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Detecting gases wirelessly and cheaply

Researchers have developed a new sensor that can detect gaseous ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and cyclohexanone wirelessly using a smartphone. The sensors, made from modified NFC tags, require almost no energy and can function at ambient temperatures.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2014
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.

Quantum leap as Clark unveils UK's network of Quantum Technology Hubs

The UK has unveiled a £120 million national network of Quantum Technology Hubs, exploring the properties of quantum mechanics and harnessing them for technology. The hubs will deliver transformative impacts in key areas such as quantum metrology and sensors; quantum simulators; quantum computers and quantum secure communications.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateDec 1, 2014

TSRI scientists create new tool for exploring cells in 3-D

Researchers create cellPACK software to explore viruses, bacteria, and human components in 3D, demonstrating its power by modeling HIV structure. The tool solves the challenge of visualizing mid-size structures, reducing model creation time from weeks to hours.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Methods·DateDec 1, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

GOES-S satellite EXIS instrument passes final review

The Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS) Flight Model 2 instrument for NOAA's GOES-S satellite has successfully completed its Pre-Shipment Review. The instrument is now complete and will be placed into storage until spacecraft integration begins.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 13, 2014

Understanding natural compounds

Researchers develop computer-based method to predict mechanism of action of natural substances, identifying potential target structures for 210,000 compounds. The software breaks down molecules into smaller fragments, discovering essential parts for the mechanism of action, which can be used to design less complex and easier-to-synthes...

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2014

York leads the way in carbohydrate research

The University of York has secured a £320,000 grant to purchase the UK's first automated carbohydrate synthesizer, transforming glycoscience in the country. This technology will enable researchers to synthesize complex sugars, which have been challenging to produce due to their complexity and chemical synthesis challenges.

SourceUniversity of York·DateOct 13, 2014

Advanced X-ray, neutron beam imaging reveal workings of powerful biochemical switch PKA

A University of Utah-led study used advanced imaging techniques to understand the inner workings of Protein Kinase A (PKA), a master switch regulating cellular functions. The research found that PKA changes shape with only one sensor, revealing new insights into its unique biological functions and potential targets for disease treatment.

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateOct 9, 2014
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

NASA Goddard scientist receives Lindsay Award for Mars research

Dr. Paul Mahaffy, a leading expert on Mars chemistry, received the John C. Lindsay Memorial Award for his groundbreaking work on the Curiosity Rover's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) Instrument Suite. The award honors his contributions to planetary science and exploration.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 7, 2014

Fingertip sensor gives robot unprecedented dexterity

Researchers equipped a robot with a novel tactile sensor, allowing it to grasp and manipulate objects in unprecedented ways. The sensor uses optics and computer-vision algorithms to infer the three-dimensional structure of surfaces, giving the robot feedback in real-time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 19, 2014
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.

Doing science just got cheaper -- and faster

A team of researchers at Michigan Technological University has published an open-source library of syringe pump designs, making it cheaper for scientists to access this essential laboratory equipment. The designs can be printed on a 3D printer using inexpensive plastic filament and are customizable for specific experimental needs.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 17, 2014

Collaboration drives achievement in protein structure research

Researchers at Montana State University provided the first blueprint of a bacterium's molecular machinery, showing how bacterial immune systems fight off viruses. By understanding CRISPR mechanisms, scientists can potentially develop therapies for plant, animal, and human diseases.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 15, 2014
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.

UT Dallas researchers win nearly $1 million in defense grants for equipment

Researchers at UT Dallas have won nearly $1 million in defense grants to develop high-frequency integrated circuit design equipment. The instrumentation, including a hybrid load pull system and a millimeter wave antenna measurement system, will be available for use by TxACE members and outside industrial users.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateSep 2, 2014

Moving single cells around -- accurately and cheaply

Researchers at Houston Methodist have created a handheld single-cell pipette that can accurately pick up individual cells using a modified pipette. The technology, known as the hSCP, has potential to revolutionize single-cell research and make it more accessible to biologists worldwide.

SourceHouston Methodist·DateAug 19, 2014
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.

Huge waves measured for first time in Arctic Ocean

Researchers have measured massive waves of up to 5 meters high in the Arctic Ocean, attributed to high winds and increased open water. This phenomenon could disrupt shipping operations and exacerbate coastal erosion as the region continues to warm.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 29, 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.

OU physicist receives $1 million Keck Foundation grant

A University of Oklahoma physicist has received a $1 million grant to develop a quantum enhanced plasmonic sensor that can detect diseases earlier, identify pathogens, and monitor atmospheric pollutants. The technology has the potential to revolutionize fields like chemistry, medicine, and atmospheric science.

SourceUniversity of Oklahoma·DateJul 25, 2014

The physics of lead guitar playing

Physicist Dr David Robert Grimes has derived equations to explain how guitar techniques manipulate pitch, shedding light on string bending, vibrato, and whammy bars. His research provides insights into the physics behind iconic guitarists' sounds.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 23, 2014

NASA provides double vision on Typhoon Matmo

NASA's Aqua satellite provided dual views of Typhoon Matmo, capturing its visible clouds and infrared temperatures. The storm made landfall on Taiwan's east coast, generating rough seas and typhoon-force winds.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 22, 2014

Tiny laser sensor heightens bomb detection sensitivity

Researchers at UC Berkeley developed a tiny laser sensor that can detect minute concentrations of explosives, including pentaerythritol tetranitrate, an explosive favored by terrorists. The device has the potential to replace traditional bomb-screening methods and could also be used to detect unexploded land mines.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 20, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Rice nanophotonics experts create powerful molecular sensor

Researchers at Rice University developed a single-molecule sensor using Raman spectroscopy and an optical amplifier, amplifying the optical signature of molecules by about 100 billion times. This technique has the potential to identify unknown molecules without prior information.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2014

A versatile joystick for animation artists

A Swiss research team created an innovative joystick for animation artists, consisting of modular building blocks that can be assembled into any virtual character shape. The device features integrated sensors that track joint movements, enabling smooth character articulation.

SourceETH Zurich·DateJun 26, 2014
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.

NIH launches 3D print exchange for researchers, students

The NIH 3D Print Exchange provides freely available files for custom laboratory equipment, bacterial models, and human anatomy prints, enabling medical research and innovation. The platform also features video tutorials and a discussion forum to promote collaboration and advance science.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases·DateJun 18, 2014

Swell new sensors

Researchers at MIT's Quantum Photonics Laboratory have developed novel optical sensors with predicted detection levels in the parts-per-billion range. The sensors use microscopic polymer light resonators that expand in the presence of specific gases.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 17, 2014

Automating laboratory-on-a-chip to cut health-care costs

A research team at UC Riverside has created a computer programming language that automates laboratory-on-a-chip technologies, enabling the automation and miniaturization of biochemical reactions. This technology has the potential to reduce healthcare costs by eliminating human error and speeding up analysis.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateJun 16, 2014

Guarding against 'Carmageddon' cyberattacks

Researchers at Vanderbilt University are developing tools to identify and counter cyber attacks on smart transportation systems, which could mitigate the impact of a potential 'Carmageddon' attack. The goal is to create algorithms that can automatically detect intrusions and take effective steps to counteract them.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateJun 11, 2014
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.

Think fast, robot

A new algorithm harnesses data from an event-based sensor to enable autonomous robots to process information faster, allowing for more nimble maneuvers. This could improve the performance of self-driving cars and mini-helicopters.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMay 29, 2014

A lab in your pocket

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed software to design lab-on-a-chip hardware, enabling the simultaneous testing of dozens of medical conditions with a single drop of blood. The technology could revolutionize medical diagnostics by providing fast and accurate results miles from the nearest clinic.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalIEEE Transactions on NanoBioscience·DateMay 7, 2014

Terahertz imaging on the cheap

Researchers at MIT describe a new technique that could reduce the number of sensors needed for terahertz or millimeter-wave imaging by a factor of 10, enabling more practical high-resolution imaging systems. The technique exploits the sparsity of scenes in certain ranges, allowing for efficient reconstruction without aliasing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagation·DateMay 5, 2014

New revolutionary sensor links pressure to color change

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a high-resolution pressure sensor that changes color according to stress levels, providing vital information for engineers designing safer automobiles. The technology also has applications in improving everyday devices like smartphones.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 30, 2014
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.

Tapah through infrared satellite eyes: Now a typhoon

NASA's Aqua satellite captured infrared data on Typhoon Tapah, showing strong thunderstorms and cold cloud-top temperatures. The storm is expected to weaken and curve northeast before reaching Iwo To, due to increasing vertical wind shear in its path.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 29, 2014

NRL researchers develop harder ceramic for armor windows

The NRL research team has developed a method to fabricate nanocrystalline spinel that is 50% harder than current spinel armor materials, offering improved protection and weight savings. The new material demonstrates increased hardness even at extremely small grain sizes, making it suitable for high-performance applications.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·JournalActa Materialia·DateApr 29, 2014

Saving crops and people with bug sensors

UC Riverside researchers created a method to classify different species of insects with up to 99% accuracy using inexpensive wireless bug sensors. The sensors track multiple insect flight behavior patterns and generate large amounts of data for classification algorithms.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalJournal of Insect Behavior·DateApr 29, 2014
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.

Efficient operation of wastewater treatment plants

Scientists at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf develop sophisticated measuring sensors to improve biological treatment stages. The sensors help determine the dynamic of flow and inform treatment plants on optimal mixing strength.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·DateApr 8, 2014

Democratizing data visualization

Researchers found that 69% of Exhibit sites use the JSON format for storing data, and users often exploit complex relationships among data beyond spreadsheet capabilities. The study suggests that spreadsheet designers should offer tools to make it easier for novice developers to organize their data in more sophisticated ways.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 27, 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.

$1.5 million grant helps turn chemical weapon into medical marvel

Researchers have developed controllable chemical compounds that can deliver protective effects of toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, reducing heart attack injury by up to 70%. The technology aims to unlock the gas's therapeutic potential in treating conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.

SourceWashington State University·DateMar 20, 2014
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

System that automatically fills gaps in programmers' code gains power

Researchers have developed a new version of Sketch that can handle complex synthesis tasks more efficiently, enabling it to produce working code in milliseconds. The system treats program synthesis as a search problem and finds a way to shrink the search space, making it more suitable for real-world applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 25, 2014

WASP gives NASA's planetary scientists new observation platform

WASP offers sub arc-second accuracy and stability, enabling planetary scientists to study Jupiter and other celestial bodies. The device allows for flexible, standardized support of multiple science payloads, freeing researchers to focus on instrument development.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 7, 2014
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.

MAVEN on track to carry out its science mission

The MAVEN spacecraft has completed its initial checkout and is now ready to carry out its full science mission. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission aims to determine the role of gas escape in changing Mars' climate throughout its history.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 4, 2014

SnT researcher Lionel Briand is engineer of the year 2013

Briand's work on model-based software verification and testing has been recognized for its outstanding contribution to reliability engineering. The award honors his efforts to deliver predictable dependable software-intensive systems within cost and time constraints.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·DateJan 27, 2014

Dr. Jeremy Robinson of NRL wins Presidential Early Career Award

Dr. Jeremy Robinson, a researcher at the Naval Research Laboratory, has won the Presidential Early Career Awards for Scientists and Engineers for his groundbreaking work on graphene. He is building on his brother's research to develop new sensors and applications for nanoelectronic communication.

SourceNaval Research Laboratory·DateJan 24, 2014

NREL model licensed to improve accuracy of battery simulations

The NREL Equivalent Circuit Battery Model enhances RadTherm software for dynamic analysis of battery performance and optimization of multi-cell pack designs. This improved simulation capability accelerates the development of next-generation electric-drive vehicle batteries.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateJan 21, 2014
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.