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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Research by the University of Massachusetts Amherst team found that social media polls consistently predicted a landslide election win for Trump in both 2016 and 2020 presidential contests. The polls were predominantly crafted by males with a bias for Trump, and purchasing votes from troll farms was common.
A research team at Pusan National University proposes a novel backscatter communication system that utilizes transfer learning and polarization diversity to achieve 40% energy efficiency gains compared to conventional systems. The system enables integrated sensing and communication technology, facilitating smart cities, efficient indus...
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.
Researchers developed a novel millimeter-wave multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) wireless receiver architecture that can block stronger spatial interference, improving device performance. The new design uses a special circuit to target and cancel out unwanted signals earlier in the receiver chain.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology discovered a security loophole that enables tracking users' online activities in detail by monitoring internet connection speed fluctuations. The 'SnailLoad' attack can bypass protective measures like firewalls and browser privacy modes without malicious code or data traffic interception.
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.
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.
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.
A literature review of neuroimaging studies found altered brain signaling in teenagers with internet addiction, affecting attention and emotional processing. The study suggests that internet addiction may impact development and well-being in 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.
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.
A study published in World Psychiatry found that the content we consume online has a greater impact on our health than the amount of time spent online. The report highlights the importance of taking an individualised approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning.
Ransomware attacks on targeted hospitals led to a temporary decrease in emergency department visits and inpatient admissions. Nearby unattacked hospitals experienced a corresponding increase in ED visits, suggesting a broader impact of such attacks.
Researchers collected an unprecedented amount of data on SMS phishing attacks, identifying 35,128 unique campaigns and 600 distinct operations. They also found that phishers use mainstream servers, URL-shortening apps, and web infrastructure to support their operations.
A web-based cognitive behavioral self-help intervention has been shown to effectively reduce binge eating episodes and improve various mental health outcomes in patients with binge eating disorder. This scalable solution bridges the treatment gap for this condition, offering a promising alternative to traditional therapies.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the first metro-area quantum computer network in Boston, using existing telecommunication fiber to send hacker-proof information via photons. The breakthrough overcomes signal loss issues, enabling the creation of a secure quantum internet.
Konstantinos Mamouras, assistant professor of computer science at Rice University, has been awarded a $547,555 NSF CAREER Award to decentralize IoT applications and relieve network congestion. He aims to introduce novel programming techniques that enable efficient and reliable IoT development.
A new study found that transgender preteens reported 13 hours of daily recreational screen time, which was 4.5 hours more than their cisgender peers. The researchers highlight the importance of managing the risks associated with excessive screen use for this vulnerable population.
A new Bayesian inference framework reduces data size by over 80% while achieving accurate modeling and control of optical power evolution. The approach enables simultaneous exploitation and exploration of a data space to identify suitable candidates for autonomous driving optical networks.
Researchers have developed a proposed system to control specific devices on a network, allowing for more efficient and secure control. The system uses a broadcast authentication method, which enables remote control of arbitrary target devices simultaneously.
A survey of healthcare providers in the Middle East reveals a good understanding of halal pharmaceuticals, but gaps in knowledge, particularly about ingredients and aligning with Islamic principles. Personalized education and culturally sensitive care can address patient concerns and improve healthcare outcomes for all patients.
A new study by the University of Exeter finds that China's growing use of emerging technologies in civilian and military domains has escalated its stakes as a threat and near-peer competitor to the US. Western states have responded with diplomatic efforts, bans, and restrictions to undermine China's power.
A team of researchers has developed a novel approach using game theory to maximize Wi-Fi performance by optimizing user positions. By analyzing the incentives for all users, their potential game model condenses the impact of new users and inter-user interference into a single function.
Scientists create a small drum that stores data sent with light in its sonic vibrations, allowing for secure transmission over long distances. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize quantum computing and enable an internet with quantum speed and security.
Researchers at Graz University of Technology discovered three side-channel attacks on WebGPU browser interface, allowing them to access a computer's cache memory and extract sensitive information. The attacks were fast enough to succeed during normal surfing behavior, highlighting the need for browsers to address GPU security and priva...
The team created ten holograms with varying colors and shapes using an inverse design technique driven by artificial intelligence. They integrated an oblique helicoidal cholesterics-based wavelength modulator to accurately implement the designed holograms, enabling the establishment of an optical security system.
Researchers found that autocratic regimes have a higher degree of control over transit networks, enabling state-led monitoring and control of internet traffic. This is achieved through state-owned entities dominating transit networks in poorer but politically similar countries.
Brown University researchers unveil novel method to manipulate terahertz waves, allowing them to curve around obstacles instead of being blocked. The technique uses self-accelerating beams to maintain signal integrity in crowded environments.
Researchers have developed VECSELs with record output power and absolute frequency stability, overcoming the hurdle of spectral differences between glass fibers and quantum bits. These lasers enable low-loss transmission and precise frequency conversion for quantum internet applications.
A digital health platform with one-on-one telehealth coaches significantly improves patient adherence to pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery guidance. Patients who used the platform had shorter hospital stays and lower risk of readmission compared to those who didn't use it.
A recent study on the Tor network found that one in five onion domains shared child sexual abuse material. The researchers also discovered that users sought CSAM through popular search engines and found that viewing violent material correlates with addiction, while seeking help is often hindered by lack of resources.
A new commentary from Boston University School of Public Health emphasizes the need to address digital redlining, which disproportionately affects people of color, low-income communities, and rural populations. The authors propose standardizing social determinants of health screenings to include questions about broadband access.
Research highlights significant security, privacy and safety issues in female-oriented technologies, including period-tracker apps and fertility smart devices. The study found inadequate regulations and industry practices in data collection and sharing, posing a potential threat to users' sensitive information.
A German-American research team created an 'atlas of internet surveillance' by mapping the global ownership of internet service providers. The study shows that authoritarian states control more influential internet service providers than democracies, and often use state-owned transit networks to surveil and censor content. Additionally...
A new study from the Computational Social Science Lab at the University of Pennsylvania found that YouTube's recommendation system has a moderating effect on user behavior. Contrary to popular narratives, users' own political interests and preferences play the primary role in what they choose to watch.
The study highlights the potential of crowdsourced geospatial data to improve decision-making processes in various industries. Researchers identified seven challenges associated with crowdsourced data, including ensuring quality and accuracy, protecting privacy, and navigating legal issues.
The SLICES research infrastructure, launched by UC3M and IMDEA Networks, provides high-quality experimentation services with emerging technologies like 5G/6G, IoT, NFV, or Cloud Computing. This Spanish node aims to support the scientific community in experimenting with cutting-edge resources.
Researchers found that people with suicidal thoughts use closed peer groups on Danish social media to navigate the healthcare system and receive emotional support. These online communities provide a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and connect with others who understand their experiences.
A new study by George Washington University researchers predicts an escalation of daily bad-actor AI activity globally by mid-2024, posing a significant threat to election results. The study provides the first quantitative analysis of the misuse of AI for disinformation during elections.
Incheon National University researchers developed a web 3.0 streaming architecture that reduces delay, improves user experience, and ensures transparency and fairness for real-time services. The proposed system uses Inter-Planetary file system (IPFS) to enable blockchain-based peer-to-peer data storage and caching.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a magnetoelectric antiferromagnet LiNiPO4 that exhibits large nonreciprocal absorption of light. The material's unique property allows for the switchable optical diode effect, potentially enabling more compact and efficient optical isolators.
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new thermoelectric material that can improve the efficiency of temperature-to-electricity conversion, enabling more sustainable IoT applications. The innovation has potential to power environmental monitoring systems and wearable devices.
A recent study by University of Cincinnati Blue Ash students found that individuals with clinically significant levels of OCD are more prone to problematic smartphone use. The research also highlighted the impact of fear of missing out, boredom proneness, and inhibitory anxiety on the relationship between OCD and PSU.
A recent study analyzed a prominent dark web fentanyl-selling operation that grew at an alarming rate, offering consumers significant discounts. The organization's sales growth and price markups made it difficult for law enforcement to shut down, allowing other organizations to fill the gap.
Researchers found that certain Google searches occurred up to an hour earlier after DST switch and later after standard time return. This suggests a strong connection between the internal body clock and sleep/health-related search terms.
Multicommunicating can enhance primary tasks and minimize delays when done correctly. Effective management of communication partners' expectations is key to avoiding distractions.
Research found mobile phone users process information faster but are more likely to fall for misinformation compared to personal computers. PC users, however, are more susceptible to phishing attempts, highlighting the importance of device-specific responses.
A Cornell University-led research finds that social media platforms and the metrics that reward content creators for revealing their innermost selves open them to identity-based harassment. Influencers use platform filtering systems and other strategies to manage vulnerabilities, but the authors caution that internet hate and harassmen...
A study of over 50,000 Korean adolescents found that those using smartphones for more than 4 hours a day had higher rates of stress, thoughts of suicide, and substance use. In contrast, lighter users showed no greater health risks compared to non-users.
A major international study of two million individuals in 168 countries found smaller associations than expected between internet adoption and psychological well-being. Life satisfaction increased more for females over the period, but no specific demographic patterns were identified among internet users.
A paper by Anthony Chemero explains how AI thinking differs from human thinking, highlighting the limitations of large language models trained on biased data. Despite generating impressive text, these models can make up facts and produce biased outputs due to their lack of embodiment and understanding of context.
A research team proposes using nanosatellites to provide stable and comprehensive coverage in emergency situations. The system uses a CubeSat launched over the disaster area on a hot air balloon, enabling wireless information sharing.
Researchers developed indoor solar panels to power smart home devices, identifying efficient PV materials and minimizing heat production. Gallium indium phosphide shows promise but is expensive, while perovskite minerals and organic films offer a cost-effective solution.
A recent study assessed ChatGPT's accuracy in identifying common allergy myths. The AI model correctly identified myths as true or false with an overall accuracy rate of 91%, with some myths being more accurate than others.
The Ukraine War is a turning point in modern warfare, as new technologies like AI, drones, and cyberweapons are being used to devastating effect. Researchers like Jordan Richard Schoenherr warn that our understanding of warfare is outdated, and we need to rethink the role of sociotechnical systems in strategic thinking.