Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Growing computers in petri dishes

A team of scientists from Lehigh University has successfully engineered a living neural network that can perform basic learning tasks. The project, supported by the National Science Foundation, aims to develop new ways to think about computer design and may influence brain-related research.

New material helps record data with light

Researchers from ITMO University and their European colleagues created quasiparticles called excitons, fully controllable and room-temperature capable. These particles can generate light in LEDs and lasers, while also being used for recording optical signals.

SourceITMO University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 9, 2017

Finding a needle in the ocean

Xia emphasizes that big data is about more than just numbers and requires new mathematical methods to analyze. Researchers in mathematics, signal processing, and computer science must develop these new tools to unlock the full potential of big data.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalIEEE Signal Processing Magazine·DateJan 20, 2017

Machine learning puts new lens on autism screening and diagnostics

Researchers used machine learning to analyze caregiver responses and identified five ADI-R questions that maintained 95% of the instrument's performance. This could reduce administrative time and customize questions for individualized intervention. The study suggests a more data-informed approach to autism diagnosis and support.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry·DateJul 12, 2016

The new digital TV standard in the USA incorporates technology developed at the UPV/EHU

The LDM system developed at UPV/EHU has been selected as the technology for the new digital standard in North America, allowing for simultaneous use of TV channels on the UHF band. This system significantly improves the use of the radioelectric spectrum, enabling services such as Ultra High Definition TV and mobile phone broadcasting.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalElectronics Letters·DateMay 29, 2015

Forming consensus in social networks

Researchers developed a novel computational model to capture the process of reaching consensus in social networks. The model analyzes communication patterns and handles uncertainties associated with soft data, establishing conditions for agents to reach a consensus that is consistent with the ground truth.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Signal Processing·DateSep 3, 2014

'Sensational' barrels in the brain

Researchers at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research have discovered a gene named Lhx2 that plays a crucial role in forming high-resolution neurocircuitry for touch in mice. The study reveals that this gene is essential for the formation of 'barrels' and 'cores' in the brain, which enable rapid whisking and environmental assessment.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 18, 2013

Nudity tunes up the brain

Researchers found that nude bodies are processed more efficiently by the brain than clothed bodies, even at an early stage of visual processing. This effect is strongest for pictures of nude female bodies, and may play a role in reproduction.

The hunt for the lunar core

Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered a core with an iron-rich center, resembling Earth's core, using array processing techniques on Apollo seismic data. The discovery sheds light on the lunar interior's composition and structure, providing insights into the Moon's ancient origins.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateJan 6, 2011

Bats' echolocation recorded for human exploit

Researchers have recorded and recreated Egyptian fruit bats' echolocation calls, allowing them to apply the technique to human engineering systems. The study will enhance information on robotic vehicles' locations, detecting structural flaws.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMay 11, 2010

First signal received by future telescope

The first antenna of the Australia Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope has received its first radio signals, paving the way for further development. The successful test demonstrates the feasibility of ASKAP's innovative design and sets a promising stage for the future telescope's scientific discoveries.

Toward cheap underwater sensor nets

Researchers at UC San Diego are building low-cost, low-power modems for short-range underwater networking, enabling higher sampling rates and more frequent data collection. The project aims to create a network of underwater sensors that can provide real-time environmental data, revolutionizing the way we understand our natural world.

Fat fighting undermined by over active eating pacemaker

A new study published in Nature Neuroscience reveals that a specific group of neurons in the brain, known as the ARC pacemaker, play a crucial role in regulating hunger and satiety signals. This finely balanced mechanism can go wrong if one small error occurs, leading to difficulties in weight management through diet and exercise alone.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateMay 11, 2004

Hearing aid research gets federal boost

Binghamton University has received a $10 million grant from the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders to develop more effective hearing aids. The project aims to dramatically improve speech intelligibility in noisy environments, benefiting over 28 million Americans with hearing loss.

Much ado about nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes have been shown to exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, enabling the creation of high-speed electronic devices. The breakthrough could lead to the development of hand-held DNA detectors, superfast optical detectors, and computer chip speeds faster than current Pentium processors.

Monkeys control a robot arm via brain signals

Scientists at Duke University have developed a neural system that enables monkeys to control a robot arm using their brain signals, detected by implanted electrodes. The system could form the basis for a brain-machine interface to help paralyzed patients control prosthetic limbs.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·DateNov 14, 2000

Evidence For A Radio-Like Mechanism In The Brain Found At The Weizmann Institute

Research at the Weizmann Institute found that the brain uses a frequency modulation (FM) receiver-like mechanism to decode sensory information gathered through touch. This discovery provides a possible new explanation for how the brain processes sensory input, and could lead to advances in understanding the neural code.

SourceAmerican Committee for the Weizmann Institute of Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 13, 1997

Stiffening The Spines Of Large Space Structures

A Stanford doctoral student has developed a dynamic control system that uses Global Positioning System signals to actively control errant oscillations in large space structures. The system can detect centimeter-level precision and automatically fire thrusters to compensate for wayward motions, allowing for stable structure operation.