Researchers found that people who frequently engage in 'persuasive bullshitting' are actually poor at identifying it, making them more susceptible to fake news headlines. This frequent BSers mistake superficial profoundness for actual profundeness.
A simple technique developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can now effectively detect pyrethroids in honey, a common pesticide hazard for bees. The extraction method, using solid phase microextraction (SPME), makes it possible to measure safe levels and identify locations with high pesticide use.
Researchers from the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo have made a groundbreaking discovery by directly splitting one photon into three. The achievement uses the spontaneous parametric down-conversion method and creates a non-Gaussian state of light, a critical ingredient for gaining a quantum advantage.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive system that uses harmless microwaves and artificial intelligence to detect small tumors in minutes. The device costs under $5,000 to build and can detect anomalies as small as 1 cm in diameter, potentially reducing radiation exposure and improving patient comfort.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that hormonal changes around puberty cause sex differences in airway size, which can impact exercise performance and the development of respiratory diseases like COPD and asthma. Larger airways in males generally led to better breathing efficiency compared to females.
A study found that emotionally evocative storylines can reduce virtual reality cybersickness, especially in non-gamers, by enhancing presence and decreasing sensory conflicts. The findings suggest that game design can be used to create more inclusive VR experiences.
A new, battery-free sensor can detect water leaks in buildings, enabling greater protection and reducing costs. The sensor, powered by nanotechnology, sends alerts to smartphones when exposed to moisture, making it more accessible for building owners.
A recent study found that 91% of stream samples contained artificial sweeteners, tracing 13% of septic wastewater to groundwater, underscoring the need for further testing to detect pathogens and pharmaceuticals
Researchers at University of Waterloo have developed a novel approach called FLAIR, which optimizes data storage systems by utilizing all servers within a network. This leads to improved storage efficiency and output speed, resulting in faster data retrieval times up to 97%.
A new study has found that deforestation is changing the way howler monkeys communicate in their natural habitats. The research, led by Laura Bolt at the University of Waterloo, reveals that howling duration and intensity vary depending on proximity to forest edges impacted by human activity.
Research reveals people's understanding of sound judgment, distinguishing rationality and reasonableness. Laypeople grasp economists' view of rationality but favor socially pragmatic reasonableness as a separate standard. This study explores how the general public views rationality and reasonableness.
A University of Waterloo study found that positive feelings about work in general and a psychological attachment to the organization are crucial for casual workers to return the following year. Job enrichment was shown to increase work engagement and organizational commitment among seasonal student workers.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo developed an AI tool that uses deep-learning algorithms to determine if claims are supported by other posts and stories on the same subject. The system achieved 90% accuracy in stance detection, a key area of research in detecting fake news.
A study by researchers at the University of Waterloo found that 7.5% of psychiatric hospital patients used opioids in the year prior to admission, compared to 2% of the general population. The study highlights the need for integrated health services to address pain, mental health conditions and substance use.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a battery-free device called Tip-Tap that allows users to navigate computers using only their fingertips. The device uses radio frequency identification tags and can be integrated into gloves or attached directly to the skin as a temporary tattoo.
Cycle benchmarking provides a solution to compare the capabilities of quantum processors across different architectures and applications. Researchers have made significant progress in characterizing errors in quantum systems, paving the way for establishing universal standards for measuring quantum computer performance.
Researchers found reservoirs on streams and rivers release dissolved phosphorus into water when warm lake water is ideal for algae growth. This leads to toxic algal blooms causing illness and contaminating water supplies. Strategies like adding oxygen or chemicals to reservoirs could help prevent this problem.
A new study created three games for level three and higher semi-autonomous vehicles, which can play with other players nearby. The researchers evaluated the games using a virtual reality driving simulator and participant feedback, finding that participants rated the games highly in immersion and enjoyed playing with strangers.
A small sensor combines radar technology with AI to detect unattended children or animals in vehicles with 100% accuracy. It sends out signals that are reflected back by people, animals, and objects, which are then analyzed using built-in AI.
Researchers have developed an artificial leaf that converts carbon dioxide into methanol, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and providing a sustainable alternative fuel. The technology uses cuprous oxide as a catalyst, mimicking photosynthesis in plants.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a faster and cheaper method to coat liquid medication, using gravity and natural forces to wrap drops in a protective shell. The new technology enables rapid production of capsules with improved stability and flexibility.
A new study by researchers at the University of Waterloo highlights the importance of mathematical modelling in tackling disease outbreaks. The study concludes that combining data from multiple medical and public health sources can provide more informative insights for public health planners, enabling effective intervention strategies.
The AI system uses a huge database of x-ray images to identify collapsed lungs with 75% accuracy, outperforming medical specialists who diagnose fewer than 50%. Researchers plan to integrate the technology into a software system and apply it to other conditions, reducing treatment delays and improving patient outcomes.
A study by University of Waterloo researchers found that Canadians who consider religion important tend to vote for conservative parties, with a strong link between religiosity and voting behavior. The study also notes a decline in the proportion of people considering religion important, reflecting broader societal shifts.
A new decision-making and motion-planning technology has been developed to limit injuries and damage when self-driving vehicles are involved in unavoidable crashes. The system considers various factors such as relative speeds, angles of collision, and differences in mass and vehicle type to determine the best possible manoeuvre.
A University of Waterloo study found that Grindr's anonymous nature and lack of size inclusivity contribute to weight stigma among gay men, leading to body dissatisfaction and sexual objectification. Protective factors like positive self-esteem and social support can mitigate these effects.
A study by the University of Waterloo found that anticipating performance at work or school can hinder memory recall. The presence of an audience may also contribute to this effect. Researchers suggest strategies like presenting first to avoid pre-performance anxiety.
A novel player trait model has been developed to evaluate individual gaming preferences, enabling the creation of tailored experiences. The five-trait model assesses social, aesthetic, challenge, goal, and narrative elements to provide personalized game recommendations.
Researchers develop a new imaging technology that uses laser light to distinguish between cancerous and healthy tissues during surgery, potentially eliminating the need for secondary surgeries. This innovation has the potential to save time, money, and anxiety in cancer treatment, while also reducing the economic burden of healthcare.
Researchers discovered 'survivor bias' in groundwater level monitoring, where wells with missing data are excluded, leading to incorrect conclusions. By re-including these wells, the study found that groundwater levels were actually declining in southern India.
Researchers developed a new mathematical model to optimize radiation therapy for brain tumors by targeting the densest areas. This approach has shown promise in increasing the number of tumor cells killed during treatment.
A novel mmWave network called mmX reduces cost and power consumption of a mmWave network, enabling its use in all IoT applications. The new network provides much higher bitrate than WiFi and Bluetooth, improving internet connectivity for IoT devices.
A new algorithm developed by University of Waterloo researchers increases the efficiency of solar photovoltaic systems and reduces power waste, with potential savings of up to 138.9 kWh/year for small home-use systems. The technique could lead to substantial reductions in emissions from large-scale solar farms.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that speeding is a strong predictor of car crashes, while hard braking and acceleration had no statistically significant links. The analysis used data from 28 million trips and suggests that insurance companies should look at speed when assessing driver risk.
Researchers developed VERSE, a voice assistant that merges screen reader capabilities with virtual assistants, enabling free-form web searches and enhanced navigation. The tool allows users to access articles, news, and related searches, and navigate through words, sentences, or paragraphs with ease.
Researchers found toddlers who spent more time in groups with other children excelled at associating new words with objects. This skill is crucial for word learning and native language development.
A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can help doctors quickly and accurately diagnose autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in children. The technique analyzes eye-gaze data to identify how children with ASD scan a person's face differently than neuro-typical children.
A recent study found that most students feel it's their right to use technology as they see fit, but also want instructors to motivate them not to. Instructors saw technology as both useful and distracting, with 68% bothered by phone use in the classroom.
A University of Waterloo study found that home-care patients in Alberta and British Columbia are more likely to be sent to hospital, while long-term care residents in these provinces were half as likely as those in Ontario. The researchers attributed regional differences to healthcare policies and infrastructure.
A new study suggests that implementing sugar taxes and labeling on packaged products can lead to a reduction in sugar consumption. The study found that consumers were more likely to choose products with less sugar when prices increased due to taxes or when nutrition labels were displayed on the front of packages.
A new biodegradable chemical is produced through natural fermentation, which can be refined as a source of energy and replace petroleum-based chemicals in various products. The technology, developed by the University of Waterloo, reduces costs associated with food waste management by using leachate recirculation.
Researchers found similar patterns of diagnostic laboratory tests across five countries, despite differences in poverty levels and disease prevalence. The top 25 most common tests were common everywhere, with biochemical tests being the lowest priced.
Research suggests foreign powers like Russia and China can't significantly impact election outcomes or policies through disinformation. A Canadian researcher found that deeply ingrained identities and attitudes among elites and citizens counteract such efforts.
Advancements in zero-emission fuel cells could make them economically practical for vehicle power, with improved durability and cost-effectiveness. The new technology has the potential to replace traditional gasoline engines and pave the way for a cleaner transportation system.
Researchers developed a wireless radar system to monitor vital signs without cumbersome wires, achieving accuracy comparable to standard equipment in uncontrolled environments. The system detected subtle chest movements for sleep apnea monitoring with high precision.
The ML-DSP tool can provide conclusive answers to complex questions about species, DNA, and viruses. It has been shown to outperform other classification software tools in terms of accuracy and speed.
Researchers from the University of Waterloo found that virtual reality can help individuals with autism and other neurological disorders recalibrate their internal clock. The study used a VR game to encourage participants to adjust their time perception, resulting in significant reductions in estimates of time by around 15 percent.
A recent study found that cannabis use among Canadian youth increased steadily after discussions on legalization and medical marijuana, with female and Indigenous students leading the rise. Rates of lifetime and past-year use were highest among male and Indigenous students, while Asian students had lower rates.
A new study by the University of Waterloo found that green spaces and colourful urban design elements increase happiness, trust of strangers, and environmental stewardship. Simple interventions like adding greenery or rainbow crosswalks can enrich public spaces.
Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that adjusting traffic light timing in response to weather conditions can significantly reduce intersection delays. By analyzing video data and running computer simulations, they determined that weather-responsive signal plans could ease congestion and improve safety during snowstorms.