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Wearables take ‘logical’ step toward onboard control

Researchers create textile-based pneumatic computers capable of digital logic, onboard memory, and user interaction. The technology aims to assist people with functional limitations in daily tasks without electricity.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2022

Rice team eyes cells for sophisticated data storage

Researchers at Rice University have developed cells that can store and process information similar to computer RAM. The cells will be programmed to synthesize redox-active molecules that carry information to and from the outside world, allowing for quick read and write capabilities.

SourceRice University·DateAug 18, 2022

Magnetic memory milestone

Scientists have successfully switched the state of a bit in memory using spin-orbit torque switching in antiferromagnetic material Mn3Sn, promising faster and more efficient devices. This breakthrough could lead to radical improvements in performance compared to current electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A four-stroke engine for atoms

Scientists have found a new phenomenon where an atomic switch has to be switched back and forth four times to return to its original state. The spin of gadolinium atoms performs one full rotation during this process. This discovery opens up possibilities for material physics and could potentially be used to store information.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022

Keeping web-browsing data safe from hackers

Researchers at MIT identified a flawed analysis of website-fingerprinting attacks and developed new techniques to prevent them. They found that attackers can use machine-learning algorithms to decode signals leaked between software programs, enabling them to obtain private information.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 9, 2022

Researchers find way to make traffic models more efficient

A new method reduces computational complexity of traffic models, making them operate more efficiently. The modified algorithm breaks down complex forecasting questions into smaller problems that can be solved in parallel, significantly reducing run time. This approach also allows for a good enough solution within an error bar, rather t...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 5, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

New transistor could cut 5% from world’s digital energy budget

A new magneto-electric transistor has been developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University at Buffalo. The design can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% and retain memory in event of power loss, making it a promising alternative to silicon-based transistors.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 11, 2022

New technique offers faster security for non-volatile memory tech

Researchers have developed a new encryption technique that leverages hardware and software to improve file system security for next-generation non-volatile memories. This approach allows for faster performance than existing software security technologies, making it suitable for large data centers and cloud systems.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 5, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

2D materials could be used to simulate brain synapses in computers

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology and Stanford University have developed a material that enables the commercial viability of neuromorphic computers mimicking the human brain. The material, MXene, combines high speed, temperature stability, and integration compatibility in a single device.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 28, 2022

Mass production of revolutionary computer memory moves closer with ULTRARAM™ on silicon wafers for the first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated ULTRARAM¼trade mark computer memory on silicon wafers for the first time, combining non-volatility with speed and energy-efficiency. The technology outperforms previous incarnations, offering data storage times of at least 1000 years and fast switching speeds.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Research brings analog computers just one step from digital

Washington University researchers have designed a new processing-in-memory (PIM) circuit that can increase PIM computing's performance by orders of magnitude. The circuit uses resistive random-access memory PIM, allowing for analog computations and eliminating the need for digital conversions.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalIEEE Transactions on Computers·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 9, 2021

Researchers discover predictable behavior in promising material for computer memory

A team of researchers from Georgia Tech has discovered that zirconium dioxide antiferroelectric material exhibits predictable behavior when miniaturized, following a familiar law similar to ferroelectrics. This finding could lead to the design of more effective memory components and has implications beyond memory applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2021

Stanford discovery could pave the way to ultrafast, energy-efficient computing

Researchers at Stanford University have overcome a key obstacle in phase-change memory technology, enabling faster and more energy-efficient data storage. By using a thermally insulating flexible substrate, they reduced power consumption by a factor of 10 on flexible substrates and 100 on rigid silicon.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 9, 2021
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Making our computers more secure

Columbia Engineering researchers have developed new techniques to bolster memory safety, creating a processor for the Air Force Research Lab. The novel solution, ZeRØ, protects code and data pointers without affecting system performance, while No-FAT speeds up fuzz testing and makes security checks faster with minimal impact on speed.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJun 22, 2021

Research by CMU, Twitter could improve cache efficiency by 60%

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University developed Segcache, a system that improves cache efficiency by up to 60% by grouping similar items and removing expired ones. The system was tested on Twitter's production system and has been incorporated into its infrastructure.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 11, 2021

Perfect imperfection: Electrode defects boost resistive memory efficiency

Thicker electrodes with greater surface roughness improve resistance switching memory cell characteristics. The study found that such electrodes reduce forming and switching voltages, increase endurance to 50 million cycles, and enhance device performance.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 23, 2020
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Manipulating tiny skyrmions with small electric currents

Researchers at RIKEN Center for Emergent Matter Science successfully manipulated and tracked individual skyrmions, moving them using a small electric current. The breakthrough could lead to the development of more energy-efficient racetrack memory and neuromorphic computing devices.

SourceRIKEN·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 17, 2020

Skyrmions like it hot: Spin structures are controllable even at high temperatures

The study found that skyrmions move more efficiently at higher temperatures and their trajectories only depend on the speed of the skyrmions, making device design significantly easier. Billionfold reproducible motion of skyrmions was also observed in thin films of magnetic material stabilizing them at room temperature.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2020

NSF early career award winner caches in on more memory

Adegbija's research focuses on designing STTRAM caches that can dynamically adapt to different running programs, reducing energy consumption by up to 84%. He will also collaborate with the STEM Learning Center to create activities for K-12 students and promote diversity in STEM fields

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateJun 5, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

New interaction between thin film magnets discovered

Researchers from Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz have made a groundbreaking discovery in thin film magnet interactions, revealing a new antisymmetric element that enables the creation of three-dimensional spin structures. These structures could lead to faster and more robust magnetic storage units with larger data capacities.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 3, 2019

A novel data-compression technique for faster computer programs

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel data-compression technique that leverages object-based compression to reduce memory usage and improve performance. The 'Zippads' technique compresses objects across the memory hierarchy, reducing memory consumption by half and improving computation speeds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 16, 2019

New optical memory cell achieves record data-storage density

Researchers have demonstrated a new technique that can store more optical data in a smaller space than previously possible on-chip, improving upon the phase-change optical memory cell. The new approach enables storing information in 34 levels, equivalent to 5 bits, and could help meet the growing need for computer data storage.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 20, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Transition metal dichalcogenides could increase computer speed, memory by a million times

Researchers propose using transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) to build faster computers that can process information in femtoseconds, a million times faster than current electronics. TMDCs have the potential to increase computer memory speed by a millionfold due to their unique hexagonal lattice structure and optical properties.

SourceGeorgia State University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 2, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Similar charges are attracted to each other

Researchers at NUST MISIS developed a theory explaining how latent state formation occurs in layered tantalum disulfide, leading to ultra-fast memory capabilities. The material's nano-structural mosaics and charged vacancies contribute to its switching and memory effects.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 13, 2018

Private browsing gets more private

A new system called Veil provides added protections for users in shared computing environments, ensuring data remains encrypted until displayed. The Veil system works by using a blinding server to transmit decrypted pages, making it harder for attackers to retrieve sensitive information.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 23, 2018

New discovery could improve brain-like memory and computing

Researchers at the University of Minnesota demonstrate a new kind of magnetoresistance involving topological insulators, which could lead to improvements in future computing and computer storage. The discovery doubles magnetoresistance performance at 150 Kelvin compared to heavy metals.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2018

Selective memory

Researchers developed a new cache-management scheme that improves the data rate of in-package DRAM caches, reducing metadata transfer and increasing bandwidth. The 'Banshee' system adds three bits of data to each entry, enabling efficient storage and retrieval of frequently used data.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 23, 2017
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New techniques boost performance of non-volatile memory systems

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed new software and hardware designs to improve the performance and reliability of non-volatile memory systems. The 'Proteus' system uses a flexible and fast approach to logging, reducing the need for additional code and preserving long-term memory reliability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateOct 17, 2017

Bit data goes anti-skyrmions

Researchers from Max Planck Institute have discovered anti-skyrmions, tiny magnetic objects that can store digital data in a new class of materials. These topologically protected magnetic walls could enable the development of Racetrack Memory with no moving parts.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature·DateSep 1, 2017

Caching system could make data centers more energy efficient

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL have developed a new caching system that uses flash memory, reducing energy consumption by up to 90%. The system, dubbed BlueCache, achieves this through clever engineering tricks, including pipelining and the use of DRAM, while maintaining fast performance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 31, 2017
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Ad hoc 'cache hierarchies' make chips much more efficient

Researchers at MIT developed a system that allocates cache access on the fly to create tailored 'cache hierarchies' for specific programs, increasing processing speed by 20-30% and reducing energy consumption by 30-85%. The system, called Jenga, uses a sampling algorithm to efficiently evaluate tradeoffs between latency and space.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 10, 2017

Tool for checking complex computer architectures reveals flaws in emerging design

Researchers at Princeton University discovered over 100 errors in RISC-V instruction specification that could cause software running on chips to perform calculations using incorrect values. The findings highlight the importance of correcting these issues to ensure the reliability and safety of systems relying on RISC-V processors.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateApr 12, 2017

System opens up high-performance programming to nonexperts

Researchers developed Bellmania, a system that enables non-experts to optimize dynamic programming algorithms for multicore chips. The system guarantees identical results with faster execution speeds, outperforming human programming in optimization tasks.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 7, 2016

T-rays will 'speed up' computer memory by a factor of 1,000

Scientists have found a way to significantly improve computer performance by using T-waves, or terahertz radiation, to reset memory cells. This process is several thousand times faster than magnetic-field-induced switching and could lead to ultrafast memory.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 13, 2016
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

The solution to faster computing? Sing to your data

A new method of moving data in racetrack memory uses sound waves, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The study, published in Applied Physics Letters, demonstrates the potential for faster computing by utilizing surface acoustic waves to transport data quickly and efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 3, 2015

Cutting cost and power consumption for big data

Researchers at MIT developed a new system that makes servers using flash memory as efficient as those using conventional RAM while preserving power and cost savings. The system uses preprocessed data on flash drives to improve distributed computation efficiency.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 10, 2015
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Saving old information can boost memory for new information

Research suggests that saving previous information helps free up cognitive resources, improving memory for new information. By 'offloading' old data, individuals can allocate mental resources to learn and remember new material.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 10, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Smartphone understands hand gestures

A new algorithm developed by ETH Zurich researchers enables smartphones to understand hand gestures, allowing users to control their devices with ease. The program recognizes six different gestures and executes corresponding commands, such as switching between browser tabs or scrolling pages.

SourceETH Zurich·DateOct 8, 2014

Metal particles in solids aren't as fixed as they seem, new memristor study shows

Researchers at the University of Michigan have discovered that metal particles in memristors can migrate and form bridges between electrodes, allowing for more efficient chip design and potential advancements in memristor technology. The findings, published in Nature Communications, have broad implications for the semiconductor industry.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2014

Future computers that are 'normally off'

A research team in Japan has developed a spintronics-based technology that could replace volatile memory, enabling extremely energy-efficient devices powered by hand-crank or solar panels. The technology uses non-volatile function of advanced spin-transfer torque magnetoresistive random access memory (STT-MRAM) to create 'normally off'...

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 8, 2014