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Underwater seismometer can hear how fast a glacier moves

A team of scientists from Hokkaido University used an ocean-bottom seismometer to detect continuous seismic radiation from a glacier sliding in Greenland. The study revealed that glacial basal motion can be monitored using underwater sensors, offering new opportunities for studying ice flow and calving processes.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2021
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.

Increased use of household fireworks creates a public health hazard, UCI study finds

A study by UCI researchers found that fireworks use spikes air quality pollution, particularly in low-income communities. The team used PurpleAir sensors to track PM2.5 levels before, during and after Fourth of July fireworks, revealing a significant impact on public health.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateJun 29, 2021

Attomolar sensing: Fabrication of surface-enhanced raman scattering substrate

Researchers developed sensitive SERS substrates via femtosecond laser processing for real-time sensing in biomedicine and microfluidic chips. Attomolar detection capabilities were achieved through synergistic enhancement effects, opening up new avenues for monitoring and sensing applications.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 27, 2021
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.

Novel SERS sensor helps to detect aldehyde gases

A new SERS gas sensor developed by Prof. HUANG Qing's group can detect aldehydes with high sensitivity and selectivity, using Co-Ni LDH composite nanomaterials. The sensor's accuracy, repeatability, and selectivity have been verified through experiments.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateJun 10, 2021

UArizona engineers demonstrate a quantum advantage

Researchers experimentally show that quantum methods have an advantage over classical counterparts in sensor classification, reducing errors by a small margin. The discovery opens up possibilities for real-world applications such as biomedical imaging and autonomous driving.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 1, 2021
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.

Driving in the snow is a team effort for AI sensors

Researchers at Michigan Technological University discuss solutions for snowy driving scenarios using sensor fusion, which combines data from various sensors like lidar, radar, and cameras. This approach enables autonomous vehicles to better detect obstacles and understand their environment.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateMay 27, 2021

KICT's solution for monitoring massive infrastructures

KICT has developed an effective structural monitoring technique to monitor massive infrastructures, such as long-span bridges. The method uses multi-fidelity data fusion to combine point and distributed strain sensors for accurate responses over whole infrastructures.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·DateApr 29, 2021

Tiny wireless implant detects oxygen deep within the body

Researchers at UC Berkeley created a tiny wireless implant that can measure tissue oxygen levels in real-time, allowing doctors to monitor the health of transplanted organs and tissues. The device could also track other biochemical markers, such as pH or carbon dioxide, providing early warnings of potential issues.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 14, 2021

Biosensing with whispering-gallery mode lasers

Whispering-gallery mode (WGM) microlasers exhibit extraordinary sensitivity for detecting physical, chemical, and biological entities, even down to single molecules. Active WGM microlasers have the potential to expand applications in biological and chemical sensing, particularly in in vivo sensing.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How to make all headphones intelligent

Researchers develop HeadFi, a plug-in headphone adapter that transforms regular headphones into sensors for user identification, heart rate monitoring and gesture recognition. The invention shows promise in upgrading existing headphones without requiring new hardware or customization.

SourceRutgers University·DateMar 11, 2021

High-sensitivity nanophotonic sensors with passive trapping of analyte molecules in hot-spots

A new type of high-performance optical sensor has been demonstrated that utilizes the surface tension of liquid to concentrate and trap analyte molecules at sensitive locations, enhancing sensitivity performance. The sensor can detect picogram levels of analyte mass with readily detectable optical signals.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJan 13, 2021
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.

Taking greenhouse gas analysis on the road, er, rails

A new study uses mobile air quality sensors on light rail trains to monitor greenhouse gas emissions in the Salt Lake Valley. The system provides a highly cost-effective way to cover larger areas and fill gaps in emissions estimates, with results comparable to stationary sensors.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 17, 2020

Better benzene sensing at laser point

Researchers developed a compact laser-based sensor that accurately senses extremely low concentrations of benzene in real time, outperforming existing devices. The device detects trace benzene levels, including in parking garages and service stations, with higher sensitivity than conventional sensors.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateDec 8, 2020
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 butterfly-inspired hydrogen sensor is powered by light

Researchers developed a light-activated hydrogen sensor inspired by butterfly wings, offering precision results at room temperature. The sensor can detect tiny amounts of hydrogen in people's breath and measure concentrations across a full range.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Sensors·DateDec 2, 2020

'Oasis effect' in urban parks could contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, ASU study finds

Researchers at Arizona State University found that urban parks experience a significant increase in evaporative losses during the night due to the oasis effect, leading to higher carbon dioxide emissions. This can have important implications for water conservation and greenhouse gas emission management in desert cities like Phoenix.

SourceArizona State University·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateNov 18, 2020
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.

New fiber optic sensors transmit data up to 100 times faster

Fiber optic sensors have been upgraded with an advanced encoding and decoding system, allowing for faster and more accurate data transmission over wider areas. This technology, developed by EPFL engineers, enables real-time monitoring of hazards such as pipeline cracks and civil engineering deformations.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2020

Stretchable fiber optic sensors detect complex deformations simultaneously

Researchers developed a stretchable dual-core optical fiber sensor system that can distinguish and measure complex mechanical movement using only a single sensor. The system, called SLIMS, successfully detected various finger movements and presses in real-time when integrated into a stretchable glove.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 2020

Stretchable 'skin' sensor gives robots human sensation

Researchers at Cornell University have created a stretchable 'skin' sensor that detects deformations and allows soft robotic systems to feel pressure, bending, and strain. This technology has the potential to revolutionize physical therapy and sports medicine by enabling machines to measure force interactions.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateNov 12, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A wearable sensor to help ALS patients communicate

A team of MIT researchers has designed a skin-like device that can measure small facial movements in patients with ALS, allowing them to communicate through a variety of sentiments. The wearable sensor is thin, camouflaged, and easy to use, achieving an accuracy rate of about 75% in distinguishing between different movements.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateOct 22, 2020

Wearable circuits printed directly on human skin

Scientists successfully printed wearable circuits directly onto human skin using a room-temperature sintering method, enabling seamless integration with the body. The novel approach produced reliable and comparable signal quality to conventional commercial devices for health monitoring applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 14, 2020
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.

Researchers make tiny, yet complex fiber optic force sensor

A new, tiny fiber optic force sensor has been developed by researchers, enabling precise measurements of small forces and opening up potential applications in medical systems and manufacturing. The sensor, made of silica glass, measures forces with a resolution better than a micronewton and has a broad measuring range.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateSep 8, 2020

To make a better sensor, just add noise

Penn State researchers discovered that adding background noise can enhance weak signals in manmade sensors, a phenomenon common in the animal world. This technique, known as stochastic resonance, can be used to detect other signals with low energy consumption and space requirements, making it suitable for deployment in IoT applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 3, 2020

Using AI to better assess structural health of bridges

A UTA researcher is developing an AI-based system to refine traditional measurements of bridge structural health by accounting for variables like truck types and traffic conditions. The goal is to provide more accurate load parameters and improve the overall integrity of bridges.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 31, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Lensless light-field imaging through diffuser encoding

A novel modality for computational light-field imaging using a diffuser as an encoder has been developed, enabling lensless imaging with adjustable spatio-angular resolutions. This approach avoids the resolution limitation of traditional sensors, allowing for viewpoint shifting, post-capture refocusing and depth sensing capabilities.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 24, 2020

Graphene sensors find subtleties in magnetic fields

Researchers at Cornell University developed a graphene-based Hall-effect sensor that can operate over a greater temperature range than previous sensors. The device can detect miniscule changes in magnetic fields, even within a larger magnetic background, making it ideal for various technological applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 20, 2020

Engineering: Reducing noise transmitted through an open window

A new device reduces perceived loudness of urban noises by up to half through sound wave cancellation. The device, consisting of 24 speakers and a sensor, is tested in a replica room with various noise sources, demonstrating up to a 10 decibel reduction.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2020
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.

Development of a small sensor capable of continuously monitoring the phytohormone ethylene

Researchers at NIMS and AIST have developed a small, energy-efficient sensor that can continuously monitor ethylene gas levels in fruits and vegetables, allowing for optimal transportation and storage schedules. This new sensor enables accurate estimation of ripening progression and potential reduction of food waste.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalACS Sensors·DateJun 29, 2020

The sensitive strain sensor that can detect the weight of a feather

The University of Sussex has developed the most sensitive strain sensor, capable of detecting strains as low as 0.1% and up to 80% with a gauge factor of ~20. This technology could revolutionize wearable devices for vital sign monitoring and building structural integrity assessment.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 4, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Developing a sensor to detect diabetes

A hybrid sensor is being developed to detect diabetes from exhaled breath using nanoparticles loaded on 1D metal oxides. This innovative technology aims to provide a non-invasive, affordable, and rapid detection method for continuous diabetes monitoring, potentially reducing serious health problems and life-threatening side effects.

SourceCity St George’s, University of London·DateMay 27, 2020

Towable sensor free-falls to measure vertical slices of ocean conditions

Researchers at MIT and WHOI have developed a lightweight instrument that can measure both physical and biological features of the ocean's vertical layers. The EcoCTD uses a combination of sensors to capture data on temperature, salinity, and chlorophyll content, providing insights into nutrient cycles and carbon sequestration.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Atmospheric and Oceanic Technology·DateMay 21, 2020

A scalable method of diagnosing HVAC sensor faults in smart buildings

Researchers have created a distributed sensor fault diagnosis algorithm to detect and isolate multiple sensor faults in large-scale HVAC systems. The algorithm can be applied to both existing Building Management Systems and plug-in IoT systems, notifying users and operators about faulty measurements and sensor locations.

SourceChinese Association of Automation·JournalIEEE/CAA Journal of Automatica Sinica·DateMay 18, 2020
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 study shows how oxygen transfer is altered in diseased lung tissue

Researchers developed graphene-based sensors to measure oxygen transport in bovine lung tissue, revealing that a surfactant called cardiolipin disrupts oxygen balance in pneumonia patients. The study also found damaged spots in diseased tissue, which may be responsible for increased oxygen transfer.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2020

New sensor could help prevent food waste

Researchers created a tiny sensor that can detect ethylene gas concentrations as low as 15 parts per billion. The sensor uses carbon nanotubes and palladium catalysts to measure ethylene levels in real-time, revealing when fruits and vegetables are about to spoil.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 18, 2020
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.

Submersible sensors rapidly detect bacterial pollution in water

Environmental engineers at San Diego State University have developed a rapid detection system for bacterial contamination in water, which can alert authorities to pollution in real-time. The system uses tryptophan as a marker and has been tested in Alvarado Creek, where it correctly identified sewage leaks and spills.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateMar 11, 2020

Sweat sensor detects stress levels; may find use in space exploration

A wireless sweat sensor developed by Caltech researcher Wei Gao accurately detects cortisol levels in near real-time, allowing for non-invasive monitoring of stress and mental health conditions. The sensor has been tested on healthy individuals and patients with depression and PTSD, showing promising results.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateFeb 26, 2020

A spookily good sensor

Scientists at Japan Science and Technology Agency developed a method to couple a magnetic sphere with a sensor using quantum entanglement, enabling single-shot detection of magnetic excitations. The device's sensitivity is comparable to that of theoretical dark-matter particles, opening new avenues for research.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalScience·DateFeb 19, 2020

Highly sensitive sensors show promise in enhancing human touch

Researchers developed a highly sensitive sensor, the ultrathin crack-based strain sensor (UCSS), which can detect small movements. The UCSS is inspired by a spider's slit organ and has remarkable sensitivity to movement, allowing it to monitor tiny pulse movements and detect subtle changes in temperature.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateFeb 18, 2020
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.

NSF CAREER award to measure air pollution with bicycle sensors

A Virginia Tech assistant professor has received an NSF CAREER award to develop a system measuring air pollution using bicycles and smartphones, aiming to educate citizens about pollution and promote cleaner habits. The project will also explore alternative urban design approaches to reduce exposure.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateFeb 14, 2020

New sensor provides better leak protection in buildings

A new, battery-free sensor can detect water leaks in buildings, enabling greater protection and reducing costs. The sensor, powered by nanotechnology, sends alerts to smartphones when exposed to moisture, making it more accessible for building owners.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateFeb 11, 2020

Making sense of flexible sensor systems

Researchers developed a thin, soft magnetic sensor matrix sheet system with tenfold improvement in sensitivity, enabling real-time visualization of magnetism. The system can be attached to the skin without causing discomfort and has high spatial resolution due to its high permeability.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 27, 2020

Integrate micro chips for electronic skin

Researchers from Dresden and Osaka present a pioneering active matrix magnetic sensor system that overcomes the obstacle of interconnecting individual sensors. The system consists of organic thin-film transistors integrated within a single platform, demonstrating high magnetic sensitivity and robustness against mechanical deformation.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Solid State and Materials Research·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 22, 2020
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.

Low power metal detector senses magnetic fingerprints

A new device uses magnetic fingerprinting to identify hidden metal objects, offering a smaller and cheaper alternative to traditional security systems. It can detect a wide range of metallic objects, from cellphones to hammers, with improved accuracy and low power consumption.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateJan 21, 2020

AI can detect low-glucose levels via ECG without fingerprick test

Researchers at the University of Warwick developed an AI technology that can detect hypoglycaemic events from raw ECG signals using wearable sensors with 82% reliability. This non-invasive method could replace fingerprick testing, particularly useful for pediatric patients.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2020