Scientists from the University of Minnesota and Duke University developed computer techniques that can automate image inpainting, restoring lost regions with neighboring available information. This technology has applications in surveillance images, enabling faster recovery of lost information and potential super resolution.
Researchers aim to develop autonomous intelligent network and systems that can perform coordinated actions without human intervention. The goal is to create a 'commander' giving broad operational orders, while agents work together to overcome complex challenges, such as distributed signal processing and wireless communication.
Scientists have observed glowing coral reefs when illuminated with blue light, which could be used to map specific coral groups within a reef. This phenomenon is related to species and coral health, providing a potential tool for managing sensitive military areas and detecting man-made objects.
QuikClot is a granulated material that rapidly absorbs all liquid in the blood and leaves behind clotting factors to effect coagulation within seconds. The product has been cleared by the FDA and is being distributed to US troops in Afghanistan, with plans for wider use in military and civilian settings.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully created atomic solitons, a type of 'atom wave' that can propagate without dispersing, in a narrow beam of light. This breakthrough has potential applications in ultra-high speed optical communication networks and extremely precise measurements using atom lasers.
Carbon nanotubes have been shown to exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, enabling the creation of high-speed electronic devices. The breakthrough could lead to the development of hand-held DNA detectors, superfast optical detectors, and computer chip speeds faster than current Pentium processors.
The LaserNet Fines instrument uses algorithms based on neural networking to analyze particulate matter, making accurate predictions with 97% accuracy. This technology has immense potential for improving the Navy's safety and readiness while reducing costs in multiple industries, including railroad, trucking, and construction.
Researchers aim to mimic bat echolocation using synthetic aperture sonar, allowing for more accurate detection of submarines and mines. By duplicating bats' ability to differentiate between echoes, naval sonars can identify objects separated by the width of a human hair.
The Reduced Oxygen-Breathing (ROB) device induces symptoms of hypoxia in a normal room at normal air pressures, reducing the risk of decompression sickness and pressure trauma. This cost-effective training tool will be used for periodic hypoxia familiarization training for naval aviators.
A new type of analog processor, compact and fast for image processing, has the potential to replace damaged human retinas with an artificial eye. The cellular nonlinear network (CNN) chip is integrated with a camera to produce an image processor, mimicking the functions of the retina.
Researchers investigate the remarkable resilience of the mummichog fish to chronic pollution in the Elizabeth River. The study reveals that these fish have adapted through genetic changes, but this comes at a cost, such as increased cancer risk and reduced ability to thrive in clean environments.
The Office of Naval Research has awarded $8.4M to 10 young investigators for their basic research in various science and engineering fields, including ocean circulation models, heat conduction, brain-inspired computing, microbial adhesion, mobile wireless networks, damage tolerance, weather predictions, and neuromorphic engineering.
An ice-free Arctic would pose enormous implications for naval operations, requiring increased cooperation between nations, particularly the US, Canada, and Russia. The region's shorter routes from Europe to Asia could lead to increased transnational activity, international crime, and environmental challenges.
Researchers are studying the aerodynamics of bird-wrasse fish, fruit flies, and hawkmoths to develop more efficient unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and underwater vessels. By mimicking nature's designs, they aim to reduce drag, improve stability, and enhance control.
The innovative procedure uses a 40-second CT scan to identify colon polyps, reducing the risk of puncturing and sedation. Virtual Colonoscopy has been shown to detect polyps as small as 3mm in diameter with high accuracy.
The U.S. Navy has deployed a mobile communications center to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympics, offering reliable satellite links and connectivity. The system, developed by the Office of Naval Research, can provide telephone and data connectivity anywhere and even handle streaming video.
Researchers from the Office of Naval Research have developed a retinal microchip to restore vision in the blind. The chip electronically stimulates healthy retina cells, transmitting signals to the brain to recognize faces and read large text.
NavMedWatch enables healthcare professionals to track medical assets, anticipate future needs, and provide alerts for transportation to other facilities. The next version will include a history function to track individual patient care throughout the Naval medical system.
Researchers Eric Cornell, Carl Wieman, and Wolfgang Ketterle create a super-size boson by manipulating Bose-Einstein Condensates. They achieved this feat using optical and magnetic trapping techniques, demonstrating the wave nature of matter.
The U.S. Navy is seeking non-toxic solutions to combat barnacle infestations, which cost billions of dollars annually due to drag on ship hulls. Researchers are exploring flexible and textured coatings that may repel or deter barnacles without harming marine organisms.
Scientists create detailed computer simulations of brain neurons and their assemblies to understand how the brain computes. They're building VLSI chips that accurately model retinas and can produce output spikes matching real retinae, with potential applications in retinal implants.
Researchers are studying the small hairs on lobsters' antennules to capture odors at high resolution. By understanding how these hairs process information, scientists hope to create more efficient chemical-sensing systems for the Navy.
Scientists at RTI in North Carolina have developed a high-efficiency thermocouple device that can make something hotter or colder over 20,000 times faster than current devices. This innovation has the potential to convert heat into electrical energy more efficiently and could lead to affordable plug-in modules for widespread use.
Researchers have discovered that an octopus's brain operates like a general in command of troops, issuing orders to independent peripheral nervous systems. This decentralized control enables the octopus to perform complex tasks with high maneuverability and flexibility.
The Starshine Satellite Project involves students from Pakistan, New Zealand, Brazil, and India polishing thousands of mirrors to help calibrate The Fence, the Navy's space surveillance network. Once launched, students will be able to track the satellite's movement as it passes across the skies.
The NRL's Humvee-based communications system can provide two-way satellite commercial links and a private cellular telephone network. It can also handle streaming video, making it an essential tool for emergency response teams.
A researcher has developed a new detector that can identify airborne anthrax and other biological particles in under 30 minutes. The device uses lasers and acoustic sensors to detect the presence of microorganisms, offering significant improvements over existing methods.
Nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) uses low frequency radio waves to detect explosives and narcotics. The technique is effective for land mine detection, as it targets the explosives within the mine.
The FaceIt face recognition system uses local feature analysis to capture tiny components of the face, allowing it to recognize faces even when only a portion is visible. It can track up to 10 faces simultaneously and search for matches against a database at a rate of 60 million/minute.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a 'Self-Aiming Camera' that uses a simulated neural network to analyze sensory input, process it, and make decisions in real-time. The camera can learn and improve its abilities over time, enabling discrimination between targets such as humans and vehicles.
Advanced Ceramics Research (ACR) Inc., a Naval research-funded company, has partnered with the Tohono O'odham Native American Nation to establish a high-tech manufacturing facility. The joint venture aims to produce eco-friendly composite products, including Aquacore, a water-soluble polymer matrix composite.
Researchers suggest deploying vibration-sensitive acoustic sensors on Europa's surface to probe the interior structure and search for signs of life. Massive ice fractures generate unusual cracking sounds that could penetrate the thick ice layer and propagate through the underlying ocean.
Researchers at ONR and DARPA are developing OSCAR, an oceanic fuel cell that harnesses organic matter in sea sediments to generate electricity. The early versions of OSCAR have been generating about 50 milliwatts per square meter, sufficient power for small calculators.
The NeuroGraph device, developed with Office of Naval Research funding, reads brain activity through a cap outfitted with electrodes to analyze differences from the norm. Pharmaceutical trials may also utilize NeuroGraph to test new drugs' efficacy on brain activity.
The Office of Naval Research has funded the development of a Tactical Vectoring Equipment (TVE) display, a simple array of six lights with Fresnel lenses that projects red or green light based on viewing angle. This system aims to improve navigation and communication for surface ships behind carriers in low visibility conditions.
Researchers are developing robotic lampreys with artificial muscle material, onboard compass, and sonar altimeter to mimic nature in technology. The robots can swim backward and maintain an S-shape during movement, making them ideal for stealthy underwater operations.
The Office of Naval Research developed an inexpensive and effective HLA test to screen potential bone marrow donors, increasing compatibility by 30%. New research aims to slow down tissue rejection response, allowing near matches.
The Office of Naval Research has funded a study to develop new plasmid DNA vaccines for marine mammals, aiming to prevent epidemic disease. The studies may soon allow for better protection against infection using vaccination of individual animals within a population.
A wearable translator is being developed by ONR to provide real-time language translation for the military and civilians. The device will be able to understand context and generate appropriate translations, benefiting various professionals such as airport personnel and tourists.
A system of acoustic sensors, originally developed for underwater mine detection, has been fitted onto gates and locks at Port Canaveral to protect manatees. Since its installation in March 2023, the system has detected seven manatees and saved them from death.
A female Northern Right Whale has been tracked every step of her journey between northern feeding grounds and southern breeding grounds using a satellite tracking tag sponsored by the Office of Naval Research. The successful tracking demonstrates a critical tool in the conservation efforts of this endangered species.
Researchers aim to understand how sonar affects marine creatures by creating a sea sound simulator. The ESME project will analyze data from various organizations and develop mathematical models to predict environmental effects of different sonar types.
The Navy's BMP program has significantly reduced disparities in quality, cost, and reliability of acquired goods and services. More than 120 surveys have been conducted, 5,000 best practices documented, and an Internet site established to share knowledge and expertise with the business community.
Researchers at Cornell University have successfully demonstrated hybrid nanodevices that can administer drugs and treatments using biomolecules and tiny nickel propellers. The devices are powered by ATP and can be assembled, maintained, and repaired using life's physiology.
Scientists have developed a unique way to study elephant seals using tiny sensing devices attached to their coats. These devices provide valuable information on sea temperatures and pressure, even at depths not normally reached by research ships or satellite sensing.
A Carnegie Mellon University computer model performed as well as a human in managing seven tasks simultaneously and coping with frequent interruptions. The training advantages of the model are enormous, allowing operators to gain valuable experience at much less cost.
A new airborne infrared search and track system, called Risk Mitigation Sensor (RMS), recently passed a key test detecting the launch of a Black Brant missile. The RMS technology has applications in various military aircraft and systems, potentially entering Fleet use within five years.
The Knowledge Wall is an ONR-funded concept using commercial technology to display relevant data on a single wall. It was installed onboard the USS CORONADO, addressing issues faced by naval decision-makers.
The US Navy is adopting new green LEDs in traffic lights that can deliver up to 10 times more power at microwave frequencies as traditional silicon semiconductors, promising improved radar systems performance. Gallium nitride-based materials are being used to replace vacuum tubes in high-power military microwave systems.
A researcher has devised a way to make tracking more accurate by determining the amount of bending electromagnetic signals incur due to air moisture and temperature. This technology has applications in high-precision tracking radars.