Researchers at University of Illinois develop bio-inspired camera that uses polarization patterns to estimate sun's heading and elevation angle, allowing for accurate underwater GPS location. The technology has potential applications in marine navigation, pollution research, and studying migratory behavior of marine animals.
Researchers created a synthetic device mimicking cephalopod skin to evade infrared detection. The device can adapt its reflectivity in response to temperature changes, enabling effective camouflage.
The MIT system uses a time-of-flight camera to measure the arrival times of reflected light and estimates a gamma distribution to filter out fog reflections. It calculates a different gamma distribution for each pixel, handling variations in fog density, and produces images of objects at distances up to 57 centimeters.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
COSMIC, a next-generation X-ray beamline, enables scientists to probe active chemistry and electronic properties at the nanoscale. It successfully demonstrated ptychographic computed tomography that mapped lithium-ion battery reactions in 3D.
Scientists solved the mystery of purple lights in the sky using data from citizen scientists, satellites and researchers. The discovery provides insight into Earth's magnetic field and its interaction with charged particles in space.
The Rice team designs a thin, wide-field microscope that surpasses traditional microscopes in resolution and field of view. FlatScope eliminates the need for lenses, allowing for micrometer resolution over several cubic millimeters.
Researchers developed low-cost, 3D printed hyperspectral imagers for drones, making them accessible for land and ocean mapping. The imagers provide data on terrain features and ocean color, with improved sensitivity in development.
Researchers use GIRI to deconstruct rock samples and create three-dimensional digital versions of fossils, allowing for accurate analysis without human bias. This technology has enabled scientists to reevaluate the role of ancient organisms in shaping early ecosystems.
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.
Researchers create a new approach to machine learning using a single-layer neural network that can analyze images with limited training data. The algorithm, called MS-D, requires far fewer parameters than traditional methods and has the ability to learn from a remarkably small set of images.
A team of researchers at the University of Delaware is developing an augmented reality system that can spot explosive hazards precisely and from a safe distance. The technology uses traditional cameras, thermal infrared sensing, and ground penetrating radar to detect IEDs up to 30 meters away.
Scientists at Brown University have created a way for robots to learn high-level abstract representations of their surroundings, enabling them to plan and act more autonomously. By using machine learning algorithms, robots can distill complex sensory data into simple, text-based descriptions that facilitate planning and skill execution.
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.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a new theory that uses gradient index materials and metasurface layers to improve optical lens performance. The new design reduces the need for multiple lenses, resulting in lighter and thinner optical systems.
The Star-Planet Activity Research CubeSat (SPARCS) mission aims to monitor the flares and sunspots of small, cool stars, known as M dwarfs, to assess their habitability for planets. The spacecraft will use ultraviolet-sensitive detectors to study how stellar activity affects planetary environments.
Researchers create a data-driven method to detect and track human movements with high accuracy, focusing on the entire body rather than just the core. The new technique uses a time-of-flight camera to scan the subject's range of view and identify five extreme points: head, hands, and feet.
Researchers developed a compact and inexpensive camera that produces high-resolution 3D images from a single 2D image. The DiffuserCam uses computational imaging to reconstruct 100 million voxels from a 1.3-megapixel image, with potential applications in brain research, self-driving cars, and machine learning.
Researchers have created a positioning system using cameras that can track the location of vehicles in underground tunnels with high accuracy. The technology increases efficiency and safety by allowing autonomous vehicles to operate without costly sensing or infrastructure modifications.
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.
Researchers developed a deep learning tool to automatically analyze road behavior and create searchable databases. The system accurately labeled and tracked objects in traffic videos, identifying potential close encounters between vehicles and pedestrians.
The team is developing a new technique to use human actor movements to drive four-legged animal characters, making animations more realistic. The project involves collecting motion capture data from various dog breeds at the Bath Cats and Dogs Home.
MIT researchers discovered that under some conditions, melted metal particles can actually prevent them from sticking to a surface. Instead, the particles bounce away and leave behind a solid bond when they resolidify.
A new imaging machine developed at the University of Illinois estimates the number of kernels per ear and provides detailed information about each kernel's shape, size, and location. The technology has the potential to revolutionize plant breeding and genetic research by enabling high-throughput phenotyping.
The Zwicky Transient Facility's (ZTF) new survey camera captures hundreds of thousands of stars and galaxies in a single shot, taking its first image of the sky, dubbed 'first light.' ZTF aims to discover objects and events varying in brightness over time, including explosive supernovae, hungry black holes, and asteroids/comets.
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.
Researchers found infrared imaging to be more accurate than tactile inspection in detecting defects in lead aprons used to shield patients from radiation exposure. The technology reduces ionizing radiation exposure for inspectors and can identify smaller holes that may be missed through visual inspection.
A new handheld spectrometer, compatible with smartphones, can acquire spectral images of everyday objects and biological samples. It has potential applications in remote medical diagnosis and environmental monitoring, and its compact design makes it easy to use.
Researchers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing a highly compact infrared microbolometer camera called ComCAM to study near primitive objects. The device has the potential to assist in the redirection or possible destruction of an asteroid on a collision course with Earth.
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.
Researchers use angular correlations of scattered X-rays to determine the 3D structure of biological objects, overcoming limitations of traditional X-ray methods. The breakthrough enables scientists to study molecular structure and dynamics previously impossible to observe.
A new virtual reality opera experience has been created using the latest motion capture technology, allowing viewers to interact with performances in 3D. The Magic Butterfly VR Experience combines high-quality imagery and sounds from Welsh National Opera's production of Madam Butterfly and The Magic Flute.
Researchers developed a machine to automate soybean quality evaluation during harvesting, providing real-time grain quality information. The system uses high-speed camera and computer program to analyze beans in real time, allowing operators to make adjustments as they go.
Researchers have demonstrated how aerial thermography is transforming archaeology by introducing a new realm of possibilities for collecting site data. The study showcases the potential of this methodology to reveal archaeological features, detect hidden structures, and analyze environmental conditions.
Researchers from the University of Zurich have developed a new camera system that allows drones to capture images in high-speed motion and low light, enabling autonomous flight. This technology can assist search and rescue teams in disaster areas where conventional drones are unable to operate.
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A new tablet-based technology uses video monitoring to detect atrial fibrillation (afib), a condition that affects over 3 million Americans. The system, which requires no user action, will be compared to the gold standard ECG patch in a clinical trial to determine its accuracy.
The new 'science camera' system enables accurate measurements of optical absorption spectra of colored liquids or optically scattered spectra of solid objects. This technology has significant potential for developing countries where access to healthcare is limited.
The TerraSentia robot, developed by the University of Illinois, can autonomously count plants and measure stem width to estimate biomass. Early adopters will receive consulting services to teach their robot to detect additional traits that drive their business or research.
Researchers estimate that climate change increased overlap between sockeye salmon spawning and red elderberry ripening seasons on Kodiak Island, Alaska. This shift in food resources can alter food webs among Kodiak brown bears.
Researchers are developing software called ThermalTracker to automatically categorize birds and bats in thermal video. The system can help developers and regulators make informed decisions about siting and operating offshore wind projects, reducing uncertainty about potential impacts on wildlife.
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.
TESS will survey stars up to 100 times brighter than Kepler, finding thousands of new exoplanets around bright nearby stars. The mission will provide ideal targets for follow-up observations with the James Webb Space Telescope.
The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) will identify over 20,000 extrasolar planets, including Earth-sized and 'super Earth' planets. The satellite's four cameras have been mounted onto the camera plate and successfully demonstrated operation with the flight computer.
A smartphone app developed by computer scientists at the University of Waterloo uses an algorithm to direct users on camera positioning for optimal photos. The app, which has shown a 26% improvement in selfie quality, teaches users about composition principles and can be expanded to include additional factors.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new system called Computational Zoom enables photographers to compose images post-capture by controlling object positions and sizes. This allows for novel image compositions, including automatically combining wide-angle and telephoto perspectives into a single multi-perspective image.
A team of astronomers detected a massive star's titanic explosion and measured its development and decay in unprecedented detail. The findings provide strong evidence for one of two competing models for how gamma-ray bursts produce their energy, with the data showing powerful magnetic fields confining and directing the radiation.
The Magic Bench enables users to see, hear, and feel animated characters in a shared 3D space. Researchers have created a platform that combines augmented and mixed reality for a seamless experience.
The new robot grows in one direction when material at the front everts, allowing it to move without body movement. It successfully navigated an obstacle course, lifted a 100-kilogram crate, and formed a free-standing structure.
A University of Houston researcher is developing a system that would allow security cameras to recognize and send an alert at the first sign of a threat to public safety. The project uses video analytics to build mathematical models that reflect human behavior and predict deviations from the norm.
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.
Fire ants construct bell-shaped structures that aid in their survival by evenly distributing weight among group members. The towers gradually sink due to constant movement, with the ants continually rebuilding and replacing their surface.
A study by Massey University and the USGS found that Indiana bats that warm up together from hibernation have better survival rates against white-nose syndrome. Thermal surveillance cameras revealed that these bats rouse together every night, suggesting group arousals may be associated with disease survival.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism for processing color information in honeybees, which could improve color constancy in imaging systems. The study found that the bees' ocelli contain two color receptors that can detect ambient light color, allowing them to discount naturally colored illumination and perceive true colors.
New research finds that taking photos of experiences enhances visual memory, but hinders auditory memory. Participants who took photos recalled more visual details than those who didn't have a camera, while their auditory recall suffered compared to their non-photographing peers.
Karin Heineman, a seasoned science communicator, emphasizes the importance of capturing underlying stories and emotions in scientific discoveries. She shares her expertise on how to effectively convey complex ideas through video, highlighting its potential to impact audiences beyond the lab.
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.
A study published in JAMA found that drones carrying automated external defibrillators arrived at simulated out-of-hospital cardiac arrest locations in less time than emergency medical services. The median response time for the drone was 5:21 minutes, significantly reducing the overall response time by 16 minutes.
A study analyzing police body camera footage found that officers consistently use less respectful language with black community members than with white community members. The racial disparities in language use remained even after controlling for other factors, highlighting the need for solutions to improve police-community relations.
The new technology uses AI to automatically select highly visible parts from multiple images and combine them, enhancing the smallest characteristics in non-visible images. This allows for instant visual clarification even under harsh conditions.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A new wearable system uses a 3D camera to identify surfaces and objects, providing tactile signals through vibrating motors and a reconfigurable Braille interface. The system significantly reduces obstacles other than chairs from being contacted by visually impaired users, and minimizes cane collisions with people.
The new 'Webb-cam' provides daily video feeds on the telescope's progress, allowing space enthusiasts to see the telescope's development in real-time. The camera is mounted where it has a view of the cleanroom at NASA Johnson Space Center and can be seen online.
The LRO camera captured a wild and jittery image due to a sudden cross-track oscillation, indicating a brief violent movement of the left Narrow Angle Camera.
Researchers from Newcastle University have found an inexpensive and easy way to validate the authenticity of ANY paper document by taking a picture with a standard camera. The unique 'texture' fingerprint for every sheet of paper can be identified and verified with 100% accuracy, making it highly reliable even under rough handling.
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers at Waseda University developed the world's first compact Compton camera for medical imaging, capturing high-resolution 3D molecular images of a live mouse in just 2 hours. The device weighs only 580g and can image energy from hundreds to mega-electron volts.
A new study by University of Missouri researchers reveals that cultural values of photojournalists' home countries influence the framing of international events. The study analyzed over 400 photographs from Pope Francis's 2015 visit to Cuba, finding differences in camera angles and news priorities between media outlets from the US, UK,...
A team of MIT researchers created a system that allows directors to specify a shot's framing and generate control signals for a camera-equipped autonomous drone, preserving the framing as actors move. The system guarantees safe collision avoidance with obstacles.
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.
VarCity technology uses machine learning to analyze images and videos, creating precise 3D models of cities. The platform can recognize buildings, streets, and traffic patterns in real-time, making it useful for urban planning and management.
Researchers found that around 15% of Ebola survivors have distinctive retinal scars, which appear specific to the disease but spare vision. The study also suggests that aqueous fluid analysis can help diagnose Ebola eye disease and enable access to cataract surgery for affected survivors
The Hubble Space Telescope has imaged two galaxies in close proximity, each traveling at approximately 2 million kilometers per hour. Their interaction will cause distortions and changes to the structures of both galaxies due to gravitational forces.
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.