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First detailed decoding of complex finger millet genome

Researchers have successfully decoded the complex genome of finger millet, a staple food in India and Africa, revealing over 62,300 genes. The new data holds promise for improving crop resilience to drought and enhancing nutritional content, addressing food security concerns globally.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalDNA Research·DateSep 4, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Soft and stretchy fabric-based sensors for wearable robots

A team of researchers created a highly sensitive soft capacitive sensor made of silicone and fabric that moves with the human body to detect movement. The sensor, which combines the qualities of both materials, improves sensitivity to movement by limiting deformation while stretching.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJul 12, 2017

Is it okay for children to count on their fingers?

A recent study published in Frontiers in Education found that using fingers to count and play number games improved math test scores significantly. This challenges traditional teaching methods that discouraged finger use, instead suggesting that finger training could be a valuable tool for teachers.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Education·DateJun 23, 2017
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.

Waters introduces nanoEase M/Z columns

The Waters nanoEase M/Z columns offer streamlined installation using ZenFit Connection Technology, reducing chromatographic variability. These columns deliver superior performance in proteomics and biomarker research applications.

SourceWaters Corporation·DateJun 7, 2017

Neurons can learn temporal patterns

A study at Lund University reveals individual neurons can learn precise timed intervals, expanding the brain's learning capabilities and potential applications in AI research. This breakthrough may also shed light on autism, ADHD, and language disorders in children.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 29, 2017

NIH researchers identify key regulator of fetal growth in mice

A study by NIH researchers reveals that ZFP568 regulates insulin-like growth factor 2 (Igf2) in fetal growth, suggesting its role in balancing fetal and placental growth. The finding has implications for understanding developmental disorders such as Russell Silver syndrome and Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome.

SourceNIH/Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development·JournalScience·DateMay 18, 2017

Operating smart devices from the space on and above the back of your hand

Scientists create an input system called WatchSense that tracks the movement of fingers on and above the back of the hand using a depth sensor. This allows for more expressive interactions with smartphones and smart TVs, and has been successfully tested in various scenarios, including virtual and augmented reality.

SourceSaarland University·DateMay 3, 2017

What else can fingers tell us?

Researchers at HSE discovered that men with a higher 2D:4D ratio tend to be better educated. The study analyzed data from the Russian RLMS survey and found positive correlations between male respondents' finger length ratios and levels of education.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalPersonality and Individual Differences·DateApr 20, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Touch-sensitive, elastic fibers offer new interface for electronics

North Carolina State University researchers have developed elastic, touch-sensitive fibers that can detect strain, twisting, and touch. The fibers use liquid metal alloy to store electric charge, enabling different electronic signals based on touch location.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 4, 2017

Mobile gold fingers

American researchers have characterized 'gold fingers' using ion mobility mass spectrometry and identified the exact gold binding sites. The study reveals that gold ions force zinc ions out of zinc fingers, changing their conformation. This finding could lead to new metal-based antiviral and antitumor drugs.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 27, 2017

One's ability to make money develops before birth

A study published in Economics & Human Biology found a negative correlation between income and 2D:4D ratios for both men and women, with higher salaries linked to lower ratios. The research used Russian data and analyzed over 1,600 participants to explore the connection between perinatal testosterone and earnings.

SourceNational Research University Higher School of Economics·JournalEconomics & Human Biology·DateFeb 2, 2017
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 techniques allow greater control of smartwatches

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed new ways to interact with smartwatches, including scrolling through apps with finger gestures on the watch band and rejecting phone calls by blowing on the screen. These techniques use existing technology such as gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, making them more accessible an...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 27, 2017

Mimicking biological movements with soft robots

Researchers have developed a method to automatically design soft actuators for complex motions, enabling the creation of soft robots that can bend and twist like living tissues. This breakthrough streamlines the process of designing soft robots, allowing for the creation of robots with enhanced mobility and dexterity.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 19, 2016

Your left hand knows what your right hand is doing

A study published in Cell Reports found that training participants to use their non-dominant hand by tricking their brain through virtual reality showed significant improvements in motor skills. The researchers used fMRI scans to track brain activity, which was correlated with improved performance.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 13, 2016

Finger swipe-powered phone? We're 1 step closer

Michigan State University researchers have developed a low-cost nanogenerator that can harness energy from human motion, powering devices such as smartphones and headsets without batteries. The device, called FENG, is flexible, biocompatible, and scalable, with advantages including being lightweight and robust.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalNano Energy·DateDec 9, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Molecular switches researched in detail

The researchers used spectroscopy to visualize the arginine finger bonded to the GTP molecule at high precision, revealing how its snap affects geometry and charge distribution. This discovery has implications for understanding switch processes in the body and developing treatments for cancer and genetic diseases.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 7, 2016

Learning Morse code without trying

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a system that teaches people Morse code in four hours using vibrations felt near the ear. Participants were 94% accurate keying a sentence and 98% accurate writing codes for every letter, even while playing games and feeling the taps without paying attention.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 27, 2016
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.

In a first, brain computer interface helps paralyzed man feel again

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have successfully developed a brain-computer interface that allows a paralyzed man to feel sensations in his arms and fingers. The technology, which uses microstimulation of sensory cortex, enables the individual to distinguish pressure intensity and even identify objects through touch.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 13, 2016

Thanks to brain chip, paralyzed man regains realistic touch in the hand

A brain implant has restored touch in a paralyzed man's hand, allowing him to sense sensations like warmth and pressure from his fingers. The study suggests that electrical brain stimulation can reestablish realistic touch in paralyzed patients, guiding the design of better neuroprosthetic limbs.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateOct 13, 2016

IRCM researchers explain how evolution has equipped our hands with 5 fingers

A team of researchers led by Dr. Marie Kmita discovered that the transition from fin to limb was not accomplished overnight and identified a key difference in gene regulation between fish and mice. By reproducing the fish-type regulation, mice developed up to seven digits per paw, revealing the significance of this difference.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2016

Amputees' brains remember missing hands even years later

Research at Oxford University reveals that amputees' brains maintain an accurate picture of their missing hands decades after amputation. This finding has significant implications for the control of advanced prosthetics, as it suggests that the brain's representation of the hand remains intact despite the loss of sensory input.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·DateAug 30, 2016
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 techniques boost understanding of how fish fins became fingers

Scientists from the University of Chicago used gene-editing techniques to study the development of zebrafish fins and discovered that the same cells responsible for fin rays also form fingers and toes. The research challenges previous assumptions about the transformation from fins to limbs.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalNature·DateAug 17, 2016

Mystery solved: The case of the slipping finger

Haptics researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that ultrasonic vibrations cause fingers to bounce on touchscreens, reducing friction. This phenomenon is caused by the air trapped between the finger and screen compressing and acting like a spring, allowing the finger to fall onto a cushion of air instead of the screen.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2016

Help at hand for people watching their weight

Researchers from the University of Sydney have developed a portable and easy-to-use method to help people estimate portion size using only their hands. The 'finger width' method was found to be more accurate than household measures, with 80% of food sizes assessed within 25% of their true weight.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Nutritional Science·DateJul 12, 2016
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.

Research examines the social benefits of getting into someone else's head

A new study published in Motivation and Emotion found that individuals high in mind-reading motivation exhibit better teamwork, have nuanced understandings of others, and are drawn to messages from identifiable sources. This construct, developed by Melanie Green and colleagues, has implications for advertising and relationships.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalMotivation and Emotion·DateJun 1, 2016

Using cellphone data to study the spread of cholera

Researchers at EPFL used mobile phone records to reconstruct the spread of a cholera epidemic in Senegal in 2005, revealing critical roles of human mobility patterns and sanitation infrastructure. The study's findings highlight measures to improve sanitation at transmission hotspots as key to reducing future outbreak progression.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016

Finger-specific key presses could speed up computer interaction

Researchers at the University of Waterloo have developed a system that allows users to trigger different keyboard shortcut commands by pressing the same key with different fingers, hands, or hand postures. The system uses a built-in computer vision algorithm to identify fingers and hands on the keyboard.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateMay 12, 2016

SkinTrack technology turns arm into smartwatch touchpad

Carnegie Mellon researchers have developed SkinTrack technology that converts the entire lower arm into a touchpad, providing continuous touch tracking and discrete location detection. The system allows for functionality similar to buttons or slider controls, while maintaining high accuracy.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 5, 2016

Concerns raised with products marketed as 'first finger foods'

A study found that many products marketed as first finger foods for babies do not meet American Academy of Pediatrics recommendations, posing a risk of choking. The study tested nine products and found only two to meet the criteria, raising concerns about four others.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateApr 30, 2016
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Device allows paralyzed man to swipe credit card, perform other movements

A device called NeuroLife has enabled a paralyzed man to perform complex movements such as swiping a credit card and playing a guitar video game with his fingers and hand. The technology, developed by Battelle and Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, interprets brain signals and bypasses the spinal cord to stimulate muscles.

SourceMediaSource·JournalNature·DateApr 13, 2016

How the index finger can be fooled

A new study by Bielefeld University's CITEC researchers reveals that the human brain can be fooled into perceiving a larger displacement of the index finger when it actually remains stationary, due to changes in contact area with the skin. This finding has implications for developing virtual sense of touch technologies.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateApr 8, 2016

Scientists work their magic on 'shrunken finger illusion'

Researchers at KU Leuven found that the human brain completes missing parts of objects using visual cues, leading to the 'shrunken finger illusion'. This counterintuitive phenomenon suggests our brains rely on visual system, not imagination, to fill in gaps. The study's findings provide new insights into perception and cognition.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 31, 2016
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

A sensitive subject

Researchers at UCSB have cataloged patterns of vibration in the skin of the entire hand for the first time, enabling a greater understanding of how we sense the world through touch. These vibrations, which travel beyond the tips of the fingers, provide rich tactile information that helps us identify and navigate our surroundings.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalACM Transactions on Intelligent Systems and Technology·DateMar 28, 2016

Smartwatches can now track your finger in mid-air using sonar

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a sonar technology called FingerIO that allows users to interact with mobile devices by writing or gesturing on any nearby surface. The device uses sound waves to track fine-grained finger movements, achieving accuracy of up to 8mm.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateMar 15, 2016

Smartphone security: Why doodling trumps text passwords

A Rutgers study found that free-form gesture passwords are easier to use and remember than traditional text passwords, keeping devices more secure. Participants spent 22% less time logging in and 42% less time creating passwords with gesture passwords.

SourceRutgers University·DateMar 10, 2016

Mind-controlled prosthetic arm moves individual 'fingers'

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully controlled a prosthetic arm to move individual fingers using brain mapping technology. The study, published in the Journal of Neural Engineering, represents a potential advance in technologies to restore refined hand function to those who have lost arms to injury or disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateFeb 15, 2016

Finger tracing can lift student performance in maths

Research by University of Sydney researchers found that finger tracing enhances students' understanding and solving skills in geometry and algebra. Students who used finger tracing completed tasks more quickly and correctly than those without the technique.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalLearning and Instruction·DateJan 28, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The artificial materials that came in from the cold

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have developed a bidirectional freeze-casting technique to manufacture novel structural materials with high control over structure. The technique, inspired by natural materials like bones and shells, enables the creation of advanced porous materials with outstanding properties.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 11, 2015

How cells 'climb' to build fruit fly tracheas

Researchers discovered that Mipp1 protein helps fruit fly cells sprout 'fingers' to build the intricate network of the trachea. The protein's presence is crucial for cell migration and elongation, with too much or too little resulting in abnormal development.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalCell Reports·DateNov 25, 2015

Dead men punching

Researchers used cadaver arms in experiments supporting the idea that human hands evolved for both manual dexterity and fistfighting. They found humans can safely strike with 55% more force with a fully buttressed fist than with an unbuttressed fist.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 21, 2015

Internal fingerprint sensor peers inside fingertips for more surefire ID

Scientists have developed a new fingerprint imaging system that takes pictures from inside fingers, reducing the risk of fake fingerprints and improving security. The device uses optical coherence tomography technology to image internal fingerprints and sweat pores, offering a more reliable identification method.

SourceOptica·JournalBiomedical Optics Express·DateOct 20, 2015
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.

Bio-inspired robotic finger looks, feels and works like the real thing

A bio-inspired robotic finger developed by Florida Atlantic University's Erik Engeberg has been shown to mimic human motions and offer advantages over traditional mechanisms. The finger uses shape memory alloy technology and a unique thermal training technique to recover its trained shape, demonstrating rapid flexing and extending motion.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateOct 8, 2015

Invisibility cloak might enhance efficiency of solar cells

Researchers at KIT have developed an invisibility cloak that guides sunlight around contact fingers on solar cells, reducing optical losses and increasing efficiency. By applying a special coating onto the solar cell, the cloaking effect can be achieved, potentially leading to up to 10% increase in efficiency.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalOptica·DateSep 30, 2015

Confusion afoot

A University of Oxford study reveals people can't accurately identify their toes even when prodded, with errors in toe identification associated with brain damage and conditions like anorexia nervosa.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalPerception·DateSep 22, 2015
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.

How the mind sharpens the senses

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum found that mental focussing can improve tactile acuity by 17 percent after a four-day Zen-retreat. This improvement is comparable to those achieved through intense long-term training or physical stimulation, challenging the current understanding of neuroplasticity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2015

Titanium rings proving problematic for emergency care doctors

Rings made of titanium are difficult to remove from swollen fingers due to their resistance to cutting methods. A new solution has been developed by plastic surgeons using bolt cutters, which work in under 30 seconds and can be performed solo without damaging the finger.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalEmergency Medicine Journal·DateAug 13, 2015

Stanford team's brain-controlled prosthesis nearly as good as one-finger typing

A team led by Stanford electrical engineer Krishna Shenoy has developed a technique to make brain-controlled prostheses more precise, enabling people with spinal cord injuries to tap out commands with greater accuracy. The new approach continuously corrects brain readings to give users a more natural way to interact with devices.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2015
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.

Brain's reaction to certain words could replace passwords

Researchers at Binghamton University used brain signals to identify individuals with 94% accuracy, suggesting a new type of biometric security. Brainprints are cancellable and cannot be stolen, offering an alternative to traditional methods.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNeurocomputing·DateJun 2, 2015

Device developed at WashU may allow sensations in prosthetic hands

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a device that stimulates nerves in the upper arm and forearm to transmit sensory signals to the brain, enabling users to feel hot and cold and the sense of touch through their prosthetic hands. The team plans to test the device on nonhuman primates to determine its effect...

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateMay 13, 2015