A new study published in Psychological Science found that consistent distraction during learning does not hinder learning, but rather helps recall motor skills. The researchers discovered that dividing attention between tasks during learning can create an internal representation that boosts recall when a similar cue is present.
SourceBrown University·JournalPsychological Science·DateDec 9, 2014
A new system developed at MIT enables pattern-recognition systems to distill what they learn into simple examples, which humans can use to make better decisions. In experiments, human subjects using the system outperformed those using a similar algorithm by over 20 percent.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateDec 5, 2014
Scientists at Disney Research Zurich developed a technique to capture detailed eye features, including shape, texture, and iris deformation. This enables the creation of realistic digital eyes that can respond to lighting changes.
Aarhus University leads a new EUR 8 million European research project to develop a new form of interaction between physical objects and their computer control. The technology aims to make it easier to create credible cyber-physical systems, which are crucial for industry's ability to innovate.
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.
This book explores how European users appropriated microcomputers and forged countercultures to challenge individual ownership and celebrate shared use. The 'ludological' element of mischief and humor played a crucial role in shaping hacker culture, offering new insights into the history of technology.
A computer system developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has achieved equal performance to humans in extracting structured information from scientific publications. The system, PaleoDeepDive, was trained on a large dataset of paleontological studies and demonstrated its ability to extract relevant data with high accuracy.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 1, 2014
A new computer system developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has equaled or bested human scientists in extracting data from scientific publications and placing it in a database. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the quest to rapidly and precisely summarize, collate, and index vast amounts of scientific output.
SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 1, 2014
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.
A University of Sussex study reveals that teenage girls are more adept at designing and programming their own computer games than boys. The research used a new visual programming language called Flip, which helps pupils understand the code they write. Girls created more complex programs and learned more about coding compared to boys.
SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalComputers & Education·DateNov 28, 2014
A study by Brigham Young University researchers found that people say they care about online security but behave otherwise, ignoring malware warnings. Brain data is a better predictor of security behavior than self-response, suggesting a need to fortify the 'weakest link' in security.
SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJournal of the Association for Information Systems·DateNov 20, 2014
Researchers at Penn have engineered a nanowire system that can combine two light waves to produce a third with a different frequency, using an optical cavity to amplify the intensity of the output. The system achieved high efficiency in mixing frequencies, enabling fundamental computation capabilities.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2014
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.
Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have created magic tricks using artificial intelligence, leveraging mathematical techniques to create new variants. The AI-generated tricks, such as a jigsaw puzzle and mind reading card trick, were well-received by audiences and are now available for download.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateNov 17, 2014
Claudio Silva, a NYU professor, won the IEEE Visualization Technical Achievement Award for his seminal contributions to data visualization and analysis. His work on VisTrails, an open-source data-exploration system, has significantly influenced researchers across various domains.
A researcher at the University of Kansas is exploring a new way to cool power plants using laptop-cooling technology, which could save freshwater and reduce costs. The approach involves using closed thermosyphons, which are commonly used in laptop computers to keep them cool, but have not been scaled up for use in power generation.
Researchers found significant safety flaws in popular flight tracking systems, including firmware manipulation and tampering with real-time information. The team recommends securing communication, pairing devices properly, signing firmware updates, and using HTTPS or digitally signed data.
Researchers found that contextual visual cues play a greater role in drawing viewers into a movie than screen size. The study, published in Perception journal, used miniature movie theaters with computer screens and cell phone displays to test the effect of environment on immersion.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPerception·DateOct 29, 2014
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.
Scientists have created a voice recognition system that can identify subtle cues in speech to determine attitudes and opinions. The system, developed by researchers at the University of Washington, uses audio recordings to recognize patterns in speech, such as faster talking speeds and louder pitches when expressing strong opinions.
A Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) team has developed a chemical navigation system that uses the Marangoni effect to find the quickest route to a destination. By applying acid and alkaline liquids with dyes, the system creates a color trail that indicates the shortest path.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalLangmuir·DateOct 27, 2014
The HP Apollo 8000 platform uses warm water to cool its servers, reusing it to heat the building, reducing energy consumption by 74% and saving $1 million annually. The system's liquid cooling approach provides high computational density in a small space, setting a new standard for energy-efficient data centers.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateOct 21, 2014
A University of Toronto study found that chronic video game players have an advantage in learning new sensorimotor skills compared to non-gamers. Gamers performed better at tracking complex patterns and following repetitive motions, indicating enhanced ability to learn dynamics of new tasks.
SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalHuman Movement Science·DateOct 17, 2014
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.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark have developed a new method that enables the fast and accurate identification of potential HIV drugs. By screening half a million compounds, they found 14 promising compounds that inhibit the virus's ability to reproduce. This breakthrough could significantly shorten the time it takes to...
SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalIntegrative Biology·DateOct 7, 2014
A new study published in Technology journal found that long-term yoga and meditation practice can improve brain-computer interface task performance. Participants with experience showed twice as much success and learned three times faster than those without yoga or meditation experience. This research could lead to innovative treatments...
SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateOct 3, 2014
The Rosetta spacecraft has woken up from its 957-day hibernation, sparking jubilation among scientists and engineers. The mission aims to unlock the mysteries of how our solar system formed and developed into what we see today.
Researchers found that long-term yoga and meditation practitioners can learn to control a computer with their minds faster and better than inexperienced participants. The study could lead to new treatments for people paralyzed or with neurodegenerative diseases.
SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateSep 25, 2014
Researchers have discovered a way to create a metal layer on silicon that can lead to faster computing without overheating. The new topological insulator could enable the development of quantum computers and spintronic devices that are billions of times faster than conventional computers.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 22, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a new approach to computer security using a wearable device called ZEBRA, which authenticates users continuously and automatically logs them out when they leave. The technology has shown high accuracy rates in verifying the correct user and identifying adversaries.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a novel method for educational research using computational modeling with video games. This approach allows computers to learn student behavior and think like students, making it possible to test multiple interventions before classroom implementation.
SourceWashington State University·JournalComputers & Education·DateSep 18, 2014
A new software emotion detector uses a three-phase approach to analyze facial features and associate them with emotional states, achieving a 94% success rate. The technology has the potential to enhance human-computer interactions and improve security checks at airports.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Vision and Robotics·DateSep 16, 2014
A Finnish study found that higher levels of physical activity during recess are associated with better reading skills, while participation in organized sports is linked to higher arithmetic test scores. Boys who spent more time engaging in activities like reading and writing on their leisure time also showed better reading skills.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 11, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers have discovered a new way to run a quantum algorithm that could solve problems classically impossible, using simpler methods than previously thought. This breakthrough has increased the likelihood of demonstrating a quantum device beating a classical computer, which would be a major milestone.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 11, 2014
The researchers create a structure containing 100 billion atoms that act as a single artificial atom, linking it to a superconducting wire with photons. This leads to strong interactions among the photons, mimicking phases of matter studied in condensed matter physics.
SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalPhysical Review X·DateSep 9, 2014
Researchers found that brain activity patterns can be combined in new ways to learn a skill more easily, but there are limits to cognitive flexibility. This discovery could lead to improved treatments for stroke and other brain injuries.
SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateAug 27, 2014
Scientists found that brain activity patterns are shaped by neural connectivity and have limitations on how adaptable they are during learning. The study used a brain-computer interface to train animals and showed that subjects learned easier-to-learn patterns more readily, while harder-to-learn patterns were entirely new.
SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalNature·DateAug 27, 2014
Researchers used brain-computer interfaces and machine learning to study neural patterns in monkey brains as they learned to move a computer cursor. The study found that learning was easier when nerve cells rearranged existing patterns of activity, rather than generating new ones.
SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateAug 27, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers examine limitations in manufacturing, engineering, power, time, and computational complexity to determine achievable advancements. Emerging technologies like carbon nanotubes may overcome traditional limits, but fundamental constraints still pose significant obstacles.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateAug 13, 2014
A new photo editing algorithm developed by Brown University computer scientists enables users to change weather, time of day, season and other features with simple, natural language commands. The algorithm uses machine learning to make subtle color and contrast changes across the entire photo.
The new interactive tool allows designers to create intricate shapes by sketching the structure's shape and seam placement, generating patterns for flat panels that assume the desired shape when inflated. The system is validated with seven varied shapes, including an elephant and a flower, and demonstrates efficient design capabilities.
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.
Researchers have developed a new tool to synchronize multiple video clips based on the visual content of the videos. This makes it easier to align clips without relying on timecodes or external markers. The method can be used for various applications, including movie production and visual effects.
Researchers at Disney Research Zurich have developed an algorithm that can optimize the mass distribution within objects to enable a stable spin around a desired axis, applicable to various shapes and materials. The approach has potential applications beyond customized designs for spinning toys.
A new open-source pipetting system, iPipet, uses an iPad to guide complex pipetting protocols, sharing expertise across research communities. The system has shown promising results in accuracy and efficiency compared to liquid-handling robots.
SourceWhitehead Institute for Biomedical Research·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 30, 2014
Researchers at UC Berkeley are developing a vision-correcting display that uses computation to compensate for individual visual impairments. The technology has the potential to transform lives of people with high-order aberrations and presbyopia, enabling them to use smartphones, tablets, and computers without corrective lenses.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 29, 2014
Researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Janelia Research Campus have created a computational method to rapidly track cell movements in data-rich images. This enables the automation of reconstructing an animal's developmental building plan cell by cell, with potential applications in understanding how the nervous system forms.
SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 20, 2014
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
The book proposes 'Dual Aspect Science' as the adult form of science, which had to wait for computers before it could emerge. This framework recognizes two fundamental kinds of laws of nature: appearance-aspect science (single) and structure-aspect science (dual).
Scientists discovered that liquids containing nanoparticles, known as nanofluids, have the potential to effectively cool devices. The study analyzed three types of nanofluids, finding one mixture of copper oxide and water to be the most effective coolant.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateJul 2, 2014
UCI researchers develop computing techniques that utilize deep learning to analyze data from particle accelerators, increasing the detection rate of rare particles by 8%. The methods could aid in the hunt for fundamental open questions about matter, gravity, and the origin of the universe.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 2, 2014
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.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have made a rarely used math strategy called the Jacobi method work significantly faster, potentially speeding up computer simulations in aerospace design, shipbuilding, and other engineering tasks. The updated method could solve problems that previously took 200 days to solve in just one day.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalJournal of Computational Physics·DateJun 30, 2014
A Swiss research team created an innovative joystick for animation artists, consisting of modular building blocks that can be assembled into any virtual character shape. The device features integrated sensors that track joint movements, enabling smooth character articulation.
Researchers from MIT developed an algorithm that allows distributed agents, such as robots, to collect data and analyze it independently. The algorithm outperformed a standard algorithm that works on aggregated data in experiments involving several different data sets.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 25, 2014
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.
A team of engineers developed an optimization algorithm inspired by salmon migration patterns, successfully solving 25 benchmarking problems and finding optimal solutions for laser setup. The Great Salmon Run (TGSR) algorithm outperformed conventional genetic algorithms in most cases, converging faster to optimal solutions.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computer Applications in Technology·DateJun 24, 2014
Researchers developed a computer programme that recognizes facial features in photographs to diagnose rare genetic disorders. The algorithm improves accuracy by learning from a growing bank of photographs and identifying clusters of patients with the same condition.
Researchers at Cornell University are teaching robots to understand instructions in natural language from various speakers, account for missing information, and adapt to the environment. The robot learns through machine learning techniques, associating entire commands with flexibly defined actions.
Researchers at Jena University developed a molecular computer based on sugar molecules, enabling the processing of complex information through chemical reactions. The 'sugar computer' uses fluorescent dye and quencher to process signals, with a demonstrated ability to solve simple calculations within 40 minutes.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 19, 2014
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.
A UCF team has developed a facial recognition tool that can rapidly match pictures of children with their biological parents. The study found that children often resemble their parents in unseen ways, with 63% of sons resembling their fathers and 82% of daughters resembling their mothers.
A new paper reveals that contextuality is key to unlocking quantum computers' exponential computational power. Researchers use contextuality to design better algorithms and build more reliable quantum systems.
A study by researchers at Caltech found that chimpanzees consistently outperformed humans in the Inspection Game, a simple contest drawn from game theory. The chimps' rapid learning and near-optimal play suggest excellent short-term memory as a key factor in their success.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 5, 2014
India's population of 1.3 billion will generate over 900 million notebook computers past their life expectancy by 2025, highlighting the need for effective e-waste recycling infrastructure. The study estimates that over a billion PCs will be obsolete by 2020, posing significant risks to human health and the environment.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Science and Technology·DateJun 3, 2014
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.
A study led by Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine researcher William C. McGaghie found that simulation techniques like lifelike mannequins and computer systems enhance clinical skills and lead to better patient outcomes, reduced healthcare costs, and improved quality of surgical care
SourceLoyola Medicine·JournalMedical Education·DateMay 20, 2014
Researchers are working on finding elusive answers about Alzheimer's disease development. By leveraging computers and harnessing idle capacity, the project aims to accelerate research and uncover clues that could lead to a cure.
A study by Volker Thoma found that humans can only process a few faces at a time, whether they are familiar or not. This limits our ability to recognize faces in crowded spaces. The study used famous faces like Bill Clinton and Mick Jagger to test this theory.
SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMay 5, 2014
A new study published in the International Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity found that children aged five and six spend more time watching TV on weekends than during the week, with parents playing a significant role. The research suggests that there is a need to find ways to help families reduce screen-viewing time.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInternational Journal of Behavioral Nutrition and Physical Activity·DateApr 30, 2014
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.
Carnegie Mellon University has received a $7.5 million grant from the Department of Defense to develop a new mathematical approach using Homotopy Type Theory, a connection between abstract geometry and computational logic. The research aims to provide a computational foundation for mathematics and improve theoretical computer science.