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Virtual Worlds May Be the Future Setting of Scientific Collaboration |
by sparky3887
The California Institute of Technology, Princeton University, Drexel University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have formed the first professional scientific organization based entirely in a virtual world. The Meta Institute for Computational Astrophysics (MICA) conducts professional seminars, popular lectures, and other events entirely online in virtual worlds. MICA is based in Second Life, where participants use avatars to explore and interact with their surroundings, and the organization plans to expand into other worlds when appropriate. MICA also is working to establish collaborative partnerships with the IT industry, including Microsoft and IBM. In addition to uniting people in an innovative, free, and convenient way, virtual worlds can provide new possibilities for scientific visualization, or visual analytics. As data sets become increasingly large and complicated, visualization can help researchers better understand different phenomena. Also, virtual worlds can allow researchers to immerse themselves in data and simulations, helping them think differently about data and patterns.
For More Information:http://www.cpccci.com
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SIGGRAPH Continues to Push Boundaries |
by sparky3887
From August 3-7, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans will host ACM’s SIGGRAPH 2009 conference, which will focus on the expanding scope of the SIGGRAPH realm. Over the past few years, SIGGRAPH has expanded to including gaming, generative fabrication, and human-computer interactions in addition to the more traditional areas of computer animation and graphics. “Each year, the content presented at SIGGRAPH provides an opportunity to view the best technological breakthroughs and advancements in multiple fields,” says SIGGRAPH 2009 Chair Ronen Barzel. “In no other environment is there such a high caliber of computer graphics and interactive content provided.” This year, the conference is expanding into new areas with the goal of introducing the entire breadth of the medium to attendees. A new gaming and digital music track will highlight research in visual music, innovative synthesis methods, and art installations to showcase and question common assumptions about the challenges game designers and players regularly face. Part of SIGGRAPH’s growing focus on video games will be dedicated to real-time rendering programs, making this year’s conference “one of the most dynamic and innovative festivals in SIGGRAPH history,” according to Barzel. SIGGRAPH also is expanding into other fields, including robotics, input interfaces, haptics, and experimental sensory experiences. Demonstrations and interactive installations will allow conference attendees to see how technology and computer graphics could soon change their life.
For More Information:http://www.cpccci.com
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Broadband Is This Generation’s Highway System, FCC Chief Says |
by sparky3887
In early August, U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski toured California to build support for the FCC’s ongoing effort to create the nation’s first broadband plan. Genachowski’s trip, along with the 18 broadband hearings the FCC will hold before the end of the summer, is intended to show that the FCC is planning a highly ambitious proposal for the country’s IT infrastructure. “Broadband is our generation’s infrastructure challenge,” says Genachowski. “It is as important as electricity and highways were for past generations.” The stimulus package has set aside $7 billion for broadband grants and loans. Genachowski says President Obama and Congress have asked for an ambitious broadband effort, and points out that when Congress ordered the FCC to deliver a plan next February it specified that the plan should promote national priorities, including health, anti-terrorism, education, and disaster preparedness. Broadband has already advanced medical practices, including taking and sending photos of babies’ eyes to ophthalmologists to help prevent retinopathy, or connecting specialists to rural hospitals to allow doctors to examine patients who are miles away. However, even less expensive broadband and technology may not be enough to persuade hospitals to upgrade to new technology because the nation’s health insurance reimbursement system often will not pay for e-consults, including Medicare. “We are just scratching [the] surface of what broadband technology can do for the country,” says Genachowski. “I don’t think enough people appreciate the very real, practical benefits that a 21st century telecom infrastructure can provide.”
For More Information:http://www.cpccci.com