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Cell phones, driving don't mix

A study by Oregon State University researchers found that switching between tasks, like driving and cell phone use, leads to delays in response time and accuracy. The study suggests that simplifying tasks can help efficiency, but technology is complicating everything, including driving.

Preventing communication errors in telephone medicine

Researchers at Yale School of Medicine found that expanded physician and residency training in telephone medicine is necessary to prevent medical mishaps. The lack of visual cues indicating emotions may lead physicians to assume patients take news better than they actually do.

SourceYale University·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateOct 4, 2005

A frog's life is food for thought

A study by PhD student Rebecca Cramp found that the green-striped burrowing frog can maintain its gut function despite prolonged starvation, allowing it to digest massive meals efficiently. The discovery has implications for human survival during starvation, as humans often experience severe gastrointestinal issues after re-feeding.

SourceResearch Australia·JournalScience·DateApr 26, 2005

Use of cell phone images appears feasible for visualizing leg wounds

A new study by University Hospital of Geneva suggests that cell phone images can be used to visualize and diagnose leg wounds remotely. The researchers evaluated the use of cell phones to take images of leg ulcers, transmit them to experts, and receive diagnoses, with high levels of agreement between remote and in-person evaluations.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateFeb 21, 2005

A watch that's smarter than you?

A smart watch system prototype has been developed at the University of Washington, utilizing RFID tags to provide proactive reminders and track essential items. The system aims to seamlessly integrate technology into daily life, making it more convenient for busy individuals.

Phone counseling helps smokers quit

A telephone counseling program was found to be more effective in helping smokers quit than a less-intensive mailing plan. The study showed that participants who received the phone counseling had a reduced chance of smoking after one year, with a significant association between the type of counseling and smoking behavior.

SourceCenter for Advancing Health·JournalNicotine & Tobacco Research·DateJan 14, 2004

Self-management program helps patients with acute low back pain

A self-management program developed by Indiana University researchers significantly reduced disability, improved mental functioning, and increased physical activity among patients with acute low back pain. The program focused on boosting patient confidence and motivation to incorporate daily activities that alleviate symptoms.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateNov 24, 2003

Let water power your cell phone?

University of Alberta engineers have created a new source of clean, non-polluting electric power using tap water and microchannels. The technology has vast potential for powering small devices and could rival wind and solar power in the future.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateOct 19, 2003

Internet rising as preferred traffic info source

A Penn State study found that younger generations rely on the internet for travel information, while older populations turn to radio and TV. Internet awareness is increasing, leading to a substitution effect where TV users shift to using the internet and radio, and telephone use also increases.

Methanol could fuel computers, cell phones

A new study reports the results of several studies on determining the optimum materials for use as a proton exchange membrane in methanol-based fuel cells. The researchers believe that methanol-based fuel cells could be developed before hydrogen-based fuel cells, providing a convenient and accessible alternative for powering devices.