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New radar technique lets scientists probe invisible ice sheet region on Earth and icy worlds

Scientists have developed a new radar technique that can image hidden features within the upper few feet of ice sheets, including melting glaciers on Earth and potentially habitable environments on Jupiter's moon Europa. The technique boosts resolution by combining two different radar bandwidths and looking for discrepancies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 12, 2023

Radar innovations reveal depth of Mount Qomolangma’s snow

A team from the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research (STEP) has made a significant contribution to understanding Mount Qomolangma's mean snow depth. They used a novel approach to ground-penetrating radar technology, resulting in a snow depth of 9.5 ± 1.2 meters at the summit.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateJul 10, 2023
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.

Zeus also plays billiards

A research group led by Kyoto University collected data on gamma-ray glows from thunderstorms, which may help explain the origins of lightning. The team proposes that high-energy particles from space could trigger lightning discharges.

SourceKyoto University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 9, 2023

The device that can remotely and accurately monitor breathing: as tested on cane toads

Researchers at the University of Sydney have developed a photonic radar system that can accurately detect pauses in breathing patterns remotely. The system has been tested on cane toads and simulated human breathing devices, demonstrating its potential for non-invasive vital sign monitoring in clinical environments.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 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.

Critical observations of sinking coasts

A team led by Virginia Tech's Manoochehr Shirzaei has developed high-resolution digital maps to monitor land subsidence and sea-level rise, revealing vulnerable areas along the Atlantic East Coast. The data supports flood risk management and informs climate change projections, helping to refine models for hurricanes and storms.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 12, 2023

New method of monitoring shore ice could improve public safety

Researchers have developed a new method to monitor shore ice using portable interferometric radar, which can detect small changes in the ice's distance and reveal signs of instability. This system can provide an early warning for humans working on shorefast sea ice and also aid in near-coastal navigation.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalCold Regions Science and Technology·DateMar 30, 2023

3D radar scan provides clues about threats to iconic Alaskan glacier

Researchers used a 3D radar scan to reveal that Malaspina Glacier is undercut by channels, making it more vulnerable to melting and potentially contributing significantly to global sea level rise. The glacier's bulk sits below sea level, and its coastal barrier erodes, allowing ocean water to access the glacier and accelerate its retreat.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Earth Surface·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 17, 2023

USTC realizes quantum-enhanced microwave ranging

Researchers from USTC developed a novel method combining micro/nano resolution with deep sub-wavelength localization to achieve quantum-enhanced position measurement accuracy of 10^-4 wavelengths. This breakthrough technology enables high-precision microwave positioning, surpassing traditional radar systems.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bees follow linear landmarks to find their way home, just like the first pilots

Researchers have found that honeybees use linear landscape elements, such as irrigation channels, to guide their search flights when looking for their hive in new areas. The bees retain a navigational memory of their home area based on these elements, which they generalize to the new area to find their way home.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Using radar to predict Alzheimer’s disease and fall accidents

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a method to predict fall accidents and cognitive illnesses like Alzheimer's disease using radar sensors that track walking patterns. The technology can help healthcare staff make more reliable risk assessments and tailor interventions for improved patient outcomes.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalSensors·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 2, 2023

Satellites observe speed-up of glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula

A new study using satellite images found that glaciers on the Antarctic Peninsula are flowing up to 22% faster during summer months due to warmer ocean waters and melting snow. This speed-up, driven by reduced friction between ice sheets and underlying rock, poses a significant threat to global sea levels.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 27, 2023
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.

Complex subsurface of Mars imaged by Chinese rover Zhurong

The Zhurong rover has imaged shallow impact craters and buried impact crater walls in the top five meters of Mars' surface, revealing complex subsurface geology. Researchers found layers of sediment left by past flooding and deposition, but no evidence of water or ice in the present day.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateFeb 14, 2023

New map of “stopover hotspots” provides insights for conservation of eastern US migratory landbirds

A new study provides insights into the conservation of eastern US migratory landbirds by identifying key stopover hotspots and habitat associations. The researchers found that small pockets of deciduous forest, particularly in areas with high concentrations of food and shelter, are crucial for birds to complete their migration.

SourcePrinceton School of Public and International Affairs·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateJan 11, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The drone that could save bats from the terror of wind turbine blades

A new study uses drone-mounted technology to deter bats from flying into wind turbines, reducing fatalities by 40% and allowing turbines to operate efficiently. The device transmits ultrasonic signals and lights to warn bats of danger, leading them to fly over the turbine and out of harm's way.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateDec 15, 2022

A novel, space-time coding antenna developed at CityU promotes 6G and secure wireless communications

A new space-time coding antenna developed at City University of Hong Kong enables manipulation of beam direction, frequency, and amplitude for improved user flexibility in 6G wireless communications. The antenna relies on software control and combines research advances in leaky-wave antennas and space-time coding techniques.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2022

Short-lived ice streams

Researchers used high-resolution radar systems to reconstruct past ice streams in Greenland, revealing they can 'shut down' rapidly. This insight offers new information on the future behavior of ice streams and how it affects sea-level rise predictions.

SourceAlfred Wegener Institute, Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research·JournalNature Geoscience·DateDec 5, 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.

How giant-faced owls snag voles hidden in snow

Great gray owls have a broad disc-like face that acts as radar to find food, while their facial features help correct for sonic distortions caused by snow. The owls' ability to hover above prey allows them to pinpoint location and avoid acoustic mirages created by the snow.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences·DateNov 30, 2022

Using satellites for faster flood information

Researchers used satellites with radar imaging sensors to map flooding and assess flood impacts in Queensland. The technique combines images from optical satellites with information from imaging radar satellites, providing faster update times and more accurate data.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeObservational study·DateNov 22, 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.

Arecibo Observatory scientists publish major study on near-earth asteroids

The study includes 191 asteroids' radar cross sections and Doppler-frequency broadening, offering clues to asteroids' spin periods and sizes. The research also discovered two metal-rich near-Earth asteroids and five possible enstatite-rich asteroids, shedding new light on the formation and evolution of the solar system.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeObservational study·DateOct 24, 2022

Scientists depict Dragonfly landing site on Saturn moon Titan

Cornell researchers have helped NASA's Dragonfly mission prepare for a smooth landing on Saturn's moon Titan by analyzing radar images of the Selk crater region. The team characterized the landscape, gauging the rim height of the crater and understanding its geology.

SourceCornell University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·DateSep 28, 2022

Rapid land sinking is making many coastal cities worldwide vulnerable to sea level rise, finds international group of scientists

A team of international scientists found that many densely populated coastal cities worldwide are at risk from sea level rise due to land subsidence. The study used satellite images to estimate the rate of land sinking in 48 cities, with median speeds ranging from 16.2mm/year to 43mm/year.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateSep 20, 2022
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.

Towards better and sustainable weather forecasting in the southern hemisphere

Researchers in Japan have demonstrated that incorporating radar data from the Antarctic Syowa Station enhances atmospheric parameter reproducibility, improving mid-latitude cyclone forecasts. This sustainable approach reduces environmental waste and error uncertainty.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalQuarterly Journal of the Royal Meteorological Society·DateAug 22, 2022

Underwater snow gives clues about Europa’s icy shell

A new study suggests Europa's ice shell could be orders of magnitude purer than previously thought due to the formation of frazil ice, which keeps salt in seawater. This could affect the ice's strength and heat transfer, making it crucial for understanding Europa's habitability.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAstrobiology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022

Monitoring polar ice melting by combining data from different satellites

A recent study combined elevation data of the Antarctic ice sheet from two different satellites, CryoSat-2 and Sentinel-3, to obtain a more accurate map of latest elevation changes. The results showed that the average elevation of the ice sheets had decreased at a rate of 4.3 cm/year during 2016-2019.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Applied Remote Sensing·DateAug 3, 2022

New study used marine monitor radar system to monitor California marine protected areas

Researchers used marine monitor radar system to track vessel activity near California's marine protected areas. The study found that 40% more boat activity occurred in the vicinity of MPAs compared to surrounding areas, suggesting fishers are aware of MPA boundaries and cluster just outside them for better fishing opportunities.

SourceMar Communications·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2022
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.

A system for stable simultaneous communication among thousands of IoT devices

A team led by Professor Song Min Kim developed a system that can support concurrent communications for tens of millions of IoT devices using backscattering millimeter-level waves. The system offers internet connectivity on a mass scale to IoT devices at a low installation cost.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Revealing how different parts of mixed convective-stratiform clouds distinctly respond to cloud seeding

Researchers analyzed data from Ka-band radar and satellite observations to study the effects of cloud seeding on mixed convective-stratiform clouds. The study found that the convective region responds with larger precipitation particles, while the stratiform region experiences icing seeding tracks due to faster ice crystal formation.

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateJul 25, 2022

Moths enlist additional troops in an evolutionary arms race

Researchers discovered a vast network of ultrasonic signals among moths, revealing complex acoustic mimicry rings. These sounds may be used by moths to evade bats and are found in many species beyond previously known tiger and hawk moths.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 21, 2022

New research will help minimize impact of wind energy development on migratory birds

Researchers used weather radar data to identify areas where large numbers of migrating birds fly through the rotor-swept zone and stopover in high densities. This information can guide the placement of new wind energy development and turbine operation to minimize collisions and habitat loss.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalConservation Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 4, 2022
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.

Warning: Objects in driverless car sensors may be closer than they appear

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated a new attack strategy that can deceive industry-standard autonomous vehicle sensors into believing nearby objects are closer or further than they appear. This vulnerability highlights the need for additional redundancy and data sharing between vehicles to protect against such attacks.

SourceDuke University·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022
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.

Hope for present-day Martian groundwater dries up

A recent study led by the University of Texas at Austin has found that liquid water detected under Mars' ice-covered south pole is likely a dusty mirage. However, the researchers suggest that ancient lakes and riverbeds may still be present on the planet, offering clues about its wetter past.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 24, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Disaster relief could benefit from neural net combining multiple remote data sources

A new neural net technique combines optical imaging and synthetic-aperture radar to provide a single comprehensive data source, enhancing disaster response capabilities. The approach achieves up to a 96% accuracy rate in detecting objects and can be applied to various tasks such as crop health monitoring and building identification.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2021

Feather phenomenon: Radar indicates stronger hurricanes trap, transport more birds

Researchers found that stronger hurricanes trap and transport more birds due to their intense winds and thunderstorms. The study used radar data from 33 Atlantic hurricanes between 2011 and 2020, revealing a correlation between hurricane intensity and the presence of birds within the eye.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalRemote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation·DateOct 6, 2021

New model simplifies orbital radar trade-off studies for environmental monitoring

A new model developed by Skoltech researchers optimizes satellite radar system design, balancing performance characteristics with other mission parameters. The study identifies optimal designs for small satellite platforms, particularly in the 8-12 GHz and 4-8 GHz frequency bands.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 4, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists use radar data to measure the impact of forest fires in the Amazon

Researchers combined VOD with remote sensing data from optical satellites to analyze the effects of fire on Amazon canopy dynamics. The study found that VOD provided a more accurate picture of photosynthetic and non-photosynthetic biomass changes, and that rainfall was close to average during the fire season.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalRemote Sensing·DateSep 2, 2021

Scientists obtain new polymer composite for electromagnetic shielding applications

Researchers from NUST MISIS and international partners create a radar-absorbing polymer composite with excellent magnetic and microwave properties. The composite can absorb 99.9% of incoming electromagnetic radiation, making it suitable for EMI shielding applications in industries such as 5G networks and radar absorbing coatings.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJul 30, 2021

York University planetary scientist puts Mars lake theory on ice with new study that offers alternate explanation

A new study published in Geophysical Research Letters suggests that smectites, a type of clay, are the most likely explanation for the bright radar reflections discovered at Mars' south polar cap. The research team used multiple lines of evidence to demonstrate that clays can explain all observations, putting the lake hypothesis on ice.

SourceYork University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 29, 2021
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.

The pulse of the Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is shrinking at a rate of about one meter per year, causing land subsidence of 15 centimeters annually. Researchers have linked this trend to hydro-meteorological fluctuations, revealing a direct connection between water table fluctuations, evaporation, and land movement.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateJul 27, 2021

Precise data for improved coastline protection

Researchers at TUM have conducted comprehensive measurements of sea level rises in the Baltic Sea and North Sea with millimeter accuracy. The new method provides reliable forecasts on sea level trends, enabling planning of protective measures such as flood protection structures.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·DateJun 1, 2021

Airborne radar reveals groundwater beneath glacier

Researchers have successfully detected groundwater beneath Hiawatha Glacier in Greenland using airborne ice-penetrating radar. The discovery could greatly impact sea-level rise projections by enabling the study of water flow through ice sheets at a continental scale.

SourceStanford University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateMay 20, 2021
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.

Radar tracking uncovers mystery of where honeybee drones have sex

Scientists tracked individual honeybee drones using radar technology, revealing their mating behaviors and finding that they move between multiple congregation areas during a single flight. This discovery suggests the existence of a new type of animal mating system in honeybees.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournaliScience·DateMay 20, 2021

How long is a day on Venus? Scientists crack mysteries of our closest neighbor

Researchers have pinned down the precise length of a day on Venus, the tilt of its axis and the size of its core. The new measurements reveal an average day on Venus lasts 243.0226 Earth days, roughly two-thirds of an Earth year, with variations in rotation rate due to the planet's heavy atmosphere.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 29, 2021