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Distraction, if consistent, does not hinder learning

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

Computers that teach by example

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
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.

The hacker culture: Creatively overcoming limitations in programming

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.

SourceSpringer·DateDec 2, 2014

Computer equal to or better than humans at indexing science

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

Computer equal to or better than humans at cataloging science

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.

Girls better than boys at making story-based computer games, Sussex study finds

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

Don't get hacked! Research shows how much we ignore online warnings

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

Penn engineers efficiently 'mix' light at the nanoscale

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.

Magic tricks created using artificial intelligence for the first time

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

NYU professor wins premier award in the data visualization field

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.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateNov 12, 2014

Researcher sees laptop-cooling technology as way to less-thirsty power plants

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.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateNov 10, 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.

Identifying 'stance taking' cues to enable sophisticated voice recognition

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.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateOct 28, 2014

A GPS from the chemistry set

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

HP supercomputer at NREL garners top honor

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
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 turn computers into powerful allies in the fight against AIDS

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

New study shows that yoga and meditation may help train the brain

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 wake-up call that sent hearts racing

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateSep 30, 2014

New study shows that yoga and meditation may help train the brain

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

University of Utah engineers unlock potential for faster computing

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.

Dartmouth's new ZEBRA bracelet strengthens computer security

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.

SourceDartmouth College·DateSep 22, 2014

Video games could dramatically streamline educational research

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

Computerized emotion detector

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

High levels of physical activity linked to better academic performance in boys

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.

The quantum revolution is a step closer

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

'Solid' light could compute previously unsolvable problems

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

Flexing the brain: Why learning tasks can be difficult

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

Scientists plug into a learning brain

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.

Can our computers continue to get smaller and more powerful?

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

Photo editing algorithm changes weather, seasons automatically

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.

SourceBrown University·DateAug 8, 2014
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.

Disney Research's interactive method synchronizes multiple videos

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.

SourceDisney Research·DateAug 8, 2014

Vision-correcting display makes reading glasses so yesterday

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

Speedy computation enables scientists to reconstruct an animal's development cell by cell

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.

This is how scientific structure will be revolutionized

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).

SourceWorld Scientific·DateJul 10, 2014

Toward a new way to keep electronics from overheating

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

'Deep learning' makes search for exotic particles easier

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.

19th century math tactic gets a makeover -- and yields answers up to 200 times faster

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 versatile joystick for animation artists

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.

SourceETH Zurich·DateJun 26, 2014

Collaborative learning -- for robots

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.

The great salmon run algorithm

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

Video: Robot can be programmed by casually talking to it

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.

SourceCornell University·DateJun 23, 2014

The sweetest calculator in the world

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.

Who's your daddy? UCF team programs computer to find out

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.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateJun 19, 2014

Looking for the best strategy? Ask a chimp

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

Toxic computer waste in the developing world

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.

Simulated learning in medical education improves patient care and outcomes

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

Spotting a famous face in the crowd

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

Children's TV time is closely linked to parents' viewing habits

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.