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Nearly $8 million awarded to advance engineered metamaterials research

A Penn State researcher has been awarded nearly $8 million by DARPA, the US Navy, and Lockheed Martin to continue his work on engineered metamaterials. The project aims to develop new algorithms and simulation tools for designing optical materials, with potential applications in electromagnetic cloaking technology.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 18, 2017
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.

Orangutans suckle for up to eight years, teeth reveal

Researchers tracked orangutan nursing patterns and found some infants suckling until age 8, exceeding known non-human primate weaning ages. Barium testing in teeth revealed cyclical periods of high and low milk consumption.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 17, 2017
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.

Zinc oxide: It's not just for sunscreen and diaper cream!

The study develops a process to grow very small nanorods with precise separation, allowing for specific patterns in devices like gas sensors. This method reduces fabrication costs and enables more precise gas detection.

SourceConcordia University·JournalMaterials & Design·DateMay 9, 2017

American Scientific publishers give UTA physicist Wei Chen Best Paper Award

Wei Chen, a UTA physics professor, has received the Best Paper Award from American Scientific Publishers for his pioneering work on using nanoparticles to treat cancer. His research involves activating toxins to kill cancer cells and has led to over 20 further journal articles and international recognition.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateMay 5, 2017
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.

Gold medalists announcements top ARRS Annual Meeting festivities

The American Roentgen Ray Society (ARRS) honors Norman J. Beauchamp Jr. and Robert A. Novelline for their contributions to medical imaging research and clinical practice. These gold medalists are recognized for their work in developing advanced MRI imaging techniques and advancing trauma diagnosis.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·DateApr 28, 2017

How shifts in excitation-inhibition balance may lead to psychiatric disorders

The article discusses how alterations in excitation-inhibition (E/I) balance can lead to various psychiatric disorders, including schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorder, and major depressive disorder. Restoring E/I balance is proposed as a potential therapeutic approach to alleviate dysfunctional neural activity and clinical symptoms.

SourceElsevier·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateApr 27, 2017
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.

Disney method enables more realistic hair simulation

A new innovative method developed by Disney Research makes it possible to realistically simulate hair by observing real hair in motion. The framework considers the dynamics of hair and can be used with a wide variety of simulation methods.

SourceDisney Research·DateApr 24, 2017

Making artificial blood for transfusions

A promising artificial blood substitute has been developed using modified hemoglobin, effectively carrying oxygen and scavenging free radicals. The novel approach packaging hemoglobin in a benign envelope overcomes toxicity issues with traditional chemically modified hemoglobin.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateApr 19, 2017

SERIS develops world's first full-size IBC bifacial solar module

The Solar Energy Research Institute of Singapore (SERIS) has developed the world's first full-size IBC bifacial solar module, capable of producing up to 400 Watts of electric power. The module features a double-glass structure, low-temperature interconnections, and high-efficiency ZEBRA solar cells.

SourceNational University of Singapore·DateApr 12, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Wastewater cleaned thanks to a new adsorbent material made from fruit peels

Researchers have developed an adsorbent material from orange and grapefruit peels that can effectively remove heavy metals and organic compounds from wastewater. The new material has great potential as a sustainable alternative for industrial water treatment processes.

SourceUniversity of Granada·JournalJournal of Chemical Technology and Biotechnology·DateMar 23, 2017

Zeroing in on the Zika virus

Tom Hobman's lab has been awarded $500,000 to investigate how the Zika virus changes host cells during infection and develop antiviral therapies. The team aims to understand the virus's persistence in the body and potentially block it to prevent transmission.

SourceUniversity of Alberta Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry·DateMar 16, 2017
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.

IU Center for Aging Research develops novel ICU delirium severity assessment tool

Researchers at IU Center for Aging Research have developed a novel easy-to-administer tool to score and track delirium severity in the ICU, enabling clinicians to make better decisions about the brain health of ICU patients. The Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit 7 (CAM-ICU-7) scores delirium on a scale of 0 to 7 a...

SourceIndiana University·JournalCritical Care Medicine·DateMar 14, 2017

Taking B vitamins may reduce epigenetic effects of air pollution

A new study by Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health found that B vitamins can increase plasma concentrations of folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12, reducing the impact of air pollution on the epigenome. The results have significant public health implications for regions with frequent PM2.5 peaks.

SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 13, 2017

QUT joins new intelligent transport center

The iMOVE CRC will focus on reducing congestion, fuel use and emissions, improving freight coordination, productivity and international competitiveness. QUT researchers will contribute to the development of smart solutions, including connected autonomous vehicles and traffic management.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·DateMar 6, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Should we commit to eradicate malaria worldwide?

Bruno Moonen advocates for a global commitment to support regional elimination efforts and sustained investments in research, while Clive Shiff suggests prioritizing the management of health services rather than massive eradication efforts due to funding constraints and resource limitations.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateMar 3, 2017

Robo-journalism: Journalists on their robot pretenders

A recent study found that automated journalism lacks the context and complexity of traditional reporting, citing issues with programming news angles in advance. However, journalists believe robo-journalism can reduce costs and increase specificity in some reporting areas.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalDigital Journalism·DateMar 2, 2017
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.

NIFA announces nearly $770,000 for canola research

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced funding for fundamental and applied research on canola to increase productivity and profitability in various growing environments. This $766,000 grant program aims to develop new commercial products from canola and improve production systems.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateMar 1, 2017

See-through heating pad could help prevent burns from thermotherapy (video)

Researchers have developed a transparent heating pad with embedded conductive silver nanowires that allows users to see through it and monitor their skin's color. The device is flexible, biocompatible, and can heat quickly when applied with a coin-cell battery, making it a potential solution to prevent burns from thermotherapy.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 22, 2017
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.

New approach to measure fluid drag on the body during swimming

A team at the University of Tsukuba has created a novel approach to measure fluid drag on the body during front-crawl swimming, which overcomes previous limitations. The new method, utilizing load cells and underwater motion analysis, allows for accurate determination of active drag and comparison to passive drag states.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateFeb 21, 2017

Family focused interventions for at risk children and youth

A new special section in Child Development outlines evidence-based interventions to support at-risk families and promote resilience among children. The focus is on nurturing primary caregivers, promoting positive parenting behaviors, and fostering self-regulation skills among parents and children.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateFeb 20, 2017

Augsburg Master Builders' Ledgers now available online

The Augsburg Master Builders' Ledgers provide a unique window into the economic, financial, social, and cultural history of the early modern period. The digital edition, made possible by three years of work, offers a comprehensive inventory of information on the city's income and expenditure from 1320 to 1800.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateFeb 20, 2017

Cars and chlamydia killing Queensland koalas

A University of Queensland-led study found that cars and chlamydia were the top causes of a 80% decline in south-east Queensland koalas over two decades. At least a quarter of healthy, breeding koalas died from car accidents, while half the population was affected by multiple diseases or health problems.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2017
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.

Gene drives: Science, ethics, and public engagement

Gene drives have the potential to address persistent problems like eradicating mosquito-borne diseases and conserving endangered species. However, they also pose risks to entire ecosystems, highlighting the need for careful public engagement and regulatory policies.

SourceThe Hastings Center·DateFeb 17, 2017

$2 million grant to speed the development of new vector control products

A $2 million Gates Foundation grant will support the development of novel test protocols to accelerate the creation and deployment of next-generation vector control products. The project aims to improve the understanding of vector control approaches and produce better-informed products to combat malaria in Africa.

SourceLiverpool School of Tropical Medicine·DateFeb 9, 2017

Office-based test developed to identify amyloidosis-related heart failure

Researchers developed a diagnostic test to identify patients with cardiac amyloidosis, a condition caused by abnormal protein deposits in the heart. The new test uses retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) to estimate the likelihood of ATTR amyloidosis in patients with congestive heart failure.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateFeb 8, 2017
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.

Successful preclinical tests for new agent against severe malaria

A new substance, SC83288, has been successfully used to treat severe malaria in humanised mice, killing the parasites in a short period of time. The substance was chemically modified from benzamidine derivatives to increase its effectiveness and tolerability without forfeiting its action against parasites.

SourceGerman Center for Infection Research·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 6, 2017

A cheaper way to make a WHO-designated essential medicine

Researchers at Durham University create a one-step method to produce flucytosine from naturally occurring cytosine, reducing production costs and improving availability in African countries. The new process has been successfully scaled up for manufacturing and could help lower the drug's cost.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalOrganic Process Research & Development·DateFeb 1, 2017

Development of a hydraulic drive high-power artificial muscle

The researchers have developed an ultra-lightweight, highly powerful artificial muscle using rubber tubes and high-tensile fibers. It has a strength-to-weight ratio 5-10 times greater than conventional electric motors and hydraulic cylinders, making it suitable for tough robots that can handle strong external shocks and vibrations.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·DateJan 25, 2017
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.

NIFA announces $1.85 million for potato breeding research

The National Institute of Food and Agriculture is investing $1.85 million in regional potato breeding research to create new, high-value varieties. The project aims to develop potatoes with improved yield, storability, consumer quality, and water efficiency, as well as high-throughput methods for rapid trait selection.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateJan 18, 2017

Lessons learned when commercialization of a new soft robot fails

A company's failed attempt to bring jamming-based robotic gripper technology to market provides valuable insights into the challenges of product development and commercialization. The authors share their research and product design efforts, highlighting key factors that influenced customer purchasing decisions.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalSoft Robotics·DateJan 16, 2017

Dressing a metal in various colors

Researchers at DGIST have developed a technology to coat metals with several nanometers of semiconducting materials, enabling various color changes through thin-film interference. This breakthrough allows for the production of colors such as yellow, orange, blue, and purple on demand.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 16, 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.

Reducing severe violence among adolescents

A new special section of Child Development explores the developmental course of violent offending, including factors such as emotion regulation skills and judgment. The research aims to inform novel practices and policies to prevent severe youth violence.

SourceSociety for Research in Child Development·JournalChild Development·DateJan 3, 2017

Artificial intelligence to generate new cancer drugs on demand

Scientists at InSilico Medicine developed a proof-of-concept AI model using Generative Adversarial Autoencoders (AAEs) to generate molecular fingerprints of cancer-killing molecules. The study demonstrates the potential for AI to accelerate pharmaceutical R&D and improve clinical trial success rates.

SourceInSilico Medicine·JournalOncoTargets and Therapy·DateDec 22, 2016

Nanoarray sniffs out and distinguishes multiple diseases

A team of scientists has created a device that screens breath samples to classify and diagnose several types of diseases, including kidney cancer and Parkinson's disease. The breathalyzer uses an array of nanoscale sensors to detect unique volatile chemical components in exhaled breath.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateDec 21, 2016
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.

'Cultural distinctiveness' can influence consumer preferences for certain products

A new study reveals that experiencing cultural distinctiveness can broaden an individual's definition of 'home' to include related cultural groups. This expansion allows consumers to fulfill the need to connect with their home culture by favoring brands associated with a related group.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateDec 15, 2016

USDA awards $3.4 million for research to increase wheat yields

The USDA has awarded $3.4 million to seven research projects aimed at developing new wheat varieties with improved yield and adaptability to different regions. These grants will support international collaboration on wheat research and help meet growing demand for wheat worldwide.

SourceNational Institute of Food and Agriculture·DateDec 15, 2016

A handful of photos yields a mouthful of (digital) teeth

A Disney Research team has developed a model-based method to realistically reconstruct teeth for digital actors and medical applications, even with obscured teeth in photos or videos. The new method uses statistical modeling to create natural variations in tooth shape and spacing.

SourceDisney Research·DateDec 5, 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.

New police training draws from science of deadly force

A new portable use-of-force simulator, CBTsim, is being rolled out by Washington State University to launch a science-driven era in police training. The device projects realistic video scenarios where officers must make rapid decisions in tense situations, tracking every movement and action.

SourceWashington State University·DateDec 1, 2016