Researchers have developed a new process to create high-quality lenses at a low cost, making them suitable for various applications including disease detection, scientific research, and education. The lenses were created using a simple method involving the hanging and curing of droplets of transparent silicone polymer.
A new study reports that antimicrobial peptide-coated contact lenses are safe and effective in reducing the risk of contact lens-related infections. The study found no signs of toxic effects or adverse reactions, making melimine-coated lenses a promising alternative to traditional antibiotics.
Researchers have created a polymer material that can be used for quality thermal imaging, providing a potential solution for heat detection and infrared applications. The new plastic lenses are inexpensive, lightweight, and can be easily molded into various shapes.
A team of researchers in China has created a new artificial surface that can bend and focus electromagnetic waves like an antenna. The breakthrough, described as the first broadband transformation optics metasurface lens, may lead to flat or ultra-low profile antennas.
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Micro-machining enables the creation of almost flat Fresnel lenses that significantly increase solar panel efficiency. The new design allows for a more precise focus of incident light, resulting in a four-fold increase in peak power compared to traditional panels.
Three-dimensional large-aperture GRIN lens antennas are fabricated using multilayer inhomogeneous drilling holes or square ring resonators, offering high gain, broad bandwidth, and dual polarization. A simple flat GRIN lens is used to focus electromagnetic waves with minimal phase changes.
A Duke University study found that strobe glasses improved hockey players' performance by forcing their visual system to train in difficult conditions. The glasses produced stroboscopic visual conditions, resulting in an 18% improvement in on-ice skills and demonstrating potential benefits for sports performance.
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Astronomers have found the most distant gravitational lens yet, which provides a rare opportunity to directly measure the mass of a distant galaxy. The discovery poses a puzzle as lenses are expected to be exceedingly rare, suggesting either luck or underestimated small galaxies in the early Universe.
Researchers have developed a lens that combines the focusing ability of a human eye with the wide-angle view of an insect eye, enabling objects to appear in sharp focus even at varying distances. This technology could lead to improved smartphone camera quality and enhanced depth perception for medical imaging.
Researchers at Disney Research Zurich developed methods to correct optical distortions in high-resolution stereo panoramas. Their techniques use software to digitally stitch overlapping images together, interpolating missing light rays using an optical flow-based upsampling method.
Researchers have developed a flat spray-on material that can act as a flat lens, allowing for arbitrary aperture sizes and potentially revolutionizing imaging devices. The technology has significant advancements in ultraviolet light imaging of biological specimens.
A new camera inspired by insect compound eyes has been developed, featuring a wide field of view and infinite depth of field. The camera uses stretchable electronics and a hemispherical lens design to eliminate distortion.
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Scientists have created a new water-repellent coating that rapidly absorbs water molecules preventing freezing and allows larger droplets to form as flattened droplets. This coating could be used in various applications such as automobile windshields and camera lenses.
A study published in Optometry and Vision Science found that replacing extended-wear/continuous-wear contact lenses in the morning reduces overall adverse event rates by about four percent compared to nightly replacement. Morning lens replacement also significantly lowers mechanical adverse events, such as corneal scratches.
Researchers have developed a new artificial lens that mimics the natural lens of the human eye, enabling incremental refraction control. This breakthrough could improve performance in implantable lenses and consumer vision products, as well as enhance ground and aerial surveillance technology.
Scientists have developed a revolutionary new lens that is flat and distortion-free, allowing for the creation of ultra-thin devices such as smartphones. The lens uses metallic stripes to focus light and correct distortions, enabling sharper images without the need for complex solutions or multiple lenses.
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A new X-ray imaging technique has produced dramatic three-dimensional images of gold nanocrystals, revealing their structure for the first time. The improved image quality will likely lead to a better understanding of nanomaterials' properties.
Scientists at UC San Diego created metallic nanocubes that spontaneously organize into larger structures with precise orientations, enabling ultra-sensitive optical sensors and compact optical circuitry. The technique could revolutionize the development of new sensing technologies and optical devices.
A study published by the University of Houston found that wearing progressive addition lenses slowed myopia progression in children. The research suggests that understanding why different types of lenses affect myopia progression can lead to the development of more effective treatments.
A recent study found that moderate visual impairments significantly degrade drivers' ability to recognize pedestrians at night. Drivers with blurred vision recognized pedestrians 52.1% of the time, while those with cataracts only recognized them 29.9% of the time.
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Astronomers using NASA's Hubble Space Telescope have found galaxies containing quasars that act as gravitational lenses, distorting images of aligned galaxies. Quasars are powered by supermassive black holes and help estimate the mass of host galaxies.
Anomalocaris, a 515 million-year-old fossil, demonstrated highly acute vision to support its predatory lifestyle. Its compound eyes contained over 16,000 lenses, providing exceptional clarity while hunting in well-lit waters.
Researchers discovered that temperatures and heat fluxes exceeding polycarbonate performance limits can cause lens degradation, exposing firefighters to toxic gases and burns. The study aims to inform efforts to improve the match between standard requirements and real-life conditions.
A team of researchers has created a computerized contact lens that can stream real-time information across the wearer's field of vision. The device, currently with a single pixel, could display short emails and text messages in the future.
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Researchers found that people who use an actor's perspective experience stronger joy and excitement but greater pride and guilt when recalling past events. In contrast, observers experience heightened sadness and embarrassment. The study highlights the importance of perspective in shaping emotional experiences.
Researchers have developed a compact, lightweight microscope that uses holograms instead of lenses for dual-mode imaging. The device is portable, inexpensive, and can be used for field diagnostics in developing countries, testing of water quality, and food contamination.
A University of Connecticut scientist has developed electrochromic lenses that can change color rapidly, reducing waste and increasing production. The technology also has potential applications for the US military, such as enhancing situational awareness in dynamic environments.
The Cornell-developed Planar Fourier Capture Array (PFCA) is a pinhead-size, lens-free camera that can resolve images about 20 pixels across. It uses the principles of the Fourier transform to capture multiple angles of light and has numerous applications in science, including surgery and robotics.
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A new study published in Cephalalgia suggests that precision ophthalmic tints can suppress cortical activation in the brain, reducing migraine symptoms. The lenses significantly reduced discomfort when viewing stressful patterns, with a 70% reduction in distress.
Researchers used fMRI to identify how precision-tinted lenses work, finding that they normalize brain activity in patients with migraine headaches. The study showed a 70% improvement in symptoms compared to control lenses, suggesting a potential biomarker for identifying patients who may benefit from tinted lenses.
Researchers at Duke University found that strobe-like eyewear can improve visual abilities, particularly in detecting brief stimuli and small changes in motion. The study involved nearly 500 participants who trained with either strobe or control eyewear, showing some improvements in noticing brief stimuli after training.
Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a new form of diamond aerogel that is lighter than air and has exceptional optical properties. This material could improve the efficiency of telescopes, eyeglasses, and other devices by reducing reflection.
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Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Scientists have discovered that chitons can see objects overhead using eye lenses made of aragonite, a type of rock. This unique feature allows them to detect potential predators and defend against being eaten.
Researchers at Ohio State University developed a single, stationary lens to create 3D images of microscopic objects from nine different angles. The freeform lens, made from thermoplastic material, enables miniaturized products with reduced equipment needs and improved precision.
The first permanent anti-fog coating has been developed by researchers at Université Laval, eliminating the need for regular reapplication. The coating prevents water droplets from forming on surfaces, maintaining optical properties and durability.
Gravitational lenses enable scientists to study distant galaxies in greater detail, revealing how galaxies like our own Milky Way emerged from the early Universe. Next-generation telescopes will be able to determine the effect of magnification on galaxy brightness with more precision.
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute develop liquid pistons using oscillating ferrofluid droplets to pump small volumes of liquid. These devices can function as adaptive lenses for camera applications and precise drug delivery systems.
Researchers have developed new presbyopia treatments, including corneal lens implants and inlays, which show promise in improving near vision without the need for glasses. These options offer advantages over traditional LASIK procedures, such as reversed effects and improved distance vision.
Scientists have discovered that giant nanoparticles are sticking together in a vacuum chamber, causing stress and roughness in thin films. This finding has large implications for industries such as optics and materials science.
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DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A recent study by Michigan physicians found that specialized eyeglass lenses containing prisms can alleviate or eliminate post-concussive symptoms in patients with traumatic brain injury. The treatment targets vertical heterophoria, a binocular vision condition causing headaches, dizziness, anxiety, and other symptoms.
A recent study found that surgical lens replacement in infants with congenital cataract leads to more complications than contact lenses. The study, which included 114 infants, showed no short-term visual benefit from implanted lenses and increased risk of additional operations.
Researchers at University of California, San Diego developed a new solar concentrator design that minimizes materials, alignment, and assembly costs. The innovative system collects sunlight with thousands of small lenses imprinted on a common sheet, reducing the need for individual photovoltaic cells.
Researchers have developed contact lenses loaded with vitamin E that can deliver more medication for glaucoma and other diseases to the eye, increasing treatment duration by about 100 times. Vitamin E's ant-oxidant properties also provide UV protection.
The zone-plate array optical detection system can analyze nearly 200,000 droplets per second and is scalable and reusable. This technology integrates high performance optics with microfluidics to enhance lab-on-a-chip devices, making them more practical for disease detection and environmental sensing.
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A new study found that bifocal glasses can slow the progression of nearsightedness in children. The treatment was more effective than single-vision lenses and had a significant role in preventing the development of very high pathologic myopia.
Duke University engineers have created a new generation of lens that surpasses traditional lenses in focusing electromagnetic rays, with a wide angle of view and flat focal point. The lens is made from exotic composite materials known as metamaterials and has the potential to replace traditional optical systems.
Researchers found a statistically significant increase in myopia prevalence among US participants from 1971 to 2004, with higher rates observed in younger individuals. The study suggests that modifiable risk factors for myopia development could lead to the creation of cost-effective intervention strategies.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Clinical studies show B&L's Lo-Torque design delivers better rotational recovery, resulting in more consistent vision. The design demonstrated statistically significantly better results compared to Acuvue's accelerated stabilization design.
Ulf Leonhardt's new research paper proposes a 'fish-eye' lens that can create perfect images with unlimited resolution in principle, eliminating the need for negative refraction. This breakthrough could enable silicon chip manufacturers to produce smaller and more compact structures of billions of tiny transistors.
Researchers found that carnosine reduced cloudiness in lens tissue cultures by 50-60% and restored clarity to cloudy lenses. Carnosine's potential as a preventive and therapeutic agent for cataracts is demonstrated.
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Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers developed a mini projector that can be integrated into a cellphone or PDA, producing monochrome images with high brightness, and projecting them onto flat surfaces using plastic lenses made of embossed material
Researchers at the University of Houston's College of Optometry have developed custom contact lenses to address the needs of patients with eye diseases that affect focus. The lenses correct higher-order aberrations, providing improved vision and quality of life. Early-stage patients have shown dramatic results, and the team aims to mak...
Researchers create Liquid-Gradient Refractive Index (L-GRIN) lenses using water and calcium chloride, enabling precise control over light direction. These fluidic lenses can be fabricated on chips and have potential applications in optical tweezers and medical imaging.
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
A study by the University of Alabama at Birmingham found that even minor changes in eye biology can inform lens-wear prescribing and patient preference. The research, led by Lucy Kehinde, collected tears from 80 volunteers wearing different types of contact lenses to identify key cytokine markers for eye-disease prevention and treatment.
Researchers have developed a flexible light-sensitive material that can revolutionize photography and other imaging technologies by eliminating image distortion. Inspired by the human eye, the curved photodetector can correct distortion and produce sharper images.
Researchers have developed a non-invasive early detection device for cataracts, detecting subtle protein changes before the lens becomes cloudy. The device uses dynamic light scattering technology and has potential applications in reducing cataract risk through lifestyle changes and preventing age-related eye diseases.
Engineers at UC Berkeley develop a new way to create computer chips by combining metal lenses with excitable electrons to achieve higher resolution detail. The technique could lead to ultra-high density disks holding 10-100 times more data than today.
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Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.
A high percentage of contact lens cases in Tenerife are contaminated with pathogenic Acanthamoeba that cannot be killed by normal contact lens solution. The infection is very painful and can cause blindness. Researchers have found that commercial contact lens solutions do not protect against amoebic keratitis.
Researchers at Harvard University developed a plasmonic collimator that reduces beam divergence by 25 times, enabling applications in photonics and communications. The innovation opens doors to edge-emitting and surface-emitting semiconductor lasers operating at various wavelengths.
The new telescope glasses offer a wide-field telescope made of straight and curved mirrors built completely within the spectacle lens, reducing the appearance of the device. This design enables the wearer to simultaneously view the magnified field above the unmagnified view of the uninterrupted horizontal field.
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Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.