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Can online reviews replace health inspectors? New study says not so fast

A new study published in Marketing Science suggests that online reviews can provide valuable information about certain restaurant hygiene problems, such as visible issues like pests and spoiled food. However, these reviews often fail to detect less visible sanitation and safety issues regularly monitored by health inspectors.

Online prescribing of GLP-1 receptor agonists

A secret shopper study found that online prescription vendors for GLP-1 receptor agonists often lack clinician interaction, relying on patient-reported questionnaires. This may lead to prescriptions being issued without important clinical and social history, compromising patient safety.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA·DateJul 6, 2026

NII concludes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay and BharatGen Technology Foundation on the research and development of large language models

NII and Indian Institute of Technology Bombay form a collaboration to advance the research and development of transparent and reliable large language models. BharatGen, an India-based AI initiative, contributes to building an open and inclusive AI ecosystem.

Should you accept internet cookies? BU researchers say the open web could suffer without them

A study by Boston University researchers found that removing cookies cuts website publishers' revenue by over a third, with privacy-enhanced alternatives recovering only a small portion of the lost revenue. The loss of cookies could impact the quality and usefulness of digital products.

SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 18, 2026

Digital reminiscence app could reduce grief and improve relationships between dementia patients and caregivers

A web tool called Living Memory Home for Dementia Care Pairs facilitates collaborative reminiscence therapy, reducing feelings of pre-death grief and improving relationship quality. The app promotes well-being and connection between dementia patients and caregivers, leading to better care outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateApr 22, 2026

Study finds high school journalism leading the way in financial literacy, even if business isn't part of curriculum

A study by the University of Kansas found that high school journalists learn business skills through practice and experiential learning, even if business concepts are not directly addressed. Student media advisers reported financial pressures and stressed the need for improved financial literacy education.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournalism & Mass Communication Educator·TypeSurvey·DateApr 21, 2026

Pediatric Investigation study uncovers the link between academic burnout, internet gaming, and depression

A recent study found that academic burnout is associated with increased internet gaming and depression in Chinese adolescents. The study highlights the importance of targeted prevention strategies, including mental health check-ups, counseling sessions, stress management programs, and attentional bias modification training.

SourcePediatric Investigation·JournalPediatric Investigation·TypeSurvey·DateApr 15, 2026

Online searches for gun-related harm

A notable minority of US youth and young adults, particularly those facing structural disadvantages and mental health distress, engage in intentional online searches for gun-related harm. Public health strategies combining digital interventions with structural reforms offer promise to reduce gun-related harm among vulnerable populations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateApr 15, 2026

FAU study finds some dark web users share traits with those involved in crime

A recent FAU study found that individuals with prior criminal behavior, low self-control, and favorable attitudes toward deviance are more likely to access the dark web. The research highlights the importance of understanding who accesses this platform and why, particularly for those intending to engage in illicit activities.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Crime and Justice·TypeSurvey·DateApr 1, 2026

Making blockchain fast enough for IoT networks

Researchers develop Dual Perigee, a lightweight algorithm that streamlines network connections to enable secure and low-latency data sharing in IoT networks. The study reduces block-related delays by 48.54% compared to standard approaches.

SourceChiba University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Network and Service Management·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2026

IEEE study investigates the effects of pointing error on quantum key distribution systems

A new framework models pointing error in QKD optical wireless systems, clarifying its role in degrading secure key generation. The study found that increased beam waist and asymmetrical beam misalignment degrade performance, while increasing receiver aperture size and average photon numbers can improve it.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 19, 2026

FAU study finds connection between poor mental health and dark web use

A new FAU study reveals significant mental health differences between dark web users and surface web users, with dark web users reporting substantially higher levels of depressive symptoms and paranoid thoughts. The study also found substantial differences in suicidal thoughts, non-suicidal self-injury, and digital self-harm.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalCyberpsychology Behavior and Social Networking·TypeSurvey·DateDec 3, 2025

Edging, tab-jumping, and more: Researchers identify behavioral markers of problematic pornography use

A recent study investigated problematic pornography use (PPU) among men and found that increased time spent on pornography was closely associated with other intensity indicators. Binge sessions, tab-jumping, and edging were strongly linked to PPU, suggesting that digital novelty plays a central role in usage patterns.

SourceD'Or Institute for Research and Education·JournalAddictive Behaviors·DateNov 18, 2025

Stable and versatile optical wireless power transmission for sustainable IoT

Scientists at Institute of Science Tokyo developed an automatic and adaptive LED-based optical wireless power transmission system that can efficiently power multiple devices without interruption. The system overcomes limitations of traditional OWPT systems by adapting to varying lighting conditions and ensuring stable power delivery.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2025

Research alert: When life imitates art: Google searches for anxiety drug spike during run of The White Lotus TV show

A recent study found that Google searches for lorazepam increased by 1.6 million over a 12-week period during the airing of The White Lotus, compared to normal expectations. The show's portrayal of lorazepam use was associated with this surge in interest, including queries on how to acquire it online.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJAMA Health Forum·DateNov 14, 2025

New low-cost, efficient single-photon source for powering future quantum internet

Researchers have developed a highly efficient fiber-coupled single-photon source that generates photons directly inside an optical fiber, reducing transmission loss. This breakthrough enables the creation of secure quantum communication networks and paves the way for next-generation all-fiber-integrated quantum computing technologies.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalOptics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2025

Language barriers in health care have fallen – but not online, study shows

A recent study by the University of Michigan highlights the issue of limited language accessibility in patient portals, which can prevent vulnerable patients from accessing vital healthcare services. The study found that 29% of hospitals only offer access to their patient portal in English, and fewer than 5% offer it in the most common...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeSurvey·DateOct 16, 2025

New polymer designs for beyond-5G telecommunications

Researchers at Waseda University have developed a new class of polymers with ultralow dielectric loss, enabling high-speed telecommunications. The polymers, specifically poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene sulfide) (PMPS), achieved a low dielectric constant and dissipation factor, making them suitable for future 5G and beyond networks.

SourceWaseda University·JournalCommunications Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 2, 2025

How Zelda and Studio Ghibli inspire happiness and purpose

A new study published in JMIR Serious Games reveals that playing The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and watching Studio Ghibli films can significantly improve young people’s overall happiness and sense of purpose in life. The study found that immersing oneself in these activities can nurture essential human capacities, including e...

SourceJMIR Publications·JournalJMIR Serious Games·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 19, 2025

Researchers send a wireless curveball to deliver massive amounts of data

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a machine-learning system that can shape ultrahigh frequency transmissions to avoid obstacles, allowing for real-time adaptation in dynamic environments. This breakthrough could enable the widespread adoption of sub-terahertz frequencies for high-speed data transmission in applications...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2025

“And” vs. “Then”: What words in online reviews tell us about hospital visits

A new analysis of over a million online reviews reveals that negative reviews often focus on communication and administrative issues, such as payment problems and poor treatment. Positive reviews, on the other hand, frequently mention reassuring interactions with clinicians and staff, emphasizing kindness, helpfulness, and patient anxi...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 1, 2025