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VLTI: Amber penetrates to the heart of the stars

The Very Large Telescope Interferometer (VLTI) equipped with AMBER has achieved unparalleled astronomical results, probing the formation stages of stars and detecting high-velocity jets in novae. The instrument's high angular resolution enables the observation of complex geometries and stellar winds.

SourceCNRS·DateMar 2, 2007

Biologically inspired sensors can augment sonar, vision system in submarines

Researchers have developed an artificial lateral line that mimics the functions of the biological system found in fish, enabling submarines to detect and track moving targets and avoid collisions. The device uses micro fabricated flow sensors integrated with metal-oxide-superconductor circuitry for on-chip signal processing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 21, 2007

Disposable sensor uses DNA to detect hazardous uranium ions

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a simple, disposable sensor for detecting hazardous uranium ions using DNA. The sensor provides fast, on-site testing for assessing uranium contamination and remediation strategies, with detection sensitivity rivalling sophisticated laboratory instruments.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 14, 2007

Research aims to calm your car's rattling

Researchers at Purdue University have developed mathematical models to simulate and analyze the rattling of car headrests, a major source of consumer dissatisfaction. The models can predict which vibration frequencies cause the rattling and enable automakers to tune their suspension systems more effectively.

Tiny 'gas-flow' sensor has industrial, environmental applications

Purdue University researchers have developed a new class of tiny sensors that can measure gas flow on the scale of micrometers and nanometers. These sensors could be used in environmental protection to measure the leakage of hydrocarbon fumes from fuel tanks and in pharmaceutical preservation to test packages for gas leaks.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Micromechanics and Microengineering·DateFeb 2, 2007

LANL/NIST team sends quantum encryption 'keys' over record distances

Scientists from LANL, NIST and Albion College generated and transmitted secret quantum keys over 184.6 km of fiber-optic cable, setting a new record distance for quantum key distribution. The team used innovative sensors to detect single photons, improving the security of quantum encryption and paving the way for practical applications.

Purdue creates new low-cost system to detect bacteria

Researchers at Purdue University developed a new low-cost system that analyzes scattered laser light to quickly identify bacteria. The technique uses a petri dish containing bacterial colonies growing in a nutrient medium, projecting the scattered light pattern onto a screen behind the petri dish.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJul 27, 2006

Mapping the protein world

ARP/wARP software has been upgraded to handle lower-resolution data, enabling researchers to study complex problems in cancer, cardiovascular, and neurodegenerative diseases. The new grant will allow scientists to focus on structure analysis rather than building models, potentially leading to revolutionary therapeutic strategies.

Securing America's power grid

A team of Iowa State University engineers is creating a network of wireless sensors to detect suspicious activity on the nation's power transmission system. The system could quickly locate breakdowns and severe weather damage, allowing power companies to prevent blackouts and respond more effectively.

Wound monitor 'sniffs out' infections

A new wound monitor uses hybrid sensor technology to detect bad bacteria in the air emitted from a wound, enabling rapid and non-invasive infection diagnosis. The device aims to improve early detection of infections, reducing discomfort for patients with severe burns, skin ulcers, or gaping wounds.

Identifying gems and minerals on Earth and on Mars

Robert Downs is almost halfway to creating a library of spectral fingerprints for all the Earth's minerals, with over 1,500 cataloged so far. The associate professor of geosciences is collaborating with colleagues to develop a pocket-sized Raman spectrometer for use on Mars and handheld instruments for identifying gemstones on Earth.

Software fills in missing data on satellite images

A new software developed by Ohio State University's Noel Cressie and his colleagues can fill in missing data on satellite images with remarkable speed and accuracy. The software uses statistical techniques, including Bayesian analysis, to weight available data and calculate missing values at different image resolutions.

SourceOhio State University·JournalEnvironmental and Ecological Statistics·DateNov 8, 2005