Add BrightSurf on Google Email

How to prevent concussions in football? Better helmets

Researchers found that no single helmet design consistently reduced concussion incidence, with the back of the helmet showing vulnerabilities. The study suggests combining lab tests with field-based impact tracking could provide better protection for athletes.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

Engineers discover a new way to control atomic nuclei as “qubits”

Researchers at MIT have proposed a new approach to making qubits and controlling them using beams of light from two lasers of slightly different colors. This method enables the direct manipulation of nuclear spin, allowing for precise identification and mapping of isotopes, as well as improved coherence times for quantum memory.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateFeb 15, 2023

Where do stolen bikes go?

A MIT experiment equipped second-hand bicycles with mobile trackers to track their whereabouts over time, revealing that most stolen bikes remain in the local area. The majority of bikes were resold and re-used within the city's bike fleet.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 15, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New technique maps large-scale impacts of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska

A new technique maps the effects of fire-induced permafrost thaw in Alaska, revealing widespread topographic change and vegetation shifts. The study used a machine learning-based approach to quantify thaw settlement across 3 million acres of land, with results showing a significant loss of evergreen forest and shrubland encroachment.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2023

Tracking the happiness hormone

A team of scientists has created an implantable microsensor that can measure serotonin levels in the brain in real-time without deactivation. This breakthrough could improve diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. The sensor uses galvanic redox potentiometry to detect serotonin concentrations over a broad range.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2023
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.

Ingestible sensor could help doctors pinpoint GI difficulties

Engineers at MIT and Caltech have developed an ingestible sensor that can track its location as it moves through the digestive tract, revealing where slowdowns in digestion may occur. The sensor uses a magnetic field produced by an electromagnetic coil outside the body to calculate its position.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateFeb 13, 2023

Sensing water for smarter agriculture

Researchers at KAUST have developed a rapid and sensitive soil moisture sensor using metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) to optimize water usage in agriculture. The MOF-based sensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity for water even in the presence of metal ions, enabling precise irrigation management.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 9, 2023

Deep learning for quantum sensing

A team of researchers developed a model-free approach using deep reinforcement learning to optimize estimation of multiple parameters in quantum sensors. The protocol achieved significantly better estimations compared to nonadaptive strategies, demonstrating enhanced performance in resource-limited regimes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 7, 2023

New sensor enables 'smart diapers,' range of other health monitors

Researchers developed a new, low-cost sensor that can detect humidity changes in various settings, including daycares, hospitals, and at home. The sensor uses a simple pencil-and-paper design and has been integrated into smart diapers and wearable respiratory monitors.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2023
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.

Smartphone app may help identify stroke symptoms as they occur

A new smartphone application called FAST.AI uses machine learning algorithms to recognize facial asymmetry, arm weakness, and speech changes in people experiencing a stroke. The app's accuracy was validated through a study involving nearly 270 patients with acute stroke, showing promise as a tool for prompt individuals to seek care.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateFeb 2, 2023

Advanced electronic skin for multiplex healthcare monitoring

Researchers from TIBI have developed an advanced electronic skin patch that provides simultaneous, continuous monitoring of multiple bodily parameters. The new E-skin patch offers enhanced flexibility, thermal cooling abilities, and fluid absorption over conventional substrates while demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and biodegr...

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Powering wearable technology with MXene textile supercapacitor ‘patch’

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a wearable textile supercapacitor patch that can charge in minutes and power programmable electronics for almost two hours using MXene material. The innovative design enables seamless integration of technology into fabric, paving the way for health care technology applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeObservational study·DateJan 30, 2023

LiDAR technology could improve safety features in vehicles

Researchers from Utah State University have developed a new LiDAR system that improves the response time of commercial vehicles and detects movement without flaws. The technology can differentiate between stagnant and moving objects, see in the dark, and recognize potential collisions in real-time.

SourceUtah State University·JournalOptical Engineering·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 26, 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.

Ultrasonic sensors can safeguard residential gas lines

Researchers created a system to monitor underground gas pipelines using high-tech sensors that can detect weaknesses, discrepancies, and diversion in residential natural gas lines. The method uses ultrasonic sensors to transmit signals through the pipe, limiting the likelihood of gas diversions and ensuring public safety.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalSensors·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 25, 2023
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.

Researchers create a low-cost sensor that detects heavy metals in sweat

Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a portable, flexible copper sensor that can detect heavy metals like lead and cadmium in sweat. The device is made from ordinary materials and is simple to produce, making it accessible for non-specialists and technicians.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemosensors·DateJan 23, 2023

From ground to air to space: Tillage estimates get tech boost

University of Illinois scientists developed a way to accurately map tilled land in real-time using ground, airborne, and satellite imagery. The method increased mapping accuracy by 67% compared to upscaling directly from the ground to the satellite.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateJan 23, 2023

The rich meteorology of Mars studied in detail from the Perseverance rover

The MEDA instrument aboard the Perseverance rover has provided high-precision meteorological measurements of Mars' atmosphere, revealing seasonal and daily cycles as well as dynamic phenomena like dust devils. The analysis sheds light on the Martian climate and its potential for supporting life.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 18, 2023

A mobile breakthrough for water environment monitoring: a novel colorimetric multi-channel sensor on cell phone platform

Researchers developed a cellphone-based colorimetric multi-channel sensor for simultaneous detection of various environmental contaminants. The compact sensor achieved high sensitivity, specificity, and reliability, with improved sensitivity by over six folds compared to direct photography.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 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.

Preventing vehicle crashes by learning from insects

Researchers have designed an algorithm based on insect neural circuitry to create a power-saving collision detector that can detect vehicles in real-life nighttime scenarios. The novel detector uses atomically thin and light-sensitive memtransistors, resulting in significant energy savings compared to existing systems.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 17, 2023

"Smart patch" could be used to detect Alzheimer's

Swansea University scientists developed a smart patch that can detect proinflammatory biomarkers of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's, using microneedle technology. The patches can be self-administered for point-of-care diagnosis and have the potential to change the landscape of early disease detection.

SourceSwansea University·JournalACS Omega·DateJan 17, 2023

Building the metaverse using digital twins at all scales, states, and relations

The article discusses the development of the metaverse through digital twins, emphasizing their focus on simulating real-world processes and entities. Digital twins are virtual replicas that synchronize data between the physical and virtual worlds, while the metaverse focuses on human interaction and connection.

SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalVirtual Reality & Intelligent Hardware·DateJan 11, 2023
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.

New nanowire sensors are the next step in the Internet of Things

Researchers developed a self-powered nanowire sensor that can detect nitrogen dioxide in the air without power source. The sensor has potential applications in environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial safety.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers unveil the mechanism of noise and signal detection, enhancing organic photodetector performance for advanced image sensors

Chung-Ang University researchers identify direct electron tunnelling as dominant mechanism of noise in organic photodetectors, enabling enhanced detection speed and improved image sensor performance. The discovery paves the way for miniaturized image sensors with curved designs and omnidirectional sensing capabilities.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2023

Researchers demonstrate new sensors by creating novel health monitoring, machine interface devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a highly sensitive and stretchable strain sensor that can detect minor changes in strain with great range of motion. The sensor's innovative design features a patterned cut network that enables it to withstand significant deformation without sacrificing sensitivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2023

A greener internet of things with no wires attached

A new form of thin-film device technology using alternative semiconductor materials could contribute to a more sustainable IoT. Wireless power harvesting from the environment using photovoltaic cells and RF energy harvesters is being explored.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Electronics·DateDec 28, 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.

Development of bio-friendly transparent temperature sensor technology that precisely measures temperature changes by light

Researchers developed a transparent temperature sensor that can measure rapid temperature changes in less than a few milliseconds. The sensor uses the thermoelectric effect and achieves high transparency, making it suitable for various photothermal bioengineering and medical applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateDec 28, 2022

New sensor uses MRI to detect light deep in the brain

Researchers at MIT developed a new sensor that converts light into a magnetic signal detectable by MRI, allowing for the mapping of light distribution in tissue. This breakthrough has implications for optogenetic experiments and monitoring patients receiving light-based therapies for cancer treatment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 22, 2022

Scientists develop low-cost system to measure space weather without leaving the ground

Researchers created a magneto-impedance sensor magnetometer that measures Earth's geomagnetic field fluctuations, enabling real-time monitoring of space weather and advancement of space research. The device is lightweight, power-efficient, and low-cost, making it suitable for constructing multi-point observation networks.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Space Physics·DateDec 16, 2022

Imaging gases in rainbow colors

The device converts pressure into structural colors, imaging gaseous properties. It has applications in environmental monitoring and healthcare.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

INCIDER fluorescent sensors visualize sticky situations

Researchers from Osaka University developed a new fluorescent sensor system to visualize N-cadherin-mediated interactions between living cells. The INCIDER system enables accurate tracking of temporal changes in these interactions, with a fluorescence signal 70 times stronger than existing methods.

SourceOsaka University·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeImaging analysis·DateDec 15, 2022
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.

Bolstering the safety of self-driving cars with a deep learning-based object detection system

Researchers at Incheon National University have developed an IoT-enabled, real-time object detection system for autonomous vehicles. The YOLOv3-based model achieved high accuracy (>96%) in detecting 2D and 3D objects, outperforming other state-of-the-art detection models.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 12, 2022

Novel wearable belt with sensors accurately monitors heart failure 24/7

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have developed a prototype of a novel wearable device that can continuously monitor physiological parameters associated with heart failure in real-time. The device uses sensors embedded in a lightweight belt to track thoracic impedance, electrocardiogram, heart rate, and motion activity, pro...

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2022
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.

Improving the accuracy of markerless gait analysis

Researchers developed a simple and accurate method for markerless gait analysis, combining RGB camera-based pose estimation with IMU sensor data. The new technique outperformed existing methods in measuring gait parameters and joint angles, showing significant promise for clinical settings and diverse applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022

Soft robot detects damage, heals itself

Researchers create a soft robot that can detect damage and heal itself using stretchable fiber-optic sensors and polyurethane urea elastomer. The SHeaLDS technology provides a damage-resistant robot that can self-heal from cuts, and the researchers plan to integrate it with machine learning algorithms for more tasks.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 7, 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.

Fitbit, Apple watch screening for faulty heart rhythms needs more study

The use of smartwatches to screen for faulty heart rhythms needs more evaluation, according to a cardiologist. Smartwatch detection of AF can often point to cases of the disorder, but substantial work is needed to integrate this consumer-received information into optimized care. Recent studies have reported low rates of irregular heart...

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalCirculation·DateDec 5, 2022

Palm e-tattoo can tell when you’re stressed out

Researchers at UT Austin developed a graphene-based e-tattoo that tracks electrodermal activity on the palm, enabling unobstructive ambulatory sensing. This technology reduces social stigma and provides accurate readings, addressing limitations of current bulky devices.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 2, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

A self-powered ingestible sensor opens new avenues for gut research

UC San Diego researchers have developed a self-powered ingestible biosensing system that provides continuous monitoring of gut metabolites, unlocking new understanding of intestinal health and its impact on human health. The battery-free sensor is powered by glucose and can measure glucose levels in the small intestine for up to 14 hours.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Ultra-sensitive optical sensor can reduce hydrogen’s risks

Researchers at Chalmers University have developed an optical hydrogen sensor that can detect extremely low levels of hydrogen, allowing for early detection and alarm. The sensor uses AI technology to optimize particle arrangement and geometry, achieving sensitivity in the parts per billion range.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2022

Making the most of quite little: Improving AI training for edge sensor time series

Engineers at Tokyo Tech demonstrated a simple approach to improve AI classifier training using limited sensor data, increasing quality without extra cost. The proposed method promises to address the challenge of classification accuracy in real-world applications, where reliable answers are crucial.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 25, 2022

Wearable activity trackers can be used to determine health metrics that could support clinical care

Researchers used wearable activity trackers to derive health metrics, including heart rate distribution and walking frequency, that correlated with clinically measured parameters. These findings suggest that activity-tracker data can identify surrogate markers of disease severity, enabling remote monitoring and potential personalized t...

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateNov 17, 2022
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.

Smarter sensor sniffs out target gases

A new AI-based chemical sensor can accurately detect specific gases in the air by analyzing temperature changes in a microbeam resonator. The device uses machine learning to differentiate between gases with varying thermal conductivities, achieving 100% accuracy in identifying helium, argon, and CO2.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateNov 10, 2022

Implementing monocular visual-tactile sensors for robust manipulation

A novel framework for building a low-cost, monocular visual-tactile sensor is presented for robotic manipulation tasks. The proposed design uses a marker-based approach to detect contact locations and estimates the location of contacts using ARUCO markers.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalCyborg and Bionic Systems·DateNov 3, 2022

Can your phone tell if a bridge is in good shape?

A new study by MIT researchers shows that mobile phones can collect useful structural integrity data while crossing bridges. The study found that information about bridge vibrations can be extracted from smartphone-collected accelerometer data, and that this method could add years to a road bridge's lifespan. By leveraging crowdsourced...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCommunications Engineering·DateNov 3, 2022
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.

Magnetic sensors track muscle length

MIT researchers have developed a magnet-based system to track muscle length during movement, which could improve the accuracy of prosthetic limb control. The system uses small magnets implanted in muscle and measures distances between them using a credit-card-sized sensor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology·DateOct 25, 2022

Antibiotic resistance testing no longer impeded by time

Researchers have developed a novel method for antibiotic resistance testing that can analyze bacterial cells in real-time, allowing for faster identification of susceptible and resistant bacteria. This breakthrough technology has the potential to transform microbial screening in clinical and research labs.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Sensors·DateOct 21, 2022

MIT engineers develop sensors for face masks that help gauge fit

The researchers developed a conformable multimodal sensor face mask (cMaSK) with 17 sensors around the edge of the mask that measure capacitance, temperature, humidity, air pressure, and other parameters. The study found that mask fit was significantly worse for women than men due to gender-related differences in face shape and size.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Electronics·DateOct 20, 2022

Color-changing fibres for smart clothes

Researchers at the University of Luxembourg created colour-changing CLCE fibres that can be easily sewn into fabric, shifting colours continuously from red to blue upon stretching, and remain colourful even after repeated wear and washing.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 18, 2022