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Q&A: When is screen time healthy and when is it not?

Researchers highlight five contexts – duration, time of day, purpose of use, interactivity, and content structure – to determine whether screen time is healthy or harmful. By examining these factors, individuals can protect themselves and their children from unhealthy screen behavior and create healthier digital environments.

SourcePenn State·JournalDevelopmental Psychology·TypeMeta-analysis

Scientists find new way to control electricity at tiniest scale

Researchers at University of California, Riverside, found that symmetrical silicon molecules can be fine-tuned for quantum electron behavior, turning conductivity on or off like a molecular-scale switch. This discovery could lead to ultra-small switches and thermoelectric devices, revolutionizing electronics.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society

Digital screen time and nearsightedness

A systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis found a daily 1-hour increment in digital screen time was associated with a 21% higher odds of myopia. Researchers suggest that exposure to screens for less than 1 hour per day may be safe, but prolonged use increases the risk of nearsightedness.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open

Better digital memories with the help of noble gases

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new technology that adds xenon to digital memories, allowing for even material coating in small cavities. This breakthrough enables more information storage in the same physical size, with 4 terabytes possible in a memory card once holding only 64 megabytes.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Major youth science innovation award for digital health expert at City University of Hong Kong

Professor Yu Xinge, a leading digital health expert, has been awarded the 3rd Zhong Nanshan Youth Science and Technology Innovation Award for his groundbreaking research on bio-integrated electronics. His wearable products aim to monitor health conditions and improve treatment efficiency and accuracy.

SourceCommunications and Institutional Research Office, City University of Hong Kong

Digital games on vaping devices could lure more youth to nicotine addiction

Researchers warn that smart vapes with touch screens, animated displays, and built-in games can couple nicotine addiction with gaming disorder. The devices are user-friendly and attractive to youth, potentially broadening the market to include non-nicotine users.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalTobacco Control·TypeExperimental study
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Opening up the potential of thin-film electronics for flexible chip design

A team at KU Leuven has developed a TFT-based microprocessor that can be produced in two foundries, showcasing the potential of a 'foundry' business model for flexible electronics. The research demonstrates feasibility and paves the way for innovation in thin-film technology.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study

Breakthrough for next-generation digital displays

Researchers at Linképing University have developed a digital display screen where LEDs react to touch, light, fingerprints, and the user's pulse, among other things. The screen can also be charged through the screen due to its ability to act as solar cells.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Electronics
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.

New sustainable method for creating organic semiconductors

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new, sustainable way to create conductive inks for use in organic electronics. The new process uses benign solvents like water and has been shown to improve material properties and device performance.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Communications

Research reveals how smell can influence our perception of color

Researchers found that participants chose different grey colours when exposed to various scents, such as coffee and caramel. The study suggests that our sense of smell can influence how we perceive colour, with the presence of certain odours leading to anticipated correspondences in colour perception.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalFrontiers in Psychology

Light-based computing scheme reduces power needed to mine cryptocurrencies

Researchers developed a new photonic blockchain called LightHash that uses a silicon photonics chip to reduce energy consumption in cryptocurrency mining. The approach could enable low-energy optical computing, reducing data centers' energy consumption and paving the way for more eco-friendly cryptocurrencies.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica

Like flipping the switch

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a programmable gate driver for solid-state electronic transistor switches, reducing switching loss under changing input current and temperature fluctuations. The device includes automatic timing control, allowing for single-chip integration and real-time control.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Atom-thin walls could smash size, memory barriers in next-gen devices

Researchers have discovered a way to construct and control oxygen-deprived walls in nanoscopically thin materials, which can store data in multiple electronic dialects. These walls can retain their data states even when devices turn off, paving the way for next-gen electronics with enhanced memory capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature

AI transforms smartwatch ECG signals into a diagnostic tool for heart failure

Researchers at Mayo Clinic developed an AI algorithm that accurately detects weak heart pumps using single-lead Apple Watch ECGs. The system has shown promising results, rivaling medical treadmill diagnostic tests in accuracy, and holds potential for scalable screening and prevention of heart failure.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalNature Medicine

Failing IT infrastructure is undermining safe healthcare in the NHS

Experts warn that poorly functioning IT systems are a clear and present threat to patient safety, resulting from inadequate investment and lack of prioritization. The British Medical Association estimates that 27% of clinicians lose over four hours a week due to inefficient IT systems, highlighting the need for urgent improvement.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·TypeNews article

Google/Apple’s contact-tracing apps susceptible to digital attacks

Researchers found a flaw in Google/Apple's exposure notification framework that can be exploited for replay attacks, potentially causing false positive notifications and disrupting trust in the system. A patch, called GAEN+, has been developed to address this issue using coarse location data from Wi-Fi access points and cell phone towers.

SourceOhio State University·JournalProceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies·TypeMeta-analysis

A golden ticket to smaller electronics

A team of researchers at Osaka University developed a new method for direct three-dimensional bonding of copper electrodes using silver, enabling reliable connections at low temperatures without external pressure. The process can be performed under gentle conditions, resulting in permanent connections as small as 20 micrometers.

SourceOsaka University
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.

New transistor could cut 5% from world’s digital energy budget

A new magneto-electric transistor has been developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University at Buffalo. The design can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% and retain memory in event of power loss, making it a promising alternative to silicon-based transistors.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Materials

Mass production of revolutionary computer memory moves closer with ULTRARAM™ on silicon wafers for the first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated ULTRARAM¼trade mark computer memory on silicon wafers for the first time, combining non-volatility with speed and energy-efficiency. The technology outperforms previous incarnations, offering data storage times of at least 1000 years and fast switching speeds.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Screen use, mental health symptoms in children during pandemic

A recent study by Xuedi Li and colleagues found that excessive screen time was associated with increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, and hyperactivity in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research suggests that parents should monitor their child's screen use to mitigate potential mental health effects.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Network Open

Digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices helps to build a fully connected and intelligent world

Researchers highlight importance of digital microscale electrochemical energy storage devices in building a fully connected and intelligent world. They discuss design principles, material selection, and fabrication processes for these devices, which are crucial for seamless integration with various electronic systems.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial

Surrey researchers breathe new life into paper books with the Magic Bookmark

Researchers at the University of Surrey have designed an electronic system that allows readers to access multimedia content by placing a bookmark on a page. The Magic Bookmark uses optical sensors and can be made nearly invisible yet detectable, enabling responsible disposal options.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study
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.

US health systems must adopt unified vision to succeed according to a new survey

A new survey by University of Colorado Denver researchers found large disparities in virtual care models across US health systems. Smaller and low-burdened health systems adopted analytics and customer-oriented digital technologies, while larger and higher-revenue systems used futuristic and growth-oriented digital technologies.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·TypeSurvey

UD physicist named Sloan Research Fellow

Frank G. Schroeder, a University of Delaware assistant professor, has received the prestigious Sloan Research Fellowship to study cosmic rays. His research aims to uncover the origins of nature's highest-energy particles, which have sparked upgrades at major cosmic ray observatories.

SourceUniversity of Delaware

New research finds private practice physicians less likely to maintain electronic records

A study by Vanderbilt University Medical Center found that 49% of independent physicians reported using electronic health records, compared to 70% of those in group practices and hospitals. Independent physicians may face higher costs and less authority over technology adoption, contributing to the disparity.

SourceVanderbilt University Medical Center·JournalHealth Services Research
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.

Mechanical logic for soft robots

Soft robots are enabled by origami mechanisms that transform environmental stimuli into mechanical signals, allowing for basic Boolean logic operations and locomotion. The design uses a polymer actuator that changes shape in response to humidity, paving the way for environmentally responsive soft robotics.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Electronic health records fail because they are merely digital remakes of paper charts

Electronic health record systems can be transformed into platforms that allow doctors to access real-time patient information, reducing physician workloads and improving healthcare quality. This approach enables personalized alerts and notifications, similar to social media feeds, to reduce errors and delays.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine

Spray-on memory could enable bendable digital storage

Researchers at Duke University have developed a fully-printed digital memory device using an aerosol jet printer and nanoparticle inks. The device stores information in states of resistance, allowing for flexible electronics on bendable materials, and has a write speed rivaling that of flash drives.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Electronic Materials

Diverting redirection spam

Researchers have developed a system that uses fuzzy logic to analyze web addresses and detect redirection spam. The system provides an extra layer of security against phishing and malware attacks by assigning a probability to whether a suspicious link is safe or spam.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics
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.

Improving the experience of the audience with digital instruments

Researchers developed an augmented reality display to improve audience understanding of electronic musicians' engagement during performances. The technology uses 3D virtual content and mixed-reality displays to enhance the audience experience.

SourceUniversity of Bristol

New rapid synthesis developed for bilayer graphene and high-performance transistors

Researchers at UCSB demonstrate a rapid synthesis technique for large-area Bernal (or AB) stacked bilayer graphene films, exhibiting electron mobility as high as 3450 cm2/(V•s). The growth of high-quality and large-area bilayer graphene films is achieved with controlled stacking order required for low-power digital electronics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalChemistry of Materials

New analysis yields improvements in a classic 3-D imaging technique

Research at Curtin University has enabled major improvements in the widely used century-old 3D printing technique Anaglyph printing. The team targeted crosstalk problems visible as ghost-like shadows and found potential solutions by changing cyan ink, optimizing glasses and light sources, and using improved image processing algorithms.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering

Social networking: Gen Xers connect online as often as they socialize in person

A recent University of Michigan study found that young adults in Generation X maintain a healthy balance between personal and electronic social networking. The study, which included responses from 3,027 Gen Xers, also revealed that individuals with higher levels of education tend to have larger social networks.

SourceUniversity of Michigan
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.

Product selection: Many consumers just want better features

A new study in the Journal of Consumer Research reveals that consumers with little product knowledge prioritize easy-to-compare standard features. Companies should adapt their strategies to cater to both expert and novice consumers, focusing on unique attributes for experts and improving existing features for novices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research

What is contemporary global nomadism and how does it affect materialism?

A new study challenges traditional views on possessions and consumer identity among global nomads. These individuals form situational attachments to objects, valuing them primarily for instrumental use-value and immaterial possessions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research

Graphene applications in electronics and photonics

Graphene's unique properties, including fast electron mobility and high mechanical strength, make it suitable for fast analog electronics. Researchers are working to improve synthetic graphene quality and study its behavior in technology conditions.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics

CeBIT 2011: Electronic fitness trainer

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS develop an electronic fitness trainer that collects data on user movements and breathing, providing personalized feedback and advice. The system aims to motivate users towards regular exercise and improve physical well-being, particularly for older adults.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft

Impending death for paper coupons?

A University of Arizona research team found that digital coupons are often difficult to use due to technical issues with redemption and cashier knowledge. The study suggests that a more convenient and user-friendly experience is needed to make digital coupons successful.

SourceUniversity of Arizona
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Flash, aaaaagh!

A recent study analyzing academic websites across the US found that many are using outdated and insecure Flash applications, leaving them susceptible to hacking. The researchers used a tool provided by Hewlett Packard to scan 250 educational sites, revealing low-level security vulnerabilities in over 20% of cases.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics

New device for ultrafast optical communications

The device can measure a high capacity waveform up to 10,000 times faster than existing technologies, overcoming limitations of amplitude and phase measurement. This enables the packing of more information into optical signals, paving the way for ultra-high-speed communications and LiDAR systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Photonics

BioVault locks up biometrics

BioVault uses biometric data to create a secret key for encryption, resolving the asymmetry issue in traditional biometric systems. The system authenticates users directly with biometrics, providing irrevocable identification and authentication.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics

The sweet taste of uncertainty: Winners enjoy waiting to discover what they've won

A new study found that consumers experience greater delight when winning a prize without immediate knowledge of its value. This positive uncertainty can stimulate mental imagery and prolong positive feelings, making winners more receptive to marketing messages.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research

Hubble to receive high-tech James Webb Space Telescope technology

NASA's Hubble telescope will be upgraded with a new, high-performance Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) technology developed for the James Webb Space Telescope. The ASIC will enable improved repair and upgrade capabilities for Hubble's Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) instrument.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

XBox forensics

US researchers have developed a forensics toolkit for the Xbox console that enables investigators to access and analyze hidden data. The XFT utility allows users to mount an image of the FATX file system, explore directory structures, and view files in detail.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Electronic Security and Digital Forensics

Method uses 'Bluetooth' to track travel time for vehicles, pedestrians

Engineers at Purdue University have developed a method that uses pervasive Bluetooth signals from cell phones and other wireless devices to constantly update travel times. The method has the potential to provide valuable information for better traffic signal timing, construction work zone management, and real-time traffic information.

SourcePurdue University

Amazing minaturized 'SIDECAR' drives Webb telescope's signal

The James Webb Space Telescope employs the miniaturized SIDECAR to convert analog signals into digital data, reducing noise and improving transmission robustness. This technology enables efficient signal processing and minimizes system noise.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

New analog circuits could impact consumer electronics

Researchers at MIT have developed new analog circuits that eliminate operational amplifiers while maintaining benefits, leading to greater power efficiency. The new comparator-based switched capacitor (CBSC) circuits offer a promising solution for high-performance analog circuits in emerging technologies.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

US, China cooperate on high-energy physics experiment

Rice University is leading an international team in building a cylindrical bank of over 23,000 particle detectors for the Solenoidal Tracker at RHIC. The collaboration, valued at $7 million, demonstrates robust scientific cooperation between US and Chinese institutions.

SourceRice University

Customized Y-shaped carbon nanotubes can compute

Researchers at UCSD's Jacobs School of Engineering have successfully fabricated a transistor-like structure using customized Y-shaped carbon nanotubes, exhibiting rapid switching speeds and three-way gating capability. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new nanotechnology devices with improved functionality.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Methods

Pitt professor wins prestigious NSF CAREER award

Assistant Professor Brusilovsky aims to create more interactive and expressive systems for retrieving and filtering information. His research focuses on helping students find relevant resources in online tutorials, electronic textbooks, and digital libraries.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh

Telemedicine revolution is 'disappearing' from the NHS

The UK NHS telemedicine initiative has failed to deliver promised benefits, with integration issues and inadequate patient consultation hindering its success. New portable telecare systems for monitoring chronic illnesses are being developed but face similar challenges.

SourceEconomic & Social Research Council
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.

NSF grant to preserve electronically published research

Cornell University Library will collaborate with Göttingen State and University Library in Germany to develop an online archive of digital mathematics serial publications. The project aims to provide long-term access to e-research literature and serves as a model for similar efforts in other disciplines.

SourceCornell University