Amid Cell Boom, Colleges Yank Land Lines

Don't hang up on me, baby

(NEWSER) - Here's a cellphone that's got your number. In pursuit of more "emotional" and "sensory" phones, a designer at the Berlin University of the Arts has come up with three different touchy-feelie models that will blow on your neck, coo, and even kiss, reports the Los Angeles Times . One prototype has a strap that tightens to simulate a hand squeeze and is triggered by an amorous caller on the other end. The kissing phone involves questionable things like wet sponges and a membrane. "Very intense, huh?" asked the designer when he introduced his models at a German conference. He claims the amorous phones are a natural extension of our desire to reach out and touch someone with our calls. Ring-a-ding-ding. More»

Studies find less commitment all the way around

(NEWSER) - The college life is getting more chaste—and more randy—at the same time, according to recent studies. A Stanford sociologist who surveyed a whopping 17,000 college students since 2005 found that a hefty 24% of seniors said they were virgins. That's a percentage on the rise, reports USA Today . A separate National Center for Health Statistics study, based on 2006-2008 data, found that 12% of female and 13% of male students age 20-24 were virgins, up from 8% for both in 2002. That study found a quarter of those 18-19 were virgins, up from 17% of women in 2002 and 22% of men. More»

First-year college students report low emotional health

(NEWSER) - College freshmen might not be learning much —but that doesn’t mean they’re not stressed. The levels of emotional health in incoming freshmen hit a record low last year, probably thanks in part to the recession. According to an annual survey, students who rated themselves as having “below average” emotional health rose, while those who said they had “above average” emotional health fell to 52%. In 1985, 64% of students claimed “above average” emotional health, the New York Times reports. Parental unemployment was also at a record high. More»

Cost of room and board is on the rise

(NEWSER) - America's indebted students can expect to pay more for room and board this year. Prices increased 4.6% at public and 3.9% at private colleges, with average costs of $8,535 and $9,700 respectively, finds CampusGrotto . Here are some of the most expensive places to lay your weary head:

• Eugene Lang College (The New School), New York—Many of the dorms are located in historically significant architectural gems, smack in the middle of Manhattan. Is it any wonder that a shared room will set you back $13,590? At least, says CampusGrotto, they have nice facilities. For a total of more than $17,000, they'd better.

Thanks, in part, to 4G

(NEWSER) - Cell phone quality keeps improving—the apps! the sleek design!—in every area except one: voice quality. For those who have been plagued by infuriating things like annoying delays that cause both people on the call to talk at the same time, take heart, writes Scott Woolley at Fortune : It's all about to change. By late 2012, your cell phone will sound as crystal clear as your landline does. And then it will get even better. Here's what's happening: More»