Earth's 'technosphere' now weighs 30 trillion tons, research finds
Researchers estimate technosphere mass at 30 trillion tons, exceeding biotic species. Human-made structures and waste now outnumber living organisms on the planet.
Computers
Research on computing hardware and its future. Covers quantum error-correction, cyber defense, novel materials, and AI frameworks.
Secret phenotypes: Disease devils in invisible details
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have developed an algorithm that reveals micron-sized bumps and grooves in lab worms, exposing potential subtle genetic connections to diseases. The technique uses digital optics and computational genetics to analyze intricate web of gene mutations.
Squeezing light into new miniature devices
Researchers have developed three key components for optical communication that work with light, enabling high-performance computers and miniaturized volumes. The innovations utilize surface plasmons to control the propagation of light in matter.
Our brains have a basic algorithm that enables our intelligence, scientists say
Researchers found a universal principle underlying human intelligence, enabling complex brain computations and generalization of knowledge. The Theory of Connectivity proposes a simple mathematical logic guiding neural connections and communications.
SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateNov 21, 2016
More than animation: Software supports animated storytelling
Disney Research's CANVAS and Story World Builder tools help authors synchronize characters, fill plot holes, and create virtual worlds. These graphical platforms simplify the creation of story worlds, making it possible for anyone to tell an animated story.
UNM Center for Quantum Information and Control receives multi-million-dollar award
The University of New Mexico's CQuIC will receive a five-year, $2.2 million grant from the National Science Foundation to delve deeper into quantum information and computing. This award solidifies CQuIC as a leading research hub in theoretical physics, enabling researchers to make new progress toward quantum computing.
NIST collaboration heats up exotic topological insulators
Researchers from NIST and UCLA have successfully created exotic topological insulators with improved stability at room temperature by infusing magnetic materials. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient quantum computers and other electronic devices that harness unique properties of electrons.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 31, 2016
When it comes to atomic-scale manufacturing, less really is more
Researchers develop atomic-scale manufacturing technology, creating ultra-efficient general-purpose computers and quantum computers that consume significantly less power. The discovery has the potential to revolutionize the digital economy and lead to a more sustainable future.
Autonomous search agents could support researchers
Researchers have developed simulated search agents that significantly outperformed human participants in computer search challenges, offering a promising solution for automating literature review and suggesting relevant sources. The agents can be configured to mimic human behavior, providing a credible simulation of a human researcher.
Stanford researchers create new special-purpose computer that may someday save us billions
The Stanford team has built an Ising machine, a non-traditional computer that uses optical and electrical processing to solve combinatorial optimization problems. The machine has been tested on thousands of scenarios and shows promise in solving hard optimization problems that traditional computers struggle with.
Better, stronger: Polymer breakthrough to improve things we use everyday
Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new process for making polymers that can be tailored to specific properties, enabling the creation of stronger and more effective products. This breakthrough has far-reaching implications for industries such as medicine, mobile phones, computers, and clothing.
Can we find more benign nanomaterials?
The team aims to find and design more benign nanomaterials using advanced computational methods. They will use the XSEDE network to study nanoparticles, including their interactions with human health and the environment.
Research examines how beardedness affects women's attraction to men
Beardedness is associated with increased attractiveness in women when evaluating long-term relationships due to its signal of formidability and potential benefits. Stubble appears most appealing for short-term connections, while full beards are preferred for long-term partnerships.
A study on human behavior has identified 4 basic personality types
Researchers at Universidad Carlos III de Madrid identified four basic personality types based on social dilemma responses from 541 volunteers. The study found that the Envious type is the most common, accounting for 30%, while Optimists and Pessimists make up 20% each.
Computer experts identify 14 themes of creativity
Researchers at the University of Kent have identified 14 components of creativity using language-analysis software. These clusters can be used to evaluate the creativity of computational systems and provide a basis for the automated evaluation of creative systems.
To help or not to help?
In emergency situations, people tend to behave either egotistically or prosocially, with some individuals being more cooperative than others. A study published in Nature Scientific Reports found that most participants helped others less in emergency situations due to time pressure, while prosocial individuals were more willing to help.
Drone safety: User-centric control software improves pilot performance and safety
A new study found that a user-centric control interface significantly improves performance of drone pilots, resolving some of the user control issues undermining drone safety. The findings suggest that current remote control methods can lead to hazards and accidents.
Turning to the brain to reboot computing
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories explore neural computing applications, including adaptive learning, dynamical systems, and spiking network algorithms. These approaches aim to overcome the static learning bottleneck and enable precise computations.
Introducing diversity in online language analysis
Researchers created the largest data set for studying African-American English from online communication, analyzing 59 million tweets. They found that current NLP tools poorly identify African-American English as 'not English', implying worse information access for texts authored by African-Americans.
Analog DNA circuit does math in a test tube
A new study by Duke University researchers creates an analog DNA circuit that can add, subtract and multiply in a test tube, using concentrations of specific DNA strands as signals. The technology has the potential to be used in diagnosing and treating diseases, with applications including sensing vital signs and detecting molecular si...
Where can I buy a chair like that? This app will tell you
A new app developed by Cornell researchers uses artificial intelligence to identify furniture brands and retailers based on photos of products. The system was trained using crowdsourced images and can search a vast database of iconic images from manufacturers' catalogs or specialized websites.
People ignore software security warnings up to 90 percent of the time
Researchers at Brigham Young University found that software developers often interrupt users with security messages at inconvenient times, leading to a significant decrease in user engagement. The study suggests that displaying security warnings when users are not multitasking can substantially increase their security behavior.
Energy Department to invest $16 million in computer design of materials
The US Department of Energy is investing $16 million in two four-year projects to develop software for designing new functional materials. The research teams will use supercomputers to model and simulate material behavior, with the goal of revolutionizing alternative energy, electronics, and other fields.
User-friendly language for programming efficient simulations
Researchers developed a new language called Simit that automatically switches between low-level and high-level descriptions of physical systems, reducing simulation time and code complexity. The language has applications in various fields, including machine learning, data analytics, and robotics.
New algorithm for optimized stability of planar-rod objects
Bernd Bickel's algorithm improves technical modelling of planar-rod structures for optimal stability and efficiency in manufacturing. The software has applications in art, wire sculptures, and rapid prototyping.
SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 10, 2016
Plenty of light during daytime reduces the effect of blue light screens on night sleep
Researchers found that daytime bright light exposure reduces the negative impact of evening blue light screen use on sleep. The study, published in Sleep Medicine, involved young adults who used self-luminous tablets for two hours after a day of outdoor activities or office lighting.
Researchers find that Android apps can secretly track users' whereabouts
New research reveals that Android apps can automatically transmit sensitive information, such as routes traveled, through phone sensors, bypassing user consent. The study found a 50% chance that the actual path taken was one of the five most likely paths generated by the algorithm.
Record-breaking logic gate 'another important milestone' on road to quantum computers
Scientists from Oxford University have successfully created a quantum logic gate with unprecedented 99.9% precision, paving the way for more efficient processing and simulation capabilities in quantum computing. This achievement is a significant step towards building a functional quantum computer.
Computer scientists find way to make all that glitters more realistic in computer graphics
Researchers at University of California - San Diego create method to improve light interaction with small details called glints on surfaces, enabling accurate rendering of materials with metallic finishes and injection-molded plastics. The new algorithm is 100 times faster than current methods and can be used in animations.
Design tool transforms objects into intricate works of art
A computational design tool developed by Disney Research enables users to create delicate, yet structurally sound, 3D objects with interconnected shapes. The tool helps identify and strengthen weak areas in the designs, making it possible for the general public to create beautiful artifacts that also withstand handling and shipping.
Character animation technique produces realistic looking bends at joints
A new character animation technique has been developed by Disney Research, eliminating unsightly artifacts that occur when bending joints in computer animations. The method uses pre-computed centers of rotation to calculate skin deformation, minimizing volume losses and bulging.
Federal grant supports UTSA research in espionage prevention
Researchers aim to detect insider threats before they occur by analyzing digital forensic traces and identifying abnormal patterns in employee behavior. The new technology has the potential to prevent corporate espionage and widespread breaches like those committed by Chelsea Manning and Edward Snowden.
Black bear links real objects to computer images
A study found that American black bears can recognize visual features of objects they know in real life when presented with photographs. This ability has important implications for the use of photographs in computerized studies involving bears and their welfare.
Spreadsheet-style tool could democratize database design
The new tool allows organizations to create custom database queries and reports using familiar functions, eliminating the need for in-house expertise. By enabling direct manipulation of data, it provides a hands-on approach that mimics physical interactions, reducing errors and increasing user productivity.
Researchers want to achieve machine translation of the 24 languages of the EU
Researchers led by Josef van Genabith are working on two EU-funded projects to improve automatic machine translation, particularly for complex languages like Latvian and Czech. They aim to use 'deep learning' to recognize patterns in large text datasets and learn from them.
Building a better computer bug finder
Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a technique called LAVA, which intentionally adds vulnerabilities to source code to test bug-finding tools. The results show that many popular bug finders detect only 2 percent of vulnerabilities, highlighting the need for improvement.
Your smartwatch is giving away your ATM PIN
Researchers from Binghamton University and Stevens Institute of Technology found that smartwatches can crack private PINs with 80-percent accuracy on the first try. The study used data from embedded sensors in wearable devices to break codes without contextual information, highlighting security vulnerabilities in these devices.
Accelerating research into dark energy
Researchers at UCL have created a new approach to simulate virtual universes, allowing for accelerated research into the effects of dark energy and dark matter. By comparing results from large studies to computational models, scientists can gain more accurate predictions and explore alternative versions of these mysterious substances.
SourceUniversity College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateJul 6, 2016
No need in supercomputers
A team of Russian physicists used a personal computer with GPU to solve complicated integral equations of quantum mechanics, previously only solvable with expensive supercomputers. They achieved speeds up to 15 minutes for calculations that took days on supercomputers.
Scientists begin modeling universe with Einstein's full theory of general relativity
Researchers use new computer codes to create accurate models of the universe and its contents, shedding light on the evolution of the universe and the growth of structure within it. The study confirms that small-scale structures produce significant effects on larger distance scales, providing new insights into gravity and cosmology.
Computer vision system studies word use to recognize objects it has never seen before
Computer vision systems can now learn to recognize objects they have never seen before by analyzing word use and contextualization, reducing the need for thousands of labeled images. This new learning paradigm, called semi-supervised vocabulary-informed learning, was developed by Disney Researchers using a large dataset of English words.
Computer watches human camera operators to improve automated sports broadcasts
Automated camera system improves sports broadcasts by learning from human operators and achieving smoother footage without jerkiness. The system uses a new approach called imitation learning, which repeats multiple times and analyzes deviations to learn from human mistakes.
Compiler for analog computers enhances biological modeling
Researchers at MIT developed a new compiler that translates human-written instructions into low-level specifications for analog computers. The compiler enables efficient simulation of biological systems using differential equations, which describe cell dynamics and chemical reactions.
Making computers reason and learn by analogy
The structure-mapping engine (SME) enables computers to reason more like humans and make moral decisions by leveraging cognitive science theories. SME can handle the size and complexity of relational representations needed for visual reasoning, cracking textbook problems, and solving moral dilemmas.
Strike a pose -- bringing crop analysis into the 21st century
CropQuant uses Raspberry Pi computers to control infield cameras capturing crop growth images, then analyzes data on high-performance computers to link environmental data with crop traits. This enables scientists to reduce farming costs and improve crop yields through field-based phenotyping methods.
RedEye could let your phone see 24-7
Researchers at Rice University developed RedEye, a technology that can provide computers with continuous vision, enabling wearables to see and remember what their owners need. By analyzing analog signals in real-time, RedEye improves energy efficiency and presents unique privacy advantages.
'Weather@Home' offers precise new insights into climate change in the West
Researchers created a detailed, high-resolution simulation of weather patterns in the Western US using data from tens of thousands of personal computers. The analysis showed impacts of terrain on local weather and improved accuracy for regional climate predictions.
SourceOregon State University·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateJun 9, 2016
Reduce cyberslacking and increase physical activity with a tap, a click or a kick
Researchers at the University of Waterloo introduce Tap-Kick-Click, a foot interaction method for standing desks that reduces cyberslacking and increases physical activity. The system tracks user movement using a depth camera and instrumented shoes, encouraging users to stand in an uncomfortable position while viewing distracting content.
'Weak' materials offer strong possibilities for electronics
Researchers have discovered a new type of weak topological insulator, made from bismuth combined with iodine or bromine, which could lead to significant advances in technology. The material's unique properties make it an attractive option for creating new transistor-like technologies and powering quantum computers.
Humans less likely to return to an automated advisor once given bad advice
Researchers found that participants abandoned automated advisors after receiving bad advice, but forgave human advisors more easily. The study suggests potential downsides of automation in the workplace, highlighting the importance of trust and forgiveness in human-computer interactions.
Shape-shifting modular interactive device unveiled
The Cubimorph modular interactive device can change shape on-demand, featuring touchscreens on each of its six faces and a hinge-mounted turntable mechanism. Researchers from the University of Bristol presented their design rationale and prototypes demonstrating key aspects at ICRA 2016.
Layout change can make licensing agreements more agreeable
Researchers found that simplified EULAs with separate pages and bullet points led to increased comprehension and a better attitude among users. This 'halo effect' enhances goodwill, transparency, and online safety for consumers concerned about privacy and security.
Social engineering: Password in exchange for chocolate
A large-scale study found that offering small gifts, such as chocolate, can increase the willingness of people to share their passwords with strangers due to the principle of reciprocity. In the experiment, 43.5% of participants shared their passwords when given chocolate beforehand, compared to 29.8% in control groups.
Finger-specific key presses could speed up computer interaction
Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a system that allows users to trigger different keyboard shortcut commands by pressing the same key with different fingers, hands, or hand postures. The system uses a built-in computer vision algorithm to identify fingers and hands on the keyboard.
New design of primitive quantum computer finds application
Scientists at the University of Bristol have developed a new method to simulate a 'quantum walk' on a primitive quantum computer, which they claim can solve problems that classical computers cannot. The study suggests that these smaller quantum processors could outperform classical computing for specific tasks, such as 'Boson Sampling'.
Design tool enables novices to create bendable input devices for computers
Researchers developed a software tool called DefSense that enables non-experts to create deformable objects with deformation-sensing functionality. The tool optimizes sensor layouts based on user-defined deformations, allowing for customized input devices.
Our brain uses statistics to calculate confidence, make decisions
Researchers found that human brains produce feelings of confidence that mirror statistical calculations, informing decisions. The study's model suggests that confidence is an objective computation, with the brain acting as a 'statistician' to make informed choices.
Media research: What readers think about computer-generated texts
An experimental study found that readers prefer articles attributed to real journalists, but rate computer-generated texts as more credible. The study suggests that readers' expectations and limited experience with computer-based reports contribute to these differing assessments.
New tech uses hardware, software to train dogs more efficiently
Researchers at NC State University developed a system that uses sensors in custom dog harnesses to monitor the dog's posture and body language. The algorithm triggered rewards when the dog exhibited the desired behavior, resulting in a 96% accurate rate.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Human-Computer Studies·DateMay 2, 2016
Don't retweet if you want to remember
Experiments at Cornell University and Beijing University found that retweeting creates cognitive overload, leading to poor comprehension and recall of information. The study suggests that web interfaces should be designed to promote rather than interfere with cognitive processing.