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TU Darmstadt: Pause button for light particles

Physicists at TU Darmstadt have successfully stopped individual photons and preserved them for a short time, enabling the creation of controlled interactions between light and atoms. This breakthrough could lead to breakthroughs in nonlinear optics and simulation of solid materials through photon crystals.

SourceTechnische Universitat Darmstadt·JournalOptics Express·DateJun 16, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Silicon 'neurons' may add a new dimension to computer processors

Using simulated silicon neurons, researchers found that energy constraints can lead to a dynamic, at-a-distance communication protocol more robust and energy-efficient than traditional computer processors. This protocol enables computing on a secondary network of spikes, allowing for efficient communication and processing.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateJun 4, 2020

Carnegie Mellon tool automatically turns math into pictures

The Penrose tool enables users to create diagrams by typing mathematical expressions, empowering anyone to translate abstract ideas into beautiful illustrations. Researchers developed a special programming language that mathematicians can easily learn, allowing for high-quality visualizations.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateJun 2, 2020
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.

Augmented reality can improve online shopping, study finds

A recent study by Cornell University found that augmented reality (AR) technology can improve the online shopping experience by reducing returns and increasing consumer attitudes towards garments. While results were mixed, participants responded well to virtual try-on, with higher telepresence corresponding to more positive attitudes.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Fashion Marketing and Management·DateMay 27, 2020

Sandia to receive Fujitsu 'green' processor

Sandia will be one of the first DOE laboratories to receive Fujitsu's new A64FX processor, optimized for memory-speed bottleneck breakage. The 48-core processor provides greater fractions of usable peak performance and supports collaboration with the Japanese supercomputing community.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateMay 26, 2020
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

To err is human, to learn, divine

The human brain balances complexity and accuracy when processing patterns, with errors playing a crucial role in learning and cognition. The new model suggests that the brain constantly strives to represent things in simple terms, with participants showing quicker responses to sequences generated by modular networks.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2020

AI -- a new tool for cardiac diagnostics

Researchers developed an AI tool to automatically diagnose atrial fibrillation and five common ECG abnormalities, comparable to human diagnosis. The AI was trained on a large database of manually diagnosed ECGs and shows great potential for improved cardiovascular care in low-income countries.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Why smartphones are digital truth serum

A new study found that smartphones increase the willingness of people to disclose personal information online compared to desktop computers. The researchers suggest that smartphone users' comfort and familiarity with their devices lead to a 'safe zone' effect, making them more willing to open up about themselves.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 3, 2020

New AI enables teachers to rapidly develop intelligent tutoring systems

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new AI-powered teaching interface that allows teachers to create intelligent tutoring systems in minutes, rather than hours. This innovation has the potential to increase the adoption of AI-based tutors and provide deeper insights into learning processes.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateApr 30, 2020

Infant temperament and outcomes in adulthood

A 25-year study found that infants with high behavioral inhibition exhibited introverted adulthood and lower social interactions. Infants with high infant BI also showed heightened brain activity in response to errors during adolescence, associated with anxiety and depressive symptoms.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 20, 2020
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Making big data processing more energy efficient using magnetic circuits

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a method to make big data processing more energy efficient using magnetic components. By leveraging lateral inhibition in artificial neurons, they achieved an energy reduction of 20-30 times compared to standard back-propagation algorithms.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNanotechnology·DateApr 13, 2020

How the brain controls the voice

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt studied brain activity in Seba's short-tailed bats to understand how the brain controls vocalization. They identified a group of nerve cells creating a circuitry from the frontal lobe to the corpus striatum, which fires off rhythmic signals predicting echolocation or communication sounds.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMar 20, 2020
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.

Predicting reaction results: Machines learn chemistry

Researchers at University of Münster develop AI tool to predict reaction outcomes using molecular structures, enabling accurate predictions for yields and stereoselectivities. The model can be applied to diverse reactions and is expected to significantly change the approach to chemical syntheses.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalChem·DateMar 17, 2020

A flexible brain for AI

Scientists at Osaka University created a flexible computing device from field-programmable gate arrays, increasing circuit density by 12 times and reducing energy usage by 80%. This innovation may lead to custom machine learning hardware with enhanced performance and reduced electricity consumption.

SourceOsaka University·DateMar 9, 2020

Drones can now scan terrain and excavations without human intervention

Researchers at Aarhus University have successfully automated the process of measuring and documenting terrain using drones, making it faster, cheaper, and easier. The AI system takes control of the drone's movement, adjusting its distance from the wall and camera position to capture high-quality images with minimal human intervention.

SourceAarhus University·DateMar 5, 2020

Discovery of accurate and far more efficient algorithm for point set registration problems

A new algorithm has been discovered that can accurately register two point sets consisting of millions of points in a fraction of the time taken by conventional methods. The algorithm's accuracy is not compromised despite using approximations, and it has wide-ranging applications in computer graphics and computer vision.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence·DateMar 5, 2020
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.

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Deep learning can fool listeners by imitating any guitar amplifier

Researchers created a digital amplifier model using a deep neural network that can accurately simulate the sound of various guitar amplifiers, including popular brands like Marshall and Orange. The study uses black-box modelling to replicate the observed input-output mapping of analogue circuitry.

SourceAalto University·JournalApplied Sciences·DateFeb 11, 2020

Revenge is more enjoyable than forgiveness -- at least in stories

A study published by Ohio State University found that people enjoy seeing bad guys get punished more than being forgiven, but appreciate forgiveness stories as the most meaningful. The researchers discovered that readers take less time to respond to narratives with equitable retribution than those with under- or over-retribution.

SourceOhio State University·JournalCommunication Research·DateFeb 11, 2020

An ultrafast microscope for the quantum world

Scientists have created a high-speed camera for the quantum world, enabling the precise tracking of electron movements at a resolution of a few hundred attoseconds. This microscope can be used to analyze processes in tiny electronic components and molecules, providing valuable insights for developing faster and more efficient electronics.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateJan 29, 2020

Designing a puncture-free tire

University of Illinois researchers develop a new tire design that prioritizes puncture-free strength while maintaining elasticity for a shock-free ride. The study uses computer optimization to create unique structural patterns in the shear layer, ensuring the material can withstand pressure without failing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalInternational Journal for Numerical Methods in Engineering·DateJan 29, 2020
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.

Cover of CHEOPS space telescope open

The CHEOPS space telescope has successfully opened its cover following a series of tests, enabling further activities including star and planet imaging. The first images are expected to be published within one or two weeks, allowing the team to assess the instrument's abilities.

SourceUniversity of Bern·DateJan 29, 2020

How Chinese opera masks compare to spider evolution

Biology student Jenny Yi-Ti Sung studies how Beijing operas convey details about motivation and character through colorful masks. Her research reveals recurring archetypes and facial features, similar to those found in jumping spiders, which use pattern and color to communicate species, sex, and romantic intentions.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 24, 2020

UT quantum materials researcher receives $1.7M Moore Foundation Award

David Mandrus, a UT professor and Oak Ridge National Laboratory researcher, has received a five-year $1.7 million award to pursue research on quantum materials and their unique properties. The Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation acknowledges Mandrus's significant contributions to the field of materials science.

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·DateJan 23, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The way you dance is unique, and computers can tell it's you

A recent study published in the Journal of New Music Research reveals that people's dance styles are almost always the same, regardless of music genre. The researchers used motion capture technology to analyze participants' movements and found that computers could identify individuals with an astonishing 94% accuracy.

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalJournal of New Music Research·DateJan 17, 2020

AlphaZero learns to rule the quantum world

Researchers at Aarhus University used AlphaZero to control a quantum system, demonstrating its applicability to three different problems. The algorithm learned to exploit an underlying symmetry of the problem, surprising the team with its ability.

SourceAarhus University·DateJan 16, 2020

Engineering artificial organisms

Scientists created artificial organisms by combining contractile and passive tissues, achieving high-performing candidates that matched predicted behaviors. The developed method can be applied to designing living machines for various applications.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 13, 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.

New open-source software judges accuracy of computer predictions of cancer genetics

A new open-source software framework simulates genetic diversity in tumour samples and evaluates the accuracy of computer prediction algorithms. The tool provides a benchmarking approach for clinicians to make informed decisions about treatment options, helping them match patients with personalized medicines more effectively.

SourceThe Francis Crick Institute·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateJan 10, 2020

Sun and Jajodia receive funding for subcontract agreement

Kun Sun and Sushil Jajodia's Center for Secure Information Systems (CSIS) at George Mason University received a $50,000 grant to develop a security analysis toolset. The project aims to provide abuse prevention and malware detection solutions for high-performance computers.

SourceGeorge Mason University·DateJan 10, 2020

Machine learning shapes microwaves for a computer's eyes

Researchers at Duke University developed a new method to identify objects using microwaves that improves accuracy while reducing computing time and power requirements. The system uses machine-learning approach to jointly determine optimal hardware settings, cutting out the need for image analysis by humans.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJan 9, 2020
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

ORNL researchers advance performance benchmark for quantum computers

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a quantum chemistry simulation benchmark to evaluate the performance of quantum devices. The benchmark characterizes the 'mixed state' of how the environment and machine interact, providing insight into systematic error mitigation in current quantum hardware. This work aims to...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateJan 2, 2020

Artificial intelligence as behavioral analyst

Researchers used high-speed cameras and computer algorithms to analyze the movements of larval zebrafish, identifying three distinct components of their prey capture behavior: orientation, approach, and capture. The study provides new insights into how the brain generates complex behaviors.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalCurrent Biology·DateDec 20, 2019

SHAPEIT4: An algorithm for large-scale genomic analysis

SHAPEIT4 is a powerful computer tool that allows researchers to quickly identify haplotypes in hundreds of thousands of unrelated individuals. This enables the analysis of complex traits and disease risk with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2019

'Inconsistent and misleading' password meters could increase risk of cyber attacks

A study by the University of Plymouth found inconsistent and misleading advice from popular password meters, potentially putting users at risk. The research tested 16 password meters and found that some would not flag weak passwords, such as 'abc123' or 'qwertyuiop', despite being among the worst passwords of 2019.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalComputer Fraud & Security·DateDec 19, 2019
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.

Virtual reality becomes more real

Scientists from Skoltech ADASE lab have developed a method to enhance depth map resolution, enabling more realistic virtual reality and computer graphics. The new approach leverages human perception to assess reconstruction quality, outperforming existing methods in visual quality.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·DateNov 28, 2019

High levels of screen use associated with symptoms of anxiety in adolescence

A study by researchers at the University of Montreal found that adolescents who spent more time on social media, television, and computers experienced increased anxiety symptoms. Decreasing screen time was linked to reduced anxiety. The study suggests limiting screen time may be a way to help teens manage anxiety.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Canadian Journal of Psychiatry·DateNov 26, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New method for using spin waves in magnetic materials

Researchers at the University of Münster have discovered a way to suppress nonlinear damping in spin waves, allowing for efficient generation and control of spin waves in magnetic nano-devices. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in magnonics and spintronics.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 22, 2019

Rise of the bots: Stevens team completes first census of Wikipedia bots

Researchers at Stevens Institute of Technology have completed the first census of Wikipedia's 1,601 bots, shedding light on their functions and interactions with human users. The study found that bots play nine core roles, including fixers, connectors, and protectors, which together account for about 10% of all activity on the site.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·DateNov 21, 2019

Google's new system captures character lighting for virtually any environment

Google's Relightables system allows users to record someone then view them from any viewpoint and lighting condition, removing the need for a green screen. The system captures reflectance information on a person and records while they are moving freely within the volume, enabling relighting in arbitrary environments.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

Bionic breakthrough

The Utah Bionic Leg, developed by the University of Utah, enables amputees to walk with more power and better balance. The prosthetic limb features sensors, motors, a computer processor, and artificial intelligence that work together to provide assistance during walking and other activities.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateOct 30, 2019