Research on social media and its effects on people. Covers sleep and mood, body image, self-objectification, and the platforms' wider social impact.
Archaeologists are using social media to save sites, but a new study warns of potential harm from naive initiatives without strategic oversight. The use of online platforms puts archaeologists at risk of harassment and exploitation, and local communities face unequal access to their heritage.
Scientists have created a light-emitting, transparent and flexible paper out of biocompatible materials, a significant step towards bendable electronics. The innovation uses wood flour and quantum dots made from zinc and selenium, offering a 'greener' alternative to traditional plastics.
A new study finds that Twitter can provide valuable information about the health and social needs of transgender individuals, including mental health issues like depression. The researchers collected over 1,135 tweets containing relevant hashtags and analyzed the sentiments expressed in the tweets.
The report, authored by David Rosenbloom, recommends using mobile technology, such as geotargeting, to address heavy drinking on campuses. It also suggests developing credible messaging to discourage excessive drinking through web/mobile design and programming.
A new UCL study reveals that sex equality in residential decision-making explains the unique social structure of hunter-gatherers. The research found that when both men and women have influence over camp assortment, group relatedness is much lower due to individuals seeking to live with as many kin as possible.
A study published in Political Research Quarterly found that social media platforms don't break new ground among political discussion forums. Users with strong social connections tend to prefer like-minded discussions and tailor their privacy settings accordingly. In contrast, users who facilitate connections between different groups a...
A new study from City University London, Carnegie Mellon University, and Bocconi University found that self-promotion or humblebragging often elicits a negative response. Self-pro promoters tend to overestimate others' positivity and underestimate their negativity, leading to excessive bragging with the opposite effect.
The American Gastroenterological Association (AGA) highlights notable clinical practice data and basic science research presented at Digestive Disease Week (DDW) 2015. Notable abstracts include fecal microbiota transplantation donors, maximizing endoscopy utilization, and bile acid roles in obesity.
A recent study analyzed over 300 'thinspiration' images on Twitter and Pinterest, revealing that they often feature cropped body parts and promote extreme thinness. The research highlights the potential harm of such content on viewers, particularly young women who may feel pressure to achieve an unattainable ideal.
Research finds that social media and socioeconomic influences drive customer adoption of new sales channels. Marketing campaigns can leverage these influences to promote new brick-and-mortar venues.
Researchers analyzed Facebook activity of over 10 million users, finding that users chose to ignore about 70% of challenging posts despite algorithm filtering. The study suggests that social media platforms like Facebook can still promote ideological diversity if users actively seek out diverse perspectives.
A study by Dr Pam Ramsden found that nearly a quarter of participants who viewed violent news events on social media scored high on clinical measures of PTSD. Those with outgoing personalities were also more at risk. The study highlights the need for support and awareness about the risks of viewing traumatic content online.
A study found that local media played a sensitive role in helping West Cumbrian communities cope with traumatic events, while national media was often invasive. The research showed that communities responded positively to local support and shared experiences.
A new study found emissions of ozone-forming compounds at an Illinois ethanol refinery are 30 times higher than government estimates. Emissions from other refineries in the US may also be underestimated, potentially making them a larger source of VOCs than currently thought.
A new method for making RNAs has been developed by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, allowing for increased chemical diversity and efficiency. This breakthrough could accelerate the development of diagnostics and therapeutics using RNAs.
A new study published in Marketing Science finds that firms creating their own brand-specific online communities experience significant revenue growth, with social engagement being a key driver. The study reveals that enabling customer social interactions can generate substantial direct revenue benefits to the firm.
Researchers create ultra-sensitive wearable sensors that can detect subtle eye movements and facial expressions, allowing robots to understand human emotions. These advancements could lead to more intuitive interactions between humans and robots, improving their usability and user experience.
Researchers at Oregon State University successfully field-tested a two-legged robot that can move, balance, and withstand mild blows while taking a walk in the grass. The 'ATRIAS' robot is three times more energy-efficient than other human-sized bipedal robots, heralding the running robots of the future.
Walter F. Mondale is recognized for his efforts to raise awareness about brain diseases after losing his wife and daughter to these conditions. He advocates for research breakthroughs, aiming to improve patient care and save the country from potential $1.1 trillion in Alzheimer's-related care costs by 2050.
Sunil Sheth, MD, a clinical instructor at UCLA, is receiving $154,000 to develop a lab test that can diagnose stroke from a single drop of blood. The award aims to validate this test in emergency rooms and potentially revolutionize initial stroke evaluation and treatment.
Benjamin Tolchin, a Massachusetts researcher, will receive a $130,000 award to investigate psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) and develop new treatment approaches. His research aims to identify ways to increase the number of patients who successfully complete therapy and eliminate their PNES.
Scientists develop enzymes that can catalyze brand-new chemical reactions by mimicking natural evolution and optimizing active site amino acids. This breakthrough enables the creation of novel chemicals, such as aziridines, which have potential applications in pharmaceuticals.
A new study by researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia found that MLB teams with more original content on their Twitter accounts gained more followers and increased engagement. The study also showed that trends such as winning streaks and frequent national television appearances led to significant increases in followers. By ...
A new study reveals that online forums have positive links to well-being and are associated with increased community engagement offline. Users of these forums who engage more with others experience greater benefits, including improved mental health and increased involvement in offline activities.
A new study published in Psychology of Women Quarterly found that young women who spend more time reading magazines and on Facebook are more likely to experience self-objectification. The researchers discovered that Facebook users tend to compare their appearance most often to peers, rather than family members or celebrities.
The EU Active Ageing Index shows a nearly two-point increase overall, but Greece and Latvia fall behind. Countries like Sweden, Denmark, and the UK have done well across all four active ageing areas.
Research by Dr Keelin Howard found that Facebook can provide social support and connection for recovery from mental health problems. However, excessive or problematic use can exacerbate symptoms of paranoia, anxiety, and depression. Participants developed strategies to protect their mental well-being on the platform.
Researchers from Concordia University investigate how an after-school program in Quebec uses social media to revolutionize learning for at-risk youth. Students engage with artist-educators on multimedia projects, developing professional skills and building self-expression through digital arts and new media.
A University of Houston study finds that excessive Facebook use and social comparison are associated with depressive symptoms. The research suggests that individuals who spend more time on Facebook and engage in social comparisons may experience heightened levels of depression.
Researchers are developing technology to shore up user privacy on leading social media sites, addressing the growing concern of users' information being shared beyond their intended group. The project aims to design a formal model and mechanism to enforce privacy policies, protecting users from malicious access and 'leaky boundaries',
A recent study from UH Case Medical Center examines the effects of social media on mental health care and treatment. Doctors and patients often blur the lines of their relationships, with social media research helping to prevent injury in some cases.
A new study reveals that the 2011 Japan earthquake triggered a significant release of climate-warming gases, including CFC-11 and HCFC-22, contributing to global warming. The study found that emissions increased by 21-91% over typical levels, equivalent to about 10% of Japanese vehicle emissions in 2011.
A recent study in Nature Climate Change analyzed how Twitter, TV, and newspapers reported the IPCC's latest climate evidence. The researchers found that different media sources used distinct frames to emphasize or downplay various aspects of climate change, with some frames being more engaging for audiences than others.
Researchers from Concordia University found that password strength meters are inconsistent and may confuse users. They recommend using robust meters like Dropbox's, which analyze passwords for common dictionary words and highlight weak phrases.
A new satellite will monitor solar storms and detect pollution from underground aquifers that seep into the ocean. The Deep Space Climate Observatory will provide critical warnings for astronauts and operators of planetary infrastructure.
A new study in the Journal of Marketing found that electronic word-of-mouth has a significant impact on sales, varying by product type and industry. Consumers favor specialized review sites and word-of-mouth from independent review sites over retailer sites.
A recent study by Dartmouth researchers found that Facebook conversations about surgery reveal a common pattern of call-and-response in asking for and offering prayers. Nearly four thousand people posted about surgery, with posts referencing family members triggering greater responses via comments.
Researchers found that college athletes are willing to receive social media education as long as it is tailored to their actual habits and includes their input. Athletes perceive excessive monitoring software as overburdensome, highlighting the need for consistent follow-up and athlete feedback integration.
Researchers found that teens tend to disclose information first and then seek help to mitigate risks, a different approach than adults who consider risks before taking action. This 'disclose-first-and-then-make-corrections' model may explain the privacy paradox observed in teens.
More than half of mothers and one-third of fathers discuss child health and parenting on social media. Despite benefits like reduced feelings of loneliness, parents worry about oversharing and its potential consequences for their children's privacy and safety.
Millennials consume news across various platforms, including social media, for civic, problem-solving, and entertainment purposes. The study finds that 70% of their social media feeds contain a diverse mix of viewpoints.
A Massachusetts General Hospital study found a correlation between hospitals' Facebook ratings and their performance on a widely-used measure of quality care. Hospitals with higher Facebook ratings had lower readmission rates within 30 days after discharge.
Low-oxygen zones off the Oregon Coast are affecting fish populations, with some species like Dover sole remaining largely unaffected. The study found that low oxygen levels drive sensitive species away, while others may be pushed into less desirable habitats and grow more slowly.
A 67-year study reveals less summer fog in California is driven by urban growth, threatening native plants' water source during dry months. The shift could lead to warmer, drier hillsides and increased fire risk.
Research suggests that social networking is a market where senders compete for attention, leading to a scarcity of message creators and cluttered networks. As messaging becomes cheaper and easier, senders target more people, decreasing payoffs and increasing competition.
A new study reveals that patients' perceptions of GP safety are crucial to reaching successful diagnosis and treatment. The research found that trust issues, alienation, and impersonal processes can lead to problems in improving patient safety within GP services.
Researchers have successfully imaged the formation and growth of lithium dendrites, which can cause battery degradation. The team's microscopy technique allows for real-time analysis and precise measurements of electrochemical performance.
A BBC News team received the Endocrine Society's Award for Excellence in Science and Medical Journalism for their coverage of hormonal fluctuations at different times of day. The winning package, 'The Day of the Body Clock,' included TV, radio, and online coverage from May 13, 2014.
Scientists have created a durable, flexible cloth that harnesses human motion to generate energy, self-charging batteries or supercapacitors without an external power source. The novel TNG fabric can be stacked and reused multiple times, making it suitable for various biomedical and commercial applications.
A study by researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine found a significant correlation between Twitter sentiment and health insurance marketplace enrollment. The analysis of 977,303 tweets revealed that a 0.10 increase in positive sentiment was associated with a 9% increase in enrollment.
A new study published in Neurology reveals that only up to 63% of the US population has access to a comprehensive stroke center within an hour, even under optimal conditions. Conversion of primary stroke centers to comprehensive ones could improve access for 23% more people.
A recent NUS study found that online news articles about climate change and charismatic mammals are more likely to be shared or liked on Facebook and Twitter. Conservation researchers highlight the importance of engaging with the general public through effective online content delivery.
A study by UCI and Stanford researchers found that daily automessages on Twitter increased smoking cessation rates. The hybrid approach combined automated messages with social media, resulting in a 75% success rate for quitting smoking.
A team of researchers is using Twitter to gather information on vaccine refusal patterns, combining traditional survey techniques with social media analysis. The study aims to gain insights into people's reasoning about vaccines and how these reasons vary among communities.
A recent study published in the British Journal of Developmental Psychology found that children who struggle with sympathy are more likely to share resources with peers they respect. The research suggests a compensatory relationship between sympathy and respect, helping kids navigate prosocial solutions even when empathy is lacking.
Researchers are using social media to study personality, mental health, and cross-cultural differences. Studies have found that language patterns on Twitter and Facebook can predict heart disease risk and emotional stability, while open-vocabulary analysis reveals connections between words and personality traits.
A new study published in Neurology found that people who sleep more than eight hours a night have an increased risk of stroke. Those who shifted from sleeping less than six hours a night to more than eight hours were nearly four times as likely to have a stroke.
A new satellite-based study found that tropical forests lost 4 million hectares annually from 1990-2000 and 6.5 million hectares from 2000-2010, with a 62% increase in deforestation rate.
Researchers evaluated four football helmet add-ons, including Guardian Cap and Concussion Reduction Technology, which showed limited impact on reducing concussion risk. The study found that helmets with these add-ons reduced linear accelerations by about 11 percent but had little effect on angular accelerations.
New satellite-based estimate reveals phosphorus transport from Saharan Desert to Amazon rainforest over multiple years. Researchers also investigate human and robotic missions to the Moon, potentially uncovering solar system origins.