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New UC San Diego model predicts housing prices to fall as much as 18% this year

A new UC San Diego model uses internet search data to predict housing price declines, with a national forecast of a 5% decrease. Cities like San Diego and Phoenix are predicted to experience significant price drops, while others, such as Scranton-Wilkes-Barre-Hazleton and Kansas City, are expected to see stable prices.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalManagement Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023

Study finds only about half of AI-generated ads only labeled as such

A University of Kansas study analyzed over 1,000 AI-generated ads and found that they are only labeled as ads about half the time, often appealing to consumers in positive ways. The prevalence of AI in programmatic advertising raises concerns about consumer deception and the need for updated guidelines to require transparency.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Strategic Marketing·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 2023

Geography, language dictate social media and popular website usage, study finds

Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign found that people's use of popular websites and social media platforms differs significantly based on their location and language. The study analyzed data from 124 countries and found that YouTube and Twitter are used in distinct ways across regions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 9, 2023

ChatGPT can (almost) pass the US Medical Licensing Exam

A study published in PLOS Digital Health found that ChatGPT scored between 52.4% and 75.0% on the USMLE exams, exceeding the passing threshold of approximately 60%. The model demonstrated high concordance rates and produced significant insights for most responses.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

New study showed how people interacted with chatbots during COVID-19 pandemic

A new study analyzed nearly 20,000 conversations between online users and a chatbot called SimSimi to understand user interactions during the COVID-19 pandemic. The researchers found that daily chats with the chatbot mostly led to positive emotions and reduced negative moods during lockdowns.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 18, 2023

Why technology alone can’t solve the digital divide

A recent study by Ohio State University found that despite widespread internet access, many refugee communities struggle to use digital technology for daily needs. The research highlights the importance of addressing social and cultural barriers to bridge the digital divide.

SourceOhio State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateJan 5, 2023

Try to be a pioneer

Researchers found no evidence of a critical mass needed to start and maintain new research fields. Instead, pioneering regions with early investment can establish dominance. However, late-comers face significant costs to catch up, as seen in China's semiconductor science, where strategic interventions over decades led to a dominant role.

SourceComplexity Science Hub·JournalChaos Solitons & Fractals·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 29, 2022

Reduced use of child sexual abuse material after online CBT

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet found that internet-delivered anonymous cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) significantly reduced the viewing of child sexual abuse material. The study, published in Internet Interventions, shows promise for a feasible and effective treatment approach.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalInternet Interventions·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 30, 2022

A 5G-enabled AI-based malware classification system for the next generation of cybersecurity

A novel AI-based malware detection and classification system has been developed for 5G-enabled Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) systems. The system achieved an accuracy rate of 97% on benchmark datasets, enabling the secure connection of applications such as smart cities and autonomous vehicles.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Informatics·TypeSystematic review·DateNov 8, 2022

Deep learning with light

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method that uses optics to accelerate machine-learning computations on low-power devices. By encoding model components onto light waves, data can be transmitted rapidly and computations performed quickly, leading to over a hundredfold improvement in energy efficiency.

Prevalence of online sexual offenses against children

A national survey of 2,600 individuals found that many youth have experienced online child sexual abuse, which can be an extension of dating abuse, bullying, or harassment. The study highlights the need for professionals to understand these dynamics when planning prevention and intervention strategies.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateOct 14, 2022

Online fandom communities can facilitate state censorship, according to new Concordia research

Researchers found that online fans in China engage in participatory censorship, self-censoring and policing others to strengthen the authoritarian regime's control over the internet. The study suggests that users create a social imaginary of censorship, speculating about the government's parameters and acting upon it.

SourceConcordia University·JournalNew Media & Society·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 4, 2022

Three NSF grants support future of wireless

Rice University researchers have received three NSF grants to develop tools and techniques for improving wireless communications. The projects focus on creating more efficient sensing and communication technologies, as well as protocols for resilience in the face of natural or human-induced disasters.

SUTD researchers develop new strategies to teach computers to learn like humans do

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have developed a new Brain-Inspired Replay model that enables continual learning in edge computing systems without storing data. This approach achieves state-of-the-art accuracy and high energy efficiency, overcoming the stability-plasticity issue in traditional models.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Theory and Simulations·DateAug 30, 2022

New study: 36% of YouTube videos contain misleading hay fever information

A new study published in Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology found that 36% of YouTube videos on hay fever contained misleading information, leading to increased user interaction. Medical associations were the most reliable source of information, with only 32% of TV show/YouTube channel videos classified as useful.

SourceAmerican College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology·JournalAnnals of Allergy Asthma & Immunology·TypeContent analysis·DateAug 10, 2022

Digital security dialogue

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo developed a system called DualCheck, which replaces traditional human verification tasks with educational content on online safety and ethics. Trials showed that users responded positively to the experience and felt they gained something from these microlearning sessions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

NTU Singapore study finds that increased use of videoconferencing apps during COVID-19 pandemic led to more fatigue among workers

A recent NTU Singapore study reveals that frequent use of videoconferencing platforms contributed to higher levels of fatigue among workers. The researchers found a significant link between increased videoconferencing usage and feelings of fatigue, with reliable internet connections unable to mitigate this effect.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior Reports·DateJul 14, 2022

How might Big Tech affect financial inclusion and stability?

A recent analysis found that Big Tech companies can provide innovative financial services to people excluded from traditional banking, improving financial inclusion. However, the authors caution that without proper education, these services may introduce risks to financial stability.

SourceWiley·JournalContemporary Economic Policy·DateJul 7, 2022

Energy harvesting to power the Internet of Things

A new study uses finite element simulation to optimize energy harvesting from vibrating micromagnets for wireless sensor networks in the Internet of Things. The research aims to provide a sustainable micro-energy source for the ubiquitous sensors, reducing the need for battery replacements or recharging.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal Special Topics·DateJun 13, 2022