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Power in the palm of your hands

The Digits sensor allows users to control devices remotely using hand gestures, eliminating the need for external hardware. Researchers have made significant breakthroughs in understanding human hand movements and developing a system that can accurately track and interpret finger joints, wrist orientation, and other key points.

Your memory is like the telephone game

A study by Northwestern University found that human memories adapt and change with each retelling, leading to distorted recall. The research used a telephone game-like scenario where participants recalled object locations, showing improved recall accuracy on the final test for objects tested on day two but never exactly right.

Calling all truckers ... not!

Researchers in India have developed a system to detect and block cellphone use by drivers while driving. The technology, based on RFIDs, aims to reduce road traffic deaths by minimizing distractions caused by cell phone conversations.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Enterprise Network Management·DateJul 5, 2012

An entire army sacrificed in a bog

Archaeologists are uncovering the secrets of a mass sacrifice of over 200 warriors in a bog near Alken, Denmark. The dig aims to clarify the circumstances behind the ritual sacrifice and analyze the remains to shed light on the Iron Age culture.

Ending refugees' exile

Researchers argue that traditional return-to-country models for refugees are flawed, citing instances where up to 20% of returned Afghan refugees have become displaced again. New flexible approaches focusing on cross-border links and migration can help support refugee families and communities.

Therapists phone it in and keep more patients

A Northwestern University study found that phone therapy retains more patients and improves depression outcomes compared to face-to-face sessions. The randomized control trial included 325 primary care patients with major depressive disorder and showed that phone therapy reduced dropout rates by 12 percentage points.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJAMA·DateJun 5, 2012

Sandia National Laboratories' unique approach to materials allows temperature-stable circuits

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new approach to creating multilayered, ceramic-based microelectronics circuits that can maintain stability in resonant frequency despite temperature fluctuations. This technology has the potential to improve the performance of cell phones and reduce costs by eliminating unnec...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalJournal of Microelectronics and Electronic Packaging·DateJun 1, 2012

Technology convergence may widen the digital divide

Rural residents may face a digital divide due to the increasing adoption of technology that replaces copper lines with faster, cheaper, and more convenient alternatives. While cellular phones offer an affordable option, most cell phone companies charge per minute, and service can be unreliable.

Humanist funerals

Humanist funerals in the UK prioritize reflecting the deceased person's character and worldviews, offering an alternative to traditional religious ceremonies. Dr. Matthew Engelke's research found that many non-religious individuals feel it essential to express their individuality through funeral choices.

Smartphones a big help to visually impaired

A study by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine found that only 15% of patients with low vision reported being recommended smartphones for their accessibility features. However, 24% of participants used smartphones, which can offer features like font size increase and GPS navigation to enhance quality of life.

Berkeley Lab researchers at AAAS

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory presented advancements in artificial photosynthesis, CAT scans for biological cells, and diagnostic microscopy with a cell phone. These discoveries aim to improve our understanding of quantum mechanics, analyze cellular structures, and develop new diagnostic tools for cancer patients.

LED lights point shoppers in the right direction

Researchers from Penn State and Hallym University developed a system that uses LED lights to provide locational information, enabling shoppers to quickly find items in large stores. The hybrid system combines radio frequency transmitters with overhead LED lights to provide accurate location data.

Studies on smoking cessation in ethnic minorities

A study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute found that telephone counseling services doubled the odds of quitting smoking among Chinese-, Korean-, and Vietnamese-speaking smokers. In contrast, a second study on bupropion SR showed promise for African American light smokers during medication phase but lacked long-t...

SourceJournal of the National Cancer Institute·JournalJNCI Journal of the National Cancer Institute·DateJan 25, 2012

Wayne State study shows early research on cellphone conversations likely overestimated crash risk

A Wayne State University study found that early research on cellphone conversations and crash risk may have overestimated the relative risk of conversation. Using GPS data, researchers tracked drivers over 400 days to find little driving consistency between control days, reducing the apparent risk of cellphone conversation.

'Sexting' driven by peer pressure

A University of Melbourne study found that young men and women experience pressure to share sexual images via 'sexting', often due to societal expectations or peer group influence. The study highlights the need for meaningful dialogue to address the negative consequences of sexting among young people.

Biochemical cell signals quantified for first time

Researchers at Emory and Johns Hopkins universities have quantified the data capacity of a biochemical signaling pathway for the first time, finding that it is significantly lower than expected. The study suggests that cells may use alternative methods to communicate when their primary pathways are insufficient.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2011

Innovating for every woman, every child

The report emphasizes the importance of self-sustaining supply-demand systems in improving health and wellbeing for marginalized women and children globally. The authors highlight democratising technologies like mobile phones as a key opportunity for local demand to be understood, appreciated, and locally solved.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateSep 11, 2011