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Penguin propulsion: The physics behind the world’s fastest swimming birds

A team of researchers from the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences developed a hydrodynamic model to study penguin wings' propulsion physics. The model reveals that wing feathering is the main factor in generating thrust, allowing penguins to swim efficiently and maneuver swiftly.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJun 20, 2023

Creating artificially engineered organs could become quicker and easier

Researchers have developed a new manufacturing pipeline to simplify and advance high-value manufacturing of tissue-compatible organs, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough aims to address the dire need for artificially engineered organs and tissue grafts, potentially saving thousands of lives in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023
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.

Robot centipedes go for a walk

Researchers from Osaka University developed a biomimetic robot that uses dynamic instability to navigate uneven terrain. The robot can switch between straight and curved walking motions, making it suitable for search and rescue operations or planetary exploration.

SourceOsaka University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 29, 2023

Built to bounce back

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed a drone with an inflatable frame that can absorb impact forces and provide collision resilience. The drone's stiffness is tunable, allowing it to physically interact with its surroundings and accomplish tasks like perching, which involves controlled collisions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalSoft Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineering breakthrough in softbotics

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a soft material with metal-like conductivity and self-healing properties that can support digital electronics and motors. The material has been demonstrated in various applications, including powering motors and enabling reconfigurable circuits.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Electronics·DateMar 9, 2023

Grasshopping robots made possible with new, improved latch control

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a latch control system that enables grasshopping robots to perform efficiently on soft substrates. The team discovered that the latch can not only regulate energy output but also mediate energy transfer between the robot and its environment, leading to improved jump performance.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 2, 2023

A new bioinspired earthworm robot for future underground explorations

Researchers at Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia have created a soft robot inspired by earthworms, able to crawl using soft actuators that elongate or squeeze. The prototype demonstrates improved locomotion with a speed of 1.35mm/s and has potential applications in underground exploration, excavation, search and rescue operations.

SourceIstituto Italiano di Tecnologia - IIT·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2023
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.

Ben-Gurion University engineers develop one of the fastest and most efficient amphibious robots

The researchers designed the robot to mimic the movement of flippers in water and centipedes on land, resulting in impressive speeds of 1.5 body lengths per second on land and 0.74 body lengths per second in water. The amphibious robot has potential applications in search and rescue, marine agriculture, and fish feeding.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2023

An artificial tissue restores erectile function in pigs

A team of researchers has developed an artificial tissue that repairs injuries and restores normal erectile function in a pig model. The artificial tunica albuginea (ATA) shows promise for repairing penile injuries in humans by mimicking the microstructure of natural tissues.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

The physical intelligence of ant and robot collectives

A team of simple robots, nicknamed RAnts, use photormones to escape a corral and perform complex tasks. The research reveals how collective cooperation can arise from simple rules, applicable to solving problems like construction, search and rescue, and defense.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournaleLife·DateDec 21, 2022

How giant-faced owls snag voles hidden in snow

Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2022
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.

Fruit flies use corrective movements to maintain stability after injury

Researchers found that fruit flies compensate for catastrophic wing injuries by flapping the damaged wing harder and reducing the speed of the healthy one. This allows them to maintain stability while exchanging some performance, actively increasing damping to counteract decreased friction between the wing and air.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022

‘Butterfly bot’ is fastest swimming soft robot yet

Researchers at NC State University have created an energy-efficient soft robot that can swim more than four times faster than previous models. The 'butterfly bots' use bistable wings for propulsion and achieve speeds of up to 3.74 body lengths per second.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022
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.

The "cellular" network

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh create microcapsules that exhibit life-like autonomy through self-generated motion and chemical signals. The system mimics protocell behavior, showcasing the potential for simple mechanisms to produce complex biological functions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 5, 2022
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.

Expressiveness face-off

A new evaluation method at Osaka University accurately compares android and human facial expressions. The study found that androids have significantly less expressiveness than humans, but the new index may aid in developing more lifelike robots.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Robotics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 16, 2022

Experimental verification on steering flight of honeybee by electrical stimulation

Scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology successfully controlled honeybee steering behavior using unilateral optic lobe electrical stimulation, with an average successful rate of 87% in immobilized status. The study also explored the influence of pulse electrical signal parameters on steering response behaviors.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateAug 13, 2022

Body posture affects how oral drugs absorbed by stomach

A new study uses a biomimetic in-silico simulator to investigate the effect of body posture and stomach motility on oral drug bioavailability. The simulation reveals that stomach contractions can induce pressure, generating complex pill trajectories and affecting drug dissolution rates.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateAug 9, 2022
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.

Bees’ ‘waggle dance’ may revolutionize how robots talk to each other in disaster zones

A new study takes inspiration from the 'waggle dance' of honeybees to devise a way for robots to communicate effectively in situations with unreliable network communications. Researchers designed a visual communication system using on-board cameras, allowing robots to interpret gestures and convey complex information.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Robotics and AI·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
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.

Russian scientists create biomimetic algorithm to find epileptogenic areas of the brain

Researchers create a new method for detecting diagnostic markers of epilepsy using EEG and MEG, enabling precise localisation of epileptogenic cortical structures. The biomimetic algorithm improves the effectiveness of neurosurgical interventions for epilepsy patients with resistant treatment.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateMay 12, 2022

Self-propelled, endlessly programmable artificial cilia

Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a single-material, single-stimuli microstructure that can outmaneuver even living cilia. These programmable structures could be used for soft robotics, biocompatible medical devices, and dynamic information encryption.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 5, 2022
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.

Biohybrid fish made from human cardiac cells swims like the heart beats

Researchers developed a fully autonomous biohybrid fish from human stem-cell derived cardiac muscle cells that recreates the muscle contractions of a pumping heart. The device has two layers of muscle cells that work together to propel the fish for over 100 days.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2022

A robotic hand with a gecko-inspired grip

Researchers at Stanford University have created a robotic hand with a gecko-inspired grip that can handle both delicate and heavy objects. The 'farmHand' gripper uses gecko-adhesive pads and has a unique finger design to enable both dexterity and strength.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateDec 15, 2021

Light-powered soft robots could suck up oil spills

A new floating robotic film can hoover oil spills at sea or remove contaminants from drinking water, using a pulsing motion inspired by water striders. The film is powered by light and fueled by water, making it sustainable and reusable.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
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.

NTU Singapore scientists develop self-folding natural plant material for ‘intelligent’ green products

Researchers created a paper-like material that folds itself into new shapes in response to environmental humidity, with potential applications in self-folding envelopes and boxes. The material's ability to morph on demand could lead to the development of autonomous origami robots and other complex shapes.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2021

A step towards natural interaction between robots and animals

Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology created a robot that can track fast-moving rats for extended periods using real-time localization and movement analysis. The robotic rat's built-in stereo vision system enables it to characterize typical behaviors of actual rats, promoting autonomy and reproducibility in behavior research.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·TypeNews article·DateOct 18, 2021
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.

Artificial camouflage skin

Researchers at Seoul National University developed a wearable artificial chameleon skin that can detect and adapt to its surroundings in real-time. The device, which combines thermochromic liquid crystal ink with vertically-stacked silver nanowires, enables high-resolution camouflage and blending into complex backgrounds.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 18, 2021

How a bath sponge becomes a bio-based industrial filter

Researchers at TU Freiberg create new composite material from marine bath sponges that can be used as a bi-based filter for wastewater treatment or pollutant removal, and can be reused multiple times without losing its properties.

SourceUniversity of Freiberg / TU Bergakademie Freiberg·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 16, 2021
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.

Construction of carbon-based cell-like-spheres for robust potassium anode

Researchers at Hunan University and Clemson University have developed a new type of electrode material inspired by biological cells. The material, called biomimetic carbon cells, improves the cycling stability of potassium-ion batteries and allows for longer continuous operation.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJan 9, 2021

3D printing the first ever biomimetic tongue surface

Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed a biomimetic tongue surface using 3D printing, replicating the complex texture and mechanical properties of a human tongue. The new technology enables testing of oral processing properties of food, nutritional technologies, and pharmaceuticals without relying on human trials.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 26, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Ocean hitchhiker's sucker mechanism offers potential for underwater adhesion

A new study reveals how remora suckerfish detach themselves from surfaces and explores the application of this mechanism in underwater robots. The research team developed a biomimetic flexible adhesive disc with controllable motion, which showed similar detachment motions to its biological counterpart.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateAug 24, 2020

Earwig-inspired folding structures

Scientists create geometrical drawing method and software to design fan-like structures based on earwig wing folding. The method was used to recreate a Paleozoic earwig's wing folding pattern, shedding light on evolutionary pathways.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020
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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Improving neural implants

A biomimetic coating developed by Xinyan Tracy Cui improves the performance of microelectrode arrays, reducing inflammation and increasing recording quality and longevity. The coating is made of a brain-derived neural adhesion molecule and has proven efficacy in establishing a healthy electrode-neuron interface.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateOct 10, 2019

New whistle alerts bats to steer clear of wind turbines

Researchers from Texas A&M University have developed a biomimetic whistle that uses bat's natural echolocation to deter bats from flying into wind turbine blades. The device, mounted on turbine blades, produces an ultrasonic sound detectable by bats at distances of up to 100 meters.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 15, 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.

Biomimetic chemistry: Carbohydrate capture

Researchers have designed and synthesized a molecular structure featuring a helical binding pocket that selectively captures xylobiose, a disaccharide class of carbohydrates. The molecule's synthesis and characterization were published in Angewandte Chemie, with the journal editors rating it as 'very important.'

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 23, 2018

Better biomimetic bone focus of NIH grant

A $1.7 million NIH grant will aid in understanding citrate signaling for bone development and designing novel biomaterials. Researchers aim to mimic native tissue composition and induce bone growth through citrate-presenting biomaterials.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 30, 2018

Houston Methodist researcher makes bold move by releasing nanotech 'recipe'

A Houston Methodist researcher has made a groundbreaking discovery by sharing his recipe for making nanoparticles. The new method eliminates the need for expensive equipment and allows laboratories worldwide to produce these tiny particles. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient delivery of biotherapeutic drugs and new treatments.

SourceHouston Methodist·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 7, 2018
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.