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When it comes to smartphone lifespan, brand name matters more than hardware

A new study by Yale researchers found that brand cache plays a significant role in extending smartphone lifespans, with iPhones lasting up to 67 months compared to Samsung phones' 54.5 months. The study analyzed over 500,000 secondhand phone listings on eBay and found that Apple's brand reputation contributes to its longer lifespan.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalJournal of Industrial Ecology·DateOct 16, 2018

Work environment challenges nurses trying to adopt healthy behaviors

A new study found that nurses face significant challenges in adopting healthy behaviors, with only a few percent meeting physical activity guidelines and eating a balanced diet. The research highlights the need for workplace programs tailored to individual motivation and readiness to change.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Nutrition Education and Behavior·DateOct 8, 2018

Putting underused smart devices to work

Researchers at IMDEA Networks Institute are exploring a novel 'DisCoEdge' system to optimize device usage and create new services. The system aims to spread heavy computational tasks and large storage over simple devices, enabling novel applications like cooperative data sharing and corporate storage systems.

Smartphone, M.D.

A new cell phone app and lab kit enable a smartphone to identify bacteria from patients anywhere in the world, leading to faster recovery and lower treatment costs for patients. The test uses a smartphone's camera to measure a chemical reaction and determines a diagnosis in about an hour.

Otago-led research set to make smartphones even smarter

Researchers at the University of Otago have developed a new approach to achieve centimeter-level precise positioning on smartphones using a combination of signals from four different GNSSs. This technology has the potential to revolutionize applications requiring accurate location information, such as precise car navigation and surveying.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalJournal of Geodesy·DateAug 30, 2018

Smartphones may be used to better predict the weather

Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a system to harness data from smartphones to forecast weather patterns, particularly those that lead to flash floods. The smartphone sensors can monitor various atmospheric conditions, such as temperature, humidity, and light levels, providing valuable data for accurate forecasts.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics·DateAug 23, 2018

Do young children learn anything from YouTube videos?

A study of 55 Indian children aged 6-24 months found they were attracted to music and could identify themselves in videos at various stages. However, despite interacting with parents during smartphone viewing, the children did not learn anything from the YouTube clips.

SourceWiley·JournalActa Paediatrica·DateMar 21, 2018

Smartphone-assisted neuroendoscopy

A new smartphone-endoscope device allows surgeons to perform intricate neurosurgical procedures with improved efficiency, reduced scarring, and shorter recovery times. The device's high-definition image provides a clear view of the surgical site, while its portability and affordability make it an attractive option for underserved areas.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateMar 13, 2018

Smartphones are bad for some teens, not all

Research by Candice Odgers highlights both positive and negative uses of smartphones among teens. While moderate usage is linked to no negative impact on mental well-being, increased screen time among low-income teens correlates with more physical fights, arguments, and school troubles.

SourceCIFAR·JournalNature·DateFeb 21, 2018

Killing it softly

UCSB mechanical engineer Daniel Gianola and colleagues use machine learning to predict material failure based on a new concept of softness. By analyzing disordered materials, they found that the size of correlated softness is identical to the number of particles in motion during failure.

Baylor study: Bosses who 'phone snub' their employees risk losing trust, engagement

A new study from Baylor University finds that supervisors who constantly check their phones while meeting with employees lose their trust and lead to decreased employee engagement. The research reveals that this behavior can lead to a 5% decrease in employee engagement and lower levels of psychological meaningfulness, availability, and...

SourceBaylor University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateDec 14, 2017