Articles tagged with Smartphones
The University of Texas at Arlington is developing more efficient processes for sourcing rare earth elements needed to produce high-performance magnets. The project aims to make the mining of these critical materials more environmentally sustainable and cost-effective.
The BiliSG app uses machine learning to analyze skin color and predict bilirubin levels in newborns, offering a convenient alternative to traditional testing methods. With 100% sensitivity, the app has shown promising results in monitoring neonatal jaundice and reducing the risk of brain damage.
Researchers at University of Washington developed IRIS, a smart ring that allows users to control smart devices by aiming the ring's small camera at the device and clicking a built-in button. The prototype Bluetooth ring controls devices up to two seconds faster than voice commands.
A new study by UT Health San Antonio found that a smartphone app can help patients with opioid use disorder reduce their days of opioid use and stay in treatment longer. The app combined contingency management behavioral therapy and recovery support from peers, reducing opioid use by 35% compared to medication only.
A study by the University of the Basque Country found that 11- to 12-year-olds primarily use their smartphones to communicate with family and friends, rather than engaging with social media. While they do use social media, it is mainly for watching videos on YouTube and other platforms.
A new study suggests that excessive screen time can lead to reduced sleep quality in preschool-age children, worsening behavioral problems such as poor attention and emotional symptoms. The research also found a correlation between screen time and decreased sleep quality.
A new study from Tel Aviv University uses smartphone data to predict wildfire risk, overcoming individual device errors by averaging large amounts of public data. The method provides valuable insights into wildfire evaluation, especially in remote areas lacking traditional weather stations.
Researchers used fitness tracker data and machine learning to detect bipolar disorder mood swings with 80.1% accuracy for depression and 89.1% accuracy for mania. The study's findings move the field toward personalized algorithms suitable for all patients, regardless of compliance or device access.
New Curtin University research reveals complex factors shaping child development beyond screen time. Parental mental health and the type of screen used are found to have an impact on infant development at 12 months.
A study by Osaka University researchers found that visual landmarks can be difficult to find in certain environments, leading to motion sickness. They propose using radio-frequency localization, such as ultra-wideband sensing, to overcome these challenges and improve indoor augmented reality applications.
A new book by Dr Merten Reglitz proposes a human right to free internet access, including protections against government censorship and surveillance. The research argues that governments should provide guaranteed access to the internet with sufficient quality to meet basic human rights needs.
Researchers at Seoul National University's Optical Engineering and Quantum Electronics Laboratory developed an optical design technology that dramatically reduces the volume of cameras with a folded lens system utilizing metasurfaces. The new lens system achieves a thickness of 0.7mm, making it suitable for ultra-compact devices such a...
Researchers recommend public surveillance via online observation platforms like iNaturalist and Observation.org to detect invasive species early. By leveraging the growing number of smartphone users, scientists aim to widen the surveillance net and augment existing biosecurity frameworks.
Research found that prolonged blue light exposure accelerates bone growth and bone age, leading to early puberty in rats. This could have implications for children's height and skeletal development in adulthood.
Researchers have developed a deep-learning-powered metalens imaging system that overcomes limitations of traditional metalenses. The system pairs a mass-produced metalens with an image restoration framework driven by AI to achieve aberration-free, full-color images while maintaining compact form factor.
An international team of scientists identified a surprising factor accelerating lithium-ion battery degradation, leading to reduced charge and potential failure in critical situations. Strategies to reduce self-discharge may include electrolyte additives and cathode coatings to improve battery lifespan.
A study by University of Cambridge researchers found that teenagers become more sensitive to threats after a few hours alone, regardless of digital connection. This increased threat response can lead to anxiety and unease, even in the presence of online interactions.
HemaChrome's machine learning-based technology enables instant and noninvasive measurement of blood hemoglobin levels from digital photos, facilitating point-of-care diagnostic tests. The collaboration with Global Health Labs aims to address anemia diagnosis gaps in low- and middle-income countries.
Devin Harris and his team have developed an augmented reality app, STRUCT-AR, that allows students to 'stress test' virtual bridges, beams, frames, and trusses. The app, which is set to be tested this spring, aims to improve students' understanding of structural behavior by providing a more interactive and immersive learning experience.
A research team from Hokkaido University has developed a flexible multimodal wearable sensor patch that can detect arrhythmia, coughs, and falls using edge computing on a smartphone. The sensor patch generates large amounts of data that must be processed to be understood.
A study from the University of Surrey found that 99.73% of undergraduate medical students in Afghanistan exhibit symptoms of nomophobia, a fear and anxiety related to being without a mobile phone. Gender, age, and marital status are significant factors influencing nomophobia levels, with married individuals showing higher mean scores.
Researchers have developed a new system for full-body motion capture that leverages sensors within consumer mobile devices. The app, called MobilePoser, tracks a person's full-body pose and global translation in space in real time with advanced machine learning and physics-based optimization.
A Dartmouth study introduced a smartphone app to monitor student mental well-being, which was recognized for its impact on the development of mobile and wearable health technology. The app found strong correlations between student mental health and academic performance, social interactions, and behavior.
Researchers found that users pay a price for free mobile apps, including reduced focus, sleep deprivation, and loss of physical contact. Users prefer to make one-time purchases to protect their privacy over using services with hidden costs.
A new citizen science study has found that a person's subjective impression of their own memory problems is strongly linked to modifiable risk factors for dementia. The research used a smartphone app to gather data from 3,327 people and found a stronger association between subjective memory impairment and risk factors such as depressio...
Researchers have developed two smartphone apps that provide safe indoor navigation, route guidance, and return to a previous location. The apps use built-in sensors, such as accelerometers and gyroscopes, to track the user's progress, reducing reliance on visual cues.
Researchers explore the influence of digital resources on autobiographical memory, highlighting its potential benefits, such as supporting people with memory difficulties, and risks, like manipulation through deepfakes. The study aims to better understand the interplay between recorded data and memories stored in our minds.
A study using a smartphone-based wayfinding task identified individuals with increased risk for dementia, based on their movement patterns and spatial memory. The research provides promising insights into the potential of digital technologies for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer's disease.
A study found that one-minute technology breaks can reduce phone use during class, leading to higher test scores. Phone use was lowest during one-minute breaks, suggesting this duration may be optimal for minimizing distractions.
Researchers at UCF are developing materials that allow electricity to move through devices without creating heat, potentially transforming how technology is built and powered. If successful, this could lead to a long-term solution for humankind and the way we consume our natural resources.
Researchers developed a multi-variable model called Hear-MHE that analyzes speech patterns to identify symptoms of minimal hepatic encephalopathy. The test shows promise in predicting overt hepatic encephalopathy and could lead to earlier diagnosis and improved treatment.
A study found that employees who reduced private smartphone use by an hour a day showed improved work satisfaction, motivation, and mental health. The intervention also led to decreased depressive symptoms and increased feelings of control.
Researchers at Klick Labs developed an AI technique using vocal biomarkers to predict chronic high blood pressure with up to 84% accuracy. The study used machine learning to analyze hundreds of indiscernible vocal biomarkers, including pitch variability and speech energy distribution patterns.
A pilot study found that voice changes recorded on a smartphone can signal an impending flare-up of COPD symptoms. Researchers analyzed the voices of 28 people with COPD and discovered higher pitched tones and 'jitter' before an exacerbation occurred.
Researchers developed Transparent Pressure-Calibratable Interference Electrotactile Actuator (TPIEA) technology to provide consistent virtual haptic experiences. The TPIEA uses platinum nanoparticles to reduce impedance and achieve high transmittance, allowing for precise and varied tactile sensations.
Researchers found that sustained neck exertions alter the cervical spine's curvature, leading to muscle fatigue and increased risk of neck pain. The study provides new insights into the mechanical changes that occur in the spine and muscles when performing repetitive tasks.
A recent survey found that phone use at night negatively impacts teenage mental health, particularly among those who have been cyberbullied. Approximately 66% of girls and 58% of boys reported being cyberbullied, with stress levels in the moderate-to-severe range reported by 38% of girls and 23% of boys.
Research published by the American Psychological Association found that digital switching, such as swiping through videos, actually increases boredom and reduces satisfaction with content. Participants reported feeling less engaged when watching a single video versus rapidly switching through multiple short videos.
Recent study evaluates Redmi K60 Ultra's multi-frequency GNSS capabilities, demonstrating significant improvements in positioning accuracy and speed. The device sets a new standard for consumer GNSS technology, with broad implications for applications like autonomous driving and augmented reality.
A comprehensive analysis by researchers at TU Graz found that numerous Android manufacturers use insecure kernels, leaving devices susceptible to one-day exploits. The study revealed that only between 29-55% of tested smartphones prevented attacks, with manufacturer kernels performing up to 4.6 times worse than the Generic Kernel Image.
A tailored, interactive text message intervention was found to increase self-reported vaping cessation rates among adolescents recruited via social media channels. The program effectively reduced dual use and prevented teens from starting to smoke.
Researchers from Stellenbosch University discovered that using work-related content during golf sessions reduces performance, whereas personal activities have little to no effect. The study suggests a clear distinction between leisure and professional use of smartphones in recreational settings.
A novel, fast and high-quality neural text-to-speech model was successfully developed using a Transformer encoder + ConvNeXt decoder and MS-FC-HiFi-GAN. The model can synthesize one second of speech at high speed in just 0.1 seconds using a single CPU core, achieving eight times faster synthesis than conventional methods.
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.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open found that mental health apps can significantly reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and suicidality in individuals waiting for their initial psychiatric appointment. The study, which involved over 2,000 patients, showed improvement in all groups, regardless of the app used.
A new study is testing whether digital tools can help predict which patients with depression will benefit from specific treatments and deliver them on demand. The researchers hope to use these tools to broaden access to psychiatric care and realize the promise of precision psychiatry.
A study found that drivers who received weekly feedback on their phone use and a cash incentive of up to $50 used their phones less than those given no incentive or feedback. The intervention also led to a 21% decrease in handheld phone usage when drivers were told they would lose money if they engaged in phone use while driving.
A study found that giving children digital devices to manage tantrums fails to teach them how to regulate their emotions, instead leading to severe problems. Parents' reliance on digital devices can exacerbate existing emotion regulation issues, emphasizing the need for alternative methods such as coaching and emotional recognition.
Researchers at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona have developed a telecommunications switch capable of operating at high frequencies with lower power consumption than current devices. The switch uses non-volatile material hBN, allowing it to activate its ON or OFF state with an electrical voltage pulse instead of a constant signal.
A new study published in The Lancet found that a self-guided smartphone-based behavioral therapy led to significant improvements for patients with fibromyalgia. Stanza, a smartphone app delivering acceptance and commitment therapy, showed improved symptoms including pain intensity, fatigue, and depression.
Research by the University of Texas at Austin found a 16% overall decrease in infants' speech input during real-world interactions when mothers used their phones. Phone use had stronger effects on speech during specific times of the day, highlighting the importance of parents being aware of their phone use's impact on caregiving.
Researchers at Trinity College Dublin have discovered a novel method for forming bastnåsite, a crucial mineral in extracting rare earth elements. The study reveals that fluocerite can act as a 'seed' to promote the rapid formation of bastnåsite, with significant implications for efficient and cost-effective extraction methods.
A breakthrough in ferromagnet research enables ultra-fast spin behavior, leading to potential advancements in communication and computation technologies. The study's findings have the potential to unlock terahertz processing power, a thousand times faster than current smartphones and computers.
Researchers have developed a study using smartwatches to monitor Parkinson's symptoms over time in early-stage patients. The study found significant declines in gait and tremor, as well as changes in speech, with the smartwatch detecting these changes more effectively than traditional tools.
New research reveals a 'mobile giving gap' where consumers are less likely to donate when using smartphones than PCs. To overcome this, charities should focus on highlighting the needs of others in their appeals, creating a sense of empathy and other-focus.
A real-time survey of US adolescents found that smartphone use is associated with improvements in mood, at least in the moment. The study used ecological momentary assessment and was funded by Facebook's Youth Research Fund.
Researchers from the University of Bath have created a deformable screen called DeformIO, which can be deformed through finger pressure. The surface becomes softer or stiffer in direct response to force applied, allowing users to interact with digital objects in a more tactile way.
Researchers developed a flexible static electricity-based sensor that detects objects within a certain range. The new technology has potential applications in smart devices and wearable technology, such as enhancing phone screens to recognize more finger gestures or detecting drowsiness while driving.
A study of young people in contact with mental health services found that half met criteria for problematic smartphone use. The study also revealed high levels of sleep disturbance and self-harm among the participants.
Researchers suggest three measures to improve EEW alerts: conducting nationwide drills, maintaining safe environments, and adding clear instructions to encourage immediate action. Studies found that people often wait for tremors to begin instead of taking protective measures, highlighting the need for more effective warning systems.