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Are humans the new supercomputer?

A recent study by Jacob Sherson and his team at Aarhus University found that humans excel in approaching problems heuristically and solving them intuitively, a skill computers struggle with. The research used an online game called Quantum Moves to analyze player solutions and identified common features in human intuition.

SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016

Standing up for comfort

Researchers found that users need different workstation components when standing at a computer workstation compared to sitting down. The final standing workstation setups were significantly different from seated workstation setups, with lower desks and monitors, and closer mouse and keyboard positions.

Imitating movements could help Alzheimer's patients

Researchers found that mimicking simple actions can aid recovery, with human trainers outperforming computer-based methods. The study suggests a potential tool for rehabilitation, providing insight into the ongoing ability of Alzheimer's patients to imitate movements.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Aging Neuroscience·DateMar 31, 2016

Leaf mysteries revealed through the computer's eye

A computer program developed by researchers can categorize leaves into large evolutionary categories, leading to improved fossil identification and a better understanding of flowering plant evolution. The method achieves a 72% accuracy rate over 19 leaf families compared to random chance.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 7, 2016

Building a better mouse trap, from the atoms up

UConn researchers develop a systematized approach to materials design using machine learning. They create numerical fingerprints of polymers based on atomic configurations, enabling computers to quickly scan theoretical compounds for desired properties. The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the search for new materials.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2016

Engineering material magic

Researchers at University of Utah have discovered a new kind of 2D semiconducting material that could lead to much speedier computers and smartphones. The material, made of tin and oxygen, allows electrical charges to move through it faster than conventional materials.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateFeb 15, 2016

Sleep deprivation linked to false confessions

A groundbreaking study from Michigan State University found that sleep-deprived individuals are 4.5 times more likely to sign false confessions than those who have slept eight hours the night before. This raises complex questions about police interrogation practices and the use of sleep deprivation in interrogations.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2016

Scientists teach machines to learn like humans

Researchers developed a Bayesian Program Learning framework that captures human learning abilities, allowing computers to recognize and generate new visual concepts. The algorithm achieved impressive results in visual Turing tests, with only 25% of judges performing better than chance.

SourceNew York University·JournalScience·DateDec 10, 2015

Linguists discover the best word order for giving directions

A study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that people are quicker to find a hard-to-see person in an image when the directions mention a prominent landmark first, as opposed to last. The researchers also discovered that listeners prefer to use these landmarks as 'mental bookmarks' to speed up the process.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateDec 9, 2015

A quantum spin on molecular computers

Researchers created cleverly designed molecular complexes that can store information in a quantum state, overcoming one of the biggest challenges in quantum computing. These new molecules could potentially lead to the development of functional devices and more efficient computer designs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateDec 2, 2015

No lens? No problem for FlatCam

Researchers developed patented prototypes of FlatCam, a thin sensor chip that processes sensor measurements into images and videos. The technology decouples the parameters of light collection and device thickness, enabling large sensors with thin devices.

Quantum computer coding in silicon now possible

A team at Australia's University of New South Wales has proven that a quantum version of computer code can be written and manipulated using two quantum bits in a silicon microchip. The advance removes lingering doubts about the reliability of such operations, enabling powerful quantum computers to become a reality.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 16, 2015

Self-calibration enhances BrainGate ease, reliability

A new study improves BrainGate's user experience and performance with three software innovations, allowing users to control electronic devices without frequent recalibration. The advancements enable longer use sessions and improved accuracy, paving the way for a practical BCI assistive technology.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 11, 2015

Titan takes on the big one

Researchers are using the Titan supercomputer to create physics-based earthquake simulations to better understand earthquake systems and predict ground shaking in large earthquakes. The team has completed its highest resolution simulation map for Southern California, providing a tool for engineers to design and build critical infrastru...

Largest ensemble simulation of global weather using real-world data

Researchers at RIKEN Advanced Institute for Computational Science in Japan ran an enormous global weather simulation with 10,240 simulations of a model of the global atmosphere. They found that faraway observations can impact the eventual state of the weather forecast, which could lead to more accurate forecasts.

SourceRIKEN·JournalComputer·DateNov 10, 2015