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MSU builds high-tech test track to improve crop performance

Michigan State University's DEPI technology allows for real-world condition testing, enabling scientists to make better plants and understand complex processes like photosynthesis. By monitoring hundreds of plants at once, researchers can study varying behaviors under dynamic environmental conditions.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalCell Systems
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.

Researchers develop novel microscope to study the underwater world

Researchers developed a novel microscope to study marine microorganisms in their natural settings, revealing new insights into ecological processes on the seafloor. The Benthic Underwater Microscope captured images of coral polyp interactions, including turf wars and 'kissing' behavior.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications

Spreadsheet-style tool could democratize database design

The new tool allows organizations to create custom database queries and reports using familiar functions, eliminating the need for in-house expertise. By enabling direct manipulation of data, it provides a hands-on approach that mimics physical interactions, reducing errors and increasing user productivity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology

How plants sense electric fields

Scientists have discovered a molecular component in plant cells that senses electric voltage, enabling them to respond to threats. This finding has implications for understanding how plants defend against pathogens like Ebola viruses.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalPlant Biology

Wireless, wearable toxic-gas detector

MIT researchers have developed low-cost chemical sensors that enable smartphones to detect trace amounts of toxic gases. The sensors, made from chemically altered carbon nanotubes, can be worn by soldiers on the battlefield or people working with hazardous chemicals to rapidly detect the presence of chemical weapons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society
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.

New software improves ability to catalog bacterial pathogens

A new software tool, RepeatAnalyzer, has been developed to track and catalogue short repeating sequences of bacterial DNA, improving scientists' ability to identify and understand bacterial strains. This technology could significantly accelerate vaccine development for tick-borne bacteria such as Anaplasma marginale.

SourceWashington State University·JournalBMC Genomics

A 'Fitbit' for plants?

A new tool called Phenocart captures essential plant health data, allowing for faster measurements and larger experiments. The portable device uses a repurposed bicycle wheel and handles to collect data on growth rate, color, and other vital signs.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalCrop Science

PNNL to lead regional smart manufacturing center

The Pacific Northwest National Laboratory will lead a regional smart manufacturing center, advancing and implementing smart manufacturing technologies to improve energy management and reduce energy use. The center will focus on industries such as food processing, advanced materials, and metals processing.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Droplets finally all the same size -- in a nanodroplet library

A new device developed at the Institute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences produces droplets of virtually identical volume, revolutionizing microfluidic systems. The device eliminates cumbersome infrastructure, enabling researchers to carry out complex chemical and biological experiments with increased accuracy.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalLab on a Chip
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.

Specific Technologies awarded $2.8 million NIH Commercialization Readiness Program grant

The SpecID system combines detection and identification into a single step, offering faster answers and streamlined workflow for clinical microbiology laboratories. The $2.8M award supports the development of quality and manufacturing systems required for regulatory clearance, bridging the gap between manufacture and clinical trials.

SourceSpecific Technologies

Electronic bacteria sensor is potential future tool for medicine and food safety

A Purdue University research team has developed an electronic sensor that can distinguish between dead and living bacteria cells. The sensor works by detecting changes in electrical conductivity in droplets containing bacteria, a process that varies according to whether the cell is alive or dead.

SourcePurdue University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Glass now has smart potential

Australian researchers have developed a method to embed light-emitting nanoparticles into glass without losing their properties. The new 'hybrid glass' combines nanoparticles' luminescence with glass' transparency and versatility, opening up possibilities for ultra-high-tech applications like biological sensing and 3D displays.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials

Software turns webcams into eye-trackers

A new software, WebGazer.js, uses integrated webcams to infer where users look on a webpage. This allows for more accurate web analytics than traditional methods, which often require expensive eye-tracking devices. The software can be added to any website with a few lines of code and provides insights into user behavior.

SourceBrown University

Robots get creative to cut through clutter

A Carnegie Mellon University software is helping robots cope with clutter, revealing their creativity in solving problems. The rearrangement planner software automatically finds a balance between 'pick and place' and 'push and shove' strategies to efficiently navigate cluttered environments.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University
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.

Making invisible physics visible

The Jayich Lab developed a quantum sensor that captures nanoscale images with high spatial resolution and sensitivity. This technology operates from room temperature, allowing for the study of various phases of matter and phase transitions.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Nanotechnology

NASA sees birth of Tropical Cyclone 20P, threatens American Samoa

Tropical Cyclone 20P formed in the Southern Pacific Ocean, with NASA's RapidScat instrument detecting tropical-storm-force winds on April 18. The storm is expected to affect American Samoa by the weekend, posing a threat of high surf and flash flooding.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Computers in your clothes? A milestone for wearable electronics

Ohio State University researchers develop functional textiles that can transmit digital information, enabling applications such as smart clothing, health monitoring, and brain implants. The technology reduces material cost by 24 times, making it more accessible for widespread adoption.

SourceOhio State University·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters
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.

Powerful mass spectrometer opens new vistas for scientists

A powerful new mass spectrometer has been made available to scientists worldwide to study molecular processes in the environment, biology and energy. The 21 Tesla Ultra-High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer can distinguish between molecules that differ by almost unimaginably small nuances.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

UOG scientists seek genetic reasons for coral reef survival

Researchers are studying coral genomes to better comprehend why some reefs thrive while others die, with implications for Guam's economy and tourism industry. The new genetic sequencer will enable local scientists to tackle molecular reef ecology and train the next generation of researchers.

SourceUniversity of Guam

Bioengineer's gut biome sensors earn NSF backing

Rice University bioengineer Jeffrey Tabor has developed next-generation sensors using bacterial two-component systems to probe the gut for early signs of inflammation. The technology aims to revolutionize diagnosis and treatment of inflammatory bowel diseases.

SourceRice University

NASA marks major milestones for the James Webb Space Telescope

The James Webb Space Telescope has completed critical cryogenic testing on its science instruments, a crucial step towards launch. The observatory will capture faint light from the universe's first objects after the Big Bang once launched into space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
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.

'Disruptive device' brings xenon-NMR to fragile materials

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a device that enables NMR spectroscopy with hyperpolarized xenon gas to analyze molecular interactions in viscous solutions and fragile materials without disrupting their order. This breakthrough could help improve advanced polymers, filters, catalysts, and liquid-crystal displays.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie

Autonomous acoustic sensors help researchers find endangered seabirds

Researchers used autonomous acoustic sensors to detect and record marbled murrelet calls, identifying over 19,000 potential calls and confirming 7,218 actual calls. This technology offers a viable alternative to traditional surveys, enabling broader, more cost-effective searches for these endangered seabirds.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin

Breakthrough in dynamically variable negative stiffness structures

HRL Laboratories developed an active variable stiffness vibration isolator capable of 100x stiffness changes and millisecond actuation times. This innovation solves long-standing challenges in shock and vibration problems for next-generation transportation platforms.

SourceHRL Laboratories·JournalScience Advances
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.

New app turns smartphones into worldwide seismic network

The MyShake Android app uses smartphone accelerometers to detect earthquakes, analyzing data from millions of phones to create a dense seismic network. The goal is to provide early warning systems for areas without traditional networks.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances

Turning good vibrations into energy

Scientists at Ohio State University develop tree-like structures that can convert random forces into strong structural vibrations ideal for generating electricity. The technology may prove valuable in small-scale situations where other renewable energy sources are not an option, powering sensors that monitor infrastructure health.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration
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.

PNNL moves cybersecurity software and a novel disinfecting system beyond the lab

PNNL's CHAMPION software helps prevent hacks and streamlines cyber threat analysis, saving analysts time. The Micro Aerosol Disinfecting System uses activated salt spray to kill pathogens with high efficiency, making it suitable for hospitals, schools, and other enclosed spaces.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Let them see you sweat: What new wearable sensors can reveal from perspiration

Researchers have developed a flexible sensor system that measures metabolites and electrolytes in sweat, allowing for continuous non-invasive health monitoring. The device syncs data with smartphones and can alert users to health problems such as fatigue, dehydration, and high body temperatures.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature

Open-source laser fabrication lowers costs for cancer research

Rice University bioengineers developed an open-source technique to etch microwells into sheets of silicone, producing up to 50,000 wells per hour. This method reduces costs by 90% compared to commercial products and enables mass production of multicellular aggregates for cancer research.

SourceRice University·JournalRSC Advances

Copper deposition to fabricate tiny 3-D objects

Researchers use a new technique to electro-deposit dissolved metals, creating complex structures like watch components and microtools. The process uses a force-controlled nanopipette to print pixels layer by layer, with high spatial resolution.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Colorado State University's breakthrough imaging tool maps cells' composition in 3-D

Colorado State University's new mass-spectral imaging system allows for unprecedented detail in cellular analysis, mapping surface composition in three dimensions. Researchers can now examine how cells respond to new medications and investigate antibiotic resistance, with potential applications in combating tuberculosis and bioterrorism.

SourceColorado State University·JournalOptics and Photonics News

Tiny electronic implants monitor brain injury, then melt away

Researchers developed a new class of dissolvable electronic sensors that can monitor temperature and pressure within the skull after a brain injury or surgery. The sensors are made from biodegradable materials and can transmit signals wirelessly, eliminating the need for additional surgery to remove them.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature

Brain monitoring takes a leap out of the lab

A wearable, 64-channel brain monitoring system has been developed, providing a better fit for real-world applications. The system comprises a dry-electrode wearable EEG headset and sophisticated software for data interpretation, with a wide range of applications in research, neuro-feedback, and clinical diagnostics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering
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.

Project to engineer cells that compute awarded $10M NSF grant

Researchers at Boston University aim to advance synthetic biology by creating a toolbox of carefully measured and catalogued biological parts. The project will use computing engineering principles to develop an open-source repository of biological pieces that can be used to engineer organisms with predictable results.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering

Portable NIST kit can recover traces of chemical evidence

A portable version of NIST's 'headspace analysis' technique has been developed, enabling detectives to carry a convenient version of the method in a briefcase-sized kit. The kit can recover vapors from solid or liquid compounds, including environmental pollutants and forensic evidence, with collection times as fast as 3 seconds.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Chromatography A

Nanodevices at one-hundredth the cost

Researchers at MIT's Microsystems Technologies Laboratories show promise in building microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) using affordable and high-quality desktop fabrication devices. This allows for production of useful MEMS at significantly lower costs without compromising quality, enabling new markets and applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Microelectromechanical Systems

Lie-detecting software uses real court case data

Researchers at the University of Michigan developed a unique lie-detecting software using real court case data, achieving up to 75% accuracy in identifying deceivers. The system analyzes both speech patterns and body language, uncovering common behaviors such as eye contact, hand gestures, and vocal fill.

SourceUniversity of Michigan
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.

Detecting and identifying explosives with single test

A new sensor developed by UCL scientists can detect and identify five commonly used explosives in solution within 10 seconds. The sensor uses fluorescent technology to create unique 'fingerprints' for each compound, allowing for multiple explosives to be detected with a single test.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalACS Nano

Portable device can quickly determine the extent of an eye injury

Researchers developed a portable sensor, OcuCheck, that uses graphene and ascorbate oxidase to detect vitamin C levels in ocular fluids. The device can rapidly determine the extent of eye injuries in various settings, including rural areas with limited access to ophthalmologists.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScientific Reports

New detector perfect for asteroid mining, planetary research

A new gamma-ray spectroscope using europium-doped strontium iodide detects valuable minerals in asteroids, moons, and other celestial objects. The breakthrough technology enables accurate analysis of rock-forming elements and precious metals at lower costs and with reduced power requirements.

SourceVanderbilt University
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

A new way to monitor vital signs

Researchers at MIT developed an ingestible sensor that measures heart rate and breathing rate by detecting sound waves produced by the beating heart and lungs. The device has potential applications in trauma patients, soldiers, athletes, and chronic illness diagnosis.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE

Sugar molecules lose their 'Cinderella' status

A team from the University of York has developed user-friendly software called Privateer to analyze and study sugar molecules. This will enable scientists to better exploit carbohydrates in medicines, which have been poorly defined in databases.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalNature Structural & Molecular Biology
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.

Queen's University professor to unveil self-levitating displays

BitDrones allows users to explore virtual 3D information by interacting with physical self-levitating building blocks, enabling a 'Real Reality' interface. The system has numerous applications, including real-reality 3D modeling, gaming, and medical imaging.

SourceQueen's University

Korea's 'Hanoks' display acoustic excellence

Research finds that Hanoks' earthen walls, paper windows, and wooden floors create a resonance effect, amplifying sound clarity and reverberation time. The unique acoustics of these traditional Korean houses make them suitable for playing classic instruments like zithers.

SourceAcoustical Society of America

Ultrasensitive sensors made from boron-doped graphene

Researchers have developed ultrasensitive gas sensors using boron-doped graphene, detecting noxious gas molecules at extremely low concentrations. The sensors outperform current state-of-the-art sensors by six orders of magnitude, opening a path to high-performance detection of toxic gases and other molecules.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
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.

NUS scientists developed super sensitive magnetic sensor

Researchers from NUS developed a new hybrid magnetic sensor that is more sensitive to low and high magnetic fields, tunability, and temperature. The sensor has been shown to be more than 200 times more sensitive than commercially available sensors.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Communications

Internal fingerprint sensor peers inside fingertips for more surefire ID

Scientists have developed a new fingerprint imaging system that takes pictures from inside fingers, reducing the risk of fake fingerprints and improving security. The device uses optical coherence tomography technology to image internal fingerprints and sweat pores, offering a more reliable identification method.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express

New HOLODEC study in Science on using holography to better understand clouds

Researchers used holography to analyze cloud mixing, finding that wet and dry air form sharp boundaries affecting sunlight penetration and heat trapping. This discovery challenges base assumptions in computer models, influencing predictions for weather and climate change.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalScience
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.

NASA satellites dissect Typhoon Dujuan affecting Taiwan

Typhoon Dujuan approached Taiwan with sustained winds near 100 mph and cloud top temperatures of -81F, generating heavy rainfall. NASA satellites provided detailed data on the storm's clouds and winds, helping forecasters track its movement and expected landfall in southeastern China.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA identifies Tropical Storm Dujuan's strongest side

NASA's RapidScat instrument identified Tropical Storm Dujuan's strongest side as the southeastern quadrant. The storm's maximum sustained winds were measured at 30m/s, equivalent to 67mph/108kph.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

NASA sees formation of Tropical Depression 21W

Tropical Depression 21W has formed in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean, with cold cloud top temperatures indicating heavy rainfall potential. The depression is currently moving northwest at 11 knots and is expected to strengthen into a tropical storm by September 24.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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