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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.

Electric cars better for climate in 95% of the world

A new study finds that electric cars produce lower carbon emissions than petrol cars in 95% of the world, even when production and electricity generation are considered. The research suggests that even in regions with high fossil fuel usage, such as Poland, driving an electric car is better for the climate.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 23, 2020

Electric cars better for climate in 95% of the world

A new study finds electric cars lead to lower carbon emissions overall, even if electricity generation involves fossil fuels, in 95% of the world. In most regions, including Europe and the US, electric cars produce up to 70% fewer emissions than petrol cars.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 23, 2020

System trains driverless cars in simulation before they hit the road

A MIT-developed simulation system, VISTA, trains driverless cars to navigate worse-case scenarios, such as near-crash situations, in a photorealistic environment. This allows controllers to learn and recover from these situations before being deployed on real-world vehicles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMar 23, 2020

Fast-charging damages electric car batteries

Researchers found that commercial fast-charging stations cause high temperatures and resistance damage to electric car batteries, leading to capacity loss and potential fires. The University of California, Riverside developed an adaptive fast-charging algorithm to mitigate this issue.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnergy Storage·DateMar 11, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How waves of 'clutches' in the motor cortex help our brains initiate movement

Scientists at the University of Chicago discovered that signals in the motor cortex act like a series of clutches when it comes to moving, and that these signals can be disrupted to slow the brain's initiation of movement. This finding has potential implications for treatments of Parkinson's disease.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNeuron·DateMar 6, 2020

Improving the vision of self-driving vehicles

A team from Deakin University in Australia developed an improved sight-correcting system for self-driving vehicles. By watching human operators complete tasks, the vehicles can learn to make decisions based on visual information, reducing the need for extensive training data.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMar 6, 2020

Self-driving car trajectory tracking gets closer to human-driver ideal

Researchers have developed a new optimization method for tracking self-driving car trajectories that reduces errors while keeping computation demands low. The method prioritizes passenger comfort, aiming to replicate human drivers' ability to balance speed, safety, and route choice.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMar 5, 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.

Car congestion outweighs scooter scourge on city streets

A recent study by Cornell University researchers found that motor vehicles are the main cause of blocking access to other travelers on city streets, with a higher noncompliance rate (24.7%) compared to scooters and bikes (0.8%). The study suggests that cities should rethink their parking policies in response to the rise of technology-e...

SourceCornell University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·DateMar 4, 2020

Cairo car drivers exposed to dangerous levels of pollution, new study finds

A new study from the University of Surrey found that Cairo car drivers are exposed to dangerous levels of air pollution, particularly in cross-city routes. Drivers who leave their windows open can be exposed to 65% more PM10 and 48% more PM2.5 than those with windows closed and AC on.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalSustainable Cities and Society·DateFeb 11, 2020

New commuter concern: Cancerous chemical in car seats

A new UC Riverside study reveals that commuters exposed to a known carcinogen called TDCIPP for less than a week experience elevated levels of the chemical. The research found that the longer one commutes, the higher their exposure to TDCIPP.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironment International·DateFeb 7, 2020
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.

Autonomous vehicles could benefit health if cars are electric and shared

The study found that autonomous vehicles can reduce road accidents and promote physical activity, but the impact depends on factors like technology implementation and fuel use. If implemented correctly, autonomous vehicles could have a significant positive impact on public health, especially if used in electric and shared formats.

SourceBarcelona Institute for Global Health (ISGlobal)·JournalAnnual Review of Public Health·DateJan 30, 2020

'Spring forward' to daylight saving time brings surge in fatal car crashes

A new study by University of Colorado Boulder researchers found a 6% increase in fatal car crashes during the workweek following daylight saving time. The risk is higher for those living on the western edge of their time zone, where sleep deprivation and darkness can contribute to crashes.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 30, 2020

Owners of high-status cars are on a collision course with traffic

A study by University of Helsinki professor Jan-Erik Lönnqvist found that self-centred men with disagreeable personality traits are more likely to own high-status cars and break traffic regulations. Conscientious individuals, on the other hand, also prefer high-status cars due to their desire for reliability and quality image.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalInternational Journal of Psychology·DateJan 29, 2020

Does news coverage of crashes affect perceived blame?

Researchers at Texas AÎM University found that shifting focus from pedestrian to driver language reduces victim-blaming and increases perceived blame for drivers. This shift can change public perceptions of road safety, according to the study.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·DateJan 28, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Cultural difference play crucial role in when people would sacrifice one to save group

A new study found that people in Eastern countries are less likely to support sacrificing someone to save more lives, highlighting the importance of considering local ethics in AI development. The 'Trolley Dilemma' thought experiment showed a significant difference in willingness to sacrifice one person versus five.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2020

Deep learning enables real-time imaging around corners

Researchers developed a new laser-based system that can image around corners in real time, enabling applications such as detecting hazards or pedestrians in self-driving cars. The system uses deep learning to reconstruct hidden objects at high resolutions and speeds.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 16, 2020

More federal funding needed to increase Americans' active transportation habits

A study found that only a slight increase in walking occurred, while cycling rates remained stagnant, with significant disparities by education level and demographics. The study calls for greater investment in safe bike lanes, sidewalks, and education programs to promote walking and cycling among all age groups.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJournal of Transport & Health·DateJan 14, 2020

Who's liable? The AV or the human driver?

Researchers at Columbia Engineering and Law School develop a joint fault-based liability rule using game theory to regulate self-driving car manufacturers and human drivers. They find that an optimally designed liability policy is critical to prevent moral hazard and improve traffic safety.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateJan 14, 2020
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.

Super-resolution at all scales with active thermal detection

The study introduces a universal detection method utilizing thermal radiation's intrinsic super-linearity for high-resolution imaging of objects at all scales. This technique enables arbitrarily cranked-up super-resolution factor and applications in various fields such as thermal imaging, self-driving cars, and stealth object detection.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2019

How vulnerable is your car to cyberattacks?

New research from Michigan State University reveals cracks in the current system leading to potential cyber risks in smart vehicles. The study recommends improving safety through better resources and policies to protect users, vehicles, and customers.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Crime and Justice·DateDec 17, 2019

Smart intersections could cut autonomous car congestion

A new study developed a model to control traffic and intersections for autonomous vehicles, increasing road capacity by up to 138%. The researchers' approach utilizes smart infrastructure and real-time communication between cars to optimize traffic flow.

SourceCornell University·JournalTransportation Research Part B Methodological·DateDec 16, 2019

Graphene takes off in composites for planes and cars

Researchers developed graphene-integrated composites to improve strength and properties of fibre-reinforced composites. These materials can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and lightning strikes, making them suitable for aerospace and automotive industries.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalComposites Science and Technology·DateDec 5, 2019
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.

Flour power: How shoppers choose which bread to buy

Researchers found that brand is the biggest influence on bread buying behavior, followed by type of wheat and value considerations. Only 1% of surveyed consumers regularly purchase gluten-free bread due to perceived lack of value.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalJournal of Marketing Research·DateNov 25, 2019

A super-fast 'light switch' for future cars and computers

A team of scientists at ETH Zurich has developed a novel electro-opto-mechanical switch that can assess surroundings quickly and recognize people and obstacles. The switch uses plasmonics technology, which enables fast and compact switching with low losses.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateNov 20, 2019

Researchers bring gaming to autonomous vehicles

A new study created three games for level three and higher semi-autonomous vehicles, which can play with other players nearby. The researchers evaluated the games using a virtual reality driving simulator and participant feedback, finding that participants rated the games highly in immersion and enjoyed playing with strangers.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

AI to determine when to intervene with your driving

Researchers at KAIST developed AI technology that automatically detects safe moments for AI agents to provide conversation services to drivers. The technology was tested on a real-world driving dataset and demonstrated an accuracy of 87% in determining opportune moments for driver interruption.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateNov 13, 2019

From plants, UVA extracts a better way to determine what our genes do

Scientists at UVA have developed a new method to determine the genetic causes of diseases by analyzing the effects of genes on proteins. The technique, using plant extracts, enables researchers to sort immediate from complex reactions, revolutionizing gene function study.

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·JournalGenes & Development·DateNov 8, 2019

Cooperating may result in better self-driving experience

Researchers argue that using cooperative game theory to model human-drone interactions can lead to better steering angle control and safer lane-change maneuvers. By taking into account human drivers' real-life experience, automated steering technology can achieve better shared control.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateNov 5, 2019
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.

Better autonomous 'reasoning' at tricky intersections

Researchers have developed a new model to help autonomous vehicles navigate intersections with obstructed views, reducing the risk of collisions. The model estimates risks based on factors like sensor noise, driver awareness, and occlusions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 4, 2019

Research debunks myth of Super Bowl sex trafficking, improves media narrative

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin and University of Minnesota debunked the myth of a correlation between Super Bowls and sex trafficking, citing empirical evidence that shows no causal link. A study found that online ads for sex may temporarily increase during large public events, but this is not the same as trafficking.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAnti-Trafficking Review·DateOct 30, 2019
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.

Enabling autonomous vehicles to see around corners

A new MIT system uses computer-vision techniques to detect and classify subtle changes in shadows on the ground, enabling autonomous vehicles to quickly avoid collisions with other objects. The system outperforms traditional LiDAR technology by more than half a second in real-world scenarios.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 28, 2019

Teaching cars to drive with foresight

Scientists at the University of Bonn develop an algorithm that completes and interprets LiDAR scans to enable self-driving cars to anticipate potential hazards. The system uses a dataset of superimposed point clouds to improve scene understanding, which can lead to significant improvements in autonomous driving safety.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateOct 28, 2019

Researchers develop platform for scalable testing of autonomous vehicle safety

The researchers have developed a platform that enables companies to quickly address safety concerns in autonomous vehicles through software and hardware advances. They analyzed 144 AVs driving over 1,116,605 miles and found that human-driven cars were up to 4000 times less likely than AVs to have an accident.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·DateOct 25, 2019

Driverless cars could lead to more traffic congestion

New research from the University of Adelaide predicts that driverless cars could increase traffic congestion in Australia's City of Adelaide. The study, which surveyed over 500 commuters, found that autonomous vehicles may lead to an adverse impact on public transport, causing peak period vehicle flows to rise.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalUrban Policy and Research·DateOct 23, 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.

Future intent: Would you let an automated car do the driving?

Researchers found French drivers were more keen on automated cars, while Australian drivers were concerned about safety and legal liability. QUT's studies highlight the need to understand driver perceptions and intentions for future development of automated vehicles.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateOct 7, 2019
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.

Research reveals new plan to maximize rideshare availability by routing empty cars

Researchers develop a model to control empty car flow in geographic locations to optimize system-wide functionality, directing cars to different locations instead of waiting at the same spot. The algorithm calculates availability of empty cars when requested and finds new passengers quickly at destinations.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateSep 5, 2019

Hackers could use connected cars to gridlock whole cities

Researchers simulate how hackers could randomly strand internet-connected cars to cause widespread traffic gridlock. Even with conservative estimates, stalling 20% of cars during rush hour could freeze traffic solid and debilitate emergency vehicles.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJul 28, 2019
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.

Study: New cars are safer, but women most likely to suffer injury

Women wearing seatbelts are significantly more likely to suffer injury in frontal car crashes, with a 73% greater risk compared to men. Newer automobiles have decreased injury risks for various body regions, including skull fractures and abdominal injuries.

SourceUniversity of Virginia·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateJul 10, 2019

Are self-driving cars really the answer for older drivers?

Research found that older drivers took longer to regain control of an automated car and exhibited worse takeover quality in bad weather. However, most were positive towards automated vehicles, wanting to retain some control and regular updates.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalTransportation Research·DateJul 3, 2019

Pathway discovered that prevents buildup of Alzheimer's protein

St. Jude Children's Research Hospital scientists identified a pathway called LC3-associated endocytosis (LANDO) that clears β-amyloid protein, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The discovery may lead to strategies for treating neurodegenerative disorders and malignant brain tumors.

SourceSt. Jude Children's Research Hospital·JournalCell·DateJun 27, 2019
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.

Stanford researchers teach robots what humans want

Researchers at Stanford University developed a new system that combines demonstrations and user preference surveys to set goals for autonomous systems, achieving better results in simulations and real-world experiments. The system improved upon previous methods, reducing the time required to generate instructions by 15-50 times.

SourceStanford University·DateJun 24, 2019

Spotting objects amid clutter

Researchers at MIT develop a new algorithm that can accurately pick out an object, such as a small animal, in a dense cloud of dots within seconds. The technique prunes away outliers quickly, even for increasingly dense clouds, making it suitable for applications like driverless cars and robotic assistants.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 20, 2019

Somebody's watching you: The surveillance of self-driving cars

The study reveals that self-driving cars will collect highly contextual data on passengers' habits, routines, movements, and preferences. This data can be monetized by companies to target customers through personalized advertising and marketing.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalSurveillance & Society·DateJun 7, 2019
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.

Most detailed X-ray image of batteries yet to reveal why they still aren't good enough

A team of researchers developed a new technique using X-ray technology to map out damage in lithium-ion batteries. They created the most comprehensive view yet of battery electrodes, which are prone to degradation from repeated charging. The study could lead to more reliable and longer-lasting batteries for electric cars and smartphones.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 3, 2019

Bringing human-like reasoning to driverless car navigation

A team of MIT researchers has developed a system that enables driverless cars to navigate through new, complex environments using only simple maps and visual data. The system learns to mimic human drivers' steering patterns and adapt to new roads and obstacles, making it more robust for autonomous navigation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 23, 2019