A researcher developed a system to determine the pose of cooperative spacecraft using ToF cameras and reflector markers. The system consists of three steps: reflector detection, matching, and pose calculation, and was tested in experiments with high accuracy.
Researchers at MIT and the University of Tokyo have developed a technique to synthesize many
Researchers have found conclusive evidence of a 3.5-billion-year-old shoreline with substantial sedimentary accumulation on Mars' northern hemisphere. The discovery provides key insights into the planet's ancient climate and its evolution, as well as the potential for life.
A team of Swiss researchers has developed Aerial Additive Manufacturing (AAM), a system that uses flying drones to print materials for construction projects. The technology enables on-site manufacturing and building in difficult-to-access or dangerous locations, such as post-disaster relief construction and tall buildings.
Researchers have developed a technology using flying robots that mimic the collective building methods of bees and wasps to construct and repair large structures. The Aerial Additive Manufacturing system consists of drones that work autonomously but are monitored by human controllers, adapting their techniques as needed.
Florida Atlantic University receives a three-year NASA grant to develop experiential learning opportunities for South Florida underserved high school students in the STEM fields. The MAA Experiential Learning Opportunities project aims to increase minority students' participation in STEM programs and professions.
Researchers found that dark matter halos in ultra-diffuse galaxies have lower concentrations than expected, raising questions about their formation and evolution. The study's surprising results indicate these galaxies may be younger and contain more gas than normal galaxies.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched a $3 million challenge competition to encourage community-based and advocacy organizations to develop infrastructure for conducting maternal health research. The challenge aims to address racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities in maternal health outcomes.
A study of NASA astronauts found DNA mutations associated with spaceflight, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and blood cancer. Regular screening is recommended to monitor astronaut health.
The Martian ionosphere's anisotropic characteristics cause dispersion of radio signals, distorting echoes and degrading image quality. A model simulating the ionospheric effect is developed to estimate Mars' subsurface without considering magnetic fields and solar activity.
Engineers developed an algorithm to optimize individual turbine angles, reducing wake impact and increasing overall farm efficiency. This could lead to a significant improvement in existing wind farms' energy output and enable more turbines to be installed in tighter spaces.
The review paper analyzed research advancements in data acquisition, target recognition, and monitoring for space situational awareness. The author emphasized the importance of comprehensive reviews and identified emerging trends in multiagent and synergetic constellation technologies.
A new optimization tool can quickly improve performance of various autonomous systems, including walking robots and self-driving vehicles. The tool uses automatic differentiation to identify tweaks that achieve desired outcomes, reducing trial-and-error simulations.
Recent research reviews progresses in miniaturized spectrometers, focusing on integrated spectrometers with CMOS-compatible integration platforms. The authors establish performance benchmarks and discuss technological advancements in wavelength de-multiplexing and multiplexing-based spectrometers.
Researchers simulated earthquakes in a lab and found that fine-grained gravel formed at fault boundaries can trigger powerful ruptures, contrary to previous beliefs about stable faults. The study used high-pressure and shear simulations to show that rock gouge weakens friction between plates, leading to intermittent slip.
MIT researchers develop ExSum, a framework to formalize explanations of machine-learning models into quantifiable rules. This allows for testing assumptions about model behavior and reveals unexpected insights, such as negative words having sharper contributions to model decisions.
A team of scientists has proposed a versatile photonic slide rule that enables simultaneous resolution of wavelength and polarization state. The device uses an all-silicon metasurface to achieve angle-resolved focusing spots, allowing for easy retrieval of the wavelength and polarization information.
Researchers predict widespread increases in flash flooding events across the US, with a predicted 10% increase in the Southwest and 8.6% in the central US. Climate change may lead to more frequent and intense flash floods, requiring improved infrastructure and early warning systems.
Recent studies published in the Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis have found applications of nanotechnology in medicine, drug research, and environmental protection. Researchers developed nanodots made of carbon using natural polysaccharides from mushrooms to detect chromium, and created nanozymes that could be used to detect drug con...
Developing a design tool for tailorable composites will benefit NASA and industries by shortening the design period and improving structural properties. The tool, created with Purdue-affiliated company AnalySwift, has applications in aerospace, energy, wind, automotive, marine, and other industries.
The Bureau of Reclamation released a new report evaluating current and emerging snow measurement technologies to enhance water supply forecasting. The report identifies under-utilized emerging technologies with potential to improve forecast accuracy in the near term.
MIT engineers mapped airplane contrails over the US in 2020 and found a 20% drop in coverage compared to prepandemic years. The team's computer-vision technique can help predict where contrails form, allowing airlines to reroute planes and reduce aviation's climate impact.
Researchers at MIT and Harvard University applied cognitive science theories to human-robot interaction, finding that humans need to see variation in robot behavior to build accurate mental models. Theories suggest that strategic variation can reveal concepts that might be difficult for a person to discern otherwise.
Engineers at the University of Cincinnati are working on designing quieter drones and flying cars to minimize noise pollution. By manipulating sound through engineering design, they aim to create vehicles that are imperceptible in their environment, reducing disruptions to lower-income neighborhoods and daily life for millions.
Scientists have observed significant oscillations in confined water within one-dimensional nanochannels, affecting axial density and repelling ions at distant entrances. These findings may contribute to understanding biological channels and improving desalination technologies.
A new collision-avoidance system using explainable artificial intelligence enables robots to safely navigate and perform tasks in space. The system was tested in simulations and prototype design, showing promise for future applications in on-orbit servicing and assembly.
The MIT team developed a levitating rover design using ion thrusters, capable of producing enough repulsive force to hover on the moon and larger asteroids. The concept uses tiny ion beams to charge up the vehicle and boost its natural surface charge.
Researchers create an artificial intelligence that allows drones to use ocean currents to aid navigation, reducing energy consumption. The AI uses reinforcement learning networks to exploit low-velocity regions in water currents, outperforming even the most efficient swimming strategies found in nature.
A study published in Frontiers in Energy Research found that sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) could reduce commercial aviation's CO2 emissions by between 4% and 23% by 2050. The researchers used a model-based approach to analyze data and considered five future SAF scenarios and two passenger-demand projections.
A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has developed a machine learning-based tool to predict thermoacoustic oscillations in engines. The tool uses dynamical systems theory and can classify combustion into three states, identifying pressure fluctuations that indicate future combustion oscillations.
Researchers developed a method to directly grow high-quality graphene on wafer-scale insulators without transfer, achieving improved electrical performance and carrier mobility. The approach utilizes copper acetate to supply copper clusters, enhancing precursor decomposition and resulting in robust graphene films.
The Dartmouth Engineering team will conduct research on planetary science relating to icy planets' geophysics and astrobiology, aiming to understand the nature of these worlds and their habitability. The project will provide valuable tools for interpreting measurements taken by future missions.
Scientists at the University of Kent have developed a mathematical formula that describes the shape of any bird's egg in nature. The formula is based on four parameters and can be applied across multiple disciplines, including food research, mechanical engineering, and agriculture.
A team of researchers has created a new algorithm that determines the most efficient route for robots to navigate complex spaces. The RBF-Galerkin method combines two existing approaches to find the optimal solution, surpassing other methods in terms of cost and time efficiency.
Researchers from Northern Arizona University found that solar radiation can produce iron nanoparticles on the Moon's surface, a process previously thought to be less significant. This discovery has important implications for future space missions and the study of the Moon's surface evolution.
Researchers at MIT have created an algorithm that enables drones to navigate complex obstacle courses at high speeds without crashing. The new approach combines simulations with real-world experiments, allowing drones to adapt to challenging aerodynamics and find the fastest routes.
The UW team's prototype reactor uses a gaming graphics card to control plasmas, achieving high-speed and precision control. This method enables the creation of longer-living plasmas that operate closer to conditions required for controlled fusion power.
A new project, 'The Reading Time Machine,' aims to digitize predigital scientific literature in astronomy, extracting text and figures to enhance searchable capabilities. Researchers will use optical character recognition and object detection methods to parse tables, figure captions, and science-relevant information.
Scientists have discovered a climate pattern in the Arctic that drives co-occurrences of European heatwaves and large-scale wildfires with air pollution. The circum-Arctic wave (CAW) pattern is linked to exceptionally high PM2.5 levels and organic carbon aerosol concentrations.
Kamesh Subbarao, a UTA engineering professor, has been honored by the American Astronautical Society (AAS) for his technical contributions in estimation and control. He is also recognized for his leadership in AAS technical activities.
Researchers at DOE's Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory receive $2 million in funding to investigate magnetic reconnection and plasma blobs that can disrupt communications satellites. They aim to recreate conditions in the magnetosphere using a device resembling an enormous silvery barrel tipped on its side.
A new study explains that strike-slip faults, which were previously believed to trigger only small tsunamis, can generate unusually large waves like the devastating Palu tsunami in 2018. Researchers discovered a mechanism for these massive tsunamis to form, suggesting other coastal cities may need to reevaluate their risk level.
A new hydrogel-based material has been developed that mimics the structure of a lobster's underbelly, exhibiting remarkable fatigue-resistance and stretch properties. The material's angled architecture is thought to hinder crack propagation, allowing it to withstand repeated stretches and strains without tearing.
Researchers discovered that fruit flies can fly up to 15 kilometers in a single journey, outpacing many migratory bird species. The study, led by Kate Leitch, used 'release and recapture' experiments with hundreds of thousands of common lab fruit flies.
Researchers used image-analysis methods from engineering to spot minute movements of a stony coral. The study found more activities happening under nighttime conditions and provided insights into coral behavior and physiology.
Researchers found that the Kuroshio Current's large meander is responsible for increased humidity and temperature in Tokyo, leading to 160% more discomfort days. The study uses satellite data to examine the impact of ocean currents on regional climate.
A new deep-learning algorithm, CARRL, is designed to help machines build a healthy skepticism of their measurements and inputs. By combining reinforcement-learning algorithms with deep neural networks, researchers created an approach that outperformed standard machine-learning techniques in scenarios with uncertain and adversarial inputs.
A study found that 48 major US cities underreport their greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 145% compared to standardized estimates, affecting climate change policies. The discrepancies were likely due to limited local information on particular fuels or sectors.
Engineers design aircraft capable of handling extreme turbulence by simulating complete vortex collisions at reduced computational time. The CvP-LES model captures super complex physics without extensive data processing, enabling aircraft designs for fighter jets and helicopters.
Scientists predict that Sunspot Cycle 25 will be one of the strongest on record due to its predicted peak sunspot number. The new cycle is forecasted to start with a bang, and if correct, it would support the research team's theory about the Sun's internal magnetic machine.
A study found mitochondrial dysfunction to be a common thread driving damage in astronauts' bodies during extended space travel. Researchers used data from various sources and identified alterations affecting biological function as the key issue.
The Politecnico di Milano team successfully synthesized a molecular crystal with a Borromean topology, demonstrating the mechanism of formation and opening new perspectives for complex chemical systems. The findings have potential applications in diamond synthesis, hydrogen storage, ultra-light composites, and drug development.
Researchers propose a new approach to create lifelike robots by integrating materials science, mechanical engineering, computer science, biology and chemistry. This Physical AI can help humans in tasks that are dangerous or impossible for them, such as medicine and security.
Researchers at Imperial College London have developed drones that can deploy sensor-containing darts onto trees and collect data on forest ecosystems. The drones can also perch on tree branches like birds to collect data themselves, acting as mobile sensors.
The new multi-drone imaging system coordinates multiple autonomous drones to produce detailed visual surveys of penguin colonies, reducing survey time from two days to two-and-a-half hours. The system uses a route planning algorithm that prioritizes efficient coverage and maintains a safe distance from the ground.
Researchers from King's College London and Imperial College London developed a theoretical model for treating two COVID-19 patients simultaneously using one ventilator. The approach uses tailored ventilation and adjustable tidal volumes to mitigate risks associated with ventilator splitting.
Aerodynamic experiments reveal that wind reduces the strength of corona discharges around airplane wings, unlike grounded structures where winds strengthen the glow. The study provides new insights into the complex interactions between air, electricity, and wing shapes during thunderstorms.
Only 6.5% of world's pristine tropical forests are formally protected, leaving rest at risk due to lack of focus on forest intactness and quality in global conservation strategies. New targets for protection, restoration, and reduction of human pressure are urgently needed to conserve these ecosystems.
Researchers create 3D Dynamic Scene Graphs, enabling robots to quickly generate maps of their surroundings and extract relevant information. The new model is modeled after human perception and allows robots to navigate and make decisions like humans.
Purdue University researchers develop a technique using sunlight to identify satellite issues, potentially reducing the risk of 'space junk'. Light curves collected from satellites or their parts can reveal structural malfunctions.