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Hairy tongues help bats drink up

Researchers at MIT developed a mathematical model to describe the relationship between hairy surface dimensions, dipping speed, and fluid properties. The model predicts optimal fluid entrainment for hairy-tongued nectar feeders like bats, honeybees, and possums.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateFeb 7, 2018
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.

Augmented tongue ultrasound for speech therapy

A team of researchers developed a system that displays tongue movements in real time, using machine learning algorithms to control an articulatory talking head. This 'visual biofeedback' system can help patients with articulation disorders correct pronunciation problems faster.

SourceCNRS·JournalSpeech Communication·DateOct 13, 2017

The wrong first step to revive athletes in cardiac arrest

Research suggests that clearing the airway to prevent 'tongue swallowing' can delay crucial chest compressions, leading to increased mortality rates. In analyzed videos of athlete cardiac arrests, only 38% showed chest compressions, highlighting a critical gap in resuscitation protocols.

SourceElsevier·JournalHeart Rhythm·DateSep 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reversible saliva allows frogs to hang on to next meal

A new study reveals that frogs' tongues are covered in a unique reversible saliva that changes viscosity during capture and retraction. The combination of this saliva with a super soft tongue allows for an incredible 50 times greater work of adhesion, making it a key factor in the frog's ability to hang onto its next meal.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateJan 31, 2017

Why can't monkeys speak?

A computer model revealed monkeys could easily produce many different sounds, implying a basic form of spoken language could have evolved without changes in vocal anatomy. Monkeys' ability to vocalize was found to be unrelated to their speech capabilities.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 9, 2016
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.

The feel of food

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara discovered a single cell responsible for detecting food texture in fruit flies. This neuron sends signals based on the hardness of food, enabling the fly to determine whether to eat or not. The study also identified a critical protein TMC that plays a key role in mechanosensation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNeuron·DateJul 28, 2016

How chameleons capture their prey

Researchers have studied the amazing sticky weapon used by chameleons to capture their prey, revealing that it has a viscosity 400 times larger than human saliva. The combination of tongue morphology and viscous adhesion makes for an efficient adhesive system.

SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 21, 2016

That new baby isn't imitating you

Researchers tested young infants' imitation of facial and hand gestures, finding no evidence of innate ability to copy adults. Babies may learn to imitate through observation of others mimicking them.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 5, 2016

Trouble sleeping? The size of your tongue and tonsils could be why

A new study led by University at Buffalo orthodontic researcher Thikriat Al-Jewair found that large tonsils and tongue indentations are common risk factors for obstructive sleep apnea. The research also showed that obese patients were almost 10 times more likely to report OSA symptoms than non-obese patients.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalSaudi Medical Journal·DateMar 8, 2016
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.

Precise method underlies sloppy madness of dog slurping

Dogs drink by accelerating their tongues to create a water column, whereas cats use steady inertia. Researchers used photography and laboratory simulations to study dog lapping, finding that dogs' sloppy-looking actions are high-speed movements optimizing fluid acquisition.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 14, 2015

Men have better sense of direction than women

Researchers found that men use cardinal directions more efficiently and the hippocampus less than women, while women rely on local memory. Administering testosterone improved women's navigation skills, but not their performance.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·DateDec 7, 2015
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.

Patients improve speech by watching 3-D tongue images

A study by University of Texas at Dallas researchers shows that watching 3-D images of tongue movements can help individuals learn speech sounds. The findings could be especially helpful for stroke patients seeking to improve their speech articulation.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateNov 18, 2015

What salamanders can teach us about baseball

Researchers analyze salamander hunting skills to understand how animals compensate for sensorimotor delays. By predicting prey movement, salamanders successfully catch over 90% of their targets. The study's findings provide new insights into human motor processing and prediction strategies.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·DateNov 18, 2015

Babies need free tongue movement to decipher speech sounds

Researchers with the University of British Columbia found that inhibiting infants' tongue movements impedes their ability to distinguish between speech sounds. The study suggests that babies' oral-motor movements play a crucial role in speech perception development.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 12, 2015
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.

Reading emotions in a second language

Researchers found that reading emotional content in a second language results in blander facial expressions compared to native language readings. This reduced physiological response may influence decision-making by limiting the impact of emotions.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalBrain and Cognition·DateSep 1, 2015

Chameleons' eyes are not so independent

Researchers discovered that chameleons' eyes do not move completely independently, but instead have cross-talk between the eyes, similar to binocular vision. The study showed that chameleons can track objects moving in opposite directions before deciding which object to target.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 8, 2015

Requiem for an ancient tongue worm

Researchers have discovered a 425-million-year-old fossil of an ancient tongue worm parasite, providing significant insights into the origins of parasitism. The new species, Invavita piratica, is remarkably well-preserved and has been found attached to its host animal, an ostracod, in Herefordshire, England.

SourceYale University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 21, 2015

New species of ancient intruder discovered in England

A team of scientists from the University of Leicester has discovered a new species of 425-million-year-old fossil, which is the first parasite of its kind to be found intact with its host. The fossil species, named Invavita piratica, is a 'tongue worm' that was previously known only from isolated juvenile specimens.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 21, 2015
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.

Gigantic whales have stretchy 'bungee cord' nerves

Researchers at the University of British Columbia discovered stretchy nerves in rorqual whales that can double in length like a bungee cord. This unique structure allows the whales to create a large pocket between their body wall and blubber to capture prey during feeding dives.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 4, 2015

Physicists shed light on mysterious tongue condition

Geographic tongue (GT) is characterized by evolving red patches on the tongue surface due to loss of papillae. New research reveals GT can spread in circular or spiral patterns, with spiral patterns indicating a more acute condition that lingers for a long time.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateMar 31, 2015
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.

Stick out your tongue

A neural network-based system combines symptom descriptions with digital tongue images for diagnosis, identifying signs of illness such as discoloration and texture changes. The system can detect a range of conditions including common colds, flu, and digestive issues, with potential expansion to include eye images.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomedical Engineering and Technology·DateDec 5, 2014

Ultrasound guides tongue to pronounce 'r' sounds

A small study found that ultrasound biofeedback was effective in correcting 'r' speech errors when children were allowed to make different shapes with their tongues. The treatment involved using ultrasound images as a guide for tongue manipulation and adjustments to achieve better pronunciation of the sound.

SourceNew York University·DateOct 27, 2014
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.

For bees and flowers, tongue size matters

Researchers found that bee tongues can be predicted by body size and taxonomic relationships, providing a valuable proxy for ecology studies. The study highlights the importance of tongue length in understanding species behavior, resilience, and invasiveness.

SourceEcological Society of America·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateJul 15, 2014

Complex neural circuitry keeps you from biting your tongue

Researchers used a tracing technique in mice to map the brain circuitry controlling chewing movements. They found shared premotor neurons connecting to multiple motoneurons regulating jaw and tongue movements, suggesting a simple coordination method for safe mealtime.

SourceDuke University·DateJun 3, 2014
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.

An electronic tongue can identify brands of beer

Scientists at the Autonomous University of Barcelona developed an electronic tongue to classify beer varieties, achieving an accuracy rate of 81.9%. The system uses sensors to detect chemical compounds and can even estimate alcohol content.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalFood Chemistry·DateJan 30, 2014

Tripped tongues teach speech secrets

Researchers analyzed tongue twisters to understand the brain's speech-planning processes. They found that different types of tongue twisters induced distinct speech errors, revealing key differences in brain processing.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateDec 4, 2013

Clinical trial shows tongue-controlled wheelchair outperforms popular wheelchair navigation system

A new clinical study shows that a tongue-controlled wheelchair can access computers and execute commands faster than sip-and-puff systems, with equal accuracy. The Tongue Drive System enables people with tetraplegia to maneuver their wheelchairs better than those using traditional assistive technologies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 27, 2013

Anticipation and navigation: Do your legs know what your tongue is doing?

Scientists create a virtual reality environment to study how rats navigate and anticipate rewards. The results show that rats prefer to use visual cues for navigation, while their legs work in harmony with their anticipation of food. In contrast, auditory cues alone lead to confusion and random movement.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 5, 2013
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.

Bats use blood to reshape tongue for feeding

Researchers discovered that nectar-feeding bats use blood flow to erect tiny hair-like structures on their tongues, allowing them to gather nectar from flowers. This unique technology enables the bats to slurp up nectar quickly and efficiently.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2013

2 new species of mushroom documented in the Iberian Peninsula

Researchers have documented two new species of Hydnum, commonly known as ox tongue mushrooms, in the Iberian Peninsula. The discovery sheds light on the high genetic diversity of the Hydnum genus, which has been understudied due to its edible properties.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMycologia·DateFeb 26, 2013

Language is shaped by brain's desire for clarity and ease

Researchers found that humans tend to alter language to make it clearer and more concise, striking a balance between effort and clarity. This bias towards efficiency acts as a filter, introducing common patterns across languages.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2012
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.

Tongue analysis software uses ancient Chinese medicine to warn of disease

Researchers developed a computer software that combines ancient practices with modern medicine by analyzing images of the tongue, indicating potential health issues. The software distinguishes between tongues showing signs of hot or cold zheng, which is associated with various symptoms such as fever, chills and loose stool.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEvidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine·DateMay 25, 2012

To get the full flavor, you need the right temperature

A new study by Dr. Gary Pickering and colleagues from Brock University found that changes in food temperature alter the intensity of sour, bitter, and astringent tastes but not sweetness. The research involved 74 participants who tasted sweet, sour, bitter, and astringent solutions at varying temperatures.

SourceSpringer·JournalChemosensory Perception·DateMay 14, 2012
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.

Thinking in a foreign language helps economic decision-making

Researchers found that thinking in a foreign language reduces loss aversion and asymmetry in decision-making. People are more likely to take attractive bets when considering options in a non-native tongue, as it provides a distancing mechanism that moves them from intuitive to deliberate thinking.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalPsychological Science·DateApr 25, 2012
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Mapping the formation of an underwater volcano

A young underwater volcano has been mapped in unprecedented precision, reaching a height of 100m with lava tongue flows. The volcano's formation was confirmed by superimposing images from previous oceanographic surveys.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·DateOct 28, 2011

Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer's cooling strategy revealed

Researchers discovered reindeer use three tactics: panting with nose closed, mouth open and brain cooling system, to prevent overheating while exercising. The team found that reindeer selectively cool their brains only when temperature becomes dangerously high.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateOct 27, 2011

'Magnetic tongue' ready to help produce tastier processed foods

A new magnetic tongue technology uses nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy to analyze food components and estimate tastes, showing promise for improving flavor detection in processed foods. The method has potential as a rapid, sensitive, and relatively inexpensive approach for food processing companies.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateOct 26, 2011
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Electronic tongue identifies cava wines

A device has been created that can automatically classify different types of cava wines, thanks to a combination of sensor systems and advanced mathematical procedures. The classification is based on the amount of sugar added during production.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalElectroanalysis·DateJul 28, 2011

Tongue makes the difference in how fish and mammals chew

Researchers discovered a key difference in how fish and mammals chew their food. Fish primarily use their tongue muscles to transport food into the mouth, whereas mammals use them to position food for optimal chewing by teeth.

SourceBrown University·JournalIntegrative and Comparative Biology·DateJun 27, 2011

The peculiar feeding mechanism of the first vertebrates

A team of researchers analyzed new conodont fossils and developed a 3D model of their feeding mechanism, revealing that these ancient vertebrates used teeth on upper lips and tongue to grasp food. The findings confirm the primitive nature of conodonts and suggest a common ancestor with lampreys.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 19, 2011

UNC study finds oral tongue cancer increasing in young, white females

A UNC study found a significant increase in oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma among young white females, with incidence rates rising by 111% between 1975 and 2007. The researchers suggest that the epidemiology of this cancer may be unique and not associated with human papillomavirus or tobacco/alcohol use.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalJournal of Clinical Oncology·DateMar 8, 2011
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.