http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/computers_math/ Computer and Mathematics News. From quantum computers to the value of statistics, read the latest math and computer news. Updated daily. en-us Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:05:01 EDT Sun, 05 Jul 2009 14:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/computers_math/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163538.htm Scientists have developed an innovative robot rat which can seek out and identify objects using its whiskers. The SCRATCHbot robot will be demonstrated at an international workshop looking at how robots can help us examine the workings of the brain. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163538.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200800.htm A mathematical epidemiologist is researching the A(H1N1) influenza pandemic strain circulating around the world. The new study's findings reveal an age shift in the proportion of cases toward a younger population when compared with historical patterns of seasonal influenza in Mexico. "For the 1918 ("Spanish flu") influenza pandemic, this was the pattern -- first a mild wave, and then a severe one with higher case fatality rates," notes one of the researchers. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080358.htm For a long time, batteries were bulky and heavy. Now, a new cutting-edge battery is revolutionizing the field. It is thinner than a millimeter, lighter than a gram, and can be produced cost-effectively through a printing process. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630153406.htm It's a frequent scene in television crime dramas: Clever police technicians zoom in on a security camera video to read a license plate or capture the face of a hold-up artist. But in real life, enhancing this low-quality video to focus in on important clues hasn't been an easy task. Until now. Researchers in Israel have developed a new video "perfection tool" to help investigators enhance raw video images and identify suspects. Sun, 05 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630153406.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617105048.htm Computer scientists have developed a framework for studying the arrangement of tissue networks created by cell division across a diverse set of organisms, including fruit flies, tadpoles and plants. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617105048.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080119.htm Researchers have successfully created an optical transistor from a single molecule. This has brought them one step closer to an optical computer. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702080119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702170133.htm Do friends wear the same style of shoe or see the same movies because they have similar tastes, which is why they became friends in the first place? Or once a friendship is established, do individuals influence each other to adopt like behaviors? Fri, 03 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702170133.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163529.htm People find it very easy to recognize a face, even under very different circumstances. For a computer, on the other hand, it is extremely difficult. Researchers have developed a new analytical technique which enables the computer to better interpret the content of photos and images, but also of data. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163529.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702075921.htm Researchers from across Europe have united to build the largest quantum key distribution network ever built. The efforts of 41 research and industrial organizations were realized as secure, quantum encrypted information was sent over an eight node, mesh network. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702075921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703065500.htm An efficient new approach to archiving scanned documents that makes the text searchable and adds a watermark to images for copy protection and validation has been developed. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703065500.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703065323.htm Modern robotics can help where it is too dangerous for humans to venture. Search and rescue robots (S&R robots) have meanwhile become so sophisticated that they have already carried out their first missions in disasters. And for this reason rescue robots will be given a special place at the RoboCup 2009 – the robotics world championships in Graz. Fri, 03 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090703065323.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701103006.htm A tiny grid pattern has led materials scientists to an unexpected finding -- the surprisingly strong and long-range effects of certain electromagnetic nanostructures used in data storage. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701103006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163328.htm A current trend in secondary science education is for students to learn by discovering for themselves how things work. Computer modeling is a teaching method that fits in nicely with this trend and also with new learning objectives such as scientific literacy, inquiry-based learning and active involvement. Researchers have demonstrated that computer modeling is particularly useful for learning complex structures but less effective for learning simple facts. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630163328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702112840.htm To ensure that all children enter elementary school with the foundation they need for success, a major national initiative is needed to improve early childhood mathematics education, says a new report. Thu, 02 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090702112840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701103004.htm A novel ion trap could usher in a new generation of applications, because the device holds promise as a stylus for sensing very small forces or for an interface for efficient transfer of individual light particles for quantum communications. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701103004.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630075449.htm Technology that allows gamers to control game functions with only their eyes is helping to open virtual worlds such as Second Life and World of Warcraft to people with severe motor disabilities. For people suffering from conditions such as cerebral palsy, motor neurone disease (MND) or so-called locked-in syndromes, being able to move around and interact in a virtual environment is a “truly liberating experience,” says a computer scientist who helped develop the software. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630075449.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630162848.htm NASA and Japan has released a new digital topographic map of Earth that covers more of our planet than ever before. The map was produced with detailed measurements from NASA's Terra spacecraft. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630162848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619130018.htm A massive project to develop a complete cycle of technologies for a new generation of high-brightness semiconductor lasers promises to transform the healthcare, telecom and display technology sectors. The semiconductor lasers developed by the Brighter project offer high power and very high efficiency in a small, relatively low-cost package, and they have direct applications in cancer treatment and imaging, high-bandwidth fibre-optic communications, laser-based projectors, heads-up-displays, and even TV screens. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619130018.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701150851.htm Researchers have developed a groundbreaking middleware platform that could lead to thousands of new applications in a range of industries. Beginning with in-car electronics, the platform can access the functionality, but hide the underlying complexity, of embedded sensors, making development and deployment of new services a snap. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701150851.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701083051.htm Researchers found that internet-based lung cancer information was of a higher quality in the United States than in Japan. They evaluated 150 Web sites, and determined noticeable differences in the quality and type of information on lung cancer readily available over the Internet in the two countries. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701083051.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622194229.htm Telecoms, healthcare and display technology will be the major beneficiaries of a new generation of semiconductor lasers developed in a massive research effort. Better cancer treatment, wider bandwidth and smaller, better displays could be on their way. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622194229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200806.htm A new computer model can help solve a problem that has plagued drug companies trying to develop promising new treatments made of antibodies: Such drugs have a relatively short shelf life because they tend to clump together, rendering them ineffective. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629200806.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090709.htm Researchers are exploring the organizational impact of 'shadowy groupings.' They are examining the impact of 'email cliques' -- the equivalent of people who gather around the office watercooler, though this time in the virtual world. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623090709.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701103010.htm A new statistical analysis technique that identifies and removes systematic bias, noise and equipment-based artifacts from experimental data could lead to more precise and reliable measurement of nanomaterials and nanostructures likely to have future industrial applications. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090701103010.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630075616.htm A robotic vision system that mimics key visual functions of the human brain promises to let robots maneuver quickly and safely through cluttered environments, and to help guide the visually impaired. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630075616.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630075612.htm From searching for cures for disease to monitoring the Earth’s atmosphere, grid computing has become essential to data-intensive research. But accessing limited grid resources is not always a simple task. Tue, 30 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630075612.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615171614.htm A study of stickers peeling from windows could lead to a new way to precisely control the fabrication of stretchable electronics, according to researchers. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090615171614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626140130.htm Controlling road traffic in congested areas is difficult to say the least, a point to which any drive-time urban commuter might testify. An organic approach to traffic lights, might help solve the problem and avoid traffic jams and gridlock, according to new research. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626140130.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090628171949.htm Researchers have created the first rudimentary solid-state quantum processor, and used the two-qubit superconducting chip to successfully run elementary algorithms, demonstrating quantum information processing with a solid-state device for the first time. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090628171949.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623143054.htm Intimate procedures such as breast exams, while a routine and critical part of medical care, are notoriously tough to teach. Engineers have now crafted a solution: a hybrid computer/mannequin that helps train students not only how to correctly perform a breast exam — but also how to talk to, and glean information from, the patient during the procedure. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623143054.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623112115.htm A nationwide study is using the power of storytelling to draw younger students into programming. An animation program called "Alice," allows student programmers of all ages to create their own worlds without realizing they're actually writing code. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623112115.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629132252.htm A new calculation clarifies the complicated relationship between protons and neutrons in the atomic nucleus and offers a fascinating resolution of the famous NuTeV Anomaly. Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629132252.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150137.htm Engineers aim to improve the reliability of lead-free soldering alloys that are used to make electronic devices. This would help with the implementation of environmentally-friendly materials in electronics production. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150137.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626091136.htm For those who are caring for elderly parents, peace of mind is hard to come by. And, for their parents, dignity is hard to retain. But researchers hopes to ease worries and frustrations by designing an affordable in-home health-monitoring system that will notify caregivers, via smartphones or PDAs, if their loved ones need attention. Sat, 27 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090626091136.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074818.htm Emeralds, rubies and the likes are referred to as colored gemstones by experts. They sparkle and shine with varying intensity, depending on the cut. A new machine can achieve the best possible cut and extract up to 30 per cent more precious stone from the raw material. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625074818.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625133220.htm Whatever their reason for posting their thoughts online, bloggers have a shared ethical code, according to a recent study. Key issues in the blogosphere are telling the truth, accountability, minimizing harm and attribution, although the extent to which bloggers follow their own ethical ideals can depend on the context and intended audience. Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090625133220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617104916.htm Researchers have developed two new tools to help computer programmers select from among thousands of options within the application programming interfaces that are used to write applications in Java, today's most popular programming language. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617104916.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624152824.htm Physicists have found a way to drastically prolong the shelf life of quantum bits, the 0s and 1s of quantum computers. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624152824.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624153112.htm Combining a 2,000-year-old Chinese math theorem with concepts from cryptology, scientists have devised "DNA Sudoku" -- a pooling strategy that allows tens of thousands of DNA samples to be combined and sequenced all at once. The new strategy promises to reduce costs dramatically, with sequencing projects that cost $10 million in the past now estimated to cost less than $80,000. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624153112.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619130014.htm Computer systems that dynamically create, monitor, manage or suspend online contractual agreements are being developed to deliver greater reliability and security to service-oriented e-business applications. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090619130014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617080717.htm Spintronic devices have created enormous advances in microelectronics, leading to faster, instant-on start times and orders-of-magnitude increases in data storage capacity. Spintronics is short for spin transport electronics – electronic devices that use the spin of an electron to carry information. Thu, 25 Jun 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090617080717.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622171505.htm A new algorithm developed by computer scientists has revealed for the first time how genetic networks in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, evolve during the insect's life cycle. The new algorithm, called Tesla, incorporates machine learning techniques that enable researchers to figure out how the rewiring of those networks takes place as the insect develops. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090622171505.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142400.htm Researchers have developed an "electronic glue" that could accelerate advances in semiconductor-based technologies, including solar cells and thermoelectric devices that convert sun light and waste heat, respectively, into useful electrical energy. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611142400.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618125037.htm Bioengineers have developed a laboratory robot that can successfully locate tiny pieces of metal within flesh and guide a needle to its exact location --- all without the need for human assistance. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090618125037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150131.htm While it is well known that excessive text messaging can result in sore thumbs, less is known about its possible effects on the neck, arms and hands. Young adults with symptoms in these parts of the body use a different technique when texting. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090623150131.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624111917.htm Researchers are developing programming tools to enable engineers in the defense industry to utilize the processing power of GPUs without having to learn the complicated programming language required to use them directly. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624111917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624111019.htm Social network sites should be designed to meet the needs of 55-65-year-old people. Researchers found out that many baby-boomers think social network sites like Facebook are unfit to them. This is the reason why so few of them use any social network services on the Internet. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624111019.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624093734.htm Against the background of climate change, how can xDSL systems function more energy-efficiently and cost-effectively? Scientists are providing a solution combining existing methods which network providers could implement immediately. Wed, 24 Jun 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090624093734.htm