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Article Abstract:

Synaptics approximately US$250 Synaptics chip is a neural chip designed to verify cheques. Silicon valley's Synaptics was founded by Federico Faggin in 1986, and the company's neural chip provides the reader with greater accuracy. The Synaptics chip is an analog device and comprises 14 artificial neurons. Each neuron contains 400 inter-connected, light-sensing transistors which 'see' the complete image of a character simultaneously. The chip then recognizes the character which is passed on to a digital processor. The processor presents the data in understandable form, and is 99.95% accurate.

Semiconductors and related devices, Computer industry, Product introduction, Product Announcement, Chip sets (Computers), Chipsets, Synaptics Inc., Synaptics chip (Computer apparatus)

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Spot the mistake

Article Abstract:

Japanese companies are going out of their way to fund US-based companies engaged in the repair and maintenance of liquid crystal displays (LCD). Even new entrants to the field have been recipients of this example of Japanese generosity. An example of a start-up firm is Photon Dynamics. The Japanese have been on the lookout for companies that could troubleshoot defects in LCD's. US companies are highly regarded for their research and development efforts while the Japanese are quicker to adapt new technology and manufacture appropriate products.

Electronic components, not elsewhere classified, Japan, Finance, Image processing equipment industry, Photon Dynamics Inc.

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Blue genes for red roses

Article Abstract:

Calgene Pacific is conducting genetic research to produce blue roses. The company estimates that retail sales for such a rose could reach up to US$5 billion annually. In 1991, the company's researchers managed to isolate a gene that causes flowering plants to synthesize delphinidin in their petals. However, these blue pigments are dependent on the pH of their immediate environment to produce the desired color, so Calgene is again developing genes to control pH in flower petals.

Research, Genetic aspects, Plant genetic engineering, Roses, Calgene Pacific

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