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How to push, wiggle, or drill an object through sand

Engineers at MIT and Georgia Tech have developed a faster and simpler way to model intrusion through any soft, flowable material. The new method uses Resistive Force Theory (RFT) and adapt it to 3D, predicting forces needed to push objects through sand, gravel, or other soft media in real-time.

Moving water and earth

A new understanding of how particle shape controls grain flow can help engineers plan for downstream impacts of restoring a river or removing a dam. The MIT team's better formula estimates bed load transport by considering a grain's drag and friction, rather than its exact shape.

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.

Watching water droplets merge on the International Space Station

Researchers from Cornell University and Clemson University conducted droplet experiments on the ISS to investigate larger droplets due to lower gravity, expanding the parameter space of the Davis-Hocking model. The results confirmed and expanded the model, providing insights into droplet dynamics.

Finding simplicity within complexity

A University of Houston researcher has developed a method to describe complex systems using the least number of variables possible, reducing complexity from millions to just one. This advancement speeds up science with efficiency and ability to understand and predict natural system behavior.

A closer look at the dynamics of the p-Laplacian Allen–Cahn equation

A team of researchers from Korea investigated the dynamics of the p-Laplacian AC equation, finding that solutions maintain three criteria: phase separation, boundedness, and energy decay properties. They also identified an advantage of p-AC equation over classical Laplacian in adjusting interface sharpness.

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.

Salt more important than cold polar temperatures in sea ice formation

A new study by the University of Gothenburg reveals that the salinity of surface water is crucial for sea ice formation at low temperatures. The study finds that warm water is prevented from rising to the surface due to its lower salinity, creating a 'lid' that allows cold polar temperatures to freeze continuously moving warmer water.

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.

Physicists see electron whirlpools for the first time

Researchers at MIT and Weizmann Institute of Science visualize electron vortices in ultraclean tungsten ditelluride, confirming theoretical predictions. The observation could lead to more efficient next-generation electronics by reducing energy dissipation.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Sizzling sound of deep-frying reveals complex physics

Researchers studied the sizzling sound of deep-frying, finding three types of bubble events: explosion cavity, elongated cavity, and oscillating cavity. These events produced distinct acoustic characteristics, which could lead to future applications like acoustic sensing of aerosol generation.

Quantum systems and the flight of the bee

A team of scientists used a quantum simulator to study the behavior of a complex quantum system, finding that it exhibits characteristics similar to fluid dynamics. The research also showed that this phenomenon can be observed in the flights of bees, as well as in unusual stock market movements.

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.

MIT engineers introduce the Oreometer

Researchers subject Oreos to various tests, finding that the cream almost always separates onto one wafer, regardless of flavor or amount of filling. The team's study provides insights into the properties of yield stress fluids and offers a new approach to understanding non-Newtonian materials.

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.

Face masks play a crucial role, new COVID research confirms

A new study reveals that face masks can play a crucial role in reducing the risk of Covid-19 transmission, with risks decreasing by up to 99% when worn correctly. The researchers developed a more advanced model to assess viral exposure risks and found that even short distances become negligible with proper mask-wearing.

Water filtration membranes morph like cells

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new type of water filtration membrane that mimics the natural process of morphogenesis. The membranes, made from soft polymers, exhibit complex 3D structures that allow them to efficiently separate pollutants from water.

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.

Numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics

A team of researchers from Shinshu University has developed a precise numerical model of butterfly flight dynamics, revealing the intricate relationship between wing movement and air flow. The study's findings have significant implications for designing micro air vehicles (MAVs), which could lead to breakthroughs in aerospace engineering.

Heat conduction important for droplet dynamics

A team of engineers found that thermal conduction is the most prominent form of heat transfer during droplet impact on smooth surfaces, influencing cooling efficiency and droplet behavior. Heat conduction also affects droplet dynamics on rough surfaces, leading to lower heat transfer rates.

Coughing downward reduces spread of respiratory droplets

Researchers found that cough-generated droplets travel farther horizontally when above the head and shorter distances when below, suggesting a head-down cough may help reduce airborne transmission. The study's findings provide new insights into respiratory droplet dynamics and potential strategies for minimizing COVID-19 spread.

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.

Turning the sticky to slippery

A new coating developed by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago uses thermoresponsive properties to create a hygroscopic slippery layer that prevents harmful substances from coming into contact with surfaces. This technology delays ice and frost formation, outperforming commercial products by up to ten times.

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.

New images lead to better prediction of shear thickening

Shear thickening occurs when particles in a low-viscosity solution behave like a solid under stress. Researchers at North Carolina State University captured microscopic images of particles as they underwent shear thickening, revealing complex networks formed between particles and their shapes dependent on particle roughness.

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.

COVID-19: Coughing without masks, distancing alone is not enough

Researchers from McGill University found that unmasked individuals can spread COVID-19 airborne particles up to 70% within a 2-meter radius, highlighting the need for mask-wearing and ventilation. The study suggests that current guidelines relying solely on physical distancing may not be sufficient to prevent transmission.

Fiber tracking method delivers important new insights into turbulence

A new experimental method tracks the motion of fibers instead of particles to reveal previously hidden information about turbulent flows. The researchers developed an innovative solution using rigid fibers, which allowed them to measure the speed and direction of flow at two points a fixed distance apart.

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.

Fancy a Swim?

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba reviewed the scientific literature on swimming hydrodynamics and identified key areas for improvement. They found that certain biomechanical aspects, such as velocity and drag forces, are not fully understood, but optimizing technique can lead to a competitive edge.

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.

Study provides suggestions for keeping classroom air fresh

A new MIT study highlights the importance of careful classroom ventilation in reducing the spread of Covid-19 aerosols. Researchers found that certain configurations, such as closed windows and limited upward air movement, can lead to higher concentrations of potentially problematic aerosols.

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.

COVID-19: Distancing and masks are not enough

A new fluid dynamics model shows that tiny droplets can spread over long distances and remain airborne for a long time, making masks and distancing measures less effective. The model predicts that even with proper ventilation, it's possible to come into contact with the virus in certain environments.

Half a degree less warming can avoid precipitation extremes

A study published in Nature Communications found that reducing global warming by half a degree Celsius could significantly decrease extreme precipitation events, resulting in lower exposure to flooding and landslides. The research suggests that limiting warming to 1.5°C could robustly benefit the populous global monsoon region.

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.

Rainfall suspected culprit in leaf disease transmission

Rainfall is suspected to trigger the spread of foliar diseases, affecting agriculture and forestry. Researchers studied a single rain droplet's impact on leaves, finding two patterns of droplet ejection that lead to disease transmission. The study provides guidance for farmers on optimal plant spacing to prevent disease spread.

Atherosclerotic plaques' downstream spread linked to low shear stress

A new study finds that atherosclerotic plaques often form in regions of low shear stress immediately downstream, creating conditions favorable for additional plaque buildup. High shear stress is typically found within existing plaques, suggesting its role in maintaining their stability.

A change in the wind

Climate model simulations indicate a robust increase in wind shear in the tropical Atlantic, which could counteract global warming's effects on hurricane intensity. The study suggests that increased wind shear may inhibit both hurricane development and intensification.

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.

Computing catches up with theory

A team of researchers has developed a model that tests Pe-ter Richardson's long-held hypothesis about the formation of blood clots. The model, which uses high-speed computing, reproduces several odd features of thrombus growth observed in laboratory experiments and tissue pathologies.