Researchers from Queen Mary University of London have discovered the mechanism behind shape-shifting sea cucumbers' ability to rapidly change their stiffness. This unique property is controlled by a protein-rich interfibrillar matrix that can be altered by the nervous system, making it useful for developing novel biomaterials.
SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 3, 2016
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.
The Ocean Observatories Initiative is providing real-time access to scientific data and visualizations for public engagement. The platform tracks physical, chemical, and biological properties of the oceans, supporting research and educational activities.
Researchers have developed a system that allows RoboBees to perch in flight, saving energy. The electrostatic adhesion mechanism attracts the robot to surfaces, enabling it to extend its operational life significantly.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateMay 19, 2016
A team at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed a novel method to print metallic architectures without supports, allowing for customized electronic and biomedical devices. The technique uses laser annealing of conductive metallic inks, resulting in complex wire patterns and sharp angular turns.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2016
A team of engineers and marine biologists at the University of California, San Diego, developed a claw-like device based on the sea urchin's mouthpiece to sample sediments on other planets. The device uses five curved teeth with triangle-shaped tips that can scrape, cut, chew, and bore holes into tough rocks.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateMay 2, 2016
Steve Elgar, a physical oceanographer at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, has been awarded a National Security Science and Engineering Faculty Fellowship to study surf zone processes. His research aims to develop numerical models that simulate wave dynamics and predict coastal flooding, beach erosion, and rip currents.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Utah State University have unraveled the science of skipping spheres by studying the deformation of elastic spheres on water. They found that the sphere's deformed shape creates a larger lifting force, allowing it to skip multiple times across the surface.
SourceUtah State University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016
A study by Plymouth University suggests that Japan's new sea defense plans could be shared with other nations to improve their preparedness for tsunamis. The research analyzed Japan's history of coastal defense design and measures taken since 2011, highlighting the country's progress in mitigating tsunami impacts.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalInternational Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction·DateOct 23, 2015
Researchers at Harvard's John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have created a flying, swimming robotic bee that can transition between air and water. The microrobot, smaller than a paperclip, uses flapping motions inspired by puffins to propel itself through both mediums.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·DateOct 21, 2015
A team of polymer physicists and chemists at Harvard developed a way to create an ultra-soft dry silicone rubber by eliminating entanglements. The material features tunable softness to match various biological tissues, opening new opportunities in biomedical research and engineering.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 10, 2015
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.
Brown University professor George Em Karniadakis has been awarded the Ralph E. Kleinman Prize by SIAM for his contributions to applied mathematics, specifically in computational fluid dynamics and stochastic modeling. The $5,000 prize recognizes his research bridging high-level mathematics with practical applications.
SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·DateJul 29, 2015
MIT engineers have developed an autonomous mission-planning system that enables underwater robots to plan their own missions, execute, adapt, and re-plan them alone without human support. The system allows robots to make high-level decisions, prioritize tasks, and avoid collisions, freeing engineers to focus on overall strategy.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 8, 2015
A team of Brown University engineers found that the unique internal structure of sea sponge spicules contributes to their remarkable anchoring ability. The pattern of decreasing layer thickness from center to edge enhances the spicule's strength and stability, potentially inspiring new engineering designs.
SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a novel system for separating materials using fluid-filled pores, which can precisely separate liquids, gases, and solids without clogging. The system harnesses dynamic control over a highly sensitive mechanism, allowing for efficient separation of complex mixtures.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2015
Researchers tracked Chilean devil rays using satellite tags, finding they dive as deep as 2,000 meters in search of food. The study reveals a new link between the surface and deep ocean, shedding light on these majestic creatures' habits.
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2014
An international team has completed the first mapping of virtually all global glaciers, including their locations and sizes. The 198,000 mapped glaciers will contribute significantly to rising seas over the coming decades as temperatures rise.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalJournal of Glaciology·DateMay 6, 2014
Researchers at Harvard's SEAS discovered a hemihelix shape, rarely seen in nature, by stretching and joining rubber strips. The shape has a predictable and deterministic growth from a two-dimensional state to a three-dimensional state.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 23, 2014
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.
Scientists have created a low-cost, programmable soft actuated material that replicates the biological motion of the heart's twisting action, a key indicator of heart health. The material mimics the complex motion of the heart muscle, which is essential for efficient blood pumping.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 26, 2014
Researchers at GEOMAR found that large-scale climate intervention methods have limited benefits and significant side effects, such as accelerated global warming. The study's results highlight the need for careful consideration of the potential social, political, legal, and ethical implications of proposed climate engineering methods.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2014
A new study by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution researchers documents the historic sediment record along the Danube River delta and offers simple and inexpensive strategies to maintain delta environments. The team analyzed sediment cores and found that mimicking natural distributaries can help keep sediment on flood plains, rather ...
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalAnthropocene·DateDec 9, 2013
Researchers are using experimental hydrodynamics to track the source of lethal outbreaks in Great Lakes waterfowl. They have developed a novel way of tracking waterfowl carcasses and performed towing tank experiments to determine drag coefficients, which will help identify locations where waterbirds are likely exposed to botulinum toxin.
A recent study published in the Journal of Heredity has identified two distinct populations of bottlenose dolphins living in the Indian River Lagoon, separated by a north-south geographic area. The research also found genetic differences between these populations and those living in other areas, highlighting the importance of habitat a...
SourceNova Southeastern University·JournalJournal of Heredity·DateNov 4, 2013
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.
The University of Washington is partnering with OceanGate to develop a five-person deep-sea manned submarine that can reach depths of over 9,842 feet. The Cyclops submarine features a carbon-fiber hull and advanced control systems, allowing for increased safety and efficiency in ocean research and exploration.
Researchers at Harvard University investigated the process of villification, which shapes gut villi, and found similarities in its principles across different animal species. They discovered that mechanical forces from muscle layer differentiation drive early villus growth.
A transparent disk using a saltwater gel and ionic conductor produces sounds across the entire audible spectrum, demonstrating capabilities of ionic conductors. This technology has potential applications in biomedical devices, fast-moving robotics, and adaptive optics.
Researchers at Virginia Tech discovered a relic seawall in Bay Head, NJ, that played a crucial role in protecting homes from Hurricane Sandy's storm surges. The 1882 structure, buried beneath the beach, provided significant dampening of waves and prevented widespread destruction.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalCoastal Engineering·DateJul 16, 2013
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.
Researchers found that significant reductions in emissions will be necessary to stabilize current mercury levels, as legacy mercury persists for decades. The study highlights the need for aggressive reductions to mitigate future increases in ocean mercury levels.
SourceHarvard University·JournalGlobal Biogeochemical Cycles·DateJul 8, 2013
The Watermark Ink device can instantly identify unknown liquids based on their surface tension, exploiting chemical and optical properties of nanostructured materials. This technology offers a cheap, fast, and portable way to perform quality control tests and detect liquid contaminants.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·DateJul 8, 2013
A study models the distribution and abundance of six dominant Hawaiian coral species, predicting that Porites lobata is the most abundant around the main Hawaiian Islands. Environmental factors such as wave energy, seafloor shape, and island age influence coral cover, with highest concentrations found in wave-sheltered coastlines.
SourceUniversity of Hawaii ‑ SOEST·JournalMarine Ecology Progress Series·DateMay 20, 2013
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.
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully demonstrated the first controlled flight of a robotic insect, weighing less than a tenth of a gram, which achieves vertical takeoff, hovering, and steering. The achievement marks the culmination of over a decade's work in micromanufacturing and control systems.
SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateMay 2, 2013
A Harvard-led team of researchers has created a new type of nanoscale device that converts optical signals into waves traveling along a metal surface. The device can recognize specific polarized light and direct it in one direction or another, opening the door to precise manipulation of light at subwavelength scales.
A multi-university team, led by Ronald Riggs, conducted research to analyze the impact of cargo containers on buildings during tsunamis. They found that water does not significantly increase the load when a container strikes a building, and the weight of contents also doesn't matter much.
A study by University of Iowa researchers predicts that North Atlantic tropical storms will become more intense as CO2 levels rise, with potentially devastating consequences for the East Coast US. The research used computer models and scenarios to examine projected changes in storm intensity and frequency.
SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Climate·DateNov 30, 2012
Harvard physicists have discovered that ultrathin, atomically thin films can be tailored to reflect specific colors using an overlooked optical phenomenon. The coatings, made of gold and germanium or other elements, change color with minimal thickness changes.
SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 14, 2012
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.
Researchers have gained insight into the microscopic mechanics of a sea urchin's spine, which enables it to absorb impacts and stresses while maintaining strength. The unique structure of the spine allows for an advantageous blend of elasticity and brittleness.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 2, 2012
A team of experts at Harvard created a hydrogel that can stretch to 21 times its original length, is self-healing, and exceptionally tough. The gel combines two weak polymers in an 8:1 ratio, forming a complex network that reinforces each other.
The Arctic sea ice extent has reached its lowest level on record, according to a research team from CU-Boulder. The decline is attributed to warming temperatures caused by human-produced greenhouse gases, which have led to the replacement of old, thick multi-year ice with young, thin ice that melts quickly.
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.
Researchers at Harvard University have created an ultrathin flat lens that focuses light without imparting distortions, approaching the physical limit set by diffraction laws. The device is scalable and simple to manufacture, making it a promising new technology for fiber-optic communications.
SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 23, 2012
Researchers at Harvard University have developed a new coating called SLIPS that can prevent the formation of biofilms on surfaces. The technology, which is smooth and slippery due to an immobilized liquid layer, has been shown to reduce the formation of disease-causing bacteria by up to 96%.
SourceHarvard University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 30, 2012
A recent glacier break in Greenland has created an ice island approximately 46 square miles in size, similar to the mega-calving event that occurred two years ago. This phenomenon highlights the ongoing melting and reduction of the Greenland ice sheet due to global climate change.
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.
A 'nanoclutch' has been designed to regulate the speed of nanomotors, allowing for stepless control. The device uses electrowetting forces and charged carbon nanotubes to transmit torque between tubes.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 24, 2012
Researchers at Harvard University have successfully controlled the rate of photon emission from luminescent imperfections in diamond, a crucial step towards developing scalable quantum networks. The breakthrough uses nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond to emit red photons at room temperature.
SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 9, 2011
A Virginia Tech researcher has developed an app called Small Craft Motion Program (SCraMP) that provides boat operators with motion analysis data, including acceleration, heave, roll, pitch, and yaw. The app aims to help captains make informed decisions about their vessel's stability and safety.
Researchers at Harvard School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have induced light rays to behave in a way that defies the centuries-old laws of reflection and refraction. The discovery allows for beams of light that reflect and refract in arbitrary ways, depending on the surface pattern.
SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2011
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.
Researchers at Harvard discovered that a simple balance of forces determines the formation of the vertebrate gut's predictably loopy shape. The gut grows faster than its attached mesentery tissue, causing it to coil as the elastic forces build up.
A new device, called 'Watermark ink,' can identify unknown liquids by exploiting their surface tension and changes in optical properties. The device, which fits in the palm of a hand, has potential applications in quality control tests, contaminant identification, and forensic analysis.
SourceHarvard University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 3, 2011
Researchers at Harvard have identified the mechanism for diffuse axonal injury and explained why cerebral vasospasm is more common in blast-induced brain injuries. Treating neural tissue with a ROCK inhibitor within minutes of injury may lead to viable treatments, according to the study.
Researchers found that algal secretions can increase ice salinity and create channels in ice, allowing algae to live and grow. This adaptation may help sea-ice algae thrive in a warmer climate.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 2, 2011
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.
A team of physicists at Harvard University has demonstrated the formation of semipermeable vesicles from inorganic clay, which could have played a key role in the origins of life. The clay vesicles provide an ideal container for compartmentalizing complex organic molecules.
SourceHarvard University·JournalSoft Matter·DateFeb 7, 2011
Scientists have created a new system that uses two video cameras and advanced computer software to study ocean waves in real-time. The technology can help explain the dynamics of near-shore waves and provide accurate insights into coastal erosion.
SourceOregon State University·JournalCoastal Engineering·DateJan 28, 2011
The new LRAUV, Tethys, combines the best of propeller-driven and glider designs, allowing for rapid travel and extended hovering periods. With its sophisticated power-saving software and fail-safe systems, Tethys has shown promising initial results in oceanographic research.
SourceMonterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute·DateNov 2, 2010
The new IMOS ocean-observing array will use advanced technologies like autonomous floats, marine mammals with satellite tags, and underwater gliders to study the open ocean. This data will help scientists understand how the ocean's physical properties influence the marine ecosystem.
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.
A Greenland glacier has lost a quarter of its floating ice-shelf, giving birth to an ice island four times the size of Manhattan. The freshwater stored in this ice island could keep the Delaware or Hudson rivers flowing for more than two years.
Researchers at Harvard University reveal a two-step process that creates a ring of smaller bubbles when a large bubble bursts. The curved nature of the bubble plays a critical role in this phenomenon, which has been observed in various environments and materials.
Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution estimate the world's ocean volume to be 1.332 billion cubic kilometers, a reduction of 5 times the Gulf of Mexico or 500 times the Great Lakes. The study uses satellite measurements to calculate ocean volume and depth, with an accuracy comparable to those of 30 years ago.
SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalOceanography·DateMay 18, 2010
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
A new undersea optical communication system enables real-time video transfer and self-powered ROVs without a physical connection, reducing costs and simplifying operations. This technology complements acoustic systems, offering faster data rates of up to 20 megabits per second.
Ron O'Dor will talk about the international Ocean Tracking Network's ambitious plans and how new tracking technologies can help manage sustainable fisheries. The Canadian initiative has committed $45 million to this global project.
SourceNatural Sciences and Engineering Research Council·DateFeb 16, 2010
A recent special edition of Ocean Engineering analyzes Hurricane Katrina's impact and provides lessons learned from an IPET study conducted between 2005-2006. The study assessed the performance of flood protection systems in affected coastal areas.
UC San Diego engineers develop algorithms for swarms of ocean robots to track ocean currents, predict oil spill movement, and improve models. The system will enable local agencies to deploy robots quickly to monitor spills and aid in the development of marine protected areas.
The Harvard research team aims to advance micro-manufacturing, ultra-low-power computing and multi-agent coordination using nature as inspiration. They will create artificial sensors and coordination algorithms to mimic the collective behavior of a bee colony.
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.