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$1.1 million DARPA grant funds research on vibratory sensors for electronics

Researchers at UCF developed a new technology to improve the performance of vibratory sensors, which convert vibrations into electronic signals. The SHIELD project aims to create more reliable sensors that can withstand harsh environments, enabling applications such as navigation systems and aerospace systems.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida College of Engineering and Computer Science·DateJul 9, 2026

Listening to the body’s quietest, yet most dynamic movements

Researchers developed a wearable vibration sensor capable of detecting subtle body movements without external power, opening new possibilities for healthcare technologies. The sensor accurately captures physiological signals and detects extremely faint vibrations across a broad frequency range.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·DateMar 5, 2026
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

How can you rescue a “kidnapped” robot? A new AI system helps the robot regain its sense of location in dynamic, ever-changing environments

A hierarchical 3D LiDAR localization method improves robot positioning in large outdoor spaces even after seasonal changes. The method integrates deep learning techniques to extract discriminative local features from 3D point clouds, making it robust to environmental variability.

SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026

Innovative system measures the state of lake ecosystems

Researchers developed a holistic monitoring system to investigate lake ecosystems' sensitivity to boat traffic, weather, and climate change. The system, WAMOS, accurately analyzes wave patterns and assigns causes, enabling precise modeling of ecosystem effects.

SourceGraz University of Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 12, 2026

Small bat hunts like lions – only better

Researchers equipped miniature backpacks with fringe-lipped bats, revealing they hunt large prey like frogs, birds, and small mammals with remarkable success. The study found these small bats conserve energy by spending 89% of their time stationary and striking quickly, succeeding in about 50% of hunts.

SourceAarhus University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2025

Freely levitating rotor spins out ultraprecise sensors for classical and quantum physics

A macroscopic device has been designed to reduce eddy-current damping, allowing for precise measurements of physical phenomena like gravity. The system uses a graphite disk and rare earth magnets, enabling ultra-precise sensors that can be used in classical and quantum physics research.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2025

Catalyst-free ionogel turns bamboo to 11-MPa “super-skin” for IoT sensors

Researchers have developed a catalyst-free ionogel made from cellulose and an ionic liquid that exhibits exceptional strength and conductivity, outperforming synthetic analogues. The gel is also eco-friendly and low-cost, making it suitable for fully compostable high-performance electronics.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Artificial intelligence in miniature format for small devices

Researchers at TU Graz developed methods to run AI models locally on small devices with limited memory, enabling efficient positioning error correction and industrial applications. The E-MINDS project introduced a modular system using division, orchestration, subspace configurable networks, quantisation, and pruning techniques.

SourceGraz University of Technology·DateJun 26, 2025
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.

Hypersonic simulation in 3D exposes new disturbances

Deborah Levin and her Ph.D. student Irmak Taylan Karpuzcu conducted the first 3D simulations of hypersonic flows, exposing new disturbances in the interaction between gases and surfaces. The findings provide insights into the design considerations for hypersonic vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateMar 26, 2025

Combining photonic neural networks with distributed acoustic sensing

Distributed acoustic sensing systems face data processing speed limitations; researchers leverage photonic neural networks to overcome these challenges. The TWM-PNNA system achieves high recognition accuracy above 90% with low power consumption, outperforming electrical GPUs by orders of magnitude.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 18, 2025
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.

Scientists solve the brain’s motion-source separation problem

Researchers at Sainsbury Wellcome Centre develop novel experimental setup called Translocator, isolating fundamental elements of locomotion and motion-source separation. The team finds that individual cells in primary visual cortex use motor and vestibular signals to determine visual flow origin.

SourceSainsbury Wellcome Centre·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 19, 2025

Temperature, rainfall and tides speed glacier flow on a daily basis

A new study reveals that glacier speed varies on a daily basis due to changes in air temperature, rainfall, and tides. The research found acceleration events coinciding with high temperatures or heavy rainfall, highlighting the complex interactions between environmental factors and glacial dynamics.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 2, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Navigating a safer path for autonomous vehicles

Researchers are developing a software framework for crowd-sourced 3D map generation and visual localization from camera data to improve real-time updates and low-cost visual localization. This technology aims to advance self-driving vehicles and enable fully automated transportation

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJan 17, 2025

Reality check: making indoor smartphone-based augmented reality work

A study by Osaka University researchers found that visual landmarks can be difficult to find in certain environments, leading to motion sickness. They propose using radio-frequency localization, such as ultra-wideband sensing, to overcome these challenges and improve indoor augmented reality applications.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2024
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.

Parkinson’s Paradox: When more dopamine means more tremor

A new study reveals that patients with Parkinson's disease who exhibit rest tremor have more dopamine preserved in the caudate nucleus, a part of the brain important for movement planning and cognition. This challenges traditional understanding of how dopamine loss relates to PD symptoms.

SourceChampalimaud Centre for the Unknown·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·TypeObservational study·DateNov 18, 2024

Freeze-frame: U of A researchers develop world's fastest microscope that can see electrons in motion

Researchers at the University of Arizona developed a transmission electron microscope with attosecond temporal resolution, allowing scientists to observe electron motion in real-time. This breakthrough enables studies of ultrafast processes at the atomic level, paving the way for advancements in physics and chemistry.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 21, 2024

The mother of all motion sensors

Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories have successfully miniaturized a motion sensor using silicon photonic microchip components, achieving unprecedented accuracy and reducing size by a thousand times. This breakthrough enables precise navigation even in GPS-denied areas, posing significant national security risks.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 13, 2024
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.

‘Amphibious’ sensors make new, waterproof technologies possible

Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated a technique for creating strain sensors that can function both in air and underwater. The sensors, called 'amphibious,' enable applications such as wildlife monitoring and biomedical research.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2024

Wearable sensors help athletes achieve greater performance

Researchers developed a low-cost, flexible sensor for badminton players that provides direct feedback on postures, footwork, arm swings, and muscle strength. The sensor uses triboelectric technology and offers real-time monitoring and recognition accuracy of 97.2% for seven technical movements.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateJul 23, 2024

Creation of a power-generating, gel electret-based device

Researchers developed a gel electret capable of stably retaining electrostatic charge and combining it with flexible electrodes to create a vibration sensor. The device achieves an 83% increase in output voltage compared to previous alkyl–π liquid electret-based sensors, enabling potential use as wearable healthcare sensors.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2024

A step forward for motor torque controllers: In order to reduce oscillations and oversets, a speed loop pseudo derivative feed forward controller is proposed

A proposed speed loop pseudo derivative feedforward (PDFF) controller-based direct torque controller for a PMSM drive reduces oscillations and overshoots. Simulation results show the dynamic performance of the proposed system is superior to PI controllers, with less overrun and improved stability.

SourceCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·JournalCES Transactions on Electrical Machines and Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 19, 2024

Smart thermostats provide sleep insights at home

A new study found that smart thermostats can identify three distinct sleep quality clusters with clear variations in duration, disturbances, and efficiency. Machine learning models were used to discern sleep quality indicators from eight terabytes of data collected from 178,706 households.

SourceAmerican Academy of Sleep Medicine·JournalSLEEP·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 4, 2024
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.

Animal brain inspired AI game changer for autonomous robots

Researchers at Delft University of Technology developed a drone that flies autonomously using neuromorphic image processing and control based on the workings of animal brains. The drone's deep neural network processes data up to 64 times faster and consumes three times less energy than when running on a GPU.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Long snouts protect foxes when diving headfirst in snow

A Cornell University study found that foxes' sharp snouts penetrate the snow with little resistance, reducing potential tissue damage during a headfirst dive. The unique hunting behavior, known as mousing, allows foxes to reach their prey earlier and avoid injury.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2024
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.

KAIST team develops an insect-mimicking semiconductor to detect motion​

A KAIST team developed an insect-mimicking semiconductor that mimics the optic nerve of insects to detect motion. The device operates at high efficiency and ultra-high speeds, and has been applied to a neuromorphic computing system for predicting vehicle paths. It achieved 92.9% less energy consumption compared to existing technology.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateFeb 29, 2024

Engineers develop hack to make automotive radar hallucinate

Researchers at Duke University create a system called MadRadar that can trick automotive radar sensors into believing anything is possible without prior knowledge. The technology can hide existing cars, create phantom vehicles, or make it seem like an actual car has changed course.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

A system designed at the UMA estimates the speed of vehicles driving on the same road

A computer vision system developed by University of Malaga engineers estimates vehicle speeds in real time using a single camera, reducing complexity and costs. The algorithm, published in Neurocomputing, aims to improve vehicle safety and has potential applications in autonomous driving and driver assistance.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalNeurocomputing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 20, 2023

Exposure to soft robots decreases human fears about working with them

A Washington State University study found that watching videos of a soft robot working with a person at picking and placing tasks lowered the viewers' safety concerns and feelings of job insecurity. Soft robots have a potential psychological advantage over rigid robots, as proximity does not increase negative reactions.

SourceWashington State University·JournalIISE Transactions on Occupational Ergonomics and Human Factors·DateDec 5, 2023
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.

To navigate the world, we all shimmy like these electric fish

Researchers discovered a wide range of organisms, including microbes and humans, exhibit similar movement patterns to navigate their surroundings. These patterns are thought to be linked to uncertainty management in the brain.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2023

Challenge accepted: High-speed AI drone overtakes world-champion drone racers

A team of researchers from the University of Zurich and Intel has developed an AI system called Swift that can beat human champions in drone racing. The autonomous drone achieved the fastest lap, winning multiple races against three world-class champions, but human pilots proved more adaptable to changing conditions.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 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.

Wide field-of-view metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar technology

Researchers have proposed an innovative solution to address limitations of lidar technology, enabling imaging in low SNR environments. The novel technique uses a high-scanning speed AOD and metasurface-enhanced scanning lidar, extending ambiguity range by up to 35 times.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 20, 2023

In sensory perception, brain makes trade-offs between accuracy and speed

A new study reveals that the brain makes trade-offs between accuracy and speed in sensory perception. Initial visual processing is faster but less accurate compared to other parts of the brain. The findings contradict the efficient coding hypothesis, suggesting that the brain can process sensory inputs quickly with small errors.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournaleLife·DateJun 21, 2023

Previously unknown material could revolutionize cancer treatment

A new composite material made of ultra-tiny silicon nanoparticles and an organic element can convert lower-energy light into higher-energy light, enabling the formation of free radicals to attack cancer tissue. The material has potential applications in boosting solar panel efficiency and improving bioimaging technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 12, 2023
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.

Two-dimensional quantum freeze

Researchers from ETH Zurich have achieved groundbreaking cooling of a glass nanoparticle along two directions of motion, overcoming the 'Dark Mode Effect'. This breakthrough enables the creation of fragile quantum states and paves the way for ultrasensitive gyroscopes and sensors.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Researchers demonstrate new sensors by creating novel health monitoring, machine interface devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor that can detect minor changes in strain with great range of motion. The sensor's innovative design features a patterned cut network that enables it to withstand significant deformation without sacrificing sensitivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

Predicting mortality risks using smartphones

Researchers used smartphone sensors to measure walking activity in 100,000 UK Biobank participants and developed predictive models of mortality risk. The study showed that just 6 minutes per day of steady walking measured by the sensor can accurately predict mortality risk, similar to physical measures.

SourceCarl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022
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.

Can smartphones predict mortality risk?

Researchers used data from 100,000 UK Biobank participants to develop predictive models of mortality risk using only 6 minutes of steady walking collected by smartphone sensors. These models achieved similar accuracy to traditional measures of gait speed and walk pace.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Digital Health·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2022

3D printing can now manufacture customized sensors for robots, pacemakers, and more

A new 3D printing technique allows for the mass production of customized electronic machines, enabling advanced applications in robotics, medical devices, and others. This breakthrough could revolutionize manufacturing by providing a cost-effective solution for producing sensors in smaller volumes.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2022

Introducing GTGraffiti: The robot that paints like a human

Researchers created a graffiti-painting robot system that uses motion capture technology to record human painting motions. The team's cable-driven robot spray paints artwork with precision and speed, enabling the creation of human-style graffiti.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 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.

Electronic skin anticipates and perceives touch from different directions for the first time

Researchers from Chemnitz University of Technology and Leibniz IFW Dresden create a new approach for miniaturizing soft sensor units with integrated artificial hairs. They successfully integrate the 3D magnetic field sensors with magnetically rooted fine hairs into an artificial e-skin, enabling precise spatial arrangement and mass pro...

SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Microcavities as a sensor platform

Researchers at University of Innsbruck and ETH Zurich propose a new concept for a high-precision quantum sensor using microcavities and levitated nanoparticles. By exploiting fast unstable dynamics, they demonstrate mechanical squeezing reducing motional fluctuations below zero-point motion.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2022

Researchers find a new way to measure flying baseballs

A new laboratory method uses a high-accuracy ball delivery device and speed measurement system to provide better clues on exactly how high and far baseballs will fly. The technique allows for more precision than traditional wind tunnel measurements by firing the baseballs through a line of sensors, measuring the change in speed as they...

SourceWashington State University·JournalApplied Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022
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.

First real-world study shows the potential of gait authentication to enhance smartphone security

A new study by the University of Plymouth has demonstrated the potential of gait authentication to protect smartphones from cyber crime. The system achieved an average accuracy rate of around 85% in recognizing individuals' stride patterns, with rates rising to almost 90% when participants were walking normally and fast.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalComputers & Security·TypeObservational study·DateDec 10, 2021