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Self-aware materials build the foundation for living structures

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a new class of self-aware metamaterials that can sense pressure, stresses, and generate power. These materials are scalable, efficient, and can be used in various civil, aerospace, and biomedical engineering applications.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNano Energy·DateJun 1, 2021

Comprehensive electronic-structure methods review featured in Nature Materials

The article reviews electronic-structure methods for materials design, discussing their capabilities, limitations, and potential applications. The authors highlight the importance of combining simulations with experiments and emphasize the need for advanced computational infrastructure to support these efforts.

SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 27, 2021

New optimization approach helps design lighter carbon fiber composite materials

A new design method for optimizing fiber orientation and thickness simultaneously reduces the weight of carbon fiber reinforced plastics by more than 5% while maintaining its strength. The approach, developed by researchers at Tokyo University of Science, enables higher load transfer efficiency compared to traditional methods.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalComposite Structures·DateMay 24, 2021
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.

Freeform imaging systems: Fermat's principle unlocks 'first time right' design

Researchers at Brussels Photonics develop a deterministic design method for freeform imaging systems using differential equations derived from Fermat's principle. The method generates 'first time right' initial designs that enable rigorous evaluation in solution space, reducing the need for trial-and-error approaches.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 13, 2021

Marine animals inspire new approaches to structural topology optimization

Researchers at Georgia Tech and Brazil's Pontifical Catholic University developed a new framework for designing hierarchical, spatially-varying microstructures with potential applications in cranial reconstruction, space exploration, and biomaterials. This approach combines design and manufacturing to create novel microstructures.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

DNA robots designed in minutes instead of days

Researchers at Ohio State University developed a new software tool called MagicDNA that can design more complex DNA robots and nanodevices in a fraction of the time. The software allows for 3D design and simulation, enabling fine control over individual component properties and increasing the complexity of overall geometry.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 19, 2021

Student's second-year homework picked up by Amazon quantum researchers

Researchers have optimized a second-year physics project to effectively double its capacity to correct errors in quantum machines. The simple yet ingenious change has been adopted by Amazon's quantum computing program and Yale University, enabling a shorter timeline for achieving scalable quantum computation.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2021
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.

Petroleum engineers of Samara Polytech developed a unique test facility

Petroleum engineers at Samara Polytech created a test facility that recreates physical parameters of a deposit located at different depths. The facility allows for the simulation of pressure and temperature conditions, enabling the accurate determination of rock mechanical properties such as hardness, elasticity, and plasticity.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalConstruction of Oil and Gas Wells on Land and Sea·DateFeb 18, 2021

Engineers earn NASA grant to enable flying taxis

A team of US engineers has received a $5.8 million NASA grant to create computational design tools for air taxi designs. The project aims to develop safe, quiet, and affordable eVTOL aircraft using advanced design optimization algorithms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateFeb 12, 2021
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.

Turbulence model could enhance rotorcraft, munitions performance

A new turbulence model can simulate entire vortex collision events up to 100 times faster than current state-of-the-art techniques. This allows engineers to design better aircraft and weapon systems without waiting months for supercomputer calculations.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Japanese art technique inspires new engineering technique

Engineers at Northwestern University have developed a new technique using kirigami cuts to create complex 3D structures and nanoscale tools. The technique, inspired by traditional Japanese paper-folding practices, enables the creation of unusual shapes and functions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 22, 2020

Army looks to improve quadrotor drone performance

Researchers created a trajectory planner that enables drones to quickly switch between hover and forward flight, reducing transition time by half. The system uses aerodynamic models to optimize flight movements, allowing for more agile maneuvers in dense or urban areas.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateDec 8, 2020

Algorithms and automation: Making new technology faster and cheaper

Penn State researchers have created an automated process planning software to optimize additive manufacturing, reducing design time and material waste. The software uses algorithmic mapping of designs from CAD software to AM to minimize unnecessary steps, enabling faster production and lower costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Additive and Subtractive Materials Manufacturing·DateDec 8, 2020
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.

Army researchers look to reduce rotorcraft noise

Researchers investigated acoustic properties of eVTOL aircraft and found that smaller rotors generate more broadband noise. Co-axial co-rotating rotors may offer better performance and lower noise than conventional rotors, with stacked rotor configurations potentially producing the lowest noise levels.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·DateDec 1, 2020

Airplane noise at night can trigger cardiovascular death

A recent study published in the European Heart Journal found that acute aircraft noise exposure at night can increase the risk of cardiovascular mortality. The study analyzed 24,886 cardiovascular deaths and found a significant association between night-time airplane noise levels and increased mortality risk.

SourceSwiss Tropical and Public Health Institute·JournalEuropean Heart Journal·DateNov 27, 2020
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.

Carbon nanocomposites are now one step closer to practical industrial

The study introduces a new generation of multifunctional materials created by adding carbon nanoparticles to polymer matrices, allowing for self-sensing properties. This technology has the potential to replace sensors in weight-critical systems and manufacture electrically conductive materials for various applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComposite Structures·DateNov 23, 2020

Researchers shrink imaging spectrometer without compromising performance

The new compact VNIR/SWIR imaging spectrometer offers improved spatial and spectral analysis capabilities, enabling applications in atmospheric science, ecology, geology, agriculture, and forestry. The instrument's small size and modular design make it suitable for airborne vehicles and planetary exploration missions.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateNov 5, 2020

Raptor-inspired drone with morphing wing and tail

A drone inspired by the northern goshawk's wing and tail motion was developed to approximate raptor-like flight performance, achieving faster turns and decelerations. The device features a morphing wing and tail that adjust in synergy for optimal agility.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 28, 2020

New approach could lead to designed plastics with specific properties

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a new method to design polymers with specific properties, such as degradable plastic bags or super-strong aircraft materials. By combining modeling and machine learning, they created a large database of hypothetical polymers and trained a neural network to predict their properties.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 21, 2020
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.

Quieter wind beneath the wings

A new simulation approach has enabled faster computation of complex airfoil noise characteristics under extreme conditions, accelerating the development of quieter designs. The method uses a wall-modeled large-eddy simulation to model near-surface flows at high resolution while reducing computational intensity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 27, 2020

CMU's MoonRanger will search for water at moon's south pole

MoonRanger, a small robotic rover developed by Carnegie Mellon University, will search for signs of water at the moon's south pole. The rover is designed to explore at unprecedented speeds in both sunlit and dark conditions, and will use innovative technologies such as laser line stripes for night vision.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateSep 23, 2020
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.

CabildoXLatAm: A space for digital participation in Latin America

The CabildoXLatAm platform hosts a participatory digital space for Latin America's civil society actors, governments, and communities to discuss new forms of governance. The event aims to design a roadmap for self-management and address regional challenges such as food sovereignty and digital governance.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·DateAug 26, 2020

The mathematical magic of bending grids

A team of mathematicians from TU Wien has developed a technique to calculate flat grids that can be unfolded into desired three-dimensional shapes. The method uses findings in differential geometry and has been successfully tested in practice, resulting in stable and structurally sound 3D structures with good static properties.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 24, 2020

Electronic components join forces to take up 10 times less space on computer chips

A new study demonstrates the successful integration of individual elements that make up electronic filters onto a single component, significantly reducing space taken up by devices. The researchers ditched conventional designs and created a single, self-rolling membrane that contains both independently designed elements.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2020

Image processing algorithm allows indoor drones to fly autonomously

Researchers developed a single-camera machine vision algorithm allowing indoor robots to guide themselves by identifying reference points on a tiled floor. The technology has wide-ranging potential applications in warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial settings.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateJul 28, 2020
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.

Is it a bird, a plane? Not superman, but a flapping wing drone

A team of engineers has designed a 26 gram ornithopter that can hover, dart, glide, brake, and dive like a swift, making it more versatile and safer than quadcopter drones. The drone's ability to fly in cluttered environments and stop quickly from fast speeds avoids collisions.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalScience Robotics·DateJul 22, 2020
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.

Flight tests show B61-12 compatible with F-15E Strike Eagle

The B61-12's compatibility with the F-15E was successfully demonstrated through a series of flight tests. The tests showed that the refurbished bomb worked as expected, with precision accuracy and proper functionality, increasing confidence in its reliability. The results meet all requirements for performance and safety.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJun 9, 2020

Pioneer of modern datacenter design receives Eckert-Mauchly Award

Barroso's designs paired inexpensive hardware with powerful distributed systems software to dramatically change system design. His work led to the development of hyperscale datacenters and has had a significant impact on industry, resulting in reduced hardware and operating costs.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 3, 2020

New research leads to lighter and greener bridges

Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have developed a new design for bridge girders that uses topology optimization to minimize steel use while maintaining strength. The design could lead to weight reductions of up to 28% and corresponding CO2 emissions savings of up to 20%.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 3, 2020

Skoltech scientists get a sneak peek of a key process in battery 'life'

Researchers visualized solid electrolyte interphase formation on battery-grade materials using in situ atomic force microscopy. They found SEI was thicker and stronger than on HOPG, providing new insights into battery interface structure and evolution.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 27, 2020
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.

Performing optical logic operations by a diffractive neural network

A diffractive neural network, implemented by a compound Huygens' metasurface, realizes all seven basic optical logic operations in a compact system using a plane wave as input signal. The design strategy features flexible modification and eliminates the need for precise control of input light.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020
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.

Researcher receives grant to study effects of hypersonic shock waves

The researcher will employ real-world materials to study the effect of surface roughness on dynamic behavior of hypersonic shock-wave interactions in a Mach 7 Ludwieg Tube facility. The goal is to aid in the design of next-generation Air Force flight systems, overcoming technical challenges such as extreme heat and pressure loads.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMar 2, 2020

Researchers develop new bio-inspired wing design for small drones

The new wing design, dubbed the Separated Flow Airfoil, intentionally separates airflow at the leading edge, reattaching it more consistently before reaching the trailing edge. This enables more efficient, stable flight in turbulent air, resulting in better battery life and longer flight times for small drones.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 29, 2020

Best urban design for reducing road injuries

A global study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that 'High Transit' cities with strong rail networks have the lowest rates of road injuries. In contrast, 'Informal' type cities across India, China, and Africa experienced twice the injury rates due to poor urban design.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateJan 28, 2020
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.

Scholars find that irregularly shaped parks reduce mortality risk

A recent study published in The Lancet Planetary Health found that residents near irregularly shaped community parks have a lower mortality risk compared to those living near traditional square-shaped parks. The researchers, led by Huaquing Wang and Lou Tassinary, analyzed land cover data from Philadelphia and discovered that the compl...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·DateNov 27, 2019

Drag can lift birds to new heights, Stanford researchers find

Researchers at Stanford University found that birds utilize drag to support their body weight during takeoff, employing lift as a brake in landings. This new understanding challenges conventional wisdom about the role of drag and lift in flight.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 25, 2019

A better understanding of soft artificial muscles

Harvard researchers have uncovered fundamental physical properties of artificial muscle fibers, shedding light on their shape transformations and design principles. The study explains the theoretical principles underlying complex morphology and provides guidelines for designing optimal soft actuators.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateNov 15, 2019

FSU researchers develop thin heat shield for superfast aircraft

Researchers at FSU's High-Performance Materials Institute have developed a thin heat shield for high-speed aircraft using carbon nanotubes, known as 'buckypaper.' The material is lightweight, flexible, and durable, protecting the aircraft from intense heat while reducing weight.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCarbon·DateNov 14, 2019
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.

Flexible yet sturdy robot is designed to 'grow' like a plant

Researchers at MIT have developed a robot with an extendable appendage that can twist and turn in various configurations, yet remains rigid enough to support heavy loads. The robot's design is inspired by the way plants grow, allowing it to adapt to different tasks and environments.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 7, 2019

Assembler robots make large structures from little pieces

Researchers have developed a new kind of robotics that can assemble large structures from identical subunits using simple robotic systems. The system works by having the robot work together with the structure, adjusting its position as it adds each piece, allowing for efficient and precise assembly.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateOct 16, 2019