Research on social media and its effects on people. Covers sleep and mood, body image, self-objectification, and the platforms' wider social impact.
A study of nearly a million tweets found that liberals use more emotionally expressive language, while conservatives talk about religion. The research suggests that online networks can provide valuable data to understand people's psychological characteristics and behavior.
The influence of citizen science is growing, with some states actively encouraging local residents' participation in environmental monitoring. However, not all states share this enthusiasm, with laws limiting or prohibiting citizen scientists from collecting data near agricultural sites.
A new study finds India's monsoonal rainfall is 12% below average due to El Niño and La Niña fluctuations. Asteroids cause fractures up to 25 kilometers below the moon's surface, according to a Geophysical Research Letters study. Scientists will use a community fleet of drones for Earth monitoring
Using social media data can provide comprehensive information for conservation decisions, revealing species sightings and landscape preferences. Social media data may also be used to track mobile populations of species at higher accuracy than traditional sources.
Research by University of Sussex psychologists shows that valuing consumerist values can lead to a negative downward spiral, worsening peer relations and mental health. In contrast, friendly and helpful behavior is associated with increased popularity.
A recent study presented at a British Psychological Society conference found that social media pressure can cause significant anxiety and depression in teenagers. The research revealed that constant availability and response expectations on social media accounts negatively impact sleep quality, self-esteem, and emotional well-being amo...
New studies reveal that the Southern Ocean has increasingly removed more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere since 2002. The research, compiled from millions of ship-based observations, suggests that the Southern Ocean's carbon sink is strengthening, contrary to previous findings.
Researchers found a correlation between social and financial status and levels of internationalism in friendship networks, with those from higher classes having lower international connections. Despite this, low-social class individuals tend to have more international friendships.
Researchers analyzed public reaction to Sherman's remarks, finding that professional media defended him while most Twitter commenters denounced his comments using negative racial connotations. The study highlights the need for awareness of stereotypes to prevent harmful responses.
Research from Georgia Tech reveals that Twitter users adopt formal tone when using hashtags to reach a wider audience, while using @ symbols with smaller audiences or local language. The study shows geographical differentiation in online language, with regional lingo used in messages targeting specific cities.
New insights into Mercury's movements and interactions with the solar system reveal its unique composition. Researchers reevaluate New Zealand's Alpine Fault after seismic data showed it becomes flatter at depth, providing new information for geological studies.
A study found that companies presenting a human voice on social media improve their corporate reputation, with customers having a more positive view. The researchers conducted a two-year longitudinal study and surveyed over 3,500 participants to reach this conclusion.
Research suggests that humor plays a crucial role in attracting romantic partners. Men who can make their partner laugh are more likely to be interested in dating them. On the other hand, studies found no connection between humor and intelligence. The study proposes that shared laughter is a stronger indicator of romantic interest than...
A study by University of Iowa sociologist Ion Bogdan Vasi found that local screenings of Gasland led to increased anti-fracking mobilizations and influenced policymakers to ban hydraulic fracturing. The documentary film reshaped public perception and sparked significant interest in the topic among the general public.
A University of Iowa researcher found that local screenings of Gasland led to an increase in anti-fracking mobilizations and influenced local policymakers to ban hydraulic fracturing. The study used online searches, social media chatter, and mass media coverage to measure the impact of the documentary on public perception.
Researchers found that Twitter users shared messages from people with different ideological views for non-political issues like sports events, but converged on similar ideologies for overtly political topics. The study also revealed dynamic shifts in polarization over time for certain issues, such as the Newtown school shooting.
A team of researchers found a massive slab of water ice on Mars, measuring 40 meters thick and covering an area equivalent to California and Texas combined. Meanwhile, scientists have long struggled to study the Earth's remote mantle using seismic wave analysis, but new research offers new insights into this complex process.
A system developed at Oak Ridge National Laboratory can identify and characterize solid or liquid samples in seconds, providing a valuable tool for material science, forensics, pharmaceuticals, biology, and chemistry. The device is self-cleaning, requires no sample preparation, and is cost-effective.
A study published in INFORMS' Management Science found that buying from friends increases ecommerce purchases by 60%, regardless of the friend's influence status. The researchers also discovered that users with fewer friends experience stronger relative increases in adoption rates.
Research by Georgia State University sociologists found that men sharing child-care duties lead to better relationships and sex lives, while women shouldering most responsibilities result in lower quality relationships. Couples with egalitarian arrangements reported equal levels of satisfaction with their sex lives.
Researchers at Chapman University have published two studies revealing widespread mislabeling of meat species in consumer commercial products, including ground meat and game meats. The studies identified significant discrepancies between product labels and actual species, highlighting the need for improved quality control measures.
A study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that eating instant oatmeal for breakfast significantly reduced food intake at lunch. The researchers attributed this effect to the higher molecular viscosity of beta-glucan in instant oatmeal, which enhanced satiety and feelings of fullness.
A study by Ben-Gurion University researchers highlights the importance of social media in emergency situations. The public is often the first to adopt social media platforms during emergencies, creating a self-regulating environment where users can correct misinformation and share relevant information.
Researchers from Georgia Institute of Technology discovered 11 previously unknown Internet browser security flaws using a new cyber security analysis method. The team developed a proprietary detection tool called CAVER to catch vulnerabilities in C++ programs, resulting in significant contributions to the security of the Internet.
Researchers tracked foodborne illness outbreaks using social media, finding that online reviews of restaurants and businesses can aid traditional surveillance systems. Meanwhile, statisticians analyzed social media data after Typhoon Haiyan to develop best practices for emergency response.
Scientists have found a way to detect internal damage in Utah's natural arches that could lead to their collapse. A study also reveals how a 16th-century Italian earthquake changed the course of the Po River over thousands of years. Researchers explore the effects of smaller rivers from Canada's Arctic islands on the North Atlantic.
Scientists have developed a technique to estimate the age of fingerprints, which could help investigators determine relevance and exclude older prints. The method uses palmitic acid migration rate to predict fingerprint age, applying to prints up to four days old, with plans to expand that window.
A recent study by University of California, Riverside researchers found that men and women use social media and online health forums differently. Women primarily use these platforms to discuss specific health conditions, whereas men focus on health news and healthcare policy. This research can help public health officers target underre...
A new INFORMS study reveals that responding to customer complaints on Twitter can actually trigger more complaints, improving the initial customer relationship but increasing expectations and complaint propensity.
Research presented at the American Psychological Association's convention found that participants who attended more face-to-face meetings had greater success in achieving and maintaining sobriety. Online support groups on Facebook did not show similar results, with participants reporting a higher likelihood of dishonesty online.
A study found that Twitter's trending topics often don't reach traditional news media, perpetuating socioeconomic and cultural biases. In four countries, over half of trending topics were reported first on Twitter, while less than 10% appeared in mainstream newspapers.
DeepBind uses deep learning to analyze protein-DNA/RNA binding and detect mutations that can disrupt cellular processes. The tool provides new information on disruptions in mutations tied to cancers, haemophilia, and familial hypercholesterolemia.
A new study suggests that warmer air and reduced sea ice in the Arctic may lead to lower levels of toxic methylmercury in fish and humans. The EarthQuiz challenge allows users to explore virtual field locations with interactive imagery and puzzles.
A study by the University of Cambridge found that individuals' musical preferences reflect their cognitive style, with those scoring high on empathy preferring mellow music and those scoring high on systemizing favoring intense music. The research used a dataset of over 4,000 participants and found consistent results across genres.
Researchers have recreated firefly bioluminescence in the lab using a chemical reaction between luciferin and oxygen. The discovery could lead to new applications in medicine, such as more efficient light therapy for patients with certain diseases.
A study of college-aged women found that those with stronger emotional connections to Facebook are less likely to struggle with risky dieting behaviors. However, if they compare their bodies to friends' online pictures, it's the opposite: more concern about body size and shape, and more risk of dieting behaviors.
Researchers at Rice University found that consistent superior e-service quality is key to winning the e-commerce battle between Amazon and Wal-Mart. The study identified four core dimensions of e-service quality, including website design, fulfilment, customer service, and security/privacy, which strongly impact overall e-service quality.
A team of experts has identified genomics as the largest field in big data generation, with an estimated 2-40 exabytes of data produced daily. The rapidly growing field poses significant storage and analysis challenges, including aligning and comparing billions of human genomes.
As genome-sequencing technologies improve, the amount of genomics data is projected to grow exponentially, requiring significant advancements in computing infrastructure. Genomics data will surpass even YouTube's storage capacity, highlighting the need for innovative solutions to handle the deluge of genomic information.
A new ASU project will leverage social media to monitor and analyze conversations to determine significant dangers. The goal is to develop a logic-based framework to understand extremist mindset and motivations, supporting counter-messaging strategies.
A new study found that Beijing's physical area quadrupled between 2000 and 2009, highlighting the rapid growth of urban infrastructure. Meanwhile, earthquake experts have made progress in resolving scientific debates through collaborative research.
A team of scientists at the University of Vermont has developed a new algorithm that can efficiently search millions of tweets on Twitter for drug names and build a map of their connections using hashtags. This approach can quickly identify clear evidence of drugs linked together via hashtags.
A Michigan State University study found that high school and college students engaged in intelligent debate about scientific issues on a voluntary Facebook forum. The informal learning environment connected students with professionals and experts, sparking interest in careers and civic engagement.
A new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that people are more likely to conform to others' preferences than actions. Researchers designed six experiments involving everyday activities to test this theory, revealing a pervasive tendency to adopt others' judgments as one's own.
A third of patients reported using email to contact their doctors, while 18% used Facebook for the same purpose. Patients aged 25-44 were most likely to use these tools, with a desire to fill prescriptions also evident.
AGU researchers explore the impact of the Sabah earthquake on sediment production and river systems in Malaysia, while also discussing improved predictions for Arctic sea ice extent. The findings highlight the urgent need to better understand and predict these natural phenomena.
A national survey found that patients are interested in using email and Facebook to manage their health, but few actually do so. Only 7% of respondents use their physicians' websites to access their own health information, highlighting a disconnect between patient interest and current institutional practices.
The Chesapeake Bay's hypoxic and anoxic zones are caused by excessive nutrient pollution, primarily from human activities. Scientists predict a smaller 'dead zone' this summer, with midsummer volume expected to be approximately 1.37 cubic miles.
A review of 36 studies found a consistent relationship between cyberbullying and reports of depression among children and adolescents. The study also identified common forms of cyberbullying and coping strategies used by victims.
Researchers found that adding certain yeast autolysates can enhance fruity aromas in sparkling wines without affecting foam quality or phenolic compound content. The study provides new insights into the impact of commercial yeast products on bubbly wines.
Scientists expect this year's Gulf of Mexico hypoxic zone to be approximately 5,483 square miles, similar to the last several years. The dead zone affects important commercial and recreational fisheries, threatening the region's economy.
Researchers found that news media created public panic during the 2014 U.S. Ebola outbreak, with tweets and Google searches peaking in response to news clips. The study used social media data to show how news media manipulated public emotions, highlighting its potential impact on future outbreaks.
A study by Penn State researchers found that many of America's most admired companies have room for social media improvement, with some lacking basic accounts and others struggling to create engaging content. Companies in the consumer packaged goods industry excelled in this area, while those in healthcare struggled.
The defense cascade is a continuum of innate defensive behaviors in response to threats. Clinicians can use targeted interventions to decrease arousal, manage traumatic memories, and alleviate negative emotional reactions.
Researchers from Boston Children's Hospital and Merck have built a digital phenotype of insomnia and other sleep disorders based on Twitter data. The study found that Twitter users with sleep problems are less active on social media but tweet more during traditional sleeping hours, suggesting an increased risk for psychosocial issues.
Researchers found that social media can be a powerful tool for emergency preparedness and response, with Twitter playing a key role in spreading news. Social media use during disasters can help connect people with others who have experienced similar situations, providing emotional support and a sense of community.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that social media-based campaigns can be more effective in helping young adults quit smoking than traditional methods. The Break It Off campaign, launched by the Canadian Cancer Society, uses interactive websites and smartphone apps to engage users and encourage smoking cessation.
A new manifesto calls for a shift in power from internet giants to ordinary consumers, citing the need for more control over online data and content. Dr Paul Bernal argues that the internet is messy and dynamic, and that few people want to be forgotten but most want influence on how they are remembered.
A national survey found that 84% of teens turn to the internet for health information, but 88% do not share their concerns with friends or social media. This study highlights the importance of accurate and accessible digital health resources for teenagers, who use online tools to make behavior changes and take care of themselves.
Researchers analyzed over 42,000 Ebola-related tweets to show how Twitter was used to share breaking health news in West Africa. The study found that Twitter played a crucial role in disseminating information about the outbreak, particularly in the days leading up to official announcements.