Spring 2015
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Spring 2015Artificial Brains
Man vs. Machine
Miller’s Law states that the average human is capable of holding 5 to 9 objects at a time in their working memory;however, individuals known as mental calculators or human computers are capable of performing extraordinary calculations without writing down a single thing. While fast computational speeds are something to envy, there are many aspects of the human brain that even the most powerful of modern computers cannot achieve.
Category: Feature Spring 2015 -
Spring 2015Net Neutrality
A Right or a Privilege?
On February 26th, the United States (US) Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took a vote on net neutrality in the United States.This vote set a precedent for restrictions on Internet access that will soon be debated in courts for the next year, while Internet service providers (ISPs) fight to stop them. It’s not as if this battle is only happening in the US; Canada has had fights over Internet prioritization as well.
Category: Feature Spring 2015 -
Spring 2015Virtual Reality
Entertainment of Tomorrow
It’s been almost 40 years since Princess Leia’s hologram first told Obi-Wan Kenobi that he was her only hope (Star Wars: Episode IV release). We are now on the brink of having that very technology right here on Earth. Which is more exciting: wielding a lightsaber on a virtual planet or a holographic Skype call that happens right in your living room? Either way, the technologies that will soon allow these very things are on the horizon.
Category: Feature Spring 2015 -
Spring 2015Charging on the Go
The Power of Friction
You’re likely only aware of your own electrical capabilities when you touch something and receive a shock, or when you take off your hat and your hair is standing on end. However, static electricity is produced across our bodies constantly even if we are not aware of it.These researchers have developed a small generator, roughly the size of a postage stamp, which can be placed onto the skin to generate energy from the friction caused by contact between the skin and the silicone layer of the generator. At its current stage, the generator is only capable of producing enough energy to power twelve commercial LEDs, but with future refinements researchers hope to increase the output enough to power mobile devices.
Category: Feature Spring 2015 -
Spring 2015DiRT Tools
Digital Research Tools
As a Public Service Announcement (PSA) to all scholars working in the humanities or social sciences in need of software to help manage, analyze, organize, preserve, and otherwise deal with data digitally, DiRT [Digital Research Tools] is the tool to help you find a tool to accomplish whatever it is you need to accomplish for your research.
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Spring 2015Office Layouts
Two Approaches
There are two opposing schools of thought as to the ideal, most productive office working environment: Few walls literally will lead to few walls figuratively among staff. VS.Openness is death to all productivity.
Category: Spring 2015
