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UNH ingenuity offers unique way to track carbon emissions in bodies of water

Researchers at the University of New Hampshire have created a unique way to measure CO2 emissions in streams and rivers, providing valuable information for land use planning and climate action. The adapted sensors can capture frequent measurements, helping understand extreme precipitation events and their impact on water bodies.

SourceUniversity of New Hampshire·JournalLimnology and Oceanography Methods·DateMar 13, 2024

Flexible artificial intelligence optoelectronic sensors towards health monitoring

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science developed a flexible paper-based sensor that operates like the human brain, enabling low-power and efficient health monitoring. The device can distinguish 4-bit input optical pulses and generate currents in response to time-series optical input, with rapid response times.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2024

A new sensor detects harmful “forever chemicals” in drinking water

Researchers at MIT have developed a new sensor that can detect tiny quantities of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in drinking water. The device uses lateral flow technology and can measure concentrations as low as 200 parts per trillion, offering a potential solution for consumer testing and industrial applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2024

Lighting the way to noninvasive blood glucose monitoring using portable devices

A novel approach estimates metabolic activity and infers blood glucose levels from near-infrared measurements in commercial smartphones and smartwatches. The phase delay between oxyhemoglobin and deoxyhemoglobin signals closely relates to oxygen consumption during cardiac cycles, serving as a gauge for metabolism.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateMar 8, 2024

Nosy chemistry

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have developed a small-scale system that forms three-dimensional patterns, which serve as chemical fingerprints that allow chemicals in solutions to be identified. The system utilizes fluid flows and flexible posts coated with enzymes to generate distinct visual patterns.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 5, 2024

Network of quantum sensors boosts precision

Physicists have developed a method to make quantum signals accessible again by analyzing simultaneous changes in states of multiple sensors. This approach enables precise measurement of magnetic field variations and distance between sensors, outperforming entanglement-based methods.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review X·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2024

Wearable sticker turns hand movements into communication

Researchers developed a wearable sticker that can detect subtle hand movements, enabling individuals with disabilities to communicate more easily. The sensors show high sensitivity and accuracy in recognizing gestures and translating them into words or commands.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateFeb 27, 2024

Black carbon sensor could fill massive monitoring gaps

A new portable sensor has been found to accurately measure black carbon concentrations as well as a regulatory standard sensor, filling a massive gap in air quality monitoring. The sensor's portability and affordability make it suitable for remote or inaccessible sites, allowing for more comprehensive data collection.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalSensors·DateFeb 26, 2024

Vlasov and Bashir groups develop nanoscale device for brain chemistry analysis

The University of Illinois has developed a new nanoscale sensor that can monitor areas 1,000 times smaller than traditional technology, tracking subtle changes in brain chemistry with sub-second resolution. The device takes advantage of silicon-based manufacturing techniques to achieve 100% efficiency and high spatial resolution.

Biodegradable sensor monitors levels of pesticides via direct contact with surface of fruit and vegetables

The biodegradable sensor, made from plant-based material, can detect pesticide levels in minutes and has the potential to help assure food safety. The study showed that washing and immersion were insufficient to remove residues of pesticides, highlighting the need for reliable detection methods.

Unveiling Oxidation-induced Super-elasticity in Metallic Glass Nanotubes

A research team led by Professor Yang Yong found that severely oxidized metallic glass nanotubes can attain an ultrahigh recoverable elastic strain of up to 14% at room temperature. The discovery implies that oxidation in low-dimension metallic glass can result in unique properties for applications in sensors, medical devices, and othe...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 2, 2024

KAIST research team develops sweat-resistant wearable robot sensor

A KAIST research team has developed a stretchable and adhesive microneedle sensor that can detect physiological signals without being affected by sweat and dead skin. The sensor allows for long-term stable control of wearable robots, enabling precise movement recognition for rehabilitation treatments.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJan 30, 2024

Dirt-powered fuel cell runs forever

A new Northwestern University-led fuel cell harvests energy from microbes in soil to power underground sensors, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to batteries. The technology outlasts similar technologies by 120% and can operate in both wet and dry conditions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the ACM on Interactive Mobile Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Ultrasensitive molecular sensing with synthesize complex-frequencey waves

Researchers demonstrate a new method to synthesize complex-frequency waves (CFW) to amplify molecular signals in graphene-based surface-enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA). This approach increases the sensitivity of traditional SEIRA technologies, enabling the detection of trace molecules currently undetectable. CFWs enhance molecular...

New study uncovers molecular interactions driving multiple inflammasome activation and inflammatory cell death

A team of researchers discovered a multiprotein complex involving NLRP3, AIM2, NLRC4, and Pyrin that drives PANoptosis, a type of programmed inflammatory cell death. The findings have implications for understanding inflammasome biology and identifying potential therapeutic targets.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalCellular and Molecular Immunology·DateDec 27, 2023

Acid sensor and calcium store discovered in plants

Researchers have identified a previously unknown endogenous acid sensor in plant cells that responds to changes in pH levels. The acid sensor triggers the release of calcium ions from an endoplasmic reticulum, which activates cellular responses to external stimuli such as infections or drought.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023

Brazilians create sensor to monitor levels of widely used antibiotic in water and food

Researchers at the Center for Development of Functional Materials created a sensor to monitor metronidazole levels in organisms and the environment. The sensor, combining magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles, showed good sensitivity and practical advantages, enabling real-time analysis and ease of handling.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Molecular Liquids·DateDec 7, 2023

INU researchers develop novel deep learning-based detection system for autonomous vehicles

A new deep learning-based detection system has been developed by INU researchers to improve the detection capabilities of autonomous vehicles. The system, aided by IoT technology, generates bounding boxes and confidence scores for visible obstacles using point cloud data and RGB images as input.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalIEEE Transactions on Intelligent Transportation Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 30, 2023

Photonic chip that ‘fits together like Lego’ opens door to semiconductor industry

Researchers at the University of Sydney have invented a compact silicon semiconductor chip integrating electronics with photonic components, significantly expanding radio-frequency bandwidth and filter control. The new technology has potential applications in advanced radar, satellite systems, wireless networks, and telecommunications,...

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

Broadband buzz: Periodical cicadas' chorus measured with fiber optic cables

A new proof-of-concept study demonstrates the use of distributed fiber optic sensing to detect and analyze the sound of periodical cicadas. The technology shows promise for charting the populations of these famously ephemeral bugs, with potential applications in monitoring insect abundance across seasons and years.

SourceEntomological Society of America·JournalJournal of Insect Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023

‘Cutting the cord’ to advance ocean data collection

A team led by Lehigh University's Yahong Rosa Zheng is developing an Autonomous Observatory Node that can collect and transmit data from underwater sensors wirelessly, without the need for expensive subsea cables. The prototype aims to operate at depths of up to 1000 meters, enabling researchers to study extreme environments and detect...

The little things matter: Chemists develop new sensor for microvolume pH detection

Researchers at Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University have developed a sensitive and robust pH sensor that can detect pH variation in just a few microliters of samples. The new sensor uses novel materials and methods to overcome the current method's limitations, which are not sensitive enough or fragile for commercial-scale use.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMicrochimica Acta·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2023