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How 4-D simulation can help construction projects come in on time -- and on budget

Researchers at Concordia University developed a new modelling method to analyze the scheduling of reconstruction work in complex infrastructure projects. The technique uses 4-D simulations to coordinate traffic flow with demolition and construction activities, eliminating potential clashes and saving time and money.

SourceConcordia University·JournalAutomation in Construction·DateJun 7, 2016

Seeing atoms

Chinese researchers have developed a new in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) technique that offers powerful functionality to understand atomic-scale structure and its correlation with physical and chemical properties. The technique has potential applications in smart windows, energy management, and environmental protection.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 7, 2016

A step towards keeping up with Moore's Law

POSTECH researchers have developed a rapid printing technology for high-density and scalable memristor arrays composed of cross-bar-shaped metal nanowires. This technology enables the fabrication of microminiature memristors with excellent electrical performance and reproducible resistive switching behavior.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 28, 2016

New nanomanufacturing technique advances imaging, biosensing technology

Researchers develop novel method to build large arrays of nanolenses using chemical and lithographic techniques, enabling extremely high-resolution imaging or biological sensing. The technique allows for precise control over nanoparticle placement, producing tiny separations that produce the nanolensing effect.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 9, 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.

Mixing an icy cocktail to safely cool hot plasma

Scientists at DIII-D National Fusion Facility successfully tested Shattered Pellet Injection (SPI) technique, rapidly cooling hot plasma to prevent disruptions. The innovative approach involves injecting frozen neon and deuterium pellets into the plasma, reducing localized heating and mechanical forces on the tokamak walls.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 11, 2015

Making cars of the future stronger, using less energy

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new welding technique that produces 50% stronger bonds while consuming 80% less energy. The process uses high-voltage pulses to vaporize metal foils and directly bond atoms, creating seamless welds without weakened seams.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 29, 2015

Paper tubes make stiff origami structures

Researchers developed a new 'zippered tube' configuration that makes paper structures stiff enough to hold weight yet can fold flat. This technique could be applied to other thin materials to transform structures from furniture to buildings to microscopic robots.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Building tailor-made DNA nanotubes step by step

Researchers at McGill University have developed a new DNA nanotube assembly method that allows for better control over size and structure. This breakthrough could lead to applications in opto-electronics and smart drug-delivery systems.

SourceMcGill University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 23, 2015

A simple and versatile way to build 3-dimensional materials of the future

Researchers at Kyoto University developed a novel method to assemble graphene into porous 3D structures, overcoming the challenge of maintaining unique material properties. The technique uses interfacial complexation with oppositely charged polymers, enabling tunable porosity and scalability for large-area films.

SourceInstitute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Kyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2014
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.

DNA nano-foundries cast custom-shaped metal nanoparticles

Researchers at Wyss Institute have developed a method to form tiny 3D metal nanoparticles in prescribed shapes using DNA as a construction mold. The breakthrough has the potential to advance laser technology, microscopy, solar cells and more.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateOct 9, 2014

Eco-friendly 'pre-fab nanoparticles' could revolutionize nano manufacturing

Researchers at UMass Amherst develop a water-based method to control molecular assembly of nanoparticles, reducing the need for toxic solvents and increasing efficiency. The new technique enables faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly production of organic photovoltaics and other electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 2014

How much magma is hiding beneath our feet?

Researchers developed a new method to estimate magma volume and flow, enabling more accurate predictions of future volcanic eruptions. This technique uses zircon crystals to determine the age and injection rate of magma, providing insights into Earth's crust formation, mineral deposits, and natural resources.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature·DateJul 23, 2014

High-strength materials from the pressure cooker

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created a novel technique to produce lightweight construction, protective clothing, or sports equipment at high temperatures and pressures. The method uses hydrothermal synthesis and is eco-friendly, reducing hazardous byproducts and energy consumption.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPolymer Chemistry·DateMay 5, 2014

NIST's simple microfluidic devices now have valves

Researchers at NIST developed a method to incorporate pneumatic microvalves into microfluidic devices made from plastic films and tape. The new valved microfluidic device can be used for dynamic control of fluid flow, enabling the creation of complex configurations with multiple functions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalLab on a Chip·DateApr 2, 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.

Scientists synthesize first functional 'designer' chromosome in yeast

Researchers at NYU Langone Health have synthesized a fully functioning chromosome in yeast using computer-aided design, overcoming the biggest hurdle in synthetic biology. The seven-year effort built a chromosome with over 270,000 base pairs, enabling new capabilities and traits in yeast cells.

SourceNYU Langone Health / NYU Grossman School of Medicine·JournalScience·DateMar 27, 2014

New advance in 3-D printing and tissue engineering technology

A new micro-robotic technique allows for precise construction of individual cell-encapsulating hydrogels, enabling true control over bottom-up tissue engineering. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize 3D printing and tissue engineering, addressing organ shortages and improving disease treatment.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2014

Building 'belt' offers cheap, quick repair of earthquake damage

A cheap and simple technology developed at the University of Sheffield can repair earthquake damaged buildings in a matter of days, reducing delays for homeless people. The 'belt' technique involves wrapping metal straps around each floor to increase the building's ability to withstand further earthquake movement.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalJournal of Earthquake Engineering·DateJan 13, 2014

Detecting mirror molecules

Harvard physicists develop a novel technique to detect molecular variants in chemical mixtures, relying on microwave fields to identify left- and right-handed compounds. The method can analyze complex mixtures and determine the ratio of variants, with potential applications in pharmaceutical development.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2013
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.

Gas promises bumper black hole 'weigh-in'

A new technique developed by Oxford University scientists can spot carbon monoxide within gas circling a supermassive black hole, 'weighing' its mass. This breakthrough enables the study of thousands of distant galaxies and spiral galaxies, previously hard to target.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature·DateJan 31, 2013

Nanosciences: All systems go at the biofactory

LMU researchers have developed a method called Single-Molecule Cut & Paste (SMC&P) to assemble individual protein molecules with nanometer precision. This technique allows for the controlled assembly of complex protein machines, enabling the testing of functional aspects such as enzyme interactions and coupled reactions.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateSep 28, 2012

Why spiders do not stick to their own sticky web sites

Researchers discovered that spiders' legs are protected by branching hairs and a chemical coating, allowing them to move without getting stuck. By carefully maneuvering their legs, spiders minimize adhesive forces while constructing their webs.

SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalZeitschrift für Didaktik der Naturwissenschaften·DateMar 1, 2012
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.

Rock stability research could make mining and construction safer

A $1.25 million research grant is funding a five-year project to develop new methods of assessing rock strength, reducing hazardous working conditions in mining and construction. The goal is to improve ground stability analysis and reduce the thousands of annual deaths caused by accidents.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·DateJan 20, 2012

A cut above the Eiffel Tower

Russian engineer Vladimir G. Shukhov invented a lattice design that supports structures with minimum materials while maintaining stability. The researchers are studying his works to identify previously unknown projects and raise awareness of their preservation.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateSep 14, 2011
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.

Force of acoustical waves tapped for metamaterials

Researchers have created a simple bench-top technique to harness the force of acoustical waves, enabling the creation of various 3D structures. This technology has the potential to become a platform technology for the creation of new materials with extensive flexibility in terms of periodicity and material variety.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateApr 5, 2011

Plants' response to fire tested

Researchers have developed a new device to measure plant species' flammability, allowing for improved fire risk maps. The technique measures combustion speed and heat emitted during burning, providing more accurate data than existing methods.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Fire Sciences·DateSep 24, 2009
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.

Using combinatorial libraries to engineer genetic circuits advances synthetic biology

A team of Boston University researchers has developed a new method for engineering genetic circuits using combinatorial libraries and computer modeling. This approach enables the rapid construction of gene networks with predictable behaviors, accelerating synthetic biology research. The technique involves creating libraries of diverse ...

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 22, 2009

An electroacoustic path to custom-made gene chips

A University of Southern California researcher has improved a technique to create custom-made gene chips, allowing researchers to detect specific message sequences in samples. The new method uses precise directional soundwaves to synthesize DNA bases on thin membranes, enabling the creation of high-quality microarrays.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 25, 2007

Miniature chain-mail fabric holds promise for smart textiles

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a flexible, metallic fabric composed of small rings and links. The fabric's unique properties make it suitable for developing smart fabrics and wearable electronic devices. Funding from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency supported this groundbreaking research.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateMar 28, 2007

Imaging techniques permit scientists to follow a day -- or 4 -- in the life of a cell

Researchers can now observe live cells for extended periods using advanced microscopy techniques, allowing them to study complex cellular processes and identify potential avenues for disease treatment. The new protocols provide a comprehensive toolkit for scientists to visualize and analyze cell movement, growth, and function.

SourceCold Spring Harbor Laboratory·JournalCold Spring Harbor Protocols·DateJan 3, 2007
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.

LCD as a molecular magnifying glass

Researchers have created a surface that can align liquid-crystal molecules, enabling the construction of LCDs and opening up the possibility of biosensors. The aligned liquid crystals can detect the presence of certain types of DNA without additional equipment.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateDec 16, 2004

Computer scientist designs immersive tools for designers

A computer scientist at Virginia Tech has designed an innovative software framework called iDesign to enhance the virtual environment experience for designers. The framework is being used to develop immersive design applications in structural engineering, interior design, and architectural design.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateJan 23, 2004
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Control technique cuts electricity bills for commercial buildings

A new computer-simulation tool developed at Purdue University has shown that a pre-cooling technique can reduce electricity costs for commercial buildings by as much as 41 percent during the hottest summer months. The tool takes into account factors like utility rates and climate to tailor the best strategy for individual buildings.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 9, 2001

Punch of world's most powerful laser rachets up a notch

Researchers at University of Rochester's Laboratory for Laser Energetics successfully completed the first full-scale test of polarization smoothing on the world's most powerful laser, Omega. The technique generated 70% more fusion neutrons than without and moves closer to self-sustaining fusion.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·DateOct 26, 2000
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.

High-resolution acoustic system detects objects buried in soil

Archaeologists may use sound waves to survey potential building sites for significant cultural artifacts. The high-resolution acoustic system can detect and image small buried objects, improving on current ground-penetrating radar methods that struggle with wet soils or non-metallic objects.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateOct 3, 2000

Conference stresses 'hidden dangers' of windstorms

Millions of defective low-rise buildings in the US lead to high annual losses from windstorms, with recent hurricanes causing $70 billion in damages. A symposium aims to develop a national plan for wind-hazard mitigation and improve building codes.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateNov 14, 1999
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.