Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Playing at pirate games

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Advanced Media and Communication·DateMay 14, 2013

Sexually explicit material affects behavior in young people less than thought

A recent survey of 4,600 young adults aged 15-25 found that 88% of males and 45% of females had consumed sexually explicit content in the past year. While there was a modest association between this behavior and sexual activities, other factors such as personal dispositions may play a more significant role in shaping their behaviors.

SourceWiley·JournalThe Journal of Sexual Medicine·DateApr 25, 2013

Study explores gang activity on the internet

A recent study published in Justice Quarterly found that most online activities of gang members are typical of their age group, with a rate of committing crimes or deviant acts online 70% greater than those not in gangs. Gang members use social networking sites and watch YouTube videos as status symbols.

SourceSam Houston State University·JournalJustice Quarterly·DateMar 26, 2013

Feeling sick makes us less social online too

A new study from Brigham Young University finds that only 10% of internet users post reviews and 15% comment, question or share health information on social media. The researchers believe more collective wisdom from the crowd could improve health-related discussions online.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateMar 25, 2013

An Internet for robots

Researchers developed a cloud-computing platform called RoboEarth Cloud Engine to accelerate robot learning and adaptation in complex tasks. The platform allows robots to access enterprise-scale computing infrastructure, paving the way for lighter, cheaper, and more intelligent robots.

Buying ad time just got easier

A new model predicts when consumers use media and even when they use two or more at a time, leading to improved ad buying accuracy. The study finds that people spend about 35% of their time consuming media, with TV being the most popular outlet.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalMarketing Science·DateFeb 19, 2013

Is the US health care system a target for cyberterrorism?

The US healthcare system is a $2.5 trillion industry heavily reliant on the internet, making it a target for cyberterrorism. Experts predict a wave-like attack that could leave staff untrusting of electronic data and demoralize IT teams. To protect itself, the healthcare system must remain vigilant and implement better security measures.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateDec 17, 2012

An operating system in the cloud

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Cloud Computing·DateOct 9, 2012

Stanford bioengineers introduce 'Bi-Fi' -- The biological internet

Researchers at Stanford University have developed Bi-Fi, a biological internet that allows cells to communicate using DNA strands. This system increases the complexity and amount of data that can be transmitted between cells, paving the way for greater control over biological functions and potential applications in biosynthetic factories.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Biological Engineering·DateSep 27, 2012

Internet addiction -- Causes at the molecular level

A study by the University of Bonn found that a genetic variation on the CHRNA4 gene is associated with internet addiction. This variation occurs more frequently in women and may be related to social media use. The researchers hope their findings will lead to better therapies for online addiction.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalJournal of Addiction Medicine·DateAug 29, 2012

How the 'lone wolf' terrorist networks

A recent study by Prof. Gabriel Weimann reveals that lone wolf terrorists are not isolated individuals but part of virtual terrorist communities on the Internet. These online forums and platforms provide social environment, support, and moral encouragement to radicalize individuals and track their enlistment and training processes.

SourceUniversity of Haifa·JournalJournal of Terrorism Research·DateAug 1, 2012

Befuddled by emergency birth control

A Northwestern University study found that many college students cannot track down reliable information on emergency contraception pills (ECPs) online. Only two-thirds of the participants were able to conclude that their friend should seek ECPs, with fewer than half providing the ideal response.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPolicy & Internet·DateJun 14, 2012

Technology convergence may widen the digital divide

Rural residents may face a digital divide due to the increasing adoption of technology that replaces copper lines with faster, cheaper, and more convenient alternatives. While cellular phones offer an affordable option, most cell phone companies charge per minute, and service can be unreliable.

Spot a bot to stop a botnet

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.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Wireless and Mobile Computing·DateMay 1, 2012

Chips as mini Internets

MIT researchers develop techniques to address limitations of current bus-based communication systems in multicore chips. Virtual bypassing and low-swing signaling allow for faster data transmission and reduced energy consumption, promising significant improvements in chip efficiency.

Study links Google search behavior to GDP

A quantitative analysis of Google search queries found a link between online behavior and real-world economic indicators, suggesting countries with higher GDP are more focused on the future. The study used Google Trends data from over 45 billion searches in 45 countries to calculate a 'future orientation index' that correlates with GDP.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 2012