Investor's Business Daily, October 1st, 2007
Game theory may beat terrorists
Security officials at Los Angeles Int'l Airport are disposing of routines in a new hope to thwart terrorists. Using a method developed by USC researchers based on game theory, officials will randomize their patrols hoping to throw off potential wrongdoers. Typically, terrorists will scout out potential security flaws 18 months to 4 years before an attack. The airport believes that finding any security flaws will be more difficult if terrorists can't predict security movements.
Skin scan to spot car-pool cheats
Traffic toll booths and highway cameras near Washington, D.C., may soon get a technology upgrade. A proposed plan will scan vehicles to check if people are wrongfully using the car-pool lane in order to avoid traffic. Scanners will use infrared light to detect human skin so those claiming dummies or pets as their second passenger will no longer be able to avoid the law. Privacy advocates are troubled by the proposal and said the data collected could be used in divorce proceedings.
MIT researchers created a computer program to determine how cluttered Web sites and computer screens are, MSNBC.com reported. Scientists said the visual clutter measure will help create better Web designs, displays and maps. The technology could also help smart cars warn drivers when streets are too busy. In addition, it could be used to help search for potential threats in luggage at airports.
1 in 4 students drop out of high school, far more than the 10% rate estimated by the U.S. Census Bureau, Univ. of Minn. researchers contend. Their study was based on school records; the Census Bureau relies on surveys. The study also found that dropout rates have remained steady, not declined, as the Census Bureau contends. Home Internet use rose to 6 hours a week in the U.K., according to a study by research firm point 15pic. The survey found that 86.6% of those using the Web at home are online for at least 6 hours a week, up from 50% in '05. The study said 5% of home surfers spend more than 80 hours a week online. 16% of users spend time online watching TV or video.
