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The future of agriculture is computerized

Researchers at MIT's Media Lab have created basil plants with enhanced flavor and potential health benefits using computer algorithms. The team used hydroponic containers with controlled environmental conditions to grow the plants, which were then analyzed for volatile compounds. Machine learning algorithms evaluated millions of possib...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 3, 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.

Artificial intelligence can predict premature death, study finds

A team of healthcare data scientists and doctors developed an AI system using machine learning algorithms to predict the risk of early death due to chronic disease. The system performed better than current standard approaches and showed promise in improving preventative healthcare.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 27, 2019

A rubber computer eliminates the last hard components from soft robots

Researchers have created a soft computer using only rubber and air, emulating the thought process of an electronic computer. The soft computer mimics digital logic gates and achieves complex operations with pneumatic signals, enabling faster and more energy-efficient robots.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 25, 2019

Screen time plus snacking a risk for metabolic disorder in teens

A nationwide survey of Brazilian teens found that excessive screen time and unhealthy snacking are associated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome, a cluster of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes. The study suggests that limiting screen time and avoiding snacks in front of screens may help reduce this risk.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateMar 24, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers get humans to think like computers

Researchers found that people strongly agreed with computer-generated answers on image identification tasks, validating the idea that humans and machines see images differently. This suggests that advances in artificial intelligence may need to be improved to narrow the gap between human and machine visual abilities.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2019
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.

Bat flight model can inspire smarter, nimbler drones

Engineers at the University of British Columbia have created a three-dimensional computer model of bat flight, capturing its complexity for the first time. This breakthrough could lead to better drone design and efficient aerial vehicles.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalComputers & Fluids·DateMar 13, 2019

'Zungenmaus' project begins at TU Dresden

Researchers at TU Dresden are developing a technical assistance system that allows users to control devices using only tongue movements. The system, called Zungenmaus, aims to maintain everyday skills in patients with sensory and motor function impairments.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateMar 4, 2019

Handwriting: The foodie font of love

A recent study found that handwritten font on menus can convey a sense of love and care, leading customers to believe healthier food options are better for their bodies. This perception influences customer behavior, including increased social media interaction with the restaurant's brand.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Business Research·DateFeb 21, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

In the blink of an eye: Team uses quantum of light to create new quantum simulator

A team led by Professor Ebrahim Karimi creates a new quantum simulator that uses the properties of light to simulate periodic and closed structures in nature. The experiment reveals fundamentally different physics between ring-shaped and line-shaped systems, opening opportunities for developing efficient photonic-based quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalOptica·DateFeb 19, 2019

The friendly extortioner takes it all

Scientists found that a strategy called 'extortion' is unbeatable, as it alternates between cooperation and egoism to force opponents to cooperate. This tactic can lead to significant gains for the 'extortioner', even when competing against cooperative players.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2019

Citizen science projects have a surprising new partner -- the computer

Researchers have developed a new technique using machine learning to classify large datasets of camera trap images, reducing the time needed for analysis. The computer can identify species with high accuracy and also learn to distinguish between empty images, greatly increasing efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalMethods in Ecology and Evolution·DateFeb 6, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Atari master: New AI smashes Google DeepMind in video game challenge

A new breed of algorithms has mastered Atari video games 10 times faster than state-of-the-art AI, using a combination of reinforcement learning and intrinsic motivation. This method autonomously identifies sub-goals and exhibits relatively human-like behavior, making it competitive with Google DeepMind in the game Montezuma's Revenge.

SourceRMIT University·DateJan 31, 2019

Patenting a device for the random selection of people

Researchers from Universidad Carlos III de Madrid have patented a Kleroterion device made of methacrylate, ensuring randomness in the entire process. The new design offers advantages such as ease of transport and transparency, making it a simpler and more reliable method for selecting people.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateJan 24, 2019

How the brain decides whether to hold 'em or fold 'em

A Johns Hopkins study found that the brain's push-pull dynamic between hemispheres contributes to risk-taking behavior, with cumulative feelings from past bets influencing decisions. Researchers used stereoelectroencephalography to analyze neural signals and developed a mathematical equation to calculate each patient's bias.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019
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.

Computers can be a real pain in the neck

Researchers at San Francisco State University found that poor head and neck alignment while working on computers can cause fatigue, headaches, and neck pain. By adopting good posture, such as keeping the head aligned with the neck, individuals can reduce muscle tension and alleviate these symptoms.

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalBiofeedback·DateJan 3, 2019

Hybrid qubits solve key hurdle to quantum computing

Researchers have developed a hybrid device combining two types of qubits to solve the speed bottleneck in quantum computing. By integrating different qubit architectures, they achieved rapid initialization and coherent measurements, paving the way for more scalable devices.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 27, 2018

High-efficiency discovery drives low-power computing

Researchers have discovered a way to create atomic-scale binary logic that powers faster and more energy-efficient electronics. This breakthrough could lead to significant reductions in power consumption and pave the way for sustainable, green technology.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 13, 2018

AlphaZero AI teaches itself to beat humans at their own complex games

Researchers developed AlphaZero, a generalized game-playing program that can learn any game through self-play reinforcement learning. The system mastered complex games like chess, shogi and Go within hours of self-learning and outperformed state-of-the-art AI programs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018
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.

Artificial synapses made from nanowires

Scientists have created a memristive element made from nanowires that functions similarly to biological nerve cells, storing and processing information in parallel. The discovery offers promising advantages for bioinspired computers, which can work decentralised with multiple processors connected by networks.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 5, 2018

Force Push VR brings Jedi powers to life

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a virtual reality technique called Force Push, enabling users to manipulate objects with subtle hand gestures. The interface responds to the speed and magnitude of hand movements, providing a more physical and intuitive experience than traditional hand controllers.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalFrontiers in ICT·DateNov 30, 2018

Adoption of mobile payment shifts consumer spending patterns, habits

Research finds that mobile payment adoption leads to increased total transaction amounts and frequencies, affecting traditional channels. The study also reveals that the mobile channel substitutes for offline payments and complements online transactions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 29, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Smarter AI: Machine learning without negative data

Researchers developed a new machine learning method that allows AI to make classifications without negative data, a crucial component in traditional classification technology. This breakthrough enables AI systems to function effectively even when limited by data regulation or business constraints.

SourceRIKEN·DateNov 26, 2018

Scientists trained a computer to classify breast cancer tumors

Scientists at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center develop a computer algorithm to analyze breast cancer images and identify tumor characteristics. The AI system achieves high accuracy in distinguishing between low-intermediate and high-grade tumors, as well as estrogen receptor status and molecular subtypes.

SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·Journalnpj Breast Cancer·DateNov 19, 2018

Earthquake researchers finalists for supercomputing prize

Researchers from the University of Tokyo developed an AI-powered simulation that accurately models earthquake physics in urban centers, achieving a fourfold increase in speed. The new code adapts to precision needs and reduces computational power, enabling more efficient disaster response.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·DateNov 16, 2018

New attacks on graphics processors endanger user privacy

Researchers have discovered three types of attacks that can be launched using a computer's graphics processing unit (GPU) to spy on web activity, steal passwords, and break into cloud-based applications. The attacks work by exploiting vulnerabilities in the GPU's memory utilization and performance counters.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateNov 5, 2018
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.

Berkeley computer theorists show path to verifying that quantum beats classical

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a practical proposal known as random circuit sampling (RCS) to prove quantum supremacy in quantum computers. This technique uses complex mathematical constructs to demonstrate the 'quantum accent' of a device, making it difficult for classical computers to replicate.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 29, 2018

New tool streamlines the creation of moving pictures

A new tool developed at Princeton University streamlines the creation of computer-animated images by automatically separating repeating objects into layers. The tool allows users to manually select and draw motion lines, which are then used to animate similar elements in a believable manner.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·DateOct 24, 2018

Holographic images increase accuracy of external ventricular drain insertion

A new technique using holographic images guides the insertion of external ventricular drains, increasing accuracy and reducing complications. The mixed-reality headset provides visualizations of individual patients' unique brain anatomy, allowing neurosurgeons to perform procedures more accurately and safely.

SourceJournal of Neurosurgery Publishing Group·JournalJournal of Neurosurgery·DateOct 16, 2018

Quantum momentum

The University of Delaware is leading the charge in quantum technology research with a $1 million NSF grant. The team aims to develop quantum electronics that can process information faster and with greater accuracy, enabling next-generation technologies for communication, computing, and sensing.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 9, 2018
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.

Neural prostheses for the brain

Researchers, led by Dr. Nikolaus Wenger, are developing neural prostheses for brain-computer interfaces to treat neurological disorders. The goal is to understand how the brain processes information and develop a prosthesis that can transmit signals back to the nervous system.

SourceCharité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin·DateOct 8, 2018

New DNA tool predicts height, shows promise for serious illness assessment

A new DNA tool created by Michigan State University can accurately predict people's height and potentially assess their risk for serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer. The tool uses machine learning and analyzes the complete genetic makeup of nearly 500,000 adults in the UK to build predictors for complex traits.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalGenetics·DateOct 4, 2018

Combining multiple CCTV images could help catch suspects

Researchers developed an image averaging method to enhance low-quality CCTV footage, significantly improving human and computer facial recognition accuracy. The technique allows for a standardized way to create digital snapshots from multiple camera angles, aiding law enforcement in suspect identification.

SourceUniversity of Lincoln·JournalApplied Cognitive Psychology·DateSep 21, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Computer avatars play a part in dementia detection

A new system using computer avatars detects dementia with high accuracy by analyzing speech and language patterns of elderly individuals. The technology has the potential to encourage early diagnosis through daily conversations with avatars.

SourceOsaka University·JournalIEEE Journal of Translational Engineering in Health and Medicine·DateSep 13, 2018

Smiling doesn't necessarily mean you're happy

A study by Dr Harry Witchel at Brighton and Sussex Medical School found that smiling is linked to subjective engagement, not happiness. In one-to-one Human-Computer-Interaction experiments, participants smiled more when answering questions incorrectly.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalJournal of the ACM·DateSep 7, 2018

Could a demon help to create a quantum computer?

Researchers at Penn State successfully organized atoms in a lattice to lower entropy, which could aid in creating a quantum computer. This achievement uses uncharged atoms as qubits, enabling multiple states simultaneously and making computation more efficient.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature·DateSep 5, 2018

Light exchange

Scientists at the Weizmann Institute of Science have successfully demonstrated a logic gate that enables the exchange of information between photons and atoms, a breakthrough necessary for scaling up quantum computers. This achievement paves the way for the development of more powerful quantum computing systems.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 3, 2018
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.

Picture this: Camera with no lens

Researchers created a lensless camera by connecting a digital sensor to a plexiglass window, which acts as a makeshift lens. The system can capture recognizable images with computer algorithms decoding the pixelated data. This innovation opens up possibilities for various applications, including augmented reality goggles and biometric ...

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalOptics Express·DateAug 21, 2018

UMBC teams up with Chesapeake Conservancy to create detailed stream maps

The University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) has partnered with the Chesapeake Conservancy to develop a more accurate map of the region's waterways using novel techniques. This project aims to prioritize restoration efforts and enhance enforcement of environmental laws in the Chesapeake Bay watershed.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·DateAug 21, 2018

Quantum bugs, meet your new swatter

A Rice University scientist has developed a new method to diagnose quantum computers, reducing the need for expensive measurements. This approach uses compressed sensing to minimize data while ensuring accurate results, making it possible to validate even large-scale systems.

SourceRice University·DateAug 20, 2018
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.

Energy-efficient spin current can be controlled by magnetic field and temperature

Scientists have found a way to control spin currents using magnetic fields and temperatures, significantly improving the efficiency of fundamental spintronic components. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the design of storage devices like hard disks and create new technologies such as spin current switches.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 17, 2018

Color effects from transparent 3D printed nanostructures

Researchers develop computational tool to automatically create 3D print templates for nanostructures that correspond to user-defined colors. The new design tool has several advantages over previous methods, including a free-form structure that allows for greater flexibility and possibilities for additional coloring effects.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 17, 2018
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.

Flipping a switch in the space between atoms

Dr. Nick Strandwitz is exploring a multi-step method to address temperature issues in atomic layer deposition (ALD), a process crucial for precision thin film growth. His goal is to control the crystallinity of the material, which affects its electronic properties.

SourceLehigh University·DateAug 8, 2018

Is too much screen time harming children's vision?

A new study suggests that excessive screen time is contributing to an increase in nearsightedness among children, with symptoms including dry eye and blurred vision. Parents can take steps to mitigate this by encouraging outdoor activities, using good posture, and taking regular breaks from screens.

SourceAmerican Academy of Ophthalmology·JournalOphthalmology·DateAug 6, 2018

A system to synthesize realistic sounds for computer animation

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a system that automatically renders accurate sounds for complex animated content, such as splashing water or colliding objects. The system takes into account the vibrations of each object and how they excite sound waves, resulting in highly detailed and realistic sounds.

SourceStanford University·DateAug 6, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Research identifies key weakness in modern computer vision systems

Computer vision algorithms have made significant progress in tasks such as object identification and categorization. However, they struggle with determining whether two objects in an image are the same or different. Researchers at Brown University found that this limitation stems from the inability of these algorithms to individuate ob...

SourceBrown University·DateJul 30, 2018

Google unveils new virtual reality experience at ACM SIGGRAPH 2018

The Google team developed a comprehensive system for capturing and rendering high-quality spherical light field still images from footage captured in the real world. The processing pipeline uses computer vision to place the images in 3D and generate depth maps, resulting in a truly immersive experience with unmatched realism.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 26, 2018

Slowdown of North Atlantic circulation rocked the climate of ancient northern Europe

A study from University of Helsinki reveals that sudden cold spells occurred during the Eemian interglacial period, lasting hundreds of years and impacting northern European climate. The research suggests that disturbances in North Atlantic circulation contributed to these shifts, highlighting the sensitivity of this oceanic system.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2018

Eagle-eyed machine learning algorithm outdoes human experts

Researchers trained a machine learning algorithm to analyze microscopic radiation damage, achieving an accuracy of 86% compared to humans. The algorithm can process images faster and more efficiently than humans, making it a promising tool for developing safe nuclear materials.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJul 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.

Disney Animation to premiere first VR short at SIGGRAPH 2018

Walt Disney Animation Studios premieres its first VR short film Cycles at SIGGRAPH 2018, exploring the true meaning of creating a home and the life within. The film utilizes innovative techniques such as Quill VR painting and motion capture to bring the story to life in immersive virtual reality.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJul 19, 2018