Shaping floods of data, computers 'see' the unseen; numbers resolve into images that change the ways of research

Article Abstract:

Scientific research is changing, responding to opportunities for analyzing large data sets by using computers and graphic displays. According to Lawrence Rosenblum, a mathematician and computer scientist at the Naval Research Laboratory, physical science has been either theoretical or experimental, but now there is a third category - 'computational.' Scientists are making pictures and three-dimensional images of what had previously been uninterpretable data: telemetry from spacecraft show what it would look like to fly over Mars; three-dimensional representations show how blood flows in the heart; movies show representations of 'curved space,' previously known only by equations; and visualizations mimic molecules. Technologies are evolving rapidly: computers are growing more powerful and they are less expensive, and data collection techniques are improving.

Methods, Usage, Officials and employees, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Information management, Science, Product introduction, Image processing, Computer simulation, Computer graphics, United States. Naval Research Laboratory, Future Technologies, Simulation, New Technique, Visualization, Rosenblum, Lawrence

---

M.I.T. deal with Japan stirs fear on competition

Article Abstract:

The release of details of a three-year-old agreement between the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Japanese researchers touches off a debate concerning protection of America's scientific resources. The agreement, between MIT's Media Laboratory and two Japanese interests - Nihon University and Japanese industrialist Chiyoji Misawa - calls for MIT to transfer some of its research techniques to the Japanese for $10 million over five years. The Media Laboratory is a creative environment where young researchers are given free reign to follow whatever research paths they wish. The laboratory focuses on research in computers and futuristic media technologies such high-definition television. Critics of the deal say MIT is giving away its know-how for a small sum of money and is giving the Japanese the means to duplicate American creative skills.

Noncommercial research organizations, Japan, Technological forecasting, Industrial research, Contracts, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Technology transfer, Research and Development, Future of Computing, Foreign Competition, Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Media Laboratory, Nihon University

---

Study Aside, Fat-Fighting Industry Vows to Stick to Its Mission

Article Abstract:

Although a recent study showed that moderately overweight people have a lower risk of death than thin people, the medical profession continues to research the health risks obesity. The research is often sponsored by the pharmaceutical and diet industries.

United States, Science & research, Public affairs, Health aspects, Social aspects, Complications and side effects, Risk factors, Diabetes, Diabetes mellitus, Overweight persons, Obesity, Heart diseases

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: FMcanada.com plays the Net. Web radio changes tune of broadcasters. Imax cutting 13% of work force
• Abstracts: How Garry checked the Deep Blues. Ringing the changes
• Abstracts: Boston: walk-through computer: in three museums, visitors explore the worlds of robots, semiconductors and space
• Abstracts: Untangling the tangle of a home computer network. Sorting out today's technobabble. If you want to soar
• Abstracts: Friendly computer programs that will mimic a desk, even a messy one. Maybe a computer can outsew Grandma

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.