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Britain’s brass bands older than we thought and invented by soldiers from the Napoleonic Wars, new study reveals

A new study reveals that Britain's earliest brass bands were founded by military musicians in the 1810s, contradicting the long-held assumption that they emerged with industrial communities. The research, published in The Historical Journal, shows that regimental bands first experimented with all-brass formats after the Napoleonic Wars.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Historical Journal·DateOct 29, 2024
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.

Benin Bronzes are made of German brass

Researchers analyzed manillas and found a strong similarity between the metal composition of Benin Bronzes and Portuguese trade prior to the 18th Century. The consistency in metal composition suggests that African metalsmiths were selective about what metal they used, with German brass being the principle source.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateApr 5, 2023

Brass, woodwind instruments emit respiratory particles, study finds

A Colorado State University study found that brass instruments produce 191% more aerosols than woodwinds during play. Male performers and louder playing of brass instruments were associated with higher emissions. Bell covers can reduce particle spread, but not achieve N95 level protection.

SourceColorado State University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 15, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Viking metalwork craft and expertise evolved from 8th to 9th century

Researchers analyzed tool fragments, raw materials, and complete objects excavated from two sites in Ribe, Denmark, to understand the evolution of Viking metalwork. They found rapid technological advances in combining metals into mixes and refining their process over time.

SourceSpringer·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateApr 19, 2021

Musical training improves visual timing

A study published in eNeuro found that percussionists outperformed brass players and color guards in detecting the order of moving stimuli. Musical training was shown to shape cortical areas responsible for synchronizing rhythm and behavior.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateNov 21, 2018
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.

Shoring up the power grid -- with DIY scrap-metal batteries

Researchers have created a novel method for making do-it-yourself, scrap-metal batteries that can store excess energy from residential solar panels. The new devices utilize steel and brass scraps, which are abundant and inexpensive, to achieve an energy density comparable to traditional lead-acid batteries.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateNov 2, 2016

UMMS scientists use CRISPR to discover Zika and dengue weaknesses

Researchers at UMass Chan Medical School used CRISPR/Cas9 screening to identify human proteins that Zika virus needs for replication, revealing potential therapeutic targets. The study highlights the importance of understanding viral dependencies on human proteins to develop effective treatments.

SourceUMass Chan Medical School·JournalCell Reports·DateJun 21, 2016
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.

Metal composition hold key to identity of modern sculptures

Researchers classified bronze sculptures by European artists of the first half of the 20th century based on alloy composition profiles. The study found correlations between alloying elements and artist, date, origin, and authentication.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateJul 30, 2009

Humble shoelace tag carried more currency than gold on Columbus's travels

A study by University College London archaeologists found that the humble shoelace tags were more valuable to indigenous Cubans than gold, suggesting a significant shift in trade priorities. The discovery challenges traditional views of gold's value and highlights the importance of alternative materials in pre-Columbian societies.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateOct 3, 2006

Your tap water: Will that be leaded or unleaded?

A new study by Virginia Tech researchers has found that some products passing the National Sanitation Foundation Section 8 standard may have a greater capacity to leach lead into water, exceeding previously believed limits. The study's findings highlight the need for updated standards and regulations to address this complex issue.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateAug 4, 2005
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.

Creating better businesses

The BRASS Centre will focus on research in social, ethical, and environmental impact of business. It aims to enhance business practice, improve legislation, and public policy initiatives by creating a greater understanding of sustainability, accountability, and social responsibility.

SourceCardiff University·DateJul 9, 2002