ScienceDaily: Computers & Math News

Interaction between light and sound in nanoscale waveguide Posted: 16 Feb 2015 05:04 PM PST Scientists have demonstrated interaction between light and sound in a nanoscale area. Their findings elucidate the physics of light-matter coupling at these scales – and pave the way for enhanced signal processing on mass-producible silicon photonic chips. In the last decade, the field of silicon photonics has gained increasing attention as a key driver of lab-on-a-chip biosensors and of faster-than-electronics communication between computer chips. The technology builds on tiny structures known as silicon photonic wires, which are roughly a hundred times narrower than a typical human hair. These nanowires carry optical signals from one point to another at the speed of light. They are fabricated with the same technological toolset as electronic circuitry. Fundamentally, the wires work only because light moves slower in the silicon core than in the surrounding air and glass.

Criminologist 'hacks' the hacker Posted: 16 Feb 2015 05:04 PM PST We often view hackers as evil geniuses, but perhaps a more accurate depiction would be a talented -- though sometimes mischievous -- craft worker, according to a researcher. The way society views hackers is not representative of the whole hacking culture. Simply stated: Hacking is more than breaking into security systems and computer networks.

Accessory lens for Google Glass invented Posted: 16 Feb 2015 12:56 PM PST Scientists have invented a device, called Google Lens, that could have positive ramifications in the medical field and beyond.

Material for efficient plasmonic devices in mid-infrared range Posted: 16 Feb 2015 10:11 AM PST A research team has identified and synthesized a material that can be used to create efficient plasmonic devices that respond to light in the mid-infrared range. This is the first time anyone has demonstrated a material that performs efficiently in response to this light range, and it has applications in fields ranging from high-speed computers, to solar energy to biomedical devices.

Half spheres for molecular circuits Posted: 16 Feb 2015 03:48 AM PST Corannulene is a carbon molecule with a unique shape (similar to the better known fullerene) and promising properties. A team of scientists carried out computer simulations of the molecule’s properties and discovered that it might help overcome the difficulties building molecular circuits (i.e., of the size of molecules).

Technology changing teacher's role Posted: 16 Feb 2015 03:47 AM PST Along with technological development, traditional teaching methods have been challenged by various technologically enhanced teaching and learning methods. This trend has received mixed reactions: On the one hand it is feared that these new technologies will replace teachers altogether. On the other hand, the expectations towards technology can also be over-optimistic; that it will solve all the problems of learning.

Patterns in large data show how information travels Posted: 16 Feb 2015 03:47 AM PST Analysis of massive online data can reveal what information matters to us and with whom we have most in common. For example, networks can be used to study how information travels from one part of the world to another.

Lab-in-a-box takes aim at doctors' computer activity Posted: 12 Feb 2015 08:43 AM PST The compact Lab-in-a-Box suitcase contains assorted sensors and software to monitor activity in a physician's office, particularly during consultations with patients. The goal is to relieve some of the growing burden on doctors introduced by digital patient records.