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LA’s urban trees absorb more carbon than expected, USC Dornsife study finds

A new study from USC Dornsife finds that LA's urban greenery absorbs up to 60% of daytime fossil fuel CO2 emissions in spring and summer, providing valuable insights into the impact of trees on air quality. The research provides data-driven insights for future planting efforts and informs the USC Urban Trees Initiative.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

Non-destructive image sensor goes beyond bulkiness

Researchers at Chuo University developed a non-destructive image sensor with a freely coatable and paintable design for functional photo-thermal modules. The new design enables the full utilization of photo-thermoelectric (PTE) sensors, overcoming trade-off trends between photo-absorptance values and Seebeck coefficients.

SourceChuo University·JournalSmall Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2025

‘Smaller and better’: Rice research uncovers performance sweet spot for relaxor nanomaterial

The study reveals that relaxor ferroelectrics like lead magnesium niobate-lead titanate (PMN-PT) exhibit improved performance when shrunk down to a precise range of 25-30 nanometers. This 'Goldilocks zone' size effect could enable advanced applications such as nanoelectromechanical systems and energy harvesting.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2025

New smart sensor takes the pain out of wound monitoring

Researchers developed a new flexible sensor that accurately measures both temperature changes and physical strain simultaneously, enabling clear pinpointing of signals. The sensor, made from laser-induced graphene, can detect small temperature changes and is self-powered, making it ideal for continuous monitoring in clinical settings.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2025

Chung-Ang University achieves dual-purpose breakthrough: Turning water into electricity while detecting fires

Researchers at Chung-Ang University have developed a novel hydrovoltaic device that can produce up to a few tens of microwatts and responds quickly to evaporation-driven changes in water flow, making it suitable for fire detection. The device also exhibits excellent stability over extended periods.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 22, 2025

New findings shed light on cell health: Key insights into the recycling process inside cells

Researchers used novel fluorescent sensors to track pH and H2O2 levels inside autophagic vesicles, revealing high levels in the middle stage of autophagy. The discovery opens up new avenues for understanding autophagy in health and disease, potentially leading to new ways of treating diseases associated with impaired autophagy.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalJACS Au·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025

Building better infrared sensors

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new type of infrared photodiode that is 35% more responsive at 1.55 µm than existing germanium-based components. The new device can be manufactured using current production techniques, making it highly practical for adoption in various technologies.

SourceAalto University·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJan 2, 2025

Wind sensing by biomimetic flexible flapping wing with strain sensors

Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo developed a method to detect wind direction using seven strain gauges on a flapping wing and a convolutional neural network model. The system achieved high classification accuracy of 99.5% in detecting wind conditions, opening up new possibilities for improving robotic flight control.

SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 26, 2024

Chungnam National University researchers develop power-free color-changing strain sensor

Chungnam National University researchers developed a magnetoplasmonic strain sensor that changes color in response to mechanical stress, offering a reliable and user-friendly solution for real-time health and activity tracking. The device is powered-free, versatile, and ideal for use in remote or extreme environments.

SourceChungnam National University Evaluation Team·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2024

Porous crystals detect nitric oxide

A copper-containing, electrically conducting, two-dimensional metal–organic framework has been developed for the highly selective detection of nitric oxide. The material detects NO at room temperature with high sensitivity and selectivity, making it suitable for air quality monitoring and medical applications.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2024

Autonomous imaging robot plays a crucial role in assessing embryos’ response to environmental change

The LabEmbryoCam is a robotic instrument that autonomously monitors embryonic development in aquatic species, providing insights into how environmental conditions impact early life stages. The open-source instrument enables scientists to track key features such as heart rate and growth in large numbers of embryos simultaneously.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalHardwareX·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2024

Shaking sensor continuously monitors inflammation

A new implantable device, inspired by a tree branch, uses DNA sensors to continuously monitor inflammation biomarkers in the body. The device accurately measures protein biomarkers of inflammation in diabetic rats and has potential applications for managing acute and chronic conditions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 5, 2024

Printed e-tattoo ink-credible at reading brainwaves

Scientists at the University of Texas at Austin and UCLA have created an e-tattoo that can measure brain activity using electroencephalography (EEG). The new method uses a camera to map the individual head's shape digitally, allowing for more precise sensor placement. This innovation could transform brain-computer interfaces, making th...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalCell Biomaterials·DateDec 3, 2024

Managing forests with smart technologies

Researchers in Lithuania have developed Forest 4.0, a smart forest data processing model that enables real-time monitoring of forest conditions, sustainable resource accounting, and transparent governance. The system uses IoT sensors and AI algorithms to detect tree diseases, illegal logging, and predict changes in forest ecosystems.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·DateNov 25, 2024

Researchers develop clinically validated, wearable ultrasound patch for continuous blood pressure monitoring

A team of researchers at the University of California San Diego has developed a clinically validated, wearable ultrasound patch for continuous and noninvasive blood pressure monitoring. The device offers precise, real-time readings of blood pressure deep within the body, providing detailed trends in blood pressure fluctuations.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 20, 2024

Revolutionizing the world of smell and olfaction: Highlights from the 8th Digital Olfaction Society World Congress 2024

The 8th Digital Olfaction Society World Congress highlights groundbreaking advancements in digital olfaction, from smart necklaces to drones equipped with olfactory sensors. The event showcases innovative applications of scent digitization technologies, including virtual reality systems and e-nose devices for early disease detection.

Robot learns how to clean a washbasin

A TU Wien-developed robot can learn to clean a sink by watching humans perform the task, adapting its knowledge to different shapes and applying the right amount of force. The technology combines machine learning and robotics, enabling robots to share their parameters through federated learning.

SourceVienna University of Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 2024