http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/computers_math/information_technology/ Information Technology. Read the latest in IT research from research institutes around the world. Updated daily, full-text, images, free. en-us Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT Thu, 24 Jul 2008 08:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/computers_math/information_technology/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723134434.htm Since the idea of using DNA to create faster, smaller, and more powerful computers originated in 1994, scientists have been scrambling to develop successful ways to use genetic code for computation. Now, new research suggests that if we want to carry out artificial computations, all we have to do is literally look around. A researcher has begun to develop a technique to turn our eyes and visual system into a programmable computer. Thu, 24 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723134434.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722175802.htm More than 75 percent of the bank Web sites surveyed had at least one design flaw that could make customers vulnerable to cyber thieves after their money or even their identity. These design flaws aren't bugs that can be fixed with a patch. They stem from the flow and the layout of these Web sites, according to the study. The flaws include placing log-in boxes and contact information on insecure web pages as well as failing to keep users on the site they initially visited. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722175802.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723201244.htm Newly developed software will help to allay patients' fears about who has access to their confidential data. A new computer program is capable of deleting details from medical records which may identify patients, while leaving important medical information intact. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723201244.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723192900.htm Computer scientists are analyzing medical procedures, including blood transfusions and chemotherapy treatments, with the goal of improving patient safety. The team is also analyzing the flow of patients in emergency rooms to reduce waiting time. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723192900.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723144710.htm To help IT managers safeguard valuable information most efficiently, computer scientists are applying security metrics to computer network pathways to assign a probable risk of attack, calculating the most vulnerable points of attack. Wed, 23 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080723144710.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715152316.htm Personalized computer interfaces that adapt to each user's vision and motor abilities significantly speeds up computer tasks, especially in disabled users. A mathematical approach to design offers the first instantly customizable computer interface. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715152316.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717225716.htm Researchers have developed an intelligent computational model of the descriptive grammar of the Spanish language. This opens up new possibilities for the computational representation of languages and natural language processing applications. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717225716.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722192341.htm A new computer language for modeling biological phenomenon can "think" like cells and molecular mechanisms think, thereby simulating the dynamics of biological phenomenon. Through incorporating basic principles of engineering, the new language, called Little b, surpasses current biological modeling software in that it goes beyond simply representing biological information. It allows biologists to create programs that can reason about biological knowledge and thereby help overcome the barrier of complexity. Tue, 22 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080722192341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717201840.htm A new model illustrates how HIV evades the immune system. The study, in PLoS Computational Biology, incorporates detailed interactions between a mutating virus and the immune system. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717201840.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721223423.htm In a new article published this week in PLoS Biology, "WikiPathways: Pathway Editing for the People," Alexander R. Pico and his colleagues describe their efforts to cultivate new models of data curation and exchange by engaging the direct participation of the community and meet the challenge of collecting and curating vast amounts of biological information on cellular pathways. Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080721223423.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080716154917.htm Researchers hope that soon web technology will get to the point where, as you drive into town, an application spots a space in a nearby car park, calculates how long and what route to get there, and that no one else is closer. We are not there yet, but researchers believe the semantic web is about to make it big. Companies will find it easier to integrate datasets and access information -- internal and external -- while consumers should find their web searches are more fruitful and web services more functional. Sun, 20 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080716154917.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080716161557.htm A new virtual environment enables scientists and engineers to interpret raw data collected with powerful instruments called dynamic atomic force microscopes. This is part of a research trend, with tools for other applications also being developed. Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080716161557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717092025.htm What is there to see inside a magnet that's smaller than the head of a pin? Quite a lot, say physicists who've invented a new kind of MRI technique to do just that. The technique may eventually enable the development of extremely small computers, and even give doctors a new tool for studying the plaques in blood vessels that play a role in diseases such as heart disease. Thu, 17 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080717092025.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709212132.htm Using a Blue Gene supercomputer, scientists have demonstrated the most extensive simulation yet of actual human bone structure. This achievement may lead to better clinical tools to improve the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, a widespread disease that worldwide affects 1 in 3 women and 1 in 5 men over the age of 50. Mon, 14 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709212132.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708124353.htm Researchers have achieved a significant advance in nanoscale lithographic technology, used in the manufacture of computer chips and other electronic devices, to make finer patterns of lines over larger areas than have been possible with other methods. Their new technique could pave the way for next-generation computer memory and integrated-circuit chips, as well as advanced solar cells and other devices. Fri, 11 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708124353.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708200645.htm Music can soothe the savage breast much better if played by musicians rather than clever computers, according to a new study. Neuroscientists looked at the brain's response to piano sonatas played either by a computer or a musician and found that, while the computerized music elicited an emotional response -- particularly to unexpected chord changes - it was not as strong as listening to the same piece played by a professional pianist. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708200645.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709110053.htm Current interactive systems enable users to communicate with computers in many ways, but not taking into account emotional communication. A Ph.D. thesis puts forward the use of avatars or virtual Internet personages as an efficient form of non-verbal communication, principally focusing on emotional aspects. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080709110053.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710113014.htm NIST has developed two demonstration software packages that show how Personal Identity Verification cards can be used with Windows and Linux systems to perform log-on, digital signing and verification, and other services. Thu, 10 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080710113014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708094128.htm Researchers have demonstrated functional components that exploit the magnetic properties of electrons to perform logic operations. Compatible with existing microtechnology, the new approach heralds the next era of faster, smaller and more efficient electronics. Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080708094128.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707222319.htm How a genomic code is deciphered is traditionally left to professional annotators who use information from a number of sources (for instance, knowledge about similar genes in other organisms) to work out where a gene starts, stops and what it does. Even the "gold standard" of professional annotation is an exceptionally slow process. However, new technology may provide a faster solution. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707222319.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707222326.htm Could Internet discussion forums, listservs and online news outlets be an informative source of information on disease outbreaks? A team of researchers from Children's Hospital Boston and Harvard Medical School thinks so, and it has launched a real-time, automated data-gathering system called HealthMap to gather, organize and disseminate this online intelligence. Tue, 08 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080707222326.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702094557.htm Using a Blue Gene supercomputer, scientists have demonstrated the most extensive simulation yet of actual human bone structure. This achievement may lead to better clinical tools to improve the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, a widespread disease that worldwide affects one in three women and one in five men over the age of 50. Thu, 03 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080702094557.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701104402.htm Many able-bodied people make the same errors -- and with similar frequencies -- when typing and 'mousing' on mobile phones, as physically impaired users of desktop computers. This means that software already developed for PC users with disabilities may be applicable to mobile phones. Software may be able to automatically correct erroneous commands and help reduce annoying occurrences such as accidentally canceling a text message or calling someone by sitting on the phone. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701104402.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701180141.htm Researchers have developed a technology that uses "microjets" to deposit liquid into tiny channels and remove five times more heat than other experimental high-performance chip-cooling methods for computers and electronics. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701180141.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630170405.htm Scientists have developed an electronic ear to judge and coach vibrato technique. Vibrato -- the pulsating change of pitch in a singer’s voice -- is an important aspect of a singer’s expression, used extensively by both classical opera singers and pop stars like Shakira. Usually, the quality of a vibrato can only be judged subjectively by voice experts. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080630170405.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701145102.htm Businesses risk chasing away prospective customers when they send chummy E-mails that bandy around people's names, hobbies and other personal information to pitch sales, according to a new study of the popular marketing tool. "People bristle at personalization just for the sake of personalization," says lead author of the new study. Tue, 01 Jul 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080701145102.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080627163255.htm The odd behavior of a molecule in an experimental silicon computer chip has led to a discovery that opens the door to quantum computing in semiconductors. Researchers describe how they have created a new, hybrid molecule in which its quantum state can be intentionally manipulated -- a required step in the building of quantum computers. Sat, 28 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080627163255.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625140626.htm New software lets blind and visually impaired people surf the Internet on the go. The computer science student who created the software, called WebAnywhere, says more accessibility tools must move from desktop machines to the Web. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625140626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625092700.htm Scientists have come an important step closer to the quantum computer. "Our results give us, for the first time, the possibility to understand the interaction between just two electrons placed next to each other in a carbon nanotube. A groundbreaking discovery, which is fundamental for the creation of a quantum mechanical bit, a so-called quantum bit -- the cornerstone of a quantum computer," explains Henrik Jørgensen, who is one of the many researchers competing on an international level to be the first to make a quantum bit in a carbon nanotube. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625092700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080627163210.htm NIST has released a five-chapter preview of the much-anticipated online Digital Library of Mathematical Functions. In development for over a decade, the DLMF is designed to be a modern successor to a 1964 reference work that is the most widely distributed NIST publication and one of the most cited works in the mathematical literature. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080627163210.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625073737.htm A computer science Ph.D. student can turn his face into a remote control that speeds and slows video playback. The proof-of-concept demonstration is part of a larger project to use automated facial expression recognition to make robots more effective teachers. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625073737.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623175341.htm A biomedical engineering professor is using a concept called "grid computing" to allow the average person to donate idle computer time in a global effort to fight cancer. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623175341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625092749.htm Bournemouth University researchers are using live snails to send emails as part of a 'slow art' project aimed at encouraging people to explore notions of time. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080625092749.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624110921.htm The results of a multinational survey to be published in the International Journal of Mobile Communications reveals some surprises about cell phone use that have implications for organizations that rely on mobile communications. The study was undertaken by Robert Nickerson and Brenda Mak of San Francisco State University working with Henri Isaac of the University Paris-Dauphine. Thu, 26 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080624110921.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623175329.htm Physicists have made an accidental discovery in the lab that has potential to change how information in computers can be transported or stored. Dependent on the "spin" of electrons, a property electrons possess that makes them behave like tiny magnets, the discovery could help in the development of spin-based semiconductor technology such as ultrahigh-speed computers. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080623175329.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619203254.htm Swedish researchers have characterized novel systems properties of insulin signaling in human fat cells. Their mathematical modeling provides further insight into energy level maintenance (via the hormone insulin) within our bodies. Wed, 25 Jun 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619203254.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619152239.htm Researchers are developing a miniature refrigeration system small enough to fit inside laptops and personal computers, a cooling technology that would boost performance while shrinking the size of computers. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619152239.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619203302.htm Cells use switches for determining what kind of cell to become -- skin or blood, for instance, in responding to stress, and in communication with other cells. Researchers have now cataloged even more templates of possible switches within a living cell than we use throughout our day. Tue, 24 Jun 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619203302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080618114723.htm A research team is devising a robot that can get around by itself. Tartalo is able to identify different places and ask permission before going through a doorway. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080618114723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080618114656.htm Princeton engineers have invented an affordable technique that uses lasers and plastic beads to create the ultra-small features that are needed for new generations of microchips. Mon, 23 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080618114656.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617102848.htm Every extra second it takes an ambulance to get to its destination can mean life or death. But how, besides driving faster, can ambulances get emergency services to people in need as efficiently as possible, every day? It's a classic operations research question that three researchers are tackling in groundbreaking ways. Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080617102848.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619133111.htm The rapid convergence of social networks, mobile phones and global positioning technology has given engineers the ability to create something they call "virtual sticky notes," site-specific messages that people can leave for others to pick up on their mobile phones. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619133111.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619103528.htm Computers are starting to become more human-centric, anticipating your needs and smoothly acting to meet them. The technologies under development leave humans free to concentrate on their real work instead of having to think about the computer and how to operate it. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619103528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080618114700.htm Researchers have devised the first computerized method that can analyze a single photograph and determine where in the world the image likely was taken. It's a feat made possible by searching through millions of GPS-tagged images in the Flickr online photo collection. Sat, 21 Jun 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080618114700.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619111748.htm A zebra's stripes, a seashell's spirals, a butterfly's wings: these are all examples of patterns in nature. The formation of patterns is a puzzle for mathematicians and biologists alike. How does the delicate design of a butterfly's wings come from a single fertilized egg? How does pattern emerge out of no pattern? Using computer models and live cells, researchers have discovered a specific pattern that can direct cell movement and may help us understand how metastatic cancer cells move. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619111748.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619135207.htm One liter of fuel would serve the UK for a year and oil reserves would last the expected lifetime of the solar system -- if efficiency in the car industry had improved at the same rate as in the computer world -- a leading computer scientist has said. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619135207.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619103919.htm Who doesn't dream of increasingly fast computers that consume less and less energy? To design these computers of the future, it is important to be able to control nanoscale strain in the processors. Until now, this strain remained difficult to observe. Fri, 20 Jun 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619103919.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619105140.htm In the internet world of sites, pages, lounges and whatever else is out there, most of us have found ourselves 'lost in hyperspace', a frustrating experience of having lost track of where we are, where we're going, or where to find what we're looking for. Thu, 19 Jun 2008 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080619105140.htm