A new method developed by Mount Sinai and Sema4 researchers accurately identifies individual microbial species and strains in communities, providing a more comprehensive approach to microbiome analysis. The technique uses DNA methylation patterns as natural barcodes to discriminate between closely related species.
Researchers have discovered a new mechanism by which Earth's atmosphere breaks down meteors as they approach the planet. The new finding reveals that air particles penetrating the meteor's porous interior can create pockets of high pressure, ultimately leading to the rock's explosion in the upper atmosphere.
A study suggests that online social networks can help individuals with social anxiety reach out to others without feeling overwhelmed. Participants who felt socially apprehensive were more likely to use microblogging as a means of communication.
Dr. Peii Chen, a research scientist at Kessler Foundation, has been awarded a 2017 Switzer Research Fellowship to investigate the impact of family-clinician collaboration on stroke rehabilitation outcomes. Spatial neglect affects approximately half of stroke survivors and can lead to poor rehabilitation outcomes.
A study analyzed Twitter and Google search data to identify trends in vaccine sentiment before the 2014-2015 Disneyland measles outbreak. The findings suggest that social media users' attitudes toward vaccines exhibit increased variability, characteristic of systems approaching a tipping point.
People with MS who followed a healthy diet were 20% less likely to have severe physical disability and depression. A healthy lifestyle was also associated with reduced risk of fatigue, pain, and depression.
Researchers developed an algorithm to balance information exposure on social media, allowing users to see both sides of controversial discussions. The algorithm identifies and selects influential users who can spread balanced viewpoints, helping to break echo chambers.
Researchers found that patients with heart cell damage (PMI) had six times more likely to die within 30 days compared to those without PMI. The high death rate persisted up to one year after surgery.
A study published in Spine Journal found that durotomy cases involving late detection and severe injury are more likely to result in a verdict in favor of the patient. The researchers identified 48 malpractice cases where incidental durotomy during spinal surgery led to litigation, with most resulting in a ruling in favor of the surgeon.
A new study found that typical teens are resilient to negative online experiences, with effects vanishing within a week. Researchers believe coping skills may be learned through online interactions with friends or social media communities.
Climate scientists must engage in public debate to counter misinformation on Internet blogs, which can be more effective than traditional news sources. Scientists need to use social media effectively to turn the tide in the battle for public opinion and close the consensus gap on climate change.
A study by UTSA researcher Seok Kang found that instrumental motives, such as purchasing tickets or buying merchandise, predict behavioral loyalty among fans. Ritualistic motives, like relaxation and social interaction, are associated with attitudes toward teams or players.
Research finds that companies caught in fake news scandals experience significant reputational damage, with the effects lingering for over two years. The study suggests that deceptive marketing tactics can lead to a prolonged negative impact on the offender's reputation.
Researchers found that Facebook users with strong materialistic values use the platform more frequently and engage deeper, objectifying their friends. The Social Online Self-Regulation Theory proposes self-regulation as the key to social media usage, aiming for a neutral attitude towards platforms.
Researchers developed a tool to help users cloak their identity and avoid certain types of inferences drawn about them based on their social media behavior. The 'cloaking device' can significantly reduce the predictive value of online information used for targeting.
A new study reveals that materialistic people see their Facebook friends as digital objects and have more friends than non-materialistic individuals. They also display a stronger need to compare themselves with others on Facebook.
A critical review of existing literature reveals that social media big data can be used to monitor and intervene on behalf of people with drug addiction and abuse problems. Researchers have developed an evidence-based framework to inform future social media-based substance use prevention and recovery programs.
A Worcester Polytechnic Institute researcher has developed algorithms to identify fake likes, followers, and posts on various platforms with high accuracy. The goal is to prevent crowdturfing, which can spread misinformation and undermine online credibility.
Kathleen Hall Jamieson and Doron Taussig analyze Trump's rhetoric, finding it both disrupted political norms and created challenges for governing. Trump's signature traits include spontaneity, accountability dodging, and demonization, which have led to concerns about his mental acuity and speculation about invoking the 25th Amendment.
Researchers used Facebook ads targeted at users' personality traits, showing up to 1.4 times more clicks and 1.5 times more product purchases than non-targeted ads. The study suggests that psychological targeting is an effective approach to digital mass persuasion.
Researchers analyzed 1.3 million tweets from users with self-reported ADHD diagnoses to understand their online behavior. The study found that people with ADHD tend to post messages related to lack of focus and mental exhaustion, often using words like 'hate' and 'sad'. This could help clinicians develop condition-specific apps that of...
Most women reported feeling worse about their bodies after viewing images of bikini or fashion models, while only six percent experienced negative effects from paintings or products. The study contributes to the ongoing debate on media's impact on body image, highlighting the need for diverse representation in media.
A predominantly plant-based diet was associated with a 42% decreased risk of developing heart failure over four years compared to those who ate fewer plant-based foods. The American Heart Association recommends consuming a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources.
A study by Florida State University researchers, led by Benjamin Schneer, demonstrates that the news media causes Americans to take public stands on issues and join national policy conversations. The research found a 62.7% increase in social media discussion about a major topic when just three outlets reported on it.
Researchers found that sitting in or standing near a charging Tesla port did not trigger a shock or affect defibrillator performance. The study's findings suggest electric vehicles are safe for individuals with cardiac defibrillators, according to the principal investigator.
The World Scientists' Warning to Humanity has been updated 25 years after its initial issuance, warning of catastrophic biodiversity loss and widespread human misery if urgent steps are not taken. The authors highlight areas where reined-in human behaviors can move the Earth's systems toward sustainability.
Researchers analyzed PCI outcomes at over 650 hospitals, finding similar rates of in-hospital deaths, acute kidney injury, and bleeding between ranked and unranked hospitals. The study suggests that safe and high-quality stent procedures are performed nationwide, regardless of hospital ranking.
A recent study by Harvard University researchers found that even smaller media outlets can have a significant impact on the national conversation about major public policy issues. The study, which involved 48 news outlets and over 35 experiments, showed that discussion of a particular topic across social media rose by more than 62 perc...
A large-scale study found that articles from small news outlets can increase discussion by 63% and shift the balance of opinion by 2.3% in favor of the article's ideological direction. The impact is observed across different political affiliations, geographies, and social media intensity.
The Illinois Waterway has successfully recovered following the passage of the 1972 Clean Water Act, according to a study published in BioScience. The authors used a robust data set to demonstrate a strong linkage between water quality and the rebound of fish populations.
Researchers analyzed over 1.7 million text files shared on websites hosting doxed files, revealing that 32% of victims closed or changed Instagram account settings and 25% adjusted Facebook settings after an attack. New abuse filters on Facebook and Instagram were effective in reducing harm.
A new study found that more moderate to vigorous-intensity physical activity significantly reduces the risk of death among older women, but light intensity activity or sedentary behavior had no independent association. The research suggests that even low-level activities can have health benefits for other outcomes.
A study by Chloe Berryman found that social media use among young adults is more closely linked to mental health problems than the amount of time spent using it. However, vaguebooking – writing cryptic posts to solicit attention – was a worrying trend that showed a correlation with loneliness and suicidal thoughts.
A study by the University of Connecticut found that men who tan use tanning beds more frequently than women but engage in riskier behaviors, such as smoking and binge drinking. Men who tan also exhibit addictive behavior towards tanning, with 49% of users reporting difficulty quitting.
Researchers from six centers worldwide have assembled a vast family dataset to study genetic contributions to common epilepsies. The study reveals distinct family syndromes that could inform future genetic research and treatment development.
Experts say social media data use needs stricter guidelines due to rapid technological advancements and lack of adequate ethics frameworks. Researchers are mining large datasets to uncover insights into human behaviour, but only a small fraction report considering the ethical implications.
A survey of 100 patients found that Facebook was the most used and engaging platform, with Instagram second, while YouTube and Pinterest had low engagement rates. The practice's website was the go-to source of online information, influencing over half of patients' decisions.
The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology is developing guidelines for allergists on using telemedicine to provide high-quality care. This approach leverages technology to improve access to medical care and maximize patient experience. The goal is to have an exceptional user experience, putting the patient at the center.
Researchers found that using violent language in politics excites one's base but polarizes others, with a 20% increase in polarization. The study suggests micro-targeting and careful language use can help reduce polarization and promote unity.
Researchers used machine learning technology to identify entities illegally selling prescription opioids online. The study found 1,778 tweets marketing controlled substances, with 90% including hyperlinks to purchase sites.
Participants rated patients after rhinoplasty as more attractive, successful, and healthier than before surgery. The study used a web-based survey with images of 13 unique patients before and after rhinoplasty, showing an improvement in social interactions stemming from positive observer perceptions.
A study found that Medicare pay-for-performance programs are having a disproportionate financial impact on hospitals in the Mississippi Delta region, causing declining financial performance. The programs have led to widening disparities in financial performance between Delta and non-Delta hospitals.
During a crisis, people are exposed to conflicting information and stress. Those relying on social media report greater rumor generation and distress. UCI-led research found that communications vacuums can lead to rumor transmission and increased community-level negative emotion.
A new study by the University of Exeter found thousands of social media accounts celebrating extreme thinness, featuring selfies with protruding bones. The research suggests that these platforms are encouraging eating disorders and promoting unhealthy body image among young women.
Research by René D. Flores found that Twitter data shows a shift in behavior towards anti-immigrant users, with tweets becoming more negative after Arizona Senate Bill 1070 was passed. The study used sentiment analysis to determine the impact of the law on public discourse.
A study by University of Washington researchers found that Facebook data can be used to estimate migration statistics more accurately than the US Census Bureau. However, biases and limitations in the data must be considered when combining Facebook and American Community Survey information.
A QUT study found that humorous driver sleepiness advertisements can be ineffective due to drivers' expectations of shocking messages. Young Australian drivers prefer serious road safety topics over lighthearted approaches.
Researchers found that Twitter posts can predict football match outcomes by analyzing tone and sentiment, particularly after significant events like goals and red cards. Combining this information with betting market prices improves forecast accuracy, with a potential bettor earning an average return of 2.28%.
Researchers found Tai Chi to be safe, well-liked, and feasible for physically inactive heart disease patients. The longer program showed an increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity, suggesting potential benefits for this population.
A University of Houston psychologist explores how social media influences alcohol consumption among college students, finding that heavy drinkers overestimate others' drinking and misperceive what's normal. A new intervention uses social media to provide personalized feedback and reduce excessive drinking.
A new study projects significant increases in severe turbulence worldwide by 2050-2080 due to climate change. Flights over the North Atlantic and Europe will experience up to two or three times more turbulence than usual, while Asia and other regions will see a 60% increase.
A Danish study found that one in four people leave their job within a year of returning to work after having a heart attack. The study analyzed long-term employment patterns and found that younger people, those with heart failure or depression, were more likely to drop out of the workforce.
A new study found that Twitter is a hub of anti-vaccine sentiment, particularly in affluent regions. The research used machine-learning algorithms to analyze over half a million tweets between 2009 and 2015, finding that half of online discussions about vaccines were negative.
A new code of ethical behavior for sharing plastic surgery videos on social media aims to curb vulgar content and prioritize patient safety. The guidelines, proposed by Northwestern Medicine authors, are based on four guiding principles of medical ethics and will be presented at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons annual meeting.
A new study found that early full-term births are associated with a higher risk of poor cardiorespiratory fitness during adolescence and young adulthood. The researchers also discovered that each week increase in gestational age is linked to a lower risk of poor respiratory fitness.
A team of researchers from the Data Science Institute at Columbia are developing tools to flag aggressive social media posts from gangs and ISIS, aiming to prevent violent escalation. They will use natural language processing and machine learning techniques to analyze millions of tweets from gang members in Chicago and ISIS recruits.
A new study by USC ISI uses Twitter bots to spread positive messages, finding that information becomes viral when people are exposed multiple times. The researchers' findings suggest a cumulative reinforcement effect, where repeated exposure increases the likelihood of adopting an idea.
A Brown University study finds that political polarization has increased most among demographic groups with low internet and social media use. The authors suggest that broader forces beyond the digital landscape may be driving the rise in partisanship.
Research by Gita Johar and colleagues found that people fact-check less when they perceive others are present. In group settings, participants flagged 35% fewer statements for later fact-checking on simulated news sites compared to individual settings.
A University of Kansas study found that students who participated in a social media program learned scientific argumentation better than their peers. The program, which used Twitter and Skype, improved students' ability to share scientific claims, discuss phenomena, and demonstrate knowledge.