Articles tagged with Computers
Researchers find current computer vision tests misleading due to design flaws that enable computers to succeed where humans would fail. The team argues for revamping standards and images to better understand the difficulty of object recognition.
Researchers Rick Dale and Michael Spivey discovered a cognitive bias where people tend to favor true statements, even in the face of ambiguity. Arm movement data showed participants' bodies moved more towards 'no' responses, indicating a general bias toward assuming statements are true.
A new study by the University of Maryland and colleagues found that touch screen voting systems are easy to use and pass voter confidence tests, but voters still make mistakes and need help. The study recommends improving ballot design, training, and educational campaigns to enhance user-friendliness.
Mathematicians at UC Davis and University of Wisconsin-Madison develop program to model snowflake growth, revealing complex structures and rare patterns. The model generates a wide range of natural snowflake shapes, including novel forms like the 'butterflake', which could appear in nature but would be fragile.
Researchers at Cornell University found that vibrating mice can signal users to take breaks, but may not change behavior. Ergonomic products like undulating chairs and movable arms for monitors show promise in reducing workplace injuries and improving comfort.
A new CU-Boulder-led supercomputer simulation models a region of the universe spanning 1.5 billion light-years, aiming to uncover hidden gas clouds containing missing baryons. The study may enable detection of these 'filaments' using future telescopes like the South Pole Telescope and Cornell-Caltech Atacama Telescope.
A new study demonstrates that dogs can visually categorize complex color photographs and transfer their knowledge to new situations. The research, published online in Animal Cognition, used a computer-automated touch-screen system to eliminate potential human influence.
Researchers characterize conductive and field emission properties of single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes, finding structure-dependent conductivity and emission. The findings bring next-gen flat panel TVs and monitors closer to reality.
A CCNY-led team has received a $330,000 NSF grant to develop a tactile surface facilitating communication between visually impaired and blind persons and computers. The project aims to create an affordable device that can convey graphic information in real-time through touch.
Researchers from UC San Diego propose a grid system that utilizes human computation to label images and perform tasks for the benefit of others. The 'Soylent Grid' uses CAPTCHAs to engage humans in the loop, allowing for efficient data labeling and various applications such as assistive technology for visually impaired individuals.
Tufts researchers are developing techniques to allow computers to respond to users' thoughts of frustration, boredom, or overwhelm. Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) technology is being used to monitor brain blood flow and provide real-time insight into user experiences.
Researchers believe 3D printing will revolutionize consumer goods, individualized custom products, and product development with its ability to print solid objects almost instantly. The technology allows for rapid prototyping, digital downloads, and on-demand production, making traditional retail models obsolete.
Researchers used computer analysis to identify potential new antibiotics, such as lovastatin and gentisic acid, which show promise against emerging bacterial threats. The approach could save time and lives during outbreaks or bioterrorism attacks.
Researchers at the University of Cincinnati have designed an AI software program that can recognize jokes, marking a significant advancement in computer capabilities. The bot uses phonological similarity and wordplay to identify humor, but is still limited by its current knowledge base and formal communication systems.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technology using tiny 'ionic wind engines' that could dramatically improve computer chip cooling. The technology increased the heat-transfer coefficient by as much as 250 percent, outperforming existing methods.
VictorTango, a Virginia Tech engineering and geography student team, is among semi-finalists competing in DARPA's Urban Challenge for $2 million. Their custom-designed drive-by-wire control system and navigation software enable the vehicle to make driving decisions almost human-like.
Researchers at UC San Diego have developed a method called 'radiance caching' to efficiently render images with smoke, fog, and other visual effects. This approach cuts computational time and energy by reusing previously computed lighting values.
The new UC San Diego model can create life-like milk images based on fat and protein content, and work backwards to determine the composition of a material. This technology has potential applications in food safety, atmospheric science, and diagnostic medicine.
A randomized controlled trial found that parents who received customized safety reports scored higher on child safety knowledge and reported better safety practices than those who received generic health reports. The study suggests that computer technology can be an effective tool in promoting child safety.
Researchers have developed a new software that allows for super-realistic animation of beers pouring. The technology uses smoothed particle hydrodynamics to create more efficient and realistic animations, making it accessible to smaller film production houses.
Shukla's work on designing, analyzing, and predicting electronic system performance has drawn national attention from the National Academy of Sciences and the White House. He is currently researching embedded software code generation for space and aviation mission applications.
Researchers found that two evolutionarily ancient brain regions fired when subjects saw their money go to charity, even in situations without free choice. This neural activity is associated with the pleasure center of the brain, indicating a genuine sense of satisfaction and altruism.
Researchers at National Physical Laboratory have developed an electron surf machine that delivers electrons one by one in a reliable steady stream at a rate of over a billion per second. This technology has the potential to increase computer efficiency, allowing for faster processing and more secure digital communication.
Researchers Gene Cooperman and Dan Kunkle used advanced techniques to solve the cube in 26 moves or less, surpassing the previous best of 27 moves. They utilized 7 terabytes of RAM and a new computational method to achieve this feat.
Computer scientists at Oregon State University developed a new approach to fix errors in spreadsheets, which can be used by anyone without extensive training. The system, called GoalDebug, provides a short list of suggested changes, allowing users to identify and fix problems efficiently.
Skills being used in British workplaces have been rising for the last two decades, but at a slower pace in recent years. The study found that computing skills are becoming more essential, while jobs requiring 'influence skills' such as writing reports and teaching others are also on the rise.
An international team of mathematicians has factored a 307-digit number, shattering the previous record. The achievement was made possible by advances in distributed computing and refined algorithms.
A study found that using a 'walk-and-work' desk increases energy expenditure by 100 kilocalories per hour, equivalent to shedding 20-30 kg annually. The device allows workers to walk on a treadmill while working, reducing sedentary behavior.
The TRIPS processor is a demonstration of Explicit Data Graph Execution (EDGE) technology, offering an alternative approach to multicore processing. It features two 16-wide processors per chip, capable of issuing 16 operations per cycle and sustaining high execution rates.
Virginia Tech researcher Patrick Schaumont is developing a methodology to create secure embedded system designs. His goal is to protect sensitive information stored on portable computers, including access codes and high-resolution photographs.
A study by University of Alberta researchers found that cultural differences affect how people interpret facial cues, with Japanese focusing on eyes and Americans on mouth. The findings suggest that understanding culture is essential when interpreting facial expressions.
The Ohio State University software analyzes crash data to pinpoint traffic accident hotspots, revealing surprising patterns such as increased speeding accidents during weekday rush hours. The tool also indicates that drunk-driving accidents tend to occur on specific interstates and routes near major cities.
A team of researchers from VCU and UC Cincinnati have made a significant breakthrough in spintronics by extending the spin relaxation time in organic nanostructures to over a second. This discovery has the potential to enable the development of smaller, faster, and more efficient electronic devices.
A computer-based decision tool has been developed to predict a patient's treatment preferences when they are incapacitated. This tool, called a 'population-based treatment indicator,' analyzes the treatment preferences of similar individuals and estimates the likelihood that the patient would want certain treatments.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new method to simulate the hidden properties of water, resolving long-standing ambiguities in its structure and behavior. The study uses quantum mechanics to predict the properties of liquid water, opening up new avenues for understanding its applications in various fields.
Rebecca Slayton argues that while scientists can inform public debate, their role is limited due to the complexity of computing and testing. Computer professionals played a significant role in opposing missile defense proposals in the 1960s and 1980s, but their warnings were initially dismissed as pessimism.
Ron Fedkiw's work on physically based simulation has improved realism in feature films, such as Poseidon and Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. He designed new algorithms to simulate complex phenomena like water and fire, enabling unprecedented special effects.
Researchers found a significant decline in moderate to vigorous physical activity among teenagers, from 5.9 hours/week in early adolescence to 4.9 hours/week in midadolescence for girls. Meanwhile, sedentary behaviors like computer use increased substantially, associated with increased risk of obesity.
A new computer tool evaluates 16 predictive features to identify genetic mutations linked to a higher risk of cancer. The tool demonstrated an accuracy rate exceeding 94% in identifying protein functions associated with increased cancer risk.
Scientists have developed a new method to read brain activity patterns associated with specific thoughts, enabling the decoding of secret intentions. The technique, called multivariate pattern recognition, combines brain imaging data with sophisticated computer algorithms to predict subjects' decisions.
Researchers at MIT's Center for Bits and Atoms have created a microfluidic device that uses bubble logic to control chemical reactions and perform process control information like a computer. The technology has the potential to revolutionize large-scale chemical analysis, synthesis, testing, and industrial production processes.
Nine new projects and four renewals have been awarded large amounts of time on IBM Blue Gene/L systems at Argonne National Laboratory through the DOE INCITE program. Researchers will investigate topics such as protein structure prediction, foam formation, and nanoscale light manipulation to advance materials science and computing.
Researchers at the University of Missouri-Columbia have developed a method to align polar molecules in crystals, which could lead to faster and more efficient microchips. This breakthrough has the potential to reduce energy costs and create new technologies that make computers cooler.
Researchers created a compound that can switch between magnetic states upon light exposure, enabling binary information storage on an atomic scale. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-small data storage devices for future computers.
The University of Chicago's Center for Astrophysical Thermonuclear Flashes will perform the world's most advanced simulations of exploding white dwarf stars using 2.5 million hours of processing time. The goal is to understand the nature of dark energy, a mysterious force dominating the universe.
Yehoshua Perl's research aims to track down errant or misplaced medical terms in government agencies, hospitals, and academic institutions. His team develops techniques to identify and correct errors, ensuring consistent and accurate communication of clinical information.
A new system uses machine-learning methods to identify authors based on similar names, affiliations, and publication data, achieving 90.6% accuracy in a large-scale test. The algorithm will be integrated into the next generation of CiteSeer, the largest academic search engine.
Researchers from Johns Hopkins University are developing mathematical models to represent the safest and most effective ways to perform surgery. By analyzing data from robotic medical tools, they aim to evaluate a surgeon's work and help doctors improve their skills. The goal is also to enable robotic surgical tools to perform with gre...
Researchers have cracked the workings of the Antikythera Mechanism, a 2,000-year-old computer that tracked astronomical movements with remarkable precision. The ancient Greek device predicted eclipses and recreated the moon's irregular orbit, challenging previous assumptions about their technological capabilities.
Dr. Youqi Wang is creating a new approach to designing ballistic-resistant fabrics and textiles. Her research focuses on the mechanical properties of fibers and how they interact with each other.
Andrew Christlieb, a Michigan State University assistant professor of mathematics, has been awarded $300,000 over three years to study questions of plasma physics and develop new methods for solving complex problems. His research aims to improve the speed and accuracy of computer models used in simulations of complex systems.
A large study published in Environmental Health journal reveals that IBM factory workers in the US are more likely to die from cancer than the general population. The study confirms previous findings and highlights clear health risks for computer factory workers worldwide.
Researchers developed a DNA-based computer that can diagnose West Nile Virus and bird flu faster and more accurately. The technology has the potential to be used in instruments to diagnose and treat cancer, diabetes, and other diseases.
A new research program aims to teach computers to scan through text and sort opinion from fact, with the goal of improving national security. The project uses machine-learning algorithms to train computers on examples of text expressing both fact and opinion, enabling them to distinguish between the two.
Researchers from UCSB and Intel built the world's first Hybrid Silicon Laser using standard silicon manufacturing processes, combining Indium Phosphide for light emission and silicon for light routing. This breakthrough addresses the last major barrier to producing low-cost, high-bandwidth silicon photonics devices.
Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a new type of transistor that uses quantum mechanics to regulate current flow in single molecules. This breakthrough could enable the creation of incredibly powerful, compact computers and medical devices.
Researchers have developed a device that combines a tiny camera, computer, and transparent display on glasses to improve the visual abilities of people with tunnel vision. The study shows significant improvements in object detection and reduced search time for patients.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a tiny ion pump that can cool small microelectronic components efficiently. The device uses an electrical charge to create a cooling air jet and has been shown to significantly cool an actively heated surface on just 0.6 watts of power.
The Wisconsin Emerging Scholars in Computer Science (WES-CS) program at UW-Madison is working to increase diversity in the field by recruiting underrepresented groups of freshmen and implementing parallel team-learning techniques. The program has seen success with its 'First-Year Interest Group' and innovative 'Digital Divide' course, ...
Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed Ballbot, a self-contained mobile robot that balances dynamically on a single sphere, enabling it to move easily among people and furniture. The robot's tall and skinny design allows it to outperform traditional statically stable robots in environments with obstacles.