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Health Department IDs 10 outbreaks of foodborne illness using Yelp reviews since 2012

The NYC Health Department has identified 10 outbreaks of foodborne illness through a computer system developed with Columbia University, tracking keywords in Yelp reviews to detect incidents. The system helps identify approximately 1,500 complaints annually, improving outbreak detection and prevention.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalJournal of the American Medical Informatics Association·DateJan 10, 2018

Bird recognition

Researchers have developed an automated bird recognition system using spectrographic analysis of bird calls and songs, improving accuracy by reducing background noise and applying pattern recognition techniques.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Applications in Technology·DateJan 3, 2018

Call for workers to rise up

A James Cook University study found nearly three quarters of office workers believe there is a negative relationship between sitting down all day and their health. The study suggests that education on the benefits of standing and buy-in from management are crucial to implementing effective behavior change strategies.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPerspectives in Public Health·DateNov 28, 2017

Numerical infinities and infinitesimals open new horizons in computations and give unexpected answers to 2 Hilbert problems

A new computational framework allows working with infinities and infinitesimals numerically, giving unexpected answers to two long-standing Hilbert problems. The Infinity Computer supercomputer enables numerical computations with infinite and infinitesimal numbers, previously only symbolically represented.

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalEMS Surveys in Mathematical Sciences·DateNov 22, 2017

Liquid metal brings soft robotics a step closer

Researchers at University of Sussex and Swansea University have created a way to morph liquid metal into physical shapes, opening up new possibilities in soft robotics and shape-changing displays. The invention uses electrical charges to program the liquid metal, allowing it to dynamically change shape and form complex geometries.

Seeing the next dimension of computer chips

Scientists at Osaka University used scanning tunneling microscopy to create images of atomically flat side-surfaces of 3D silicon crystals, a crucial step towards designing smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient computer chips. The achievement paves the way for innovation in semiconductor manufacturing.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateOct 10, 2017

Machine learning translates 'hidden' information to reveal chemistry in action

Scientists have developed a new machine learning method that can analyze x-ray data to reveal the structures and environments of catalysts during reactions. This allows for real-time analysis and optimization of reaction conditions, potentially leading to improved catalyst performance and faster production of desired products.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateOct 10, 2017

Goodbye, login. Hello, heart scan

A University at Buffalo-led team has developed a non-contact, remote biometric tool using the dimensions of your heart as an identifier. The system, which was three years in the making, continually monitors a user's heart to ensure only authorized individuals can access their computer.

Obesity may adversely affect sperm quality

A recent study published in Andrologia reveals that obesity is associated with lower semen volume, sperm count, and motility. The findings suggest that weight loss before conception may improve fertility outcomes for couples seeking infertility treatment.

SourceWiley·JournalAndrologia·DateSep 20, 2017

Cells programmed like computers to fight disease

Researchers at the University of Warwick have discovered a way to program cells using genetic engineering, enabling them to control actions such as fighting disease. The technique uses a common molecule called RNA, which can be engineered into sequences similar to computer code to instruct cells to perform specific actions.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNucleic Acids Research·DateSep 18, 2017

When you're blue, so are your Instagram photos

A new study has found a correlation between depressed people's Instagram photos and characteristics such as bluer tones, fewer faces, and a preference for filters that drain color. The algorithm's detection rate of 70% surpasses the success rate of general-practice doctors diagnosing depression in-person.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalEPJ Data Science·DateAug 7, 2017

Making animated characters jump just got easier

A new tool from Disney Research enables novices and experts alike to create high-quality motion cycles in a matter of minutes, enhancing the creative process and expanding artist contributions. The tool uses an algorithm to extract the motion cycle from a performance, allowing for editing and customization.