The artificial intelligence behind self-driving cars, medical image analysis and other computer vision applications relies on what's called deep neural networks. Loosely modeled on the brain, these consist of layers of interconnected "neurons" -- mathematical functions that send and receive information -- that "fire" in response to features of the input data. The first layer … [Read more...] about Accurate neural network computer vision without the ‘black box’
Computers
AI model shows promise to generate faster, more accurate weather forecasts
Today's weather forecasts come from some of the most powerful computers on Earth. The huge machines churn through millions of calculations to solve equations to predict temperature, wind, rainfall and other weather events. A forecast's combined need for speed and accuracy taxes even the most modern computers. The future could take a radically different approach. A collaboration … [Read more...] about AI model shows promise to generate faster, more accurate weather forecasts
To the brain, reading computer code is not the same as reading language: Neuroscientists find that interpreting code activates a general-purpose brain network, but not language-processing centers
In some ways, learning to program a computer is similar to learning a new language. It requires learning new symbols and terms, which must be organized correctly to instruct the computer what to do. The computer code must also be clear enough that other programmers can read and understand it. In spite of those similarities, MIT neuroscientists have found that reading computer … [Read more...] about To the brain, reading computer code is not the same as reading language: Neuroscientists find that interpreting code activates a general-purpose brain network, but not language-processing centers
‘Earable’ computing: A new research area in the making
CSL's Systems and Networking Research Group (SyNRG) is defining a new sub-area of mobile technology that they call "earable computing." The team believes that earphones will be the next significant milestone in wearable devices, and that new hardware, software, and apps will all run on this platform. "The leap from today's earphones to 'earables' would mimic the transformation … [Read more...] about ‘Earable’ computing: A new research area in the making
Possibilities of new one-atom-thick materials
New 2D materials have the potential to transform technologies, with applications from solar cells to smartphones and wearable electronics, explains UMBC's Can Ataca, assistant professor of physics. These materials consist of a single layer of atoms bound together in a crystal structure. In fact, they're so thin that a stack of 10 million of them would only be 1 millimeter … [Read more...] about Possibilities of new one-atom-thick materials
Wireless, ultra-thin and battery-free strain sensors that are 10 times more sensitive
A research team from the National University of Singapore (NUS), led by Assistant Professor Chen Po-Yen, has taken the first step towards improving the safety and precision of industrial robotic arms by developing a new range of nanomaterial strain sensors that are 10 times more sensitive when measuring minute movements, compared to existing technology. Fabricated using … [Read more...] about Wireless, ultra-thin and battery-free strain sensors that are 10 times more sensitive
New study tests machine learning on detection of borrowed words in world languages: Underwhelming results underscore the complexity of language evolution while showing promise in some current applications
Lexical borrowing, or the direct transfer of words from one language to another, has interested scholars for millennia, as evidenced already in Plato's Kratylos dialogue, in which Socrates discusses the challenge imposed by borrowed words on etymological studies. In historical linguistics, lexical borrowings help researchers trace the evolution of modern languages and indicate … [Read more...] about New study tests machine learning on detection of borrowed words in world languages: Underwhelming results underscore the complexity of language evolution while showing promise in some current applications
Discovery suggests new promise for nonsilicon computer transistors
For decades, one material has so dominated the production of computer chips and transistors that the tech capital of the world -- Silicon Valley -- bears its name. But silicon's reign may not last forever. MIT researchers have found that an alloy called InGaAs (indium gallium arsenide) could hold the potential for smaller and more energy efficient transistors. Previously, … [Read more...] about Discovery suggests new promise for nonsilicon computer transistors
Reactive Video playback that you control with your body: Computer scientists have developed an entirely new way of interacting with video content that adapts to, and is controlled by, your body movement
Computer scientists have developed an entirely new way of interacting with video content that adapts to, and is controlled by, your body movement. Fitness videos and other instructional content that aims to teach viewers new martial arts skills, exercises or yoga positions have been popular since VHS in the 80s and are abundant on Internet platforms like YouTube. However, these … [Read more...] about Reactive Video playback that you control with your body: Computer scientists have developed an entirely new way of interacting with video content that adapts to, and is controlled by, your body movement
Robots could replace real therapy dogs
Robotic animals could be the 'pawfect' replacement for our real-life furry friends, a new study published today by the University of Portsmouth has found. Animals, especially dogs, can have therapeutic benefits for children and young people. A new paper, published in The International Journal of Social Robotics, has found that the robotic animal, 'MiRo-E', can be just as … [Read more...] about Robots could replace real therapy dogs