Research finds that social connection enhances generosity by fostering positive feelings in donors. The study suggests that donors feel happiest when giving to a charity via a friend or relative rather than an anonymous donation. This research has implications for not-for-profit organizations seeking to maximize donations.
Researchers have developed a new approach to virus detection that uses data mining algorithms and machine learning techniques to identify malicious code and behavior patterns.
E-health systems face a significant disruption due to inadequate adoption, leading to ineffective response to pandemic diseases like influenza. A multi-pronged approach is proposed to assess preparedness, identify gaps, and implement necessary technology and protocols.
A new smartphone app developed by Pakistani researchers can help sufferers of night blindness navigate safely in low-light conditions. The app uses GPS to track the user's location and estimate remaining daylight hours, allowing them to plan safe routes and avoid being caught out at night.
A new computational technique developed by researchers at the University of Kansas allows industry regulators and consumers to predict whether a given compound will be toxic even at low doses. The method combines QSAR principles with statistical analysis, achieving higher prediction accuracy than previous approaches.
A team at Jadavpur University has developed a computer algorithm that can analyze the minutiae of blood vessels revealed by an infra-red scan of a person's face. The thermogram shows the pattern of blood vessels almost down to the smallest capillary with an accuracy of over 97%, making it suitable for high-security applications.
Researchers at Yonsei University have developed a technique to coat glass with silver ions, which can prevent the growth of pathogenic bacteria. The technology could be used to protect medical equipment and be particularly useful in disaster recovery and military environments.
Researchers reviewed existing studies on nanoparticle toxicity and found that ingestion is unlikely to cause health problems at typical exposure levels. However, the literature lacks evidence on long-term effects or subtle alterations in gut microbial populations.
A new computational technique allows predicting infectious avian influenza strains based on protein sequences and physicochemical characteristics. The 'A2H' system has successfully validated its predictions against known strains of bird flu and those that are infectious to people.
A study of BitTorrent file-sharing found that digital game piracy is more prevalent than thought, with popular titles like Fallout: New Vegas and Call of Duty: Black Ops driving most sharing activity. The analysis contradicts common myths, showing that children's and family games are also pirated.
Research suggests that manufacturers are foolish to ignore the needs of senior citizens, who face physical and cognitive disabilities that benefit from accessible hardware and software. The study highlights the importance of addressing the needs of all society, not just younger generations.
Researchers from MIT found that individuals with strong connections to successful people in their online networks are more likely to succeed. Affiliation with prominent academic institutions like ETH Zurich also plays a significant role in predicting success.
Researchers suggest using haptic devices early in children fitted with visual prosthetics and for older congenitally blind and late-blind individuals. Haptics provide supplementary information that helps train the brain to understand electrical input from prosthetics, leading to improved outcomes.
Researchers found that papyrus sedge can absorb toxic matter from abattoir effluent, including nitrogen and phosphorus ions. The study suggests using constructed wetlands with papyrus as a final treatment step to reduce untreated effluent reaching Lake Victoria.
A survey of 236 US adolescents found that teens believe sexting causes more harm to others than themselves, but also consider consensual sexting between two people as less harmful. The study reveals a significant gender gap in perceptions, with girls perceived as more harmed by sexting.
A new method called Jokestega uses automatic joke generation to hide secret messages in plain text documents, avoiding grammar disruptions. The technique takes advantage of recent software that can create pun-type jokes, allowing for efficient and humorous message concealment.
A computer recognition system can quickly distinguish between oranges and lemons and spot different strains of pear, melon, apple, and plum with high accuracy. The system can be used for sorting and packing fruits and vegetables, as well as speeding up supermarket customer checkout.
Researchers in India have developed a filter system using the medicinal herb Tridax procumbens to remove fluoride from drinking water. The technology can reduce fluoride levels by up to 98% in just three hours, making it a promising approach for defluoridation.
A new system using Kinect technology and Azure connectivity can replace expensive telemedicine systems, reducing hospital-acquired infections and patient transport costs. The system uses low-bandwidth connections and can be used in areas with unreliable internet, making it a powerful tool for remote communities.
Research suggests that lead exposure in children can lead to irreversible damage, including learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and lowered intelligence. Public education is needed to address the ongoing problem of lead exposure and its devastating effects on young people.
A new biometric approach using kneecap scans could identify individuals with accuracy of up to 93%. This method avoids health risks and privacy issues associated with other biometrics.
Seeds from the Indian mahua and sal trees have shown promising thermal efficiency comparable to biodiesel, producing lower emissions of carbon monoxide and waste hydrocarbons. The use of tree seed oils could also provide additional benefits such as lower viscosity and greater volatility.
Scientists have created a self-sterilizing composite material derived from Douglas fir needles that can coat medical implants and surgical devices to prevent microbial growth. The material uses silver nanoparticles generated from the plant extract, which acts as a natural chemical reducing agent.
A new study calculates the impact of ocean iron fertilization on carbon sequestration, finding that it is unlikely to be an effective method for reducing greenhouse gas levels. The study estimates a net sequestration rate of just 10 tonnes of carbon per square kilometer, making it a costly and inefficient solution.
Researchers used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to monitor activity in brains of sleep-deprived volunteers. The study found decreased activity in specific brain regions, including the anterior cingulate cortex, linked to feelings of mental fatigue. This discovery could lead to the development of new measures for assessing...
Researchers have found that onion and garlic waste can effectively remove heavy metals like lead, arsenic, and cadmium from contaminated materials. The optimal conditions for this process include a pH of 5 and contact time of half an hour at 50 degrees Celsius.
Researchers have developed a new computer algorithm that analyzes thermal images of breasts to enhance breast cancer detection. The approach improved accuracy from 90% to 96% in tests on 28 patients, paving the way for future studies with larger patient groups.
A recent study by Craig Cameron highlights the need for robust policies on workplace pornography to protect employees from sexual harassment and discrimination. The study identifies five primary methods of employee participation with pornography, emphasizing the importance of creating a safe work environment.
A new approach combines pupillography with blinking assessment to measure alertness, sidestepping subjective assessment by healthcare workers. The method has been successfully tested on two groups of volunteers and links blink, pupillary indices and subjective sleepiness.
TransOS enables seamless interaction with files and applications from anywhere in the world, eliminating hardware and software dependencies. The researchers aim to extend TransOS beyond personal computers to other devices, including mobile phones and appliances.
Researchers have developed a new computerized technique to diagnose osteoporosis using X-rays, which estimates bone porosity and improves accuracy over visual examination. The system has shown high accuracy rates of less than 2% in detecting osteoporosis in elderly Asian patients.
A computer model developed by researchers can help healthcare clinics manage no-shows and last-minute cancellations by incorporating overbooking into the system. This approach has been shown to increase efficiency, bringing it back up to around 73% in some cases.
Researchers have defined perfect forward secrecy for email, which prevents decryption even if a sender's private key is compromised. The new protocol uses a technique that creates a unique session hash for each message, ensuring that emails remain confidential and secure.
Researchers developed an emotion detector using a genetic algorithm that recognizes six human emotions and neutral expression. The system analyzes upper and lower lip shapes to improve interaction between humans and computers.
Researchers have discovered a range of protein targets in Bacillus anthracis that could be used to create new drugs, potentially reducing the risk of resistance. The identification of novel targets is crucial in the fight against anthrax and biological weapon threats.
Researchers in India have developed a non-invasive approach to determine total cholesterol levels using image processing and a database of known cholesterol levels. The test uses a digital camera to capture the back of a patient's hand and compares it with images in a database for accurate cholesterol readings.
Researchers found that three earthworm species can remove up to 75% of heavy metals from waste, producing rich compost without accumulating toxins in crops. The worms' digestive system facilitates the separation of metal ions, allowing for safe disposal of organic waste.
Researchers developed an expert system to diagnose thyroid disease using computerized screening of medical data, achieving an accuracy rate of 93.5%, significantly improving detection rates.
A study by Florida International University reveals that employers use Facebook to assess job candidates, potentially creating a new digital divide. The findings raise ethical questions about the role of social media in hiring processes.
Researchers in India have developed a system to detect and block cellphone use by drivers while driving. The technology, based on RFIDs, aims to reduce road traffic deaths by minimizing distractions caused by cell phone conversations.
A collaboration between US research centers highlights three disease characteristics that determine whether an outbreak becomes a serious epidemic: pre-symptom transmission, reproductive number, and disease stage length. Simulation models demonstrate that current response plans may underestimate consequences significantly.
Researchers have developed a simple and cost-effective imaging device for breast tumor detection using a flexible wearable antenna system. The system shows promise of detecting breast cancer earlier than other methods by analyzing microwave signals from skin contact, reducing signal loss compared to traditional designs.
Researchers have developed a method to produce silver nanoparticles using pomegranate peel as a reducing agent, avoiding the use of harsh chemicals and industrial solvents. The process produces nanoparticles with a diameter of 5 nanometers and has potential applications in various fields.
Researchers found affluent men more likely to accept nuclear waste storage sites than women or economically disadvantaged individuals. The team analyzed local opinions on a Finnish nuclear waste repository and identified a 'white male effect,' highlighting the need for a more holistic approach to community involvement.
The study found that cultural values associated with sustainability, such as being unselfish and prioritizing social responsibility, are linked to environmentally sustainable behaviors. The researchers observed strong correlations between these values and practices, suggesting that fostering sustainable attitudes can promote behavioral...
Researchers analyzed maritime piracy data from 2002 to 2009, identifying target vessels and violence levels. Bulk carriers and container ships were most targeted, with increasing reports of kidnapping and violent attacks.
The Okavango Delta, Botswana's largest tourist draw, is vulnerable to climate change impacts on wildlife and wetlands. Climate change could jeopardize the country's $2 billion tourism sector, with over 50,000 visitors annually.
A Bluetooth enabled fetal heart rate monitoring system has been developed for accurate long-term home care, showing a high level of accuracy compared to ultrasound-based Doppler shift technique, with 98% accuracy. The system is non-invasive, portable, and low power consumption, making it suitable for mothers-to-be.
A study suggests that social media can revolutionize healthcare by improving patient-physician relationships, reducing inefficiencies, and providing new revenue streams. This could alleviate the projected shortage of physicians in the US by 2025.
Computer scientists in India have developed a two-pronged algorithm to detect and block botnets. The standalone algorithm uses heuristic approaches to spot suspicious activity, while the network algorithm analyzes network traffic to identify malicious behavior.