The patientINFORM consortium, led by commercial giants Elsevier, Springer, and Wiley, has sparked controversy among advocates for enhanced public access to research. While the proposal aims to make taxpayer-funded research available, critics argue it discriminates among illnesses without justification and fails to respect all patients'...
Radio astronomers have demonstrated a new technique called e-VLBI, which allows them to combine data from multiple telescopes worldwide and produce high-quality images of the sky in real-time. This enables the observation of distant objects like IRC+10420, a supergiant star surrounded by dusty gas and emitting strong radio waves.
A team of researchers discovered security flaws in the Internet Chess Club, a widely used online platform with over 30,000 members. They found that users could easily cheat and access sensitive information without proper security measures, emphasizing the need for experts to create secure systems.
The study will screen 5,000 patients in five adult primary care practices using the PatientSite portal. Patients who report pain, depression, or difficulty walking will receive additional information and recommendations, while those in the control group will receive usual care.
The Adult Learning@Home project found that e-learning is often associated with the same factors that determine school-leaving age, such as sex and socio-economic background. Despite universal access to ICTs, actual use is limited to just over half of the adult population.
Researchers at the Center for Internet Epidemiology and Defenses will measure and analyze live Internet epidemics to develop robust defense mechanisms. They plan to construct large-scale monitoring instruments to provide early warning of incipient outbreaks and craft practical solutions to counteract new outbreaks.
The NSF's Cyber Trust program awards funding for two new centers: the Center for Internet Epidemiology and Defenses and the STIM Center. The former focuses on understanding internet vulnerabilities to prevent malware outbreaks, while the latter explores network interactions to create effective defenses against cyberattacks.
The Lehigh International Materials Institute (IMI) will receive $3.25 million to develop new glass functionalities and foster global collaboration. The grant aims to revitalize the worldwide glass research community and educate a new generation of experts, addressing concerns about the US losing its lead in the field.
Research suggests that big telecom firms are cornering the broadband market by buying up ISPs, offering broadband services, and providing scale advantages. Despite this, some independent ISPs have survived by specializing in value-added services.
A University of Iowa study found that internet prescriptions increase the likelihood of families using quality health information online. The prescriptions provide a list of recommended websites and tips for evaluating online health resources.
A new Web-based template helps Internet buyers and sellers with clear privacy policies, leading to increased trust and online sales. The study found that shoppers who used the template bought products 33% more often than those presented with standard policy statements.
MayoClinic.com empowers people to manage their health with useful and up-to-date information and tools from a team of over 2,000 physicians and scientists. The site is owned by Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research and serves as a dependable source of health information.
Internet expansion boosts Africa's health information access, enabling health workers to access information beyond capital cities. Regional urban hubs will be key points of dissemination for health info at district level.
The study found that a lack of universally accepted supply chain standards costs the auto industry over $5 billion annually and the electronics industry almost $3.9 billion. The lack of interoperability leads to duplicated efforts, redundant systems, and inefficient processes.
A study by Ohio State University found that reducing computer network jitter improves videoconferencing quality, with users rating high levels of jitter as the biggest dissatisfier. The new software tool, H.323 Beacon, can monitor Internet video quality and diagnose problems in real-time.
A study analyzing 3 million records from Alta Vista in 2002 found that consumers who used the interface had fewer queries per session and used fewer terms per query. The researchers suggest that radio buttons can help with information overload, but widespread adoption is hindered by technical issues and lack of individual site use.
The Communications Innovation Institute (CII) aims to tackle major challenges in communications technology by uniting universities, industrial partners, and policymakers. The CII will develop road maps for wireless and spectrum usage, explore 'viral' communications, and test emerging technologies such as peer-to-peer systems and wirele...
Researchers at the University of Uppsala developed PQL, a diagnosis and treatment program that leads to improvement in stress management and overall well-being. The program uses psychosocial, biological, and production measures and has been shown to have a clear impact on sleep, concentration, and physiological factors.
A recent survey conducted by Harris Interactive found that Americans hold engineers in high regard, with 77% of respondents believing they contribute to strong economic growth and national security. The survey also revealed that engineers are widely respected for their ability to make a positive contribution to society.
Research finds that people trust health professionals and are cautious about online health information, yet appreciate recommendations from healthcare providers. E-health resources enhance control and reassurance for parents and children managing chronic diseases.
Scientists can now spend an unlimited amount of time on the bottom of the ocean, sharing observations in real-time with colleagues worldwide. Internet2 technology was tested during a Black Sea expedition, allowing for the transmission of underwater video images and acoustic signals.
Researchers at Penn State developed a new marking scheme that can identify the originator of spam, viruses, and illegal file-sharing messages with high accuracy. The approach uses border routers to mark packets with identifying numbers, allowing for efficient traceback of malicious content.
Lehigh engineering professor Shalinee Kishore aims to bring modern telecommunications to rural Pennsylvania through a five-year grant. She plans to develop and implement a plan to improve the county's wireless communications infrastructure, enabling residents to access high-speed Internet and lower-speed voice services.
Researchers used an interactive internet program and short videos to reduce fat intake and increase exercise levels among low-income seventh graders. The study showed that students who attended at least half of the sessions increased their physical activity and reduced dietary fat.
The von Liebig Center has awarded six grants totaling $1.2 million to UC San Diego faculty for commercializing their research. These grants support projects in various fields, including bioengineering, computer science and engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical aerospace engineering.
Computer scientists at Cornell University have developed an algorithm to identify influential people in online communities. The method uses web crawlers to map communications links and can be applied to various goals such as product sales, disease prediction, or identifying terrorist leaders.
The US National Science Foundation (NSF) is funding sensor research to monitor environmental factors, structural integrity, and health threats. Sensor networks will enable early detection of climate change, earthquakes, and biological hazards.
The Acoustical Society of America sponsors two annual awards for outstanding popular works on acoustics. Entries must be published or broadcast between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2003, and meet criteria for accessibility, relevance, accuracy, and quality. The winners will receive a $1000 prize and an award certificate.
A study by Penn State found that users rate ease of use as crucial for using web-based road weather information systems, with map scale and resolution being key graphical elements. The study suggests that improving usability could increase public adoption of these systems.
NASA satellites provide daily, high-quality data on crop productivity, surface temperature and snow cover to support decision-making for FAS analysts. The data helps monitor natural disasters' impact on crops and assess water levels in lakes and reservoirs.
Rutgers University has been awarded a four-year, $5.45 million grant to construct and operate a wireless networking test bed for researchers nationwide. The test bed will include laboratory and field trial facilities, allowing researchers to test emerging wireless protocols in a standardized setting.
E-mail cluster bombs can overwhelm victims' inboxes and cell phones with thousands of unwanted messages. Computer scientist Filippo Menczer proposes fixing the problem by changing web forms to prompt subscribers to send their own confirmations.
A cross-sectional survey of over 2000 users of Internet depression communities found that major depression was most common in the UK and Sweden, with significant numbers not receiving treatment. The study also showed that online communities can reduce feelings of isolation and lead to seeking professional help.
A study by Ohio University researchers found that college students' attitudes towards online apparel shopping are shaped by factors like easy-to-navigate websites, secure transactions, and hassle-free returns. Despite being in rural or urban areas, most students intended to shop online for apparel products.
The Mars landers will display images of EarthDials from around the world, showcasing differences in shadows between hemispheres and equator. The project aims to educate about timekeeping and our planet's unique features.
Researchers developed a hardware platform called FPX that scans for malware signatures in parallel, allowing it to scan every byte of network traffic at an unprecedented rate. This technology can quarantine viruses and worms within sub-networks, protecting thousands of users with just a few devices.
The EMIST project will test defenses against worms, denial-of-service attacks, and routing computer attacks. The experiments will run on the Cyber Defense Technology Experimental Research network (DETER), a new testbed built by UC Berkeley and USC.
A study found that teenagers face challenges in accessing relevant health information online, with common barriers including poorly designed websites, lack of targeted content, and ineffective search strategies. To improve access, researchers suggest teaching better search skills and designing websites more tailored to users' needs.
The DETER project aims to create a closed, isolated network that can represent the entire Internet for testing and improving cybersecurity tools. The facility will enable researchers to test existing and new security technology using various attack techniques.
A new report by Penn State highlights the importance of coordinated broadband service access and quality in Pennsylvania's rural areas. The report emphasizes that advanced telecommunications infrastructures are crucial for spurring entrepreneurial activity, creating jobs, and supporting telecommuting workers in rural areas.
The eSTAR network uses intelligent agents to automatically observe and analyze astronomical events, such as supernovae explosions and black hole activity. The agents can detect and respond to the rapidly changing universe faster than humans, allowing for more efficient science discovery.
Researchers aim to create a scalable, secure, and economical network with two-way symmetric data communications service at 100 megabits per second. The project will explore fundamental innovations in network design and management to support applications not yet envisioned.
The European Cancer Patient Coalition is hindered by language barriers, with fewer than 50% of Europeans speaking a second language, including English. Digital divide also persists, with varying internet access across countries, affecting the coalition's ability to operate effectively.
Breast cancer patients participating in an online support group experienced improved well-being and empowerment through sharing personal experiences, asking for advice, and expressing emotions. The study highlights the importance of internet access for social support and low-income groups.
Rice wins nine NSF ITR grants, including a $15m award for Virtual Grid Application Development Software. The university also leads the 100 X 100 Project to develop 100-megabit-per-second Internet access nationwide.
A recent UNC study found that over 90% of internet cigarette vendors sold cigarettes to minors despite warnings about age restrictions. The researchers also discovered that many vendors did not verify the age of buyers and left packages unattended at recipients' doors.
A new study reveals that interactive virtual reality product demonstrations significantly increase consumers' likelihood of making a purchase compared to traditional advertising. By allowing users to manipulate products in the virtual world, businesses can foster a stronger emotional connection with customers and ultimately drive sales.
A recent study by Johns Hopkins found that 34% of herbal weight-loss product websites contained incorrect or misleading statements, which could lead to serious harm to consumers. The products contain serious side effects such as heart attacks, strokes, and increased blood pressure.
A University of Washington study found that using the Internet is not a reliable way for most people to find jobs. Despite widespread adoption of internet-based job search tools, researchers found that those who used the internet were actually less likely to land a job than those who didn't.
Georgia Tech researchers develop packet-level simulation capable of modeling over 1 million web browsers in near real time. The breakthrough offers new capabilities for engineers and scientists to analyze large-scale computer networks and find solutions to Internet problems.
Researchers analyzed over 450,000 web queries, finding half of users enter only one query with 54% viewing just one page of results. Site developers can improve odds by getting indexed by all search engines and crafting clear abstracts about their site's purpose.
The International Council for Science (ICSU) has released a report synthesizing over 50 science-based reviews on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) in food and agriculture. The report addresses key questions on the safety, environmental impact, and regulations of GM foods.
A new book by Corien Prins examines the tension between anonymous online activities and tracing technologies, with implications for consumer protection, liability, and privacy. The Dutch National Programme for Information Technology and Law (ITER) funded the research.
A study of 4,764 Internet users found that 40% of American adults with online access use the Internet for health information. The study also revealed that men and individuals over 75 were less likely to use the Internet for health, while those who do use it tend to have a more limited frequency of use.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University warn of automated web forms being exploited for mass unwanted catalogs and postal disruptions. They propose technological fixes to prevent such attacks, including altering online form coding and implementing human verification steps.
A study found that most physical activity web sites provide general knowledge but lack personalized assistance to users. Tailored messages can increase the chance of material usage and personal change. One site, JustMove.org, outperformed others in providing interaction and tailored assistance.
A study by Alan Cassels and colleagues analyzed newspaper coverage of 5 different prescription drugs in 24 Canadian newspapers. The findings showed that a majority of articles failed to mention potential side effects or harms, while only a small minority provided quantitative information on benefits and harms.
Researchers found that familiarity breeds content, with engineers three times more likely to consult familiar colleagues than experts. The study suggests companies can boost productivity and satisfaction by encouraging richer social connections.
A study published in JAMA found that an internet-based weight loss program was effective among adults at risk for type 2 diabetes, with participants who received email counseling losing more weight and showing greater increases in exercise. The program provided a tutorial, weekly tips, and access to resources, as well as personalized s...
A Penn State study found that younger generations rely on the internet for travel information, while older populations turn to radio and TV. Internet awareness is increasing, leading to a substitution effect where TV users shift to using the internet and radio, and telephone use also increases.