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Design tool transforms objects into intricate works of art

A computational design tool developed by Disney Research enables users to create delicate, yet structurally sound, 3D objects with interconnected shapes. The tool helps identify and strengthen weak areas in the designs, making it possible for the general public to create beautiful artifacts that also withstand handling and shipping.

The benefits of friending a grownup

A Drexel University study found that teen-adult social media interactions can aid in students' maturation process by modeling appropriate behavior and teaching self-censoring skills. The research also highlights the importance of establishing healthy relationships with adults on social media to help teens understand boundaries.

Can computers do magic?

Computer scientists at Queen Mary University of London have developed systems to analyze human perceptual quirks and predict audience responses, enabling magicians to create new tricks. These computational models can be used in various areas of magic, including stage illusions, optical illusions, and close-up magic.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 10, 2016

You are not as anonymous as you think online

A recent study published in Frontiers in ICT found that a person's online browsing behavior can reveal their unique digital signature, which can identify them. The research suggests that personality traits can be deduced by general internet usage, offering new avenues for understanding online behavior and its applications.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in ICT·DateJun 7, 2016

Teenage brain on social media

A new UCLA study found that teenagers' brains activate the same reward circuitry when seeing high and low social media likes, influencing their behavior. The study suggests that social media can have a significant impact on teens' willingness to conform and engage in risk-taking behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPsychological Science·DateMay 27, 2016

Study shows which new moms post the most on Facebook

A study by Ohio State University found that new mothers who feel societal pressure to be perfect parents and strongly identify with their motherhood role tend to post more frequently on Facebook. This behavior can lead to stronger emotional reactions to comments, including feelings of validation or disappointment. The study also found ...

SourceOhio State University·JournalSex Roles·DateMay 24, 2016

Your friends have more friends than you do

A recent study by McGill University researchers found that users tend to follow those with more connections than themselves, resulting in a phenomenon known as the Generalized Friendship Paradox. This paradox suggests that even active and influential users experience it, with up to 90% of users experiencing this effect.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 18, 2016

In a connected world, privacy becomes a group effort

A study by Penn State researchers reveals that social media users act autonomously on some privacy issues but become interdependent when information is co-owned by multiple users. Participants relied on strategies like group discussions and private groups to manage privacy rights for group content.

Greater social media use tied to higher risk of eating and body image concerns

A study found that frequent social media use is associated with a greater risk of developing eating and body image concerns in young adults. Participants who spent more time on social media had a higher risk of reporting these issues. The research suggests that preventative messages should target a broad population.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics·DateMay 11, 2016

Transforming teaching with Twitter

A new study shows that Twitter can enhance middle school learning, with students reporting significant increases in exposure to reputable science leaders, broadening their audience, and connecting science to their lives. The research highlights the potential of open social networking tools like Twitter for personalizing education.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalMiddle School Journal·DateApr 27, 2016

Measuring happiness on social media

A study published in PLOS One found that people's feelings of long-term happiness and satisfaction with their lives remained steady over time, unaffected by external events. The researchers grouped Twitter users into satisfied and dissatisfied groups, finding differences in language use, activity patterns, and psychological processes.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 26, 2016

Is my brand image green or healthy? No need for costly surveys, just ask Twitter!

Researchers from Illinois Institute of Technology analyzed over 200 brands on Twitter, finding that fans of eco-friendly, luxury, and nutrition brands tend to follow environmentally focused accounts, resulting in a positive brand image. This approach offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional surveys.