Doctors suggest limiting TikTok use on the toilet to two videos to reduce the risk of haemorrhoids, as prolonged phone use increases time spent on the toilet and pressure on anal tissues, potentially leading to piles. A study found toilet scrollers are 46% more likely to have haemorrhoids, emphasizing the importance of mindful bathroom habits.
Donald Trump is potentially planning to launch his own mobile carrier, as indicated by recent trademark filings for 'Trump' and 'T1' related to telecom services, including mobile phones and accessories, signaling a possible new venture into the wireless industry.
A major international study of 250,000 mobile users over 17 years found no evidence linking long-term or heavy mobile phone use to an increased risk of developing brain cancer. Researchers from Imperial College London and Sweden’s Karolinska Institute concluded that newer phones emitting weaker electromagnetic fields and changes in phone usage habits have contributed to the lack of association between mobile phone use and brain tumors. The study's findings were published in the journal Environment International and are considered reassuring in dispelling concerns about the health risks of mobile phone usage.
Qualcomm introduces the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3, the latest addition to its premium smartphone SoC lineup, offering high-end features with more modest performance and costs. The new chip features a powerful CPU core, improved memory subsystem, and a 45% increase in GPU performance compared to its predecessor. It also supports generative AI models and retains Qualcomm’s triple 18-bit Spectra ISPs for camera systems. However, it lacks hardware ray tracing support and AV1 decoding, positioning it as a feature-differentiated option from the flagship Snapdragon 8 series. Phones based on the Snapdragon 7+ Gen 3 are expected to be released in a few months, with SHARP, realme, and OnePlus being the first OEMs to adopt it.
Rumors of Nokia's demise are false, as HMD Global plans to release more phones under the Nokia name, including an iconic device based on a best-selling model. While HMD Global is expanding its efforts with new non-Nokia mobile brands, the Nokia brand remains important, with more feature phones expected in the near future. Despite previous rumors, the Nokia brand is here to stay, although it may focus more on feature phones.
Debunking common cancer myths, researchers clarify that mobile phones' weak electromagnetic waves do not pose a cancer risk, while burnt toast's acrylamide content is not proven to be carcinogenic in humans. Stress has not been directly linked to cancer, but can lead to unhealthy habits. Aspartame in artificial sweeteners is not likely to cause cancer unless consumed in extremely large quantities, and BPA in plastic bottles has not been proven to cause cancer despite concerns about hormone disruption.
Education Secretary Gillian Keegan promotes new government guidance to prohibit mobile phone use during the school day, claiming that about half of schools in England have already banned mobile phones. However, while government data from 2019 suggests that 49% of secondary schools had adopted strict no-use policies, more recent research from the 2022 Programme for International Student Assessment's (Pisa) survey indicates that 71.8% of schools in England do not permit the use of mobile phones on school premises. Additionally, Keegan's claim that school funding is at its highest in history is based on the government's plans for the year ending 31 March 2025, with the total funding in the previous year being £53.4bn and predicted to rise to £59.5bn in 2024-25, according to the government's figures. The independent think-tank the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) confirms that this level of spending, if delivered, would be the highest even when adjusted for rising prices and per pupil, reversing considerable falls in school spending per pupil between 2010 and 2020.
The UK government has issued guidance for schools to ban the use of mobile phones, following the lead of other European countries. The options outlined include a complete ban, students handing in their phones upon arrival, storing phones in lockers, or keeping them in bags but turned off. The government aims to create safe and focused learning environments, combat the negative impact of social media on mental health, and encourage more face-to-face interaction among students. Parents are encouraged to support these measures and discuss the risks of phone and internet use with their children.
Cancer patients from Jersey receiving treatment in the UK have been provided with mobile phones by the charity Jersey Cancer Relief, in collaboration with telecoms company JT, to stay connected with their families. The Loan Phone service received 20 new phones and a refurbished laptop to support its staff and volunteers, aiming to bring comfort and a sense of home to the patients during their treatment.
Recent studies suggest a potential link between mobile phone use and declining sperm quality, with findings indicating lower sperm motility, increased DNA fragmentation, and potential negative impacts on fertility. While the exact causal factors remain unclear, research highlights the need for further investigation and public awareness regarding the potential health effects of mobile phone use.
Straight Talk is offering the third generation iPhone SE for an unbelievable price of $49 in their Black Friday sale, with a catch of signing up for one of their Unlimited data plans. This deal has already sold out once, so interested buyers should act quickly. The iPhone SE (2022) is a budget-friendly option with features like 5G, good camera quality, fast performance, and access to Apple software and the latest iOS 17 operating system. While it has some limitations such as a smaller display and single camera lens, the low price makes it an attractive deal for those looking to enter Apple's mobile ecosystem.
A cross-sectional study conducted by the University of Geneva and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute has found that frequent mobile phone use is linked to a reduced total sperm count and concentration in men. The study, based on data collected from 2886 Swiss men between the ages of 18 and 22, adds to the ongoing research on the potential effects of electromagnetic radiation from mobile phones on human reproductive health.
A new study suggests that men who use their mobile phones more than 20 times a day have a 21% higher risk of low overall sperm count and a 30% higher risk of low sperm concentration. The study found that the impact on sperm count was more significant with older 2G and 3G phones compared to modern 4G and 5G versions. However, there was no decline in sperm shape and motility. While the study highlights an association between mobile phone use and semen quality, experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions and emphasize the importance of overall sperm quality for fertility.
A new study suggests that high mobile phone use may impact sperm count in young men. The research found that men between the ages of 18 and 22 who used their phones more than 20 times a day had a 21% higher risk for low overall sperm count and a 30% higher risk for low sperm concentration. However, the study also noted that as phone technology improved over the years, the impact on sperm count began to ease. While the study shows an association between mobile phone use and semen quality, experts caution against drawing definitive conclusions and recommend maintaining a healthy lifestyle for optimal sperm health.
Qualcomm has confirmed that its Oryon cores, which offer significantly more computing power, will be introduced in the mobile segment in 2024, most likely in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. These cores are expected to be used in flagship smartphones like the Xiaomi 15 or the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in 2025, boosting performance and efficiency. Waiting for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 phones could be worthwhile for performance enthusiasts, as the Oryon cores are expected to bring smartphones into a new dimension of performance.