Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Masks not enough to stop COVID-19's spread without distancing

Researchers tested mask materials' effectiveness in blocking droplets carrying coronavirus. While masks blocked most droplets, distances under 6 feet still allowed many to escape, posing a risk of illness. Masks can offer protection but not complete protection when combined with distancing.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Invention may get Army quadcopters to move faster

Researchers have invented a hinge that allows large Army quadrotors to climb higher in seconds, improving agility and control authority. The innovation reduces thrust response time by 30%, enabling quadtors to reach the rooftop of a two-story building in as little as two seconds.

AI-based 'OxyGAN' is a robust, effective method to measure tissue oxygen levels

Researchers have developed an AI-based algorithm called OxyGAN to accurately measure tissue oxygenation from single snapshots. This approach uses a conditional generative adversarial network to learn realistic output images and determine correct reconstructions for given input data, demonstrating robustness in measuring oxygen levels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Antarctica yields oldest fossils of giant birds with 21-foot wingspans

Fossils found in Antarctica reveal the largest individuals of an extinct group of seabirds, which lived for up to 60 million years, dwarfing today's largest bird. The discovery sheds light on bird evolution and highlights the diversity of Antarctic birds during a warmer climate 50 million years ago.

OSIRIS-REx TAGs surface of asteroid Bennu

The OSIRIS-REx mission successfully collected samples from the surface of asteroid Bennu, with the sampling head touching down within three feet of the targeted location. The majority of sample collection occurred within the first 3 seconds, and the spacecraft spent approximately 5 of the 6 seconds of contact collecting surface material.

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.

The deep sea is slowly warming

Researchers found a warming trend in the deep sea, with temperature fluctuations detectable at depths of up to 4,757 meters. The increase in temperatures is consistent with global climate change, but more research is needed to understand its causes.

Body size of the extinct Megalodon indeed off the charts in the shark world

A new study finds that Megalodon's estimated body length of up to 15 meters exceeds the general size limit for non-planktivorous sharks, which typically reach 7 meters. The research proposes live-bearing reproductive strategy and cannibalistic egg-eating behavior as possible causes for gigantism in lamniform sharks.

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.

UAlberta researchers find way to speed up nerve regrowth for trauma patients

Researchers at the University of Alberta have found a way to accelerate nerve regrowth in trauma patients by three to five times, leading to better outcomes. The treatment, known as conditioning electrical stimulation (CES), involves electrically stimulating nerves before surgery, causing them to regenerate faster.

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New model connects respiratory droplet physics with spread of Covid-19

Researchers developed a new mathematical model that incorporates environmental factors into predicting respiratory virus transmission, highlighting the importance of weather conditions on droplet spread. The model suggests that social distancing measures may not be sufficient to prevent transmission without masks in humid climates.

Seeing is believing: Effectiveness of facemasks

Researchers used flow visualization to test various facemask types and found that well-fitted homemade masks with multiple layers of quilting fabric were most effective in reducing droplet dispersal. Uncovered emulated coughs traveled significantly farther than the recommended 6-foot distancing guideline.

3D printed insoles offers new hope for patients with diabetes

Researchers from Staffordshire University found that optimised cushioning in diabetic footwear can significantly reduce plantar pressure, leading to ulcers and painful complications. The study used made-to-measure 3D-printed insoles to change the stiffness of the sole, finding a clear relationship between BMI and optimal stiffness.

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.

These flexible feet help robots walk faster

Researchers created flexible feet using coffee grounds and structures inspired by nature, allowing robots to walk up to 40% faster and grip better on various terrains. The new design outperforms traditional robot feet in adapting to natural environments.

A sole mate to prevent diabetic foot ulcers

Researchers developed a device that circulates cool water into pressure-relieving insoles to reduce foot temperature and diminish the risk of tissue breakdown. The device, TAPMARI, was tested in eight volunteers and showed promising results, potentially preventing thousands of amputations worldwide.

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.

How the brain responds to the sudden sound of silent danger

A novel neural circuit has been discovered in rats that responds to the sound of silence, triggering defense responses. The study found that a specific combination of brain regions, including those involved in sound processing and emotional responses, are necessary for rats to freeze in response to silent danger.

Phalangeal curvature in chimpanzees and hominins

A study examines phalangeal curvature in a human-raised chimpanzee, revealing similar curvature to wild chimps but not humans. Genetic factors, not mechanical loading, are the main drivers of this curvature in chimpanzees and likely other arboreal primates.

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.

Foot feathering birds flock genetically together

Researchers found that genetic variants at Tbx5 and Pitx1 contribute to foot feathering in both chickens and pigeons. A 17,000 base-pair long deletion near Pitx1 removes the same exact region in both species, indicating similar mutations and molecular pathways.

Whole body ownership is not just the sum of each part of the body

A study published in Scientific Reports found that observing scrambled body stimuli while moving the whole body produces a sense of possession of specific body parts, but not the entire body. Spatial arrangement plays a crucial role in creating an illusion of whole-body ownership.

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.

Study finds gorillas display territorial behavior

A new study by researchers at Anglia Ruskin University and the University of Cambridge has found that gorillas recognize and respect 'ownership' of specific regions, influencing their movement patterns and behavior. The discovery provides important clues for understanding human evolution and social cooperation.

These feet were made for walking

Researchers discovered that the transverse arch (TA) contributes significantly to the stiffness of the human foot, with half of its stiffness attributed to this structure. The study's findings have implications for understanding flatfoot disorder and the design of robotic feet.

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.

Mathematician identifies new tricks for the old arch in our foot

The study found that the transverse arch is a bigger source of foot stiffness than previously thought, and it may have evolved to become human-like over 3.5 million years ago. The researchers used mechanical mimics and fossil record analysis to support their findings.

First glimpse of body's 'steering wheel' joint sparks hope

Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery in understanding the subtalar joint, revealing its mechanics and potential for improved design of joint replacements. The study used standing CT scans and digital volume correlation to analyze the joint's motion under full weight-bearing.

Himalayan glacier shows evidence of start of Industrial Revolution

A study found high levels of toxic metals in a Himalayan glacier dating back to the late 18th century, indicating human activity's impact on the atmosphere began during the Industrial Revolution. The research suggests that coal emissions from Europe traveled over 6,400 miles to contaminate the glacier.

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.

Can sea star movement inspire better robots?

Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering discovered how sea stars synchronize their motion through a global directionality command and localized responses to stimuli. This decentralized nervous system can inspire more efficient robotics systems with hierarchical learning and communication.

Poor sight causes people to overstep the mark

Researchers at Anglia Ruskin University found that people with impaired vision lifted their lead foot higher but less quickly over obstacles, increasing their risk of falls. This pronounced gait also led to increased anxiety and decreased stability, highlighting the need for better vision correction and care.

Koalas climb like apes but bound on the ground like marsupials

Researchers have discovered that koalas move like marsupials on the ground but employ primate-like strategies when climbing through trees. Koalas exhibit a similar gait pattern to primates, with diagonally opposed hand and foot in contact with branches for stability.

Running research: Heel-toe or toe-heel?

A comprehensive review of 53 studies found no evidence that changing a runner's strike pattern reduces injury risk or improves performance. Running on the front of feet may make runners less efficient in the short term.

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.

Last Arctic ice refuge is disappearing

New research reveals the last remaining Arctic ice refuge is disappearing due to increased ocean currents and atmospheric winds, with the oldest ice declining twice as fast as the rest. The Last Ice Area will soon be gone, threatening wildlife survival and potentially leading to the loss of species.

Two-legged robot mimics human balance while running and jumping

Researchers at MIT and University of Illinois develop method to control balance in two-legged, teleoperated robot. The approach enables humanoid robots to exert force or push against something without falling, paving the way for high-impact tasks in challenging environments.

Communicating uncertainty about climate change

A new Stanford study found that expressing uncertainty about climate change predictions increases public trust in scientists, but acknowledging unknown factors can undermine credibility. When climate scientists include best-case and worst-case scenarios, Americans are more trusting and accepting of their statements.

World's fastest ant hits recording breaking speed of 855mm/s

Researchers have discovered that Saharan silver ants can reach speeds of up to 0.855m/s, making them the fastest ants ever recorded. The team found that the ants' unique footwork, including a gallop-like movement and coordinated leg swings, allows them to navigate their desert habitat efficiently.

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.

Virtual walking system for re-experiencing the journey of another person

A Japanese research team developed a virtual walking system that records a person's walk and replays it to another user, creating an illusion of walking. The system uses pre-recorded oscillating optic flow and synchronous foot vibrations to induce sensations of self-motion, walking, leg action, and telepresence.

Fun run

A University of California - Santa Barbara mechanical engineer's simple running hack uses a light resistance band to increase efficiency by approximately 6.4%. The device optimizes the work needed to swing legs, reducing energy required during each impact with the ground and allowing for shorter strides.

The deeper these octopuses live, the wartier their skin

Researchers discovered that warty and smooth-skinned octopuses from different depths are the same species. The deeper they live, the bumpier their skin and smaller their bodies. Genetic analysis confirmed these findings, indicating that environmental factors, such as food availability, influence the animals' appearance.

How to keep cool in a blackout during a heatwave

Researchers found that applying normal tap water to the chest, arms, back, legs, and face with a sponge lowered cardiovascular strain and halved dehydration rates compared to just drinking water. Immersing feet in water was also effective, but not as effective as self-dousing.

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.

Leg amputees feel and use the prosthesis as a real limb

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a neuroprosthetic system that allows leg amputees to feel sensations from the prosthesis, giving them a sense of control and confidence while walking. The system involves tiny electrodes implanted in the nerve, allowing the brain to perceive the prosthesis as an extension of the body.

Why are there no animals with three legs?

A graduate student's essay explores why there are no animals with three legs, citing the challenges of stability and balance. Thomson notes that tripod stances and three-limbed movement exist in some animals, but the evolutionary pressures favor bilateral symmetry.

Walking speed may predict return to work in young stroke survivors

Young stroke survivors who can walk faster than 3 feet per second are more likely to return to work, with those walking almost 6 feet per second showing significant improvement. The study highlights the potential of walking speed as a reliable tool for clinicians to predict return to work and guide rehabilitation.

Stroke patients relearning how to walk with peculiar shoe

The iStride Device, a patented therapeutic shoe, helps stroke patients relearn how to walk by strengthening the affected leg. Clinical trials show improved gait symmetry and functional walking in six participants, with four achieving double limb support.

Mystery solved about the machines that move your genes

New research reveals that microtubules in chromosome-dividing spindles are propelled forward by collective motion due to entanglement with neighboring tubes. This understanding aims to improve the study of cellular machinery and prevent errors like missing or extra chromosomes.

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.