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Questions tagged [computers]

Questions involving the usage or effects of computers on health, whether mental or physiological.

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-1 votes
2 answers
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Why does the healthcare sector need its own DICOM standard instead of using XML or JSON?

I wonder why the healthcare sector needs its own DICOM standard instead of using XML or JSON. I mean, they could simply use well-established formats and just define their own field-value pairs instead,...
kaiya's user avatar
  • 99
1 vote
0 answers
33 views

Detrimental effects of very-wide or multiple monitors?

Over the past several decades, computer monitors have typically gotten larger, and more specifically wider. Also, it has become (somewhat) more common for people to use an multiple monitors next to ...
einpoklum's user avatar
  • 508
2 votes
0 answers
65 views

The effects of operating a computer with only a keyboard

I am wondering what the best method of preventing Repetitive Strain Injury is... A mouse or keyboard. Specifically, using an application like Vimac. With Vimac, you can navigate all the menus with ...
neovr's user avatar
  • 21
2 votes
1 answer
28 views

How do huge computer simulations help in medical research?

I found the there is a project Folding@home to fight against COVID-19. As far as I understand, it uses huge amount of computing power to find a cure. Why do we need such a huge number of potential ...
layman's user avatar
  • 23
-2 votes
2 answers
199 views

Do computer monitors emit electromagnetic radiation that can damage your face?

Disclaimer: I am layman in the field, but I have a legit question to ask, so before closing, please note that I am showing enough "pre-research" and ask clarified question. I used an LCD monitor in ...
T.Todua's user avatar
  • 135
1 vote
0 answers
22 views

Is there a way to protect eyes from negative effects of computer and mobile screen? [duplicate]

People who work on computer and smartphone during most hours of the day are prone to impacts of the light of these screens. I have read about the negative effects of the light from screen. So I was ...
Heisenberg's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
34 views

Branch of medicine that systematically considers human enhancement and morphological modification [closed]

There are known implants, body modification, gene therapy (especially for the fans of morphological freedom), brain-computer interfaces and so on. But is there branch of medicine (some professional ...
TomR's user avatar
  • 151
1 vote
1 answer
150 views

Using farsighted glasses to counter nearsightedness?

Edit: I might not have worded my question well enough. A shorter and more direct version would be: Can nearsightedness be just a result of eyes getting accustomed to working at very close distances ...
EvgEnZh's user avatar
  • 111
2 votes
1 answer
352 views

Does a computer screen work as a lightbox?

We often hear two related facts: That using a lightbox can help maintain one's circadian rhythm. That using a computer late a night can make it harder to sleep at night due to the blue light emitted ...
RockPaperLz- Mask it or Casket's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
137 views

Which one is better? Reading on a computer, on a tablet, or on paper?

I'm a graduate student and I have to spend a lot of time on reading research papers everyday. My question is which of the following is the best choice for eye health? I can either read them directly ...
Chris Kuo's user avatar
  • 133
1 vote
0 answers
96 views

Does wearing glasses while on the computer increase myopia?

Nearsightedness is prevalent in demographic groups that look at screens for most of their time, such as office workers or students. (Saw et al., 2002) Glasses correct the defocusing of the lens in the ...
dk2ax's user avatar
  • 201
0 votes
0 answers
104 views

Can looking at a computer screen be good for your eyes?

Let's put aside harmful affects of staring at computer screen, is there any advantage of looking at computer screen for long time ? The reason that I ask this question is this: My mother and father ...
HOY's user avatar
  • 169
2 votes
0 answers
57 views

Can computers cause issues to retina?

I know working with computers can cause eyestrain and red eyes (and also the Computer Vision Syndrome). But recently I got some messages saying computers and mobile phone displays could cause retinal ...
me_alok's user avatar
  • 143
2 votes
2 answers
53 views

How is the workflow of physical examination's documentation in the USA exactly?

e.g. do you use paperforms, EHR masks? Do you type directly into a physician letter? In Germany we use mostly a paper form in the first place and afterwards we document the results into a report. You ...
Lilian Rettegi's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
71 views

Need help with Dementia Hackathon Idea (Professionals experienced with dealing with Dementia patients appreicated!)

Me and my team are planning to go to a Dementia based Hackathon early March and since this is our first actual hackathon we were wondering if you could provide some advice regarding our idea. Here's ...
DreamVision2017's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
37 views

Can a small monitor + powerful reading glasses be a substitute for a large monitor with same resolution?

Reading or focusing up close puts strain on the eyes and I believe can be bad in the long run. With that in mind, would keeping my monitor at a distance (3-4 feet) and using the right set of "...
hawk's user avatar
  • 111
4 votes
2 answers
100 views

How to reduce repetitive strain injury

Since I am a software developer, I regularly to a lot of typing when I program. What would reduce the risk of getting RSI if breaks are not an option? Currently my setup is a laptop using the built ...
iProgram's user avatar
  • 141
1 vote
1 answer
39 views

I am not a student of medicine but a research scientist in Algorithms. I wish to contribute to medicine and am looking for a starting point. [closed]

I wish to understand tuberculosis and contribute to its research, though I am open to other problems. How should I start? I do not wish to join any university. I wish to do it as my side-project.
kosmos's user avatar
  • 111
1 vote
0 answers
39 views

How can I loosen tight Trapezius muscles?

I'd also appreciate ways of preventing them from becoming tight, specifically when working at the computer. Thanks!
Hibuki's user avatar
  • 111
1 vote
0 answers
76 views

Why do I get dizzy when I expect an user interface to scroll while it's lagging?

I have a lot of programs running on my laptop. I got very used to scrolling things with my two fingers on a touchpad. The problem is when the programs start to lag and my eyes expect the scroll, but ...
Foxcat385's user avatar
  • 111
9 votes
1 answer
285 views

Is the blue light emitted by computer monitors deleterious for the human eyes?

Is the blue light emitted by computer monitors deleterious for the human eyes? By deleterious, I mean irreversible damage. I read some conflicting information: http://www.drweil.com/health-wellness/...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
67 views

Healthy sitting while doing computer work

What are the most important things to look out for concerning regular sitting in front of a desktop computer? Frankly, I don't know what's important and what I should prioritize. What chair should I ...
Vandroiy's user avatar
  • 286
2 votes
0 answers
134 views

Does reducing the key travel distance in a keyboard help prevent computer users from getting repetitive strain injuries (RSI)?

The vast majority of desktop computer keyboards have around 4 mm of key travel distance, which is about twice longer than the key travel distance on most laptops (and flat keyboards a.k.a. thin ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
63 views

What keyboard put the least strain on the epicondyles (elbow tendons)?

I wonder what keyboard put the least strain on the epicondyles (elbow tendons). There exist many keyboards that advertise themselves as being ergonomic, but often fail to provide more details as to ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
1 vote
0 answers
108 views

Can adding o-rings in mechanical keyboards alleviate RSI?

I have read many claims from individuals that adding o-rings in mechanical keyboards alleviate RSI. The reasoning is that it allows shock absorption, which minimizes finger fatigue (e.g., according to ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
377 views

Do vertical split-keyboards cause less stress on the hand, wrist and arm than traditional keyboards?

Vertical split-keyboards are often marketed as more ergonomics than traditional keyboards. Is that true? I am especially interested in stress on the epicondyles of the humerus. I am aware of the ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
258 views

Which type of chair is best to avoid back pain?

I'm aware that such chairs are called ergonomic chairs. But what things does one have to consider while buying these chairs? Height, arm rest, back rest, etc? I'll be thankful if you could post some ...
user5155835's user avatar
2 votes
0 answers
24 views

Is it a good exercise for the eyes to work with different font sizes or would refocusing strain the eye?

In my work I deal with several screens, and recently I have started using different pieces of software for coding. When I installed the new one, I noticed that the font size there is a bit bigger, and ...
SBF's user avatar
  • 121
2 votes
0 answers
41 views

Is working on a computer for a long time everyday bad for health? [duplicate]

Is looking continuously at a computer screen for a long time everyday bad for health? If yes, then what care should be taken while working on a computer?
KTPATEL's user avatar
  • 209
4 votes
0 answers
101 views

Is there a particular term for this eyesight problem?

I have had for the past few months, and today I spend a couple hours trying to identify it and have had no luck. Certain areas of my vision will change to be "darker" - but it seems as it those ...
Lukas Palmer's user avatar
10 votes
1 answer
538 views

Which background color is better for eyes while working on computers for a long time?

I am a Software Engineer, so as such I use a computer system for more than 9 hours a day. While I am working which background color is best white or black to help avoid unnecessary eye strain?
Vinoth's user avatar
  • 201
1 vote
0 answers
108 views

an animation of an object moving randomly on a computer screen to reduce eye strain?

Given that it is not natural for human vision to stare for a long time at still objects (a computer display, that is), would an animation of an object moving randomly across the screen (much like in ...
drabsv's user avatar
  • 119
6 votes
1 answer
397 views

Can an IPS panel in a monitor help relieve eye strain? [closed]

Working as a programmer, I have problems with my eyes. I am using eyedrops, but that does not help. Up till now I always worked with LED monitors a colleague told me that I could try one with an IPS ...
ruedi's user avatar
  • 171
4 votes
0 answers
51 views

How do digital devices affect mood?

I'm particularly curious about research that's been done on smartphones. Please provide links to articles, books, research, etc...
Stuart Jeckel's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
96 views

CT scan software [closed]

I'm looking for software (free or budget) to analyze CT scans of pigs. I need to find the volume of the lungs, in normal situations and during pneumothorax (laprosopic surgery). The problem I'm having ...
Alexm's user avatar
  • 41
19 votes
1 answer
1k views

Are computers bad for health?

I am a CS student, so my career requires sitting for long periods of time (8~9) hours infront of a laptop daily. I've been hearing for quite a long time that computers are harmful for health. I'm ...
Amr Ayman's user avatar
  • 303
22 votes
2 answers
36k views

Is Low Blue Light helpful for preserving eyesight?

I'm a coder and interested in save my eyesight. I've met the term named low blue light. Monitors decrease the level of blue color and theoretically protect my eyes. Here's a quote from monitor ...
Alex Antonov's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
129 views

Do using trackballs put more stress on the hand, wrist and arm than a traditional mouse?

I have read and heard contradicting personal experiences on how good trackballs are to avoid RSI as they put more stress on the hand, wrist and arm than a traditional mouse. Do using trackballs put ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
5 votes
0 answers
189 views

Can using a standing desk alleviate the pain of RSI (vs. a traditional sitting desk)?

I have read in some individual accounts that standing desks alleviate the pain of RSI (vs. a traditional sitting desk). Example: I kept my regular desk and decided to test standing at my desk as ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
638 views

Does Apple’s Magic Trackpad put more stress on the hand, wrist and arm than a traditional mouse?

I have read and heard contradicting personal experiences on how much stress on the hand, wrist and arm Apple's Magic Trackpad put compared to a traditional mouse. E.g. http://softwareprototyping....
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
7 votes
0 answers
944 views

Can mechanical keyboards alleviate the pain of RSI (vs. regular keyboards)?

I have read in some places that mechanical keyboards alleviate the pain of RSI (vs. regular keyboards). E.g.: http://techshift.net/5-reasons-why-you-should-buy-a-mechanical-keyboard/ 5 reasons why ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
12 votes
1 answer
749 views

Do vertical mice cause less stress on the hand, wrist and arm than traditional mice?

Vertical mice are often marketed as more ergonomics than traditional mice. Is that true? I am especially interested in stress on the lateral epicondyle of the humerus. Example of such claim, from ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
3 votes
0 answers
59 views

Can head-controlled mice cause neck pain?

Is it possible to use a head-controlled mouse (e.g. SmartNav) 10 hours a day while avoiding neck pain? Are there any particular ways of using such mice that reduce the risk of getting neck pain?
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
8 votes
1 answer
92 views

How to know whether phrase A causes less stress on my vocal cords than phrase B?

Say I have 2 English phrases A and B. How to know whether phrase A causes less stress on my vocal cords than phrase B? A and B are short phrases, ranging from 1 to 4 words. I use them as voice ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
264 views

How to tell the difference between not so serious wrist, finger, arm pain/strain/weakness and carpal tunnel syndrome?

Many people now a days, use the computer a lot. A very lot. I'm guessing it's normal to feel some slight discomfort, small pain regularly in your dominant hand, wrist, and/or underside of forearm if ...
user avatar
8 votes
4 answers
5k views

Right wrist pain from using computer mouse [closed]

I'm Shimmy, almost 30ish, Male, 6', 158 lbs. I'm a heavy computer user and sit in front of my homedesk for long intervals (5-18h daily). I use the computer mostly for working with text (software ...
Shimmy Weitzhandler's user avatar
112 votes
6 answers
7k views

How can I protect my eyesight when using computers?

My job requires long periods of computer screen use. I have good eyesight (20/15) and don't wear glasses, but I definitely notice my eyes feeling fatigued at the end of the day. Sometimes when I'm ...
Nate Barbettini's user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
680 views

Can I use a foot pedal to send mouse clicks and/or modifier keys ergonomically?

When using computers, I often want to send more inputs than my keyboard can. I once tried to use a foot pedal (a.k.a. footswitch) to send mouse clicks and modifier keys, but it seemed to put a lot of ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar
14 votes
4 answers
323 views

How can I avoid voice strain when using speech recognition all day long?

I use speech recognition all day long for my work and most of my personal activities. Put aside taking frequent short breaks, making sure that I don't speak unnecessarily louder than I need to achieve ...
Franck Dernoncourt's user avatar