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SwRI to create advanced Product Lifecycle Management system for the Air Force

Southwest Research Institute is developing a comprehensive Product Lifecycle Management system to store and organize decades of scattered records and data for the US Air Force. The system aims to improve aircraft efficiency and safety by using data, modeling, and analytics to perform repairs and maintenance before problems occur.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateFeb 18, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The giant fire tornado that could save our oceans

Researchers have developed a new method for cleaning oil spills using massive fire whirls, which can burn through crude oil nearly twice as fast as in-situ fire pools. The results show that fire whirls produce 40% less soot and consume up to 95% of the fuel, leaving fewer harmful particles behind.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalFuel·DateFeb 16, 2026

SwRI’s Dr. Pablo Bueno named AIAA Associate Fellow

Dr. Bueno, a lead engineer at SwRI's Computational Mechanics Section, has been recognized for his work on supersonic and hypersonic aerodynamics, turbulence, and renewable energy. He developed patented heat storage systems and advanced optical diagnostic imaging tools to study high-speed flows.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateOct 15, 2025

Designing materials for next-generation propulsion systems

A multidisciplinary team led by Natasha Vermaak investigates developing structural materials resistant to high-frequency thermomechanical loads for rotating detonation engines. The project aims to address the lack of established materials solutions for extreme thermomechanical loadings, enabling advancements in propulsion systems.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 23, 2025
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.

$19.4M for an 'AI oracle' to solve complex physics problems

A new AI oracle aimed at solving complex physics problems has received $19.4 million in funding from the US Department of Energy. The project, led by the University of Michigan, will focus on developing artificial intelligence models to generate trustworthy data for engineering design of complex devices.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateSep 5, 2025

Onion-like nanoparticles found in aircraft exhaust

Researchers found four types of aircraft engine exhaust particles, including soot, volatile particles, and onion-like structures. The onion-like particles are composed of organic compounds and have unique internal structures that may affect their volatility and interaction with the human respiratory tract.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalACS ES&T Air·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 14, 2025

New wind sensor uses smart materials to improve drone performance

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a more efficient wind sensor for drones, balloons, and autonomous aircraft. The sensor uses smart materials to measure wind speed and direction, improving safety and efficiency in autonomous flight.

SourceOhio State University·JournalFrontiers in Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 8, 2022
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 tool can detect a precursor of engine-destroying combustion instability

A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has developed a machine learning-based tool to predict thermoacoustic oscillations in engines. The tool uses dynamical systems theory and can classify combustion into three states, identifying pressure fluctuations that indicate future combustion oscillations.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAIAA Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 18, 2021

Aircraft can get higher and greener from doped fuels

A team of UBCO researchers developed a recipe for a clean-burning, power-boosting aircraft fuel by adding graphene oxide nanomaterials to ethanol. This mixture improves the burn rate by about eight per cent, reducing carbon footprint and increasing engine power.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalCombustion and Flame·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Bees and cuckoos will bring savings to airlines

A Polish-Colombian team developed software using bee and cuckoo behavior to optimize flight routes, achieving measurable financial and environmental savings. The algorithm allows real-time modification of routes, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and operating costs.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalCogent Engineering·DateApr 18, 2018
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.

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

Surveyed scientists debunk chemtrails conspiracy theory

A survey of 77 atmospheric scientists found no evidence to support the 'chemtrails' conspiracy theory, which claims a secret government program is releasing toxic chemicals into the air. The researchers cited methods for collecting samples as a possible cause of faulty results.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateAug 12, 2016

The EU commits to research into ultra-efficient aero engines

The EU is investing €3 million in innovative aero-engine technologies to achieve a 75% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per passenger kilometre by 2050. Radical new design concepts and technologies, such as composite engine cycles and heat recycling, are being explored to increase efficiency and reduce waste.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·DateJun 13, 2016

Flight and nuclear safety boosted by sound research

A new system using sound waves helps detect structural defects in pipes, engines, and nuclear power plants. Researchers have developed a non-destructive testing method that could also be applied to medical imaging and seismology.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateMar 12, 2015
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.

Signal Fire in New Mexico

The Signal Fire in New Mexico is a rapidly spreading wildfire with 507 firefighters and resources from NASA. The fire's cause is believed to be human, with evacuations ordered for residents near the affected area.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 13, 2014

Checklists in operating rooms improve performance during crises

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that teams using checklists were three-fourths less likely to miss key life-saving steps in care during emergency situations. The study involved simulated surgical crisis scenarios and showed a significant reduction in failure rates when checklists were used.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateJan 16, 2013

Making serial parts out of metal powder

Researchers at Fraunhofer Institute use selective laser melting to create serial parts out of metal powder, producing high-quality components with improved safety standards. The process reduces manufacturing cycle times by up to 40% and has the potential to decrease material costs by 50%.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMay 3, 2010
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.

Terra Satellite sees Iceland volcano's ash moving into Germany

The MODIS Rapid Response System provided near real-time satellite images of the Earth's landmasses, capturing a visible image of Eyjafjallajökull's ash plume over England and the Netherlands. Air travel has been grounded or diverted due to volcanic ash particles posing a risk to airplane engines.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 16, 2010

Team moves toward silent, eco-friendly plane

The MIT and Cambridge University team has designed a silent aircraft that can carry 215 passengers, predicted to achieve 124 passenger-miles per gallon, almost 25% more than current aircraft. The proposed plane features an integrated flying wing design, eliminating flaps and embedding engines in the fuselage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 6, 2006

Helping small firms run large supply chains

NIST develops a simulation program to analyze and optimize supply chain performance for small firms. The model identifies potential bottlenecks and enables data-driven decision-making to mitigate risks and reduce costs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateJan 17, 2006

Purdue findings help Coast Guard modify search-and-rescue plane

Researchers developed special vibration-isolating seats to manage increased vibration risks, while monitoring potential damage to the aircraft. The findings support the installation of larger observation windows despite increased vibration concerns.

SourcePurdue University·JournalExperimental Techniques·DateOct 18, 2005

Clouds caused by aircraft exhaust may warm the U.S. climate

Researchers discovered that increased cirrus cloud cover over the US could account for nearly all of the warming observed in the country since 1975. The study suggests that contrails, formed by air traffic, contribute to this warming effect.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalJournal of Climate·DateApr 28, 2004
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.

Building better engines through natural selection

Computer models at UW-Madison use genetic algorithms to optimize engine performance, increasing fuel efficiency while reducing pollution. The results demonstrate significant improvements in nitric oxide and soot emissions, as well as a 15% reduction in fuel consumption.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalInternational Journal of Engine Research·DateJun 13, 2000

Spray Forming Aerospace Alloys For Bigger Aircraft

Spray forming technology uses tiny metallic droplets to create strong aerospace alloys, reducing production costs and increasing strength. This process enables the creation of larger components, benefiting from cost reduction and improved alloy utilisation.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateJun 2, 1999

Composite 'Bird Strikes' Examined Using Acoustic Microscopy

A new scanning device enables researchers to examine internal characteristics of composite engine parts as they are mended, improving use of composite materials. Initial experiments showed that surface integrity can belie internal damage in graphite fibre-PEEK composites.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateJun 2, 1999