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Seven ORNL technologies win R&D 100 research awards

ORNL researchers have won seven 2022 R&D 100 Awards for their advancements in materials science, machine learning, and energy storage. DuAlumin-3D, a high-strength aluminum alloy, and Gremlin, an AI system to identify weaknesses in machine learning models, are among the winning technologies.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateAug 25, 2022
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

Haptics device creates realistic virtual textures

Researchers developed a preference-driven model that uses human users to fine-tune virtual textures, allowing for more accurate and personalized tactile experiences. The technology has applications in various fields, including video games, fashion design, and surgical training.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalIEEE Transactions on Haptics·DateMay 20, 2022

CABBI team develops automated platform for plasmid production

Researchers at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have developed PlasmidMaker, an automated platform for designing and constructing plasmids. The platform uses Pyrococcus furiosus Argonaute-based artificial restriction enzymes to assemble DNA fragments with greater flexibility and precision.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Study finds realism a key factor in driving engagement with virtual reality videos

A recent study at North Carolina State University found that realism is a key factor in determining viewer engagement with virtual reality (VR) videos. The researchers discovered that viewers who enjoyed their VR experiences were more likely to want to watch additional VR videos in the future.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

A stretchy display for shapable electronics

Scientists at Stanford University have created a stretchy display that can change shape in response to user interaction. The display uses elastic light-emitting polymers and has a maximum brightness two times that of a typical cellphone, allowing it to be stretched up to twice its original length without tearing.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature·DateMar 23, 2022

GIST Researchers develop Terrain-Aware AI for predicting battle outcomes in StarCraft 2

A team of scientists from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology developed a deep learning-based approach to predict SC2 battle outcomes by considering army composition and terrain type. The proposed model leveraged parameter sharing, enabling it to analyze complex factors accurately and make predictions.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalExpert Systems with Applications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 18, 2022
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

New feature adaptation of Github Discussions

A recent study by Shinshu University explores the early adoption of GitHub Discussions, revealing its utility for managing project discussions and identifying key factors for improvement, including guidelines for participation and encouraging core members.

SourceShinshu University·JournalEmpirical Software Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 10, 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

Making data visualizations more accessible

A new study by MIT researchers has found that blind and sighted readers have sharply different takes on what content is most useful to include in a chart caption. The study created a four-level framework for evaluating charts, which could help develop more effective tools for automatically generating captions and alternative text.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Visualization and Computer Graphics·DateOct 13, 2021
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Virtual fitting room

A team of researchers has created a virtual fitting room system using AI and a bespoke robotic mannequin. The system can digitize garments in two hours and synthesize photorealistic images, allowing users to try on clothing in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021

Designing ‘smart’ security for smart devices

Researchers aim to create a flexible security feature that learns from past cyberattacks and requires minimal human intervention. They'll collaborate with device developers to share solutions and improve future responses to attacks.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateSep 29, 2021

Need to change careers? This AI tool can help

Researchers developed an AI-powered tool to identify and recommend jobs based on underlying skill sets, increasing the chances of success in job transitions. The system can also respond to changes in job demand and provide precise skills needed to transition to a new occupation.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2021
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

New chatbot can explain apps and show you how they access hardware or data

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new chatbot called Hey GUI, which allows users to find information on apps and their user interfaces using simple text phrases or images. The chatbot was designed based on the most frequent expressions collected from a survey of over 100 designers, developers, and ordinary users.

SourceAalto University·DateJul 1, 2021

When algorithms go bad: How consumers respond

A new study finds that consumers penalize brands less when an algorithm causes a brand harm crisis, as perceived agency and responsibility for the error mediate their responses. Marketers should deploy and monitor algorithms with heightened vigilance and provide technological supervision to reduce negative consumer responses.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 5, 2021

Your paper notebook could become your next tablet

Purdue engineers have developed a simple printing process that renders any paper or cardboard packaging into easy-to-use human-machine interfaces. The technology allows for the fabrication of vertical pressure sensors without external batteries, harvesting energy from user contact.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNano Energy·DateSep 1, 2020

Stress-relief substrate helps OLED stretch two-dimensionally?

Researchers at KAIST have created stretchable OLEDs with a unique stress-relief substrate design featuring pillar arrays that reduce stress on active areas under strain. This technology enables 2D stretchability, overcoming commercial limitations of traditional OLEDs.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateFeb 28, 2020
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

A stretchable stopwatch lights up human skin

Researchers have developed a stretchable light-emitting device that operates at low voltages and is safe for human skin. The device can be used in smart wearables, soft robotics, and human-machine interfaces.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateOct 30, 2019

A wearable device so thin and soft you won't even notice it

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a multifunctional ultra-thin wearable electronic device that can be worn on human skin without being noticed. The device has potential applications in healthcare and robotics, allowing it to automatically collect information and relay it back to the wearer.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 2, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

New open source software eases the pain of multiple UI designs

The ORC Layout software uses flexible principles to suggest intuitive layouts for various screen sizes and orientations, reducing time-consuming and error-prone manual design. By combining traditional constraint-based layout and flow layout methods, the software automates UI design, making it simpler and more efficient.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateMay 7, 2019

Adding human touch to unchatty chatbots may lead to bigger letdown

Researchers found that chatbots with human-like features but low interactivity disappointed people, while those with high interactivity were better received. Improving interactivity without adding human-like cues can also lead to a more positive user experience.

SourcePenn State·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateApr 18, 2019

Enhancing human-machine interactions

Researchers discovered that simulating human cooperation with machine-actors can significantly enhance human-machine interactions. The study involved over 100 volunteers and showed improved performance comparable to human-human collaborations.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Does technology really enhance our decision-making ability?

A recent study by US Army Research Laboratory scientist Dr. James Schaffer and his collaborators found that users' subjective satisfaction with their decisions is strongly influenced by their cognitive state and traits, not just the system's user experience.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateSep 7, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Let's make a deal: Could AI compromise better than humans?

A recent study by Brigham Young University researchers found that machines trained with an algorithm called S# outperformed humans in finding compromises that benefit both parties. The machines were able to learn from 'cheap talk' phrases and maintain cooperation, often more effectively than humans.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 18, 2018

Can good design be cost-effective?

A massive database of mobile app designs has been created to help designers find cost-effective solutions, allowing for the automated exploration of less common screens and machine-learning models that can go beyond simple search interactions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateOct 25, 2017

Picture perfect

A new system called Computational Zoom enables photographers to compose images post-capture by controlling object positions and sizes. This allows for novel image compositions, including automatically combining wide-angle and telephoto perspectives into a single multi-perspective image.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateJul 31, 2017
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

'Virtual partner' elicits emotional responses from a human partner in real-time

Researchers develop virtual partner that elicits emotional responses from humans, exceeding intellectual capacity test. The study reveals coordinated motion between brains and machines can make therapeutic contributions to rehabilitation of diseases such as schizophrenia and autism.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalInternational Journal of Psychophysiology·DateMay 17, 2016
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Crowd-augmented cognition

Researchers developed tools that empower distributed groups of workers to perform complicated cognitive tasks with greater speed and accuracy. The Knowledge Accelerator and Alloy systems combine human intelligence and machine learning to synthesize online information, identifying patterns and themes among documents.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMay 11, 2016

Wearable technology can help with public speaking

A team of researchers from the University of Rochester has created a system called Rhema that uses smart glasses to give real-time feedback on public speaking volume and rate. This feedback helps speakers adjust their performance, with tests showing an improvement in delivery compared to users who received no or continuous feedback.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateMar 30, 2015

Better how-to videos

Researchers at MIT and Harvard University developed a new system called Crowdy that recruits viewers to create subgoal labels for educational videos. The system improves video annotations by leveraging crowdsourcing, reducing costs to $1 per minute, and enhancing learner retention and satisfaction.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 11, 2015
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Piezotronics and piezo-phototronics leading to unprecedented active electronics and optoelectronics

Piezotronics harnesses mechanically-induced polarization to modulate charge carriers, leading to novel device applications and unparalleled performance. This technology has given rise to strain-gated piezotronic transistors, logic nanodevices and strain memory devices, enhancing sensing capabilities and enabling 3D structuring.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateApr 14, 2014

Using crowdsourcing to solve complex problems

Professor Haoqi Zhang's crowd-supported systems solve complex problems like custom trip planning and academic conference organization. His research integrates community process, intelligent user interfaces and crowdsourced input to create efficient solutions.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 16, 2014

E-whiskers

Researchers at Berkeley Lab created highly sensitive tactile sensors using composite films of carbon nanotubes and silver nanoparticles, 10 times more sensitive than previous pressure sensors. These e-whiskers can be integrated into various systems to enable robots to 'see' and 'feel' their surroundings.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2014

Lab in the Wild asks: What's your Internet like?

The Lab in the Wild project aims to gather data on how people think, perceive information, and use technology from around the world. Researchers will analyze thousands of users' responses to tests designed to elicit information about their online culture, including preferences for website design and functionality.

SourceHarvard University·DateAug 6, 2012

I'm listening -- conversations with computers

A computer system called SEMAINE is being developed to recognize human emotions through facial expressions, gaze, and voice, enabling it to adapt its performance and engage in conversation. This project aims to bridge the gap between humans and technology, paving the way for more natural interactions.

SourceQueen's University Belfast·DateApr 16, 2008
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Computer interface design starts with respecting the real world

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.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·DateFeb 18, 2006

NIH funds project to help senior citizens access health care

The NIH is funding a project to develop a user-friendly website for senior citizens to access healthcare services. The project, led by Athman Bouguettaya and Denis Gracanin, aims to incorporate the latest privacy protection techniques and graphical user interfaces to make healthcare more accessible.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJan 8, 2004