Sharing source-backed information can help reduce COVID-19 misinformation online
Jun 13, 2022
If you see fake news about COVID-19 circulating on your social media feeds, say something — if you have a reliable source to back it up. You could help other users to be less susceptible to misinformation, according to a new study by researchers at the Penn State College of Information Sciences and…
Machine learning in critical care
Jul 23, 2019
Machine learning and artificial intelligence are currently being heralded as a way to address societal challenges, including healthcare. Vasant Honavar, professor and Edward Frymoyer Chair of Information Sciences and Technology, was recently featured as the author of the guest editorial for the…
Using artificial intelligence to detect discrimination
Jul 15, 2019
A new artificial intelligence (AI) tool for detecting unfair discrimination—such as on the basis of race or gender—has been created by researchers at Penn State and Columbia University. Preventing unfair treatment of individuals on the basis of race, gender or ethnicity, for example, been a long-…
Can trust in social media news be improved?
May 30, 2019
More than two-thirds of Americans get their news from social media sites, according to a 2018 Pew Research Center study. But more than half who read news on social media expect it to be inaccurate. Penn State researchers are working to improve the prediction of people’s trust in what they read…
Change for ITS sponsored accounts
May 15, 2019
There is no longer a charge for ITS sponsored accounts. If email (o365) is requested for the person on the sponsored account they are charged for that. These accounts are typically used by researchers who have non-Penn State collaborators or former graduate students to access the Penn State VPN.
'Alexa, I’m in pain': Smart assistants could help combat opioid crisis
Apr 22, 2019
For patients suffering with chronic pain, relief could soon be found as close as their nearest smart assistant. Researchers at Penn State are developing a way to deliver on-demand, guided mindfulness practices via Amazon Alexa to patients experiencing chronic pain. Through their method, a smart…
Researchers to compare Twitter opinions on climate change with real-world views
Apr 15, 2019
How do regional opinions on Twitter represent real-world attitudes toward climate change? A team of researchers will work to find out, thanks to a recent seed grant from the Social Science Research Instituteat Penn State. In their study, the researchers will construct a Twitter-driven regional…
A close watch: IST seed grant funds study to assess and predict substance co-use
Mar 14, 2019
A technology-based intervention that could reduce the risk of young adults simultaneously using alcohol and marijuana may soon be as close as a user’s wrist, thanks to a new study launched by researchers at Penn State. The team recently earned a seed grant from the College of Information Sciences…
mHealth Challenge encourages undergraduate innovation, engagement
Nov 6, 2018
This fall, undergraduate students are working together in cross-college teams to develop original mobile health prototypes that address societal health needs associated with specific target audiences. This year’s teams are developing apps to lessen the stress of pediatric hospital patients, ensure…
Buxton recipient of IST seed grant
Feb 4, 2018
Penn State’s College of Information Sciences and Technology (IST) recently announced nine projects that will receive funding from the college’s Seed Grant Program. The program provides preliminary funding for IST faculty to initiate new research projects. The college solicited research proposals…