological theories are 3 times more effective than minimal support in helping people quit smoking long-term. The apps improve sustained abstinence rates when combined with traditional interventions or pharmacotherapy.

A study involving UOC researchers confirms that smartphone-based interventions can significantly reduce depression symptoms, especially when combined with professional support. Users prefer simple apps and those with more serious depression use them more.

Researchers developed two new AI-powered smartphone apps to spot depression warnings in pupils' dilation, unconscious facial expressions, and head movements. The systems showed 76% accuracy in detecting depressed states, outperforming existing smartphone-based detection platforms.

A new Northwestern University study suggests that teen dating apps may provide valuable social connections for adolescents, particularly those in sexual and gender minority populations. The study found no significant differences in mental health outcomes between teens who use dating apps and those who don't.

A study by IMDEA Networks reveals that 86% of mobile apps collect at least one type of sensitive data via WiFi and Bluetooth connections. The research team analyzed 52 SDKs in nearly 10,000 apps and found that many use these technologies to track users' movements indoors and build user profiles for targeted advertising.