Articles tagged with Computers
JitterBugs are tiny devices that can be hidden in keyboards to steal data without user knowledge. They work by adding nearly imperceptible processing delays after each keystroke, allowing them to transmit stolen information through network connections.
Researchers developed an electronic artwork system that recognizes eight key facial features to determine the emotional state of a viewer. The system adapts the artwork's colors and brush strokes in real-time, creating a unique interactive artistic experience.
Researchers have developed a 'Fingertip Digitizer' that can transfer the meaning and intent of common hand gestures to virtual worlds, allowing for greater precision and control. The device can also sense physical characteristics of objects and detect health anomalies.
A new method for rendering realistic hair in computer animation has been developed by Cornell researchers, allowing for more accurate simulations of light scattering and diffusion. This breakthrough reduces computation time by 87.5%, enabling the creation of more realistic blond and light-colored hairstyles.
A UW-Madison team has developed a new process to create thin-film semiconductors on flexible materials, enabling the creation of powerful, low-power electronic devices. The technique can be used to make wearable electronics, computer monitors that roll up like a window shade, and other applications for non-computer uses.
Researchers at MIT developed mesh-like webs of light-detecting fibers, measuring direction, intensity, and phase of light without lenses or filters. The fiber constructs can generate rough images of objects, providing a new approach to situational awareness and interactive technology.
Researchers aim to understand how complex visual scenes are encoded by the brain using a new computer model. The computer will mimic nerve cell interactions and track patterns of neural spikes in real-time.
Researchers have developed a system that enables people with severe paralysis to generate signals in the motor cortex of their brain, which can be detected and converted into actions. Two patients, Matthew Nagle and a 55-year-old man, successfully controlled computers and even opened prosthetic hands using only their thoughts.
Researchers developed a brain-to-movement system called BrainGate, which enabled a paralyzed man to control objects using only his thoughts. The pilot clinical trial findings show that movement signals persist in the primary motor cortex long after a spinal cord injury, allowing for direct and successful control of external devices.
A Carnegie Mellon University computer scientist has created a computer program called GS1 that can play winning hands of Texas Hold'Em without knowing much about the game. The program relies on game theory to analyze poker rules and outperformed two leading 'pokerbots' in tests.
Physicists at NIST have developed a novel electromagnetic trap for ions that could be mass produced to build large-scale quantum computers. The new trap, described in Physical Review Letters, uses a 'chip-like' geometry to confine ions and has shown promise in trapping multiple ions without generating excessive heat.
Researchers develop a program that automatically generates 3D models from a single photograph, improving object recognition and understanding of geometric context. By teaching computers to spot visual cues that differentiate between vertical and horizontal surfaces, they create a breakthrough in computer vision research.
A new method of user-testing in interactive games is being developed using 'immersidata,' which captures machine-readable records of commands sent by players. The tool, ISIS, analyzes these records to identify problems in game design and development, including navigation errors and emotional responses.
A new study finds that computer-based screenings increase the odds of identifying domestic violence victims, but don't guarantee that it will be addressed during emergency department encounters. The study found that women are more likely to disclose their domestic violence situations to clinicians who use computer-based screenings, and...
Physicians will happily adopt information technology, according to Canadian Medical Association Journal commentary. The main barriers to IT adoption are often related to time constraints and resistance from physicians, rather than power or politics.
A computer-based screening program increased discussions about domestic violence among women visiting emergency departments, particularly those who received standard care. Women using the computer screening were more likely to disclose their own experiences and receive referrals for domestic violence.
A unified theory outlines the processes involved in perception of advertising, including gauging attractiveness and evaluating relevance. Attractive spokespeople may be less persuasive than unattractive ones when consumers believe their thinking is unduly influenced.
Researchers found that using a high-dose nicotine patch significantly reduced relapse rates among smokers who experienced lapses. Participants who used the active patch after lapsing were up to 4-6 times less likely to 'cheat' again, making it more effective in preventing full relapse.
A recent study found that using forearm supports can significantly reduce neck and shoulder pain as well as hand, wrist, and forearm pain. The study also showed that arm boards and ergonomics training provide the most protective effect against musculoskeletal disorders.
Researchers found that computer animations can heighten a person's confidence but not necessarily accuracy when it comes to making fair decisions. The study suggests that animations can introduce additional bias, leading to harsher penalties.
A team of scientists has created a simple mathematical model to explain how dogs walk, which could help inform the design of quadruped robots and treatments for hip dysplasia. By comparing computer simulations with real-world observations, they found that dogs' walking patterns can be attributed to a passive stiff-limbed model.
A new mathematical algorithm designed to improve noise cancellation technologies can reduce unwanted helicopter and cabin noise by 40 decibels or more. The 'feedforward' active-noise control works by generating anti-noise signals that adapt to acoustic coupling, solving a long-standing problem in the field.
Researchers found that when men were angered and anticipated retaliation, they chose to read negative online news stories. Women, on the other hand, selected more positive news to dissipate their anger before a confrontation. This shows that people use news to regulate their moods, reflecting societal norms around gender roles.
The Netherlands Organization for Scientific Research has awarded projects to investigate integration of immigrants into their new home country. Researchers are also exploring the brain's processing with magnetic stimulation and creating virtual environments for socio-psychological research.
Biologists have completed the first computer simulation of an entire life form, a virus, to study its dynamics and mechanistic properties. The simulations provided crucial information on the virus's assembly and could contribute to improvements in public health and the creation of artificial nanomachines.
A team of researchers at Duke University has developed a computer-assisted method to find novel and superior materials by simulating and lab synthesizing vast universes of possible molecules. The technique, called LCAP, uses a universal property applicable to all molecules to identify optimal candidates for various applications.
A team of researchers, led by Giulia Galli at UC Davis, used a supercomputer to investigate the structure of liquid water. They found that water molecules may not cluster in tetrahedral groups as previously thought, but instead form rings and chains.
A study at Rice University found that brain activity differs between merged and unmerged dialect groups when hearing similar sounds. This suggests that the merged-dialect group processes the words differently, relying on explicit memory for previous visual stimuli.
Researchers have successfully demonstrated that quantum dots can transfer energy in a "coherent" fashion when exposed to light, paving the way for potential optical quantum computing and medical imaging applications. This breakthrough could lead to faster and more efficient computers, as well as reduced heat generation.
Research by Lingraphicare America reveals that speech generating devices can help stroke patients recover from aphasia, even years after the initial injury. The study found nearly half of subjects improved to a less severe diagnostic category, with gains observed across all severity levels.
The Cityware project aims to develop pervasive computing technology that enables users to access services anywhere, anytime. The project will test new location recognition tools, interactive games and cultural activities, as well as information services for everyday life.
Computer interface design should prioritize physical interactions, taking into account the physical world's intuitions and fidelity of control. Prototyping is key to gathering user feedback for continuous improvement, ensuring interfaces augment rather than replace human experiences.
Thomas C. Hales famously proved Johannes Kepler's 400-year-old conjecture on sphere-packing using a computer-assisted proof, which was initially met with skepticism by reviewers. Hales is now using his problem-solving skills to 'prove the proof' using a specially written computer language in the Flyspeck Project.
Computer interface design should respect the real world, considering human intuitions and tactile experiences. Design principles emphasize balancing physical and virtual interactions to deliver information technology benefits without sacrificing physical advantages.
Mathematician Devlin discusses the shift from intuitive proofs to formal systems, highlighting the limitations of traditional methods. He also explores the impact of computer analysis on proof validity, demonstrating how new techniques have increased mathematical accuracy.
The European Union's ban on lead in electronic appliances has led to the widespread adoption of Ames Laboratory's lead-free solder, which was patented in 1996. The solder blend of tin-silver-copper alloy offers a lower melting temperature and greater strength than other alternatives.
The Patient-centered Assessment and Counseling for Exercise + Nutrition (PACE+) intervention improved diet and physical activity habits among teens. After one year, adolescents in the PACE+ program reduced their sedentary behaviors by one hour per day and increased their number of active days.
A new clinical prediction rule for estimating the probability of PE significantly reduces adverse outcomes by identifying patients at low or high risk. The revised Geneva score provides a standardized, easy-to-compute tool for diagnosing and managing PE.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered that magnetic vortices in nickel-iron alloy exhibit unique behavior when trapped within lithographically patterned ferromagnetic structures. The study, published in Nature Physics, shows promise for the development of faster and more energy-efficient electronic devices.
Researchers at Princeton University propose a new mathematical approach to produce desired configurations of nanoparticles by manipulating their interactions. This method could lead to radical implications in industries like telecommunications, computers, and aerospace engineering, as well as our understanding of life.
A study by SCCA physicians found that computer-aided evaluation can significantly assist radiologists in accurately interpreting breast MRI studies, improving sensitivity and specificity. The use of CAE resulted in reduced false positive rates and improved accuracy in detecting malignant lesions.
A recent study found that even slight squinting while staring at a computer monitor can lead to reduced blinking rates, resulting in dry eye symptoms. Researchers used tiny electrodes to measure muscle activity, revealing a significant decrease in blink rate from 15 blinks per minute to just 4 blinks per minute when participants squinted.
FSU researcher Ben Wang is pushing the boundaries of buckypaper, a material made from carbon nanotubes that's twice as hard as a diamond. The potential applications are vast, including developing stronger aerospace structures, more-effective body armor and next-generation computer displays.
A new computer system using DNA will be developed to solve complex logistical problems, such as evacuation logistics after a hurricane. The system aims to calculate optimal evacuation routes and supply logistics in record time.
A team of international researchers has discovered a new method to link qubit rings, which could lead to the creation of the world's most powerful computers. The breakthrough opens up the possibility of creating quantum gates, a more advanced version of processors found in modern computers.
A new climate model predicts more extreme temperatures throughout the US, with intense heat waves in the desert Southwest, and more storms along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Northwest. The model, which incorporates many climatic factors in unprecedented detail, suggests that these changes will disrupt national economy and infrastructure.
The Penn State Earth and Mineral Sciences Library launched a geocache treasure hunt as an orientation tool for freshmen. Participants used GPS coordinates to locate the cache, which was hidden in plain sight within the library. The hunt incorporated library knowledge, including the Library of Congress classification system.
Patients who used a computer to learn about a screening test for colon cancer showed equal success and knowledge compared to those educated by a nurse. The study suggests that computer-assisted instruction can help increase screening rates for colon cancer by overcoming patient confusion and physicians' lack of time.
A joint project between Cyberkinetics, Case Western Reserve University, and the Cleveland FES Center aims to develop a neuroprosthetic system capable of restoring partial arm and hand function. The proposed system combines limb movement technology with brain-interface technology to enable human users to control devices through thought ...
Researchers found that students learned artificial math and science better when presented using simple, abstract symbols rather than concrete 3-D objects. This challenges the common belief that concrete materials make learning more engaging and increases motivation.
Aesthetic computing uses drawings, sculptures, or computer graphics to make abstract ideas in algebra 'real'. Teachers at a recent workshop were introduced to an introductory curriculum that involves repackaging traditional equations into nontraditional forms, resulting in art pieces like diagrams with circles and lines.
Researchers created digital humans that mimicked participants' head movements and voices to test their persuasive effects. The study found that people were more emotionally engaged when interacting with these digital humans compared to traditional computer interfaces.
Researchers at Loughborough University have developed a lightweight visualisation tool for the RealityGrid e-Science project, which uses Grid technologies to model and simulate complex condensed matter structures. The tool can be used on mobile devices and supports multiple users to view and interact with data simultaneously.
Scientists have made significant progress in predicting protein structures using computers. The Rosetta program uses a two-step process to generate energy calculations and select the lowest energy shape as prediction. This approach has achieved almost atomic resolution in structure prediction for about one-third of small proteins.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed innovative authentication mechanisms for handheld devices, including proximity beacons and mobile device authentication. These mechanisms use location-based authentication to secure sensitive information on these devices.
RIT's new gravitySimulator supercomputer can simulate galaxy evolution with unprecedented precision, handling up to 4 million stars at once. The machine, one of only two in the world, achieves a top speed of 4 Teraflops, enabling researchers to study complex astrophysical phenomena.
Doctors with poor communications skills struggle to engage patients due to computer placement, whereas those with good skills use eye contact and posture. The study emphasizes the importance of placing computers on moveable arms for optimal eye contact between doctors and patients.
A study found that third-grade students with TVs in their bedrooms scored lower on math and language arts tests compared to those without. However, children with access to home computers showed improved test scores, suggesting a potential solution for parents seeking to boost their child's academic achievement.
A multidisciplinary team at USC Viterbi School created a two-way voice translation system that turns doctor's English questions into Persian and vice versa. The Transonics Spoken Dialog Translator uses a combination of human observation, computer code, and machine learning to achieve fluent communication.
Researchers from Pitt's Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a customized active RFID tag generation system with ADCUS. This system enables smaller companies to quickly produce executable code for various RFID standards, covering the complete RFID market.