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To be happier, take a vacation…from your smartphone

Researchers found that blocking mobile internet for two weeks led to notable improvements in mental health, subjective well-being, and sustained attention. Participants spent more time engaging in offline activities and experienced increased sleep, social connection, and decision control.

Benefits of taking a break from smartphones

Reducing smartphone use improves cognitive functioning, mental health, and wellbeing. Blocking internet access for two weeks resulted in significant improvements in sustained attention ability and symptoms of depression.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Fertility tracking has increased in some states post-Dobbs

A new study found that fertility-tracking technology use increased in some US states after the Dobbs decision, with more women using apps for pregnancy prevention rather than planning. The study suggests a need for education on tech's reliability and implications for user data security.

Global internet grid could better detect earthquakes with new algorithm

Researchers developed a new algorithm that combines fibre optic data with traditional seismometer measurements to improve earthquake detection. The approach works well even in noisy environments and can be applied to any fibre network, enabling more detailed and effective seismic monitoring networks.

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

NewsGuard: Study finds no bias against conservative news outlets

A recent study evaluating NewsGuard's media reliability rating service found no evidence of bias against conservative news outlets. The analysis of over 11,000 sources in nine countries revealed stable trustworthiness scores since 2022, with the US receiving lower ratings due to hyper-partisan sources lacking editorial practices.

Winners and losers of generative AI in the freelance job market

A large-scale study analyzing over three million job postings finds that Generative AI tools like ChatGPT are accelerating the transformation of the job market. While demand for partly substitutable skills reduces, new jobs are created in areas such as chatbot development and machine learning.

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

First demonstration of quantum teleportation over busy Internet cables

Researchers successfully transmit quantum information through a 30-kilometer-long fiberoptic cable carrying internet traffic, introducing a new possibility for combining quantum communication with existing internet cables. This breakthrough simplifies the infrastructure required for distributed quantum sensing or computing applications.

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Poor mental health linked to browsing negative content online

A recent study by UCL researchers reveals that people with poorer mental health are more prone to browsing negative content online, which further exacerbates their symptoms. The study found that adding 'content labels' to webpages can help users make healthier and more informed decisions about the content they consume.

New research sets out how to make free internet access a human right

A new book by Dr Merten Reglitz proposes a human right to free internet access, including protections against government censorship and surveillance. The research argues that governments should provide guaranteed access to the internet with sufficient quality to meet basic human rights needs.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Content moderators are influenced by online misinformation

Repeated exposure to online lies can lead content moderators to believe false claims, as demonstrated by the illusory truth effect. The study suggests that this phenomenon is not limited to Western populations, which may lead to decreased effectiveness among content moderators over time.

Common way to test for leaks in large language models may be flawed

Researchers found that membership inference attacks on large language models (LLMs) are not effective in measuring information exposure risks. The common method used to test LLM leaks suffers from ambiguity due to the fluidity of language, making it difficult to define a representative set of non-member candidates.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Internet activity reveals national allergy patterns

Researchers analyzed Twitter posts and Google searches from 2016-2020 to identify seasonal allergy patterns across the US. They found a strong national pulse of allergy symptoms in March-May, with significant regional variations.

Age assurance online needs to be child rights respecting, new study says

A new study calls for a 'child rights' approach to age assurance online, emphasizing the need for robust evaluation, consultation with children, and protection of their privacy and civil rights. The research identifies serious concerns related to age assurance methods, including inadequate protections against online harm and exploitation.

Towards implementing neural networks on edge IoT devices

A new training algorithm called ternarized gradient BNN (TGBNN) enables learning capabilities for binarized neural networks (BNNs) on IoT edge devices. The proposed MRAM-based CiM architecture achieves faster convergence and matching accuracy with regular BNNs.

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

UTA receives $1.5 million for space weather program

The University of Texas at Arlington has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train scientists in space physics and data science. The grant will also enable UTA to create a specialization in space physics for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in physics.

When it comes to emergency care, ChatGPT overprescribes

A new study from UCSF has found that ChatGPT overprescribes in emergency care situations, providing unnecessary x-rays and antibiotics. The AI model was less accurate than resident physicians, with a tendency to err on the side of caution. Researchers emphasize the need for better frameworks to evaluate clinical information before AI c...

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New study reveals impact of chatGPT on public knowledge sharing

A recent study published in PNAS Nexus found that widespread adoption of large language models like ChatGPT led to a significant decline in user activity on Stack Overflow. The study highlights the impact of ChatGPT on public knowledge sharing and its implications for AI's future.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Coherence entropy unlocks new insights into light-field behavior

Researchers at Soochow University introduced coherence entropy as a global characterization of light fields subjected to random fluctuations. Coherence entropy remains stable during the propagation of light through complex media, making it a robust indicator of light field behavior in non-ideal conditions.

Women at risk of ‘digital overload’ – new research reveals

A new study by Lancaster University highlights that women are more likely than men to experience 'digital overload' and burnout due to their greater use of digital technologies in both work and family lives. The research emphasizes the need for gender-egalitarian work-from-home arrangements and policies to address this issue.

Does online dating make relationships more successful?

A new study found that meeting partners online is positively linked to relationship success among those who have social media presence on their relationships. However, the link was absent among individuals without this social media presence, particularly in marital relationships.

GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Venezuelan crisis has negatively affected country’s Internet

The study found Venezuela's internet speeds are excruciatingly slow, with median speeds at about 10% of the regional average, making modern services unusable. The country's reliance on overseas resources for DNS services also leads to high latencies and impaired network resilience.

How spreading misinformation is like a nuclear reaction

Researchers developed a rumor propagation model inspired by nuclear reactions to simulate the spread of misinformation online. The model identifies similarities between rumor spreading and fission, highlighting the importance of individual behavior, education, and real-time monitoring in mitigating false information.

Breaking MAD: Generative AI could break the internet

A recent study at Rice University found that using synthetic data to train generative AI models can lead to negative consequences, including model collapse and reduced quality. As models become increasingly dependent on self-consuming loops, they may produce warped outputs lacking diversity or quality.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Optical fibers fit for the age of quantum computing

Researchers at the University of Bath have created new specialty optical fibers to cope with the challenges of future quantum computing. These fibers feature a micro-structured core that allows for improved data transfer and the creation of entangled photons, enabling quantum computation.

Neuromorphic optical encryption to enhance information security

A groundbreaking approach inspired by bio-inspired neuromorphic imaging and speckle correlography has unveiled a revolutionary technique for optical image encryption. This method leverages computational neuromorphic imaging to encrypt images into event-stream ciphertexts, significantly enhancing security and complexity.

Sleep and social media in tweens: Tips for better rest

A new national study found that leaving phone notifications on leads to less sleep compared to turning the phone off or keeping it outside the bedroom. Adolescents are highly sensitive to phone notifications, which can disrupt their sleep patterns.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Web-based cognitive behavioral treatment for bulimia nervosa

A web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention effectively decreases eating disorder symptoms in individuals with bulimia nervosa, reducing illness-related burden. The digital intervention has potential as a complement to established treatments for bulimia nervosa.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Satellite “megaconstellations” may jeopardize recovery of ozone hole

The launch of thousands of satellites may jeopardize the recovery of the ozone hole. Aluminum oxides, formed when old satellites burn up in Earth's atmosphere, destroy stratospheric ozone. A new study estimates that by 2027, every year will release around 912 metric tons of aluminum into space.

Human evolution and online morality

The internet exposes users to extreme morally relevant stimuli, causing empathy overload and public shaming. Research is needed on platform design features that sustain attention without inducing negative externalities.

Great news, parents: You do have power over your tweens’ screen use

Researchers found that restricting screens in bedrooms and at mealtimes has the biggest impact on reducing screen time and addictive behavior. Parents who model healthy practices at home also see a decrease in their child's screen use. Limiting and monitoring screen time can reduce usage by 1.29 hours and 0.83 hours, respectively.

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Internet addiction affects the behavior and development of adolescents

A new study found that internet addiction in adolescents can lead to changes in the brain's neural networks, resulting in addictive behaviors and tendencies. The study, published in PLOS Mental Health, reviewed 12 articles involving 237 young people aged 10-19 with a formal diagnosis of internet addiction.

Banners backfire: Misinformation impact on search results

A study published in Scientific Reports found that most people pick out and click on accurate information during internet searches. However, warning banners about misinformation actually decreased trust in these accurate results, while having little effect on distrust of misleading information.