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Internet use promotes democracy best in countries that are already partially free

A study by Ohio State University researchers found that internet use is most effective in promoting democracy in countries with partial freedoms. In these nations, increased internet penetration and online activity drive demand for democratic reforms. However, the internet has limited impact in highly authoritarian regimes, where ruler...

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateApr 4, 2012

Substance use linked to Internet gambling

A study published in Cyberpsychology, Behavior and Social Networking found that online gamblers reported more frequent and problematic drinking and cannabis use compared to offline-only gamblers. The research suggests that online gambling may be associated with increased risks of substance-related behaviors.

Why WikiLeaks' bid for radical transparency failed

New research reveals four key reasons why radical transparency is hard to achieve, including the limits of technological fixes, intermediary challenges, and government responses. The analysis highlights that information has no transformative power in its raw form, requiring distillation and interpretation to capture audience attention.

SourceSAGE·JournalInternational Review of Administrative Sciences·DateMar 22, 2012

Parents of children with cancer distrust and fear online sources of health information, study shows

A University at Buffalo study found that parents of pediatric cancer patients distrust online sources of health information and fear what they might encounter. Despite the accessibility of online medical information, caregivers preferred to receive information from trusted healthcare providers rather than the internet.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSociology of Health & Illness·DateMar 21, 2012

Wayne State creating Detroit's innovative wireless networking and apps through NSF grants

Wayne State University researchers are building an experimental wireless networking infrastructure with a $300,000 NSF grant to explore applications such as smart grids, transportation, and healthcare. The network will utilize WiMAX technology and be connected to the NSF's Global Environment for Network Innovations backbone.

New study examines how medical symptoms presented online makes a difference in health-care choices

A new study reveals that identifying symptoms in 'streaks' prompts people to perceive higher disease risk than uninterrupted series. Researchers found that alternating common and specific symptoms or longer lists can mitigate this effect, highlighting the importance of online presentation formats on medical decision-making.

SourceArizona State University·JournalPsychological Science·DateMar 12, 2012

Fiercer competition for quicker innovations

A study by KIT's Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis reveals that fiercer technical competition in Japan drives innovative mobile services. European operators are recommended to adopt similar measures, such as unlicensed radio spectrum usage and new licensing schemes, to regain competitiveness.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalTelecommunications Policy·DateMar 7, 2012

Lovelorn liars leave linguistic leads

A study by Catalina Toma and Jeffrey Hancock found that liars use fewer first-person pronouns, more negation, and shorter self-descriptions on their profiles. The researchers were able to correctly identify the liars about 65% of the time, highlighting the potential for language analysis to detect deception in online communication.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalJournal of Communication·DateFeb 13, 2012

Study: Quebec ban on fast-food ads reduced consumption of junk food

A study by University of Illinois economist Kathy Baylis found that Quebec's fast-food ad ban reduced fast-food purchases among French-speaking households by 13% per week, leading to 11-22 million fewer meals eaten per year. The ban was most effective in isolated media markets, and the study suggests a nationwide U.S. ban could be succ...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateJan 19, 2012

Hopkins researchers find 'Google Flu Trends' a powerful early warning system for emergency departments

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine tracked Google Flu Trends data and found a strong correlation between rising search queries for flu information and an increase in patients visiting the hospital with flu-like symptoms. The study suggests that using this tool could provide early warning systems for frontline healthcare workers.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalClinical Infectious Diseases·DateJan 9, 2012

Pharmaceutical spam

Patients exposed to prescription drug spam are more likely to seek additional information online, potentially leading to unauthorized medication purchases. The study highlights the need for policymakers to address the impact of medical marketing on patients.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Business and Systems Research·DateDec 8, 2011

Measuring outcome in the treatment of depression via the Web

A new study by Rhode Island Hospital reports that web-based assessments for outcome measurements of patients in treatment for depression are valid and reliable. The researchers also found that patients preferred the Internet version over the paper version, citing it as less burdensome, time-consuming, secure, and accurate.

SourceLifespan·JournalJournal of Clinical Psychiatry·DateNov 2, 2011

YouTube videos can inaccurately depict Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders

A group of neurologists reviewed the most frequently watched YouTube videos about movement disorders and found that 66% were identified as showing 'psychogenic' movement disorders. The doctors agreed on diagnoses in 87-100% of all cases, highlighting the need for careful consideration when seeking medical information online.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 21, 2011

The dark side of oxytocin

Recent research reveals oxytocin's role in promoting approach-related emotions, including envy and gloating, which could have implications for psychiatric treatments. Oxytocin's effects on social behavior are more complex than previously thought.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalCurrent Directions in Psychological Science·DateAug 1, 2011

Internet could be 10 times faster than it is

The 100GET project successfully increased internet bandwidth capacity from 40GbE to 100GbE, demonstrating the importance of efficient data transfer in meeting growing demand. By leveraging partnerships and innovative technologies, companies involved in the project have created new products, jobs, and patent applications.

SourceEUREKA·DateJun 14, 2011