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MTV, AP-NORC Center survey finds that online bullying has declined

A recent survey by MTV and the AP-NORC Center found that online bullying has declined across 26 of 27 forms of digital abuse, with a significant drop in sexting incidents. While progress is seen in responses to digital abuse, such as seeking help from parents or family, less progress is observed in digital dating abuse.

SourceNORC at the University of Chicago·DateOct 24, 2013

Communication with similar people stronger than believed

Researchers at Aalto University found that people tend to communicate more frequently with individuals who are similar in age, gender, and mutual friends. The study used computational social science methods to analyze anonymized mobile phone call data, revealing patterns of communication that contradict earlier assumptions.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2013

The perils of texting while driving

A recent US study reveals that male drivers are more likely to engage in texting while driving, yet consider themselves more proficient. The study suggests that 'texting impulsiveness' is positively associated with frequent texters and those who multitask, highlighting the risks of this behavior on the road.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Strategic Management·DateOct 11, 2013

New technology can prevent cellular overload, dropped calls

A University of British Columbia graduate student developed a solution to prevent cellular overload and dropped calls by using TV channels. She used smart antennas to transmit signals in a single direction, avoiding interference with radio and television signals.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalIEEE Transactions on Wireless Communications·DateOct 11, 2013
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Researchers bring product testing to foster care system

Usability testing in the foster care system diagnosed what worked and didn't work with a new intervention for families, encouraging problem-solving and collaboration. The testing identified challenges, such as logistics and family engagement, but also found that nearly every parent continued through several sessions of the intervention.

SourceFrank Porter Graham Child Development Institute·JournalEvaluation and Program Planning·DateOct 1, 2013

Tiny sensor used in smart phones could create urban seismic network

A tiny MEMS accelerometer chip used in smartphones can detect moderate to strong earthquakes when located near the epicenter. The technology has the potential to increase coverage and accuracy in monitoring strong motion during earthquakes, making it possible to create an urban seismic network that transmits real-time ground motion data.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateSep 29, 2013

A phone call can change your life: Study finds

A new study by QUT researcher Associate Professor Anna Hawkes found that regular telephone support improved physical activity, weight management and diet among bowel cancer survivors. The CanChange program showed significant positive effects on health behaviors after a 12-month trial.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateSep 11, 2013
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

State e-waste disposal bans have been largely ineffective

A new study by the American Chemical Society found that state e-waste recycling bans have been largely ineffective in reducing electronic waste disposal. However, providing more information to women and older people could increase the effectiveness of these bans and recycling programs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateSep 10, 2013

Princeton researchers use mobile phones to measure happiness

A mobile phone app was developed to collect data on happiness and environment, with 270 volunteers from 13 countries participating in a three-week study. The researchers found that male subjects tended to describe themselves as less happy when they were further from their homes, whereas females did not demonstrate a particular trend.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalDemography·DateAug 22, 2013

Electron 'spin' key to solar cell breakthrough

Organic solar cells have been found to improve their performance by manipulating the 'spin' of electrons, which can block energy collapse and increase current from the cell. This breakthrough could close the gap between organic and silicon solar cells, bringing large-scale deployment closer to reality.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateAug 7, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Battery design gets boost from aligned carbon nanotubes

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a new flexible nano-scaffold using aligned carbon nanotubes to improve the stability of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries. The design shows promise in increasing battery capacity and reducing pulverization, a significant challenge in using silicon as an electrode material.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 6, 2013

New UNH research: Online predators not distinctively dangerous sex offenders

A new University of New Hampshire study finds that online sex offenders operate similarly to offline ones, targeting teens through internet and cell phone communications. The research highlights the need for teaching children to resist sexual advances from adults, whether met online or in-person.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalJournal of Adolescent Health·DateAug 6, 2013

Doctors urged to talk to patients about parking cellphones

Talking on a cellphone while driving raises the risk of collision by four to six times. Physicians can educate patients through open dialogue about the hazards of talking while behind the wheel, and offer advice such as turning off cellphones or pulling over to make important calls.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalCanadian Family Physician·DateJul 30, 2013

Cell phones could increase cancer risk

A Tel Aviv University study found that the saliva of heavy cell phone users showed higher oxidative stress levels, a process that damages human cells and is linked to cancer. The research adds to growing evidence that cell phone use may be harmful in the long term.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAntioxidants & Redox Signaling·DateJul 29, 2013
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Global study stresses importance of public Internet access

A recent global study found that community access to computer and Internet technology remains crucial for connecting people to information and skills in an increasingly digital world. The study highlights the benefits of public access venues for marginalized groups, including education, employment, and health outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateJul 11, 2013

Losing weight over the phone

A new study by Drs. Paula Trief and Ruth Weinstock found that obese patients with metabolic syndrome who participated in conference call weight loss interventions lost more weight over two years compared to those receiving individual calls. The SHINE model, a telephone adaptation of the DPP intensive lifestyle program, was effective in...

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of General Internal Medicine·DateJul 9, 2013
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Distracted walking: injuries soar for pedestrians on phones

A nationwide study estimates over 1,500 pedestrians were treated in emergency rooms for injuries related to cell phone use while walking in 2010. Young people aged 16-25 were most likely to be injured as distracted pedestrians, with talking on the phone accounting for 69% of injuries.

SourceOhio State University·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateJun 19, 2013

Intelligent glasses designed for professors

The proposed system, ALFs, uses augmented reality glasses and cell phone symbols to enable immediate and private feedback from students to professors. The system aims to overcome timidity and fear of speaking in class, allowing for more effective lecture classes.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalBritish Journal of Educational Technology·DateJun 17, 2013

Tiny bubbles in your metallic glass may not be a cause for celebration

Scientists studied how microscopic bubbles form and expand in metallic glass under negative pressure, finding they indicate a brittle breakdown is in progress. The research aims to optimize metallic glass alloys for high-strength and fracture-resistant applications.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 5, 2013
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Putting the brakes on distracted driving

A University of Alberta sociology researcher identified key characteristics of people who use cellphones while driving, emphasizing social pressure and education as critical in curbing this behavior. The study found that males, those in the 35-44 age group, and lower-income earners are more likely to use their phones behind the wheel.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalTransportation Research Part F Traffic Psychology and Behaviour·DateMay 29, 2013

Study: Brain makes call on which ear is used for cell phone

A study published in JAMA Otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery reveals a strong correlation between brain dominance and the ear used for cell phone conversations, with left-brain dominant individuals more likely to use their right ear. The study's findings have implications for language center mapping and may suggest a lower risk of tumo...

SourceHenry Ford Health·DateMay 16, 2013

Mathematicians analyze social divisions using cell phone data

Researchers developed a new way to characterize relationships among communities defined by language, religion, and ethnicity. They used cell phone data to map connections among 1216 towers for five months, revealing strong associations between geographic divisions.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateMay 16, 2013

The nocebo effect: Media reports may trigger symptoms of a disease

A study found that media reports about electromagnetic hypersensitivity can trigger symptoms in susceptible individuals, even if there is no objective reason. The nocebo effect, where expectation of negative effects increases likelihood of experiencing symptoms, was observed.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalJournal of Psychosomatic Research·DateMay 6, 2013

New federal investment could save millions of lives

The lab-on-a-chip (LOC) is a low-cost, microfluidic device that can quickly diagnose bacterial infections and recommend antibiotics for infantile diarrhea. The device's portability and affordability make it an attractive solution for remote areas with limited access to healthcare.

SourceSimon Fraser University·DateMay 1, 2013
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Using mobile phone apps in weight-loss programs

A new mobile phone app has been shown to increase positive affect in overweight women undergoing a partial meal replacement program, improving their motivation during the weight loss process. The study suggests that this type of support app could be a valuable addition to existing health programs.

SourceSAGE·JournalJournal of Telemedicine and Telecare·DateApr 26, 2013

Cell phone camera photographs microscopic cell samples

A new device allows cellphone cameras to take images from fluorescent microscopes and flow cytometers, enabling areas with limited resources to conduct tests such as checking for contaminated water and monitoring HIV positive patients. The device is expected to be helpful in resource-poor countries and fast-paced clinical environments.

SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateApr 11, 2013

How hard is it to 'de-anonymize' cellphone data?

A study by MIT and Université Catholique de Louvain found that just four points of reference were enough to uniquely identify 95% of cellphone users in a data set of 1.5 million users. The researchers used statistical physics tools to uncover a simple mathematical relationship between data resolution and identification probability.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 27, 2013
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Answering messages behind the wheel is as dangerous as being twice over the limit

Scientists found that using a handsfree kit or sending text messages while driving has the same effect on reaction capacity as consuming alcohol above the legal limit. The study, conducted in Australia and Spain, used a simulation test involving 12 healthy volunteers who drove at speeds of 60-80 km/h.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateMar 13, 2013

Big data: Searching in large amounts of data quickly and efficiently

A team of researchers at Saarland University developed the Hadoop Aggressive Indexing Library (HAIL), a technique that enables fast and efficient searching in large datasets. By generating indexes for multiple criteria, HAIL can query big datasets up to 100 times faster than traditional methods.

SourceSaarland University·DateMar 1, 2013

Online or off, bullying proves harmful

A Michigan State University study suggests that physical bullying, cyberbullying, and mobile phone bullying have similar effects on students' behavior and suicidal thoughts. Parents and policymakers are urged to consider both online and offline forms of bullying when creating anti-bullying policies.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalInternational Criminal Justice Review·DateFeb 11, 2013

Southern diet could raise your risk of stroke

Research found that a high intake of Southern-style foods, including fried chicken, bacon, and sugary drinks, was associated with a higher risk of stroke. In contrast, those who ate more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains had a lower risk of stroke.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 7, 2013
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Mercury contamination in water can be detected with a mobile phone

Scientists have developed a cheap and quick method to detect mercury contamination in water using a mobile phone. The technique involves placing a special sheet in the water, which changes color in the presence of mercury. Photographing the sheet with a mobile phone can even quantify the concentration of mercury.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAnalytical Methods·DateFeb 6, 2013

When talk is free: The effects of pricing plans on consumer demand

A new study finds that consumers respond positively to free products and services, leading to increased demand and higher revenue for businesses. The research, published in the Journal of Marketing Research, shows that switching from a two-part plan to a three-part plan can increase revenue by up to 19.7%.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateFeb 6, 2013
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Frequent multitaskers are bad at it

A University of Utah study found that people who multitask the most, including those talking on cell phones while driving, are actually least capable of doing so. This is because they often lack the ability to focus attention on a singular task and tend to be impulsive and sensation-seeking.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 23, 2013

Cellphone data helps pinpoint source of traffic tie-ups

A new study using anonymous cellphone data reveals that canceling the trips of select drivers from carefully selected neighborhoods can reduce congestion significantly, with a potential 18% reduction in travel time for all other drivers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2012

Cellphone, GPS data suggest new strategy for alleviating traffic tie-ups

Researchers analyzed cellphone and GPS data to identify areas contributing most to traffic bottlenecks. Canceling trips from these neighborhoods can reduce travel time for other drivers by up to 18%. This strategy shows promise for alleviating traffic tie-ups in urban areas, particularly in cities with complex commute patterns.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2012
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Stretchable electronics

Stretchable electronics are being developed to enhance device durability and functionality. Bingqing Wei's research group has made significant progress in creating scalable, stretchable power sources for flexible electronics using carbon nanotube macrofilms, polyurethane membranes and organic electrolytes.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 14, 2012

Agricultural, health education goes global via cellphone animations

Scientific Animations Without Borders (SAWBO) delivers narrated, animated videos to a global audience, addressing pressing issues like food waste, insect damage, and infectious diseases. The initiative has received feedback from its audience, allowing it to improve its message and expand its content.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateDec 13, 2012
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Mobile app boosts weight loss by 15 pounds

A new Northwestern University study found that a mobile app tracking calories and activity, combined with regular nutrition and exercise classes, helped participants lose an average of 15 pounds and maintain weight loss for at least a year. The technology alone was not enough to achieve significant weight loss.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateDec 10, 2012
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Proposals to record the age of youngsters when buying mobile phones

Researchers recommend that mobile phone operators record users' dates of birth and implement age-based content classifications to block access to adult sites. The study also suggests that the government should work with families and schools to promote awareness campaigns on proper mobile phone usage.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalQuality & Quantity·DateNov 20, 2012

Study: Cellphone bans associated with fewer urban accidents

A study by University of Illinois researchers found that cellphone bans in urban areas are associated with a relative decrease in accident rates after seven years. However, in very rural areas, cellphone bans were linked to higher accident rates than expected. The findings suggest that blanket bans may not be beneficial for all areas.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTransportation Research·DateNov 15, 2012

Increasing efficiency of wireless networks

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a new method to double wireless network efficiency, addressing the 'spectrum crunch' issue. This breakthrough has significant implications for the mobile internet and wireless industries, enabling faster data speeds and lower costs.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalIEEE Signal Processing Letters·DateNov 13, 2012

Mobile phone services help smokers quit

A new systematic review found that people who received mobile phone-based smoking cessation services were more likely to stay away from cigarettes for six months. The review analyzed data from five studies involving over 9,000 participants, showing a nearly doubling of quit rates in intervention groups compared to control groups.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateNov 13, 2012

Do consumers evaluate cell phones differently if the warranty is expressed in years or days?

A recent study found that consumers tend to favor warranties expressed in standard units, such as years. When presented with alternative units, like days, consumers' evaluations of cell phone warranties were negatively impacted. This shift in perception occurred mainly when individual products were shown in isolation.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 13, 2012
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Automated calls help patients in under-developed countries manage blood pressure, U-M study finds

A University of Michigan study found that automated calls and home blood pressure monitoring can significantly reduce blood pressures and depressive symptoms among hypertensive patients in Honduras and Mexico. The program showed promising results, especially among patients with limited literacy and income.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalTelemedicine and e-Health·DateOct 31, 2012

Study identifies characteristics of sunbed users, motivation for tanning

A study published in Archives of Dermatology found that nearly 40% of participants in Germany had ever used a sunbed, with women being more likely to use them. The main motivations for tanning were relaxation and attractiveness, while the risk of skin cancer was significantly increased by sunbed use.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Dermatology·DateOct 15, 2012

Using cell phone data to curb the spread of malaria

Researchers mapped 14.8 million Kenyan mobile calls to track malaria spread and found a surprising link between travelers and infected residents in Nairobi. The study reveals the potential for using big data from mobile phones to inform malaria control efforts.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalScience·DateOct 11, 2012
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.