Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Smart computers

A team of scientists from the University of Freiburg has created a self-learning algorithm that decodes human brain signals measured by an electroencephalogram (EEG) with high accuracy. The algorithm, based on brain-inspired models, can recognize and differentiate between various behavioral patterns from different movements, making it ...

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateAug 18, 2017

Automated fingerprint analysis is one step closer to reality

Researchers from NIST and Michigan State University have developed an algorithm that automates the key decision point in fingerprint analysis, reducing human subjectivity and improving reliability. The new system uses machine learning to score latent prints based on their quality, allowing for more efficient processing of evidence.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateAug 14, 2017

An app for the perfect selfie

A smartphone app developed by computer scientists at the University of Waterloo uses an algorithm to direct users on camera positioning for optimal photos. The app, which has shown a 26% improvement in selfie quality, teaches users about composition principles and can be expanded to include additional factors.

Five times the computing power

FPGAs can now handle five times more calculations, saving industry huge sums and enabling new functionality without hardware replacement. Carl Ingemarsson's method optimizes signal routes in chips to achieve the boost.

SourceLinköping University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Systems·DateJul 21, 2017

New Berkeley lab algorithms extract biological structure from limited data

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory develop Multi-Tiered Iterative Phasing (M-TIP) algorithm to determine molecular structure from sparse and noisy single-particle diffraction data. This approach reduces the amount of required information, enabling the extraction of more features from limited experiments.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Seeing street change

A study using computer vision algorithms examines millions of Google Street View images to measure urban change, finding that high density and education are key drivers of improvement. The research also supports three classical theories of urban change, highlighting the importance of human capital and education in shaping cities.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2017

Fitness trackers accurately measure heart rate but not calories burned, study finds

A recent Stanford University School of Medicine study found that fitness trackers generally accurately measure heart rate but struggle with calculating energy expenditure, which is often used to track calories burned. The study evaluated seven devices and found that six were accurate in measuring heart rate within 5% error, while none ...

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalJournal of Personalized Medicine·DateMay 24, 2017

25 is 'golden age' for the ability to make random choices

A study published in PLOS Computational Biology found that humans' ability to make random choices peaks around age 25 and declines thereafter. The researchers assessed over 3,400 participants and used online tasks to evaluate their algorithmic randomness.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateApr 13, 2017

Blind matchmaking for more efficient wireless networks

A new algorithm allows users from different network providers to pair up and make better use of the available wireless spectrum, reducing inefficiency in wireless technology. The 'blind' matching algorithm uses a simple learning process and converges to a stable-matching state, enabling mutually beneficial partnerships.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Journal on Selected Areas in Communications·DateFeb 26, 2017

Deep Learning predicts hematopoietic stem cell development

Researchers developed an algorithm that uses Deep Learning to predict the decision of hematopoietic stem cells to become a certain cell type. This enables earlier detection and analysis of blood cell development, paving the way for new treatments and insights into developmental traits.

The Internet and your brain are more alike than you think

Researchers discovered that an algorithm called additive increase, multiplicative decrease (AIMD) is used both in engineered systems like the Internet and biological networks like the human brain. This finding sheds light on how the brain manages information and potentially helps understand learning disabilities.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNeural Computation·DateFeb 9, 2017

Towards equal access to digital coins

Scientists at the University of Luxembourg developed Equihash, a memory-hard problem algorithm that resolves Bitcoin's centralization issue. This allows for more democratic digital currencies like Zcash, where users can contribute to mining with standard hardware, reducing investment costs and increasing decentralization.

Engineers eat away at Ms. Pac-Man score with artificial player

Researchers at Cornell University developed an artificial Ms. Pac-Man player that achieved a laboratory score of 43,720, surpassing the existing high score for computerized play. The player uses a decision-tree approach and demonstrates accuracy in predicting ghost movements with 94.6-percent accuracy.

SourceCornell University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computational Intelligence and AI in Games·DateJan 23, 2017

Gene editing takes on new roles

Researchers have combined CRISPR gene editing with single-cell genomic profiling to understand nuanced cellular processes. The new technology enables precise manipulation of genes in individual cells, revealing previously unknown functions and advancing the field of genetic engineering.

Mount Sinai researchers use computer algorithms to diagnose HCM from echos

Researchers developed a machine-learning model that can distinguish between pathological hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and physiological changes in athletes' hearts, enabling easier diagnoses. The model demonstrated superior diagnostic ability comparable to conventional 2D echocardiographic and Doppler-derived parameters.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJournal of the American College of Cardiology·DateNov 22, 2016

Fighting the water army of fake reviewers

Researchers have developed an algorithm to detect fake reviews on ecommerce sites, analyzing behavior and content features to identify deceptive posters. The method outperforms earlier detection algorithms, providing a more accurate picture of product ratings.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Services Operations and Informatics·DateNov 8, 2016

Finding patterns in corrupted data

Researchers have developed a new algorithm that can efficiently fit probability distributions to high-dimensional data, even when the dataset contains corrupted entries. The algorithm relies on two insights: selecting an appropriate metric for measuring distance from distributions and identifying regions where cross-sections should begin.

Web of power: How to manage the energy internet

Researchers at Northeastern University have proposed a way to optimize power exchange between the main grid and multiple microgrids using consensus-based algorithms. These algorithms allow decentralized generators to communicate with each other and with the main grid, ensuring reliable and cost-effective energy distribution.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 18, 2016