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.
Research found that distractions while engaging in hedonic activities lead to lower enjoyment and satisfaction, resulting in overconsumption. Participants who were distracted during lunch reported lower enjoyment and satisfaction, which was associated with increased snacking later in the day.
A wireless feedback system is comparable to a similar system with added coaching in achieving meaningful weight loss. The study suggests that technology alone may not produce clinically acceptable weight loss for most individuals, highlighting the need for stepped care with human coach support.
A study by Brigham and Women's Hospital found that patients with limited English proficiency are more likely to rate video health care visits as worse than in-person appointments, despite having access to telehealth services. The study highlights the need for designing telehealth platforms that better serve marginalized populations.
Despite concerns about data privacy risks in the post-Roe era, many American women continue to use popular period-tracking apps without taking steps to protect their information. The study found that users are unsure how to take control of their data and feel in the dark about how it is used and shared on these apps.
Researchers at the University of Oklahoma are developing evidence-based mobile health interventions to treat substance use disorders. By leveraging smartphones, they aim to create highly tailored interventions delivered at the right time for individuals, reducing stigma and improving treatment outcomes.
Text messaging and bulk ordering can significantly increase mammogram completion rates for breast cancer screening outreach. The study found that these interventions are effective in improving adherence to recommended screening guidelines.
Researchers found that popular teens sleep less than their peers, with popular girls experiencing more insomnia symptoms. This study suggests that social context and emotional investment may contribute to sleep difficulties in popular teenagers.
A new study published in Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine reveals that smartphone swabs can successfully detect drugs on phone surfaces. The method, which uses dry swabs, identified MDMA, cocaine, and THC as the most common substances, with other drugs including ketamine, LSD, and heroin also detected.
SourceDe Gruyter·JournalClinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (CCLM)·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 22, 2024
A team of researchers has developed a novel approach using game theory to maximize Wi-Fi performance by optimizing user positions. By analyzing the incentives for all users, their potential game model condenses the impact of new users and inter-user interference into a single function.
Researchers used fitness trackers and smartphone data from 55 MS patients and 24 controls to identify clinically useful information. Data on physical activity, heart rate variability, and phone usage revealed relationships between disease severity, fatigue levels, and motor function.
A study found that almost 17% of adolescents experience weight-related bullying online, with the highest rates reported by Twitter users. The survey also revealed a strong association between screen time, social media use, and weight-related bullying, with a 13% increase in bullying for every additional hour of screen time.
Researchers develop AI-assisted algorithm to analyze surgical videos of cataract surgeries in Global South, aiming to improve surgical outcomes and training. The algorithm can work with conventional image material and smartphone videos, addressing the need for resource-saving solutions in these countries.
Researchers from Aalto University found that individuals who gave up their smartphones had to adapt to life without the convenience of mobile apps. They employed technical workarounds such as using stand-alone devices or borrowing friends' phones to overcome limitations in daily life.
A team of researchers developed an AI-powered computer vision model to detect Brazilian wild animals on roads and warn drivers in real-time. The system uses roadside cameras and portable computers to identify species such as anteaters, wolves, and tapirs, with the potential to save lives and reduce roadkill.
Researchers developed a new method to detect heart failure using smartphones by analyzing heart movement. The technology has been shown to be accurate in identifying patients with heart failure, offering potential benefits for remote monitoring and treatment.
A digital health platform with one-on-one telehealth coaches significantly improves patient adherence to pre-surgical preparation and post-surgical recovery guidance. Patients who used the platform had shorter hospital stays and lower risk of readmission compared to those who didn't use it.
A new approach uses a smartphone screen to create full-color 3D holographic images by leveraging computer-generated holography (CGH) and an optical component called a spatial light modulator. The method has the potential to enhance near-eye displays in virtual reality headsets, creating more realistic and interactive user experiences.
Researchers developed a smartphone cognitive testing app that detects early signs of FTD in gene carriers before symptoms appear. The app was found to be comparable to gold-standard methods and may enable greater participation in clinical trials.
The study reveals that smartphone-based cognitive assessments can provide reliable and valid results for diagnosing frontotemporal lobar degeneration. These findings suggest a scalable solution for remote evaluations, which may enhance early detection.
Researchers at Kennedy Krieger Institute and Johns Hopkins Medicine developed a new method for analyzing walking and gait using free software and cellphone videos. This approach is more accessible and quicker than current state-of-the-art methods, enabling clinicians to assess patients' walking abilities more conveniently.
Researchers found that adding a note to play up psychological sense of ownership was more effective at convincing people to get the booster. This approach outperformed lab findings and expert insights, highlighting the importance of reproducibility in behavioral science.
A novel approach estimates metabolic activity and infers blood glucose levels from near-infrared measurements in commercial smartphones and smartwatches. The phase delay between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin signals closely relates to oxygen consumption during cardiac cycles, serving as a gauge for metabolism.
A new cellphone app developed by physician-scientists uses artificial intelligence to accurately diagnose ear infections in young children, reducing unnecessary antibiotic use. The AI tool is more accurate than trained clinicians and offers a simple solution for healthcare providers.
A new smartphone application using AI and facial-image processing software detects the onset of depression before symptoms appear. MoodCapture captures facial expressions and surroundings, then evaluates them for clinical cues associated with depression.
A bilingual healthcare app is being launched to assist Canadians in maintaining their health during the current healthcare crisis. The app aims to encourage users to take proactive steps towards preventative care, providing them with personalized recommendations and resources.
Scientists from Tokyo Tech propose two design techniques to minimize unwanted signals known as fractional spurs, which degrade phase noise in output of the PLL. The first technique uses a cascaded-fractional divider and achieves a -62.1dBc fractional spur, while the second technique employs a pseudo-differential DTC, resulting in an in...
A study conducted by Newcastle University found that using a smartphone application to monitor residents in care homes reduced A&E attendances by 11% and emergency admissions by 25%. The app, Health Call, provided real-time data to enable early identification of deterioration and better management of illnesses.
Researchers at UW developed a wireless wearable earring that monitors earlobe temperature, detecting fever, eating, exercise, and ovulation. The earring's battery life is 28 days, and it can be personalized with fashion designs without affecting accuracy.
Researchers developed a compact facial recognition system that uses metasurfaces to create high-resolution images. The new technology recognized Michelangelo's David with similar accuracy as existing smartphone systems, using significantly less power and space.
A smartphone-based mall walking program combined with physical shopping mall facilities and digital incentive coupons increased daily walking steps. The study found that this innovative approach can motivate people to walk more, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
The study highlights the potential of crowdsourced geospatial data to improve decision-making processes in various industries. Researchers identified seven challenges associated with crowdsourced data, including ensuring quality and accuracy, protecting privacy, and navigating legal issues.
A new smartphone app called All_Aboard has been developed to aid blind and visually impaired individuals in finding bus stops. The app uses artificial intelligence and camera technology to detect street signs and provide auditory cues, achieving a success rate of 93% compared to Google Maps' 52%.
The SLICES research infrastructure, launched by UC3M and IMDEA Networks, provides high-quality experimentation services with emerging technologies like 5G/6G, IoT, NFV, or Cloud Computing. This Spanish node aims to support the scientific community in experimenting with cutting-edge resources.
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new lithium battery that can charge in under five minutes while maintaining stable performance over extended cycles. The breakthrough could alleviate range anxiety among drivers who worry about electric vehicle charging time.
A recent study by University of Cincinnati Blue Ash students found that individuals with clinically significant levels of OCD are more prone to problematic smartphone use. The research also highlighted the impact of fear of missing out, boredom proneness, and inhibitory anxiety on the relationship between OCD and PSU.
Research found mobile phone users process information faster but are more likely to fall for misinformation compared to personal computers. PC users, however, are more susceptible to phishing attempts, highlighting the importance of device-specific responses.
Multicommunicating can enhance primary tasks and minimize delays when done correctly. Effective management of communication partners' expectations is key to avoiding distractions.
A tiny bacterium, Vibrio natriegens, has been genetically engineered to increase its ability to extract rare earth elements through biosorption, a sustainable method. This breakthrough could improve the efficiency of processing and bring rare earth element mining back to domestic productivity.
A study by Carnegie Mellon University found that using alternative data from smartphones is more effective in improving financial inclusion (23% better) and business profitability (42% better) compared to social media data. This approach can help microloan companies adopt cost-effective solutions and offset potential economic loss.
A study of over 50,000 Korean adolescents found that those using smartphones for more than 4 hours a day had higher rates of stress, thoughts of suicide, and substance use. In contrast, lighter users showed no greater health risks compared to non-users.
Smartphone usage patterns differ substantially between urban and rural populations, with urban users favoring social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. In contrast, rural users tend to use Facebook and Snapchat, suggesting that environment influences smartphone behavior.
Researchers from RMIT University found that Australians aged 20 to 40 years old take more selfies than teenagers and older Australians. Older participants used their smartphones for functional purposes like capturing information at work, whereas teenage participants preferred taking photos during exciting events or with friends.
A systematic review of 13 randomized clinical trials found that app-based interventions are effective in treating moderate to severe depression. The study's findings support the use of mobile apps as a practical tool for clinical practice.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that AI's deep convolutional neural networks can identify faces but struggle to capture other important information like emotional state and trustworthiness. Brain activity scans revealed a weak correlation between AI's codes and human brain represent...
Researchers found that changes in voice patterns predicted alcohol intoxication with 98% accuracy. The study suggests that smartphones and smart speakers could be used to deliver 'just-in-time interventions' to prevent injuries and deaths from motor vehicle accidents.