Children’s heavy digital media use is associated with a risk of being overweight later in adolescence. Physical activity protects children from the adverse effects of digital media on their weight later in adolescence. A recently completed study shows that six hours of leisure-time physical activity per week at the age of 11 reduces the risk…

Older people affected by memory loss have much to gain from augmented reality technology, yet a study from the UK exploring the use of augmented reality to support older adults at home finds the user interface is sometimes confusing for those aged 50-plus. The danger of older adults falling through the gaps has been highlighted…

There is no scientific evidence that shows that smartphones and digital technology harm our biological cognitive abilities, according to new research. «Despite the headlines, there is no scientific evidence that shows that smartphones and digital technology harm our biological cognitive abilities,» says the UC professor of philosophy and psychology who recently co-authored a paper stating…

A new study suggests that the time adolescents are spending on their phones and online is not that bad. The study tracked young adolescents on their smartphones to test whether more time spent using digital technology was linked to worse mental health outcomes. The study tracked young adolescents on their smartphones to test whether more…

According to a recent study, a first-of-its-kind smartphone app called OnTrack can predict ahead of time when users are likely to lapse in their weight loss plan and help them stay on track. «Weight loss apps are exceptionally popular,» said Forman. «However, very few people are successful at losing weight and keeping weight off, even…

Scientists have just launched GENIGMA, a videogame that enlists players to solve puzzles while generating real-world scientific data that can detect alterations in genomic sequences and ultimately advance breast cancer research. The game was created to boost worldwide research efforts that depend on cancer cell lines, a critical resource used by scientists to study cancer…

Researchers have developed a digital self-test that trains users to assess news items, images and videos presented on social media. The self-test has also been evaluated in a scientific study, which confirmed the researchers’ hypothesis that the tool genuinely improved the students’ ability to apply critical thinking to digital sources. The new tool and the…

Neuroscientists have found reading computer code does not rely on the regions of the brain involved in language processing. Instead, it activates the ‘multiple demand network,’ which is also recruited for complex cognitive tasks such as solving math problems or crossword puzzles. In spite of those similarities, MIT neuroscientists have found that reading computer code…

Apps alone don’t motivate most people to exercise but interacting with an online exercise community as well provides the impetus for exercisers to do more — and enjoy what they are doing. Sharing physical activity outcomes and progress to app communities and social networking platforms provides the necessary encouragement for people to engage more enthusiastically…

In research that validates what many parents and educators suspect, students whose grades are below average could boost their exam results if they devoted less time to Facebook and other social networking sites. The study, led by Dr James Wakefield from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), looked at the amount of time first-year university…