A study found that smartphone apps incorrectly diagnose 30% or more melanomas as 'unconcerning', potentially delaying doctor visits and life-saving treatment. The apps often lack regulatory oversight and are marketed to nonclinical users, increasing the risk of harm to the uninsured or economically disadvantaged.
Research at Michigan State University found that even brief interruptions can significantly impact accuracy on complex tasks. The study, which involved 300 participants and a sequence-based procedure, discovered that interruptions lasting just three seconds doubled the error rate. This finding has significant implications for professio...
Researchers have developed small, portable sensors that can track ozone, nitrogen dioxide, and carbon monoxide levels in the air. These sensors, part of the CitiSense system, allow users to monitor their local air quality on their smartphones, providing valuable insights into pollution patterns.
Researchers from North Carolina State University and the University of Oregon have found a way to use cloud-based Web browsers for large-scale computing tasks anonymously. This exploitation has potential ramifications for the security of cloud browser services.
A recent study found that tobacco companies are using smartphone apps to promote their products, including explicit images and smoking simulations, which is a violation of the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. The apps have been downloaded by millions of people, including teenagers and children.
The UC Davis smartphone application, React Labs: Educate, allows instant live polling for the first time on a large scale. Over 12,000 students nationwide will field test the app during the three scheduled debates, enabling real-time reaction to presidential candidates.
A Mayo Clinic study confirms the effectiveness of smartphone teleradiology applications in evaluating stroke patients in remote settings. The study shows high agreement (92-100%) among reviewers on critical radiological features, paving the way for telemedicine expansion.
Scientists have developed a revolutionary new lens that is flat and distortion-free, allowing for the creation of ultra-thin devices such as smartphones. The lens uses metallic stripes to focus light and correct distortions, enabling sharper images without the need for complex solutions or multiple lenses.
A new tool allows people to monitor their lung function at home or on the go by blowing into their smartphones. The app, SpiroSmart, uses a phone's microphone to analyze sound wave frequencies and detect lung problems with accuracy within 5 percent of commercial devices.
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a system that converts speech input into passwords, reducing the risk of fraudsters obtaining voice biometric data. The system uses different mathematical functions to generate hundreds of alphanumeric strings, providing an additional level of security.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Open Communication Systems developed a mobile app that integrates real-time traffic data into regional public transportation. The system provides personalized routing suggestions based on user preferences and displays bus schedules, routes, and nearby points of interest.
The software can locate and track targets of known size, such as enemy positions in combat, and those of unknown size, like rare animals without disturbance. It also tracks moving targets with speed and direction calculations.
Researchers from Rice University unveiled a new multi-antenna technology dubbed Argos, which aims to dramatically increase network capacity by allowing cell towers to simultaneously beam signals to more than a dozen customers on the same frequency. The technology could result in a six-fold increase in network capacity and energy savings.
Researchers face challenges in porting applications across different mobile devices and platforms due to screen size and input/output differences. A new device-independent mobile application model aims to reduce software development costs and maximize profits.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University developed a carbon-based memory transistor that can store and transfer energy, eliminating the need for capacitors. This technology aims to address RAM limitations and power consumption in mobile devices, enabling faster performance and longer battery life.
The First Responder Support Tools (FiRST) application provides critical information to first responders in bomb threat scenarios, including safe distances, roadblock analysis and HAZMAT response guidance. The app is available for smartphones and laptops and can be used by anyone responding to a potential bomb or HAZMAT spill.
Researchers at Purdue University have proposed a method to detect 'no-sleep energy bugs' that can completely drain smartphone batteries. The bugs occur when apps continue to run background operations despite the phone being idle, consuming battery life.
Researchers propose using longer focal lengths (100mm) for mobile device photos and shorter lengths (50mm) for larger screens. The study found that people tend to view small pictures from closer distances, resulting in distorted images.
A Michigan State University study reveals that easy online access and personal devices have made the digital divide disappear during vacations. People are using their phones to plan, check weather forecasts, and access local information, showing a significant shift in how travelers use technology on holiday.
Recent studies explore how technology is changing the questions asked by psychological scientists, with a focus on data collection from social media platforms like Facebook. Researchers are leveraging smartphone sensors to gather insights into human behavior and environments, offering new avenues for scientific inquiry.
A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found that only 15% of patients with low vision reported being recommended smartphones for their accessibility features. However, 24% of participants used smartphones, which can offer features like font size increase and GPS navigation to enhance quality of life.
Touché, a new sensing technique, monitors capacitive signals across a broad range of frequencies to detect complex touch events and recognize body configurations. This enables objects to sense how they are being touched, enhancing everyday interactions.
Researchers at Purdue University found that popular free apps spend up to 75% of their energy tracking user location, sending info to advertisers and downloading ads. A new tool called eprof analyzes app energy consumption, revealing a way to improve energy efficiency by reducing power drain in interactive programs.
A smart home uses sensors and software to anticipate household needs, improving health and energy efficiency. Washington State University's Diane Cook envisions a future where homes can monitor elderly residents' activities and alert caregivers.
A study found that smartphone-based data collection was more accurate than traditional paper methods, with fewer errors and faster turnaround times. The method also saved resources and reduced costs, making it a promising tool for disease surveillance in the developing world.
A Bluetooth-enabled medical monitoring device can track various physiological parameters and send data to healthcare providers via Bluetooth connectivity. The device can also be used as a gateway to relay patient health data to remote databases for remote diagnoses.
Researchers at University of Utah designed a new game controller that vibrates and stretches the thumb tips to simulate real-world sensations. The device delivers directional cues by stretching the skin of the thumb tips in different directions.
The NASA Space Weather App allows users to view Solar Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) minutes after an event occurs. The app provides real-time access to solar-event images, model simulations, data, and forecasts for Android smartphone and tablet users.
Researchers from Saarland University developed an internet service that enables seamless presentation sharing and display on multiple monitors. The technology allows for easy synchronization of visual content across devices, making it ideal for conferences, sports stadiums, and interactive displays.
The iHeal device detects physiological stressors associated with drug cravings, using sensors to measure physiological changes and body activity. The device delivers user-tailored behavioral interventions via smartphone software, aiming to prevent substance use and reduce health risk.
Researchers have created a touchscreen mobile device app called BrailleTouch that eliminates the need to look at screens during texting. The app uses a gesture-based solution, allowing users to type up to 32 words per minute with 92% accuracy.
The Picasso software uses a three-level algorithm to match user-chosen pictures with corresponding soundtracks from movie scenes. This enables users to select music that harmonizes with their impressions without extra effort. The system takes into account individual preferences and is expandable for automatic sound recording.
A new study published by Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care found that smartphone training can significantly improve daily life skills and boost confidence levels among individuals with moderate-to-severe memory impairment. Participants showed 'robust increases' in day-to-day memory functioning after taking the training.
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing novel technologies to treat depression and other mood disorders using smartphones, web-based platforms, and virtual human coaches. These innovative approaches aim to provide immediate support, increase accessibility, and reduce costs.
A new study by Northwestern University researchers found that ineffective algorithms and profiles hinder online dating. In contrast, mobile dating enables potential partners to meet face-to-face quickly, which is crucial for finding compatibility.
Dr. Martin Were's mobile health solutions have improved patient care and reduced substandard care in Kenya's AMPATH initiative. The innovations use smartphone technology to provide real-time access to patient data and enforce compliance with care guidelines.
Researchers found that certain smartphone models with pre-loaded applications can be tricked by hackers to bypass security features and access personal information. The study tested eight different models and identified significant vulnerabilities in five of them.
Aalto University researchers have designed a network proxy that cuts 3G smartphone power consumption by up to 74%. The solution enhances performance and reduces energy requirements, making mobile Internet access more accessible in developing countries.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed smartphone-based systems to track military targets and locate remote objects through sound or sight. The technology utilizes smartphone sensors and wireless networks to provide precise locations, holding promise for both military and civilian uses.
A European consortium, led by EUREKA, has developed global standards for 4G technology, which will enable new ecosystems for mobile systems and devices. The consortium brought together major telecommunications companies and research institutes to create faster and more reliable wireless internet connections on smartphones.
Duke University researchers developed YouProve, an Android add-on that monitors images and audio captured on mobile devices for authenticity and fidelity. It uses advanced algorithms to track changes and produce non-forgeable certificates, ensuring the integrity of crowd-sourced content.
A research team at Georgia Tech has developed a technique to decode keyboard vibrations and decipher complete sentences with up to 80 percent accuracy. By analyzing the accelerometer's data, the system can identify pairs of keystrokes and compare them to a preloaded dictionary to determine the typed word.
Researchers at Worcester Polytechnic Institute have developed an iPhone app that measures vital signs such as heart rate and blood oxygen saturation using a built-in video camera. The technology is comparable in accuracy to traditional medical monitoring devices, allowing patients to carry an accurate physiological monitor anywhere.
A team of researchers transformed everyday iPhones into medical-quality imaging and chemical detection devices, enabling doctors to diagnose blood diseases in developing nations. The modified phones can perform detailed microscopy and spectroscopy, transmitting real-time data for further analysis and diagnosis.
Researchers are using smartphones to conduct large-scale language studies, collecting data from over 4,157 subjects in seven languages. This innovative approach allows for faster data collection and opens up possibilities for future research on human cognition.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new power management approach called E-MiLi, which can reduce energy consumption by up to 44% in real-world wireless networks. The technology works by slowing down the WiFi card's clock and detecting incoming messages using a new firmware modification.
The Office of Naval Research has developed a smartphone app called PASSION that allows deployed sailors to navigate, locate, and track people and assets on ships in real-time. This system provides low-cost, real-time situational awareness for enhanced navigation and force protection.
Researchers evaluate the usability of mobile voting systems on smartphones, finding that participants with smartphone experience complete tasks more accurately. The study suggests designing mobile voting systems to accommodate inexperienced voters' mental models to increase usability and accuracy.
Researchers at UT Knoxville have developed an algorithm that improves the accuracy of electrocardiograms (ECGs) using smartphone technology. The algorithm can detect electrode misplacement and electromagnetic noise, providing more accurate A-F letter grades for ECGs and recommendations for optimal electrode placement.
Researchers found smartphone users engage in 'checking habits' throughout waking hours, triggered by contexts like reading email or browsing social media. These habits can be difficult to change due to their automatic nature.
Researchers at Duke University have developed a software called SleepWell that allows mobile devices to sleep while a neighboring device is downloading information, saving energy for both devices. This technology can potentially double the battery life of smartphones and laptops by reducing the energy toll of WiFi usage.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a smartphone app called eShadow that uses nearby wireless networks to alert users of a friend's presence. The software enables meaningful face-to-face conversations and builds bridges between strangers who share similar interests, providing a complement to online social networks.
The new PaperPhone prototype boasts a flexible iPhone-like design, allowing users to interact with it by bending or flipping corners. This invention heralds a paperless office era, where lightweight and thin-film computers replace traditional devices, offering a power-efficient and interactive experience.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed software that creates a privacy mode for Android systems, giving users flexible control over personal information. The TISSA prototype includes four possible privacy settings for each application, allowing users to customize the level of information accessed.
A study by Ohio State University researchers found that mobile media technologies like smart phones are not taking people away from relying on traditional media sources. Instead, mobile media fill the spaces in people's daily routine where other media sources are either unavailable or inconvenient to use.
Wonyoung Kim's new device can reduce power usage of modern processing chips by shutting off unused parts, enabling longer battery life and lower energy bills. The on-chip voltage regulator also enables faster performance by quickly adjusting power supply.
New research from the University of Bristol's Centre for Communications Research investigates how smartphone grips impact wireless signal strength. Holding a device can lead to a 100-fold reduction in sensitivity and signal fluctuations, impairing service quality.
Researchers are developing a smartphone app to track air pollution exposure over time, providing a more accurate method for assessing health risks. The two-year study will use GPS-equipped smartphones to collect data on participants' locations and air pollution levels.
Scientists are developing new drugs to block bacterial signals that trigger infections, a process known as quorum sensing. Research suggests that targeting certain signaling molecules could lead to effective treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections.
Researchers at Duke University developed a tool called TaintDroid that monitors phone apps for transmitting private data. The study found that 15 of 30 popular apps sent users' private information to remote advertising servers, with some sharing location information even when the user wasn't running the app.