Computers
Articles tagged with Computers
Inspired by the brain, researchers build smarter, more efficient computer hardware
Method for stress-testing cloud computing algorithms helps avoid network failures
Researchers from MIT have developed a more user-friendly and efficient method to identify potential system failures in cloud computing algorithms. The 'MetaEase' technique analyzes an algorithm's source code directly to uncover hidden blind spots that might cause unexpected failures, reducing the risk of costly network outages.
Enabling privacy-preserving AI training on everyday devices
Researchers at MIT developed a technique to overcome memory constraints and communication bottlenecks in federated learning, enabling faster and more accurate AI model training. The new framework, FTTE, uses a subset of model parameters and an asynchronous approach to reduce lag time and improve training performance.
AI can give as good as it gets ... or better: The moral dilemma of combative chatbots
A recent study from Lancaster University reveals that AI systems like ChatGPT can learn to mirror human impoliteness, potentially escalating into verbal violence. The research tested ChatGPT's ability to respond to real-life impolite interactions, finding it often produces more impolite behavior than humans.
New AI Tool Helps Computer Architects Boost Processor Performance
Researchers developed a new AI-assisted tool called CacheMind to improve cache performance and reduce evictions. The tool uses causal reasoning to analyze fine-grained details about system behavior, enabling computer architects to identify patterns and implement fixes.
Accuracy test for protein language models shines light into AI 'black box'
A team from Emory University developed a simple method to test the accuracy of protein language models, which are used to analyze complex biological data. By comparing how these models 'embed' natural proteins versus synthetic ones, researchers can estimate their reliability and improve their performance.
Fragmented phone use — not total screen time — is the main driver of information overload, study finds
A seven-month study from Aalto University found that frequent micro checks and bursts of messaging are most strongly linked to feeling overwhelmed. The study's findings suggest that task-switching and constant checking contribute to digital overwhelm, rather than the total time spent on devices.
ARU Arm AI Lab powers up on Cambridge campus
The ARU Arm AI Lab will provide researchers and students with access to advanced Arm AI technology, focusing on real-world applications in healthcare and life sciences. This partnership will also support emerging talent and drive innovation, building on existing collaborations and industry projects.
UAlbany, Rutgers researchers develop early-warning model to predict toxic social media storms
Researchers at the University at Albany and Rutgers University have developed an early-warning framework that can predict harmful social media interactions before they erupt. The model, called Comment Storm Severity (CSS), uses publicly available datasets from Reddit and Instagram to predict whether a thread will escalate into a toxic ...
Within-person association between daily screen use and sleep in youth
A systematic review and meta-analysis found a small correlation between daily screen use and later sleep onset in youth. However, short-term fluctuations in screen time had limited effects on sleep duration, efficiency, or quality.
Study finds next-generation transistor performance inflated in most lab testing
Study by Duke engineers reveals that a common device architecture used to test 2D transistors overstates their performance prospects up to sixfold. The back-gated architecture amplifies the transistor's performance using contact gating, but has physical limitations that prevent its use in commercial technologies.
Cyber-attacks could disrupt smart factories by targeting time itself, study warns
Researchers at the University of East London identified a critical weakness in Industrial Internet of Things networks that can destabilize factories and safety-critical infrastructure. Attackers can exploit subtle 'delay attacks' to quietly disrupt coordination, making timing just as important as information in highly automated systems.
With the right prompts, AI chatbots analyze big data accurately
Researchers at UCSF and Wayne State University found that generative AI tools can perform orders of magnitude faster than human teams in analyzing health data. Junior researchers paired with AI generated viable prediction models in minutes, outperforming experienced programmers in hours or days.
ACM launches CAIS 2026, a new conference on AI and agentic systems
Researchers will gather to discuss how to engineer AI systems that work in the real world, focusing on composition, optimization, verification, and evaluation. The conference aims to establish shared foundations for a new class of software, including methods for evaluating models and ensuring durability, efficiency, and dependability.
Microscopic laser can halve a computer’s energy use
Researchers at Technical University of Denmark developed a groundbreaking nanolaser that can halve a computer's energy consumption. This technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, including information technology and healthcare, by enabling ultra-small and energy-efficient lasers.
Tech companies need to unite and make device security easier for users
Researchers say tech companies need to adopt user-centered approaches to create authentication systems that are secure by design. They call for more inclusive and consistent methods, avoiding one-size-fits-all models that burden users with complex security rules.
Powering AI from space, at scale
Researchers have developed a passive, solar-powered orbital data center that can scale AI computing and reduce environmental impact. The system leverages decades of research on 'tethers' and could host thousands of computing nodes to replicate terrestrial data centers.
INFORMS names six finalists for the 2026 Franz Edelman Award, the world’s leading honor in analytics, operations research and management science
The six finalists apply advanced analytics to tackle critical challenges in sustainability, supply chain optimization and technology. Their solutions have generated significant value and improved performance across industries.
New UMass Amherst-led study shows that analog hardware may solve internet of things’ speedbumps and bottlenecks
A UMass Amherst-led study suggests old-school analog computing can improve energy efficiency and computing speed in the IoT. Researchers have developed a brain-inspired sensing system that combines touch sensors and smart memory chips to reduce data transmission speeds.
A 'smart' chip that reduces both consumption and computing time marks a breakthrough in high-performance computing at Politecnico di Milano
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a 'smart' chip that dramatically reduces energy consumption while accelerating data processing, achieving similar accuracy to digital systems with lower power consumption and faster performance.
Socializing alone: The downside of communication technology
A review of over 1,000 studies found that technology communication reduces engagement and positive emotional responses compared to in-person interactions. In-person communication has been shown to have health benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved educational outcomes.
AI is quick but risky for updating old software
The use of generative AI in software development can lead to increased productivity, but also creates technical debt and hasty coding if not managed properly. Companies must prioritize fixing technical debt, develop clear guidelines for AI-assisted coding, and train developers on the hazards of AI coding.
AI video translation shows promise but humans still hold the edge
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that AI tools excel at speed and clarity, but human translators remain crucial for tone, cultural nuance, and natural sound. Generative AI can handle parts of video translation, but consumers still notice when something feels off.
What makes a good proton conductor?
Researchers created a metric to quantify lattice flexibility and studied how it impacts proton transport. They ranked the importance of seven features, including hydrogen bond length and oxygen sublattice flexibility, finding that these are critical for efficient proton conduction.
Tech savvy users have most digital concerns
A new study found that highly educated, Western European millennials have the most digital concerns, with individuals having higher levels of digital literacy being the most affected. The research also found that people's perceptions of digital harm are heightened by their level of digital exposure and knowledge.
Researchers create AI tool to help sight-impaired programmers
A11yShape, an AI-assisted tool, enables visually impaired computer programmers to create, edit and verify complex 3D models without assistance. The tool uses GPT-4o to provide detailed descriptions of the model for blind and low-vision programmers.
Artificial intelligence learns to read pianists’ muscle activity from video alone
A new AI system can accurately reconstruct hand muscle activity without sensors, enabling precise estimation of fine motor control. The technology has potential applications in sports science, rehabilitation, and human-machine interaction.
The avatar in a wheelchair
Researchers investigate how people with disabilities feel when their avatars depict them the way they see themselves. Most participants reported positive feedback when their avatar reflected their disability, and many felt comfortable expressing their identity in virtual reality.
ACM Gordon Bell Prize-winning team develops revolutionary simulation for tsunami prediction
The ACM Gordon Bell Prize-winning team developed a full-physics Bayesian inversion framework called 'digital twin' to predict tsunami early warning. This approach enabled real-time, data-driven forecasting with dynamic adaptivity, achieving a ten-billion-fold speedup over existing state-of-the-art methods.
New augmented reality tech can turn any surface into keyboard
Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed PropType, a unique interface that transforms everyday objects into typing surfaces within an AR environment. This technology leverages tactile feedback to reduce reliance on visual cues and provides an alternative to traditional keyboards.
Scientists discover breakthrough materials to enhance light-based computers
Researchers at New York University have discovered gyromorphs, a new class of materials that outperform existing structures in blocking light signals. These materials have the potential to revolutionize light-based computers by maintaining signal strength and enabling faster calculations.
University of Houston reaffirmed as National Center of Cybersecurity Excellence
The University of Houston has been redesignated by the NSA as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R) through 2029. This recognition underscores UH's growing role in advancing research and workforce training to strengthen US resilience against evolving cyber threats.
Researchers build brain-inspired computer prototype
A small-scale neuromorphic computer prototype learned patterns and made predictions using fewer training computations than conventional AI systems. The prototype, developed by the University of Texas at Dallas team, integrates memory storage with processing, allowing for more efficient AI operations with lower costs.
Lehigh University team develops computational model to guide neurostimulation therapy for atrial fibrillation
The Lehigh University team created a computational model to predict the hemodynamic response of patients with AFib, helping tailor neurostimulation dosages. The model validated against clinical data and predicted accurate effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and stroke volume.
Powered by mushrooms, living computers are on the rise
Researchers from Ohio State University have developed shiitake-based devices that can act as organic memristors, a type of data processor. These devices demonstrated similar reproducible memory effects to semiconductor-based chips and showed potential for creating low-cost, environmentally friendly brain-inspired computing components.
How to retire coal, smarter and faster
A new UCSB study provides a framework for policymakers and advocates to identify key factors driving coal plant retirement. By categorizing facilities into eight distinct groups based on technical, economic, environmental, and socio-political factors, the researchers offer evidence-based strategies to accelerate closures, particularly ...
Stowers Institute appoints first AI Fellow to help advance biological research with artificial intelligence
The Stowers Institute has appointed its first AI Fellow, Sumner Magruder, to harness the potential of artificial intelligence in biological research. He will collaborate with researchers to design new algorithms and unlock insights from large datasets.
News release: MIT professor receives prestigious High Performance Computing Award
Amarasinghe recognized for groundbreaking work in domain-specific languages and exceptional mentorship, advancing the global computing community. His contributions have successfully bridged the gap between software and hardware to fully exploit modern hardware resources.
New AI-powered method helps protect global chip supply chains from cyber threats
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed an AI-powered method to detect hidden hardware trojans in chip designs, offering a 97% accurate solution. The approach leverages large language models to scan for suspicious code and provides explanations for detected threats.
A new method to build more energy-efficient memory devices for a sustainable data future
Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a new method to build more energy-efficient magnetic random-access memory (MRAM) using thulium iron garnet. The team successfully produced thin films of platinum on the TmIG material, enabling high-speed and low-power information rewriting at room temperature.
Hardware vulnerability allows attackers to hack AI training data
Researchers at NC State University identified a hardware vulnerability that allows attackers to compromise AI privacy by exploiting ML accelerator behavior. The GATEBLEED vulnerability exploits power gating in AI accelerators, creating an observable timing channel for attackers.
Scientists develop end-to-end encryption for git services
Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed end-to-end encryption for git services, protecting sensitive code from cybersecurity threats. The encryption aligns seamlessly with existing platforms like Github and Bitbucket, reducing computational resources needed while encrypting only edits.
Back to the future: Is light-speed analog computing on the horizon?
Scientists have developed a programmable electronic circuit that harnesses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to perform complex parallel processing at light-speed. This breakthrough has the potential to power next-generation wireless networks, real-time radar, and advanced monitoring in various industries.
Ana Veroneze Solórzano and Yafan Huang named recipients of 2025 ACM-IEEE CS George Michael Memorial HPC Fellowships
Ana Veroneze Solórzano recognized for broadening HPC's societal impact with privacy-preserving mechanisms, while Yafan Huang advances exascale computing with ultra-fast compression algorithms. Both receive fellowships to support their research on high-performance computing applications.
Fears of Wikipedia’s end overblown, but challenges remain warn researchers
Despite no decrease in usage, Wikipedia faces challenges from AI data scrapers and Large Language Models. The platform is struggling to allocate resources due to the influx of AI training data, threatening its current structure.
Micro-LEDs could power next-gen screens
Researchers at Texas A&M University are working to overcome manufacturing hurdles for micro-LED displays, which use inorganic materials to create more robust and longer-lasting screens. The technology has potential for applications in virtual reality, augmented reality, and flexible displays.
uOttawa's Telfer School of Management and Canadian Centre for Cyber Security partner in strategic collaboration
The partnership aims to provide cutting-edge professional development to public sector and critical infrastructure leaders across Canada, equipped with strategic skills to outthink and outmaneuver threats. The initiative strengthens Canada's cyber resilience by enhancing national cyber resilience.
UT launches industrial affiliates program to research sustainable data center growth
The University of Texas at Austin has launched a new research consortium, COMPASS, to inform industry partners on options for more sustainable growth of the data center industry. The consortium aims to tackle obstacles and streamline responsible deployment of data centers across Texas.
Swedish psychologist transforms mental health access through digital therapy revolution
Dr. Gerhard Andersson's pioneering work in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has produced over 200 controlled trials and transformed mental healthcare accessibility across continents.
Transformation in research and society: Leopoldina Annual Assembly dedicated to artificial intelligence
The Leopoldina Annual Assembly will focus on the progress of artificial intelligence in various fields, including medicine, image creation, medical diagnoses, and decision-making processes. Experts from natural and social sciences will discuss the effects of AI on society, ethics, and democracy.
Young people want adults to be involved in their digital lives
A recent study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that young people from diverse cultures worldwide perceive digital environments as affecting their mental health. They highlight the need for more support and involvement from adults in their digital lives, including reflection on one's own digital habits.
A new attack reshapes the rules of Bitcoin mining
A new attack, Infiltrated Selfish Mining (ISM), could reshape the rules of Bitcoin mining by allowing attackers to profit simultaneously. ISM avoids the miner's dilemma and yields up to 1.52 times more rewards than previous attacks.
New project to improve information retrieval for lifelong learning
The project aims to develop personalized technologies that promote lifelong learning in various educational settings. It will guide the creation of IR systems that can effectively support users with complex information needs and foster information literacy.
Fibre computer enables more accurate recognition of human activity
Researchers developed a single-fibre computer integrating sensing, communication, and computation for accurate human activity recognition. This technology enables significant improvements in wearable electronics, paving the way for next-generation intelligent textiles.
In study of cybercrime, users responded to phishing differently based on what kind of device they used
Researchers found that mobile users were less likely to click on phishing links compared to PC users, especially for lower-risk URLs. The study suggests that device use settings affect users' risk assessment abilities, leading to more avoidant behavior on mobile devices.
Petri net-based verification takes center stage in latest book on control systems
The book explores foundational and advanced principles of modeling concurrent control systems using Petri nets, focusing on building reliable, verifiable systems where concurrency plays a central role.
Exploring the evolution of decentralized networks in real-world systems
This book provides a beginner-friendly resource on the impact and evolution of decentralized networks, highlighting their applications in healthcare, supply chains, agriculture, climate monitoring, and education. The authors emphasize sustainability, data security, and ethical tech adoption.
Mizzou researchers shine UV light on the future of computer chips
Researchers at the University of Missouri have created a more efficient method for manufacturing computer chips using ultraviolet-enabled atomic layer deposition (UV-ALD). This approach reduces the number of manufacturing steps, saving time and materials, while also minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.
Bagged: Skyrmions
A team of researchers developed a reliable method to create donut-like, topologically rich spin textures called skyrmion bags in thin ferromagnetic films. The success rate of generating such textures using single laser pulses is significantly higher than magnetic-field-driven approaches.