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Phantom sensations: When the sense of touch deceives

A study by Bielefeld University and New York University reveals that healthy adults systematically misattribute touch on the hands to the feet and vice versa. The researchers found that three characteristics of touch - limb identity, side of body, and canonical anatomical position - contribute to phantom sensations.

Show your hands: Smartwatches sense hand activity

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed a smartwatch that can recognize 25 different hand activities, including typing on a keyboard, washing dishes, and petting a dog, with around 95% accuracy. The device uses accelerometer data to detect hand motions and bio-acoustic sounds associated with these activities.

How to make the push-up work for you

A modified push-up exercise called 'push-up plus' strengthens the serratus anterior muscle, which connects the rib cage to the shoulder blade. This study found that different hand positions and orientations activated various muscle groups, making it an effective exercise for athletes and individuals with specific needs.

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.

Lancaster leads on pioneering hand identification research

Researchers will analyze factors making hands unique to develop new biometric capabilities for security access and border control. An active, open-source dataset of over 5,000 participant images will be created to address variable image conditions.

Spinal cord is 'smarter' than previously thought

New research from Western University reveals that the spinal cord plays a crucial role in processing and controlling complex functions like hand positioning, challenging previous beliefs about its limitations. The study demonstrates that the spinal cord can generate responses to bumps, enabling precise hand control.

Artificial joint restores wrist-like movements to forearm amputees

A new artificial joint, developed by Chalmers University of Technology, has restored important wrist-like movements to forearm amputees. The joint works with an osseointegrated implant system, allowing for much more naturalistic movements and intuitive control without sacrificing useful biological actuators.

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.

Discovery of two new Chinese dinosaurs by international research team

The discovery of Bannykus and Xiyunykus provides significant insights into the evolution of alvarezsaurs, an enigmatic group of theropod dinosaurs. The fossils reveal transitional steps in their adaptation to new diets, showing that these dinosaurs evolved short arms only later in their evolutionary history.

IISE recognizes papers by University of Arizona engineers

Young-Jun Son and his students at the University of Arizona have received awards from the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) for their research on disaster management and hand gesture task recognition. Their work aims to predict human behavior in social networks during emergencies and develop a simulation model to sup...

New 'e-dermis' brings sense of touch, pain to prosthetic hands

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed an electronic 'skin' called e-dermis that recreates a sense of touch through prosthetic fingertips. The device enables amputees to perceive sensations such as pain and sharpness, improving prosthetic limb functionality.

Living the high life: How altitude influences bone growth

Researchers found that individuals living at high altitude have shorter lower arm segments but relatively similar upper arm and hand lengths compared to those living at low altitudes. This suggests the human body prioritizes energy allocation for growth, particularly in essential areas like manual dexterity.

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.

New tech may make prosthetic hands easier for patients to use

Researchers developed a user-generic musculoskeletal model that translates neuromuscular signals into commands for prosthetic devices. The technology has shown promising results in early testing with able-bodied and amputee volunteers, potentially paving the way for more intuitive and reliable prosthetic control.

People with prosthetic arms less affected by common illusion

Research conducted by the University of Exeter and University of Strathclyde found that people with prosthetic arms are less affected by the size-weight illusion. The study compared perception in amputees using prosthetics with those using their natural hands, finding a significant difference in illusion strength.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Self-learning robot hands

The Famula project has created a system that learns to recognize everyday objects through trial and error, mimicking human learning. The robot's language capabilities are also being developed to improve its interactions with humans.

Right-or left-handedness affects sign language comprehension

A new study found that sign language users' speed of comprehension depends on their conversation partners' handedness, with left-handers responding better to fellow left-handers and right-handers to right-handers. The research suggests that how signers produce their own signs plays a role in understanding others' signing.

Brains of one-handed people suggest new organization theory

Researchers found that brain regions for missing body parts are repurposed in congenital one-handers, suggesting a new understanding of brain organization based on function rather than body part. This discovery reveals remarkable brain plasticity and holds potential for developing prosthetic limbs.

Are your sensors spying on you?

Researchers at Newcastle University found that malicious websites and installed apps can crack four-digit PINs with a 70% accuracy using smartphone sensor data. The study revealed that people are unaware of the risks, and despite industry awareness, no solution has been found yet.

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.

Motor cortex contributes to word comprehension

Researchers used TMS to study brain activity while participants comprehended words related to hand movements. The results suggest that language areas work together with motor cortex regions to form distributed meaning representations.

For chimps, mothers matter

Researchers found that chimpanzees copy their mothers' grooming styles, including high-arm grooming, which is not closely associated with group identity or social relationships. The study suggests a strong maternal influence on chimp behavior, with young chimps learning the behavior from their mothers and continuing it into adulthood.

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.

UA engineer gives doctors a better feel for laparoscopic surgery

A researcher at the University of Arizona has created a computer-aided surgical trainer that provides haptic guidance and augmented reality images to train surgeons in laparoscopic procedures. The device is designed to improve hand-eye coordination and reduce complications, ultimately leading to better surgical outcomes.

University of Sussex research brings 'smart hands' closer to reality

Scientists develop SkinHaptics technology that sends ultrasound waves through the hand to create targeted tactile sensations on the palm. This innovation solves a major challenge for wearable devices by allowing users to feel what they are doing without interrupting the display.

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.

Electrical brain stimulation could support stroke recovery

Researchers at Oxford University found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) significantly improved motor skills in stroke patients. The study showed that tDCS reinforced training, leading to greater recovery and increased brain activity in relevant areas.

High-frequency stimulation in pain medicine

Researchers have investigated high-frequency repetitive sensory stimulation as a therapeutic approach for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) patients. The study showed significant improvement in tactile performance after stimulation, with individual patients reporting substantial pain relief.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Tablets can help elderly cross the 'digital divide'

New Michigan State University research reveals tablets can help seniors overcome barriers to getting connected online. The use of tablets makes it easier for older adults to maneuver and access information without the need for a mouse.

Morphing wings help drones manage collisions

Researchers at Stanford University have created a robotic wing that can recover from mid-air collisions using a passive morphing mechanism inspired by bird wings. The mechanism allows the wing to fold and unfold without actuation, making it lighter and more reliable.

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.

Thumbs-up for mind-controlled robotic arm

A paralysed woman, Jan Scheuermann, has controlled a robotic arm using complex hand movements, achieving 10-dimensional control. This breakthrough enables her to interact with objects in different ways, simulating human-like hand use.

Continuing the quest for better stroke therapies

Researchers aim to improve stroke therapies by studying brain networks linked to movement, particularly hand and arm control. They will use techniques like fMRI and transcranial magnetic stimulation to map brain activity and stimulate specific regions.

The quest for the bionic arm

Researchers are working on bionic arms with full motor and sensory function to treat veterans with upper extremity amputations. While advancements have been made, challenges remain in creating prostheses that meet the abilities of a human arm and hand.

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.

Physicians' stethoscopes more contaminated than palms of their hands

A new study published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings found that physicians' stethoscopes are more contaminated than the palms of their hands with bacteria such as MRSA. The researchers discovered that the stethoscope's diaphragm and tube were heavily contaminated, emphasizing the need for frequent disinfection after each use.

Muscular head pumps give long-proboscid fly the edge

A study published in Springer's journal found that a long-proboscid fly can suck up almost all nectar available in a flower in one go due to more efficient suction pumps in its head. This allows the insect to gain an advantage over other flies with average-sized mouth parts.

'Virtual reality hands' may help stroke survivors recover hand function

A small study presented at American Heart Association's Scientific Sessions 2013 found that virtual reality hands controlled by stroke survivors' thoughts can help them recover use of their arms and hands. Patients achieved 81% accuracy in using the virtual hands to reach out, improving skills in just three experimental sessions.

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.

How would you like your assistant -- Human or Robotic?

Healthcare providers prefer robotic assistants for tasks such as housework and reminding patients when to take medication. However, they prefer human assistants for activities requiring direct physical interactions, like bathing and feeding.

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.

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.

Cool hands may be the key to increasing exercise capacity

A study presented at the American Heart Association's 2012 Scientific Sessions found that cooling the palms of the hands during exercise improved exercise tolerance and cardiovascular fitness in obese women. Holding a cold bottle or using a cooling device may help exercisers work out longer and stick with their regimen.

Right hand or left? How the brain solves a perceptual puzzle

Researchers found that the brain decodes left or right hand without mental gymnastics, using processes called binding to bind seen and felt hands. The study's results have implications for understanding experiences of amputees and sensory processing.

Arm in plaster changes brain in 16 days

A new study by University of Zurich researchers found that brain areas responsible for the left hand adapt to compensate for an immobile right arm. The study suggests using the undamaged arm to strengthen the affected one through therapy, offering a potential treatment approach for stroke patients.

Putting the body back into the mind of schizophrenia

A study using the rubber hand illusion found that people with schizophrenia have a weakened sense of body ownership. This suggests that movement therapy could be helpful for these individuals, particularly those who experience out-of-body experiences. The findings also support the idea that exercise may reduce symptoms of schizophrenia.

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.

Monkeys 'move and feel' virtual objects using only their brains

In a groundbreaking study, monkeys trained at Duke University Center for Neuroengineering learned to control a virtual avatar hand and identify textures of virtual objects solely with their brain activity. This technology has the potential to restore tactile sensation and mobility to quadriplegic patients.

Scientists develop new technology for stroke rehabilitation

Scientists at the University of Southampton have developed three new technologies to aid in stroke rehabilitation. The 'tactile' devices mimic everyday sensations, such as holding a hot cup of tea, to help patients regain movement in their arms and hands.

Smartphones -- the grip of death

New research from the University of Bristol's Centre for Communications Research investigates how smartphone grips impact wireless signal strength. Holding a device can lead to a 100-fold reduction in sensitivity and signal fluctuations, impairing service quality.

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.

Scientists create illusion of having 3 arms

A team of scientists at Karolinska Institutet has successfully created an illusion of having three arms by using a realistic prosthetic arm. Healthy volunteers were tested and found to experience a third arm as part of their body image, even when it was threatened with harm.