Articles by Judy Mottl
Facebook Messenger mandate not making mobile messaging users very happy
The social network declared in July that mobile users would have to download the Facebook Messenger app to keep chatting with friends. The mandate isn't sitting well with Facebook fans.
Eating alone fast becoming the norm for the American household, claims study
Family dining is going the way of the dinosaur, claims a new study, with most Americans eating many meals alone. A new report claims over 50 percent of eating and drinking is happening on a solo basis.
Musical training bolsters learning, academic process in young and older students
New research reveals playing an instrument and singing while attending school can boost everything from memory to cognitive thinking. It can have an impact on young students' brains as well as college students' brains.
Parent phone calls play role in teens' distracted driving, but texting is all about friends
New report reveals teen drivers are mostly talking to parents when they're behind the wheel as they're afraid to ignore the call. But when texting and driving it's a friend they're communicating with.
End of an era: Sprint CEO Dan Hesse steps down as carrier continues to struggle
Dan Hesse, CEO of Sprint, will leave his post on August 11. Nicknamed 'Captain Kirk' during his leadership years at AT&T Hesse leaves Sprint after seven years of keeping the struggling carrier alive in one of the most competitive marketplaces.
Many cancer survivors often keep smoking after diagnosis, claims new research
New research reveals nearly 10 percent of cancer survivors who smoked prior to diagnosis tend to keep smoking after treatment and surviving cancer. Researchers say greater attention must be paid to helping cancer survivors quit the habit.
Life expectancy gap between races varies depending on geographic location
While the life-expectancy gap between black and whites in the U.S. is getting smaller in some areas, there remains great variation. A new study reveals it may be tied to policy making.
LinkedIn paying $6M for violating national wage law
The business social network site is paying employees owed overtime and damages following a federal labor investigation. The settlement also requires the company to conduct training regarding employee hours and required payment for nonexempt employees.
Sugar label proposal draws opposition as FDA review kicks off
The Food and Drug Administration is reviewing public comment regarding a move to stipulate how much sugar has been added to a food product. The proposal is not going over well with at least one major food manufacturer.
Walmart.com revamp boasts some Amazon-like features
If Walmart.com seems familiar, you're not going crazy. The big redesign of the top retailer's site includes some features and functions that another top e-tailer site has long provided shoppers.
Video games can help kids, but three hours a day can be a bad thing
New research reveals one hour a day playing electronic games doesn't negatively impact pre-teens and may even be a good thing. But three hours or more could have a negative affect.
Nationwide fruit recall expands, more grocers now on the list
A mid-July recall of fruit from wholesalers including Costo and Trader Joe's is being expanded. The Wawona Packing Co. has not processed fruit due to listeria concerns since July 18.
Smartphones will soon be checking in as hotel room check-in tool
Within two years today's hotel room swipe card will be replaced by the smartphone or tablet or any user's mobile device. Hilton Hotels is embarking on replacing card technology with digital access.
Android owns 85% global smartphone market share, claims new report
Apple doesn't have to worry about BlackBerry or Samsung. Its big challenger in global smartphone OS market domination is the open source Android.
Depression may illustrate potential risk of dementia late in life
New research shows there may be a relation between depression and dementia. A study shows that those dealing with depression late in life may have a higher risk of facing dementia.
E-cigarette risk debate rages on, latest study claims devices safer than tobacco
New research states that while the health impact may remain unclear, the use of electronic smoking devices is less harmful than traditional tobacco products. The report also states they shouldn’t require more regulation than conventional cigarettes.
Facebook crash prompts users to dial 911 to get social network back up
Law enforcement officials in California report calls asking for assistance in getting the world's largest social network back up and running. The outage Friday was the second global service crash in the past two months.
Chili peppers can decrease colorectal cancer risk, claims new research
Research indicates the active ingredient in chili peppers, dietary capsaicin, can reduce the risk of colorectal cancer. It also claims the pepper can help extend a person's life span.
App promises to tap full human productivity potential
Trying to figure out how to squeeze in more accomplishments each day? A new iOS app aims to help you do just that.
Blood test may one day predict suicide risk potential
Researchers say a chemical alteration in a gene could lead to a simple blood test for potential suicide risk. It could lead to helping decrease suicides through early intervention.
Brits not too eager for driverless car, but UK leaders are hot for the wheels
New survey shows most UK drivers don't view driverless cars as very reliable and over half don't intend to buy one. Meanwhile, government agencies are helping to fund car test efforts.
Microsoft taps wireless pioneer for board of directors seat
Microsoft board now includes a wireless innovator. John Stanton is chairman of Trilogy Equity Partners.
Japan smoking rate dips, new research claims e-cigs are healthy alternative
For first time ever, Japan's smoking population is less than 20 percent of total population. Latest research claims e-cigarettes are a viable alternative.
Cheesecake Factory takes a prize but restaurant chain likely not thrilled about winning
Big calories, salt and sugar are why Cheesecake Factory entrees took three out of nine winning spots on an extreme food ranking. But the most unhealthy meal may be over at Red Robin, according to the list.
Amazon Fire profit small but big sales could bring big revenue
Amazon is making a small profit on Fire sales at the outset. But big sales could bring big return on investment.
Brown recluse spider bites on the rise, but most victims heal without medical treatment
In some cases a bite from a brown recluse spider, or violin spider, can present life-threatening symptoms, say medical experts. Children who are bitten should be watched carefully for specific symptoms.
Have that heart attack during business hours as survival rate dips weekends, weeknights
Business hours are the best time for hospital emergency treatment of heart attacks, says a new study. The risk of dying increases 13 percent on weeknights and weekends.
Slow walk, memory stumbles may reveal onset of dementia, reveals new study
Researchers have devised a simple test that assesses a person's gait and memory to determine if they are facing potential dementia. The test, say researchers, is critical for communities where high-end diagnostic capabilities are not within reach.
Google study aims to find out everything about the human body
The search company claims it doesn't want to be in the health care industry, but it's embarking on one of the most ambitious health research efforts ever seen. Google promises to provide the data to scientists.
Holy Grail of the mobile device battery takes a big step closer to reality
Stanford researchers claim they're closer than ever to what would be the Holy Grail of battery power: creation of a pure lithium anode. Battery power is one of the top challenges with mobile computing devices and smartphones.
