Articles tagged with Computers
A new study finds that spending more than two hours a day on screen-based entertainment increases the risk of heart disease and premature death. Metabolic factors and inflammation may partly explain the link between prolonged sitting and cardiovascular events.
The Berkeley Lab will work with China to implement energy-efficient practices, such as turning computers around and reducing mechanical cooling. By sharing best practices and case studies, the goal is to reduce carbon emissions and improve the industry's energy performance.
Aaron Hertzmann, a professor at the University of Toronto's Department of Computer Science, has received the 2010 Steacie Prize for his exceptional contributions to computer graphics and machine learning research. His work focuses on applying machine-learning techniques to resolve complex problems in computer graphics.
Researchers found that liberals consistently move their attention in response to gaze cues, while conservatives do not. This suggests that liberals tend to be more responsive to others and are influenced by social interaction, whereas conservatives value personal autonomy and are less likely to be swayed by external cues.
A team of UCSF researchers has engineered E. coli with the key molecular circuitry that enables genetic engineers to program cells to communicate and perform computations. This system can be harnessed to turn cells into miniature computers, enabling intricate functions for various purposes such as agriculture and pharmaceuticals.
A recent report by the Association for Computing Machinery and the Computer Science Teachers Association found that US K-12 computer science education is scant in most classrooms. Most schools focus on teaching students how to use a computer, but neglect to teach deeper concepts such as computational problem-solving.
Research found that people are more likely to cheat and make immoral decisions when it requires minimal action. Participants were more willing to help others when they had to explicitly choose 'yes' or 'no', whereas passive requests led to lower rates of volunteering.
Researchers have simulated the merger of two black holes with vastly different sizes, achieving a 100:1 mass ratio for the first time. This breakthrough allows for more realistic astrophysical scenarios and prediction of observational effects.
Dr. Michael Wagner's research explores the use of identical rhymes in poetry to understand how languages use emphasis and prosody. The study reveals a systematic difference between French and English speakers' evaluation of poetry, which can help improve computer programmers' production of realistic speech.
The American College of Medical Informatics (ACMI) has inducted eight new Fellows, who have made substantial and sustained contributions to the field of medical informatics. The incoming ACMI President, Jim Cimino, welcomed the new Fellows, praising their expertise in clinical practice, medical research, education, and patient care.
A study of 38 patients who underwent primary or revision rhinoplasty found that computer imaging was moderately accurate in predicting the final result. Patients valued its inclusion in the preoperative consultation, citing improved communication with surgeons and better understanding of the surgery. The accuracy of the images varied b...
Researchers have discovered a way to correct for errors in quantum computers, allowing them to work with a quarter of faulty or missing qubits. The findings bring scientists one step closer to designing and building real-life quantum computing systems that could revolutionize fields like drug design and code-breaking.
A study found significant variation in medical center performance of traditional central line-associated BSI surveillance. The researchers discovered that different institutions use varying criteria for surveillance, leading to inconsistent rates and rankings.
The DARPA Ubiquitous High Performance Computing (UHPC) initiative aims to revolutionize computing power and energy efficiency. Georgia Tech researchers are supporting key components of the $100M challenge, developing new approaches and technologies to redefine the future of computing. The goal is to make computing systems more reliable...
Research from Vanderbilt University found that expert typists' hands can detect errors even when their conscious brain is unaware of them. In experiments, skilled typists were fooled by computer programs inserting or correcting errors, but their fingers slowed down only after making real mistakes.
A study funded by NIH shows that participants can force a computer to display one image and discard another using only their thoughts. The research used brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to understand how the brain processes information, particularly attention and decision-making.
Researchers demonstrate that individuals can intentionally alter the firing rate of specific neurons in the brain, increasing some while decreasing others. This control is achieved through focusing thoughts on particular images displayed on a computer screen.
A new algorithm by Carnegie Mellon researchers can efficiently solve systems of linear equations, a crucial problem in computer applications like image processing and logistics. The algorithm applies to symmetric diagonally dominant (SDD) systems, outperforming existing methods by billion-fold speedup.
University of Granada researchers have developed a new computer technique that allows for the automatic classification of images and videos based on the presence of individuals or specific objects. The technique also enables the estimation and recognition of human poses and detection of human actions such as walking, jumping, bending d...
Researchers successfully achieved 'tunneling spin injection' into graphene, increasing efficiency and enabling longer spin lifetimes. This breakthrough enables the development of a 'spin computer' with potential for faster and more energy-efficient computing.
A new study using brain imaging revealed how people learn from their competitors' successes and failures. The research found that players experienced neural activity in response to their competitor's unexpected failures, suggesting they learned to inhibit the actions leading to those failures.
A study of over 1,000 children found that excessive screen time is related to higher psychological difficulty scores, regardless of physical activity. Children who spent more than two hours per day on screens had better psychological scores, while those with moderate physical activity fared better in certain areas but worse in others.
Researchers have developed electromechanical switches that can withstand twice the heat as transistors, enabling computers to operate in extreme temperatures. The switches, made from silicon carbide and nanotechnology, perform better than transistors at high temperatures and have no discernible leakage.
Australian blind computer programmers James Teh and Michael Curran developed NVDA, a synthetic voice program that reads computer screen words as the cursor moves. The free software has been downloaded over 50,000 times and is available in 27 languages.
A Yale team has achieved the entanglement of three solid-state qubits for the first time, paving the way for quantum error correction and future quantum computing. The accomplishment builds on their previous development of a rudimentary solid-state quantum processor.
The COGNITO project, led by the University of Bristol, aims to develop computer systems that can understand and predict human behavior and activity. By using on-body sensor networks and advanced computer vision algorithms, researchers hope to create systems that can assist people in skilled assembly and manipulation tasks.
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a silicon chip that uses two identical photons to perform complex calculations and simulations, paving the way for a new type of quantum computer. The device has the potential to solve problems that are currently beyond the capabilities of conventional computers.
Researchers at Princeton University have developed 3D computer simulations of supernovae explosions, providing new insights into the universe. The simulations match massive blow-outs observed by astronomers and may lead to a better understanding of the physics involved.
Researchers create pressure-sensitive electronic material using semiconductor nanowires, enabling robots to grip fragile objects. The 'e-skin' technology also holds promise for restoring sense of touch in patients with prosthetic limbs.
A simplified clinical tool has led to the reclassification of millions of Americans into different risk groups, potentially affecting their treatment. The study found that 15% of adults were reclassified, with 10% moving to higher-risk groups and 5% to lower-risk groups, leading to potential over-treatment or under-treatment.
A new method devised by Carnegie Mellon researchers enables computers to gain a deeper understanding of an image by reasoning about physical constraints. The method uses virtual blocks to build a three-dimensional approximation of the scene, improving accuracy in estimating layout and surface details.
A Spanish research team has created a system that measures human physiological parameters and uses them to control virtual character behavior in real-time. The goal is to create a more immersive experience by tapping into the unconscious mind.
A study published in Atmospheric Environment found toxic elements in e-waste recycling emissions in southern China, posing health risks to workers and the environment. The research team identified carcinogens and persistent organic pollutants through mass spectrometry and other instrumentation.
Colin B. Macdonald received the 2010 Richard C. DiPrima Prize for his work on the Closest Point Method, advancing biology, materials science, and computer graphics applications.
A team of experts is proposing a new approach to deal with the variability in behavior of nano-scale computer components by re-thinking and enhancing the role that software can play. The National Science Foundation has awarded a $10 million grant to explore 'Variability-Aware Software for Efficient Computing with Nanoscale Devices.'
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new approach to overcome the fundamental limitation of metamaterials, which could enable breakthroughs in transformation optics. By placing dye between two layers of silver, they were able to amplify light and reduce absorption, promising applications such as ultra-powerful microscopes,...
A new study reveals that Foldit players have successfully solved protein-folding problems that are too difficult for supercomputers, using intuitive leaps and strategic thinking. The game has shown promise in tackling medical challenges, such as designing proteins to combat diseases like the flu and HIV.
A new study found that getting angry may actually hurt one's cause in negotiations with East Asians, unlike in negotiations with European Americans. Cultural norms about expressing anger play a critical role in shaping reactions to emotional displays.
The NASA GOES Project provides continually updating 'movies' of satellite imagery for Hurricane Alley, allowing on-line viewing on iPhone and iPad. The latest large-scale movie can be accessed at http://goes.gsfc.nasa.gov/goescolor/goeseast/hurricane2/movie/alley_east_conus.mp4.
Multimedia talking touchscreens are helping researchers and clinicians improve communication, knowledge, and adherence to treatment for patients with diverse language skills. The technology provides a more private and accessible way for patients to complete questionnaires and access health information.
The Argonne Leadership Computing Facility has reached two billion processor-hours of computations, accelerating research in weeks or months. The ALCF is home to the IBM Blue Gene/P Intrepid, one of the fastest supercomputers in the world for open science.
The Iowa State researcher's 3D imaging technology has been used by Rock stars like U2 and featured in Radiohead's music video. The technology requires less data and memory than current tools, making it practical for the entertainment industry.
Purdue University researchers created an automated program to debug complex nuclear weapon simulations, reducing the time and difficulty of manual debugging. The tool, AutomaDeD, was 90% accurate in identifying errors and has potential applications in other parallel applications like climate modeling and high-energy particle physics.
A new study by Sarah Kaplan at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management reveals that PowerPoint has a significant impact on strategy-making processes. The research shows that PowerPoint facilitates greater collaboration among team members and influences the discussion parameters, leading to more effective decision-making.
Researchers at Mangalore University have developed a novel method to generate silver nanoparticles using electron beam irradiation, which shows high activity against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria, including MRSA and E. coli O157.
Researchers found that laptops can increase students' engagement, attentiveness, and participation when used to facilitate interactive discussions and activities. Students reported feeling more attentive and able to learn when using LectureTools.
A study found that consumers are greatly influenced by images attached to brands, leading to a preference for one brand over another even when faced with contradictory product information. The researchers discovered that this effect is persistent and cannot be overcome by highly motivated participants.
A computerized system can accurately detect early eye problems related to diabetes and reduce the need for expensive human screenings. The system uses digital camera images of the retina to automatically identify signs of fluid and internal bleeding associated with diabetes damage.
A study published by the American College of Radiology suggests that standard X-rays are less effective than CT scans in detecting pelvic fractures. The research found that 48% of pelvic injuries were missed using standard X-rays alone, and that CT scans provide more complete evaluation of suspected pelvic injuries.
The developing world is projected to generate twice as much electronic waste (e-waste) as developed countries by 2030, with 400-700 million PCs discarded annually. Technological advances have led to a rapid decline in consumer electronics lifespan, prompting concerns about environmentally safe disposal methods.
The Minput system uses optical sensors on the back of a mobile phone or mp3 player to enable intuitive navigation through menus and photo galleries without obstructing the touchscreen. The method responds to up-down, side-to-side, twisting, and flicking motions, allowing for high-precision positioning.
Researchers have created a brain-like 'evolutionary circuit' in an organic molecular layer that can solve complex problems, mimicking natural phenomena like heat diffusion and cancer cell evolution. The processor also exhibits self-healing properties, unlike existing man-made computers.
Researchers at Cardiff University have successfully conducted experiments with photons, showing that pairs increase oscillation frequency and agreeing with theoretical predictions. The findings have long-term implications for information technology, including the potential to build logical systems based on quantum interactions.
Researchers at NIH/National Institute of General Medical Sciences have created a synthetic population using census data to simulate disease spread and study social networks. The virtual population accurately represents the country's demographics, allowing for faster and more accurate disease-spread simulations.
A University of Washington project aims to make all software open source, allowing users to add custom features to widely used programs. The Prefab system hijacks the display to customize user interaction, enabling people with disabilities to access previously inaccessible interfaces.
John Tate has made significant contributions to the field of algebraic number theory and arithmetic geometry. His work has resulted in the creation of fundamental concepts and the development of lasting impact on modern mathematics.
A team of life scientists and computer researchers, led by Thomas Brutnell, is working on the iPlant project to develop a computational pipeline for processing ultra-high-throughput sequence datasets. The goal is to make it easier to analyze large datasets and predict plant responses to environmental changes.
Primitive recycling processes used in developing countries contaminate air, water, and soil with pollutants like dioxins and toxic cyanide. Alternative solutions, such as paying recyclers not to recycle or promoting repair and reuse, are proposed to address the growing e-waste problem.
A team of researchers has developed a way to get modern, multiple-processor computers to behave in predictable ways by automatically parceling sets of commands. This allows well-behaved programs to run faster than on single processors, while also reducing errors and improving overall system reliability.
A systematic review of 28 clinical trials reveals that computer reminders improved processes of care by a median of 4.2%, with some studies showing only minor improvements.