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Acoustic tweezers manipulate cell-to-cell contact

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

Relationships benefit when parents and adult children use multiple communication channels

A study by Jennifer Schon found that adult children's relationship satisfaction with their parents is modestly influenced by the number of communication tools used, such as cell phones, email, and social networking sites. Adding another channel can lead to a modest increase in relationship quality and satisfaction, especially for paren...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalEmerging Adulthood·DateOct 24, 2014

Teens still sending naked selfies

A new study from the University of Utah confirms that substantial numbers of teens are engaging in sexting, sending and receiving explicit sexual images via cellphone. The study found nearly 20% of students had sent a nude photo, while 38% had received such a picture, highlighting the potential risks and consequences of this behavior.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateOct 8, 2014

Talking to your car is often distracting

Two new studies found that using hands-free, voice-controlled automobile infotainment systems, such as Siri and MyLink, can divert attention from driving. The Toyota and Hyundai systems showed promise in being less distracting, while Apple's Siri was the most distracting, even when used as a hands-free device.

Tilted acoustic tweezers separate cells gently

Researchers have developed a device that uses tilted-angle standing surface acoustic waves to separate cells with minimal energy. The method is gentler than traditional methods like centrifugation and can efficiently sort cells with high purity.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 25, 2014

Negar Sani solved the mystery of the printed diode

Researchers at Linköping University solved the long-standing mystery of a printed diode by applying it in the GHz band, enabling power supply to printed electronics via mobile phones. The breakthrough was achieved through tunnel effects, a phenomenon in quantum physics.

SourceLinköping University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 7, 2014

Spruce up your selfie

Researchers developed an algorithm that can transfer distinctive visual styles from acclaimed photographers to cellphone photos, improving close-up portraits. The technique uses a local transfer approach and multiscale matching to enhance image characteristics while minimizing errors.

GaitTrack app makes cellphone a medical monitor for heart and lung patients

Researchers developed GaitTrack app that uses eight motion parameters to analyze a person's walking pattern, providing valuable insights into cardiopulmonary, muscular, and neurological health. The app has shown promising results in monitoring chronic lung disease patients, predicting lung function with high accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateMay 8, 2014

Parents just as likely to use cell phones while driving, putting child passengers at risk

A University of Michigan study found that 90% of parent drivers engaged in at least one distraction while their child was a passenger. The study highlights the need to consider multiple sources of driver distraction when kids are passengers and emphasizes the importance of reducing distractions to prevent crashes.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalAcademic Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2014

UC research illuminates 'touchy' subject

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have solved a century-long puzzle by proving that Merkel cells are the initial sites for sensing touch. Their study published in Cell journal shows that gentle touch triggers action potentials in Merkel cells, mediated by the Piezo2 receptor/ion channel.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalCell·DateApr 15, 2014

New research on gigabit wireless communications

The study proposes enhanced technologies and algorithms to increase data capacity and densification in short-range wireless networks, achieving speeds of up to 7Gbps per link. Beamforming is also explored as a solution for multi-gigabit connections between base stations and users, with an adaptive algorithm reducing interference.

Transparent, color solar cells fuse energy, beauty

Researchers at the University of Michigan have created semi-transparent, colored photovoltaics that can generate electricity while maintaining their color. The cells are 10 times thinner than traditional solar cells and have a nearly 100% quantum efficiency, making them suitable for use indoors and in densely populated cities.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 3, 2014

UH researchers create new flexible, transparent conductor

University of Houston researchers have developed a new stretchable and transparent electrical conductor that could bring bendable cell phones and foldable flat-screen TVs closer to reality. The gold nanomesh electrodes demonstrate good electrical conductivity, transparency, and flexibility, with potential applications for biomedical de...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 28, 2014

App may signal cellphone dependency

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an app that measures cellphone use, revealing shocking statistics. The app, dubbed Menthal, analyzes user behavior over six weeks, showing average users activate their smartphones every 12 minutes, and problematic use can lead to addiction-like symptoms.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMedical Hypotheses·DateJan 27, 2014

Texting changes the way we walk

A study published in PLOS ONE found that texting alters posture and balance while walking, causing individuals to swerve and slow down. This behavior may impact the safety of people who text and walk at the same time, highlighting the need for greater awareness about phone use while navigating.

SourcePLOS·JournalPublication Library and Information Science·DateJan 22, 2014

Cell phones as life savers

Researchers at TUM developed a system that uses cell phones as transponders to measure distance accuracy of a few centimeters within microseconds, enhancing safety and movement prediction. The technology can also identify vulnerable road users like pedestrians and cyclists even behind obstacles.