A new study reveals that rapid development of new towns in Asia, Africa, and Latin America exposes low-income workers to natural disasters, diseases, and health risks. The research highlights the need for urban planners to consider the needs of poor communities when designing these cities.
Matthew Burton, a University of Houston industrial design student, has developed an adapter system called 'Connect' that makes inserting and removing plugs easier for people with disabilities. The system recently earned first place in the International Housewares Association's 2014 Student Design Competition.
A study published in PLOS ONE found that architectural design characteristics, human use, and ventilation sources influence bacterial community structure in buildings. Dust samples revealed over 30,000 types of bacteria, with distinct communities found in high-traffic areas and restrooms containing organisms associated with the human gut.
The Journal of Facade Design and Engineering is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on the building envelope, aiming to improve building technologies and process management. Funded by NWO, it invites papers on facade design, engineering, and industrial innovations to disseminate science into practice.
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 will use Tiramisu Transit to understand how real-time trip information and community dialog empower accessible travel. The center will also design faster, safer, and more accessible boarding and disembarking processes for buses. Additionally, the team will develop software systems to help riders during multi-modal trips.
A new classification system is being proposed to identify regional identity and sustainability benefits of green roofs. The system, developed by University of Cincinnati researcher Virginia Russell, aims to stimulate research and development of uniquely North American green roofs.
Researchers at Caltech have developed a method to create nanostructured, hollow ceramic scaffolds with remarkable strength and resistance to failure. The small building blocks of the structure exhibit unusually high tensile strength despite being over 85% air.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The graduate student's research focuses on improving school security through architectural design, proposing solutions such as castle designs and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design. The study highlights the importance of incorporating security features into school design without compromising aesthetics or budget constraints.
The University of Houston's Graduate Design/Build Studio has received the Mayor's Proud Partner Award for its sustainable design and construction of a solar-powered outdoor classroom. The studio, part of UH's Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture, collaborated with local organizations to create the eco-friendly pavilion.
A team of University of Houston architects and designers developed new ideas on how the city can better serve its growing populations through innovative uses of ditches, easements, Metro transit centers, and park and rides. The 'Thick Infrastructure' exhibition will showcase bold possibilities for these components of the city.
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
The iFAB Foundry aims to revolutionize the design and building process for complex defense systems by shortening development time by a factor of five. The project will provide near-instantaneous manufacturability feedback to designers, enabling flexible and programmable distributed production.
Hao Yan leads elite team to develop nano-scale devices mimicking biological systems, aiming to simplify biochemical pathways and advance biomedicine and energy research. The $6.25M award supports ASU's biomimetics and bio-inspired engineering research program.
A new design method called Kaleidogami uses computational algorithms to create precisely folded structures, enabling the creation of morphing robotic mechanisms and shape-shifting sculptures. The method also has potential applications in architecture, such as designing vaulted ceilings and retractable roofs.
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology are developing a technique to fabricate custom concrete building components directly from digital designs, enabling rapid and low-cost manufacturing. The method uses computer-aided design software to create manufacturable designs, which are then 3D-printed using a CNC router.
Restaurant design plays a significant role in diners' willingness to wait for a table. A MU study found that overcrowded waiting areas make customers feel less comfortable and more likely to leave. The research suggests redesigning waiting areas with privacy can increase customer comfort and retention.
A survey of landscape architects found that while many believe they have average plant materials knowledge, most agree that recent graduates lack expertise and the profession has distanced itself from plant knowledge over time. Experience remains a crucial skill for new graduates, according to seasoned professionals.
The study found that Mile End's unique blend of industrial architecture, cultural diversity, and public spaces draws designers to the area. However, gentrification concerns arise as heritage preservation efforts and rising rents threaten the neighbourhood's character.
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.
The Office of Naval Research is pursuing an Affordable Common Radar Architecture (ACRA) to upgrade the Navy's aging combat ship radar systems. The ACRA design features a novel architecture with two separate antennas to control cost and improve upgradeability.
The University of Cincinnati is testing lightweight, compact sleeping platforms and warm sleeping bags for its geology team working at high altitudes. The goal is to increase work efficiency and comfort while collecting rock and soil samples.
The University of Houston is transforming the Third Ward into a cultural center with a $100,000 National Endowment for the Arts grant. The project will feature public art installations, new media initiatives, and community engagement to enhance quality of life in the area.
The ENJOY House, a collaborative effort between Rutgers and NJIT, features integrated systems, rainwater collection, and a fully powered photovoltaic system. Construction began after a ground-breaking at NJIT, with the team aiming to complete the house by the end of summer.
The DARPA System F6 program has chosen SwRI's wireless communications solution to validate a fractionated spacecraft architecture. This approach replaces traditional spacecraft designs with individual nodes connected wirelessly to support mission goals.
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Rima Taher, a civil and structural engineer at NJIT, presents research on designing low-rise buildings for extreme winds and hurricanes. Her recommendations include using square or hexagonal floor plans with multiple-sloped roofs to improve wind resistance.
Octopuses have been shown to make complex movements, such as navigating through mazes, using visual information. The study reveals that they can direct a single arm in a coordinated movement to retrieve food rewards.
Researchers developed a novel approach to space electronics using silicon-germanium technology, enabling reliable performance in extreme temperatures and radiation conditions. The new capabilities reduce weight, size, complexity, power, and cost while increasing reliability and adaptability.
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.
The University of Warwick's research uses mathematical models, benchmarking, and simulation to determine the likely performance of future computing designs. The study highlights challenges such as a massive programming/engineering gap and the need for better modeling techniques to discern good design from bad.
The Georgia Institute of Technology is driving innovation in high-performance computing with research initiatives focused on sustainability, reliability, and massive data computation. The Keeneland project, led by Jeffrey Vetter, aims to deploy a heterogeneous computing system for energy-efficient performance.
The University of Miami College of Engineering is developing a self-sustaining water system for 20 students using new technologies to reduce energy and water demands. The project aims to promote sustainable development by treating wastewater as a resource, reducing the need for centralized treatment plants.
Researchers at UCLA are developing a new Internet architecture called Named Data Networking (NDN) that aims to improve security, efficiency and scalability. NDN will replace traditional host-based communication model with content-based approach, enabling secure end-to-end data transmission.
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.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania are developing building 'skins' that can adapt to environmental changes, increasing energy efficiency. The project combines insights from cell biology and engineering to create responsive materials.
A study published in NeuroImage found that tranquil scenes with natural features stimulate brain activity, whereas man-made environments disrupt connections. The research aimed to understand the brain's response to tranquility and may inform the design of more calming public spaces.
The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University team, "Colbert," won the first prize with a space transportation architecture centered around propellant depots. The winning design was recognized for its innovative approach to efficient space transportation.
A team of researchers, led by Patrick Crowley, is working on a new Internet architecture that focuses on named data networking. This approach aims to reduce redundant network traffic and improve security, enabling the connection of a large number of wireless and mobile devices.
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.
Researchers at the University of Miami designed intelligent 3D simulation robots to participate in the Robocup 2010 competition. The team developed a soccer team of six autonomous robots that can acquire strategic knowledge and real-time reasoning, setting their sights on making it through the first round.
The University of Cincinnati's School of Design contributed 22 new signage symbols to the 'Signs that Work' project, which aims to create a universal system for hospital signage. The new symbols will be integrated into a total of 50 symbols and tested at four national hospital sites.
Researchers from North Carolina State University developed a software tool that translates traditional computer programs for efficient use on graphics processing units (GPUs), significantly boosting computing performance. The tool, called a compiler, can increase program execution speed by up to 30% compared to manual GPU optimization.
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Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
The University of Oklahoma National Weather Center has opened its Experimental Green Roof to the public, featuring a 1,280 square-foot system that intercepts solar radiation and reduces stormwater runoff. The project aims to improve energy efficiency, water quality, and urban development in Oklahoma.
The 'Branching Morphogenesis' installation, made from 75,000 cable zip-ties, simulates human lung cell interactions and challenges existing notions of complex biological information display. It has won the 2010 International Science & Engineering Visualization Challenge award.
Adrian Bejan's research reveals that the golden ratio is a fundamental principle in nature's design, guiding the flow of information from vision to cognition and locomotion. This concept, known as the constructal law, explains why the golden ratio appears in various natural systems, from animal vision to river deltas.
This special issue of NeuroRehabilitation focuses on community-based residential designs for persons with neurodisability, highlighting the importance of holistic, functional, and individualized design modifications. The issue presents evidence-based literature, expert insights, and practical recommendations to facilitate independence ...
A team of mathematicians has developed a method to design underground lines that bypass historical monuments, minimizing economic loss and ensuring safe distances. The study applies Voronoi diagrams to create optimized routes, offering non-disruptive solutions for the construction of line 2 in Seville.
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
The article discusses the potential of sustainable Earthship design in reducing environmental impact. Researchers argue that these self-sufficient homes can provide long-term shelter and financial independence, but still rely on technological systems for resource production.
Researchers developed a computer game prototype called FunSAT to harness humans' abilities in strategizing, visualizing, and understanding complex systems. The game helps integrate circuit designers select and arrange transistors and their connections on silicon microchips.
Researchers have developed an AI-powered music system called Inmamusys that generates emotive and original music in real-time. The system is designed to eliminate repetitive canned music in public places, providing a pleasant musical environment for everyone.
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.
Researchers at Argonne's Leadership Computing Facility are continually seeking ways to further reduce the power needed to operate supercomputers. By leveraging the Chicago area's cold climate to chill water used for cooling, they save up to $25,000 per month in electricity costs. The team is also experimenting with varying chilled wate...
A University of Oregon expert argues that buildings are not just structures but places shaped by human interaction with the natural and built environment. The expert's approach to architecture, known as situated regionalism, prioritizes current needs and environmental responses over historical references.
Researchers are developing ways to empower consumers and transit service providers in designing accessible transportation equipment, information services, and physical environments. A new Rehabilitation Engineering Research Center (RERC) will focus on creating a public Web site where riders can report on their experiences and collabora...
The University of Cincinnati's CERHAS project is rebuilding the lost structures and interiors of the Shaker community using virtual reconstruction technology. The goal is to preserve the unique architectural legacy of the Shakers, which has had a lasting impact on American architecture and design.
University of Michigan researchers develop new computer program and analysis method to identify smaller wave combinations as major contributors to ship damage. The approach goes against traditional simulations that focus on individual wave height.
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) will present five awards for key contributions to space science and technology during the AIAA SPACE 2007 Conference & Exposition. Burt Rutan will be recognized as the AIAA Engineer of the Year for his innovations in access to space.
Kiley M. Rode, a senior at Stevens Institute of Technology, has been awarded the highly competitive SOM Engineering Fellowship to travel to Europe and study aesthetic structures. She is also working on a critical project for her senior design thesis, exploring the renovation of Frank Lloyd Wright's Guggenheim Museum of New York City.
The MONARCH system-on-a-chip demonstrates exceptional compute capacity, flexible data bandwidth capability, and beyond state-of-the-art power efficiency. It has been shown to provide sustained throughput of 64 gigaflops in preliminary tests.
The Ballistic Deflection Transistor (BDT) uses a new design to bounce electrons around like billiards, producing far less heat and running faster than traditional transistors. The BDT should enable speeds of terahertz, a thousand times faster than today's desktop transistors.
Researchers develop novel nanoscale architectures using spin-wave buses for efficient interconnectivity and low power consumption. The breakthrough enables the design of fully interconnected networks of processors on a single chip, overcoming current limitations in spintronic architectures.
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Virginia Tech and two other universities partner to analyze codes, practices, and policies of 31 counties within the James River Basin. The project aims to encourage environmentally friendly development practices, promoting a cleaner and healthier river ecosystem.
The New Jersey Institute of Technology received the Donald T. Dust Recognition Award for its successful two-year, $13-million restoration of Eberhardt Hall, a 35,000-square-foot Gothic Victorian castle built in 1857. The university preserved original architectural details and materials while modernizing amenities.
The MIT team uses particle-spring systems to create three-dimensional designs that can find a structure's most efficient form in minutes. Historically, finding new structural forms required physical means, but this method offers a more efficient and sustainable approach.
The University of Houston's Sasakawa International Center for Space Architecture is designing a research facility on the Greenland Summit. The UH team will conduct site evaluations and initiate tests of an experimental scale mockup station to refine the design.
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Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
A UCI professor has developed a method to measure the relationship between environment and mental well-being, finding that natural features like water and flowers are most beneficial for mental health. The study suggests that designing landscapes with these elements can enhance overall quality of life.
The NIH is funding a five-year study to assess the impact of local design and transportation changes on physical activity and obesity. The goal is to determine if simple changes in the built environment can enhance physical activity and reduce obesity for residents.