A new human-computer interaction method, RemoteCollabEval (RCE), has been developed to identify barriers to collaboration and inclusivity in remote collaboration software. RCE uses personas to simulate interpersonal friction and uncover 'inclusivity bugs' that may go unnoticed during standard testing.
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.
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.
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.
Dr Amy Shirong Lu joins JMIR Serious Games as Editor-in-Chief with extensive research on digital health technologies and their impact on physical activity and cognitive health.
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 developed a wearable scent display that can blend up to eight fragrances in real time, enhancing immersive virtual experiences. The device uses advanced components to precisely control odor intensity and delivery.
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.
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.
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.
A seven-month study from Aalto University found that frequent micro checks and bursts of messaging are most strongly linked to feeling overwhelmed. The study's findings suggest that task-switching and constant checking contribute to digital overwhelm, rather than the total time spent on devices.
Recent scientific review highlights Ga-LMs' natural fluidity, high electrical conductivity, and biocompatibility, making them suitable for wearable health monitoring systems, soft robots, and implantable medical devices. Advanced patterning techniques enable precise fabrication of Ga-LM-based circuits for high-performance HMIs.
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.
A new app developed by Iowa State University researchers and global partners aims to provide farmers with instant identification and practical advice on how to manage pest, weed, and disease issues effectively. The app's artificial intelligence system will be trained on millions of images and data points to make accurate identifications.
A new study found that augmented reality job coaching significantly improves job performance for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The AR-based application delivered real-time guidance, enabling participants to complete complex tasks with minimal external support. This innovative approach has the potential t...
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.
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.
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.
Researchers say tech companies need to adopt user-centered approaches to create authentication systems that are secure by design. They call for more inclusive and consistent methods, avoiding one-size-fits-all models that burden users with complex security rules.
Researchers introduce a universal, nondestructive direct photolithography method for QD patterning, enabling precise control over fragile surface chemistry. The study demonstrates high-resolution patterns exceeding 10,000 pixels per inch and boosts device efficiency.
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.
A new virtual reality (VR) program, VRmivora, enables students to explore bird fieldwork experiences, filling a gap in science outreach and communication. The program allows users to interact with birds, analyze genetic samples, and learn about evolution through genetics.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers designed a self-powered, compact tactile interface using an MXene/Bi 2D heterojunction. The device combines sensing, encoding, and low-power readout, achieving high sensitivity, fast response, and durability.
The University of Houston is designing robotic hands with dexterity for industries such as healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing. The team, part of the NSF Convergence Accelerator program, has received $5 million in funding to develop hybrid polymeric materials that can mechanically retract and perform motions like flexion.
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.
The Association for Computing Machinery's global Technology Policy Council recommends six key pillars for successful government digital transformation, emphasizing reliability, security, and accessibility. The report aims to inform policymakers on how to modernize responsibly and sustainably.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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...
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.
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.
Researchers at UCLA have developed a wearable noninvasive brain-computer interface system that utilizes AI to interpret user intent, allowing participants to complete tasks significantly faster with assistance. The system demonstrates promising results for technology to assist individuals with limited physical capabilities.
The study reveals data visualization primarily facilitates decision-making at the organizational and community levels, particularly for semi-structured problems. Recent trends indicate increasing support for broader types of decision-making, including individual-level and unstructured problems.
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.
A flexible electronic solution has been developed to detect corneal deformation and eyelid pressure, enabling precise control of drones through blinking. The system achieves high accuracy in distinguishing conscious from unconscious blinks, with potential applications in medical monitoring and human-machine control.
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.
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.
Cassie, a digital-human assistant developed by Texas A&M University, is transforming the way patients interact with healthcare providers. With facial recognition and emotional intelligence, Cassie offers a two-way interaction that feels like a conversation.
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.
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.
Rice University students have developed a cutting-edge wearable haptic wristband that can deliver two distinct forms of tactile feedback. The device aims to make virtual reality more immersive and accessible, and is entirely self-contained with a modular design that makes it easy to repair and integrate into different environments.
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.
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.
Virtual reality can be used sparingly and thoughtfully for intense experiences like travel and learning surgery, but its value fades with mundane activities. The medium is not suitable for anonymity or precision movements.
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.
Researchers at KAIST have developed an AI-powered app called AACessTalk that enables meaningful communication between children with autism and their parents. The app uses personalized vocabulary cards and customized prompts to foster mutual engagement in dialogue.
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.
Researchers developed T2IRay, a VR input method with precise object pointing, and ChoreoCraft, a virtual reality tool supporting choreographers' creativity. These technologies received Honorable Mention awards at CHI 2025 for their contributions to human-computer interaction.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers at U-M and Stanford aim to create implantable brain computer interfaces to detect and interpret brain signals, enabling stroke victims to communicate more effectively. The devices will use tiny carbon-based electrodes to record signals from the brain's temporal region and transmit them wirelessly.
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.
A collaborative research team has developed a novel mixed reality (MR) technology that uses real-world doors as natural transition points. The system allows users to select a door within their MR interface and seamlessly transition into a virtual space, creating an unprecedented sense of immersion.
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.