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Mapping a room in a snap

A team from EPFL has developed a computer algorithm that can create a 3D model of a simple room based on sound picked up by four microphones. The algorithm uses the differences in signal time to calculate distances between microphones, walls, and the sound source.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2013

Scientists map all possible drug-like chemical compounds

Researchers have developed a computer algorithm that can model and catalogue the entire set of lightweight, carbon-containing molecules that chemists could feasibly create in a lab. The map helps scientists identify unexplored regions of the chemical space where new compounds may hold solutions to some of the world's most vexing challe...

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 22, 2013

Genomic data are growing, but what do we really know?

A large-scale evaluation of computational protein function prediction reveals that algorithms combining disparate prediction clues provide more accurate predictions, turning genomic data into useful information. The study provides a comprehensive picture of how well current methods perform, with potential improvements identified.

SourceMiami University·JournalNature Methods·DateMar 20, 2013

Pixels guide the way for the visually impaired

Researchers developed a pixelated vision system to enhance retinal implants, allowing patients to detect motion, large objects, and improve orientation. The system uses mathematical algorithms to pick out salient locations in images and provides directional cues for navigation tasks.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateFeb 28, 2013

Improving 3-D image capture in real time

A team of researchers from the Public University of Navarre has developed a new algorithm for improving the real-time capture of 3-D images, enabling applications in fields like 3-D video recording and intelligent systems. The technique uses stereoscopic vision to compare pairs of images and yields better results than previous algorithms.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateNov 23, 2012

Choreographing light

Researchers at EPFL's Computer Graphics and Geometry Laboratory have created an algorithm to control the 'caustic' effect, a natural optical phenomenon that generates clear images on transparent surfaces. The technique allows for the creation of complex representations such as faces or landscapes from simple forms like stars.

Northwestern scientists create chemical brain

Researchers connect 250 years of organic chemical knowledge into a giant computer network, optimizing syntheses of drug molecules and identifying suspicious chemical recipes. The Chematica system learns from experience and can test every possible synthesis, finding truly optimal ways to make desired chemicals.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 22, 2012

Spot a bot to stop a botnet

Computer scientists in India have developed a two-pronged algorithm to detect and block botnets. The standalone algorithm uses heuristic approaches to spot suspicious activity, while the network algorithm analyzes network traffic to identify malicious behavior.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Wireless and Mobile Computing·DateMay 1, 2012

Self-sculpting sand

Researchers at MIT's DRL have developed algorithms that could enable smart sand to assemble itself into large-scale replicas of models, using a subtractive method and minimizing computational resources. The system uses electropermanent magnets and microprocessors to communicate and share power among grains.

Researchers at GIS develop systematic approach for accurate DNA sequence reconstruction

Researchers at GIS developed a systematic approach for accurate DNA sequence reconstruction using the Opera algorithm, providing a quality guarantee and scaling to large datasets. This breakthrough enables more complete and accurate draft genomes, driving genetic studies of organisms of interest for human health and other areas.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalJournal of Computational Biology·DateDec 5, 2011

Kilobots are leaving the nest

The Kilobots are a collective of quarter-sized robots that can be programmed and operated by a single user, making it easy to test collective algorithms on hundreds or thousands of robots. Researchers aim to advance the understanding of collective behavior and its potential to deliver solutions for various challenges.