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turns English to code
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Programming
languages might seem like gibberish to the
average person but the structure of natural
languages like English has a lot in common
with the structure of programming languages.
Tapping the similarities could one day let
everyone program computers. A key tool turns
English statements into an outline of programming
code.
Full
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Common
sense boosts speech software
Speech recognition software often makes amusing
errors because computers have no way of knowing
that only a very silly person would mean to say
"I take mighty with milk". Giving computers a little
common sense helps eliminate the more egregious
mistakes.
Inkjet
prints human cells
Someday doctors will be able to grow replacement
organs using a patient's own cells. A key tool in
tissue replacement research is the humble inkjet
printer. One method tackles the challenges of keeping
cells alive and putting the right cells in the right
places.
The
How It Works Files
Biochips: microscopic plumbing
Briefs
Nanowires
track molecular activity
Nanoscale electronic devices reveal molecular interactions,
opening a route to rapid testing for new drugs.
Microdroplet
makes mighty microscope
A microscopic glycerine droplet on a gold film is
part of a simple optical microscope that can pick
up objects 20 times smaller than bacterium.
Cheap
material makes speedy memory
A mix of a common plastic and molecule-size specks
of gold promises to be a recipe for cheap, fast
memory.
Tiny
crystals adjust laser colors
Tiny bits of crystal prove proficient at tuning
the color of light for communications systems and
sensors.
Electricity
controls biomolecules
Using a small jolt of electricity to nudge proteins
together is a step toward building and controlling
molecular machines.
Nanotubes
juice super batteries
A simple fabrication technique boosts efforts to
use carbon nanotubes for superefficient electricity
storage.
Layers
promise cheap circuits
A layered structure for organic transistors promises
low power and high output for inexpensive electronics.
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