Articles tagged with Smartphones
The world's online population grew to 6 billion, while 2.2 billion remain offline, highlighting the importance of digital infrastructure, affordable services, and skills training to achieve universal connectivity. Deep digital divides persist, with uneven coverage, affordability, and skill levels across high- and low-income countries.
A new study suggests that message-based psychotherapy is as effective as live video therapy for treating depression. The research found that patients improved at similar rates regardless of the format used.
New tools, such as CheatBlocker and QuotaConfig, help address challenges of data integrity in decentralized clinical trials. CheatBlocker detects fraud, while QuotaConfig ensures sample representativeness. These innovations aim to increase the reliability and security of remote clinical trials.
A new study found that safety reviews on Airbnb can reduce bookings and lower nightly prices, but the increased transparency can mitigate this effect. The researchers analyzed 4.8 million guest reviews from five major US cities between 2015 and 2019.
A low-cost smartphone imaging system called mDOC combines autofluorescence and white light imaging with machine learning to accurately identify oral lesions requiring specialist referral. The system achieved an area under the ROC curve of 0.778, outperforming dental providers in sensitivity and specificity.
Researchers found that more interactive mobile apps and AI chatbots foster a sense of playfulness, lowering privacy concerns. However, this interactivity can also distract users from thinking about the information they share with the system.
A three-year study found that smartwatches can detect early signs of PTSD among Israelis who watched extensive media coverage of the Oct 7 attacks. Participants who developed PTSD showed sharper increases in stress levels and declines in mood, physical activity, and sleep quality.
A customizable SMS system produced significant 12-month walking increases for aging Latino/a adults, similar to the human advisors group. The study supports mobile health platforms as a viable option for expanding program choices for broader segments of the population.
A new study published in PLOS One found that using a smartphone while on the toilet is associated with a higher risk of hemorrhoids. Smartphone users spent more time on the toilet and had a 46% increased chance of developing hemorrhoids.
Researchers found that people with emotional insecurities react strongly to their partner's phone use, reporting lower self-esteem and greater resentment. Simple steps like creating phone-free zones can help protect relationships.
The University of Oklahoma's smoking cessation app Smart-T has shown significant promise in a clinical trial, with users nearly twice as likely to quit smoking compared to those using the QuitGuide app. Participants who used Smart-T also reported higher satisfaction and more frequent use of nicotine therapy.
A recent study by the University of Washington reveals that highly walkable areas lead to significantly increased walking among residents. The study used data from the Argus step-tracking app and found that a 49-point increase in Walk Score was associated with an average increase of 1,100 steps per day.
Researchers found that cellphone sensor data can be linked to a wider array of mental disorder symptoms, including those not specific to any one condition. The study used statistical analysis to correlate sensor data with symptom dimensions, revealing correlations with both specific behaviors and a general p-factor marker.
US adolescents spend nearly an hour per school day on smartphones, with most of this time dedicated to social media. The study highlights developmental differences in smartphone use, with younger teens using less than older adolescents.
A study found that users who exchanged daily walking steps for digital train tickets increased their walking by an average of 626.2 steps/day. Those using shopping coupon incentives walked 715.2 steps/day more on average than non-users. The results suggest effective promotion of active travel through well-designed mHealth apps.
A new study has found a strong correlation between the sentiment of Instagram images and user sentiments on social media, particularly for anti-war images. The research suggests that social media images can significantly influence public opinion on sociopolitical events, with notable effects observed in comments from users.
A global study of over 100,000 young people found that owning a smartphone before age 13 is associated with poor mind health and wellbeing in early adulthood. The study found correlations between early smartphone ownership and symptoms such as suicidal thoughts, aggression, detachment from reality, and low self-worth.
Researchers from Science Tokyo developed analog relay stations to extend mmWave coverage, achieving over 1 Gbps throughput and enhancing stability in previously unreachable zones. The innovative solution utilizes distributed relay diversity to maintain signal strength and throughput even with blockage.
Researchers found that smartphone sensors can detect major forms of psychopathology. The study's results may lead to the development of symptom monitoring tools to fill gaps in current practice.
A recent study published in PLOS One found that emoji use in text messaging can enhance perceived responsiveness and lead to higher closeness and relationship satisfaction. The presence of emojis was more critical than their type, suggesting they serve as signals of attentiveness and emotional engagement.
A research team developed an analytical model to evaluate the performance of grant-free communications schemes in densely populated IoT environments. They found that interference cancellation improved base station throughput but did not resolve the near-far problem, while power control addressed it but led to decreased overall network ...
A new study reveals that tweens who use devices in bed and receive notifications are more likely to experience sleep disturbance. Experts recommend keeping screens outside the bedroom, turning off notifications, and avoiding social media before bedtime to promote healthier sleep habits.
A new time-division MIMO technology enables phased-array receivers to operate at high speeds while reducing power and circuit area, addressing limitations in traditional systems. The innovation achieves a record-setting 38.4 Gbps data rate across eight streams, paving the way for practical large-scale MIMO systems.
A study identified distinct trajectories of addictive social media, mobile phone, and video game use in US youths, finding links to increased suicidal ideation and worse mental health outcomes. The research suggests that high or increasing addictive screen use may warrant further clinical evaluation and intervention design.
A study of 403 Italian adolescents suggests that low social support and a tendency to compare oneself to others are associated with an increased risk of problematic social media use. The longitudinal study found that these factors predict trajectories of adolescent social media use over time.
A team of researchers from Japan has developed an ultra-compact, low-power 150 GHz radio module enabling high data rates in mobile devices. The proposed design integrates a phased-array transceiver with several key innovations to overcome the main challenges of operating at frequencies in the 150 GHz band.
Researchers used anonymized GPS data from smartphones to monitor how wildlife reacts to people, highlighting the potential of human mobility data in tracking human-wildlife conflicts. The study's findings can inform conservation planning, help protect animals and wild spaces, and ensure that recreational activities are done responsibly.
A research team at POSTECH developed a metasurface technology that can display multiple high-resolution images on a single screen, overcoming conventional holographic limitations. The innovation uses nanostructure pillars to precisely manipulate light, allowing for different images based on wavelength and polarization direction.
Researchers discovered ferroelectric phenomena at a subatomic scale in Brownmillerite, overcoming collective atomic vibrations limitations. This property enables selective domain formation within tetrahedral layers when an electric field is applied.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that as preteens used more social media, their depressive symptoms increased by 35%. The research team tracked changes over time in each child to accurately assess the link between social media and depression. Experts suggest using digital habits tools to create healthier online behavior...
Hari Kalva, a pioneer in video technology, has been inducted into the Florida Inventors Hall of Fame. His work has enabled the pixels of modern life, from Netflix streams to smartphones. He is also credited with developing the MP4 file format and pioneering machine learning for video encoding.
A recent study published in PNAS Nexus has found that 5G exposure does not alter gene expression and methylation profiles in human skin cells. The researchers used advanced equipment to control for temperature, which was previously cited as a potential cause of adverse effects.
Researchers at the University of Surrey unveiled a new type of electronic component called multimodal transistor (MMT) that simplifies display circuits while improving performance and sustainability. The MMT enables compact high-performance circuits suitable for devices like smartphones, tablets and wearables, reducing power requiremen...
Researchers developed a small sensor system that tracks passing cars and sends data to riders' phones. The team tested the system in Seattle and found a significant correlation between close passes and other indicators of cycling risk. The system could support mapping or navigating cyclists on safer bike routes through cities.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are developing a new method to recover rare earth elements from old electronics, such as tablets and phones, using solid-phase extraction technology. This method aims to reduce energy use, cut down on solvents, and streamline the process, making it more environmentally friendly and commercially viable.
A recent University of Georgia study found that a popular smartphone application frequently reports lower temperatures than direct on-site measurements, potentially leading to safety concerns. The app also underestimated the necessity of activity modifications to mitigate heat-related risks.
A team of researchers from Kyoto University has developed a smartphone app that teaches core techniques of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to treat subthreshold depression and anxiety. The app, RESiLIENT, was tested in the largest-ever individually randomized trial of its kind, showing promising results with no serious adverse effects.
Researchers developed a new method that uses simple grayscale eye photos to predict anemia in children. The technique analyzes patterns and textures in the conjunctiva of the eye, avoiding problems caused by different light conditions or camera models.
The University of Texas at Arlington's 23 patents granted in 2024 helped boost the UT System's position among the nation's top innovators in patent technology. The UT System ranks No. 3 in the National Academy of Inventors' prestigious top 100 ranking.
A new study found that Michigan Medicaid telehealth improved access to care for adults with low incomes, including those living in rural areas. The program increased the use of telehealth among enrollees, who were highly satisfied with the experience, and reduced barriers such as transportation and caregiving responsibilities.
Researchers at Nagoya University developed an ultra-thin loop heat pipe to improve heat control in smartphones and tablets. The device transports heat without electricity, enabling sustained high performance without compromising on design or user experience.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology and Jeonbuk National University successfully trapped mechanical waves within a single resonator, overcoming a century-old physics barrier. The discovery opens new possibilities for energy harvesting, ultra-sensitive sensors, and advanced communications.
Quantum Base, a Lancaster University spin-out, has successfully floated on the London Stock Exchange with a £4.8 million fundraising. The company aims to harness quantum technology to address real-world challenges through its patented Q-ID solution for anti-counterfeiting.
A new study published in PLOS Digital Health found that older drivers with GPS navigation systems tend to drive more frequently, suggesting these tools help maintain driving mobility. The research reveals that using GPS can alleviate spatial orientation difficulties and support older adults' independence on the roads.
Eventgoers use social media to capture special moments and construct narratives of their own lives, intersecting with communal narratives. This mediated memory work influences how they experience and remember live events, blurring the lines between the present and future.
The device uses AI technology to detect potential heart problems and provides real-time health insights. It has multiple points touching the skin near the heart, allowing for more accurate tracking even during movement.
Researchers at TUM integrate 60 camera pixels into a single detector, achieving unprecedented resolution of up to 3840 MPixels. This technology enables the observation of tiny shifts due to gravity in antihydrogen beams and has broader applications in experiments requiring high position resolution.
A study from the University of California, Riverside, found that a smartphone app can subtly reshape a person's self-image at work. The app, called MindTAPP, uses associative conditioning to pair users with positive affirmations, leading to more favorable views of their workplace abilities and a heightened sense of self-efficacy.
Researchers are using smartphones to capture naturalistic data on memory, sleep, and dreams, finding that a single night of sleep influences memory for the events that occurred the day before. Memories following sleep were more vivid, felt temporally closer, and were easier to recall.
Researchers found that placing smartphones out of reach doesn't reduce distraction, as people shift attention to laptops. The study suggests that device usage is driven by habits and routines developed with devices, not the devices themselves.
Researchers developed a lighter, smarter magnetoreceptive e-skin that tracks signal paths for applications like virtual reality and robotic systems. The new technology emulates the functioning of real skin and saves energy by using a single global sensor surface and central processing unit.
International experts say blanket restrictions on smartphone and social media access are ineffective in promoting healthy technology use among children. A rights-based approach focusing on age-appropriate design, education, and protection is needed to safeguard children from harm while developing skills for digital society participation.
A new study found that smartwatches paired with a health app can encourage people with newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes to maintain a home-delivered, personalised exercise programme. This programme showed improvements in blood sugar levels, systolic blood pressure, cholesterol, and quality of life.
A new study found that smartwatches paired with a health app can encourage people with newly diagnosed Type 2 Diabetes to start and maintain purposeful exercise, leading to improvements in blood sugar levels and systolic blood pressure. The programme also helped participants lower cholesterol and improve their quality of life.
The University of Texas at Arlington has contributed 23 patents to UT System's total of 234, increasing by 15% over 2023. This recognition showcases the university's role in translating research into daily innovations.
A groundbreaking new study of young people's digital media use reveals evidence that smartphone ownership benefits children and links social media posting to negative outcomes. The Life in Media Survey will track digital media use and wellbeing across the lifespan.
The POSTECH research team developed a smartphone-type OLED panel that can transform its shape while functioning as a speaker, maintaining ultra-thin flexibility. The panel uses electrically driven piezoelectric polymer actuators to achieve complex forms without mechanical hinges or motors.
Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.
A randomized clinical trial found that a customized smartphone app, Silvia Program, significantly improved cognitive functioning among residents with mild cognitive impairment. The program's combination of daily goal setting, cognitive training, and AI-generated conversations showed promising results.
Researchers at Curtin University have developed a new type of quantum dot that matches or outperforms traditional cadmium-based QLEDs in terms of efficiency and color accuracy. The breakthrough technology emits pure and vibrant blue light with an impressive 24.7% efficiency, lasting nearly 30,000 hours.