ScienceDaily: Computers & Math News

Scientists set quantum speed limit Posted: 22 Jan 2015 12:48 PM PST The flip side of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the energy time uncertainty principle, establishes a speed limit for transitions between two states. Physical chemists have now proved this principle for transitions between states that are not entirely distinct, allowing the calculation of speed limits for processes such as quantum computing and tunneling. The proof puts on sound footing a relationship that most physicists use daily.

Major breakthrough in reading ancient scrolls Posted: 22 Jan 2015 08:44 AM PST Revolutionary software is making a breakthrough in reading 2,000-year old Herculaneum scrolls, computer scientists report. After working for more than 10 years on unlocking an ancient piece of history, what lies inside damaged Herculaneum scrolls, one researcher will accomplish the next step in allowing the world to read the scrolls, which cannot be physically opened.

Profitable phishing schemes slyly tinker with our heads, then rip us off Posted: 22 Jan 2015 08:43 AM PST Researchers have found evidence that the incredible spread of email phishing scams may be due to phishers' increased use of "information-rich" emails that alter recipients' cognitive processes in a way that facilitates their victimization.

NASA, Microsoft collaboration will allow scientists to 'work on Mars' Posted: 22 Jan 2015 05:58 AM PST NASA and Microsoft have teamed up to develop software called OnSight, a new technology that will enable scientists to work virtually on Mars using wearable technology called Microsoft HoloLens.

Computers: Visually pleasing graphics enhance user performance Posted: 22 Jan 2015 05:45 AM PST An eye-catching and appealing graphic on a mobile phone or website helps people perform tasks quicker and more easily as the job gets more demanding. Investing a little bit extra to design aesthetically pleasing visuals for electronic devices, websites or anything people need to interact with will be beneficial in the long run.

Computer scientists improve privacy of Internet currency Bitcoin Posted: 22 Jan 2015 05:45 AM PST It is traded on special stock exchanges and is accepted not only by various online shops, but also by thousands of brick-and-mortar stores across the globe: the virtual currency Bitcoin. The users benefit from its advantages: Since it does not require a central bank, the transactions can be concluded more quickly and with reduced charges. Moreover, many Bitcoin users appreciate more anonymity while paying. Nevertheless, its popularity is also resulting in thefts with increasing frequency. Computer scientists have now presented an approach that enhances anonymity and can be applied without long waits.

Self-powered intelligent keyboard could provide a new layer of security Posted: 22 Jan 2015 05:35 AM PST By analyzing such parameters as the force applied by key presses and the time interval between them, a new self-powered non-mechanical intelligent keyboard could provide a stronger layer of security for computer users. The intelligent keyboard records each letter touched, but also captures information about the amount of force applied to the key and the length of time between one keystroke and the next. Such typing style is unique to individuals, and so could provide a new biometric for securing computers from unauthorized use.