Research on social media and its effects on people. Covers sleep and mood, body image, self-objectification, and the platforms' wider social impact.
Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a non-polar polymer material exhibiting up to 10 times the measured electro-active response as compared to strong piezoelectric materials. This finding has the potential to revolutionize the field of electro-active devices, including sensors, actuators, energy storage devices,...
Researchers found that information communication technologies were used both to spread freedom messages and to incite violence during civil strife in Egypt and Kenya. The Egyptian government cracked down on blogs and social networks, while telecommunications companies responded differently depending on the government's request.
A new study analyzing over 3 million tweets, YouTube content, and blog posts finds that social media played a central role in the Arab Spring. Conversations about freedom and democracy were carried across international borders, inspiring stories of protest and organizing political action.
Tropical Storm Maria is expected to strengthen over the next two days, with maximum sustained winds near 50 mph. Hurricane Katia, a Category one hurricane, is moving between Bermuda and the U.S., prompting a tropical storm watch for the island.
A model published in the European Physical Journal B reveals that online communities' activity grows faster than user population, driven by individual tagging behaviour and constant heterogeneity across systems. This finding confirms accelerated growth patterns in virtual worlds.
Researchers found that accomplished developers form an elitist circle in the OSS community, making it difficult for less successful developers to establish collaborative relations. The study demonstrates social network analysis as a useful approach to understanding online social systems and their dynamics.
Researchers created a Facebook application called PiggyDemic to simulate viral interactions and gather data on how viruses spread among populations. The app can predict patterns of infection, seasonal outbreaks, and the impact of human interaction on viral dynamics.
A study of 188 teenagers in rural Georgia counties found that nearly 54% preferred receiving contact via phone with a recorded message from a known researcher. This approach proved more efficient and effective than text messaging or social media platforms like Facebook.
Tropical Depression Emily made a brief comeback on August 6, strengthening to 30 mph winds before dissipating by Sunday. NASA's Aqua satellite captured images of Emily's thunderstorms and cloud top temperatures, showing signs of strengthening and heavy rain.
Research by Dr. Larry D. Rosen highlights both the benefits and drawbacks of social networking for children, including increased narcissism and anxiety, as well as improved empathy and social skills
Tropical Storm Emily was formed and morphed into an elongated area of low pressure over the Caribbean Sea. A 60% chance of a comeback is given by the National Hurricane Center due to favorable upper-level winds on the weekend.
The article highlights how Facebook profiles are similar to traditional portraiture, where artists must make rhetorical decisions about representation. The author notes that both Rembrandt's famous works and today's social media profiles strive for mastery over the challenges of representation.
A Tel Aviv University researcher found that employees with positive relationships with their co-workers are more likely to live a longer life. The study followed the health records of 820 adults who worked an average of 8.8 hours a day and found that those with low social support at work were 2.4 times more likely to die within 20 years.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a tool that can take hundreds of digital portraits and create an animation of a person's face in seconds. The software aligns faces and chooses photos with similar expressions to produce smooth transitions, allowing users to see how a person's expression changes over time.
Researchers developed a new catalyst material that converts bio-ethanol into isobutene in one step, reducing costs. This process enables the creation of valuable chemicals such as tire rubber and safer solvents, expanding the applications for sustainably produced bio-ethanol.
A recent study suggests that social media tools like Facebook and Twitter can improve disaster preparedness and response by harnessing crowd-sourcing technologies and electronic communications. The authors propose several examples of social media tactics to boost disaster preparedness, including mobile apps, buddy systems, and RSS feeds.
Researchers found that conservative candidates used Twitter to convey a coherent message on economic issues and were more cohesive in their messaging. The study also showed that analyzing Twitter activity can predict election winners with high accuracy.
A triple-header of tropical cyclones was captured by the GOES-13 satellite on July 20, including System 99L, Tropical Storm Bret, and Hurricane Dora. System 99L is showing signs of organization and potential to become a tropical depression in the next 48 hours.
Researchers analyzed 772 tweets related to dental pain and found that 83% were general statements about toothache, with 44% reporting visiting the dentist and 43% taking medication. The study suggests using social media platforms like Twitter for collecting public health data.
Two studies published in Appetite found that consuming in-shell pistachios reduces calorie intake by 41% and provides visual cues to control portion size. Pistachio shells offer a simple technique to fool oneself full, supporting the 'Pistachio Principle'.
Researchers used network science to study swarming behavior in locusts, finding that social interactions play a crucial role in coordinating movements. The study suggests that animals may be creating equivalent social networks to humans, with locusts convincing others to move in the same direction.
A new study by University of Guelph researchers found that parents are just as likely as their teenagers to disclose personal information on Facebook. The study also revealed that both parents and teens share and show more about themselves than they might in other social settings, driven by psychological factors.
A special issue of Memory Studies explores how mass-mediated commemoration affects the London bombings, highlighting shifts between social engagement and memorialization. Researchers analyzed media coverage and personal memories to understand the complexities of remembrance and trauma.
A study by Johns Hopkins University researchers found that Twitter posts can be a useful source of public health information, revealing patterns about various ailments. The study uncovered interesting findings on allergies, flu cases, insomnia, cancer, obesity, depression, pain, and other health issues.
Researchers discovered that certain emotions can boost the sharing of stories and information. In experiments, students who felt anxious or amused were more likely to share content than those who felt sad or content. The study's findings have implications for companies and organizations looking to use social media effectively.
A team of healthcare professionals at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Nebraska implemented a collaborative approach to reduce urinary catheter-associated infections (CAUTIs) by 89%. The initiative, led by an infection preventionist, focused on educating staff and patients on proper care and removing medically unnecessary catheters.
Researchers found that angry user-generated comments can perpetuate negative perceptions of corporations during crises. Organizations should monitor and respond to online comments from victims to prevent reputation damage.
New guidelines for social media use in healthcare emphasize education over prescriptive advice. Researchers explore the potential benefits of social networking in breaking down barriers to reform, as seen in a Taiwan case study where the Minister of Health engaged with stakeholders through Facebook.
Researchers found that shorter, less strenuous warm-ups resulted in less muscle fatigue yet more peak power output compared to traditional warm-ups. This suggests that a better approach would be to aim for just enough activity to promote post-activation potentiation without creating fatigue.
A study by Penn State researchers found that young adults who are web savvy but lack knowledge about federal government may struggle to participate online. The experiment revealed that participants often failed to find correct government websites, citing obstacles such as general lack of knowledge and limited search engine results.
Researchers have developed a new method called ExpertLens to gather and analyze opinions from experts and laypeople, leveraging online and social media technologies. The system has performed well in early tests and could have wide application across various fields such as public policy, healthcare, finance, and marketing.
A team led by Dr. Marco Tedesco is tracking the lifecycle of a supraglacial lake on the Jakobshavn Isbræ glacier in Greenland. The team will study the lake's formation, drainage, and impact on glaciers' flow towards the sea.
A UGA study examines discussions in over 200,000 participants across 35 newsgroups and finds that popular posters attract most replies, with content sourced from traditional media and blogs.
A national study found that optimally implementing key guideline-recommended therapies for all eligible heart failure patients could prevent up to 67,996 deaths annually. The study highlights the potential health benefits of more consistent use of evidence-based treatments.
A study of over 100 popular websites found that three-quarters directly leak private information and unique identifiers to third-party tracking sites. The leaked data can be used to create detailed profiles of individuals, including browsing histories and search terms.
University of Missouri researchers found that human voice on social media leads to increased trust, commitment, and satisfaction. Personal contact on social media is perceived more positively than organizational presence, particularly for for-profit organizations.
According to a Northwestern University study, African Americans are more likely to start using Twitter, particularly those interested in celebrity news and having higher Internet skills. The research found 37% of black students used Twitter in 2010 compared to 21% of white students.
Researchers used Facebook to accurately crowdsource data on a fish survey in the Cuyuni River. Almost every fish specimen was identified by experts within 24 hours. The successful crowdsourcing project has implications for future scientific studies.
Twitter played a vital role in getting medical assistance to patients affected by the tsunami, particularly those with pulmonary hypertension. Meanwhile, a team of doctors successfully transferred 600 dialysis patients from Iwaki to Niigata hospital within a short timeframe, providing them with life-sustaining care.
Researchers found that teenagers assign great value to digital photos, music collections, and online artifacts due to their ability to be shared and personalized. The study suggests that technology design could incorporate a fuller appreciation of these sentiments, leading to new products and services.
The AGA recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to gastroenterology through various awards, including the Julius Friedenwald Medal and Distinguished Achievement Award. These recipients are leaders in their field and have made remarkable impacts on gastroenterological practice and research.
Researchers in China and Hong Kong found that Facebook usage improves academic and social integration among students. Students reported using Facebook to maintain friendships, share knowledge, and collaborate with peers, suggesting its potential in enhancing learning outcomes.
Finch, a portable and rugged robot designed for introductory computer science classes, includes sensors and mechanisms to engage students' senses. It can be programmed to display 'Hello World', make sounds, or respond to temperature changes, making programming lessons more interactive and motivating.
Researchers found that nonprofit health groups effectively use Twitter to share interactive health information and raise awareness, increasing health literacy. About 30% of tweets were re-published by readers, expanding the audience for health messages.
Carnegie Mellon University has developed Classroom Salon, a social networking application that engages students in online learning communities to share ideas and critiques. The app aims to personalize instruction for specific individuals and groups, particularly at-risk students who may benefit from collaborative work.
A new study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition found that pistachio snackers had better success with supporting their body mass index (BMI) goals compared to those who snacked on pretzels. Pistachios also helped support heart health due to their high levels of healthy unsaturated fat.
A paper in Nature notes the power of social media in shaping research priorities in Canada, particularly in the case of a controversial multiple sclerosis treatment. Researchers call for more effective communication tools between scientists and the public to ensure patients' concerns are heard.
Physicians Arash Mostaghimi and Bradley Crotty warn of the challenges created by social media blurring private and professional lines. They advise regular electronic self-audits and creating dual citizenship with a distinct professional profile.
Researchers found that off-label use of rFVIIa for various conditions had no mortality benefit and increased risk for thromboembolism in patients. Routine monitoring of troponin levels may be warranted to identify perioperative MI in asymptomatic patients undergoing major noncardiac surgery.
The study found that Twitter users in disaster-stricken areas tended to tweet about their unsafe situation, while those in remote areas posted updates to let their followers know they were safe. The researchers also identified numerous unreliable retweets and low signal-to-noise ratio for messages using hashtags.
Researchers found that real-time search terms have significant economic value, with unique searches generating $33 million in revenue daily. The study, published in Information Processing and Management, suggests a growing market for real-time search, driven by the increasing number of Twitter updates.
Researchers emphasize the need for legislation to regulate online behavioral advertising, as third-parties collect and share consumer data without transparency. This raises concerns about consumer privacy and data protection in e-commerce.
The British depiction of Egyptians as weak and subservient led to a shift towards masculine ideals, including physical health and bodybuilding. This, in turn, contributed to the formation of an anti-colonial nationalist movement that reversed the colonial narrative and created a new sense of national identity.
The U.S. Geological Survey has launched an updated version of its Butterflies and Moths of North America (BAMONA) website, featuring improved data collection and dissemination technologies. Verified sighting records are now immediately available on the site's home page, allowing for more efficient monitoring of pollinator populations.
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, is the oldest known US wild bird, returning to Midway at age 60 to raise her chick. She has likely raised over 30 chicks in her breeding life, demonstrating remarkable longevity and parenting skills.
Scientists have developed a new method to understand how different genes interact and affect cellular processes. The technique enables the identification of genes that influence each other's effects, similar to Facebook suggesting friend pairs, which could help predict patient outcomes and adapt treatments for diseases like cancer.
A new study by Ohio State University researcher R. Kelly Garrett found that using the internet generally doesn't make people more likely to believe political rumors, but e-mail does. E-mails from friends and family are more likely to be believed than online sources like websites and blogs.
Homeless kids who use online social networking sites are more likely to have been tested for sexually transmitted infections and better informed about preventing them, despite increased risk of risky behaviors
A USGS report found that 68 percent of beaches in the region are eroding at an average rate of 1.6 feet per year. The study used historical data to assess coastal change over 150 years and provides valuable information for managing the impacts of sea-level rise.
The study found significant variations in quality and safety across diabetes social networks, with room for improvement. Researchers recommend increasing moderation, making credentials of moderators visible, and improving privacy policies to protect patients' health information.