ScienceDaily: Communications News

Fiber-optic pen helps see inside brains of children with learning disabilities

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 13:18:18 EDT

For less than $100, researchers have designed a computer-interfaced drawing pad that helps scientists see inside the brains of children with learning disabilities while they read and write.

Which qubit my dear? New method to distinguish between neighboring quantum bits

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:17:17 EDT

Researchers have proposed a new way to distinguish between quantum bits that are placed only a few nanometers apart in a silicon chip, taking them a step closer to the construction of a large-scale quantum computer. In a significant feat of atomic engineering, they were also able to read-out the spins of individual electrons on a cluster of phosphorus atoms that had been placed precisely in silicon.

Artificial bone: Designing synthetic materials and quickly turning the design into reality with 3-D printing

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 12:23:23 EDT

Researchers have developed a new method to design synthetic materials and quickly turn the design into reality using computer optimization and 3-D printing.

Intelligent glasses designed for professors

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:45:45 EDT

Scientists in Spain have developed a system based on augmented reality that, thanks to intelligent glasses, enables a professor to see notes or comments on the contents of a lesson and to see if the students understand explanations or if, on the contrary, they are having doubts or difficulties.

Automated 'coach' could help with social interactions

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 12:56:56 EDT

A new software system could help people improve their conversational and interview skills.

Predicting collective online behavior

Fri, 14 Jun 2013 10:07:07 EDT

Scientists are evaluating the impact of a website based on the interaction between its users with the entire Web.

Greater convenience and safety for wheelchair users

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 11:20:20 EDT

With modern communication aids, users of electric powered wheelchairs can operate a PC and cellphone without human assistance. A new module is set to transform electric powered wheelchairs into communication hubs.

Building more sustainable aircrafts

Thu, 13 Jun 2013 09:22:22 EDT

Life Cycle Assessments of components can help make aircraft production more sustainable. The decisive factor is making the data available at an early stage. Thanks to a new eco design software, these data are now available even at the design stage.

Cyberbullying puts teens at risk

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:16:16 EDT

Teenage victims of cyberbullying, defined as the use of the internet or cell phones to send hurtful and harassing messages, are more likely to develop symptoms of depression, substance abuse and internet addiction, reports a new study.

Global quantum networks based on optical fibers: Scientists quantum mechanically couple atoms to glass fiber cables

Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:35:35 EDT

Researchers have quantum mechanically couple atoms to glass fiber cables. Now, they have shown that their technique enables storage of quantum information over a sufficiently long period of time to realize global quantum networks based on optical fibers.

Cloud computing user privacy in serious need of reform, scholars say

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:44:44 EDT

The current "non-negotiable approach" to user privacy is in need of serious revision, especially with the increased popularity of web-based software that shares information via cloud computing, experts say.

New tasks become as simple as waving a hand with brain-computer interfaces

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 14:33:33 EDT

Researchers have demonstrated that when humans use brain-computer interfaces, the brain behaves much like it does when completing simple motor skills such as kicking a ball, typing or waving a hand. Learning to control a robotic arm or a prosthetic limb could become second nature for people who are paralyzed.

Effective privacy protection in social networks

Tue, 11 Jun 2013 08:42:42 EDT

Researchers are working on new methods to help them gain a better understanding of the usage habits of participants in social networks. The results will be incorporated in the development of userfriendly tools for privacy protection.

When will my computer understand me?

Mon, 10 Jun 2013 11:30:30 EDT

For more than 50 years, linguists and computer scientists have tried to get computers to understand human language by programming semantics as software, with mixed results. Enabled by supercomputers, researchers are using new methods to more accurately represent language so computers can interpret it.

How do immune cells detect infections?

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 13:05:05 EDT

Researchers are using computer simulations to shed light on how immune cells may identify foreign antigens.

'Temporal cloaking' could bring more secure optical communications

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 19:05:05 EDT

Researchers have demonstrated a method for "temporal cloaking" of optical communications, representing a potential tool to thwart would-be eavesdroppers and improve security for telecommunications.

Firefighting robot paints 3-D thermal imaging picture for rescuers

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:44:44 EDT

Engineers have developed new image processing techniques for rapid exploration and characterization of structural fires by small Segway-like robotic vehicles. A sophisticated on-board software system takes the thermal data recorded by the robot's small infrared camera and maps it onto a 3-D scene constructed from the images taken by a pair of stereo RGB cameras.

To catch a cyber-thief

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 11:15:15 EDT

Cyber crime investigation is about to change thanks to a new technique that slashes data-crunching time. What once took months now takes minutes.

Helicopter takes to the skies with the power of human thought

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 09:02:02 EDT

A remote controlled helicopter has been flown through a series of hoops around a college gymnasium in Minnesota. It sounds like your everyday student project; however, there is one caveat -- the helicopter was controlled using just the power of thought.

Wi-Fi signals enable gesture recognition throughout entire home

Tue, 04 Jun 2013 13:42:42 EDT

Researchers have shown it's possible to leverage Wi-Fi signals around us to detect specific movements without needing sensors on the human body or cameras. Using a Wi-Fi router and a few wireless devices in the living room, users could control their electronic devices from any room in the home with a simple gesture.

Structure of videogames examimed

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:24:24 EDT

Researchers analyzed the content of videogames and their interaction with the player in depth. The study of this material shows the importance of this industry, which is experiencing exponential growth.

Education, age and class continue to create a 'digital divide'

Mon, 03 Jun 2013 09:24:24 EDT

Education, age and class continue to create a ‘digital divide’ in internet use and access, according to new research.

When friends create enemies: Facebook's mutual-friends feature may create security risks, privacy concerns

Thu, 30 May 2013 13:24:24 EDT

Often revered for bringing people together, the mutual-friends feature on Facebook actually creates myriad security risks and privacy concerns according to a new study.

Just how secure is quantum cryptography?

Tue, 28 May 2013 12:24:24 EDT

Unlike classical encryption, quantum communication systems are known to offer the promise of virtually unbreakable encryption. Now, new research on this topic is shaking up the long-held notion that quantum communications are 100 percent secure. Researchers have recently demonstrated that quantum encryption may be susceptible to hacking.

Facial-recognition technology proves its mettle

Fri, 24 May 2013 14:25:25 EDT

In a study that evaluated some of the latest in automatic facial recognition technology, researchers were able to quickly identify one of the Boston Marathon bombing suspects from law enforcement video, an experiment that demonstrated the value of such technology.

Advanced biological computer developed

Thu, 23 May 2013 18:03:03 EDT

Using only biomolecules, scientists have developed and constructed an advanced biological transducer, a computing machine capable of manipulating genetic codes, and using the output as new input for subsequent computations.

Cradle turns smartphone into handheld biosensor

Thu, 23 May 2013 16:22:22 EDT

Researchers and physicians in the field could soon run on-the-spot tests for environmental toxins, medical diagnostics, food safety and more with their smartphones. Researchers have developed a cradle and app for the iPhone that uses the phone's built-in camera and processing power as a biosensor to detect toxins, proteins, bacteria, viruses and other molecules. Although the cradle holds only about $200 of optical components, it performs as accurately as a large $50,000 spectrophotometer in the laboratory.

Innovation could bring flexible solar cells, transistors, displays

Wed, 22 May 2013 14:20:20 EDT

Researchers have created a new type of transparent electrode that might find uses in solar cells, flexible displays for computers and consumer electronics and future "optoelectronic" circuits for sensors and information processing.

Big Data, for better or worse: 90% of world's data generated over last two years

Wed, 22 May 2013 08:52:52 EDT

A full 90 percent of all the data in the world has been generated over the last two years. Internet-based companies are awash with data that can be grouped and utilized. Is this a good thing?

Competition in the quantum world

Sun, 19 May 2013 19:48:48 EDT

Physicists have gained a deep insight into the nature of quantum mechanical phase transitions. Scientists have simulated the competition between two rival dynamical processes at a novel type of transition between two quantum mechanical orders.

Can math models of gaming strategies be used to detect terrorism networks?

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Mathematicians have developed a mathematical model to disrupt the flow of information in a complex real-world network, such as a terrorist organization, using minimal resources.

New record in wireless data transmission

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:53:53 EDT

Researchers have achieved the wireless transmission of 40 Gbit/s at 240 GHz over a distance of one kilometer. Researchers say that their most recent demonstration sets a new world record and ties in seamlessly with the capacity of optical fiber transmission. In the future, such radio links will be able to close gaps in providing broadband internet by supplementing the network in rural areas and places which are difficult to access.

New software spots, isolates cyber-attacks to protect networked control systems

Tue, 14 May 2013 11:29:29 EDT

Researchers have developed a software algorithm that detects and isolates cyber-attacks on networked control systems -- which are used to coordinate transportation, power and other infrastructure across the United States.

IT industry ignores silver surfers at its peril: Design for seniors to tap market, industry urged

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

Hardware and software vendors are foolish to ignore the needs of the growing population of older computer and information technology users, the so-called "silver surfers." US researchers offer convincing evidence that from the business perspective, seniors represent a rapidly growing sector of the market with the most disposable income to spend on these companies' products.

Common myths about digital piracy busted

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:14:14 EDT

The results of a large-scale, analysis of BitTorrent file-sharing of computer games, focusing on using open methodologies, bust some of the common myths about digital piracy.

Data storage: Synchronized at the 'write time'

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:49:49 EDT

Numerical simulations show how to avoid imperfections in the next generation of high-density data storage.

Photonic quantum computers: A brighter future than ever

Mon, 13 May 2013 10:38:38 EDT

Harnessing the unique features of the quantum world promises a dramatic speed-up in information processing as compared to the fastest classical machines. Scientists have succeeded in prototyping a new and highly resource efficient model of a quantum computer -- the boson sampling computer.

New model to recommend media content according to your preferences

Mon, 13 May 2013 08:31:31 EDT

Researchers have developed a model capable to recommend audiovisual content to each user based on their own media consumption and intrinsic features of images and videos.

No holes in Swiss online networking theory

Thu, 09 May 2013 09:08:08 EDT

Often, it's not what you know, but who you know when it comes to business and research success and that still applies even in the age of online social networking, according to new results.

Benefit vs. risk of facial recognition technology

Wed, 08 May 2013 21:32:32 EDT

Law enforcement agencies are using facial recognition software as a crime-fighting tool. Now businesses are looking to use the technology to reach customers. But a professor questions whether customers are ready for it.

Speed test of quantum versus conventional computing: Quantum computer wins

Wed, 08 May 2013 12:28:28 EDT

A quantum computer system is “thousands of times faster” than conventional computing in solving an important problem type, a computer science professor finds.

Mathematical model measures hidden HIV

Wed, 08 May 2013 09:30:30 EDT

A new mathematical modeling technique reveals HIV virus may be replicating in body even when undetectable in the blood.

Ice Age ancestors might have used words in common with us

Tue, 07 May 2013 07:46:46 EDT

New research shows that Ice Age people living in Europe 15,000 years ago might have used forms of some common words including I, you, we, man and bark, that in some cases could still be recognized today.

Internet content is looking for you

Mon, 06 May 2013 18:17:17 EDT

"Contextual search" is improving so gradually the changes often go unnoticed, and we may soon forget what the world was like without it, according to a technology expert.

More than a good eye: Robot uses arms, location and more to discover objects

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:40:40 EDT

A robot can struggle to discover objects in its surroundings when it relies on computer vision alone. But by taking advantage of all of the information available to it -- an object's location, size, shape and even whether it can be lifted -- a robot can continually discover and refine its understanding of objects, say researchers.

Cyberbullying rampant among high school students: Nearly one-third of youths also report playing video/computer games for more than 3 hours a day

Sun, 05 May 2013 07:37:37 EDT

Step into a class of 30 high school students and look around. Five of them have been victims of electronic bullying in the past year. What's more, 10 of those students spend three or more hours on an average school day playing video games or using a computer for something other than school work, according to a new study.

Mathematicians help unlock brain function

Fri, 03 May 2013 13:29:29 EDT

Mathematicians will bring researchers one step closer to understanding how the structure of the brain relates to its function in two recently published studies.

Use of laser light yields versatile manipulation of a quantum bit

Wed, 01 May 2013 14:51:51 EDT

By using light, researchers have manipulated the quantum state of a single atomic-sized defect in diamond -- the nitrogen-vacancy center -- in a method that not only allows for more unified control than conventional processes, but is more versatile, and opens up the possibility of exploring new solid-state quantum systems.

Computer algorithms help find cancer connections

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:19:19 EDT

Using powerful algorithms developed by computer scientists, medical researchers have assembled the most complete genetic profile yet of acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive form of blood cancer.

Best of both worlds: Towards a quantum Internet with combined optical and electrical technique

Wed, 01 May 2013 13:18:18 EDT

Scientists have achieved a breakthrough in quantum science that brings the prospect of a network of ultra-powerful quantum computers -- connected via a quantum internet -- closer to reality. The team is the first to have detected the spin, or quantum state, of a single atom using a combined optical and electrical approach.

New simulation speed record on Sequoia Supercomputer

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

Computer scientists have set a high performance computing speed record that opens the way to the scientific exploration of complex planetary-scale systems. Scientists have announced a record-breaking simulation speed of 504 billion events per second on LLNL’s Sequoia Blue Gene/Q supercomputer, dwarfing the previous record set in 2009 of 12.2 billion events per second.

New zooming technique for entering text into smartwatches

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:15:15 EDT

Researchers have developed a solution to the problem of entering text into the next generation of ultra-small computers. Called ZoomBoard, this text entry technique is based on the familiar QWERTY keyboard layout. Though the full keyboard is impossibly small on a watch-size display, simply tapping the screen once or twice will enlarge an individual key until it can be comfortably and accurately pressed.

Why people quit and come back to Facebook

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 10:59:59 EDT

With more than a billion active accounts worldwide, it can be easy to forget that some people don’t use Facebook. A new study suggests that “non-use” of the social networking site is fairly common – a quarter of Facebook users take breaks from the site by deactivating their account, and one in 10 completely quit.

One step closer to a quantum computer

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:24:24 EDT

Scientists have succeeded in both initializing and reading nuclear spins, relevant to qubits for quantum computers, at room temperature.

Modeling disease spread, including flu

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 16:46:46 EDT

A collaborative research network that formed nearly 10 years ago has pioneered the use of computational and mathematical models to prepare for, detect and respond to influenza, pertussis, West Nile disease, dengue fever, cholera and other infectious disease threats.

Neuroscientists use statistical model to draft fantasy teams of neurons

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 15:41:41 EDT

This past weekend teams from the National Football League used statistics like height, weight and speed to draft the best college players, and in a few weeks, armchair enthusiasts will use similar measures to select players for their own fantasy football teams. Neuroscientists are taking a similar approach to compile "dream teams" of neurons using a statistics-based method that can evaluate the fitness of individual neurons.

Revolutionary shape-changing phone curls when called

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:36:36 EDT

Researchers at Queen's University's Human Media Lab have developed a new smartphone -- called MorePhone -- which can morph its shape to give users a silent yet visual cue of an incoming phone call, text message or email.

Engaging online crowds in the classroom could be important tool for teaching innovation

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:05:05 EDT

Online crowds can be an important tool for teaching the ins and outs of innovation, educators say, even when the quality of the feedback provided by online sources doesn't always match the quantity.

Older is wiser: Study shows software developers' skills improve over time

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 11:48:48 EDT

There is a perception in some tech circles that older programmers aren't able to keep pace with rapidly changing technology, and that they are discriminated against in the software field. But a new study indicates that the knowledge and skills of programmers actually improve over time -- and that older programmers know as much (or more) than their younger peers when it comes to recent software platforms.

Visitors and residents: Students' attitudes to academic use of social media

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 09:49:49 EDT

Research has shown that university students behave very differently when using social media as part of their academic learning.