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Tiny infrared chip could improve detection of gases and heat

Researchers at MIT have developed a microscopic pixel-based tunable lens that controls incoming infrared light for more precise thermal imaging, chemical sensing, or pollution monitoring. The system enables compact, dynamic infrared cameras with potential applications in environmental protection, space research, and military technology.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2026

Transparent nanosheets open the door to smaller, higher-resolution optical sensors

Researchers developed gallium-doped zinc oxide nanosheets that can detect red, green, and blue light while remaining nearly transparent. These nanosheets enabled the detection of full-color images with half the error of conventional cameras, making them suitable for demanding environments like space hardware and automotive systems.

SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2026

Assessing clinical skills through the examiner's eyes

A pilot study found that an examiner-worn, neck-mounted camera can supplement the observation and review of clinical skills during OSCE assessments. The results showed moderate to strong agreement between live and video-based assessments, with the wearable camera enabling more observations to be evaluated than the fixed camera.

SourceJuntendo University Research Promotion Center·JournalJMIR Medical Education·TypeObservational study·DateJun 25, 2026

Jumping spiders inspire ultra-efficient 3D camera

Researchers developed SpiderCam, a highly energy-efficient 3D camera inspired by jumping spiders. It captures two images with different focus settings and analyzes the differences in sharpness to produce real-time 3D maps while consuming less than a watt of power.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateJun 7, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Improved omnidirectional small moving object detection with an enhanced YOLO model

A new framework combines a custom-built training dataset with transfer learning to improve the detection accuracy of small and distant objects in omnidirectional videos. The proposed model achieved an overall accuracy of 90%, significantly higher than conventional models for small moving objects.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 22, 2026

A smarter way to find cancer-linked lymph nodes

A new single-chip camera captures ultraviolet, near-infrared and visible images using a compact design inspired by the multiwavelength vision capability of the mantis shrimp. The camera helps surgeons identify cancer-linked lymph nodes during surgery, making cancer treatment safer and less invasive.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateApr 16, 2026

Tiny cameras in earbuds let users talk with AI about what they see

Researchers at the University of Washington developed a system that integrates tiny cameras in wireless earbuds with an AI model, allowing users to ask questions about the scene in front of them. The system achieved high accuracy rates for translation and object recognition, making it a promising technology for future applications.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateApr 14, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Biologically inspired event camera for accurate passive vibration measurement

A biologically inspired event camera measures vibrations accurately without expensive equipment, providing a cost-effective alternative to laser-based systems. The camera captures high-speed vibrations by recording brightness changes independently at each pixel, enabling precise amplitude, phase, and frequency estimation.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 17, 2026

Seeing farther: A new camera-based technique detects distant vehicles for safer roads

A new method analyzes nearby vehicle motion to estimate road's trajectory and vanishing point, capturing distant road areas and enhancing safety. The system outperformed conventional and deep learning-based techniques in tests under day and night conditions, reducing intersection-related accidents.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Open Journal of Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 15, 2025

Discovery to display: FAU unveils the ‘Art of Science’ winners

The Art of Science competition celebrates creativity through photography and video, highlighting FAU's rise as a hub for innovation. Chelsea Bennice wins with her captivating underwater octopus image, while Gabriella Carvajal's 'Sea Turtle Beginning' showcases embryonic development, shedding light on climate change impacts.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·TypeNews article·DateNov 7, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

FAU Engineering researchers make great ‘strides’ in gait analysis technology

Researchers at FAU Engineering have developed foot-mounted wearable sensors and a 3D depth camera that accurately measure how people walk, even in busy clinical environments. The study findings reveal that these technologies match the accuracy of traditional tools but are more scalable, remote, and cost-effective.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalSensors·TypeObservational study·DateOct 23, 2025

Scientists read mice’s ‘thoughts’ from their faces

Researchers at Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown used machine learning techniques to show that mice's facial movements reflect their hidden thoughts. This discovery could offer unprecedented insight into brain function and potential new research tools.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·JournalNature Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2025

Researchers revive the pinhole camera for next-gen infrared imaging

Researchers have developed a high-performance mid-infrared imaging system without lenses, capturing clear pictures over large distances and in low light. The system uses an optical pinhole inside a nonlinear crystal to form an image, which is then converted into visible light, allowing for distortion-free and large-depth imaging.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateSep 11, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

SwRI-led PUNCH mission images huge solar eruption

The PUNCH mission has successfully imaged a huge solar eruption, providing unprecedented views of coronal mass ejections and the solar wind. The spacecraft constellation is enabling scientists to better understand and predict space weather events that can disrupt communications and endanger satellites.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateJun 10, 2025

SwRI-led PUNCH mission instruments collect first images

The PUNCH mission has successfully collected its first images of the solar corona using four small spacecraft that act as a single virtual instrument. The images show the outer atmosphere of the Sun in stunning detail, with scientists aiming to remove background light and preserve the faint signal of the solar wind.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateApr 17, 2025

Method uses drone and low-cost camera to select drought-tolerant plants

A new method using free software and a drone with a low-cost camera has been developed to select drought-tolerant corn plants. The approach allows for optimized data collection, faster processing, and reduced costs compared to conventional methods.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalThe Plant Phenome Journal·DateApr 4, 2025

NYC speed cameras take six months to change driver behavior, effects vary by neighborhood, new study reveals

The study tracked over 1,800 cameras across school zones from 2019 to 2021 and found that most cameras achieve their safety purpose within six months. Effectiveness patterns vary geographically across the city, with some areas experiencing a significant reduction in speeding behaviors, while others show marginal impact.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 2, 2025
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

NRL's narrow field imager launches on NASA's PUNCH mission

The NRL-developed Narrow Field Imager is a compact coronagraph that will image the transition of the Sun's atmosphere to the solar wind, gaining insights into space plasma environments. The PUNCH mission aims to improve prediction and mitigation of space weather events like coronal mass ejections.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·DateMar 20, 2025

Quantum-inspired cameras capture the start of life

Researchers at the University of Adelaide used quantum-sensitive cameras to image embryos, capturing biological processes in their natural state. The sensitive detection of photons allows for gentle illumination and minimizes damage from light, enabling researchers to study live cells and developing specimens.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAPL Photonics·DateMar 13, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Can AI help detect cognitive impairment?

Researchers developed a portable system using AI to spot cognitive impairment by measuring subtle differences in motor function. The device accurately identified 83% of participants with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), offering potential for early intervention and improved outcomes.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalAlzheimer Disease & Associated Disorders·DateMar 13, 2025

SwRI-led PUNCH constellation launches

The PUNCH spacecraft will study the solar corona and track space weather events in three dimensions for the first time. The constellation includes four small suitcase-sized spacecraft that will provide a clear view of the Sun's outer atmosphere, allowing scientists to discern the exact trajectory and speed of coronal mass ejections.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateMar 12, 2025

Security veins: Advanced biometric authentication through AI and infrared

A new method of biometric authentication has been developed using hyperspectral imaging and AI to identify individuals through the unique patterns in their blood vessels on the palm of their hand. The technology shows great promise for secure personal identification and could potentially be used as a key to unlock homes.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 7, 2025

SwRI-led PUNCH spacecraft poised for launch into polar orbit

The PUNCH mission will study the solar corona and its impact on the solar wind, improving space weather forecasting capabilities. The four small spacecraft, launched by NASA's Small Explorers program, will create a virtual instrument to image the Sun's corona, revealing previously invisible phenomena.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateFeb 25, 2025
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

New study of effect of CCTV cameras on crime in Newark, NJ, highlights value of longer-term evaluations

A new study by Northeastern University's Crime Prevention Lab found that CCTV cameras in Newark, NJ, were associated with reduced auto thefts three to four years after installation. The study highlights the importance of longer-term evaluations to understand the persistence and potential increase of crime prevention effects.

SourceAmerican Society of Criminology·JournalCriminology & Public Policy·DateFeb 13, 2025

Low-cost laparoscope designed for low- and middle-income countries

The KeyScope is a low-cost, robust laparoscope priced at approximately $1,000, making it accessible in low- and middle-income countries. It offers high-resolution images, color accuracy, and low distortion, comparable to standard laparoscopes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalBiophotonics Discovery·DateFeb 5, 2025
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Texas A&M researcher awarded NASA grant to study Martian dunes

Lauren Berger, a Texas A&M University doctoral student, has been awarded a prestigious FINESST grant from NASA to study Martian dunes. She aims to analyze the shapes and patterns of compound dunes on Mars using high-resolution images, comparing them to similar dunes on Earth.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateFeb 3, 2025

Revealing underwater secrets with new technique

Researchers developed a new technique to estimate prey size and energy content from animal-borne camera footage, providing insights into predator-prey interactions and foraging strategies. This study on Humboldt, King and Tawaki/Fiordland penguins sheds light on the feeding behavior of marine wildlife.

SourceUniversity of Otago·JournalPeerJ·TypeCase study·DateFeb 2, 2025

Dwarf planet Ceres: Building blocks of life delivered from space

Researchers discovered organic molecules on Ceres' surface but found no evidence of volcanic or tectonic activity. The deposits are thought to have originated from impacts by outer asteroid belt bodies, which could have introduced building blocks of life.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Solar System Research·JournalAGU Advances·TypeObservational study·DateJan 27, 2025
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Navigating a safer path for autonomous vehicles

Researchers are developing a software framework for crowd-sourced 3D map generation and visual localization from camera data to improve real-time updates and low-cost visual localization. This technology aims to advance self-driving vehicles and enable fully automated transportation

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJan 17, 2025

Researchers from Incheon National University advanced adaptive traffic monitoring with smart cameras

The researchers developed a novel camera-based system that adapts to traffic flow in real-time, ensuring efficient monitoring and resource use. The system's two approaches, the Random-Value-Camera-Level Algorithm and the ALL-Random-With-Weight Algorithm, optimize camera usage and save energy while maintaining reliable surveillance.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Discovering hidden wrinkles in spacecraft membrane with a single camera

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a simple method to measure deformations in thin membrane materials using photogrammetry and a single camera. This technology can accurately detect wrinkle size and wavelength, enabling more efficient spacecraft operations.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalMeasurement·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2025

Mount Sinai-led team enhances automated method to detect common sleep disorder affecting millions

A Mount Sinai-led team has developed an automated machine learning method that analyzes video recordings of clinical sleep tests to detect REM sleep behavior disorder (RBD) with nearly 92% accuracy. RBD is a sleep condition that causes abnormal movements during REM sleep and is often an early sign of Parkinson's disease or dementia.

SourceThe Mount Sinai Hospital / Mount Sinai School of Medicine·JournalAnnals of Neurology·DateJan 9, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

The future of edge AI: Dye-sensitized solar cell-based synaptic device

A novel physical reservoir computing device uses a dye-sensitized solar cell to mimic human synaptic elements, enabling efficient time-series data processing and low power consumption. The device achieved high computational performance in tasks such as human motion classification with over 90% accuracy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2024
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

SNU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering's Optical Engineering and Quantum Electronics Laboratory develops ultra-compact camera technology optimized for VR/AR devices

Researchers at Seoul National University's Optical Engineering and Quantum Electronics Laboratory developed an optical design technology that dramatically reduces the volume of cameras with a folded lens system utilizing metasurfaces. The new lens system achieves a thickness of 0.7mm, making it suitable for ultra-compact devices such a...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2024

Future AR/VR controllers could be the palm of your hand

Researchers developed a system that uses machine learning to recognize touching on the skin, achieving over 96% accuracy. The EgoTouch tool can detect various types of touch, including force and gesture, and has potential applications for skin-based interfaces and virtual reality.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateNov 13, 2024
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Aberration-robust monocular passive depth sensing using a meta-imaging camera

A meta-imaging camera has been developed for aberration-robust monocular passive depth sensing, outperforming traditional light-field cameras in depth estimation precision and robustness. The camera's capability to overcome spatial resolution and angular resolution trade-offs enables accurate depth sensing even in the presence of optic...

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateOct 24, 2024

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology researchers develop cat's eye-inspired vision system for autonomous robotics

Researchers at GIST developed a cat's eye-inspired vision system that filters out unnecessary light and improves visibility in low-light conditions. The system promises to elevate the precision of drones, security robots, and self-driving vehicles, enabling them to navigate intricate environments with unparalleled accuracy.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2024

USC-Caltech team tests new noninvasive tool to predict stroke risk

A team of researchers from USC and Caltech developed a new noninvasive tool to measure brain blood pressure, assessing stroke risk through changes in blood flow and volume during a stress test. The affordable, portable device has the potential to transform stroke care by providing more reliable data than existing questionnaires.

SourceKeck School of Medicine of USC·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2024
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Police body-camera footage as data

Researchers used body-worn camera footage to study changes in police behavior after procedural justice training, finding a significant increase in respectful communication techniques with drivers of all races. Post-training stops were twice as likely to use formal titles and express concern for the driver's safety.

SourcePNAS Nexus·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateSep 17, 2024

Morphing facial technology sheds light on the boundaries of self-recognition

A study by Dr. Shunichi Kasahara found that levels of identification with one's face remain consistent regardless of agency or control over facial movements. The results suggest that a sense of agency does not significantly impact our ability to judge our facial identity, even in scenarios like deepfakes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Deep learning improves lens design

Researchers developed DeepLens design method based on curriculum learning to optimize complex lens designs. The approach considers key parameters like resolution, aperture, and field of view, providing optimal solutions without human intervention.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2024
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

You're just a stick figure to this camera

A new camera system called PrivacyLens can replace people in images with generic stick figures, protecting their identities and reducing unnecessary surveillance. This technology could prevent embarrassing photos from being shared online and make patients more comfortable using cameras for chronic health monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateJul 15, 2024

UMD researchers develop new and improved camera inspired by the human eye

The University of Maryland team created a camera mechanism that mimics the involuntary movements of the human eye, resulting in sharper and more accurate images. The Artificial Microsaccade-Enhanced Event Camera (AMI-EV) has implications for robotics, national defense, and industries relying on accurate image capture.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 1, 2024
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.