A new study involving researchers from Koç University shows that adolescent risk behaviors do not follow a single pattern. Instead, young people cluster into distinct behavioral profiles, suggesting that targeted interventions are more effective than one-size-fits-all approaches.

A new method developed by researchers at Koç University enables users to join online platforms through invitations without revealing who invited whom, protecting sensitive social connections from potential privacy risks.

A study from Kyushu University argues that early medieval images were never truly silent. Focusing on a 12th–13th century English scroll, the research draws on predictive processing and the concept of “sound milieu” to show how visual imagery could activate imagined soundscapes in viewers' minds. The findings show that sonic details in the imagery engaged audiences through the full range of sensory experience, inviting a broader reconsideration of how medieval people encountered their world.

Nowadays, vast and rapidly growing information acts as digital records of social activities and is widely collected and stored as economic assets. To reduce the difficulty and local data management’s cost significantly, cloud storage services provide a highly available, high-performance, and low-cost solution for user data hosting, enabling remote access, backup, and sharing of data stored by the cloud. However, this service model is not without security risks, including user privacy exposure, low trustworthiness of data, and unauthorized access. To address these concerns, attribute-based encryption

Virtual reality (VR) is emerging as a promising tool in the treatment of mental disorders, particularly as a complement to cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). It enables patients to experience anxiety-provoking situations—such as public speaking or flying—in a controlled, immersive environment that feels realistic enough to trigger emotional and physical reactions.

A key application of VR is in exposure therapy, where patients gradually confront their fears. Unlike traditional settings, VR allows therapists to recreate difficult or impractical scenarios in a safe, repeatable way while monitoring and adjusting treatment in real time. This makes it especially effective for anxiety-related disorders, including phobias, social anxiety, and PTSD.

VR also helps reduce avoidance behaviors by offering a less intimidating starting point for patients who may struggle to face real-life situations. However, its effectiveness in treating other conditions, such as depression or addiction, remains less clear due to limited research.

Despite its advantages, VR has limitations, including costs, access to technology, and the need for proper therapist training. It may also cause side effects like dizziness in some users. Importantly, VR cannot replace real-life experiences; successful therapy still depends on applying learned skills in everyday situations.

Overall, VR is likely to play a significant role in the future of hybrid therapy models, combining traditional methods with digital tools to enhance treatment outcomes.