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Our preferences change to reflect the choices we make, even three years later

A recent study published in Psychological Science found that people tend to prefer the option they chose over the one they rejected, and this preference can last for years. The researchers used a vacation destination rating task to demonstrate this effect, which was only observed when participants made their own choices.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 3, 2012
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.

Home-based assessment tool for dementia screening

A home-based computer software, ClockMe System, allows adults to screen themselves for early signs of dementia. The system scores the participant's clock-drawing test and records the duration and timing of the test, providing valuable insight into thought processes.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Ambient Intelligence and Smart Environments·DateOct 3, 2012

Smartphone technology acceptable for telemedicine

A Mayo Clinic study confirms the effectiveness of smartphone teleradiology applications in evaluating stroke patients in remote settings. The study shows high agreement (92-100%) among reviewers on critical radiological features, paving the way for telemedicine expansion.

SourceMayo Clinic·JournalStroke·DateOct 1, 2012

Feature sensitive re-sampling of point set surfaces with Gaussian spheres

The proposed algorithm generates feature sensitive non-uniformly distributed discrete sample points for underlying point sets. It uses a Gaussian sphere-based sampling scheme to simplify the point set surfaces, and then applies an adaptive re-sampling framework to generate the desired samples.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Information Sciences·DateSep 30, 2012

3-D display screen on mobile devices could be on the horizon

Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a new type of screen display called Tilt Displays, which can physically tilt along multiple axes and move vertically. The device has received positive feedback from users, who found it easy to interact with and associate with new methods of presenting and consuming 3D content.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateSep 20, 2012
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Computer program can identify rough sketches

Researchers from Brown University developed a computer program that recognizes sketches as they're drawn in real time, with around 56-percent accuracy. The program uses a large database of sketches to teach a computer how humans sketch objects, enabling better sketch-based interface and search applications.

SourceBrown University·DateSep 13, 2012

Low cost design makes ultrasound imaging affordable to the world

The low-cost scanner can be manufactured for £30-40 and produces an output power that is 10-100 times lower than conventional hospital ultrasounds. It aims to provide basic antenatal imaging to women in developing countries where such tests are not available, potentially saving hundreds of thousands of lives.

SourceNewcastle University·DateSep 13, 2012

Radiation-enabled chips could lead to low-cost security imaging systems

Researchers at Tel Aviv University are developing small, high-frequency radiation-enabled chips capable of producing images through packaging and clothing. These chips have the potential to provide sophisticated yet affordable security technology for everyday use, addressing concerns around cost and size.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalIEEE Microwave and Wireless Components Letters·DateSep 12, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Computer, read my lips

Researchers developed an emotion detector using a genetic algorithm that recognizes six human emotions and neutral expression. The system analyzes upper and lower lip shapes to improve interaction between humans and computers.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Artificial Intelligence and Soft Computing·DateSep 10, 2012

Information overload in the era of 'big data'

Ontologies enable computers to transform information into knowledge by attaching meaning to data. This allows scientists to access and analyze large datasets more efficiently, facilitating breakthroughs in plant science and beyond.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·DateAug 20, 2012

Artificial intelligence helps detect subtle differences in mutant worms

Researchers developed an automated system using AI and image processing to rapidly examine large numbers of individual Caenorhabditis elegans, identifying genetic mutations that might not have been detected otherwise. The technique could change high-throughput genetic screening methods.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Methods·DateAug 19, 2012
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Researchers unlock secret of the rare 'twinned rainbow'

Scientists from Disney Research have used simulations to study the elusive twinned rainbow, a rare optical phenomenon. The team found that the key to its occurrence lies in the combination of different-sized water drops falling from the sky, which produce slightly deformed rainbows.

SourceDisney Research·DateAug 6, 2012
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.

New generation of virtual humans helping to train psychologists

Researchers have created virtual humans that can mimic symptoms of psychological disorders, allowing for realistic interactions with therapists. The technology is being developed to improve clinical training and provide a safe and effective environment for novice clinicians to gain exposure to various clinical conditions.

SourceAmerican Psychological Association·DateAug 3, 2012

Touch your philodendron and control your computer

Researchers at Disney Research have created a technology called Botanicus Interactus, which enables plants to control digital devices with touch detection. This technology uses Swept Frequency Capacitive Sensing and machine-learning algorithms to recognize frequency changes associated with touches on the plant.

SourceDisney Research·DateAug 3, 2012

No bones about it

Georgia Tech researchers have created a new way to simulate and control movement of computer-generated characters without a skeletal structure. This technique allows for unparalleled control of digital creatures, enabling amateur animators and young children to manipulate their movements with simple point-and-click commands.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateAug 2, 2012

Learning machines scour Twitter in service of bullying research

A team of researchers has developed a machine learning approach to analyze millions of tweets on Twitter for signs of bullying. The computer can identify bullies, victims, accusers, defenders, and reporters, and even analyze the emotions behind the messages. This new method could provide valuable insights into bullying issues and help ...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·DateAug 1, 2012
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.

Allergies? Your sneeze is a biological response to the nose's 'blue screen of death'

Research in the FASEB Journal suggests that sneezing is a biological response to the nose's 'blue screen of death', and patients with sinusitis may sneeze more frequently due to inefficient clearance of mucus. This understanding could aid in the development of new treatments for chronic sinusitis.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateJul 31, 2012

A pulsar with a tremendous hiccup

Researchers identified a radio-quiet, very young pulsar J1838-0537 that experienced the strongest rotation glitch ever observed for a gamma-ray-only pulsar. The glitch resulted in a 38 millionths of a Hertz faster rotation rate.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJul 26, 2012

Study shows why some types of multitasking are more dangerous than others

Researchers found that people perform worse when trying to do two visual tasks at once, yet rate their performance higher. Eye-tracking technology showed that people's gaze moved around more and spent less time fixated on any one task. The study suggests teaching media literacy to young people before they start driving.

SourceOhio State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateJul 23, 2012

Clemson researcher: Humanizing computer aids affects trust, dependence

A recent study by Clemson University psychologist Richard Pak found that humanizing computer aids can significantly alter perceptions of their reliability, leading to increased trust and dependence among adults. The design of decision-support aids on consumer devices plays a crucial role in shaping user behavior.

SourceClemson University·JournalErgonomics·DateJul 17, 2012
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Selling on eBay? Get higher bids with a red background

A new study by Rajesh Bagchi and Amar Cheema found that a red background color induces aggression in online auctions, leading to higher bids. Conversely, a blue background reduces willingness to pay when negotiating directly with a seller.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateJul 16, 2012

Controlling your computer with your eyes

Researchers from Imperial College London have developed a low-cost, 3D eye-tracking device that can track users' eye movements and allow them to control a cursor on a screen. The device has been shown to be effective in enabling people with disabilities to interact with computers and their surroundings using just their eyes.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateJul 12, 2012

Toward achieving 1 million times increase in computing efficiency

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new logic circuit family based on magnetic semiconductor devices, which could result in computers 1 million times more power-efficient. The spin-logic circuits utilize the quantum physics phenomenon of spin to perform Boolean logic and can be cascaded to develop sophisticated func...

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJul 10, 2012

New apps redefine poetry

Jason Lewis's P.o.E.M.M. project develops ten new digital poetry apps that combine poet-created content with interactive elements, including user-generated and Twitter-based poetry. The project has received recognition from the Electronic Literature Organization, and its apps are available for download through iTunes.

SourceConcordia University·DateJun 28, 2012

Math goes to the movies

The Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics hosts a free public event to explore the mathematics underlying movie special effects. Dr. Robert Bridson will discuss the math and physics behind 3D special effects used in movies and computer animations.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJun 27, 2012
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Bomb threat? An app for that, too

The First Responder Support Tools (FiRST) application provides critical information to first responders in bomb threat scenarios, including safe distances, roadblock analysis and HAZMAT response guidance. The app is available for smartphones and laptops and can be used by anyone responding to a potential bomb or HAZMAT spill.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateJun 21, 2012

2 NASA visualizations selected for computers graphics showcase

Two NASA visualizations have been selected for the SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival: a lunar surface tour and an animation illustrating how the sun drives Earth's ocean currents. The festival highlights the best in computer graphics and technical research, with the chosen animations meeting strict guidelines.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 19, 2012

The American Society for Microbiology honors Micah I. Krichevsky

Dr. Micah I. Krichevsky has been recognized for his commitment to advancing women in microbiology through the American Society for Microbiology's Alice C. Evans Award. He established Bionomics International and developed a standardized method for computer coding of microbiological data, impacting research globally.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·DateJun 6, 2012
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

Nuclear weapon simulations show performance in molecular detail

Researchers at Purdue University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have solved several problems hindering the use of ultra-precise simulations needed to certify nuclear weapons. The breakthrough enables the creation of supercomputers capable of performing exascale computing, a crucial step for national defense.

SourcePurdue University·DateJun 5, 2012

Physics to tackle how food is cooked in future

A growing population faces challenges of feeding itself through cleaner and more efficient methods. Innovations in flameless cooking, such as the Oorja stove, offer promising solutions. Researchers are exploring new technologies to reduce costs and increase accessibility, aiming to generate 100W of electrical power from confined gas.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateMay 31, 2012

Training cells to perform Boolean functions? It's logical

Scientists at Johns Hopkins Medicine have engineered cells that behave like AND and OR Boolean logic gates, producing an output based on one or more unique inputs. This breakthrough could lead to the development of computers that use cells as tiny circuits.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateMay 30, 2012

Computers & Graphics incorporates Collage Authoring Environment

The special issue on 3D Object Retrieval will incorporate the Collage Authoring Environment, allowing authors to embed executable code and data into their papers. This enables verified results and improves peer-review, leading to faster knowledge dissemination in fast-moving fields like Computer Graphics.

SourceElsevier·JournalComputers & Graphics·DateMay 21, 2012
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Quantum computing: The light at the end of the tunnel may be a single photon

Scientists from the University of Cambridge and Toshiba Research Europe Ltd. developed an all-semiconductor quantum logic gate, a controlled-NOT (CNOT) gate, by coaxing nanodots to emit single photons of light on demand. This breakthrough brings researchers closer to creating powerful quantum computers.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 18, 2012

Bluetooth baby

A Bluetooth enabled fetal heart rate monitoring system has been developed for accurate long-term home care, showing a high level of accuracy compared to ultrasound-based Doppler shift technique, with 98% accuracy. The system is non-invasive, portable, and low power consumption, making it suitable for mothers-to-be.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computers in Healthcare·DateMay 17, 2012

When does planning interfere with achieving our goals?

A new study found that specific planning is less effective for achieving multiple goals due to increased obstacles and constraints. However, people who thought others had more goals than they did were more likely to benefit from planning and see their own goals as manageable.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateMay 16, 2012
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.

Multitasking may hurt your performance, but it makes you feel better

A new study found that people engage in media multitasking despite knowing it impairs their performance, as it provides an emotional boost. The research recruited 32 college students to record their activities for four weeks, showing that multitasking was more likely when cognitive or habitual needs were present.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Communication·DateApr 30, 2012

New technique may help severely damaged nerves regrow and restore function

Researchers at University of Sheffield have developed a method to assist damaged nerves in repairing naturally, improving chances of restoring sensation and movement in injured limbs. The new technique uses biodegradable synthetic polymer to create guidance conduits that provide physical and chemical cues for nerve growth.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalBiofabrication·DateApr 22, 2012

How to make customers happy

Researchers found that customers' perceptions of call center performance are not influenced by location or accent, but rather by the agent's customer orientation. The study recommends companies prioritize this aspect when recruiting staff, regardless of location.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalInternational Business Review·DateApr 5, 2012

Quantum computer built inside a diamond

Researchers at USC and international partners successfully built a quantum computer inside a diamond, showcasing solid-state computing's potential. The device protects against decoherence, a major obstacle to quantum systems, by utilizing microwave pulses to stabilize electron spin rotation.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateApr 4, 2012
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.

Supercomputing the difference between matter and antimatter

Physicists use advanced computing methods to calculate kaon decay process, shedding light on matter-antimatter symmetry. The study's results contribute to the ongoing quest to explain why the universe is predominantly composed of matter.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 29, 2012

Study: Stress-induced cortisol facilitates threat-related decision making among police officers

A study by Columbia Business School researchers found that stress-induced cortisol increases facilitate accurate threat-related decision making in police officers, especially when dealing with armed black targets. The findings suggest that police departments may benefit from modulating stress levels during training to improve accuracy.

SourceColumbia Business School·JournalBehavioral Neuroscience·DateMar 21, 2012

Spotting ancient sites, from space

A Harvard archaeologist developed a system to identify early human settlements based on satellite image analysis, uncovering approximately 9,000 possible sites in northeastern Syria. This technique simplifies the process of finding ancient settlements, allowing for more efficient and targeted surveys.

SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 19, 2012

Personal mobile computing increases doctors' efficiency

Providing personal mobile computers to medical residents increases their efficiency and enhances continuity of care. The study found that residents submitted 5% more orders before morning rounds and 8% more orders before handing off responsibilities.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalArchives of Internal Medicine·DateMar 12, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Saving power, saving money

A team of researchers at Case Western Reserve University has developed a novel technique called fine-grained power gating, which can eliminate wasted energy in computer processors. This method reduces power consumption by up to 40% and also minimizes heat production, resulting in significant cost savings.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateMar 8, 2012

Garafolo tests spacecraft seal to verify computer models

Researchers used computer prediction models to test a new docking seal, verifying its performance and improving upon costly experimental evaluations. The study showed significant correlations between experimental values and computer-modeled results, with some discrepancies attributed to extrapolation errors.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·DateMar 7, 2012

New computers respond to students' emotions, boredom

The new technology, AutoTutor and Affective AutoTutor, can gauge students' emotional states and adjust strategies to help them overcome frustration and boredom. Tested on over 1,000 students, the system produces significant learning gains, outperforming even expert human tutors.

SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology·DateMar 2, 2012
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.

NSF CAREER grants support ocean energy, microforming, computer planning

Three University of New Hampshire faculty members have received prestigious Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Awards from the National Science Foundation. Yannis Korkolis will investigate microforming processes, while Wheeler Ruml will advance renewable energy from the ocean using waves and tides.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·DateFeb 21, 2012
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.