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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

New laparoscopic imaging technique accurately maps biological tissue for minimally invasive surgery

A new laparoscopic imaging technique uses stereo depth estimation and speckle-illumination SFDI to accurately map the optical properties of biological tissue. The device provides detailed optical property maps, enabling surgeons to identify critical tumor margins and improve clinical outcomes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 17, 2025

Vision via sound for the blind

Researchers developed 'acoustic touch' smart glasses that translate visual information into distinct sound icons, enhancing the ability of blind or low-vision individuals to navigate their surroundings. The technology significantly improved object recognition and reaching abilities, empowering independence and quality of life.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateOct 25, 2023

The Good Fight: Advance in flexible photodetector could improve monitoring of greenhouse gases

Researchers have developed flexible photodetectors that can detect visible to long-wave infrared radiation, covering the full spectrum of greenhouse gases without complex optical components. The new detectors are simple and cost-effective to make, with production at room temperature.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023

Photon-efficient volumetric imaging with light-sheet scanning fluorescence microscopy

Researchers developed a photon-efficient volumetric imaging method, laterally swept light-sheet microscopy (iLSLM), which improves axial resolution and optical sectioning while reducing photobleaching. iLSLM outperforms conventional methods like swept focus light-sheet microscopy in terms of resolution and photon efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateDec 5, 2022

Drones show potential to improve salmon nest counts

A Washington State University study showed that drone photography can effectively estimate the number of rocky hollows in the Wenatchee River where salmon create their eggs. The researchers found roughly double the number of redds using drones compared to ground-level observations, but with high variability. This technology has potenti...

SourceWashington State University·JournalRiver Research and Applications·DateOct 19, 2022

A fast and accurate innovative imaging technique to monitor modern semiconductor devices

Researchers at Samsung have developed a novel approach to inspect critical dimensions of semiconductor devices, improving speed and resolution. The new 'line-scan hyperspectral imaging' (LHSI) technique offers faster measurements with high spatial resolution, outperforming existing methods.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateApr 21, 2022

Palomar survey instrument analyzes impact of starlink satellites

Researchers studied archival images from the Palomar Observatory's Zwicky Transient Facility and found that Starlink satellite streaks now appear in almost 20% of twilight images. Software can help mitigate potential problems, but the impact on astronomy is still a concern, especially for future surveys like Vera C. Rubin Observatory.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateJan 17, 2022

Cortex over reflex: Study traces circuits where executive control overcomes instinct

A new study by MIT neuroscientists demonstrates that neurons in the anterior cingulate cortex project connections into an evolutionarily older region called the superior colliculus, overriding its basic commands for reflexive movement. The research shows how inhibitory control from the ACC modulates the SC's response to facilitate exec...

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2020

Next-generation optics offer the widest real-time views of vast regions of the sun

A new optical device has provided the most precisely detailed, real-time pictures to date of solar activity occurring across vast stretches of the star's surface. The system corrects images distorted by atmospheric turbulence, allowing researchers to analyze magnetic events and forces that propel the star's magnetic fields.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJan 10, 2017

Bug's view inspires new digital camera's unique imaging capabilities

Researchers have created a digital camera with a design inspired by the arthropod eye, offering exceptionally wide-angle fields of view and low aberrations. The camera uses large arrays of tiny focusing lenses and miniaturized detectors in hemispherical layouts, providing unmatched field of view and other powerful capabilities in imaging.