Researchers have developed a passive, solar-powered orbital data center that can scale AI computing and reduce environmental impact. The system leverages decades of research on 'tethers' and could host thousands of computing nodes to replicate terrestrial data centers.
The six finalists apply advanced analytics to tackle critical challenges in sustainability, supply chain optimization and technology. Their solutions have generated significant value and improved performance across industries.
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 UMass Amherst-led study suggests old-school analog computing can improve energy efficiency and computing speed in the IoT. Researchers have developed a brain-inspired sensing system that combines touch sensors and smart memory chips to reduce data transmission speeds.
Researchers at Politecnico di Milano developed a 'smart' chip that dramatically reduces energy consumption while accelerating data processing, achieving similar accuracy to digital systems with lower power consumption and faster performance.
A review of over 1,000 studies found that technology communication reduces engagement and positive emotional responses compared to in-person interactions. In-person communication has been shown to have health benefits, including reduced anxiety and improved educational outcomes.
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.
The use of generative AI in software development can lead to increased productivity, but also creates technical debt and hasty coding if not managed properly. Companies must prioritize fixing technical debt, develop clear guidelines for AI-assisted coding, and train developers on the hazards of AI coding.
A new study from the University of East Anglia finds that AI tools excel at speed and clarity, but human translators remain crucial for tone, cultural nuance, and natural sound. Generative AI can handle parts of video translation, but consumers still notice when something feels off.
Researchers created a metric to quantify lattice flexibility and studied how it impacts proton transport. They ranked the importance of seven features, including hydrogen bond length and oxygen sublattice flexibility, finding that these are critical for efficient proton conduction.
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 study found that highly educated, Western European millennials have the most digital concerns, with individuals having higher levels of digital literacy being the most affected. The research also found that people's perceptions of digital harm are heightened by their level of digital exposure and knowledge.
A11yShape, an AI-assisted tool, enables visually impaired computer programmers to create, edit and verify complex 3D models without assistance. The tool uses GPT-4o to provide detailed descriptions of the model for blind and low-vision programmers.
A new AI system can accurately reconstruct hand muscle activity without sensors, enabling precise estimation of fine motor control. The technology has potential applications in sports science, rehabilitation, and human-machine interaction.
Researchers investigate how people with disabilities feel when their avatars depict them the way they see themselves. Most participants reported positive feedback when their avatar reflected their disability, and many felt comfortable expressing their identity in virtual reality.
The ACM Gordon Bell Prize-winning team developed a full-physics Bayesian inversion framework called 'digital twin' to predict tsunami early warning. This approach enabled real-time, data-driven forecasting with dynamic adaptivity, achieving a ten-billion-fold speedup over existing state-of-the-art methods.
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 the University of Texas at Dallas have developed PropType, a unique interface that transforms everyday objects into typing surfaces within an AR environment. This technology leverages tactile feedback to reduce reliance on visual cues and provides an alternative to traditional keyboards.
Researchers at New York University have discovered gyromorphs, a new class of materials that outperform existing structures in blocking light signals. These materials have the potential to revolutionize light-based computers by maintaining signal strength and enabling faster calculations.
The University of Houston has been redesignated by the NSA as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cyber Research (CAE-R) through 2029. This recognition underscores UH's growing role in advancing research and workforce training to strengthen US resilience against evolving cyber threats.
A small-scale neuromorphic computer prototype learned patterns and made predictions using fewer training computations than conventional AI systems. The prototype, developed by the University of Texas at Dallas team, integrates memory storage with processing, allowing for more efficient AI operations with lower costs.
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 Lehigh University team created a computational model to predict the hemodynamic response of patients with AFib, helping tailor neurostimulation dosages. The model validated against clinical data and predicted accurate effects on blood pressure, heart rate, and stroke volume.
Researchers from Ohio State University have developed shiitake-based devices that can act as organic memristors, a type of data processor. These devices demonstrated similar reproducible memory effects to semiconductor-based chips and showed potential for creating low-cost, environmentally friendly brain-inspired computing components.
A new UCSB study provides a framework for policymakers and advocates to identify key factors driving coal plant retirement. By categorizing facilities into eight distinct groups based on technical, economic, environmental, and socio-political factors, the researchers offer evidence-based strategies to accelerate closures, particularly ...
The Stowers Institute has appointed its first AI Fellow, Sumner Magruder, to harness the potential of artificial intelligence in biological research. He will collaborate with researchers to design new algorithms and unlock insights from large datasets.
Amarasinghe recognized for groundbreaking work in domain-specific languages and exceptional mentorship, advancing the global computing community. His contributions have successfully bridged the gap between software and hardware to fully exploit modern hardware resources.
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed an AI-powered method to detect hidden hardware trojans in chip designs, offering a 97% accurate solution. The approach leverages large language models to scan for suspicious code and provides explanations for detected threats.
Researchers at Kyushu University have developed a new method to build more energy-efficient magnetic random-access memory (MRAM) using thulium iron garnet. The team successfully produced thin films of platinum on the TmIG material, enabling high-speed and low-power information rewriting at room temperature.
Researchers at NC State University identified a hardware vulnerability that allows attackers to compromise AI privacy by exploiting ML accelerator behavior. The GATEBLEED vulnerability exploits power gating in AI accelerators, creating an observable timing channel for attackers.
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 the University of Sydney have developed end-to-end encryption for git services, protecting sensitive code from cybersecurity threats. The encryption aligns seamlessly with existing platforms like Github and Bitbucket, reducing computational resources needed while encrypting only edits.
Scientists have developed a programmable electronic circuit that harnesses high-frequency electromagnetic waves to perform complex parallel processing at light-speed. This breakthrough has the potential to power next-generation wireless networks, real-time radar, and advanced monitoring in various industries.
Ana Veroneze Solórzano recognized for broadening HPC's societal impact with privacy-preserving mechanisms, while Yafan Huang advances exascale computing with ultra-fast compression algorithms. Both receive fellowships to support their research on high-performance computing applications.
Despite no decrease in usage, Wikipedia faces challenges from AI data scrapers and Large Language Models. The platform is struggling to allocate resources due to the influx of AI training data, threatening its current structure.
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.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are working to overcome manufacturing hurdles for micro-LED displays, which use inorganic materials to create more robust and longer-lasting screens. The technology has potential for applications in virtual reality, augmented reality, and flexible displays.
The partnership aims to provide cutting-edge professional development to public sector and critical infrastructure leaders across Canada, equipped with strategic skills to outthink and outmaneuver threats. The initiative strengthens Canada's cyber resilience by enhancing national cyber resilience.
The University of Texas at Austin has launched a new research consortium, COMPASS, to inform industry partners on options for more sustainable growth of the data center industry. The consortium aims to tackle obstacles and streamline responsible deployment of data centers across Texas.
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.
Dr. Gerhard Andersson's pioneering work in internet-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy has produced over 200 controlled trials and transformed mental healthcare accessibility across continents.
The Leopoldina Annual Assembly will focus on the progress of artificial intelligence in various fields, including medicine, image creation, medical diagnoses, and decision-making processes. Experts from natural and social sciences will discuss the effects of AI on society, ethics, and democracy.
A recent study published in Journal of Adolescent Health found that young people from diverse cultures worldwide perceive digital environments as affecting their mental health. They highlight the need for more support and involvement from adults in their digital lives, including reflection on one's own digital habits.
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.
A new attack, Infiltrated Selfish Mining (ISM), could reshape the rules of Bitcoin mining by allowing attackers to profit simultaneously. ISM avoids the miner's dilemma and yields up to 1.52 times more rewards than previous attacks.
The project aims to develop personalized technologies that promote lifelong learning in various educational settings. It will guide the creation of IR systems that can effectively support users with complex information needs and foster information literacy.
Researchers developed a single-fibre computer integrating sensing, communication, and computation for accurate human activity recognition. This technology enables significant improvements in wearable electronics, paving the way for next-generation intelligent textiles.
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.
Researchers found that mobile users were less likely to click on phishing links compared to PC users, especially for lower-risk URLs. The study suggests that device use settings affect users' risk assessment abilities, leading to more avoidant behavior on mobile devices.
The book explores foundational and advanced principles of modeling concurrent control systems using Petri nets, focusing on building reliable, verifiable systems where concurrency plays a central role.
This book provides a beginner-friendly resource on the impact and evolution of decentralized networks, highlighting their applications in healthcare, supply chains, agriculture, climate monitoring, and education. The authors emphasize sustainability, data security, and ethical tech adoption.
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 Missouri have created a more efficient method for manufacturing computer chips using ultraviolet-enabled atomic layer deposition (UV-ALD). This approach reduces the number of manufacturing steps, saving time and materials, while also minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.
A team of researchers developed a reliable method to create donut-like, topologically rich spin textures called skyrmion bags in thin ferromagnetic films. The success rate of generating such textures using single laser pulses is significantly higher than magnetic-field-driven approaches.
The team aims to deliver AI power directly to devices, improving resilience and speed in constrained environments. By processing data step-by-step across a network of devices, they can create a safe and adaptable system that can withstand attacks and extreme conditions.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers use AI to solve differential equations, such as Schrodinger's equation, for large-scale systems, improving efficiency and accuracy in fields like drug discovery and material design.
A University of Kansas study found that people rate corporate crises messages written by humans as more credible and trustworthy, regardless of the approach taken. However, the approach itself didn't vary between participants who read human or AI-written content.
The new compute roadmap aims to improve lives and livelihoods with advanced computing power. It includes investments in AI research, healthcare diagnostics, and renewable energy.
Researchers at Kyoto University have characterized quantum advantage by proving an equivalence between its existence and the security of certain cryptographic primitives. This breakthrough implies that when quantum advantage does not exist, many conventional cryptographic primitives are broken, including post-quantum ones.
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.
Researchers have developed a new way to precisely tune magnetism using ultra-thin CrPS₄ material. This breakthrough could solve long-standing scientific problems and pave the way for smarter magnetic technologies.
Researchers are applying Model-Based Systems Engineering to enhance system resilience and protect against cyber threats in aerospace. The initiative aims to create robust frameworks for safeguarding emerging technologies, with potential benefits including job creation and skills development.
The College of Engineering at Texas A&M is developing a suite of university-wide resources to integrate generative AI into course material, research, and outreach. The initiative aims to make generative AI a core part of the academic toolkit accessible to faculty across disciplines.
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.
A Cochrane review found that virtual reality (VR) can help stroke survivors regain arm movement and increase therapy time. VR may also improve balance and reduce activity limitations, but effects on mobility and quality of life are uncertain.
Researchers at Texas A&M University found that websites use browser fingerprinting to track people across browser sessions and sites. Even users who opt out of tracking under privacy laws may still be silently tracked through fingerprinting.
Researchers at Penn State have successfully developed a computer capable of simple operations using two-dimensional (2D) materials, bypassing the need for silicon. The 2D CMOS computer operates at low-supply voltages with minimal power consumption and can perform simple logic operations.
The new minor will equip students with cutting-edge AI and machine learning skills essential for modern business leadership. It combines hands-on experience with practical applications of artificial intelligence in business settings.
The new Jean Zay supercomputer in France has increased its AI dedicated resources fourfold to 125.9 petaflops, offering free access for thousands of research projects and start-ups. The upgraded machine is expected to accelerate French and European power in artificial intelligence.
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.
Skia identifies and decodes shadow branches, storing them in a memory area to alleviate bottlenecks and improve throughput. The technique can lead to quicker performance and less power consumption for data centers.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have developed an achromatic metagrating that handles all colors in a single glass layer, eliminating the need for multiple layers. This breakthrough enables vivid full-color images using a 500-µm-thick single-layer waveguide.
César A. Uribe, a Rice University professor, has received an NSF CAREER Award to develop mathematical tools for decentralized learning in AI and data science. His research aims to create more efficient networks of computers that can process massive amounts of data without relying on centralized coordination.
A study by University of East Anglia compared 145 real student essays with 145 ChatGPT-generated ones, finding that AI essays were coherent but lacked engagement markers like questions and personal commentary. This reflects the limitations of AI in replicating human writing's conversational nuance.