An Indiana University informatics professor's "mood tracking system" that uses Twitter activity to predict economic markets has received a U.S. patent. Johan Bollen is co-inventor of the technology that analyzes hundreds of millions of tweets each day. He is working to commercialize the process through his startup, Guidewave Consulting LLC, and says interest has been "tremendous." Bollen believes social media's impact on the economy will continue to grow.
Butler Study: ChaCha Outperforms Big Names
Research by Butler University indicates Carmel-based ChaCha Inc.'s mobile search engine app topped competitors including Google, Yahoo and Siri in terms of accuracy. The study from the Butler Business Accelerator shows ChaCha was more likely than 10 other platforms to correctly answer a random question.
First Internet Bank Planning Expansion
First Internet Bank of Indiana intends to upgrade a former Fishers medical center and add nearly 50 jobs. Parent company, Indianapolis-based First Internet Bancorp, plans to invest $4.3 million in the expansion, which could also create room for additional tenants at a former St. Vincent Health facility.
Committee Approves House GOP Budget
The Indiana House Ways and Means Committee has approved a Republican budget proposal on a party-line vote. The two-year, $30 billion spending plan does not include Governor Mike Pence's proposed 10 percent income tax cut. Our partners at Network Indiana/WIBC report the full House could vote on the budget as early as Thursday.
Lilly Endowment Announces Teacher Creativity Grants
Lilly Endowment Inc. has awarded a total of $1 million to 100 educators throughout the state to support a variety of creative efforts. The Teacher Creativity Fellowships will fund projects ranging from a study in biblical history to interests involving flamenco dancing and kilt-making.
National Lakeshore Lands Transportation Grant
Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore will receive a nearly $200,000 federal grant to connect a new shuttle service from Chicago commuter rail lines to the Porter County attraction. The funding is part of a U.S. Department of Transportation effort to improve access to national parks throughout the country.
WGU Strikes Deal With DEFENDER Direct
WGU Indiana has signed another corporate partner. The deal with Indianapolis-based DEFENDER Direct gives employees of the home services company a five percent tuition discount at WGU Indiana, or its parent Western Governors University.
National Group Names IUPUI Senior 'Intern of The Year'
The American Society for Engineering Education has chosen an IUPUI student as its intern of the year. Kirk Barber, a student in the school of engineering and technology, has completed three internships, including two at Indianapolis-based Allison Transmission.
STEM Education Forum Coming to South Bend
A conference for K-12 science, technology, engineering and math teachers and researchers is set for Saturday at the University of Notre Dame. Indiana Superintendent of Public Instruction Glenda Ritz is scheduled to give the keynote address at this year's Collaborating for Education and Research Forum.
Rose-Hulman to Host Design Competition
Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is hosting a creative design challenge next month. The Student Projects Advocating Resourceful Knowledge program will feature college and high school student competitions as well as guest speakers.
Global Policy Institute Funds Food, Health Research
Purdue University's Global Policy Research Institute has awarded a total of $100,000 to help fund two studies on worldwide food and health issues. One deals with how nutrition can improve for low-income people with HIV, especially in Kenya. The other focuses on how issues influencing genetics are related to dietary supplements and fortified foods.
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