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Clues to Martian life found in Chilean desert

A NASA rover mission in the Mars-like Atacama Desert has recovered subsurface soil samples containing unusual microbes that are distributed in patches, related to limited water availability and scarce nutrients. The findings will aid the search for evidence of signs of life during future planned missions to Mars.

Developing a flight strategy to land heavier vehicles on Mars

Researchers have developed a new flight strategy to land heavier vehicles on Mars by eliminating parachutes and using larger rocket engines. The approach optimizes the lift vector to minimize propellant usage, enabling vehicles to carry more payload while reducing costs.

WSU smart home tests first elder care robot

The Robot Activity Support System (RAS) uses sensors in a WSU smart home to detect elderly residents' needs and provide assistance with daily activities. RAS can navigate, offer video instructions and lead owners to objects needed.

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.

Birds can mistake some caterpillars for snakes; can robots help?

Researchers observed a hummingbird defending its nest against a caterpillar disguising itself as a snake, highlighting the complexity of animal interactions. A tiny robot designed to mimic a snake-like appearance could potentially test various responses from nesting birds and provide insights into defense mechanisms.

Robot makes world-first baby coral delivery to Great Barrier Reef

A robot has successfully delivered heat-tolerant coral larvae to the Great Barrier Reef in the first small-scale pilot of a new technique to help restore and recover coral reefs. The robot, called LarvalBot, disperses microscopic baby corals onto damaged reef areas allowing them to settle and develop into coral polyps.

A new approach to automation of chemical synthesis

A new approach to automate chemical synthesis has been developed, achieving yields and purities comparable to manual efforts. The robotic platform uses a conductivity sensor to outperform human vision in assembling molecules, with instructions that can be coded by users with little programming knowledge.

Scientists capture the sound of sunrise on Mars

Researchers transformed a Martian sunrise photo into a two-minute piece of music, with quiet harmonies and brighter sounds created by the sun disk. The work showcases image sonification's potential in analyzing planet surfaces and atmospheres, as well as health science applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reef RangerBot becomes 'LarvalBot' to spread coral babies

Scientists are using a QUT-developed robot, transformed into LarvalBot, to deliver baby coral larvae onto targeted reefs as part of coral restoration efforts. The technique, known as larval restoration, has the potential to revolutionize coral restoration on reefs worldwide.

Pitt/UPMC BCI researchers receive $8 million in NIH funding

A team of University of Pittsburgh and UPMC researchers has received $8 million in NIH funding to expand their groundbreaking brain-computer interface (BCI) research, with the goal of restoring hand function via a robotic arm. The new funding will support critical next steps in their research.

Decoding robotic surgery skills

Experts outperformed novices in robotic radical prostatectomy by completing the procedure faster, with fewer needle-driving attempts and less tissue trauma. A new training tutorial uses automated performance metrics to break down complex surgical steps into smaller, discrete parts.

Talking to an android

Researchers from Kyoto University and ATR upgraded the interaction system for conversational android ERICA, giving her more dynamic speaking skills. The team focused on developing a system for 'attentive listening', allowing ERICA to engage in fluid dialogue with human subjects.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Robotic surgery as effective as open surgery for bladder cancer

A landmark study published in The Lancet found that robotic surgery is as effective as traditional open surgery in treating bladder cancer. Robotic surgery patients experienced less blood loss and shorter hospital stays but longer surgeries compared to those who underwent open surgery.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Keyhole may trump robotic surgery for mitral valve repair

Research comparing keyhole, robotic, and conventional mitral valve repair surgeries found that keyhole surgery had higher success rates and fewer complications, including lower rates of subsequent heart flutter and blood transfusions. Robotic surgery required more blood transfusions but still provided excellent outcomes.

Electronic skin stretched to new limits

A composite hydrogel and MXene material offers unparalleled stretchability, self-healing, and strain sensitivity, opening doors to innovative applications such as wearable electronics, biodegradable patches, and biosensing technologies.

Grant funding to be allocated to research of robot surgeons

Researchers at Kazan Federal University will develop autonomous controls for stitching in dynamic circumstances and with different types of tissues. The project aims to improve robotic surgical assistance, particularly in rural regions where skilled surgeons are scarce.

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.

Albatross robot takes flight

Researchers have designed a robotic glider that can skim along the water's surface, riding the wind like an albatross while also surfing the waves like a sailboat. The system can cover a given distance using one-third as much wind as an albatross and traveling 10 times faster than a typical sailboat.

Robot teaches itself how to dress people

A robot at Georgia Tech has learned to dress people by analyzing simulated examples of dressing a human. The robot uses its sense of touch to guide the garment onto a person's arm and predict the consequences of different motions.

Why a robot can't yet outjump a flea

A new mathematical model explains how small organisms like mantis shrimp and trap-jaw ants generate their powerful strikes with spring-loaded parts. This knowledge could help design more efficient robots, but it's unclear how these mechanisms work together for optimal performance.

Robot developed for automated assembly of designer nanomaterials

A Japanese research team has developed an automated robot that greatly speeds up the collection and assembly of 2D crystals to form van der Waals heterostructures. The robot can detect 400 graphene flakes an hour, stacking four layers in just a few minutes with minimal human input.

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.

Software automatically generates knitting instructions for 3-D shapes

A team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers has created a system that translates 3-D shapes into stitch-by-stitch instructions for computer-controlled knitting machines. The technology enables the production of customized, on-demand knitted garments with unique patterns and ornamentation.

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.

The 'robot harvest' -- technology to transform the future of produce growing

Researchers at University of Plymouth are developing robots to work alongside farmers in Cornwall, ensuring availability gaps are filled and reducing manual labor costs. The 'ABC project' aims to create small, mobile machines that can perform tasks like harvesting, weeding, and pesticide application with increased efficiency and accuracy.

Personalizing wearable devices

A new machine learning algorithm allows for quick optimization of personalized control parameters for assistive wearable devices, achieving significant improvements in metabolic performance and reducing costs. Researchers achieved a 17.4% reduction in metabolic cost compared to walking without the device.

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.

New robot can help treat rare birth defect

Researchers created a robot to aid in treating babies with oesophageal atresia, a rare genetic disease that affects the infant's oesophagus. The robot stimulates cells by gently pulling on tissue using sensors.

Stingray soft robot could lead to bio-inspired robotics

Researchers developed a soft robot that mimics the stingray's flattened body shape and side fins, enabling the creation of bio-electromechanical systems. The robot features living heart cells, biomaterials, and flexible electrodes, allowing it to 'flap' its fins.

Robotic weeders: to a farm near you?

Robotic weeders are being increasingly adopted by farmers due to their ability to efficiently control weeds in specialty crops like lettuce, broccoli, and tomatoes. While they have limitations, the technology is improving with advancements in programming and sensor technology.

Robot drummer posts pictures of jamming sessions on Facebook

A study by Queen Mary University of London researchers found that robot drummer Mortimer's social media posts sparked significant human interaction, particularly when accompanied by photos and comments. Music proved to be a key factor in establishing believability and long-term engagement with the robot.

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.

New study shows how birds work to sing together

Researchers discovered that songbirds may coordinate both vocally and visually to boost the effectiveness of their singing partners' responses. The study found that coordination of vocal and visual components of the Australian magpie-lark's audio-visual display enhances the receiver's responses.

Robotics researchers track autonomous underground mining vehicles

Researchers have created a positioning system using cameras that can track the location of vehicles in underground tunnels with high accuracy. The technology increases efficiency and safety by allowing autonomous vehicles to operate without costly sensing or infrastructure modifications.

Robot learning improves student engagement

A study at Michigan State University found that online students using robot-learning technology feel more engaged and connected to instructors and fellow students in the classroom. The innovative system uses robots with video screens controlled by remote users, allowing for individualized interactions.

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.

Amputees can learn to control a robotic arm with their minds

Researchers have discovered that amputees can rewire their brains to control a robotic arm through electrodes implanted in the brain. The study found that chronic amputees can create new connections between brain areas, even years after an amputation, and that these connections become more robust with training.

Comparison of outcomes for robotic-assisted vs. laparoscopic surgical procedures

Two studies comparing robotic-assisted to laparoscopic surgical procedures found no significant differences in postoperative complications or quality of life for patients with renal mass or rectal cancer. Robotic-assisted surgery was associated with prolonged operating times and higher hospital costs, but not increased risk of major co...

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.

New system proposed for logging physician experience in robotic surgeries

A new web-based program called RoboLog has been developed to improve the reporting of robotic surgeries performed by surgeons in training. The system provides detailed information about a resident's involvement in robotic surgeries, allowing for more accurate assessment of their competency and earlier identification of deficits.

Eight children born after uterus transplants

Eight children have been born to mothers who received fertilized eggs after a uterus transplant, marking significant progress in the field. A new project focuses on robot-assisted operations, aiming to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.

That's one small step for a DNA robot, one giant leap for mankind

Researchers have created miniature DNA robots that can pick up particles and deliver them to different areas using origami tracks. The robots, which move randomly along the track, have an 80% chance of successful delivery and can perform tasks such as assembling chemical compounds or rearranging nanoparticles on circuits.

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.

Self-folding electronics could enable advanced robotics (video)

Researchers have developed a way to print electronics that can fold themselves into desired shapes, addressing limitations of traditional 3D printing. The new ink-based method uses residual stress to create self-folding devices without additional processing steps or stimulus.

'Seeing' robot learns tricky technique for studying brain cells in mammals

A team of scientists at Imperial College London has developed a robot that can guide tiny measuring devices to specific neurons in live mice brains, recording electrical currents without human intervention. This automated platform accelerates the study of brain function and brain disorders like Alzheimer's.

A fleeting blue glow

A team of UCSB astrophysicists observed a supernova colliding with a nearby companion star, revealing surprising information about the mysterious star. The study demonstrates that the supernova collided with a non-white dwarf companion, implying the white dwarf was stealing matter from a larger companion to explode.

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.

Making telescopes that curve and twist

A new tool allows users to design collapsible telescoping structures from any 3D shape, enabling compact mechanisms and deployable structures. The research, led by Carnegie Mellon Professors Stelian Coros and Keenan Crane, successfully prototyped flexible robot arms and tent-like structures.

Milking it: A new robot to extract scorpion venom

A new robot designed by Mr Mouad Mkamel and his team can extract scorpion venom without harming the animal or risking life-threatening electrical shocks. The VES-4 device uses electric stimulation to collect venom droplets, which are then stored safely, offering a safer alternative to traditional manual methods.

A new virtual approach to science in space

Researchers suggest using telepresence technology to reduce communication delays in space research, enabling scientists to conduct scientific investigations more quickly. This approach could expand the number of destinations where humans can do great science, including those currently inaccessible due to safety concerns.

Combatting weeds with lasers

Scientists at the University of Bonn have created a robotic system that uses short laser pulses to weaken weed vitality, eliminating the need for herbicides. The innovative technology has the potential to transform the field of sustainable agriculture.

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.

Tracking cancer's signaling pathways

A new robot technology reveals that the ADAM10 signalling pathway is activated during melanoma transformation, enabling a better diagnosis and potential simplification of detection methods. The research suggests avoiding cosmetic products with aluminium, which can activate this pathway.