Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers develop better control for DNA-based computations

A new method for controlling DNA-based logic gates has been developed, enabling spatial and temporal control. This breakthrough could lead to interfacing DNA-based computing with traditional silicon-based computing, potentially creating new interfaces between biological systems and electronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 17, 2012

NASA awards Goddard Institute for Space Studies contract

The Goddard Institute for Space Studies will receive specialized scientific support services from Trinnovim, LLC, under a $2.86 million contract. The services include scientific programming, analysis, and logistical support for GISS research programs.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 16, 2012

Engineers boost computer processor performance by over 20 percent

Engineers at North Carolina State University have developed a technique to boost processor performance by over 20 percent by allowing GPUs and CPUs on a single chip to collaborate. This approach enables more efficient data transfer and execution, making computers more energy-efficient.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateFeb 7, 2012

10-second dance of electrons is step toward exotic new computers

Researchers at Princeton University have achieved a 100-fold increase in maintaining control over the spins of billions of electrons for up to 10 seconds, a key step towards ultrafast quantum computers. This breakthrough uses a highly purified sample of silicon and minimizes magnetism's effect, allowing for longer coherence.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 16, 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.

Plugged into learning: Computers help students advance

A 40-year retrospective analysis by Concordia University researchers found that technology has a small to moderate positive impact on both learning and attitude. The study suggests that technology works best when students are encouraged to think critically and communicate effectively.

SourceConcordia University·JournalReview of Educational Research·DateJan 16, 2012
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Do you see what I see?

A team of researchers developed a computer model based on human neural structure and function to recognize shapes. The model, inspired by the hierarchical organization of the human visual cortex, successfully reproduced human performance in identifying shapes, opening up new ways to approach object detection problems.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateDec 20, 2011

Magnetic stimulation of brain may help some stroke patients recover

A new study found that magnetic stimulation can improve visual-spatial abilities in people with hemispatial neglect, a common condition after a right-sided stroke. The treatment, which uses transcranial magnetic stimulation, also restored balance to the brain's circuits and improved cognitive and movement abilities.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 14, 2011
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 computer system allows a machine to recognize a person's emotional state

Researchers developed a machine learning-based system to automatically recognize users' emotional states and adapt dialogues accordingly. The system can detect negative emotions like anger, boredom, and doubt using acoustic parameters, and predict user intentions to improve dialogue flow.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalEURASIP Journal on Advances in Signal Processing·DateNov 21, 2011

Stanford engineers use nanophotonics to reshape on-chip computer data transmission

Researchers at Stanford University have created a single-mode light-emitting diode (LED) that is thousands of times more energy efficient than laser-based systems. The device can transmit data at 10 billion bits per second and operates at room temperature, making it a major step forward for on-chip computer data transmission.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2011

Researching graphene nanoelectronics for a post-silicon world

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have discovered that stacking graphene nanoribbons can significantly enhance its ability to transmit electricity, reducing the band gap and increasing efficiency. The study, published in ACS Nano, brings industry closer to realizing graphene nanoelectronics and potentially replacing coppe...

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 10, 2011
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.

Stanford team trains computer to evaluate breast cancer

A Stanford team developed a machine-learning-based method called Computational Pathologist (C-Path) to analyze breast cancer microscopic images, outperforming human evaluations. The model assesses 6,642 cellular factors and identifies structural features that matter in predicting patient survival.

SourceStanford Medicine·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 9, 2011

Benefits of working from home depends on family demands

A study by Professor Timothy Golden found that individuals who juggle conflicting demands between their work and home lives experience more work exhaustion. However, those with lower levels of conflict benefit from teleworking during traditional or non-traditional work hours, leading to reduced exhaustion.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Business and Psychology·DateNov 8, 2011
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.

Radiologists: Going green with small, simple step

Researchers found that shutting down radiology workstations and monitors after an 8-hour shift can save substantial energy and costs. By doing so, they reduced their energy consumption by 76.3% and saved $9,225.33, mainly due to the shutdown of standby equipment.

SourceAmerican College of Radiology·JournalJournal of the American College of Radiology·DateNov 1, 2011

Crowdsourcing nutrition in a snap

PlateMate's calorie estimates have proved accurate like those of trained nutritionists and more so than users' logs. The research was presented at the 24th ACM Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology, a leading conference on human-computer interaction.

SourceHarvard University·DateNov 1, 2011

Computer scientist cracks mysterious 'Copiale Cipher'

A team of international researchers, led by computer scientist Kevin Knight, has finally broken the 75,000-character Copiale Cipher after centuries. The decoded message reveals rituals and political leanings of an 18th-century German secret society, shedding new light on its role in history.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateOct 25, 2011

NIST measures key property of potential 'spintronic' material

Researchers have engineered a highly ordered version of a magnetic oxide compound, revealing the influence of electrons near additional lanthanum layers. The study provides crucial insights into the emerging field of oxide spintronics and its potential for fast memory devices with reduced power consumption.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 19, 2011
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.

Could a computer one day rewire itself?

Scientists at Northwestern University have developed a reconfigurable electronic material that can rearrange itself to meet different computational needs. This new material enables the creation of self-adapting electronic components with directed paths for electron flow.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 16, 2011

Experimental mathematics

The article discusses how modern computer technology has expanded the ability to discover new mathematical results, enabling the exploration of complex patterns and relationships. Computer simulations have been used to explore various mathematical problems, including Giuga's Conjecture, providing empirical evidence in favor of its truth.

SourceAmerican Mathematical Society·JournalNotices of the American Mathematical Society·DateOct 13, 2011

Robot biologist solves complex problem from scratch

A team of scientists has successfully demonstrated a computer's ability to analyze raw experimental data from a biological system and derive the basic mathematical equations that describe its operation. This achievement marks one of the most complex scientific modeling problems solved completely from scratch by a computer.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalPhysical Biology·DateOct 13, 2011
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.

'Ghostwriting' the Torah?

Researchers have developed an algorithm that recognizes linguistic cues to divide texts into probable author groupings, sidestepping methodological hurdles in Bible scholarship. The software was able to separate passages from two Hebrew books with 99 percent accuracy and distinguish between 'priestly' and 'non-priestly' materials.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateOct 11, 2011

Post-silicon computing

The University of Pittsburgh has received a $1.8 million grant to create a new kind of computer using a tiny 'toy' with big potential. The project aims to develop a scalable sensing, storage, and computation platform, enabling the creation of high-tech industries and jobs in the United States.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateSep 19, 2011

Biochemical cell signals quantified for first time

Researchers at Emory and Johns Hopkins universities have quantified the data capacity of a biochemical signaling pathway for the first time, finding that it is significantly lower than expected. The study suggests that cells may use alternative methods to communicate when their primary pathways are insufficient.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2011

It's all about autonomy: Consumers react negatively when prompted to think about money

A new study found that money reminders lead consumers to react against people who influence their decisions, boosting the importance of autonomy. Participants in three studies reacted oppositely when reminded of money compared to those not reminded, with money-reminded consumers responding more strongly to social influences

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateSep 14, 2011
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.

Simulation proven to enhance training of health professionals

A comprehensive analysis of 600 studies found that simulation-based training consistently outperforms traditional instruction. The study's findings suggest that simulation can be an effective tool for teaching physicians and other healthcare professionals, offering benefits such as repeated practice without patient harm.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalJAMA·DateSep 7, 2011

VCU receives grants to advance digital computing

Researchers at VCU are developing a new paradigm for digital computing that could enable the creation of energy-efficient processors running without batteries. The goal is to increase computational power and reduce heat dissipation, making it suitable for medical devices such as brain signal monitors.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·DateSep 1, 2011
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.

Antennas in your clothes? New design could pave the way

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new antenna design that can be integrated into clothing, offering a range four times larger than traditional antennas. The system overcomes previous problems of body absorption and interference by surrounding the body with multiple antennas working together.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateAug 22, 2011

Better 'photon loops' may be key to computer and physics advances

Researchers at NIST and University of Maryland have developed a new photon loop technology that could lead to more efficient information processors and enable exploration of the quantum Hall effect. The technology uses multiple rows of resonators to build alternate pathways, allowing photons to bypass defects in microchips.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 22, 2011

Football analysis leads to advance in artificial intelligence

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new system that combines computer vision, machine learning, and automated planning to improve operations in various industries. The system is based on analyzing football plays and can be applied to tasks such as factory efficiency, airport operation, and nursing care.

SourceOregon State University·JournalAI Magazine·DateAug 18, 2011
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.

Computers will be able to tell social traits from the face

Researchers have developed a computational tool that can determine whether faces are attractive, threatening or dominant with high accuracy. The tool uses machine learning techniques to analyze facial characteristics and was tested on a set of synthetic images, achieving accuracies of up to 96%.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 17, 2011

A picture is worth a thousand words

Researchers at UBC are presenting significant advancements in computer animation and simulation technology. They have developed a tool that generates readable text-art using vector images and text, as well as a physics-based simulation of canine motions for games and film.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateAug 8, 2011

BGU researchers develop webcam tool to improve office worker posture

A multidisciplinary team at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev developed a new training method using desktop webcams to improve ergonomic posture among office workers. The photo-training method provided effective short-term and long-term posture improvement, particularly for older workers and those with musculoskeletal pain.

SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateAug 2, 2011
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.

UMD brain cap technology turns thought into motion

Researchers at the University of Maryland have developed a non-invasive brain computer interface that allows users to control computers and robotic prosthetic limbs with their thoughts. The technology, known as UMD brain cap, uses EEG signals to translate brain waves into movement commands.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalJournal of Neurophysiology·DateJul 27, 2011

Local efforts can stem the increasing unnecessary cesarean sections

A systematic review found that nurse-led relaxation classes, birth preparation classes, and clinician feedback can decrease caesarean sections in low-risk pregnancies. However, prenatal education, computer patient decision-aids, and insurance reform have not shown significant effects on reducing cesarean section rates.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 26, 2011

Middle-school students educate community on proper computer posture

Four middle-school students developed an innovative device, the Posture Pad, that vibrates or emits a tone when used incorrectly, aiming to prevent musculoskeletal problems. The study found 75% of students and 80% of office workers sat with incorrect posture, highlighting the need for ergonomic solutions.

SourceHuman Factors and Ergonomics Society·DateJul 6, 2011
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.

Noninvasive brain implant could someday translate thoughts into movement

Researchers have developed a minimally invasive brain implant that wirelessly transmits brain signals to control computers and reactivate paralyzed limbs. The BioBolt implant uses the skin as a conductor to reduce power consumption and enable potential applications in controlling epilepsy and diagnosing diseases like Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJun 16, 2011

Stretchable electronics report how you feel

Researchers from Uppsala University have developed a wireless sensor that can stretch to measure intensive body movements, paving the way for new applications in health monitoring and remote control. The sensor's design enables wireless measurement of repeated bending across large areas or moveable parts.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 16, 2011

MIT research: Faster computer graphics

Researchers at MIT's Computer Graphics Group have developed new methods to efficiently simulate blur in digital computer graphics, reducing rendering time by minutes. By simplifying the computation of blur, these techniques can create more convincing video games and frames of digital video, improving overall visual quality.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 13, 2011
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Study: Stark differences in media use between minority and white youth

The study found significant racial disparities in children's media use, with minority youth spending an average of 13 hours per day on media compared to 9.5 hours for their white counterparts. Minority youth also tend to watch more TV and listen to music, while Asian youth spend more time playing video games and using computers.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJun 8, 2011

Randomness rules in turbulent flows

A Johns Hopkins University study reveals that two identical beads dropped into a turbulent flow will follow different and random paths. The phenomenon, called 'spontaneous stochasticity,' suggests that even everyday particles can behave randomly in chaotic flows.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 1, 2011
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Code green: Energy-efficient programming to curb computers' power use

Researchers at the University of Washington have created a system called EnergJ that reduces energy consumption in simulations by up to 50 percent. The system has the potential to cut energy by as much as 90 percent and could be used in various applications such as streaming audio and video, games, and real-time image recognition.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateMay 31, 2011
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

College students' use of Kindle DX points to e-reader’s role in academia

A study of University of Washington graduate students using Kindle DX found that students want improved support for note-taking, referencing, and viewing figures. The device's limitations, including difficulty switching between reading styles and lack of physical cues, pose challenges for e-readers in the academic market.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateMay 2, 2011

How do consumers judge quality? It depends on who's making the purchase

A new study found that consumers predict product quality based on attributes when buying for themselves, but rely on price when someone else makes the purchase. The researchers suggest retailers and salespeople should increase psychological distance to influence quality perceptions through high prices.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Press Journals·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateApr 19, 2011

Technique for letting brain talk to computers now tunes in speech

Scientists have successfully developed a technique to decode brain signals associated with speech and movement. By analyzing frequency of brain wave activity, patients can learn to control a computer cursor by thinking or saying specific sounds, marking the beginning of 'reading minds' technology.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateApr 7, 2011
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.

Control the cursor with power of thought

A team of researchers from Washington University used electrocortiography (ECoG) to control a computer cursor using words spoken out loud and in their head. The study showed up to 90% accuracy, even without prior training, and has huge potential for patients with speech disorders or limited movement. Future operations may use small, mi...

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateApr 6, 2011