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Qubits turn up trumps

Researchers have developed a silicon-chip qubit that can perform quantum computations without leaking information due to decoherence. This achievement is based on a blueprint from 1998 and could lead to the creation of large arrays of qubits for practical quantum processing.

Getting the jump on hackers

Virginia Tech researchers are working on ways to protect battery-operated computers and wireless devices from hacking attempts that can drain their batteries. The project aims to develop built-in measures to prevent such attacks, which could become a major concern for the wireless industry.

Ad repetition may confuse consumers: study

A study published in the Journal of Marketing Research found that ad repetition can be confusing for consumers. Students who were mentally engaged with ads performed better at matching product names and slogans than those who were not, suggesting a positive effect of mental engagement on memory.

SourceUniversity of Toronto·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateSep 17, 2002

Rice building Texas' fastest academic supercomputer

Rice Terascale Cluster will be the first university computer in Texas with a peak performance of 1 teraflop, enabling complex mathematical simulations for drug designers and biomedical researchers. The cluster will tackle increasingly complex problems in fields like bioinformatics, physics, and computer science.

Computer predicts outcome of breast cancer

A computer system developed by Newcastle University researchers accurately predicted the spread of breast cancer and five-year survival rates in nearly 90% of patients. The system uses a combination of neural networks and fuzzy logic to analyze images of cells from tissue samples.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAnticancer Research·DateJul 24, 2002

Rembrandt and the US Navy

Scientists from the University of Minnesota and Duke University developed computer techniques that can automate image inpainting, restoring lost regions with neighboring available information. This technology has applications in surveillance images, enabling faster recovery of lost information and potential super resolution.

What do women in IT want?

A study by Dr. Eileen Trauth found that women in IT face unique challenges depending on their cultural background, family support, and personal experiences. The researcher suggests that respecting individual differences and providing tailored encouragement can help women resist social shaping and succeed in the field.

SourcePenn State·JournalInformation Technology and People·DateJun 28, 2002

Stanford engineer studies neural prosthetics

Researchers at Stanford and Caltech have made a breakthrough in neural prosthetics, demonstrating that electrical signals from the parietal reach region can control movement and planning. The study enabled a monkey to control a cursor with its thoughts, paving the way for potential applications in helping severely paralyzed patients.

Computer reminders can increase delivery of preventive care to hospitalized patients

A randomized trial shows that computer reminders can significantly boost vaccination rates for hospitalized patients, particularly those over 65. The system identified eligible candidates and prompted physicians to order vaccinations, resulting in a 51% increase in influenza vaccinations and a 36% increase in pneumonia vaccinations.

SourceIndiana University·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateSep 27, 2001

Brain circuitry involved in language reveals differences in man, non-human primates

Scientists discovered microscopic differences in minicolumns, a group of brain cells involved in language, between humans and non-human primates. These findings suggest that the human brain is organized differently than its primate counterparts, which may explain the complexity of human communication.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalAmerican Journal of Physical Anthropology·DateSep 4, 2001

Wearable translators

A wearable translator is being developed by ONR to provide real-time language translation for the military and civilians. The device will be able to understand context and generate appropriate translations, benefiting various professionals such as airport personnel and tourists.

Model aims to help recyclers curb high-tech trash

A new computer recycling model developed by Purdue University's Julie Ann Stuart can help recyclers determine the economic viability of processing bulk materials. The model takes into account factors such as metal prices and helps prevent financial losses for recyclers.

SourcePurdue University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Electronics Packaging Manufacturing·DateJan 10, 2001

Purdue engineers develop a chair with 'sense'

The Purdue University engineers' modified office chair uses software algorithms to interpret pressure sensor data and determine the user's seating posture. The system demonstrated an overall accuracy of 96% in distinguishing between different postures, with a special dynamic system being worked on for real-time tracking.

Readers become part of the action through high-tech mixture of traditional storytelling and virtual reality in University of Washington's 'Magic Book'

The Magic Book project enables readers to move from a real-world reading experience to an immersive virtual environment, interacting with characters and objects. This technology has applications in storybooks, technical manuals, and textbooks, offering a seamless transition between physical and virtual environments.

Adhesive tricks to recycle old computers

Researchers at Cornell University have developed an environmentally friendly adhesive that can be easily removed and cleaned up, making it possible to recycle outmoded computers. The adhesive, dubbed Alpha-Terp, can be broken down using heat or industrial solvents, allowing for the reuse of valuable components.

Student suggestions enhance lab exercises

A new teaching method combines computer-assisted methods with hands-on laboratory exercises to help undergraduate students understand molecules. The integrated experiment allows students to explore molecular characteristics on the computer and test predictions in the lab.

UI researchers solve 32-year-old mathematics problem

Researchers solved the 'nug30' problem, a test of computer capabilities that challenged computer scientists for 32 years, by designing an efficient algorithm and leveraging high-performance computing resources. The solution demonstrates advancements in combinatorial optimization problems and their applications in real-world fields.