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How do we process visual information quickly in complex environments?

Researchers have discovered differences in temporal dynamics of visual processing during brief fixation periods, which could improve understanding of visual information in dynamic environments. The study reveals that the visual system is better at localizing changes at the foveal level initially but improves peripheral detection as fix...

SourceUniversity of Barcelona·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 19, 2024

What numbers do you see? A new bistable perceptual phenomenon on symbolic numbers

A team of researchers from the National Institute for Physiological Sciences in Japan found that partial occlusion of digital numerals can induce bistable interpretations of their semantic meanings. Long-time visual exposure to normal numerals biases perception, favoring a specific number interpretation.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalJournal of Vision·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2024
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.

Study discovers that fruit flies’ visual navigation tactics differ by environment

Researchers discovered that urban and desert fruit flies use distinct visual navigation strategies to maintain balance and orient towards interesting objects. The study suggests that the visual environment plays a crucial role in shaping these navigation tactics, with implications for human vision and autonomous vehicle development.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 17, 2024

Brain-wide decision-making dynamics discovered

Neuroscientists have discovered a global process across the brain that coordinates sensory input with motor action through learning. In trained mice, neurons link sensory evidence to action initiation, integrating information across multiple brain regions.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 11, 2024

Enhancing the mind-body connection through technology and touch

A recent study demonstrates how real-time haptic feedback can enhance interoceptive awareness, improving mental and physical health. Participants showed improved accuracy in heart rate discrimination tasks after receiving haptic feedback, suggesting a deeper connection between the mind and body.

SourceReichman University·JournalPsychophysiology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2024

Prioritizing the unexpected: New brain mechanism uncovered

Researchers have found a new brain mechanism that detects prediction errors between expected and actual sensory inputs, boosting responses to unexpected information. This discovery could offer insights into the neural circuits underlying autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs).

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 28, 2024
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.

Pink elephants in the brain?

A study published in Neuron reveals that neurons are wired to connect seemingly unrelated concepts, enhancing the brain's ability to predict what we see based on past experiences. Visual experience influences the organisation of feedback projections, which store information about the world.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 12, 2024

The secret to finding balance: improving interoception

A new Reichman University study demonstrates how external representation of physiological signals can improve internal balance. The researchers created an immersive multisensory environment that mirrors the user's breathing pattern, leading to significant improvements in interoceptive sensibility and flow among users.

SourceReichman University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024

Neural mechanism of encoding familiar faces

A recent study revealed that the brain uses a similar neural mechanism to store faces of familiar individuals as it does to remember the value of objects. The striatum tail plays a critical role in this process, responding strongly to familiar faces and weakly to unfamiliar ones.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournaliScience·DateJun 18, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research on the visual rabbit illusion takes a leap forward

Researchers from Kyushu University discovered new conditions for a three-flash illusion, where the brain misperceives the second flash as near the midpoint between the first and third flashes. This phenomenon occurs regardless of the second flash's location, highlighting the complexity of visual perception.

SourceKyushu University·Journali-Perception·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Do traumatic life experiences impact perception of distressing imagery?

Researchers from Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions found that traumatic life events do impact the perception of trauma-related imagery. Viewers' personal history of adversity and trauma was associated with stronger reactions to images depicting injury/trauma.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Psychology·DateJun 11, 2024

Children’s visual experience may hold key to better computer vision training

A novel approach to training AI systems uses information about spatial position to identify objects and navigate surroundings, inspired by children's visual development. The method improves contrastive learning models' effectiveness by incorporating simulated spatial context information, outperforming base models in various tasks.

SourcePenn State·JournalPatterns·DateMay 31, 2024
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.

Bio-inspired cameras and AI help drivers detect pedestrians and obstacles faster

Researchers have developed a system combining bio-inspired cameras with AI to quickly detect obstacles around cars, using less computational power. The hybrid system detects objects up to one hundred times faster than current systems while reducing data transmission and processing needs.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2024

New AI accurately predicts fly behavior

A new AI model developed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory's Benjamin Cowley and team uses a 'population code' to predict fruit fly behavior, revealing that multiple neurons combine to sculpt actions. The breakthrough enables the AI to accurately predict how real flies will behave in response to visual stimuli.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Seeing not just with the eyes: Degree of arousal affects perception

Researchers found that neural activity in the visual thalamus is coupled with pupil dynamics during different phases of arousal. This modulation affects how sensory impressions are transmitted to higher areas of the brain like the visual cortex, influencing visual perception.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 17, 2024

Relationship between perceived glossiness and pupillary responses

This study found that perceiving high glossiness in images induces greater pupillary constriction than perceived low glossiness, even when physical luminance is adjusted. The results suggest that the visual system responds to specular highlights in glossy images, leading to pupil constriction.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalVision Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

Breakthrough paves the way for next generation of vision implants

Researchers created an ultra-small vision implant with single-neuron sized electrodes, allowing for thousands of 'pixels' to be stimulated simultaneously. The implant's unique combination of flexible materials ensures long-term functionality and stability.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

How the brain’s arousal center helps control visual attention too

Researchers have discovered that activating the locus coeruleus, a brain structure producing norepinephrine, improves visual sensitivity in non-human primates. The study used optogenetics to selectively boost LC activity, resulting in drastic enhancements in performance on a visual attention task.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Illusion helps demystify the way vision works

A new study using electrophysiology and optogenetics has shown that neurons in the primary visual cortex respond to brightness illusions, settling a long-standing debate in neuroscience. The findings suggest that higher-level neurons play a crucial role in modulating activity in lower-level neurons.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2024

Computer vision researcher develops privacy software for surveillance videos

A computer vision researcher has developed privacy software for surveillance videos that obscures identifiable information such as faces and clothing in real-time. The software, funded by the National Science Foundation's Accelerating Research Translation program, aims to balance surveillance needs with privacy concerns.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateApr 25, 2024
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.

Why do we blink so much?

Researchers from the University of Rochester found that blinking allows brains to process visual information more effectively, providing a new understanding of how humans see. By modulating visual input, blinks reformulate visual signals, enabling better perception of big patterns and overall visual scenes.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateApr 15, 2024

If faces look like demons, you could have this extraordinary condition

A new Dartmouth study reports on a unique case of prosopometamorphopsia (PMO), a rare condition that distorts facial features. The researchers used computer software to visualize the patient's real-time perception of face distortions, providing accurate and photorealistic visualizations for the first time.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalThe Lancet·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2024
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.

Projection mapping leaves the darkness behind

Conventional projection mapping systems work only in dark environments due to surrounding illumination. Researchers from Osaka University developed a method to control both image and illumination, allowing for realistic projections in bright environments. This technology enables interactive displays with multiple viewers under natural ...

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Foot-eye coordination: how our vision changes in rhythm with our walking

Researchers found that our brain processes vision in a rhythmic manner, increasing sensitivity during steps and decreasing it. This discovery has implications for understanding human behavior, decision-making, and potential applications in sports science and diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2024

Live from the brain: Visual cues inform decision to cooperate

A study published in Nature tracked neural activity of freely moving macaques using wireless eye tracking and neural monitoring. The research found that the visual cortex plays an active role in social behavior by providing signals to the prefrontal cortex, enabling the decision to cooperate.

SourceRice University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

A flicker of truth: Piercing the “continuity illusion”

The study reveals that the superior colliculus is vital in the transition from seeing individual flashes to smooth motion, and may be a key component in creating the continuity illusion. Different methods of measuring the Flicker Fusion Frequency threshold suggest other parts of the brain also play a role in this process.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2024

A firm eye on the proboscis

A study by Konstanz biologists reveals that the moths use visual feedback to move and correct the movement of their proboscis, similar to humans grasping objects. The animals' efficient way of working is also great models for applied research in robotics and understanding the visual control of appendages.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 29, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Could bizarre visual symptoms be a telltale sign of Alzheimer's?

Researchers found that 94% of patients with posterior cortical atrophy had Alzheimer's pathology, while only 70% of those with memory loss did. Early identification of PCA may lead to better treatment options for Alzheimer's patients.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·DateJan 22, 2024

Researchers identify new coding mechanism that transfers information from perception to memory

A new study has identified a neural coding mechanism that allows for the transfer of information between perceptual and memory regions of the brain. This discovery challenges traditional understanding of brain organization and suggests that memory areas encode visual information in a 'photographic negative' format.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 2, 2024

Addicted to your phone? New tool identifies overuse of digital media

The Digital Media Overuse Scale (dMOS) is a new tool that measures digital media addiction, providing clinically relevant scores across various domains. Researchers found that overuse is typically reported in one or a few domains only, with social media being a significant concern.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalTechnology Mind and Behavior·DateDec 5, 2023

Infants are not startled by visual illusions

A recent study reveals that infants aged six months and older can perceive misbinding, a type of visual illusion where features are mistakenly integrated. In contrast, infants under six months do not exhibit this phenomenon, indicating they may perceive the external world more accurately than adults.

SourceChuo University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

Your eyes talk to your ears. Scientists know what they’re saying.

Researchers at Duke University have discovered that subtle ear sounds can be decoded to pinpoint where someone's eyes are looking. By analyzing these sounds, the team was able to estimate the movement of the eyes and predict what the waveform of the ear sound would look like.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023
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.

Similar to primates: how rodents can see moving objects

Researchers used AI models to analyze rat brain cells and found they can process high-level visual information like primates. This discovery sheds light on the visual system of rodents and has implications for understanding neurodegenerative disorders.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 13, 2023

AI recognizes faces but not like the human brain

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that AI's deep convolutional neural networks can identify faces but struggle to capture other important information like emotional state and trustworthiness. Brain activity scans revealed a weak correlation between AI's codes and human brain represent...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2023

Helping robots assess risk

A new project aims to help robots assess risks and make autonomous decisions. The research focuses on quantifying ambiguity in robot perception to improve safety and efficiency.

SourceLehigh University·DateOct 30, 2023
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.

Is less more? Or is less sometimes less? Examining the consumer trend toward minimalist packaging in consumable products

A new study finds that simple packaging design is positively associated with price, but not always enhances consumers' willingness to pay. The research team discovers that store-brand products and health-oriented consumers benefit from simplicity, while indulgent consumers prefer complex packaging.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateOct 11, 2023

How facial coloring shapes our unconscious emotions

Researchers discovered that reddish tints on faces can make happiness seem friendlier, while having no effect on angry expressions. The study suggests that facial color quietly affects our perception of emotions, even when we're not aware of it.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalCognition & Emotion·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2023
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.

Integration propels machine vision

A joint research team published a review on in-sensor visual computing, a three-in-one hardware solution that overcomes high latency, power consumption, and privacy risks. The SCAMP chip is a key device, enabling general-purpose, programmable, and massively parallel systems for robotics and computer vision.

SourceIntelligent Computing·JournalIntelligent Computing·DateSep 27, 2023

Probing the unimaginable: New data help to understand the nature of aphantasia

A study by Paolo Bartolomeo and Jianghao Liu investigated the nature of aphantasia, finding that individuals with aphantasia have normal perception and memory capabilities but struggle with visual mental imagery. They propose that phenomenal consciousness may play a role in this phenomenon.

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalCortex·TypeSurvey·DateSep 8, 2023
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Old brains, new tricks: Surprising plasticity in adult vision

Researchers found that rodents exposed to light for the first time in adulthood showed significant plasticity in their brains, challenging previous beliefs about adult brain rigidity. After a month, their brains looked similar to those of healthy controls, with organized visual responses and smaller receptive fields.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2023

Links between attention and conscious perception highlighted in frontoparietal networks

A recent study revealed that attention plays a crucial role in shaping our conscious experience of the world. Researchers found that manipulating attention can modify an individual's ability to consciously perceive visual stimuli, highlighting the intricate relationship between attention and conscious perception. By using advanced neur...

SourceInstitut du Cerveau (Paris Brain Institute)·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 1, 2023
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.

Self-powered and broadband opto-sensor with bionic visual adaptation function

Researchers developed an artificial visual device that can operate in self-powered mode, exhibiting human-eye-like adaptation behaviors. The device demonstrates broadband light-sensing image adaptation and synergetic visual adaptation, showcasing its potential for advancement in intelligent opto-sensors and machine vision systems.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 25, 2023

Real-world context increases capacity for remembering colors

A study led by Dartmouth College researchers found that participants' color memory improved when stimuli were meaningful and part of real-world objects. The results demonstrate that the capacity for visual working memory of colors is more continuous and flexible than previously thought, with better recall of colors in meaningful contexts.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalPsychological Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 10, 2023

Like human, like dog

A recent study by researchers at the University of Vienna found that dogs and humans have brain regions specialized in perceiving body postures, similar to those found in humans. The study used magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to compare the brains of 40 human participants with 15 pet dogs.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalCommunications Biology·DateJun 27, 2023
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

In sensory perception, brain makes trade-offs between accuracy and speed

A new study reveals that the brain makes trade-offs between accuracy and speed in sensory perception. Initial visual processing is faster but less accurate compared to other parts of the brain. The findings contradict the efficient coding hypothesis, suggesting that the brain can process sensory inputs quickly with small errors.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournaleLife·DateJun 21, 2023

Smart in-memory light sensors perform image recognition

Researchers at KAUST developed smart digital image sensors that can recognize images with high accuracy, using a charge-trapping 'in-memory' sensor sensitive to visible light. The devices have an extremely long-lived retention time of up to 10 years and can perform optical sensing, storage, and computation.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 6, 2023

An immersive tactile book for blind children

A team from UNIGE created a book with tactile illustrations that associate sounds with objects, enabling visually impaired children to identify them more easily. The combination of gestures, shapes, and sounds helps bridge the gap between visual and tactile experiences.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalBritish Journal of Visual Impairment·TypeNews article·DateJun 5, 2023
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.