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Outer hair cells regulate ear's sensitivity to sound

In a study published in eLife, researchers found that outer hair cells adjust the sensitivity of neighboring inner hair cells to sound levels rather than amplifying them. This discovery could lead to better interventions to protect hearing and develop new ways to prevent hearing loss.

SourceeLife·DateSep 24, 2019

Battery icons shape perceptions of time and space and define user identities

A new study found that mobile technology alters how people view the outside world based on battery life and charging points. Battery icons shape daily activities and user identities, with full batteries linked to feelings of positivity and control, while low batteries induce anxiety and discomfort. The research reveals a strong social ...

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalMarketing Theory·DateSep 12, 2019

Benefits of cognitive behavioural therapy for IBS continue 2 years after treatment

A new study published in Lancet Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) tailored for IBS can provide effective, long-term relief despite patients having no further therapy. The research indicates that easily accessible treatment could be provided to a large number of patients with IBS.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology·DateSep 4, 2019

Scientists use phone movement to predict personality types

Researchers analyzed physical activity features to identify patterns associated with different personality traits, including extraversion, openness, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and neuroticism. The study found that consistent movements on weekday evenings were linked to introverted tendencies, while extroverts displayed more rand...

Child psychiatry telephone programs help increase mental health services for children

A national study found that child psychiatric telephone access programs significantly increased the proportion of children receiving mental health services. States with statewide programs had higher treatment rates compared to those with partial or no programs. The study suggests that expanding these programs could bolster the number o...

SourceRAND Corporation·JournalJournal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry·DateJul 15, 2019

Mobile phone app designed to boost physical activity in women shows promise in trial

A new study found that a mobile phone app designed for physically inactive women increased their daily physical activity and helped them sustain it over nine months. The app, combined with an activity tracker and personal counseling, provided motivational messages and interactive feedback, leading to short- and long-term fitness benefits.

SourceNIH/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute·JournalJAMA Network Open·DateMay 24, 2019

Army discovery opens path to safer batteries

Researchers have identified a new cathode chemistry that increases the energy density of lithium-ion batteries while maintaining improved safety. The discovery, which utilizes an aqueous electrolyte, has the potential to significantly increase the energy capacity of batteries without increasing weight or risk of fire.

Using a mobile while browsing the shelves may make shoppers buy more

A study published in the Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science found that using mobile phones for purposes unrelated to shopping can increase the likelihood of making unplanned purchases. Researchers observed that even brief periods of phone use can consume attentional resources, leading to forgetfulness and impulse buying.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateMay 5, 2019

Mom-to-mom phone calls lift breastfeeding rate

An Australian study found that regular telephone support from experienced breastfeeders increased breastfeeding rates among first-time mothers by 75%, compared to 69% in the control group. The program also improved mothers' ability to cope with challenges, leading to a significant increase in exclusive breastfeeding at six months.

SourceLa Trobe University·JournalEClinicalMedicine·DateMar 5, 2019

New weapon to combat counterfeit goods: use your smartphone to check for fake merchandise

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a 100% effective labelling system that uses a unique chemical fingerprint to identify genuine products. The system, which can be checked using a phone app, has been tested with a 100% success rate and has the potential to revolutionize the fight against counterfeit goods.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 21, 2019

Happy as a pig in muck?

A study published in PLoS ONE found that the type of pen a pig is shown in significantly affects how it is perceived by consumers. Straw bedding is rated as more natural and animal-friendly than concrete floors. The results suggest that even happy or sad expressions do not change perceptions of well-being.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 15, 2019

Follow-up phone calls by pharmacists help patients after hospital discharge

A new study published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology finds that pharmacist-led follow-up calls can significantly reduce hospital readmission rates and improve patient outcomes. The intervention also had positive effects on healthcare costs, patient beliefs about medicines, and patient satisfaction.

SourceWiley·JournalBritish Journal of Clinical Pharmacology·DateJan 24, 2019

Visualizing vitals through video

A mobile application will register natural head and body movements, distinguish between different skin tones and lighting conditions, and capture vital signs such as pulse rate. The project aims to expand beyond a 'wellness app' classification by the FDA, to an FDA-approved tool that can be used globally.

What does expanded Medicaid mean for the health & work lives of enrollees? A lot

A new study by Michigan Medicine found that nearly half of people covered by expanded Medicaid felt their physical health improved, while more than a third reported improvements in mental or dental health. Enrollees who were employed also reported better job performance and had easier times looking for jobs.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateDec 6, 2018

Mom, I can't recognize your face from profile view!

Babies younger than 6 months fail to recognize their mothers' faces when watching mobile phones, but improve face recognition at around 5.5 months through increased brain activity in response to profile views. Longitudinal testing of 14 babies from 3-8 months old provided key insights into developmental changes in face recognition skills.

SourceChuo University·JournalNeuroImage·DateDec 6, 2018

Building better batteries by borrowing from biology

A new advance in battery design has been made by Osaka University researchers who developed a material with highly mobile potassium ions that can easily migrate in response to electric fields. This work may lead to cheaper and safer replacements for lithium-ion batteries, benefiting electric cars and consumer electronics.

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·DateNov 21, 2018

More rules for the intelligent household

A study investigated ideal access control rules for smart home devices in networked households, analyzing user preferences and derived suggestions for access management. The researchers found that contextual factors such as age, location, and usage history affect access rights, suggesting a need for customizable settings.

3D-printed lithium-ion batteries

A new method for 3D printing lithium-ion batteries has been developed, overcoming the limitation of commercially available battery shapes. The researchers increased the battery's ionic conductivity by infusing polymers with an electrolyte solution and boosting electrical conductivity using graphene or multi-walled carbon nanotubes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 17, 2018