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Scientists move 1 step closer to creating an invisibility cloak

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London have developed a composite material that can enhance specific properties on an object's surface, allowing curved surfaces to appear flat to electromagnetic waves. This practical demonstration could lead to improved antenna designs and applications in the aerospace industry.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 15, 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.

Diamond-based resonators might become highly sensitive detectors

Researchers create compact high sensitivity sensors using diamond microstructures, achieving record high microwave frequencies and quality factor. They proposed a mathematical model to select useful acoustic signals and decrease spurious peaks, paving the way for applications in various fields.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 21, 2016

Yale scientists amplify light using sound on a silicon chip

A Yale team has developed a new waveguide system that harnesses the interaction of light and sound waves to boost light intensity on a silicon microchip, solving a long-standing problem in hybrid technologies. The breakthrough enables precise control over the interaction, leading to potential commercial applications in fiber-optic comm...

SourceYale University·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 13, 2016

Engineers discover a new gatekeeper for light

Engineers have found a way to control light waves using a non-periodic material structure. This breakthrough opens up opportunities for faster-switching transistors and white light lasers, enabling devices to selectively block or allow specific wavelengths of light

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 26, 2016

A warning system for tsunamis

Scientists at the Australian National University have created a new algorithm that can accurately predict tsunamis by analyzing real-time ocean sensor data. The Time Reverse Imaging Method takes data from sensors to recreate what the tsunami looked like when it was born, allowing for better predictions of its trajectory.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 2016
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 discovery may help engineers design quieter jet airplanes

University of Minnesota researchers develop a new approach to studying turbulence in jets, revealing new coherent modes associated with high-speed jet dynamics. This discovery helps explain why jet engines produce such loud noise and could lead to new approaches for reducing volume levels.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 26, 2016

Oregon researchers use light and sound waves to control electron states

Researchers at the University of Oregon have developed a way to control electron states using both light and sound waves, providing a potential breakthrough for quantum computing. This method uses sound waves to manipulate qubits, which are essential for building advanced quantum systems.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 7, 2016

Alaska researchers improve their 'hearing' to detect volcanic eruptions

Researchers use refined techniques to detect and locate airwaves generated by volcanic explosions on seismic networks, providing an automated way to monitor volcanic eruptions. Ground-coupled airwaves can provide unambiguous evidence of eruptive activity and location of vents.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateApr 4, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Microfluidic devices gently rotate small organisms and cells

Researchers at Penn State developed an acoustofluidic rotational manipulation method that can rotate small organisms and cells using gentle acoustic waves. This technique enables 3D imaging of biological specimens without the need for expensive confocal microscopes.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2016

A new way to stretch DNA

Researchers have developed a new way to controllably manipulate biomolecules like DNA using acoustic force spectroscopy. The technique stretches molecules by applying varying forces in a precise way, shedding light on chemical bonding and mechanical properties.

SourceBiophysical Society·DateMar 1, 2016

New theory of deep-ocean sound waves may aid tsunami detection

Researchers at MIT have developed a general theory that connects gravity waves and acoustic waves, finding that surface-gravity waves can generate powerful acoustic-gravity waves under certain conditions. This energy exchange could play a role in water transport, carbon dioxide distribution, and sustaining a healthy marine environment.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateFeb 29, 2016
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.

A mathematical advance in describing waves

Mathematicians Gino Biondini and Dionyssios Mantzavinos develop a new mathematical model describing wave patterns with small irregularities. Their research shows that many disturbances evolve into single-class wave forms, answering a question scientists have been trying to answer for 50 years.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2016

A tunnel through the head

Researchers at Technical University of Munich developed an universal mathematical model that describes how sound waves propagate through the internally coupled ears and which clues for localizing sound sources are created. This system enables animals to pinpoint sound sources, a mechanism applicable to over 15,000 species.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 18, 2016

Absorbing acoustics with soundless spirals

Researchers at CNRS and University of Lorraine develop a coiled-up acoustic metasurface that achieves total acoustic absorption in very low-frequency ranges. The absorber's deep-subwavelength thickness enables it to handle large wavelengths with reduced size structure, making it physically practical for most applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 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.

Acoustic tweezers provide much needed pluck for 3-D bioprinting

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have successfully used acoustic tweezers to manipulate single cells in three dimensions, paving the way for precise 3D bioprinting of complex multicellular structures. This breakthrough could lead to new applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2016

Acoustic tweezers moves cells in three dimensions, builds structures

Researchers created a device that moves single cells in three dimensions using surface acoustic waves, enabling precise manipulation and structure building. The technology has potential applications in regenerative medicine, neuroscience, tissue engineering, biomanufacturing, and cancer metastasis.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 25, 2016

Living in the '90s? So are underwater wireless networks

University at Buffalo engineers are developing hardware and software tools to improve underwater telecommunication, increasing data transmission rates by up to 10 times. The technology has potential applications in monitoring pollution, military and law enforcement work, scuba industry, and energy industry.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalIEEE Communications Magazine·DateJan 25, 2016

Pinning down the ticking of the neural clock

Neural clocks have been found to exist and can be used to predict timing behavior in rats. Researchers identified a mechanism in the Striatum brain region where populations of neurons create sequences of activity that encode time.

SourceJLM&A, SA·DateJan 12, 2016

Researchers ride new sound wave to health discovery

Researchers at RMIT University have created a new class of sound wave that can be used to manipulate fragile stem cells without causing damage. The 'surface reflected bulk waves' are gentle enough for biomedical devices and open up new possibilities in stem cell treatment.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 7, 2016
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.

Baghdad seismometer detects car bombs, mortar fire and more during Iraq war

Scientists used a Baghdad seismometer to capture data on car bombs and mortar fire during the Iraq war. They identified distinct seismic signatures for different types of military operations in urban terrain, such as vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices and mortar fire.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateDec 22, 2015

New metamaterial manipulates sound to improve acoustic imaging

Researchers have developed a metamaterial that can more than double the resolution of acoustic imaging, focus acoustic waves, and control angles. This breakthrough has potential applications in medical diagnostics and structural integrity testing.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 16, 2015

Recreating a heavenly chorus of plasma waves on Earth

Physicists at UCLA's LAPD successfully recreated whistler-mode chorus waves, previously only observed in space, to study the excitation process and its implications for satellite safety. The experiment reveals a complex interplay of plasma parameters and wave signatures that provide an unprecedented constraint on theoretical models.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 10, 2015
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.

Researchers discover a new dimension to high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory discovered a surprising 3-D effect in a superconducting material, resolving an apparent mismatch in data and charting a new course for understanding electrons in these exotic materials. The study revealed a newly found type of 'charge density wave' closely tied to high-temperature sup...

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateNov 5, 2015

The solution to faster computing? Sing to your data

A new method of moving data in racetrack memory uses sound waves, overcoming limitations of traditional methods. The study, published in Applied Physics Letters, demonstrates the potential for faster computing by utilizing surface acoustic waves to transport data quickly and efficiently.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 3, 2015

Coating cancels acoustic scattering from odd-shaped objects

Scientists developed a more general approach for controlling acoustic scattering on complex, odd-shaped objects using a coating of two thin fluid layers. The coating significantly reduces the scattering strength, allowing for ideal acoustic measurements in laboratories.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 27, 2015

From science fiction to reality -- sonic tractor beam invented

A team of researchers has created a working sonic tractor beam that uses high-amplitude sound waves to generate an acoustic hologram, allowing them to lift and move small objects. The technique could be developed for applications such as transporting delicate objects or gripping drug capsules through living tissue.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 27, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Physics of booming and burping sand dunes revealed

A team of researchers from Caltech and the University of Cambridge discovered that booming and burping sounds emanating from sand dunes are different acoustic phenomena governed by distinct physical principles. The study found that booming sounds originate from linear P-waves, while burping sounds correspond to surface Rayleigh waves.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateOct 27, 2015

Nanoquakes probe new 2-dimensional material

A team of researchers from UC Riverside and the University of Augsburg developed a technique to analyze novel two-dimensional semiconductors by creating high-frequency sound waves on lithium niobate substrates. This allows for the detection of changes in electric properties of the material when illuminated with laser light.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2015

Astronomers peer inside stars, finding giant magnets

Researchers used asteroseismology to probe magnetic fields in the cores of red giants, finding them strongly magnetized. The strong fields disrupt gravity waves, causing energy loss and affecting star evolution.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateOct 22, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

A fast cell sorter shrinks to cell phone size

A team of researchers developed a cell sorter based on acoustic waves that can compete with existing fluorescence-activated cell sorters, sorting up to 13,000 cells per second while gently manipulating individual cells. The device is compact, inexpensive, and preserves cell viability and functions.

SourcePenn State·JournalLab on a Chip·DateSep 22, 2015

Acoustic imaging with outline detection

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a new type of acoustic imaging device that extracts contour information during measurement, creating detailed outline images of objects. The method uses evanescent waves and is useful for quickly recording relevant information about objects.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 2015

Helping Siri hear through a cocktail party

A new sensor developed at Duke University uses metamaterials and compressive sensing to separate overlapping sounds in loud environments. The device achieved a 96.7% accuracy rate in distinguishing between three identical sounds sent from different directions.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2015

Density-near-zero acoustical metamaterial made in China

Chinese scientists created a tunable membrane material that effectively recreates the quantum tunneling effect for sound waves. The material has an effective density near zero and enables high transmission around sharp corners and efficient wave splitting.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 14, 2015
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.

Neuroscience and technology come together to support people with disabilities

Researchers at the Centre for Genomic Regulation have developed Brain Polyphony, a device that produces sounds from brain signals, allowing people with cerebral palsy to communicate their emotions. The system uses real-time analysis of brain waves to translate into code words, providing an alternative communication method.

SourceCenter for Genomic Regulation·DateJul 10, 2015

Can heat be controlled as waves?

Thermal phonons can interfere with their own reflections, suggesting that heat transport occurs through wave-like phenomena. This interference could be used to modify the velocity of phonons and create energy bandgaps, leading to new materials with low thermal conductivity.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 23, 2015

Ultrasonic production of skimmed milk

Researchers successfully demonstrated cream separation from natural whole milk at liter-scales using ultrasonic standing waves, achieving fractionation outcomes desired for a particular dairy product. The technique allows for high volume throughputs of up to 30 liters per hour and can be used to specifically select milk fat globules of...

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 20, 2015

New method provides direct SI traceability for sound pressure

Scientists at NPL have developed a new optical method for directly measuring sound pressure, providing direct traceability to fundamental SI base units. This method can be used to calibrate any acoustic device without assumptions regarding geometry and sound field characteristics.

SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 28, 2015
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.

Sound separates cancer cells from blood samples

Researchers developed an acoustic-based microfluidic device to separate circulating cancer cells from blood samples with high accuracy. The device uses surface acoustic waves to push CTCs out of the fluid stream, making it a potentially game-changing technology for non-invasive diagnostics and treatment monitoring.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

VIMS develops underwater robot to assist in oil-spill cleanup

Researchers at VIMS have developed an underwater robot that uses acoustic signals to gauge the thickness of oil slicks, a crucial step in determining spill volume. The ROV will aid in testing oil-spill-response tools and provide a platform for developing other sensors.

SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·DateMar 16, 2015

Flight and nuclear safety boosted by sound research

A new system using sound waves helps detect structural defects in pipes, engines, and nuclear power plants. Researchers have developed a non-destructive testing method that could also be applied to medical imaging and seismology.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·DateMar 12, 2015

Graphene meets heat waves

Researchers at EPFL have demonstrated that graphene exhibits quasi-lossless heat transfer, allowing it to propagate heat without significant losses even at room temperature. This discovery has valuable implications for the design of future electronic components.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 6, 2015

A new way to control information by mixing light and sound

Yale University scientists create a new system that combines photons and phonons to conduct sophisticated signal processing tasks, allowing for faster and more efficient information control. The technology has the potential to be less expensive and adaptable to various complex designs.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 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.

Breakthrough in nonlinear optics research

Researchers at the University of Sydney developed a method to selectively enhance or inhibit optical nonlinearities in photonic chips, which can be useful for both hindering and helping signal processing applications. This breakthrough uses a grating structure on chip scale devices to control optical nonlinearity.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2015

Researchers reveal how hearing evolved

Studies on lungfish and salamander hearing shed light on the evolution of aerial hearing in early terrestrial vertebrates, suggesting they could have detected airborne sound without a tympanic middle ear. The research provides insight into the development of hearing 250-350 million years ago.

SourceAarhus University·DateFeb 6, 2015

Researchers use sound to slow down, speed up, and block light

Researchers at University of Illinois have demonstrated Brillouin Scattering Induced Transparency (BSIT), a phenomenon that can slow down, speed up, and block light in optical waveguides. BSIT uses sound waves to eliminate opacity and create a non-reciprocal behavior, enabling the creation of isolators and circulators.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 27, 2015
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.

Acoustic levitation made simple

A Brazilian team of researchers has developed a new levitation device that can hover tiny polystyrene particles with more control than any instrument before. The device uses sound waves to reflect off a concave reflector, allowing the particle to be moved around without precise setup.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 5, 2015

The accurate elastodynamic equations for inhomogeneous media

The study establishes form-invariance of electromagnetic, sound, and elastic wave equations without assuming relations between field variables. New locally accurate elastodynamic equations for inhomogeneous media are derived, leading to the design of perfect elastic wave rotators and cloaks.

SourceScience China Press·DateDec 23, 2014

Acoustic tweezers manipulate cell-to-cell contact

Researchers develop acoustic tweezers that can precisely position groups of cells for study, eliminating the risk of cell damage. The device achieves a throughput of thousands of cells and enables precise control over cell-to-cell contact, paving the way for studies on cellular communication and information transfer.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2014

How birds get by without external ears

A research team from TUM discovered that birds use their oval-shaped heads to transform sound waves, allowing them to identify sounds from different elevation angles. This unique ability combines information from hearing and vision to improve orientation and evading predators.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 11, 2014
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.

When noise gets electrons moving

Researchers discovered a counter-intuitive current induced by sound waves in a disordered environment. Noise fluctuations lead to directed electron transport behavior and current reversal, paving the way for innovative semi-conductor devices.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateDec 4, 2014

The walls can talk: New optical technique extracts audio from video

Researchers have developed a method to extract audio information from high-speed video recordings by detecting vibrations caused by sound waves. The technique, reported in the SPIE journal Optical Engineering, uses an image-matching process based on vibration from sound waves and can recover spoken words from videos.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateDec 4, 2014

UW team explores large, restless volcanic field in Chile

A team led by UW-Madison is investigating the Laguna del Maule volcanic field in Chile's Andes, where a mega-eruption could be as large as Mount St. Helens. The team aims to document the volcano's behavior before an eruption using geology, geochemistry, and seismology techniques.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalGSA Today·DateDec 1, 2014