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Sonic net could save birds and aircraft, study suggests

A new study suggests that a sonic net around airfields can prevent collisions between birds and aircraft, reducing the number of birds in the area by 80%. The noise levels emitted are equivalent to those of a conversation in a busy restaurant, deterring bird species at high risk of strike such as starlings.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalEcological Applications·DateMay 6, 2016

New material could make aircraft deicers a thing of the past

Scientists have developed a liquid-like substance called self-lubricating organogels (SLUGs) that can make wings and surfaces so slippery that ice cannot adhere. The SLUGs technology has potential applications beyond aircraft, including antifouling coatings in packaging, paints, and more.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 16, 2016

Eyeing climate change, satellites provide missing information

Researchers use satellite data to quantify cloud base updraft speeds and aerosol particles' ability to create cloud droplets, providing critical information for understanding climate change. The study aims to reduce the uncertainty around global warming estimates by 1.5 to 4.5 degrees by the end of the 21st century.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2016

Airlines aren't learning enough from near misses

Researchers found that airlines focus on near misses linked to past accidents, but overlook those that haven't yet caused an incident. Airlines can improve by expanding data collection and vigilance towards deviations from normal procedures.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalRisk Analysis·DateJan 19, 2016
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.

Cutting down runway queues

Researchers at MIT have developed a queuing model that predicts taxiing time, allowing air traffic controllers to direct departures more efficiently. The model led to significant fuel savings in tests at various US airports, with each gate-held aircraft saving 16-20 gallons of fuel.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Science·DateJan 13, 2016

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
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.

NCAR to develop wildland fire prediction system for Colorado

NCAR will develop a revolutionary forecasting system to predict wildland fire behavior in Colorado, capturing critical feedbacks between fires and local weather. The system will provide unprecedented detail about interactions between weather and fire, helping firefighters and the public.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateDec 9, 2015

Good medicine left on the shelf?

A new approach calculates an objective probability of treatment effectiveness, potentially revealing up to 20% of older treatments were mistakenly labelled as ineffective. Researchers may be dismissing treatments with small degrees of effectiveness due to flawed evaluation methods.

SourceJames Cook University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2015

NASA analyzes record-breaking Hurricane Patricia

Hurricane Patricia intensified rapidly off Mexico's southwestern coast, breaking records for the strongest Eastern North Pacific hurricane. NASA satellites and instruments tracked its rapid intensification, revealing frigid cloud top temperatures that enabled heavy rainfall.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 23, 2015

Boeing establishes analytics lab for aerospace data at Carnegie Mellon

Carnegie Mellon University has established an analytics lab with Boeing to develop AI-powered solutions for aerospace data. The lab aims to capitalize on the vast amounts of data generated in aircraft design, construction, and operation, enabling safer, more reliable, and efficient aircraft operations.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 1, 2015
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.

Danny the 'degenerate' followed by 2 lows

Danny degenerated into an elongated area of low pressure near the Windward Islands, producing 2-4 inches of rain over several islands. A second low-pressure system is developing in the eastern Atlantic Ocean, with potential for tropical depression or storm formation

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 24, 2015

Toilet waste provides knowledge about diseases' global transmission routes

Researchers analyzed toilet waste from international flights to identify disease-causing microorganisms and resistance genes. The study found geographical differences in resistance genes and microorganism prevalence, highlighting the potential for airports as global surveillance sites.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 19, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UM researchers head to the clouds to study Earth's climate

A team of University of Miami researchers conducted an airborne experiment on low-lying clouds in the Pacific Ocean to better understand their effects on global climate. The project uses advanced technologies like Doppler cloud radar and aerosol lidar to study cloud structure, aerosols, and precipitation.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateAug 7, 2015

Saving money and the environment with 3-D printing

A Northwestern University team has confirmed a new way to help the airline industry save dollars while also saving the environment. By manufacturing aircraft's metal parts with 3-D printing, airlines could save a significant amount of fuel, materials, and other resources.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJun 2, 2015

Road traffic noise linked to heightened risk of mid-riff bulge

Research found a strong association between road traffic noise and increased waist size and waist:hip ratio, even after controlling for socioeconomic factors. The study also suggested that cumulative exposure to multiple sources of noise pollution may pose the greatest risk.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalOccupational and Environmental Medicine·DateMay 25, 2015
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.

An airflow model to reduce time on the tarmac

A new mathematical tool calculates turbulent air flow produced by plane wing tips, aiding in improved takeoff procedures and reduced delays. The study aims to establish strict separation standards for different aircraft sizes, enhancing aviation safety.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Aircraft·DateMay 6, 2015

LOCUST: Autonomous, swarming UAVs fly into the future

The LOCUST program demonstrates autonomous collaborative behavior in defensive or offensive missions using information-sharing between UAVs. The technology enables swarms of compact UAVs to take off from various platforms, providing a cost-effective and reduced-risk combat power multiplication.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateApr 14, 2015

Aerial monitors shed light on reed die-back around Central Europe's largest lake

Researchers from the University of Leicester and Hungarian Academy of Sciences develop a way to map 'reed die-back' using satellite and aircraft monitoring systems. They found several indices related to the ecological status of reed plants, which can be mapped from specific wavelengths of radiation.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateFeb 6, 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.

Meteorology meets metrology: Climate research high up in the clouds

Researchers have developed a highly accurate airborne hygrometer, HAI, which simultaneously measures the amount of water present in the atmosphere as vapour, condensation, droplets, or ice. The device provides precise data on natural and anthropogenic cloud formation processes and their influence on climate development.

SourcePhysikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB)·DateDec 2, 2014

NASA's 2014 HS3 hurricane mission investigated four tropical cyclones

The HS3 mission investigated the processes underlying hurricane formation and intensity change in the Atlantic Ocean basin. The study focused on four tropical cyclones: Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, and Gonzalo. Data collected by NASA's Global Hawk aircraft revealed strong winds and dry air shifts near Hurricane Cristobal's center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 1, 2014

Collapsible wings help birds cope with turbulence

Birds use collapsible wing tucks to respond to turbulent air masses, reducing lift and minimizing jolting. Researchers found that this technique could potentially be used in micro air vehicles to maintain stability in windy conditions.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateOct 14, 2014
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NASA HS3 instrument views 2 dimensions of clouds

The NASA HS3 mission is studying the changing profile of the atmosphere to learn more about how hurricanes form and strengthen. The CPL instrument provides a two-dimensional picture of cloud and aerosols, allowing scientists to discriminate between different types of particles and improve hurricane models.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 16, 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.

Air traffic growth set to outpace carbon reduction efforts

New research by the University of Southampton suggests that air traffic growth rates will surpass carbon reduction efforts unless demand is substantially reduced. To achieve emission reductions, ticket prices must rise by at least 1.4% annually.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateAug 7, 2014

Scientists launch far-ranging campaign to detail Front Range air pollution

A major field project on the northern Front Range of Colorado will provide needed information to officials seeking to ensure healthy air. The study, FRAPPÉ, uses specially equipped aircraft, networks of ground-based instruments, and sophisticated computer simulations to track summertime ozone pollution.

SourceNational Center for Atmospheric Research/University Corporation for Atmospheric Research·DateJul 15, 2014
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.

Re-routing flights could reduce climate impact, research suggests

Researchers found that aircraft can contribute less to global warming by flying routes that avoid forming distinctive condensation trails, or contrails. By doing so, they emit more carbon dioxide but may have a smaller overall climate impact due to the cooling effect of contrails.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateJun 18, 2014

NASA widens 2014 hurricane research mission

NASA is expanding its research on hurricanes and tropical storms with the HS3 mission, using unmanned aircraft and space-based instruments to investigate processes underlying hurricane formation and intensity. The mission aims to determine the effect of the Saharan Air Layer on storm formation and intensification.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 29, 2014

NASA IceBridge concludes Arctic field campaign

NASA's Operation IceBridge concludes its 11-week Arctic field campaign, collecting data on rapidly changing areas of sea and land ice. The mission released two new sea ice data products and provided a professional development opportunity for science teachers.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 28, 2014
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.

Air Force aircraft returned from Vietnam is postwar source of Agent Orange contamination

A study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health reveals that Air Force reservists who flew in dioxin-contaminated aircraft after the Vietnam War were exposed to higher levels of dioxin than previously acknowledged. The findings challenge the current position held by the Air Force and VA.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateFeb 25, 2014

Unmanned aircraft: Countdown to mission possible

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology have developed a world-first onboard system that enables unmanned aircraft to detect other aircraft using vision while in flight. The system provided real-time warnings back to the ground control station, resulting in a successful collision avoidance manoeuvre. The technology has the p...

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateFeb 6, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Wrangling flow to quiet cars and aircraft

Researchers have developed a novel plasma actuator with serpentine geometry that can manipulate fluid flows in new ways. Early results suggest this technology could improve transportation efficiencies by reducing drag, noise, and fuel costs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 18, 2013

Older people exposed to aircraft noise may face greater risk of hospitalization from heart problems

A new study from Harvard School of Public Health finds that living close to an airport increases the risk of cardiovascular hospital admissions among older adults. The researchers analyzed data from 6 million participants and found that aircraft noise was associated with a 3.5% higher hospital admission rate for cardiovascular disease.

SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·DateOct 8, 2013
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.

Researchers find link between aircraft noise and heart disease

Two studies published in BMJ Group found a significant association between aircraft noise exposure and cardiovascular disease hospital admissions. The research suggests that even low levels of daytime and night-time aircraft noise can increase the risk of heart disease, particularly among vulnerable populations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateOct 8, 2013
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.

Pacific flights create most amount of ozone

A new study reveals that Pacific flights create the most amount of ozone, with the highest sensitivity in an area east of the Solomon Islands. Flights leaving and entering Australia and New Zealand result in the largest ozone production, with some flights producing up to 25,300 kg of ozone.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 4, 2013

Rim Fire update -- Aug. 30, 2013

The Rim Fire has burned over 40,000 acres within Yosemite National Park, destroying at least 111 structures. Firefighters are optimistic that containment can be achieved by September 20, 2013, with the rate of spread slowing in recent days.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 30, 2013
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.

Rim Fire update Aug. 29, 2013

The Rim Fire in California has burned over 192,000 acres, with 30% containment achieved through aircraft and water/chemical dumping. Large burnout operations are planned for the southeastern edge of the fire in Yosemite National Park, hampered by remote terrain and extreme fire behavior.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 29, 2013
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.

Travelers play valuable role assisting crew in common medical emergencies on flights

A University of Pittsburgh study found that most medical emergencies on flights are well-treated by passengers and flight attendants, with physicians providing guidance via FAA-required emergency medical kit. In nearly half of calls, physician passengers provided medical assistance, while nurses and EMTs helped in another 28 percent.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateMay 29, 2013

NASA's HS3 mission aircraft to double team 2013 hurricane season

The HS3 mission will investigate hurricane formation and intensity change in the Atlantic Ocean basin using two unmanned Global Hawk aircraft. The aircraft will be equipped with advanced instruments to measure eyewall and rainband winds, precipitation, and atmospheric temperature and humidity profiles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 29, 2013

Florida Tech professors present 'dark side of dark lightning' at conference

Scientists at Florida Institute of Technology have developed a physics-based model to calculate radiation doses from intense gamma-ray bursts in thunderstorms. The model suggests that these bursts, known as terrestrial gamma-ray flashes, emit high-energy particles that can pose a radiation hazard to airplane passengers.

SourceFlorida Institute of Technology·DateApr 10, 2013
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.