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Arizona State University wins record 14 NSF career awards

Arizona State University has received a record 14 National Science Foundation early career faculty awards, with the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering earning 10 awards. The awards are worth $7 million and will support research projects such as automated detection of computer network vulnerabilities and understanding heart attacks.

SourceArizona State University·DateApr 27, 2017

So you think you can secure your mobile phone with a fingerprint?

NYU Tandon and Michigan State University researchers discovered that partial fingerprints can be used to trick biometric security systems, making them more vulnerable. The study found an average of 92 potential MasterPrints for every batch of 800 partial prints, highlighting the need for multi-factor authentication schemes.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalIEEE Transactions on Information Forensics and Security·DateApr 11, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NASA gives the Webb Telescope a shakedown

Scientists and engineers at NASA created a new, large-scale shaker table system to test the James Webb Space Telescope's vibrations during launch. The 'Vibration Test Systems' simulates forces from 5-100 Hz, enabling precise control over shaking levels.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 13, 2017

New engineered material can cool roofs, structures with zero energy consumption

Researchers developed a scalable metamaterial film that efficiently reflects solar energy while allowing objects to shed heat through infrared thermal radiation. The material has been successfully tested in field trials, demonstrating significant radiative cooling powers even under direct sunlight with zero energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateFeb 9, 2017
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

MIT's wearable AI system can detect a conversation's tone

A new wearable AI system developed by MIT researchers can predict the tone of conversations with high accuracy, analyzing audio and vital-sign data. The system has shown promise in understanding social interactions, particularly for people with anxiety or Asperger's syndromes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateFeb 1, 2017

Wastewater research may help protect aquatic life

Researchers developed guidelines for fluidized bed reactors to tailor filter design to local conditions, preventing phosphorus deposits and algal blooms. The study's findings could lead to significant cost savings and environmental benefits.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComputers & Fluids·DateNov 21, 2016

Nanobionic spinach plants can detect explosives

MIT engineers have transformed spinach plants into sensors that can detect explosives and wirelessly relay information to a handheld device. The carbon-nanotube-enhanced plants send an alert when sensing dangerous chemicals, making them ideal for environmental monitoring.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

Control system serpent: Scientists propose new model for automation

Scientists propose a new control system design using Fractional-Order Generalized Principle of Self-Support (FOGPSS), disregarding traditional cause-and-effect definitions. The model uses fractional order calculus to describe potential outcomes over time, allowing for robustness and adaptability in systems with long-term memory.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateOct 19, 2016

World first porous acupuncture needles enhance therapeutic properties

A DGIST research team developed porous acupuncture needles with enhanced therapeutic properties by applying nanotechnology. The findings showed that PANs excel in transferring signals from a spinal dorsal horn and demonstrate superior efficacy in treating addiction in animal experiments.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 17, 2016
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.

Tech issues cause most drone accidents: Research

Research by RMIT University and others found technical problems caused 64% of drone accidents, prompting calls for improved airworthiness requirements and mandatory accident reporting. The study highlights the need for robust communications systems to prevent accidents in the rapidly growing drone industry.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAerospace·DateAug 23, 2016

NASA's solar probe plus mission moves one step closer to launch

The NASA Solar Probe Plus mission is progressing toward its anticipated summer 2018 launch after passing a critical design review. The spacecraft will collect data on the mechanisms that heat the corona and accelerate the solar wind, crucial for understanding our space weather and its impact on satellites.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 29, 2016

Engineers to use cyborg insects as biorobotic sensing machines

A team of engineers from Washington University in St. Louis is developing a bio-hybrid nose using the highly sensitive locust olfactory system to create new biorobotic sensing systems. The team plans to monitor neural activity and decode odorants present in the environment, paving the way for explosive detection.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJun 28, 2016

Not so safe: Security software can put computers at risk

Concordia University researchers found that common security programs lower browser security and introduce vulnerabilities, posing a risk to online computing. They advise users to keep their browser and operating system up-to-date and consider alternative parental control apps.

SourceConcordia University·DateMay 4, 2016
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.

From Brussels to Brooklyn: Bristol's 5G wireless research showcased

The University of Bristol's Communication Systems and Networks group is leading international research on 5G wireless networks, with a focus on capacity enhancement and data rates. The team will showcase their work at the NetWorld2020 Annual Event and General Assembly in Brussels and the Brooklyn 5G Summit.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·DateApr 19, 2016

Ultrathin organic material enhances e-skin display

Researchers at the University of Tokyo developed an ultrathin, ultraflexible, protective layer that enables creation of electronic skin displays. The technology allows for wearable electronic devices to be attached to the body without damaging them.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 15, 2016

NYU Tandon professor named a rising star of chemical engineering

Jin Kim Montclare, an associate professor at NYU Tandon School of Engineering, has been recognized as a rising star in chemical engineering. Her lab's research on engineered proteins has made breakthroughs in detoxifying organophosphates and developing environmentally responsive hydrogels.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·DateMar 15, 2016
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.

Non-natural biomedical polymers produced from microorganisms

A Korean research team has developed metabolically engineered Escherichia coli strains to synthesize non-natural, biomedically important polymers including poly(lactate-co-glycolate) (PLGA). The team successfully produced PLGA and various novel copolymers through microbial fermentation directly from carbohydrates.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateMar 7, 2016

Flexible and transparent pressure sensor

A new transparent, bending insensitive pressure sensor was developed by Japanese and American teams to measure pressure distribution on rounded surfaces. The sensor can maintain its sensing accuracy even when bent over a radius of 80 micrometers, equivalent to just twice the width of a human hair.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 25, 2016

New touchless device makes earlier detection of heart problems possible

Researchers developed a portable system using patent-pending Coded Hemodynamic Imaging technology to monitor blood flow at multiple arterial points simultaneously. This allows for continuous monitoring and more complete body imaging, enabling early detection of cardiovascular issues and greater independence for older adults.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 7, 2016

Roger D. Borcherdt wins the 2016 Bruce A. Bolt Medal

Roger D. Borcherdt receives the 2016 Bruce A. Bolt Medal for his exceptional contributions to seismology and engineering seismology, including pioneering site-response studies and theoretical solutions for wave propagation problems.

SourceSeismological Society of America·DateDec 30, 2015

Robotics to help blind and visually impaired to recognize objects

Researchers at University of Nevada, Reno are developing a wearable robotic device that combines vision, tactile, force, temperature, and audio sensors to help blind and visually impaired individuals identify and grasp objects. The device aims to provide greater independence and ability to navigate daily tasks.

SourceUniversity of Nevada, Reno·DateDec 15, 2015
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.

RateX: TUM team wins a Bell Labs Prize

The TUM team developed the RateX method, which overcomes two serious challenges in information theory by bringing together three essential functions. Their approach could enhance flexibility and reduce costs in various communication systems, including wireless, wireline, optical fiber, and satellite systems.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateDec 15, 2015

Neural stimulation offers treatment for 'dry eye'

Researchers create device that stimulates lacrimal gland to increase tear production by nearly 57% in rabbit eyes. The next phase will evaluate the quality of tears produced, with clinical trials underway for FDA approval.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateDec 10, 2015

Researchers trains Watson AI to 'chat,' spark more creativity in humans

Georgia Tech researchers trained IBM Watson AI to 'chat' with students, sparking creativity and providing answers to complex questions on biologically inspired design. The teams used Watson to learn from biology articles and ask questions on topics like desalination and solar cells, receiving rapid responses with relevant answers.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateNov 12, 2015
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.

Brain networking

Researchers developed a way to convert brain scans into wiring diagrams, revealing fundamental rules governing cognitive control and the frontal cortex's role in controlling thoughts and actions. The study highlights the importance of location and connectivity between brain regions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 1, 2015
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.

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.

Why the seahorse's tail is square

A team of researchers found that a seahorse's square, overlapping tail segments provide better armor and gripping abilities compared to traditional cylindrical tails. The squared shape absorbs more energy before permanent failure begins and creates more contact points with surfaces.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateJul 2, 2015

Key to quick battery charging time

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered the structure and transport properties of the intermediate state in lithium-ion batteries. This finding may help accelerate battery reaction speed and significantly shorten battery charging time.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 16, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Broad Institute-MIT team identifies highly efficient new cas9 for in vivo genome editing

A Broad Institute-MIT team has identified a highly efficient new Cas9 nuclease that overcomes the primary challenge to in vivo genome editing, expanding therapeutic and experimental applications of CRISPR. The new tool is expected to improve scientists' ability to screen for gene mutations and understand gene function using animal models.

SourceBroad Institute of MIT and Harvard·JournalNature·DateApr 1, 2015

Does your password pass muster?

Researchers from Concordia University found that password strength meters are inconsistent and may confuse users. They recommend using robust meters like Dropbox's, which analyze passwords for common dictionary words and highlight weak phrases.

SourceConcordia University·JournalACM Transactions on Information and System Security·DateMar 25, 2015

Social circles

A new study by MIT researchers uses anonymized phone data to infer that around one-fifth of urban movement is strictly social, distinguishing it from work-oriented activity. The study's findings have implications for planners and policymakers seeking estimates of city movement.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalInterface·DateFeb 26, 2015
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.

Zhang receives CAREER Award from National Science Foundation

Zhang will study synthetic regulatory systems to improve productivity in metabolic pathways with a $605,000 NSF grant. His research aims to create artificial biosystems for efficient production of biofuels and other chemicals from sustainable resources.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateDec 16, 2014

A billion holes can make a battery

Researchers at the University of Maryland have invented a single structure that combines all components of a battery, enabling miniaturization of energy storage. The tiny battery can be fully charged in 12 minutes and recharged thousands of times, making it a promising innovation for future devices.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 10, 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.

New teaching approach touted for engineering education

Purdue researchers have developed a new approach to teach large numbers of engineering students, resulting in improved student performance and engagement. The Purdue Mechanics Freeform Classroom system allows students to interact online while accessing instructional videos and animations, reducing the number of students who receive a D...

SourcePurdue University·DateJun 9, 2014

A new system accelerates verification of printed electronic documents

A new system called Valid@doc speeds up bureaucratic procedures by automatically verifying and validating printed electronic documents. It uses a universal CSV code to unify generation, presentation, and automated reading processes, increasing security and accessibility for both administration and citizens.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·DateFeb 18, 2014

Virginia Tech researcher develops energy-dense sugar battery

A Virginia Tech research team has developed a battery that runs on sugar, boasting an unmatched energy density and potentially replacing conventional batteries. The new battery could power cell phones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets in as little as three years.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Innovation in renewable-energy technologies is booming

A new study from MIT and SFI reveals a significant rise in renewable-energy patents, driven by research investments and market growth. Patents for solar and wind energy increased dramatically between 2004 and 2009, while fossil-fuel technologies showed modest growth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 11, 2013

UT Arlington engineer to develop system for ensuring manufacturing quality

A UT Arlington engineer has received a $142,223 National Science Foundation grant to develop a system that uses complex data analysis to ensure consistency in various manufacturing processes. By examining this data, researchers can identify irregularities and help manufacturers adjust their variables for more consistent systems.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateSep 10, 2013
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.

Arresting model stops cars

Researchers in China have developed a mathematical model to design flexible vehicle-arrest systems that increase stopping distance and dissipate kinetic energy without destruction. The new system could lead to the development of intelligent vehicle-arrest systems with improved control at roadblocks and checkpoints.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Vehicle Design·DateSep 5, 2013

Columbia researchers win $1 million Keck award

An interdisciplinary team from Columbia University has won a $1 million grant to combine biological components with solid-state electronics, creating new systems that exploit the advantages of both. The goal is to develop autonomous hybrid 'cells' that could exist as probes in living organisms.

SourceColumbia University·DateAug 22, 2013