Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Better models of atmospheric ‘detergent’ can help predict climate change

Researchers used computer simulations to predict the presence of hydroxyl radicals, which clean pollutants from the atmosphere. The study showed that traditional models had widely varying forecasts due to uncertainties in gas emissions, and that better models can aid in combating climate change.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 2, 2021

AI-powered glaucoma screening test delivers rapid results

A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.

SourceRMIT University·JournalIEEE Access·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 27, 2021

Scientists show how AI may spot unseen signs of heart failure

A new AI-based computer algorithm created by Mount Sinai researchers can identify subtle changes in electrocardiograms to predict heart failure. The algorithm was 94% accurate at predicting healthy ejection fractions and 87% accurate at detecting weakened hearts, offering a promising alternative to traditional diagnosis methods.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalJACC Cardiovascular Imaging·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 18, 2021

Could computer games encourage people to adhere to COVID-19 measures?

A study from Lancaster University found that a serious game, 'Point of Contact', increased players' awareness of Covid-19 transmission risk and favorability towards health over livelihood. The game's impact was significant, with 87% of participants saying they would be more careful in following Covid-19 preventative guidance.

SourceLancaster University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

Photonic chip is key to nurturing quantum computers

A team of researchers at Bristol's Quantum Engineering and Technology Labs has developed a silicon photonic chip that can protect quantum bits from errors using photons. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more powerful quantum computers by reducing the fragility of qubits.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 29, 2021

Scientists can now assemble entire genomes on their personal computers in minutes

Researchers at MIT and Institut Pasteur have created an efficient method for assembling entire genomes, including the human genome, in minutes using personal computers. This approach uses minimizer-space de Bruijn graphs to store only a small fraction of nucleotides while preserving overall genome structure, enabling faster processing ...

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Health care experts propose policies to encourage shared responsibility between electronic health record developers and users

Researchers from UTHealth and Baylor College of Medicine recommend that EHR developers annually assess their products to ensure safety recommendations are met. The authors suggest three strategies to complement the new CMS rules, aiming to distribute responsibility for safety improvements evenly between designers, developers, and users.

SourceUniversity of Texas Health Science Center at Houston·JournalJAMA·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateSep 10, 2021

NIH-funded modern “white cane” brings navigation assistance to the 21st century

A newly improved robotic cane, funded by NIH/National Eye Institute, uses a color 3D camera, inertial measurement sensor, and onboard computer to guide users to desired locations while avoiding obstacles. The device can provide accurate navigation assistance in large spaces with sensory and auditory cues.

SourceNIH/National Eye Institute·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2021

Keeping it random

Scientists created a reliable true random number generator using atomically thin two-dimensional films, overcoming long-term stability issues and power consumption concerns. The innovation uses memristors to produce fluctuating electronic signals with an exceptionally high degree of randomness.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2021

‘Missing jigsaw piece’: engineers make critical advance in quantum computer design

Quantum engineers at the University of New South Wales have discovered a new technique to control millions of spin qubits, a critical step towards building a practical quantum computer. This breakthrough uses a novel component called a dielectric resonator to focus microwave power and deliver uniform magnetic fields across the chip.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2021

Gender, personality influence use of interactive tools online

Researchers found that people's personality, such as extroversion, and gender affect their interaction with websites. Extroverted individuals tend to prefer interactive sites that facilitate communication between users, while men and women have different preferences when it comes to interacting with computers.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 13, 2021

Computers predict people's tastes in art

A new study by California Institute of Technology researchers found that a computer program can accurately predict which paintings a person will like, using low-level visual attributes such as contrast, saturation, and hue. The program achieved similar accuracy to deep convolutional neural networks in predicting art preferences.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Human Behaviour·DateJun 15, 2021

Early endeavors on the path to reliable quantum machine learning

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new approach to prove the robustness conditions of certain quantum-based machine learning models, guaranteeing reliable results. The team's work explores protection against errors and hackers, paving the way for more accurate and trustworthy quantum machine learning applications.

SourceETH Zurich·Journalnpj Quantum Information·DateJun 8, 2021

The role of computer voice in the future of speech-based human-computer interaction

A team of researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology and RIKEN, Japan, conducted a meta-synthesis to understand human perception and interaction with computer voices. They found that users prefer human-like voices, particularly those with high pitches and empathetic tones, and that the inclusion of vocal fillers improves interactions.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACM Computing Surveys·DateJun 1, 2021

Better understanding membranes

Experts from the University of Goettingen and Hereon have developed new research strategies for polymer membranes, promising relatively inexpensive production and strong separation selectivity. Computer simulations will play a crucial role in understanding these systems.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Hereon·JournalChemical Reviews·DateMay 26, 2021

Composing thoughts: Mental handwriting produces brain activity turned into text

A new brain-computer interface (BCI) system has been developed to restore communication in people with spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders. The system uses mental handwriting to record brain activity, allowing participants to compose sentences and communicate at a speed comparable to typing on a smartphone.

New app makes Bitcoin more secure

A new mobile app is being developed to safeguard users of cryptocurrency by detecting vulnerabilities in popular 'wallet' applications used to manage Bitcoin. The app, called the Bitcoin Security Rectifier, monitors for signs of intrusions and alerts users when an attack is happening, providing remedies based on the type of attack.

An easy-to-use platform is a gateway to AI in microscopy

Researchers have developed a cloud-based platform called ZeroCostDL4Mic that uses artificial intelligence to analyze microscopy images, improving image quality and detecting features such as tumors in biopsy samples. The platform is freely available online and requires no coding expertise, making it accessible to non-experts.

SourceAbo Akademi University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 23, 2021

Cracking the code of the Dead Sea Scrolls

University of Groningen researchers used artificial intelligence to analyze the Dead Sea Scrolls, identifying two scribes who wrote the famous Great Isaiah Scroll. The AI tool separated text from background and analyzed handwriting patterns, revealing differences between the two scribes.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 21, 2021

Modern analysis of rock art

A machine learning study of rock art in Arnhem Land, Australia, has reconstructed the chronology of artistic styles using over 14 million images. The analysis revealed a link between style similarity and time, showing that styles closer in age were also more similar in appearance.

SourceFlinders University·JournalAustralian Archaeology·DateMar 30, 2021