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New Algorithm Leads Tt Breakdancing, Acrobatic Simulated Characters
A team of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley and the University of British Columbia in Canada has developed an algorithm to re-create natural motions in computer animation. Traditional computer-simulated motions are seen as clumsy and rhythmless, often failing at mimicking a human’s natural motions. Disappointed by old techniques, the team was inspired to… Read More
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The 21st Century MBA: Not Profitability or Sustainability, But Both
The MBA is generally regarded as a graduate ticket to ride – a door-opener to board rooms, to referral networks and, for many, to the inner sanctum of our business/economic system. Drawing on shared institutional wisdom, vast real-world academic research and transformative case histories, the degree has become a sort of lingua franca, a common… Read More
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Cognitive Gains From Meditation Remain 7 Years Later
Cognitive gains developed through intensive meditation can last for years, a new study suggests. The study is part of the Shamatha Project, a comprehensive longitudinal study on the varied effects of meditation on human cognition, psychology and biology. The research is published in the Journal of Cognitive Enhancement. Led by Clifford Saron, a research scientist… Read More
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What if Smartphone Charge Can Last 3-5 Times Longer?
A team of researchers from the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at the University of Texas, Dallas (UTD) and the University of North Texas has developed an environmentally safe, higher-power battery substitute that could lengthen battery life up to five times longer. Most smartphones and electronics use lithium-ion batteries, a type of… Read More
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Can Exercise Make You Happier?
It is well known that physical activity can help reduce negative health conditions such as anxiety or depression, but what do we know about its effects on positive mental health? A new study by the University of Michigan shows that physical activity may result in increased levels of happiness. The researchers, Weiyun Chen, associate professor… Read More
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Ancient Paper Art to Spur Development of Smart Clothing
Inspired by the ancient Japanese paper art of kirigami, a team of researchers from the University at Buffalo (UB) has developed a method to create flexible electronic materials made of polymers and nanowires. This new technique could lead to improvements in smart clothing, bendable display screens, electronic paper, and other applications that require malleable circuitry.… Read More
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Beetles and Plants Inspire Efficient Water-Harvesting Technology
A team of researchers from the University of Texas at Dallas and Penn State University has developed a surface that can rapidly collect water molecules from fog and air vapor and direct them toward a reservoir along lubricated microgrooves. The researchers drew inspiration for the design of their “hydrophilic directional slippery surface,” or SRS, from… Read More
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Device Decodes Body Language Using Infrared Light
A team of researchers from the University of Cambridge and Dartmouth College has developed a new device that uses infrared light to monitor how body language impacts social interactions. Because body language influences many aspects of people’s lives, including job interviews, doctor-patient conversations and group projects, many people have tried to study them through video… Read More
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Lullabies and Rock Shows: How Music Makes Us Social
Music, from a very young age, has an enormous impact on human emotions, development, and social interactions. The more scientists learn about the way people process music, the better they can understand perception, multisensory integration, and social coordination throughout someone’s life. Two separate studies, which were recently presented at the 25th meeting of the Cognitive… Read More
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New Study Shows How to Overcome Embarrassment
Mental training may be the key to overcoming embarrassment and helping people avoid humiliation or distress, a new study suggests. Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) and the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) have found that when people train their mind to be an observer, rather than an active participant, in an embarrassing situation,… Read More
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MIT Engineers Figure Out How to Turn Plastic Into Heat Conductor
It may sound counterintuitive, but researchers at MIT have used plastic, commonly known as a material for heat insulator, to develop the next-generation heat conductor. “Nowadays heat dissipation is an increasingly critical challenge for integrated devices that continue to miniaturize towards nanoscale,” said Yanfei Xu, postdoc in MIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering and co-lead author… Read More
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Scientists Develop Model to Ease Air Traffic Congestion Without Sacrificing Equity
Researchers from Dartmouth College and Carnegie Mellon University have developed a new model for airport flight scheduling that promises to manage air traffic congestion without systematically favoring certain airlines over others. At the busiest airports, the combination of low capacity and heavy air traffic is a major cause of delays in the U.S., costing over… Read More
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New Laser Device Paves Way for Diagnosing Diseases Through Breath Analysis
A team of researchers led by the University of Central Florida (UCF) has developed an infrared laser device capable of detecting any molecule in the air. With this device, people can look for traces of air pollution, global warming gases and chemical agents, conduct medical breath analyses, and even use the device to look for… Read More
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University Education Shapes Students’ Key Character Skills
In addition to its expected impact on intellectual development, university education also affects non-cognitive skills such as conscientiousness, extraversion and agreeableness, a new study suggests. The study, conducted by researchers from Monash University and the University of Sydney, suggests that university education has a positive impact on students’ character skills, with the most dramatic change… Read More
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New 3D Printing Method of Metallic Glass Alloys Opens Door to More Efficient Electric Motors
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a method to print large amounts of metallic glass alloys using 3D technology. This new technique could aid in the construction of more efficient electric motors, higher strength materials, lighter weight structures, better wear-resistant materials, and more. The full paper is published in the journal Applied Materials… Read More
