FeaturedNeuroscience·September 17, 2012·4 min readBlue Brain Project Accurately Predicts Connections Between NeuronsProof of concept: Researchers identify principles to support brain simulation models. Blue Brain Project has identified key principles that determine synapse-scale connectivity by virtually reconstructing a cortical microcircuit and comparing it to a mammalian sample. These principles now make it possible to predict the locations of synapses in the neocortex.Read More
Featured·October 19, 2012·4 min readRobots that Perceive the World Like HumansResearchers attempt to improve robot behavior by means of perception models closer to those of humans. One of the experiments involves a robot simulation in which an agent has to discriminate between what we could call an acne pimple and a bite or lump on the skin.Read More
FeaturedNeurology·October 24, 2012·3 min readLike a Noisy Political Campaign, “Grassroots” Neurons Wire and Fire Together for Dominance in the BrainResearchers found that neurons team up together to sway particular outcomes in the brain and take over the nervous system in the name of their preferred action or behavior.Read More
Featured·January 30, 2013·2 min readEngineers Solve a Biological Mystery and Boost Artificial IntelligenceSimulating 25,000 generations of evolution within computers, researchers discover why biological networks tend to be organized as modules, a finding that will lead to a deeper understanding of the evolution of complexity.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience Business·January 30, 2013·3 min readIBM’s Watson to Join Research Team at Rensselaer Polytechnic InstituteRensselaer becomes the first university of receive a version of IBM's Watson system. Rensselaer hopes to find new uses for Watson and develop its cognitive capabilities, as well as using the system for Big Data research.Read More
Featured·February 6, 2013·3 min readInsect Drives Robot to Track Down SmellsIn a new study, a small, two-wheeled robot was driven by a male silkmoth to track down the sex pheromone usually given off by a female mate.Read More
Featured·February 15, 2013·2 min readNanomachines for Bionic ProteinsResearchers developed nanomachines which recreate principal activities of proteins. They present the first versatile and modular example of a fully artificial protein-mimetic model system.Read More
Featured·February 18, 2013·4 min readCould a Computer on the Police Beat Prevent Violence?New research shows how police forces might be able to target efforts to reduce violence and raise officer attention to dangerous areas with the help of high-powered computers. Using real police data, researchers were able to demonstrate the promise of computer models for targeting violent areas.Read More
Featured·February 26, 2013·3 min readBlueprint For an Artificial BrainResearchers are using memristors, electronic microcomponents which imitate natural nerves, as key components to create a blueprint for an artificial brain.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience·June 11, 2013·4 min readNew Tasks Become as Simple as Waving a Hand with Brain-Computer InterfacesResearchers show that when humans use brain-computer interface technology, the brain behaves much like it does when completing simple motor skills such as waving a hand. This technology could help improve the daily lives of those who are paralyzed or lost specific abilities due to neurodegenerative diseases.Read More
FeaturedNeuroscience Business·July 8, 2013·2 min readRobot Mom Would Beat Robot Butler in Popularity ContestResearchers discover people express more positive feelings towards a robot that would take care of them than a robot which needed their care.Read More
Featured·July 11, 2013·3 min readDaydreaming Simulated by Computer ModelResearchers have created a computer model based on the dynamics of brain cells and its neural connections. They hope the model will help them understand why certain portions of the brain work together when a person daydreams.Read More
