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Are you addicted to your AI chatbot? It might be by design

Researchers identified three main patterns of AI addiction: role-playing and fantasy worlds, emotional attachment to chatbots as close friends or partners, and constant information-seeking. These patterns led to disruptions in daily life, including anxiety, stress, and negative impacts on work, studies, and relationships.

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.

Why faster AI isn’t always better

A recent study explores how response timing affects people's use and evaluation of AI systems, challenging the assumption that faster is always better. Participants rated slower responses as more thoughtful and useful, highlighting a subtle but powerful feature of human psychology.

Privacy goes public with new database

A new database, led by Harvard computer scientist Salil Vadhan, enables companies to adopt differential privacy framework, providing real-world applications for protected data. The Differential Privacy Deployments Registry aims to promote widespread adoption and refinement of the technology.

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.

New technique turns everyday surfaces like walls and desks into touch panels

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a method to transform regular surfaces into keyboards for AR/MR technology, using the blanching phenomenon to detect fingertip contact. The system requires no special sensors or devices and allows users to rest their fingers on the surface during operation, promoting comfortable interaction.

Origami-inspired fabric makes one cloth act as many VR controllers

Researchers have developed a reconfigurable textile interface that supports flat touch, folded 3D manipulation, and shape-change commands. The 'one cloth, many states' framework reduces the need to swap props and recalibrate alignment, making it promising for constrained-space operation training and human-machine interaction scenarios.

Wristband enables wearers to control a robotic hand with their own movements

Researchers at MIT have developed an ultrasound wristband that precisely tracks hand movements, allowing users to control a robotic hand or manipulate virtual objects. The device produces high-quality images of the wrist's muscles and tendons, which are then translated into specific hand positions, enabling precise movement control.

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.

New model uses team interactions to predict next steps in collaborative work

Researchers developed a predictive model called Programmer Flow by Information Scent for teams (PFIS-T) that incorporates both teammates' activity and communication to predict a user's next action. The model achieved an accuracy of 81.5% in predicting team navigations, improving accuracy by up to 16.7% over previous models.

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Goal-setting apps can backfire if goals are too easy – or too hard

A recent study from the University of Technology Sydney found that users who set moderately challenging weekly targets were more likely to remain active and engaged with their apps. This suggests that smarter goal-setting, rather than more goal-setting, may be key to sustained digital engagement.

Families want more research on how virtual reality may affect kids

A new study found that families prioritize VR features increasing physical activity over educational content, highlighting the need for research-based information on VR's impact on children. Families also emphasize the importance of safety controls to detect bullying or harassment on VR platforms.

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.

Most AI bots lack basic safety disclosures, study finds

A new study by the University of Cambridge found that many AI bots lack basic safety disclosures, including transparency about their abilities and potential risks. The 'AI Agent Index' revealed a significant transparency gap, with only four out of thirty agents publishing formal safety and evaluation documents.

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.

UH engineers making AI faster, reducing power consumption

The team created a specialized two-dimensional thin film dielectric designed to replace traditional heat-generating components in integrated circuit chips. This breakthrough aims to reduce the significant energy cost and heat produced by high-performance computing necessary for AI.

The avatar in a wheelchair

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.

New augmented reality tech can turn any surface into keyboard

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

AI-powered microscope ushers in new era of autonomous research

Duke engineers built an AI optical microscope that can analyze 2D materials with up to 99.4% accuracy, identifying layer regions and subtle defects. The system, ATOMIC, leverages publicly available AI foundation models to speed up the process, requiring no specialized training data.

Language barriers in health care have fallen – but not online, study shows

A recent study by the University of Michigan highlights the issue of limited language accessibility in patient portals, which can prevent vulnerable patients from accessing vital healthcare services. The study found that 29% of hospitals only offer access to their patient portal in English, and fewer than 5% offer it in the most common...

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.

This digital hand enables hands-free virtual reality

Researchers developed HandProxy, a software that allows users to interact with virtual spaces by commanding a disembodied hand. The AI-powered hand can perform complex tasks without being explicitly told every step, making it more flexible than current VR voice-command features.

The soft tech that responds to your taps and squeezes

A team of researchers at the University of Bath has developed a new technology called HydroHaptics that allows users to interact with soft objects in a meaningful way. The system uses a deformable surface to provide tactile feedback, enabling applications such as wearable tech, gaming, and medical simulation.

The lord of the ring mouse

Researchers developed picoRing, an ultralow-power, ring-based wireless mouse that controls AR glasses for over a month on a single charge. The device uses semi-passive inductive telemetry to amplify magnetic fields, providing a power boost without active signal amplification.

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

When a machine makes a mistake – how do we forgive it?

A study by Israeli researchers found that people apply mechanisms of forgiveness towards technology, similar to human relationships. Participants described their experiences with technological malfunctions in emotional terms, describing paths to forgiveness such as cost-benefit calculation, placing responsibility on humans, and accepti...

Forget numbers: your PIN could consist of a shimmy and a shake

Researchers at UBC have developed a new NFC-based gesture system that can distinguish between nine distinct gestures with high accuracy. This technology has the potential to improve accessibility for users with mobility issues and reduce the spread of germs through touchpads.

Three-sensor overeating detection could reshape obesity treatment

A new study uses three wearable sensors to track eating behavior and identifies five distinct patterns, including late-night snacking and stress binging. The findings lay the groundwork for personalized interventions to help individuals overcome unconscious habits that drive overeating.

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.

Erasing the seams between the virtual and physical worlds

Computer scientists at Princeton University are working on a system that pairs virtual reality with a physical robot, allowing users to seamlessly interact with the physical world. The technology enables tasks like selecting an object across the room or erasing physical objects from view, creating a more immersive experience.

How AI support can go wrong in safety-critical settings

A new study suggests that adopting AI in high-stakes settings like hospitals and airplanes requires evaluating algorithms and human decision-making simultaneously. The study found that accurate AI predictions improved participant performance by 50-60%, but inaccurate predictions led to a 100% degradation in proper decision making.

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.

The Tap Trap: Android security vulnerability discovered

A research team at Vienna University of Technology has discovered a previously undiscovered Android security vulnerability that allows fraudulent apps to take control of mobile phones. Users may be tricked into performing unwanted actions, such as granting certain rights or deleting data.

Soft robot modules for new haptic interactions

The Digits framework uses compressed air to produce shape changes, vibrations, and haptic feedback, offering a versatile platform for virtual reality and physical therapy. The device's modular design and pneumatic actuation enable adaptable and scalable control methods.

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.

Websites are tracking you via browser fingerprinting

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.

Happy to hand over the keys to a robot? Augmented reality might help

A new study found that augmented reality can significantly increase trust in autonomous vehicles by adding, modifying or removing driving-related information. The technology uses sensors to deliver real-time data, ensuring drivers stay focused on the road while accessing critical info.

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.

VR could help train employees working with robots

Researchers developed VR Co-Lab to ease confusion while training employees digitally for disassembling recyclables without damaging materials. The program provides feedback on task completion time and mistake rates.

Imaging technique removes the effect of water in underwater scenes

Researchers have developed an image-analysis tool called SeaSplat that cuts through the ocean's optical effects and generates images of underwater environments with accurate colors. The team paired SeaSplat with a computational model to convert images into three-dimensional underwater worlds, allowing for virtual exploration.

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.

Extended reality boccia shows positive rehabilitation effects

A space-saving version of boccia, called Boccia XR, has been developed as a rehabilitation program for older adults. Participants showed improved moods, vitality, and energy after experiencing both Boccia XR and traditional boccia, with increased muscle activity in the rectus femoris during both types of boccia.

One glass, full color: sub-millimeter waveguide shrinks AR glasses

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.

Making virtual reality more accessible

Researchers created MotionBlocks to decrease barriers in VR for people with mobility limitations, allowing users to customize game controls to fit their movements. The tool was tested with positive feedback from participants, who reported greater enjoyment and less fatigue.

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.

AI suggestions make writing more generic, Western

A study by Cornell University finds that AI-based writing assistants can generate generic language that makes non-Western users write in a more American style, leading to cultural stereotyping and language homogenization. Indian participants showed a smaller productivity boost compared to their American counterparts.

Cutting the complexity from digital carpentry

Researchers developed Draw2Cut, a novel vision system that allows users to draw directly onto materials to be cut or milled. The system creates 3D CAD plans for CNC machines, reducing complexity in manufacturing.

VR/AR could help people manage everyday stressors

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University are developing a VR/AR system to simulate stressful situations, allowing users to practice stress-relief strategies in a realistic environment. The system was tested on a group of participants, who found it helpful in gaining awareness and learning self-sufficiency skills.

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.

3D streaming gets leaner by seeing only what matters

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering developed a method to directly predict visible content in immersive 3D environments, reducing bandwidth requirements by up to 7-fold while maintaining visual quality. The technology has the potential to make AR/VR experiences more responsive and accessible.