Neuroscience of programming: Understanding programmers’ brains

programmers brain

Programmers use existing language regions of the brain to understand code.

Computer programming is a deeply complex but relatively new human activity. Its young age has lent itself to countless battles and hotly debated topics that despite the many compelling arguments presented, we seemingly have no definitive answers for. All that is about to change: An international team of scientists lead by Dr. Janet Siegmund is using brain imaging with fMRI to understand the programmer’s mind. Understanding the brain offers us the chance to distill these complex issues into fundamental answers.

 

 

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Science fiction writers are really good at predicting the future

arthur c clarke prediciton

Arthur C. Clarke predicted the iPad and online newspapers in 1968.

Arthur C. Clarke declared in 1964, “trying to predict the future is a discouraging and hazardous occupation,” and yet he got it astoundingly right in his own predictions, including his 1968 vision for the iPad. Isaac Asimov predicted online education, Douglas Adams predicted ebooks, Ray Bradbury predicted that we would reach Mars (though, so far, we’ve only done so with robotic extensions of ourselves), and Jules Verne envisioned the hi-tech Nautilus “at a time when even a can-opener [was] considered an exciting new concept.” In fact, science-fiction authors have a formidable track record of predicting the future — but why? (Video)

 

 

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3 critical factors wearables need to be successful

fuel

Next generation of wearables needs to focus more on keeping users engaged in the long-term.

Companies such as Sony, Pebble, Meta, LG, Garmin, Razer and others introduced at least 10 new wearable devices at CES in January. Yet despite the enthusiasm in the market, the dirty secret of wearables remains: almost all of the current generation of products fail to drive long-term, sustained engagement and behavior change.

 

 

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Paralyzed skier walks again with world’s first 3D printed exoskeleton

exoskeleton

World’s first 3D printed exoskeleton.

Amanda Boxtel suffered a vicious skiing accident that left her paralyzed from the waist down in 1992. Doctors said she would never walk again. This week, with the help of the world’s first 3D printed exoskeleton that gives her the ability to climb out of her wheelchair and walk once again she proved the doctors wrong. (Video)

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MX3D-Metal – an incredible new technique for printing 3D metal in midair

mx3d_metal_printing

We are able to 3D print plastic goods, fabric for clothing, food, and possibly in the future, human organs. But metal has been less accessible. Now, a collaboration between Dutch designer Joris Laarman and software company Autodesk has yielded something groundbreaking: an affordable technique for printing large metal structures, called MX3D-Metal. (Video)

 

 

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Parking lot design challenge aims to revitalize urban areas

wrappedparking

Roger Sherman Architecture + Urban Design explores the idea of a year-round recreational area for kids of all ages in Ronkonkoma.

Parking lots and similar structures have been a popular battleground for urbanists and architects in their quest to reclaim urban space as they often represent large tracts of unused land that offer little existing aesthetic contribution. Arguably the ParkingPLUS proposals in Long Island, which are a follow-up to 2010′s Build a Better Burb competition, encourage behaviors that have created more livable downtowns while combining personal and public transit in striking new configurations. Though these proposals to reinvigorate a 4,000 sq ft parking lot are still mere pipe dreams right now, each was carefully examined for cost and suitability to each area’s needs, making them a possibility for the future. (Pics)

 

 

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Philips urban beehive lets apartment dwellers harvest fresh honey

beehive

Urban beehive

Philips has just unveiled an innovative urban beehive that enables anyone to harvest fresh hone at home. The pod-like accessory attaches to a hole cut into a pane of glass, and once secured, you’ll be able to peer into the hive while the white entryway on the outside would allow the bees the freedom come and go. Simply pull a small cord and fresh honey will come pouring out.

 

 

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Retailers should be embracing the omnichannel

omni_channel

Thanks to the disruption that the Internet, mobile phones, and social media are all bringing to the shopping experience retail is at a reset moment. It means the entire supply chain — retailers, suppliers, and third-party logistics providers (3PLs) — has to become more efficient, competitive, and knowledgeable to be able attract and keep customers.

 

 

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Discover the Hidden Patterns of Tomorrow with Futurist Thomas Frey
Unlock Your Potential, Ignite Your Success.

By delving into the futuring techniques of Futurist Thomas Frey, you’ll embark on an enlightening journey.

Learn More about this exciting program.