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New software speeds origami structure designs

Researchers at Georgia Tech developed a new software called MERLIN to simulate origami behavior, allowing for faster design process and better understanding of structural performance. The software predicts how structures will bend, twist, and snap under compression forces.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 11, 2017

Landmark study suggests risks vary widely in drone-human impacts

A recent study published in the Annals of Biomedical Engineering suggests that unmanned aircraft pose a wide range of risks to people on the ground, with some small drones potentially safe to operate over people while others present significant injury risk. The research found that design features such as deflection and deformation can ...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalAnnals of Biomedical Engineering·DateSep 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MOF keeps humidity in the Goldilocks zone

Researchers have developed a metal-organic framework (MOF) material that can regulate humidity levels within a specific range. The material, Y-shp-MOF-5, takes up water in dry air but releases it when the relative humidity falls below 45%. This autonomous behavior maintains optimal humidity levels between 45-65%.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 6, 2017

Algorithms that can sketch, recreate 3-D shapes

Researchers developed FlowRep to create design sketches of everyday objects, leveraging insights from Gestalt psychology. The algorithm can produce comparable sketches to professional designers, with potential implications for 3D printing and fabrication.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·DateAug 1, 2017

Design method helps animated characters gain physical form

Disney Research's method enables artists to design articulated, physical versions of animated characters with desired motions and poses. The team demonstrated their approach by designing a 2D puppet-like character and a gripper that can pick up light objects.

SourceDisney Research·DateJul 28, 2017
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.

Reshaping computer-aided design

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL have developed InstantCAD, a tool that enables designers to interactively edit and optimize CAD models using a streamlined workflow. This allows for real-time improvements and optimizations, reducing the time required to test and refine complex designs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateJul 24, 2017

First discovery of an exoplanet with SPHERE/VLT

Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet, HIP65426b, using the SPHERE/VLT instrument for the first time. The planet is located at three times the Earth-Neptune distance from its star and has a mass 6 to 12 times higher than Jupiter.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalAstronomy and Astrophysics·DateJul 6, 2017

New approach improves ability to predict metals' reactions with water

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new computational method to predict metal reactions with water, enabling faster and more accurate predictions of corrosion. The method combines two techniques and can be applied to various applications, including bridge design and aircraft engine development.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 16, 2017
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.

First underwater carpet cloak realized, with metamaterial

Researchers at Chinese Academy of Sciences create first underwater acoustic carpet cloak using transformation acoustics, controlling sound wave propagation. The carpet cloak, composed of layered brass plates, successfully mimics a reflecting plane and makes the cloaked object imperceptible to sound detection.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 4, 2017

Designing the fuel-efficient aircraft of the future

University of Michigan researchers use Stampede supercomputer to design fuel-efficient aircraft with morphing wings and composite materials. Their studies show that tow-steered composites can reduce structural weight by 10% and fuel burn by 0.4%, while morphing wings have the potential to burn 2% less fuel than current designs.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateMar 6, 2017
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.

UNIST wins 4 2016 Spark Design Awards

UNIST's School of Design and Human Engineering has received four Spark Design Awards for its innovative designs, including the Babyking robotic baby crib and Plant Diary IoT plant monitor. The awards recognize the school's talent in creating a better world through design excellence.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateJan 4, 2017

Streamlining the Internet of Things and other cyber-physical systems

The study proposes a new approach to designing cyber-physical systems by integrating machine learning, real-time sensors, and effective communication interfaces. The team encourages combining model-based design with data-based learning to establish a durable design methodology for these complex systems.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateJan 3, 2017

Owl-inspired wing design reduces wind turbine noise by 10 decibels

Researchers at Lehigh University developed a 3D-printed wing attachment inspired by owl feathers, reducing wind turbine noise by 10 decibels without impacting aerodynamics. The design can also reduce roughness and trailing-edge noise, with implications for improving man-made aerodynamic designs.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateNov 16, 2016
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.

Bio-inspired lower-limb 'wearing robotic exoskeleton' for human gait rehab

Researchers have developed a bio-inspired lower-limb exoskeleton that features natural knee movement, improving patients' comfort and willingness to wear it for gait rehab. The exoskeleton is designed to help strengthen physical fitness, aid rehabilitation training, and assist with daily activities.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 25, 2016

Full-circle viewing: 360-degree electronic holographic display

A South Korean research team has developed a novel tabletop display system allowing multiple viewers to view a full 3-D image from any angle, giving complete 360-degree access. The system uses an aspheric lens to solve visual distortion and aims to create high-quality holographic images in the near future.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 18, 2016

Atomic scale pipes available on demand and by design

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed a method to create artificial capillaries with atomic-scale precision, opening up new avenues for filtration, desalination, and gas separation. The technology uses graphene as a template to produce ultra-thin cavities with tailored properties.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 2016
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.

Harvesting water from air with less energy

Scientists have developed a new system design that collects water from air with significantly less energy, producing high-quality water. This approach uses a liquid desiccant to separate vapor from air and cool only the vapor, resulting in substantial energy savings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 20, 2016

Urban collective design environment online: EU launches the U_CODE Project

The EU's U_CODE Project aims to develop methods and processes for citizen involvement in large-scale construction projects, preventing conflicts and escalations. The project will create a virtual space for citizens and professional planners to exchange ideas and develop plans based on broad social consensus.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·DateMar 30, 2016

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope secondary mirror installed

The James Webb Space Telescope's sole secondary mirror was successfully installed onto the telescope at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The mirror is supported by three struts and made of beryllium coated with gold to efficiently reflect infrared light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 7, 2016
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.

The science of jet noise

A team of researchers led by Daniel Bodony from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is working on making jet engines quieter. They are using supercomputers, including XSEDE's Stampede, to analyze aerodynamics and resolve multi-scale problems in turbulent flows.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·DateFeb 15, 2016

Designing a pop-up future

A new research by L. Mahadevan and his team discovered a fundamental origami fold, the Miura-ori, that can be used to create almost any three-dimensional shape. The team developed an algorithm that can create certain shapes using the Miura-ori fold, repeated with small variations.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 26, 2016

Mixing modern materials? NIST math app helps you manage your mashup

Scientists at NIST developed a new recipe development tool using advanced math to predict the capabilities of polymer-nanoparticle mixtures. By modeling particle shapes more realistically, they created virtual nanoparticles that can analyze real-world particles and make general statements about their behavior in mixes.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 22, 2015
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.

Real-time tracking shows how batteries degrade

A UCL-led team used sophisticated imaging to track the degradation of disposable Lithium batteries in real-time, revealing internal structural damage that affects performance. The study provides valuable insights for manufacturers to predict battery performance and optimize material design.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 18, 2015

The building blocks of the future

UCSB researchers are working on developing next-generation materials and design systems with $6 million in National Science Foundation funding. They aim to create higher-performance aircraft engines and more efficient natural gas-based power plants.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateDec 16, 2015

Trampolining water droplets

Scientists at ETH Zurich create surface designs that allow water droplets to 'trampoline' upwards, leveraging evaporation and microstructure. This phenomenon enables materials to violently repel water and ice, with potential applications in de-icing, power lines, and road surfacing.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

With this new universal wireless charger, compatibility won't be an issue

Researchers at UC San Diego developed a dual frequency wireless charging platform that can charge multiple devices, including smartphones, smartwatches, laptops, and tablets, simultaneously using different wireless standards. The new technology addresses the issue of incompatibility between competing wireless standards, enabling univer...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Transactions on Power Electronics·DateOct 13, 2015
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.

Major grant for Manchester graphene research

The five-year grant aims to create prototype nanomaterials with designed functional properties through the assembly of atomic planes from various bulk crystals. Researchers led by Sir Andre Geim will explore flexible optoelectronics, energy harvesting, gas separation and water desalination applications.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateSep 3, 2015

Lawrence Livermore scientists discover new young planet

The team discovered a Jupiter-like planet, called 51 Eridani b, about twice the size of Jupiter and featuring the strongest methane signature ever detected on an alien planet. The discovery sheds light on how planets formed around our sun and could unlock secrets of gas giants' planetary systems.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 13, 2015
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.

Special focus on advanced nonlinear control of hypersonic flight vehicles

Recent advancements in hypersonic flight dynamics and control are presented, including anti-disturbance control, composite dynamic surface control using neural networks, and sliding mode control. These methods enhance tracking performance and convergence speed, addressing system uncertainty and actuator dynamics.

SourceScience China Press·DateJul 2, 2015
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.

Lightweight membrane can significantly reduce in-flight aircraft noise

Researchers at North Carolina State University and MIT have developed a lightweight membrane that can significantly reduce low-frequency noise in aircraft cabins. The membrane covers one side of the honeycomb structure and blocks sound energy, making flying more pleasant for passengers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 27, 2015

Insects inspire next generation of hearing aids

Researchers at University of Strathclyde develop miniature directional microphone to tackle sound localization challenges in hearing aids. The new design aims to improve the quality of support for those affected by hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateApr 20, 2015

OU engineering researcher reshapes military communications

Jessica Ruyle's innovative design allows communications systems to operate uninterrupted in the field, reducing performance and improving mobility. The new technology also has applications in police forces, firefighting teams, and commercial airplanes.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateMar 23, 2015

Octopus robot makes waves with ultra-fast propulsion

The octopus-inspired robot can accelerate up to ten body lengths in less than a second, surpassing the performance of traditional underwater vehicles. Its unique design allows it to use water to propel itself, resulting in 53% energy efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateFeb 5, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Ph.D. designs new devices based on metamaterials

The researcher designed and manufactured new devices based on epsilon-near-zero (ENZ) metamaterials, achieving high speed transmission and radiation focusing properties. The devices have potential applications in nanocircuits, electrical levitation, invisibility, and multiple-frequency spectroscopy experiments.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalJournal of Optics·DateOct 22, 2014

How things coil

A team of researchers combined precision model experiments with computer simulations to study coiling patterns, discovering that natural curvature dramatically affects the process. The study has practical impacts on everyday life, including understanding transoceanic communication cables and rodlike structures.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 29, 2014

The 92 percent clean plate club

A new study by Cornell University reveals that the average adult eats 92% of whatever they put on their plate, with similar results in eight developed countries. In contrast, children under 18 years old only eat 59% of what they serve themselves, likely due to uncertainty about food preferences.

SourceCornell Food & Brand Lab·JournalInternational Journal of Obesity·DateJul 22, 2014

Law of physics governs airplane evolution

A study by Adrian Bejan explains how the constructal law governs the evolution of passenger jets, from small propeller-driven planes to modern behemoths. The analysis provides insights into successful design features and constraints that dictate airplane performance.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 22, 2014
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.

The evolution of airplanes

Researchers used the Constructal Law to analyze airplane designs and found they follow evolutionary trends towards larger size, greater range and efficiency. The study predicts future aerospace design with surprising accuracy.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 22, 2014

Catching grease to cut grill pollution

A team of University of California, Riverside students designed a tray that reduces particulate matter pollution from grilling by 70% when placed under grill grates. The tray, which can be installed in existing grills, draws untreated air through a filter to decrease PM2.5 emissions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJul 21, 2014

Prêt-à-fabriquer: Real-time simulation of textiles

Researchers at Fraunhofer IGD have developed a real-time simulation software that allows designers to create clothes in seconds, incorporating changes quickly and frequently. The technology is set to revolutionize the fashion industry by making virtualization a precondition for clothing production of tomorrow.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMar 20, 2014

MIT team proposes storing extra rocket fuel in space for future missions

The MIT team proposes using contingency propellant from past missions to fuel future spacecraft, reducing the need for additional fuel storage. By utilizing a 'steady-state' approach and stockpiling fuel at depots in space, lunar missions can carry heavier payloads with less fuel.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·DateMar 6, 2014
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.

The secrets of owls' near noiseless wings

Researchers have discovered how owls achieve acoustic stealth through specialized plumage, including stiff feathers along the wing's leading edge and soft downy material. This technology could inspire novel sound-absorbing liners and reduce noise from aircraft and wind turbines.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 24, 2013