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.
Scientists have developed a method to create highly precise and complex miniature lenses using 3D printing, enabling small and lightweight cameras. The new apochromatic lens design reduces chromatic aberrations, improving imaging performance and quality in medical endoscopes.
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.
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.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A team of engineers is building a fridge that can operate in zero gravity and different orientations, providing astronauts with access to longer-lasting and more nutritious food. The fridge aims to extend the shelf life of canned and dried food from three years to five to six years.
A research consortium led by City's Professor Nabil Aouf will develop next-generation AI-based GNC systems for space exploration. The study aims to make a formal link between AI-based machine learning and control theory-based reasoning.
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.
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
A special supplement to the journal WORK explores the latest advances in comfort research, highlighting the importance of human behavior in determining comfort. The studies examined various factors, including the impact of posture, movement, and environmental conditions on comfort.
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.
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.
Researchers found that dragonflies frequently perform upside-down backflips to regain their balance. They also observed a similar response in unconscious dragonsflies, suggesting a component of passive stability.
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
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.
Engineers design aircraft capable of handling extreme turbulence by simulating complete vortex collisions at reduced computational time. The CvP-LES model captures super complex physics without extensive data processing, enabling aircraft designs for fighter jets and helicopters.
Researchers propose a hybrid-electric plane design that eliminates 95 percent of aviation's nitrogen oxide emissions, reducing premature deaths by 92 percent. The system combines a conventional gas turbine with an electric generator to power electrically driven propellers or fans.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers developed a new analysis tool called TRAST to predict whirl flutter behavior in tiltrotors. The team will test the TiltRotor Aeroelastic Stability Testbed in a massive wind tunnel to gauge its effectiveness in predicting stability models.
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.
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Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Researchers have demonstrated improvements in the fatigue life of high strength aluminium alloys by 25 times, a significant outcome for the global transport industry. Aluminium alloy microstructures that can heal weak links called 'precipitate free zones' (PFZs) were created to enhance fatigue performance.
A new solar panel design using checkerboard lines can absorb up to 125% more light, leading to the creation of thinner, lighter, and more flexible panels. This breakthrough could enable a rapid expansion of photovoltaics and greatly reduce carbon footprint.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a novel methodology for early detection of flutter in turbine blades. Before the onset of catastrophic 'flutter,' one blade acts as a central hub, triggering synchronization among adjacent blades. This study contributes to safer and more eco-friendly turbine designs.
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
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.
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.
The project SAMAS - SHM created a reliable load and impact monitoring system, enabling the estimation of aerodynamic loads, detection of impacts, and quantification of damage. The system was tested successfully during test flights and ground tests, confirming its reliability.
Researchers developed a graphene-based ultrathin lens that can be electrically tuned to adjust focusing and eliminate chromatic aberration. The device features high transmittance, high resolution, and multifunctional capabilities for various display applications.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
The CODEX instrument uses ablation lasers and mass spectrometry to determine rock ages with precision ±20-80 million years, significantly more accurate than current methods. The miniaturized version will enable faster data acquisition on lander missions to the Moon or Mars.
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.
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.
Researchers are developing deep learning methods to dramatically reduce design computation time for complex energy systems. The project aims to execute design studies at near-interactive speeds, improving aerodynamic performance and efficiency in aircraft wings and other applications.
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 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%.
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.
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.
A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science proposes a novel solution to the qubit accessibility problem in quantum computing. They design a modified superconducting micro-architecture that simplifies the wiring system by arranging qubits in a 2D bi-linear array, reducing crosstalk and increasing efficiency.
A comprehensive guide on tree species selection has been developed to combat air pollution from roads. The new framework identifies 12 influential traits for 61 tree species that make them effective barriers against pollution.
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 have designed a new camera for hypertelescopes to capture multiple stars at once, enabling high-resolution images of planets, pulsars, and galaxies. The enhanced design could reveal details of extremely small objects like the Crab pulsar, revolutionizing exoplanetary research.
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.
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.
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.
Bernd Chudoba, a UTA aerospace engineer, is working with NASA on a feasibility study to make hypersonic travel more affordable. The study aims to explore the practicality and affordability of commercial hypersonic transports.
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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 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...
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.
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.
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers developed ptychographic x-ray laminography to validate chip integrity without damaging them. The method generates high-resolution 3D images of chips from diffraction patterns, allowing companies to verify design specifications and detect manufacturing errors.
Researchers at Yale University are developing new materials that can mimic neurons, compute with magnets, and calculate using quantum mechanics. The team used a precision measurement technique to create artificial crystals composed of elements from the periodic table.
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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.
Scientists have developed a method to encode complex curves in shape-shifting structures, enabling the creation of doubly-curved shapes like those found on a human face. The research uses a bilayer, multimaterial lattice design that can grow or shrink in response to temperature changes.
The University of Massachusetts Lowell's PICTURE-C telescope was launched via a football field-sized helium balloon to study objects hidden by stars' glare. The instrument boasts an optical control system and can block out direct light from stars, allowing for the detailed study of nearby planets.