Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Light meets deep learning: computing fast enough for next-gen AI

Researchers developed a novel design for the chip using a crossbar layout, outperforming state-of-the-art photonic counterparts in terms of scalability and technical versatility. The synergy of powerful photonics with the novel crossbar architecture enables next generation neuromorphic computing engines.

SourceInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers·JournalIEEE Journal of Selected Topics in Quantum Electronics·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 22, 2023

ICD detection and treatment of arrhythmias not impacted by MRI

A cohort study of over 600 persons with non-MRI-conditional implantable cardioverter defibrillators found that these devices continue to appropriately treat detected tachyarrhythmias after MRI scans. The findings suggest that patients with non-MRI-conditional ICDs can safely undergo MRI exams without compromising device function.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 30, 2023

New soft robots poised to be more agile, controlled

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new system of fluid-driven actuators that enable soft robots to achieve more complex motions. The team's design allows for antagonistic motions and predicts the actuator's possible motions with a single fluid input, resulting in an actuator that can achieve far more complex movements.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateJan 23, 2023

The early bird may just get the worm

A new study from the University of Ottawa reveals that morning types tend to have superior verbal ability, contrary to previous research suggesting that evening types have an advantage. The study found that accounting for factors like bedtime and age, morning individuals outperformed their evening counterparts in verbal intelligence.

SourceUniversity of Ottawa·JournalCurrent Research in Behavioral Sciences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 4, 2022

Just like humans, more intelligent jays have greater self-control

A study found that Eurasian jays with greater self-control can pass a version of the 'marshmallow test' and score higher on intelligence tests. The researchers believe that this self-control may have evolved as a result of the birds' need to delay gratification in order to plan for future meals.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 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

Who benefits from brain training and why?

A joint UC Riverside and UC Irvine study found that people who show near transfer in brain training are more likely to experience far transfer, meaning improved focus and problem-solving skills. The research suggests that working memory training can be effective for certain individuals, but its impact on fluid intelligence remains deba...

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Human Behaviour·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022

Impostor Phenomenon: When self-doubt gets the upper hand

Researchers from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg found that people with the Impostor Phenomenon devalue their objectively measured performance and attribute positive results to external causes. The study showed no relation between actual intelligence or performance and self-reported degree of Impostor Phenomenon.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 9, 2022

Unravelling the mystery of parrot longevity

A study led by Max Planck researchers found that parrots with large relative brain sizes have longer lifespans, averaging up to 30 years. This suggests that increased cognitive ability may help parrots navigate threats and enjoy longer lives.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 29, 2022

Can a planet have a mind of its own?

Researchers propose that cognitive activity operating on a planetary scale is necessary to tackle global issues. A mature technosphere involves integrating technological systems with Earth through feedback loops, making it self-maintaining and exhibiting emergent behavior.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalInternational Journal of Astrobiology·DateFeb 16, 2022

Intelligence – It's all about connectivity

A new study found that individuals with higher intelligence scores have brains that are better adapted to switch between different cognitive states. The researchers used fMRI scans to monitor brain activity in over 800 adults while they completed various tasks, and found that the brains of highly intelligent people required fewer adjus...

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalCerebral Cortex·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 15, 2022

US early Cold War hostility towards Chinese Communist Party due to the influence of Truman’s nationalist beliefs, new research argues

Research suggests US hostility towards Chinese Communists in the early years of the Cold War was driven by President Truman's nationalist beliefs. The study found that Truman's view of China as a 'colony' led to economic and military support for local warlords, resulting in covert operations against the CCP.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalThe International History Review·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 17, 2022

Class act: Clever children tell better jokes

A study of over 200 Turkish schoolchildren found that general intelligence was highly correlated with humor, with children producing high-quality captions for cartoons. The researchers suggest that parents and teachers should be aware of their children's sense of humor as a potential indicator of exceptional intelligence.

SourceDe Gruyter·JournalHumor - International Journal of Humor Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2021

New electronic skin can react to pain like human skin

Researchers at RMIT University have developed electronic artificial skin that senses pain instantly, mimicking the body's near-instant feedback response. The prototype device combines three technologies to deliver key features of the skin's sensing capability in electronic form.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateSep 1, 2020

Do we know what we want in a romantic partner? No more than a random stranger would

A study by UC Davis researchers suggests that people's ideal partner preferences do not reflect any unique personal insight. Participants who listed their top three attributes in an ideal partner showed increased romantic desire for others who possessed those same attributes, regardless of whether they were acquaintances or strangers.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateJul 6, 2020

AI could deceive us as much as the human eye does in the search for extraterrestrials

A Spanish neuropsychologist used an artificial neural network to analyze how humans and machines recognize planetary images, revealing that AI can detect shapes that humans miss and vice versa. The results have implications for the search for extraterrestrial life and highlight the need for caution in AI's implementation.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·DateJan 28, 2020