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CU Denver researcher analyzes the use of solar energy at US airports

According to a study by University of Colorado Denver researcher Serena Kim, 20% of US airports have adopted solar photovoltaic systems over the last decade. Airports operated by general-purpose governments have deployed solar panels more than special-purpose governments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·JournalEnergy Policy·DateSep 21, 2020

COVID-19 crisis exposes imbalance in EU state aid for aviation sector

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted discrepancies in EU state aid provided to airlines, airports, and air transport stakeholders. Dr. Steven Truxal's article identifies the varying levels of support offered by individual EU states, with some conditions attached.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·JournalAir and Space Law·DateAug 7, 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.

Airplane noise appears to negatively impact fetal health

Researchers at Lehigh University have identified a causal link between high-level noise exposure and low birth weight. The study found that mothers living close to Newark Liberty International Airport, exposed to noise levels over 55 dB threshold, had a 22% increased risk of having a low birth weight baby.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of Environmental Economics and Management·DateJul 13, 2020

Recovery from airline delays works best with future disruptions in mind

Researchers developed a model to help airlines respond to flight delays and cancellations while considering potential future disruptions. The approach could result in millions of dollars in savings annually by reducing unnecessary costs such as speeding up aircraft or canceling flights.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalTransportation Science·DateJun 22, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Commercial airliners monitoring CO2 emissions from cities worldwide

A recent study published in Scientific Reports analyzed thousands of vertical measurements over airports and characterized CO2 variations over 34 major cities worldwide. The CONTRAIL program's aircraft data showed clear CO2 enhancements when wind comes from urban areas, indicating a relationship between CO2 variability and city emissions.

SourceNational Institute for Environmental Studies·JournalNature·DateMay 15, 2020
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.

Study: To slow an epidemic, focus on handwashing

A new study estimates that improving handwashing rates by travelers passing through just 10 major airports could significantly reduce the spread of many infectious diseases. The findings suggest that focusing handwashing messaging in these 10 airports could potentially slow the disease spread by as much as 37 percent.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalRisk Analysis·DateFeb 10, 2020

Improving efficiency, effectiveness of security X-ray technology

Researchers propose a novel technique for efficient security detection using a spiral array of X-ray detectors, increasing detection depth and accuracy. The system can distinguish individual items within a suitcase, addressing limitations of traditional X-ray imaging.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateDec 19, 2019
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.

Human behaviour follows probabilistic inference patterns

A study published in Nature Communications reveals that humans form mental representations of uncertainty by integrating incomplete sensory evidence into a larger context. Participants predicted the likelihood of future events based on contextual information, demonstrating a refined probabilistic representation of their environment.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2019

Study finds flaws in leading security lie detection training tool

A recent study has concluded that the Micro-Expressions Training Tool (METT), used to train airport personnel, fails to improve lie detection rates. METT-trained individuals performed no better than those who received bogus or no training, and even worse than chance, suggesting that its effectiveness is limited.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalJournal of Investigative Psychology and Offender Profiling·DateSep 23, 2019

'Eyes' for the autopilot

Researchers at TUM and TU Braunschweig have developed a camera-based optical reference system that enables completely automated landings of smaller aircraft without the need for ground-based systems. The system uses GPS signals and custom-tailored image processing software to determine the aircraft's position relative to the runway.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJul 4, 2019
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.

Collision-detecting suitcase, wayfinding app help blind people navigate airports

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University developed a smart suitcase that warns blind users of impending collisions and a wayfinding smartphone app provides turn-by-turn audio instructions. The apps were tested at Pittsburgh International Airport with promising results, improving independence for travelers with visual disabilities.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 7, 2019

Cities rethink parking as ride-hailing grows and parking revenue declines

A study found that people who use ride-hailing are willing to pay more to avoid driving, including parking stress, which could lead cities to reconsider parking infrastructure. Researchers suggest cities should allocate curb space for walking, biking, and transit, and monetize car trips to meet sustainable goals.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Denver·DateMar 20, 2019

Autism: Brain activity as a biomarker

Scientists discovered consistent brain activity patterns in people with autism that could be used to track treatment progress. The findings suggest that altering these patterns may help improve symptoms, but further studies are needed for confirmation.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 6, 2019

'Radiance Light Trends' shows changes in Earth's light emissions

A new web application called Radiance Light Trends allows anyone to analyze satellite data on light emissions since 1992, tracking changes in regions like Berlin and the Tucson International Airport. The app provides valuable insights into the causes of these changes, including energy-saving measures and greenhouse lighting.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·DateMar 6, 2019
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.

New scheduling system could help reduce flight delays

Researchers developed a new scheduling system that considers the actual cost of delayed passengers, including missed connections and rebooking costs. The system reduced delay costs by up to 6.4% and minimized flight delays by 8.6-65.4%.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Air Transport Management·DateNov 13, 2018
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.

Harnessing the power of the crowd could improve screening accuracy

Researchers found that averaging two independent participants' results significantly improved screening accuracy for detecting rare objects in real-world contexts. This method reduces the likelihood of harmless items being wrongly flagged as suspicious and can be applied to various tasks, such as airport security and radiology.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateSep 7, 2018

The low impact of the high-speed train on international tourism

A study by the University of Seville found that high-speed trains primarily benefit national tourism, while planes have a close and direct relationship with both national and international tourism. Countries with lower per capita income tend to attract more foreign tourists.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalAnnals of Tourism Research·DateAug 31, 2018

Robotic herding of a flock of birds using drones

Researchers created a new algorithm to safely herd flocks of birds away from airports, reducing bird strikes and potential damages. The drone-based system successfully diverted entire flocks without fragmenting their formation.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalIEEE Transactions on Robotics·DateAug 29, 2018

Optimizing airport flight patterns take a toll on human health

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that increased airport flight patterns can pose serious health threats to nearby communities. The researchers analyzed the impact of LaGuardia Airport's automated flight systems on noise levels and their effects on cardiovascular disease and anxiety disorder.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateAug 15, 2018
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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Gerald R. Ford Airport wins 2018 Speas Award for stormwater treatment system

The Gerald R. Ford International Airport has implemented a $20 million stormwater/glycol treatment system to address community concerns and meet operational requirements. The system successfully eliminated the airport's contribution to nuisance biofilm growth in Trout Creek, improving the local ecosystem.

SourceAmerican Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics·DateFeb 23, 2018

Replicating peregrine falcon attack strategies could help down rogue drones

Peregrine falcons use proportional navigation guidance similar to guided missiles, which could be applied to small drones. This method relies on line-of-sight information and doesn't require target speed or distance data. The research may also provide insights into pursuit behaviors of other predatory species.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 4, 2017

Metal membranes in construction: From Russia with love

Metal membrane suspended roofs can span hundreds of square meters and are used in sports complexes, airports, and other buildings. These structures reduce material consumption by up to 70% and allow for a combination of bearing and enclosing functions in one material.

SourceRUDN University·JournalThin-Walled Structures·DateNov 10, 2017

UTSA professor to harvest clean energy from hot pavements

A new technology developed by UTSA professor Samer Dessouky converts heat from paved surfaces into electricity, generating power for rural areas and potential back-up lighting in airports. This innovation uses drones to map concentrated heat sources, enabling efficient energy harvesting from hot pavements.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateNov 7, 2017

Making healthier decisions, step by step

A study at San Diego International Airport found that signs encouraging stair use increased steps taken by 50% compared to sign-free days. The prompts appeared to nudge both regular and non-exercisers into taking the stairs, demonstrating a ripple effect in behavior.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalThe Journal of Primary Prevention·DateOct 12, 2017
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.

Weight expectations: Context and distraction skew what we predict and remember

A recent study by Kevin Trewartha at Michigan Technological University explores how context and distraction influence our memories of weight expectations. The research found that the brain maintains multiple representations of size-weight relationships, with limited crosstalk between unconscious and conscious memories.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalCognition·DateApr 21, 2017
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.

TSA could save money by waiving PreCheck fees for frequent travelers, study finds

A new study suggests that waiving the $85 fee for frequent fliers to enroll in TSA PreCheck would result in significant cost savings for the Transportation Security Administration. The study found that costs saved by frequent travelers using expedited security exceeded the cost of waiving their enrollment fees.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Transportation Security·DateDec 5, 2016

Researchers have a better way to predict flight delays

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new multilevel input layer artificial neural network to predict flight delays. The model outperformed traditional networks in terms of accuracy and training time, predicting delay lengths with about 20% more accuracy than traditional models.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalProcedia Computer Science·DateNov 14, 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.

NASA super pressure balloon begins globetrotting journey

The SPB is testing and validating its technology for long-duration flights at mid-latitudes, with the goal of 100+ days. The balloon is carrying a gamma-ray telescope and infrasound instrument to study galactic positrons and black holes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 18, 2016

The granite of Sierra de Guadarrama requests designation of origin

Berroqueña stone, traditionally used in Madrid's monuments such as El Escorial and Puerta de Alcalá, is proposed for Global Heritage Stone Province status. This recognition would promote trade and employment in rural areas of the Sierra de Guadarrama mountains.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalGeoscience Canada·DateMay 13, 2016
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.

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

Study offers efficient alternative for Ebola screening program for travelers

Researchers propose an alternative Ebola entry screening policy in the US that incorporates social contact tracing risk levels, potentially reducing costs and improving public health outcomes. The study suggests this approach may justify additional data collection efforts to enhance public health decision-making.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPreventive Medicine·DateMar 28, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Climate change will delay transatlantic flights

A new study by the University of Reading predicts that climate change will delay transatlantic flights due to accelerated jet stream winds. This will result in longer journey times, increased fuel costs, and worsened environmental impacts.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateFeb 9, 2016
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.

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

Making the air fair

A new method for dealing with flight delays, proposed by MIT researchers, distributes delays among airlines more evenly while keeping system-wide delays virtually constant. The approach allows airlines to swap schedule slots with each other, resulting in a fairer distribution of delays.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Science·DateAug 26, 2015

Warning Area in Arctic airspace to aid research and exploration

A 700-mile-long airspace has been designated as a Warning Area in the Arctic to facilitate research and exploration while ensuring safety for scientists, oil companies, and pilots. The area will be used for various experiments, including search-and-rescue operations and tracking retreating sea ice.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateAug 7, 2015
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.

INFORMS journal study: Learning early about late flights

A new INFORMS journal study provides more predictable ways to manage arrival traffic at airports with adverse weather. The research reveals that knowing early about late flights reduces the cost of Ground Delay Programs (GDPs) for flight operators, with a 13% reduction in delays observed.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalTransportation Science·DateJun 25, 2015

New model calculates how air transport connects the world

A new model by MIT researchers analyzes flight schedules and ticket sales to determine global air transport connectivity. The study finds that one-stop flights have become more important over time in connecting regions, despite being less preferred by passengers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTransportation Research Part E Logistics and Transportation Review·DateJun 23, 2015