Jack is put through the wringer, so you won't be

Article Abstract:

At labs like the University of Pennsylvania's Center for Human Modeling and Simulation, researchers are developing virtual reality computer programs that model human movements and behavior. One simulation features Jack, a software construct that can stand in for humans of either gender, and assume a range of body types. Jack is used by industry to test products and situations for user and worker safety. Another simulation, which adds Jack to a crowd of other Jacks, models group behavior in emergency situations, like a toxic spill or a fire. Law enforcement agencies and the military use versions of these programs to train personnel.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Unlike viruses, bacteria find a welcome in the world of computing

Article Abstract:

In the latest advances in biocomputing research, biomedical engineers are using DNA to program cells. So far, scientists have inserted DNA strands into a bacterial cell and constructed an on/off switch, the basic component of binary computing. Another scientist placed 4 genes in a bacterium, which emits a fluorescent protein periodically, a kind of crude clock. These projects are a long way from the speed and power of today's silicon-based computers. Near term, researchers forsee replacing drugs with these cells, as the activators of theraputic genes

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Independence in computers is I.B.M. goal; project seeks to reduce need for human action

Article Abstract:

IBM has plans to invest billions in research and development of networking products and computers that use machine intelligence. IBM hopes to develop products that recognize and repair faults on their own and are adjustable to variable workloads. The company's top hardware strategist, Irving Wladawsky-Berger is focusing on developing 'autonomous computing' technologies. The new research and production is spurred in part by large IBM e-business customers who are unable to find enough skilled workers to handle the growing technology-load.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code: