Articles tagged with Telephones
The UW is establishing a Digital Financial Services Research Group to investigate and overcome technological barriers to widespread adoption of mobile financial services. The team plans to prototype different technologies and develop a demonstration lab to test new ideas.
Researchers created an audio lure using the frequency of a female mosquito's wings, attracting 95% of male mosquitoes. The device costs around $20 and can be run for weeks. Scientists also found that females are oblivious to male wing beats, making this technology a promising solution to control mosquito populations.
Researchers at the Salk Institute used genetic techniques to visualize three brain cell types in the visual cortex, shedding light on how the brain processes visual information. The study provides new insights into neural circuits and their potential implications for neurological disorders like schizophrenia and autism.
Researchers used metadata from calls and texts to estimate wealth and poverty in Rwanda, finding patterns such as varied pre-paid time purchases and daily calling rhythms. The study suggests an alternative to traditional censuses for governments to estimate wealth distribution, costing around $10,000.
A new study suggests that mobile phone metrics can be used to infer a person's socioeconomic status, particularly in resource-constrained regions like Rwanda. The researchers developed a model that maps poverty and wealth at high resolution, accurately predicting wealth throughout the country.
Researchers developed an interactive mobile phone system to help patients with high blood pressure self-manage their condition, leading to significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure. The system, which includes patient reports, lifestyle feedback, and reminders, also improved patients' understanding of the connectio...
While parents' fears about teens' digital habits are often overstated, there are valid concerns about cyberbullying and sleep disruption. Teens' online lives mirror their offline experiences, but excessive screen time can lead to negative effects for vulnerable adolescents.
University at Buffalo researchers analyze mobile phone records to drill down to specific communities, providing insights into food, healthcare, education, and other human necessities. The approach aims to improve poverty maps by 14 geographical regions, offering a quick and cost-efficient tool for aid organizations and government agenc...
A new study from Duke University Medical Center found that using a cell phone app to track exercise and calories did not result in significant weight loss for overweight young adults. In contrast, those who received personal coaching lost more weight over time.
A new affordable hyperspectral camera, HyperCam, can capture unseen details beneath surfaces using visible and near-infrared light. The technology shows promise for applications such as food safety, biometrics, and gesture recognition, with promising results in distinguishing between hand images of users and predicting fruit ripeness.
University of Missouri researchers have created a biodegradable active layer in organic electronics using peptides, enabling full biodegradability. The discovery could significantly reduce electronic waste in landfills and minimize health risks associated with e-waste exposure.
A new discovery at Oregon State University has shown that potassium can work effectively with graphite in a potassium-ion battery, potentially posing a challenge to the widely-used lithium-ion battery. The findings could lead to a more sustainable and cost-effective energy storage solution.
A new study from USC Viterbi School of Engineering identifies key factors that influence email response times. The study found that younger people respond faster, but write shorter replies, while older individuals take longer to respond. Additionally, the researchers discovered that platform usage and timing also impact response time.
Dartmouth Thayer Engineering researchers Eric Fossum and Jiaju Ma have made a breakthrough in light sensing technology, developing pixels that can significantly enhance low-light sensitivity. The new Quanta Image Sensor (QIS) has the potential to improve applications such as security cameras, astronomy, and life science imaging.
A Baylor University study found that cellphone use can create conflict and lower relationship satisfaction among romantic partners, leading to increased levels of depression. The study also identified a 'Partner Phubbing Scale' to measure the extent of smartphone distractions in relationships.
A study found that telehealth visits, whether by telephone or video, can identify veterans requiring in-person assessment or further care. The majority of veterans preferred telehealth visits due to increased convenience and shorter travel distances.
A team of researchers developed a cell sorter based on acoustic waves that can compete with existing fluorescence-activated cell sorters, sorting up to 13,000 cells per second while gently manipulating individual cells. The device is compact, inexpensive, and preserves cell viability and functions.
A new study uses mobile phone records to predict the geographical spread and timing of dengue epidemics, providing critical early warning to policymakers. The model accurately forecasts outbreaks in locations of recent epidemics and emerging trouble spots, enabling national control programs to plan in near real time.
Researchers found that ultrashort light pulses become trapped in small areas of rough ultrathin films, leading to efficient light absorption. This discovery can help develop highly efficient absorbers for thin-film solar cells and sensors.
Research at Michigan State University suggests that using smartphones to alleviate depression can have negative effects. Lead authors argue that face-to-face interaction is a more effective antidote to problematic mobile phone use.
Researchers used anonymous mobile phone records for 15 million people in Kenya to track the spread of rubella, predicting seasonal disease patterns. The study shows that cellphone movement can be a predictor of infectious-disease spread, particularly among children during school breaks.
A new study reveals that middle-aged drivers use their cellphones regularly while driving, even with children present, and feel pressured to answer work calls. The researchers found that interventions targeting companies can train employees to reduce distracted driving.
A telephone-based cognitive behavioral therapy significantly reduced symptoms of worry, generalized anxiety disorder, and depression in rural older adults. The therapy was more effective than a non-directive supportive therapy approach in improving overall mental health outcomes.
A clinical trial found that telephone counseling led to significant A1c level reductions among participants with extremely elevated levels. The intervention resulted in an average decrease of 2.1 percentage points, compared to a 1.3 percentage point decrease for those receiving printed self-management materials only.
Researchers used a new technology to study gene activity in living people, finding that women and men use different switches to turn on many immune system genes. The difference in activity might explain the higher incidence of autoimmune diseases in women.
BGU researchers discovered that infected cellphones can use GSM phone frequencies to exfiltrate small bits of data, such as security keys and passwords, from 'air-gapped' computers. The 'GSMem' malicious software uses electromagnetic waves from phones to receive and transmit data over long distances.
A study published in the Journal of Internet Medicine Research found that over 90% of low-income inner-city pregnant and postpartum women use smartphones to give and get information. The researchers suggest using cellphone interventions to improve health outcomes among this population.
A review of 34 countries' policies on children's exposure to radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) from technology found varying degrees of advice. Dr. Mary Redmayne recommends minimizing exposure by turning off devices at night, using flight mode, and storing them 20cm away from the body.
A consortium of healthcare professionals, game developers, and oncology educators is developing intelligent 'games' to help cancer patients manage their illness through mobile phones. The iManageCancer project aims to provide psychological benefits, greater wellbeing, quality of life, and social support for young cancer patients.
A statistical analysis of poll performance in battleground states over the last three presidential elections shows polling firms produced estimates that were fairly accurate in 2004 and 2008, but underestimated support for President Obama in 2012. The authors attribute this to outdated sampling methodology that excluded cellphone-only ...
A study by MIT researchers shows that mobile phone data can accurately predict employment levels, with a drop of 51% in calls made by laid-off individuals compared to working residents. The findings suggest that changes in cellphone usage patterns can be used to track unemployment rates more efficiently than traditional methods.
An interdisciplinary research team demonstrated that mobile phone data can be used to quickly and accurately detect, track, and predict changes in the economy. Call detail records were found to predict unemployment rates up to four months before official reports, offering a more accurate alternative to traditional forecasts.
Sending periodic text messages to teens can improve birth control adherence. The study found that 87% of patients with personalized daily texts showed up for their first injection, compared to 56% without texts. Text messaging also helped increase adherence to a tight treatment schedule and regularly taking prescription medications.
A study by University of Texas at Austin economists found that banning cellphones in schools increases student test scores, with a 6.41% improvement in overall performance. Low-achieving and special education needs students saw the greatest gains, with test score improvements of 14.23% and 10-12%, respectively.
A University of Washington study found that caregivers felt guilty about not limiting cell phone use while watching children at playgrounds, despite recognizing its distracting effect. The study also revealed that parents commonly overestimated their responsiveness to children's requests while using their phones.
A new study by The Lancet reveals that two-thirds of global deaths and one-third of births go unreported. This lack of data hampers informed policy-making and decision-making, leading to lost opportunities to improve population health. Mobile phone data collection and technology advances are proposed as solutions to crack the problem.
Researchers found that microbial communities on shoes closely resemble those on the floor, suggesting strong transfer between the two. Cell phone microbial signatures were less stable due to rapid community turnover. The study's findings have potential applications in forensic analysis.
Researchers measured cell phone activity at towers to gain insight into population dynamics and predict infrastructure needs. This new metric can help plan electrification options like power lines or microgrids for rural communities in need.
Researchers have developed a mobile phone microscope that can quickly detect parasitic worm levels in blood, enabling safe resumption of mass drug administration campaigns. The device can identify people with high levels of microfilariae in under two minutes, reducing errors and increasing efficiency.
Research from Cornell University finds that texting during minor surgery under local anesthesia can significantly reduce pain demand, with stranger interactions more effective than companion conversations. Patients who texted with strangers received up to six times less narcotic pain relief compared to those without phone access.
A new study in the Journal of International Marketing reveals significant cross-national differences in consumer satisfaction with mobile services. In less-developed markets like Barbados, affordability is key, while in more developed countries like Singapore, quality is essential even at a higher cost.
A new study found that technology can reduce distracted driving among teen drivers when cameras and cell phone blocking programs are in place. The study showed that teens who used these systems had lower cell phone use and fewer high-risk driving behaviors.
Researchers have developed a new type of battery electrode made from molybdenum disulfide sheets wrapped in silicon carbonitride, showing improved stability and high lithium capacity. The discovery could lead to more efficient rechargeable batteries for smartphones and other devices.
A new study suggests that cellphone bill shock warnings can be more costly for consumers as carriers adjust plans and fees to maintain profits. The researchers found that average consumers pay an extra $33 under billing alerts.
A study published in Preventive Medicine Reports found that younger drivers and females are more likely to use their cell phones while driving. Cell phone use overall decreased over the years, but texting increased by 2 percent from 2011 to 2013.
A new study of 3,000 teenage drivers found that interactive presentations can raise awareness of the dangers of distractions while driving. The research also highlights the importance of educating young drivers about the risks associated with cell phones and other distractions.
The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign's SAWBO initiative uses animated educational videos to teach subsistence farmers how to construct raised planting beds and install drip irrigation systems. These techniques can increase agricultural productivity, conserve water, and even combat desertification.
The app will use distinctive features on newborns to estimate gestation and identify those at risk of urgent medical care. Computer scientists aim to harness smartphone technology to transform mobile phones into medical devices for low-access communities.
University of Utah engineers create a filter for separating different frequencies in the terahertz spectrum, a key step towards utilizing this bandwidth for commercial use. The filter can be fabricated using an off-the-shelf inkjet printer and has the potential to boost data transmission rates by thousands of times.
A study by economists from Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena found that three out of four customer complaints are not passed on to line managers, despite specific regulations in place. The researchers recommend training employees on the importance of forwarding complaints and developing incentives for their participation.
A new electrolyte for lithium batteries eliminates dendrites while maintaining high efficiencies and current densities. The discovery enables the development of powerful next-generation rechargeable batteries with improved safety and cost-effectiveness.
A joint QUT, Cancer Council Queensland, and University of Queensland study tested the impact of SMS-delivered messages on skin cancer prevention and promotion. The Healthy Text trial found that texting improved self-reported sun protection habits and increased skin self-examination among participants.
Researchers found that dividing options into smaller piles and choosing the best option from each pile produced the best outcomes. In contrast, considering all options together led to poor decisions due to choice overload. The sequential tournament approach was the most effective but also the least liked by study subjects.
A recent study published in Personal and Ubiquitous Computing found that texting is the most popular feature used by patients with mental illness, whereas downloading apps was the least popular. The study suggests that texting may be a more suitable treatment aid due to its accessibility and familiarity among patients.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that mobile teledermoscopy is a feasible and effective method for short-term monitoring of atypical nevi, with high diagnostic concordance rates. Patients were receptive to the technology, which involves taking images of monitored lesions via a mobile dermatoscope.
A study by British researchers found that aesthetically appealing visuals speed up people's ability to solve multi-step problems with visuals on websites or mobile phones. Simple and familiar icons were the easiest to find, but when the task got harder, pleasing aesthetics provided a performance boost.
Research finds children exceeding screen time limits, with girls more likely to exceed recommendations for social media use as they age. The study suggests re-evaluating guidelines due to the rise of mobile devices and their impact on health.
Researchers develop acoustic tweezers that can precisely position groups of cells for study, eliminating the risk of cell damage. The device achieves a throughput of thousands of cells and enables precise control over cell-to-cell contact, paving the way for studies on cellular communication and information transfer.
Researchers at Kent State University found that college students who spent more time on their smartphones during leisure activities experienced decreased enjoyment and increased stress. The study suggests that excessive phone use can diminish the experience of daily leisure, leading to feelings of uptightness and anxiety.
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have created a radically smaller, more efficient radio wave circulator that could double useful bandwidth in wireless communications. The new circulator enables full-duplex functionality, allowing devices to transmit and receive signals on the same frequency band simultaneously.