ScienceDaily: Computer Programming News

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 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.

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.

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.

New, more accurate way of imaging lung cancer tumors

Thu, 02 May 2013 11:55:55 EDT

Scientists have devised a new computational method for assessing lung cancer tumors using CT, PET or MRI diagnostic technologies. The method, called single click ensemble segmentation (SCES), uses a new computer algorithm developed by the researchers to help segment and extract features of a tumor. The new approach not only improves diagnosis and prognosis assessments, but also saves time and health care dollars.

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.

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.

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.

Computer scientists suggest new spin on origins of evolvability: Competition to survive not necessary?

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:56:56 EDT

Scientists have long observed that species seem to have become increasingly capable of evolving in response to changes in the environment. But computer science researchers now say that the popular explanation of competition to survive in nature may not actually be necessary for evolvability to increase.

Tracking gunfire with a smartphone

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 21:38:38 EDT

A team of computer engineers has developed an inexpensive hardware module and related software that can transform an Android smartphone into a simple shooter location system.

Scientists map all possible drug-like chemical compounds: Library of millions of small, carbon-based molecules chemists might synthesize

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:49:49 EDT

Drug developers may have a new tool to search for more effective medications and new materials. It's a computer algorithm that can model and catalog the entire set of lightweight, carbon-containing molecules that chemists could feasibly create in a lab.

Honor among (credit card) thieves?

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 11:12:12 EDT

A criminologist dug into the seamy underbelly of online credit card theft and uncovered a surprisingly sophisticated network of crooks that is unique in the cybercrime domain.

New algorithm helps evaluate, rank scientific literature

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 10:43:43 EDT

Keeping up with current scientific literature is a daunting task, considering that hundreds to thousands of papers are published each day. Now researchers have developed a computer program to help them evaluate and rank scientific articles in their field.

Security holes in smartphone apps

Wed, 17 Apr 2013 09:19:19 EDT

Popular texting, messaging and microblog apps developed for the Android smartphone have security flaws that could expose private information or allow forged fraudulent messages to be posted, according to researchers.

'Survival of the fittest' now applies to computers: Surprising similarities found between genetic and computer codes

Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:16:16 EDT

"Survival of the fittest" originally referred to natural selection in biological systems, but new research shows that this evolutionary theory also applies to technological systems.

Social media can support healthiness of older people

Mon, 15 Apr 2013 20:48:48 EDT

The use of social media by older people can offer valuable additional support in cases of sickness and diseases, new research has shown.

Computer scientists develop video game that teaches how to program in Java

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Computer scientists have developed an immersive, first-person player video game designed to teach students in elementary to high school how to program in Java, one of the most common programming languages in use today. The researchers tested the game on a group of girls who had never been exposed to programming before.

Technique finds software bugs in surgical robots and helps developers fix flaws, ensure safety

Mon, 08 Apr 2013 10:33:33 EDT

Surgical robots could make some types of surgery safer and more effective, but proving that the software controlling these machines works as intended is problematic. Researchers have demonstrated that methods for reliably detecting software bugs and ultimately verifying software safety can be applied successfully to this breed of robot.

Artifacts shed light on social networks of the past

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:40:40 EDT

The advent of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter have made us all more connected, but long-distance social networks existed long before the Internet. A new study led by an anthropologist provides new information on social networks in the pre-Hispanic Southwest in A.D. 1200-1450. Among the findings are that people were able to maintain surprisingly long distance relationships in a time when the only mode of transportation was walking.

New lung cancer study takes page from Google's playbook

Mon, 25 Mar 2013 11:11:11 EDT

A new study shows that the same sort of mathematical model that Google uses to predict which websites people want to visit may help researchers predict how lung cancer spreads through the human body.

Faster, smarter and cheaper drug discovery

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:19:19 EDT

Computers are now sifting through drug libraries to pick out compounds likely to clobber TB with minimal side effects to humans. Programmers have ‘taught’ the computers to understand which chemical features of a drug are associated with efficacy against TB and which are associated with toxicity to mammalian cells. The process may lead to much less trial and error in finding new therapies. The computers even rediscovered a compound reported 40 years ago to have anti-TB activity but since forgotten.

Novel insights into the evolution of protein networks

Thu, 21 Mar 2013 11:09:09 EDT

System-wide networks of proteins are indispensable for organisms. Function and evolution of these networks are among the most fascinating research questions in biology. Researchers have reconstructed ancestral protein networks. The results are of high interest not only for evolutionary research but also for the interpretation of genome sequence data.

Experiments find strongest shapes with 3-D printing

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 20:29:29 EDT

Physicists are using 3-D printing to test complex qualities of shapes made via the computer. They are studying "jamming" and the structural properties of shapes.

Signal processing: Look-up tables to shoulder the processing load

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 11:16:16 EDT

Computing tasks for signal processing could be performed more quickly with less power by using look-up tables.

Predictive Analysis: New generation of computational intelligence systems

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:55:55 EDT

Large parts of our lives are now being monitored and analysed by computers. Log on to Amazon and intelligent data analysis software can recommend a selection of books you might like to read. Far from being a sinister intrusion into people's privacy, the purpose of these systems is to improve our lives, experts say.

Hiding secret messages in email jokes

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 13:49:49 EDT

It is possible to hide secret messages in simple jokes, according to new research.

Engineers develop techniques to boost efficiency of cloud computing infrastructure

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 14:57:57 EST

Computer scientists have developed a novel approach that allows the massive infrastructure powering cloud computing to run as much as 15 to 20 percent more efficiently. This novel model has already been applied at Google.

Spot the difference -- oranges and lemons

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:06:06 EST

A computer recognition system that is 99-percent accurate can identify different fruits and vegetables, even the particular strain of apples or plums, for instance. New research explains how challenging this issue has been until now and shows how it could be used in agricultural science and perhaps to improve efficiency in the growing and food industries as well as at the supermarket.

New flex-grid system prevents optical network 'traffic jams'

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:05:05 EST

Services like Google Maps use algorithms to determine the fastest route from point A to point B -- even factoring in real-time traffic information as you travel to redirect you if, for example, a parade is blocking part of your route. Now, a team of researchers from have achieved this kind of traffic control for the connections in optical networks by using a new dynamic network management system -- and it does Google Maps one better.

Netradar reveals the quality of mobile Internet connections

Mon, 04 Mar 2013 10:50:50 EST

Netradar is a free service that provides neutral, accurate information about the quality of mobile Internet connections and mobile devices collected by end users themselves throughout the world. Unlike other applications that mostly focus on bandwidth, Netradar anonymously gathers, measures and shares over ten different types of data

Short algorithm, long-range consequences

Sat, 02 Mar 2013 12:54:54 EST

A new technique for solving 'graph Laplacians' is drastically simpler than its predecessors, with implications for a huge range of practical problems.

Big data: Searching large amounts of data quickly and efficiently

Fri, 01 Mar 2013 12:25:25 EST

Not only scientific institutes but also companies harvest an amazing amount of data. Traditional database management systems are often unable to cope with this. Suitable tools are lacking in information retrieval on big data. Computer scientists have now developed an approach which enables searching large amounts of data in a fast and efficient way.

Pixels guide the way for the visually impaired

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 19:46:46 EST

Images have been transformed into pixels and projected onto a headset to help the visually impaired in everyday tasks such as navigation, route-planning and object finding. Developed using a video camera and mathematical algorithm, the researchers hope the pixels can provide more information and enhance the vision of patients already fitted with retinal implants.

Creating your own animated 3-D characters and scenes for the web

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 08:03:03 EST

To show spatial animations on websites, developers so far have had only two options: to use special software or to implement it from scratch. Computer scientists have developed a declarative markup language which facilitates the creation of distinct spatial animations and ensures their smooth replay in the web browser.

Quantum algorithm breakthrough: Performs a true calculation for the first time

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:28:28 EST

Scientists have demonstrated a quantum algorithm that performs a true calculation for the first time. Quantum algorithms could one day enable the design of new materials, pharmaceuticals or clean energy devices.

Taking the gamble out of DNA sequencing: How much can be learned in a large-scale experiment

Sun, 24 Feb 2013 14:28:28 EST

Scientists have developed an algorithm to predict how much can be learned in a large-scale DNA sequencing experiment -- with potential applications in every field of science.

Embracing social coding: Software development by the people, for the people

Fri, 22 Feb 2013 12:07:07 EST

The U.S. National Cancer Institute has leapt aboard the open-development train. Soon, anyone in the world will be able to easily tap into and contribute to the NCI's cancer informatics resources -- and the community will determine development priorities.

Insects inspiring new technology: Autonomous navigation of mobile robots based on locust vision

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:46:46 EST

The way in which the locust's distinctive visual system could be transferred into technology for state of the art vehicle collision sensors, surveillance technology and video games has been detailed as part of robotics research.

Ultrahigh-definition TV: New Quad HD TV chip developed

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 12:34:34 EST

It took only a few years for high-definition televisions to make the transition from high-priced novelty to ubiquitous commodity -- and they now seem to be heading for obsolescence just as quickly. Several manufacturers have recently debuted new ultrahigh-definition, or UHD, models (also known as 4K or Quad HD) with four times the resolution of today's HD TVs.

Breakthrough architecture for quantum computers proposed

Sun, 17 Feb 2013 08:49:49 EST

Scientists have proposed a new computational model that may become the architecture for a scalable quantum computer.

Largest known prime number discovered; has 17,425,170 digits

Wed, 13 Feb 2013 22:54:54 EST

On Jan. 25, the largest known prime number, 257,885,161-1, was discovered on Great Internet Mersenne Prime Search (GIMPS) volunteer Curtis Cooper's computer. The new prime number, 2 multiplied by itself 57,885,161 times, less one, has 17,425,170 digits. With 360,000 CPUs peaking at 150 trillion calculations per second, 17th-year GIMPS is the longest continuously-running global "grassroots supercomputing" project in Internet history.

Using Twitter to predict the influence of lifestyle on health

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST

Researchers showed last year how Twitter can be used to predict how likely it is for a Twitter user to become sick. They have now used Twitter to model how other factors -- social status, exposure to pollution, interpersonal interaction and others -- influence health.

How men and women organize their (online) social networks differently

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 11:47:47 EST

A new quantitative study of data assembled from the online multiplayer game Pardus examines ways men and women manage their social networks drastically different, even online.

Pushing boundaries of virtual reality

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 14:33:33 EST

Devices that detect and convey sense of touch may have applications in telemedicine.

Faster video streaming in a mobile era

Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:35:35 EST

In the smartphones and tablet era, more and more users are watching videos on the move -- with a resulting strain on mobile networks. The combination of the HEVC video compression standard with LTE brings networks welcome relief.

Gap geometry grasped: New algorithm elucidates structure of liquids and how they flow through porous media

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:04:04 EST

A new algorithm could help understand the structure of liquids, and how they flow through porous media. Theoretical physicists have now implemented an algorithm for analyzing void space in sphere packing, where the spheres need not all be the same size.

Engineers solve a biological mystery and boost artificial intelligence

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 08:23:23 EST

By simulating 25,000 generations of evolution within computers, engineering and robotics researchers have discovered why biological networks tend to be organized as modules -- a finding that will lead to a deeper understanding of the evolution of complexity. The new insight also will help evolve artificial intelligence, so robot brains can acquire the grace and cunning of animals.

Satellite visualization tool for high-resolution observation review (thor) accessible from any location with internet access

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 08:02:02 EST

With minimal coding effort an Earth-observing satellite tool can be converted into a practical web-based application. In addition, a 3-D visualization technique has been developed.

Streaming video over temporary networks

Tue, 29 Jan 2013 07:56:56 EST

There are extra challenges when accidents occur in hard-to-reach locations such as in a tunnel or impassable mountain terrain where no stable computer networks are found. For the past ten years, however, technology for mobile ad hoc networks that enable rescue workers to communicate with one another or with a command control centre has been available. These networks configure themselves automatically among mobile devices located within a given geographic area.

A boost to your mobile signal

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:12:12 EST

When using your mobile phone, it doesn't take much to lose that precious signal - just turning a corner or riding on a train can be enough. New research is developing new technologies to eradicate those annoying 'black holes' in wireless coverage, while freeing up some mobile network capacity at the same time.

Computer scientists develop new way to study molecular networks

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 14:07:07 EST

Computer scientists have developed a new approach to address the shortcomings in the computational analysis of the multiple ways interactions can occur within cells.

Grammar undercuts security of long computer passwords

Thu, 24 Jan 2013 12:35:35 EST

When writing or speaking, good grammar helps people make themselves be understood. But when used to concoct a long computer password, grammar -- good or bad -- provides crucial hints that can help someone crack that password, researchers have demonstrated.

Researchers make DNA data storage a reality: Every film and TV program ever created -- in a teacup

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 13:34:34 EST

Researchers have created a way to store data in the form of DNA – a material that lasts for tens of thousands of years. The new method makes it possible to store at least 100 million hours of high-definition video in about a cup of DNA.

Software package for all types of imaging

Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:41:41 EST

Signal reconstruction algorithms can now be developed more elegantly because scientists have released a new software package for data analysis and imaging, NIFTY is useful for mapping in any number of dimensions or spherical projections without encoding the dimensional information in the algorithm itself. The advantage is that once a special method for image reconstruction has been programmed with NIFTY it can easily be applied to many other applications.

Unique software supports behavioural intervention programs

Mon, 21 Jan 2013 08:32:32 EST

The internet offers users a cost-effective way of accessing information and advice on any health problem, 24-hours a day. A group of social scientists has taken advantage of this by developing software which enables other researchers to easily create interactive internet-based intervention programs to support behavioral change. The software, known as LifeGuide, is being used in intervention programs, for example to quit smoking or manage weight loss.

Robot allows 'remote presence' in programming brain and spine stimulators

Wed, 16 Jan 2013 11:16:16 EST

With the rapidly expanding use of brain and spinal cord stimulation therapy (neuromodulation), new "remote presence" technologies may help to meet the demand for experts to perform stimulator programming, reports a new study.

Surgeons may use hand gestures to manipulate MRI images in OR

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:17:17 EST

Doctors may soon be using a system in the operating room that recognizes hand gestures as commands to tell a computer to browse and display medical images of the patient during a surgery.

Solving puzzles without a picture: New algorithm assembles chromosomes from next generation sequencing data

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 10:24:24 EST

One of the most difficult problems in the field of genomics is assembling short "reads" of DNA into complete chromosomes. Now an interdisciplinary group of genome and computer scientists has solved this problem, creating an algorithm that can rapidly create "virtual chromosomes" with no prior information about how the genome is organized.

Keeping to your New Year resolutions with PiFace

Tue, 08 Jan 2013 08:41:41 EST

After a festive period of excess, a January diet is one of the most common New Year resolutions for many people. Sticking to it, however, is harder, with temptation around every corner and inside every cupboard. Now scientists have come up with a unique deterrent -- a talking, tweeting chicken guarding your cupboards to shame hungry dieters into abstaining. The chicken, which not only barks out orders to sneaky snackers, but even tweets that person's Twitter account to publicly shame them if they stray, uses a Raspberry Pi -- a tiny, single-board computer.