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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

Body cameras, live streaming bring search and rescue into the next generation

A new system, RescueCASTR, equips rescuers with 360-degree body cameras sending video and photos back to a central command post. This allows the commander to track teams, coordinate efforts and get on-the-ground views of wilderness conditions.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Human-Computer Interaction
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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

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
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.

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

Simple, accurate, and efficient: Improving the way computers recognize hand gestures

Researchers developed a new hand gesture recognition algorithm that surpasses current methods in accuracy, complexity, and applicability. The algorithm combines adaptive hand type classification and a shortcut feature for efficient real-time recognition.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Electronic Imaging·TypeExperimental study

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
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.

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

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

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

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
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

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

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

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
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

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

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)

Human-machine interactions: Bots are more successful if they impersonate humans

A study found that bots are more successful in certain human-machine interactions when they hide their non-human identity, but cooperation rates decrease when transparency is required. This has implications for the use of bots in help desks and other scenarios where efficiency is key.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Machine Intelligence
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

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

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

Ultra-small nanoprobes could be a leap forward in human-machine interfaces

Scientists developed ultra-small U-shaped nanowire probes for precise intracellular recording, offering scalable and minimally invasive measurements. This breakthrough has the potential to improve brain-machine interface capabilities and revolutionize human-machine interaction.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalNature Nanotechnology

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
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.

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

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

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

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
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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

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

Drone safety: User-centric control software improves pilot performance and safety

A new study found that a user-centric control interface significantly improves performance of drone pilots, resolving some of the user control issues undermining drone safety. The findings suggest that current remote control methods can lead to hazards and accidents.

SourceOxford University Press USA·JournalInteracting with Computers

Websites with history can be just as conversational as chatting with a person

A study by Penn State researchers found that websites with search and interaction history can be just as engaging as chatbots or human helpers. By leveraging browsing history, businesses can create a sense of contingency, making users feel like they're having a conversation.

SourcePenn State·JournalCommunication Research
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.

'On-the-fly' 3-D print system prints what you design, as you design it

Researchers at Cornell University have created an 'on-the-fly' 3-D print system that allows designers to make changes while printing, improving the overall quality of the design process. The system uses a WirePrint technique and has five degrees of freedom, enabling rapid prototyping and modification.

SourceCornell University

'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

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

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
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

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

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

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

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
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.

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

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

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