Article Abstract:
Two scientists at the IBM Almaden Research Center have discovered a way to put individual atoms into patterns on a flat surface by using a scanning tunnel microscope. Other scientists have been able to manipulate individual atoms, but no one has ever before had such precision of movement with them. Donald M. Eigler and Erhard K. Schweizer say the technology has no immediate applications, but that it may be applied to the creation of custom-designed molecules to be used in atom-sized transistors. The team's first experiment was to spell out 'IBM' with atoms on a flat nickel crystal. The sample was chilled with liquid helium to 452 degrees below zero Fahrenheit. A beam of xenon atoms was sprayed at the chilled crystal, leaving a random pattern of atoms. The scientists made xenon chains similar to molecules and the 'IBM' pattern by dragging the atoms into position using the microscope.
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Article Abstract:
Computer techniques make it easier to retouch or to fake a photograph. An original photo is itself photographed using a charge couple device camera, and the image is broken into tiny pixels. The color or hue or intensity of each pixel is stored digitally, so that an image can be retrieved and manipulated. The manipulations can generate startling new images. New elements can be blended in so that a picture cannot be differentiated from an original photo. Even an expert might not find technical inconsistencies. And equipment needed to accomplish photographic forgery need not be expensive: photographic retouching can be done using an electronic scanning device, which can be purchased for less than $200. Photo forgeries are a subject of particular interest because of recent photos that depict American MIAs (servicepeople missing in action) alive in Indochina.
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Article Abstract:
Computer makers and software publishers are creating new products for visually handicapped microcomputer users. One software program allows blind persons to choose between on-screen icons or menus, reading images aloud. Some observers express concern that the fast pace of technology will further disadvantage blind people, but companies such as IBM are working to make advanced technology available. Software developers face obstacles in making programs available to the blind because the current trend is towards graphics-based representation. Translating words on the screen to synthesized speech is less daunting a task than translating icons into synthesized speech.
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