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Is brain learning weaker than artificial Intelligence?

Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have developed a new type of artificial neural network that outperforms traditional deep learning architectures. By using tree architecture with single routes to output units, they achieve better classification success rates, paving the way for efficient and biologically-inspired AI hardware.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 30, 2023

Lots to learn from the Norwegian Public Sector's IT success

The Norwegian Labour and Welfare Administration's shift to second-generation agile methods resulted in a successful project completion within budget and deadline. This approach prioritizes user friendliness, flexibility, and continuous interaction, reducing administration and coordination time while increasing productivity.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEmpirical Software Engineering·TypeCase study·DateJan 10, 2023

Study traces shared and unique cellular hallmarks found in 6 neurodegenerative diseases

A recent study has identified common and unique cellular processes in six neurodegenerative diseases, providing new insights into the underlying causes of these conditions. The research used machine learning analysis to compare RNA markers in whole blood samples from patients with distinct diseases, revealing eight shared themes across...

SourceArizona State University·JournalAlzheimer s & Dementia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2022

Experts: active learning methods are best for addressing sustainability issues

Researchers from various universities conducted a systematic literature review on active learning methods, finding that challenge-based learning is the most suitable in sustainability education. This approach encourages students to analyze challenges from multiple perspectives and develop skills such as teamwork and conflict resolution.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalSustainability·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 19, 2022

Research brief: Organizing care for diabetes patients during the COVID-19 pandemic

Researchers found that high-performing practices used proactive approaches to organize staff and manage patient interactions, leading to comprehensive addressing of patient care needs during in-person visits. The study suggests incorporating proactive patient care processes into primary care delivery to improve diabetes outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota Medical School·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateDec 15, 2022

Bolstering the safety of self-driving cars with a deep learning-based object detection system

Researchers at Incheon National University have developed an IoT-enabled, real-time object detection system for autonomous vehicles. The YOLOv3-based model achieved high accuracy (>96%) in detecting 2D and 3D objects, outperforming other state-of-the-art detection models.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2022

Playing the piano boosts brain processing power and helps lift the blues – study

A new study published in Nature Scientific Reports shows that playing the piano for just one hour a week can improve audio-visual processing and reduce depression, stress, and anxiety. The study found significant improvements in multisensory information processing among adults with no prior musical experiences.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateDec 2, 2022

Children learn more quickly than adults

A study published in Current Biology found that children exhibit rapid boosts of GABA during visual training, stabilizing new learning and making it more efficient. This discovery suggests that children may acquire new knowledge and skills faster than adults, with implications for teaching and learning strategies.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 15, 2022

Study looks inside the brain during sleep to show how memory is stored

Researchers found that reactivating memories during sleep improves memory storage by triggering electrical activity in the brain. The study, led by Northwestern University, used implanted electrodes to record brain activity in five patients while they slept and presented sounds associated with learned objects.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022

Literacy influences understanding of speech

Researchers found that literacy has no effect on auditory processing of speech, contradicting previous studies. However, literate individuals showed improved functional connectivity between brain areas responsible for handwriting and speech sound processing.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalJNeurosci·TypeObservational study·DateOct 17, 2022

COVID-19 pandemic hurt academic experience for African international students, MU study finds

A recent MU study found that COVID-19 significantly impacted the academic experiences of African international students, with travel limitations, restricted employment opportunities, and family concerns making it difficult to focus on studies. The findings highlight the need for tailored support from universities during times of crisis.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalApplied Research in Quality of Life·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

Watch brain cells in a dish learn to play Pong in real time

Researchers successfully taught human and mouse neurons to play the video game Pong in real-time, showcasing their ability to exhibit sentience and adapt to a changing environment. The study's findings have potential applications in disease modeling, drug discoveries, and expanding our understanding of brain function.

SourceCell Press·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022

On the fence: New research taps rancher expertise on living with carnivores

Researchers collaborated with livestock producers, natural resource managers, and university-based researchers to develop effective fencing designs that reduce wildlife conflicts and prioritize human safety. The study highlights the importance of integrating diverse knowledge and experience to inform fencing projects.

SourceS.J. & Jessie E. Quinney College of Natural Resources, Utah State University·JournalFrontiers in Conservation Science·TypeCase study·DateOct 4, 2022

Machine learning helps scientists peer (a second) into the future

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new machine learning method called next-generation reservoir computing that can learn spatiotemporal chaotic systems in a fraction of the time. The algorithm is more accurate and uses less training data, making it easier to predict complex physical processes like Earth's weather.

SourceOhio State University·JournalChaos An Interdisciplinary Journal of Nonlinear Science·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 28, 2022

Long-term memories a matter of order—not just repetition

A study by neuroscientists at New York University reveals that the brain's machinery interacts in nuanced ways to form long-term memories. The researchers found that neurons can sense not only repetition but also the order of repeated experiences, allowing them to discriminate between different patterns and build memories.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022

Artificial intelligence tools quickly detect signs of injection drug use in patients’ health records

Researchers developed an AI tool using natural language processing and machine learning to identify people who inject drugs in electronic health records. The model accurately identified PWIDs in 1,000 records from 2003-2014, significantly improving clinical decision making and resource allocation.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalOpen Forum Infectious Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2022

How the brain develops: a new way to shed light on cognition

A new neurocomputational model introduces a three-level information processing framework to understand brain development and cognition. The model focuses on Hebbian learning and reinforcement learning, highlighting two fundamental mechanisms for multilevel cognitive ability development in biological neural networks.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 20, 2022

York University study: Even smartest AI models don’t match human visual processing

A York University study found that deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) fail to capture the configural nature of human shape perception, which could be dangerous in traffic video safety systems. The researchers discovered that while humans use configural shape perception, DCNNs take 'shortcuts' and are insensitive to this aspect.

SourceYork University·JournaliScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2022

PITT pathway: Pitt scientists discover how cells repair longevity-promoting ‘recycling system’

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have identified a universal mechanism for lysosomal repair, known as the PITT pathway, which helps maintain cellular longevity. The study reveals that damaged lysosomes are quickly repaired through the PITT pathway, but defects in this process can contribute to age-related diseases such as Al...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 2022

SUTD researchers develop new strategies to teach computers to learn like humans do

Researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) have developed a new Brain-Inspired Replay model that enables continual learning in edge computing systems without storing data. This approach achieves state-of-the-art accuracy and high energy efficiency, overcoming the stability-plasticity issue in traditional models.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Theory and Simulations·DateAug 30, 2022

How the sounds we hear help us predict how things feel

A new study from the University of East Anglia found that brain regions responding to touch also respond to specific sounds associated with touching objects. This connection may help process sensory information more efficiently and has implications for mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, autism, or anxiety.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 23, 2022

Digital security dialogue

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo developed a system called DualCheck, which replaces traditional human verification tasks with educational content on online safety and ethics. Trials showed that users responded positively to the experience and felt they gained something from these microlearning sessions.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022

Pain, pain go away, help our children run and play

A new study from the University of South Australia identifies five key approaches for parents and caregivers to discuss everyday pain with young children. Teaching children that they can control their pain and empowering them to actively engage in pain management can promote lifelong helpful pain behaviors and encourage recovery. By he...

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalEuropean Journal of Pain·TypeCase study·DateAug 1, 2022