Research on computing hardware and its future. Covers quantum error-correction, cyber defense, novel materials, and AI frameworks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that people are 7% better at finding targets in the upper half of the screen compared to the lower half. This discovery could improve safety-related technologies like traffic signs and website user interfaces.
A new proposal converts stored information from magnetism to light efficiently, enabling the development of inexpensive and flexible plastic computers. This breakthrough could lead to high-capacity storage technologies in miniaturized devices.
University of Chicago researchers created a proof-of-concept experiment to aid future development of programmable quantum computers. They replicated features of smaller, specialized computers by manipulating trillions of quantum mechanical spins in a crystal.
A recent study by Syracuse University researchers found that popular smartphone activities can leave devices vulnerable to 'computer worms.' These worms, which can steal personal info and spread to friends' contacts, target HTML5-based apps. The team identified 14 vulnerable apps across Android, iOS, and Blackberry.
Researchers developed an optical diode with nonreciprocal light transmission, eliminating backflow of light. The device enhances light transmission in one direction, leading to faster and cooler computers.
A Norwegian study found that higher screen time was associated with lower bone mineral density in boys, while girls who spent more time on computers had higher BMD than their peers. The findings suggest that sedentary lifestyles during adolescence can impact bone health and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
A computer system has been developed that can detect real or faked expressions of pain more accurately than people, with an 85% accuracy rate. The system uses pattern-recognition abilities to identify subtle differences between involuntary and voluntary facial movements.
Researchers at Fraunhofer IGD have developed a real-time simulation software that allows designers to create clothes in seconds, incorporating changes quickly and frequently. The technology is set to revolutionize the fashion industry by making virtualization a precondition for clothing production of tomorrow.
A joint study found that a computer system can detect fake facial expressions of pain more accurately than humans. The research team developed a pattern-recognition algorithm that identifies distinctive dynamic features of facial movements, which are often missed by human observers.
Two studies found a link between electronic media use in children and poorer well-being, including increased emotional problems and family issues. Electronic media use was associated with reduced self-esteem and social connections among young children.
Researchers confirm D-Wave uses quantum effects but are critical of its classification as a computer. The system solves optimization problems but is slower than traditional computers for most tests.
A recent study by UT Arlington researchers found that employees using treadmill workstations burned an average of 74 more calories per day, while also becoming more productive at work. The study showed a carryover effect where exercise became a habit for employees, and had a positive impact on employee health in the fight against obesity.
Saarland University researchers have created a software system called Ubic to enhance the security of cash machine transactions using Google Glass. The system encrypts and protects users' PIN numbers, making it difficult for unauthorized individuals to spy on the transaction process.
A team of computer scientists from Saarland University has developed a software system called Privada, which enables website owners to collect user data while protecting individual privacy. The system uses multi-party computation and perturbation to ensure that only trends in the aggregated statistic are preserved.
Scientists at Stanford University have developed a new, potentially clean catalyst that can convert hydrogen and carbon dioxide into methanol with fewer side-products. The nickel-gallium catalyst offers promise for low-cost, low-pressure methanol production using renewable energy sources.
A Google Glass app enables quick diagnosis of diseases such as HIV and prostate cancer using lateral flow immunochromatographic assays. The app transmits images to powerful computers for analysis, providing quantified results within seconds.
Researchers have developed novel devices that can be turned on and off using light, enabling a new wave of highly efficient electronics. The breakthrough is crucial for performing computations, which rely on a series of on-off switches.
A novel platform connects engineers in their offices with production locations, enabling real-time video transmission and interactive 3D model views. This approach facilitates remote maintenance by showing operators multiple views of the machine on screen.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a method to arrange numerous pictures fast based on visual characteristics like size and intensity. Users can interactively click and drag images to create an order that creates a harmonious overall picture.
An international study found a strong association between household device ownership and increased rates of obesity and type 2 diabetes in lower and middle income countries. The prevalence of these conditions rose with the number of devices owned, highlighting the need for health interventions to mitigate the effects of modernization.
Researchers found a 400% increase in obesity and 250% increase in diabetes among TV, computer, and car owners in low-income countries. The study suggests that these modern conveniences contribute to a sedentary lifestyle, leading to increased rates of obesity and diabetes.
A new study explores how doctors and patients interact with computers in exam rooms, highlighting the need for better balance between human and technical attention. Research suggests that using aviation practices can help primary-care providers enhance the physician-patient relationship in an era of exam room computing.
Researchers found that human-designed RNA molecules performed better than computer-generated ones, with an average success rate of 99% compared to 95%. The EteRNA community's insights into RNA design are advancing the science and could lead to new treatments for diseases like HIV.
A study by Northwestern University found that doctors who use electronic health records in the exam room spend about a third of their visits looking at computers, leading to missed nonverbal cues. The study suggests that interactive screen sharing could improve doctor-patient interaction and contribute to better-designed technology.
Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine found that using a compact elliptical device while sitting can lead to significant weight loss and prevention of weight gain. The study involved 32 participants who used the device for one hour daily, resulting in an average weight loss of 5.2 pounds per year.
A Penn study found that online commentary, both positive and negative, degrades the impact of anti-smoking public service announcements. Viewers who watched PSAs with no commentary had better recall and rated them more effective overall.
Researchers found that subjects' trust in human agents was strongly linked to their accuracy, whereas the value placed on computer algorithms depended on whether or not their predictions matched. The study's findings highlight the brain mechanisms underlying these kinds of evaluations and have implications for decision-making.
BYU engineer Dah-Jye Lee has created a genetic algorithm that accurately identifies objects in images or video sequences without human intervention. The algorithm learns from a set of images and sets its own parameters, achieving 100% accurate recognition on four image datasets and distinguishing between fish species with 99.4% accuracy.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania propose a new theoretical framework for metamaterials that can perform 'photonic calculus' on light waves, enabling fast and efficient calculations. This technology could revolutionize fields such as image processing by allowing real-time manipulation of light wave profiles without conversi...
A study by Gary Lupyan reveals that humans make mistakes in even the simplest rule-based calculations, favoring contextual information over clear rules. People consistently mistake numbers like 798 for odd and prefer 400 as a better even number.
Researchers found that computer users make broader generalizations when it comes to movement learning. Computer-naive individuals converted their generalization patterns after just two weeks of intensive mouse use, suggesting that computer use fundamentally affects neural representation of movements.
Researchers at ORNL developed a method to control the diameter of silica rods during growth by manipulating temperature. This allows for precise control over segment size, enabling advances in fields like anti-reflective solar cells and computer monitors.
Researchers create algorithm using group pictures to determine urban tribes, achieving 48% accuracy rate. The algorithm analyzes images as the sum of their parts and attributes to pick up social cues.
Researchers at UC San Diego developed an algorithm that uses group pictures to determine urban tribes, achieving 48% accuracy. The algorithm analyzes facial features, clothing, and other attributes in a 'parts and attributes' approach, with potential applications in search results, social networks, and public space surveillance.
Researchers found that customizing a personal website can improve self-control, reducing the likelihood of making impulsive decisions during online transactions. Participants who tailored their own site worked longer on a puzzle task than those who customized for others.
Case Western Reserve engineers create nanoscale switches with low power consumption and durability, enabling faster and more efficient computing. The silicon carbide-based technology could lead to significant advancements in electronics and computing.
A new clinical study shows that a tongue-controlled wheelchair can access computers and execute commands faster than sip-and-puff systems, with equal accuracy. The Tongue Drive System enables people with tetraplegia to maneuver their wheelchairs better than those using traditional assistive technologies.
Researchers create a new password system, GOTCHA, that incorporates inkblots to protect high-value accounts from stolen passwords. Users describe inkblots with text phrases, making it harder for computers to crack the password.
A study found that humans primarily rely on upper body cues for recognition, even with limited facial information. Researchers suggest automatic face recognition systems can improve accuracy by considering the body in their decision-making process.