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New technique measures ultrashort laser pulses at focus

Researchers developed a device to measure complex ultrashort light pulses in space and time at the focus of lenses, addressing distortions caused by optical components. The SEA TADPOLE system uses interferometry to determine pulse shape and intensity changes in space and time, enabling accurate correction for aberrations.

A life 'lens' ordinary

Research from Cardiff University finds that a third of Down's syndrome children who wear bifocals can switch to ordinary glasses within two years. The study, led by Dr Maggie Woodhouse, reveals that bifocals may be 'teaching' children with the condition to use their own focusing ability.

Measuring in 3-D

The new LensShape system enables the rapid testing of free-form geometries in aspherical lenses, reducing production time from over an hour to just 15 minutes. This innovative method uses fringe pattern analysis and machine learning algorithms to identify deviations with high accuracy.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Story ideas from the Journal of Biological Chemistry

A new study has shed light on the cause of cataracts, revealing that tiny pieces of crystallin proteins become toxic during aging. Researchers also found that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) aggregates are composed of just one protein: superoxide dismutase (SOD1).

Stanford researchers developing 3-D camera with 12,616 lenses

Stanford researchers are developing a 3D camera with 12,616 tiny lenses to produce detailed depth maps, enabling applications such as facial recognition, biological imaging, and 3D printing. The technology has the potential to improve spatial vision for robots and enable new tasks beyond human capabilities.

Soft contacts designed for cone-shaped cornea

Researchers at the University of Rochester developed custom-designed soft contact lenses to correct visual acuity in individuals with keratoconic eyes. The lenses feature irregular front surface profiles that address specific aberrations of the cornea and crystalline lens, resulting in improved vision for subjects.

'Smart' sunglasses feature lenses that change color on demand

Scientists have developed 'smart' sunglasses featuring electrochromic polymers that change colors in response to an electric current, offering a wide range of color options. The prototype shades are powered by a tiny battery and resemble regular sunglasses with a button-activated color-changing feature.

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.

'Smart' sunglasses and goggles let users adjust shade and color

Researchers have developed smart glasses with electrochromic materials that can change transparency and color using minimal power. The prototype lenses offer endless options on one accessory, improving depth perception and contrast, and avoiding drawbacks of existing photochromic lenses.

Study suggests wearing no-line bifocals slows myopia progression in some children

A new study found that children with two myopic parents wearing progressive-addition lenses showed slower myopia progression compared to those wearing single-vision lenses. The five-year study identified parental refractive error as a key factor in myopia progression, suggesting that special lenses may be beneficial for certain children.

Contact lenses a good choice for children 12 and younger

A new study by Ohio State University researchers found that children aged 8-12 can handle and wear contact lenses with ease, similar to teenagers. The study, which involved 169 participants, revealed that younger children were more satisfied with wearing contact lenses than glasses, citing improved vision and participation in activities.

New wide-angle lens produces pictures without distortion

Researchers designed a low-cost, lightweight wide-angle lens that produces virtually distortion-free images, ideal for security-camera systems and robot navigation. The lens has a field of view of 151 degrees and can be increased to capture even more space, making it suitable for various indoor applications.

Autonomous lenses may bring microworld into focus

Researchers have developed autonomous liquid microlenses that can adapt their focal length without external control. These smart lenses use hydrogels responding to physical, chemical or biological stimuli to enable new sensing methods in lab-on-a-chip environments and medical diagnostics.

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.

Impaired vision common in US

A recent study estimates that 1 in 8 individuals aged 12+ in the US have impaired vision, with a prevalence of 6.4%. The majority can achieve good corrected visual acuity, but disparities exist among certain groups.

UC Berkeley researchers create a biologically-inspired artificial compound eye

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a biologically-inspired artificial compound eye that can capture visual or chemical information from a wider field of vision than previously possible. The eyes integrate microlens arrays with self-aligned, self-written waveguides, enabling low-cost and easy-to-replicate fabrication.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study suggests simple way to make near-perfect lenses

Researchers at University of Edinburgh develop simpler way to produce negatively-refracting materials for lens construction, enabling cost-effective exploitation of negative refraction technologies. This breakthrough has significant implications for fields like telecommunications, microwave engineering, and optics.

Research warns against sleeping in contact lenses

A study by the University of Manchester found that wearers who slept in hydrogel lenses were five times more likely to develop keratitis than those sleeping in silicone hydrogel lenses. Silicone hydrogels are now recommended as a safer option for extended wear.

New generation contact lenses cut risk of severe eye infection

A year-long study found that new generation silicone hydrogel lenses significantly reduce the risk of severe keratitis, a type of eye infection. Those wearing traditional hydrogel lenses were five times more likely to develop severe keratitis when sleeping in their lenses.

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.

Nearsighted children may benefit from rigid contact lenses

A three-year study found that rigid gas permeable contact lenses slowed the progression of myopia by nearly 30 percent in nearsighted children. The study, which included over 100 children aged 8-11, showed that RGP lenses altered the shape of the cornea and reduced 'corneal steepening', a condition associated with nearsightedness.

TEAM designs world's highest resolution microscope

The team aims to achieve a resolution of 0.5 Ångstrom and acquire three-dimensional images at atomic resolution using aberration correction. Aberration correction is crucial for the project, which involves designing a complex system of lenses to correct distorted images.

Study: Contact lenses good option for 8- to 11-year-olds

A three-month study found nine out of ten nearsighted children in the age group could handle daily disposable contact lenses without parental supervision. Daily disposable lenses improve compliance and force children to learn to apply and remove their lenses.

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.

With nature's help, a better vision system for smart weapons

The University of Florida researchers have created photon sieves for visible light, which can sharpen the focus quality of a beam and reduce the amount of light that gets through a metal plate. This technology has the potential to change the way we think about optics and enable more life-like qualities in systems.

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.

Racial, economic disparities seen in kids' vision care

Children from lower-income families are more likely to have access to vision care, while those from higher-income families face barriers due to private insurance or lack of coverage. Cultural and social factors also play a role in disparities in eye care services.

Good things, small packages

Researchers at Binghamton University's IEEC are working on developing small-scale electronics, including microelectric mechanical systems and nanostructured materials. The goal is to create next-generation products with advanced technology, rather than lower cost manufacturing.

Barn owls steer Stanford researcher to clues about visual and auditory mapping

Research by Stanford's Eric Knudsen shows that barn owl's brain mapping can be altered by early life experiences, leading to a persistent effect on visual and auditory navigation. Young owls wearing lenses that shift their visual world can develop a new mental map, but adult owls without this experience cannot form a new map.

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.

Stanford researchers teach old owls new tricks

Researchers at Stanford University broke the learning process down into smaller steps for adult owls, allowing them to adjust their mental maps more accurately. This method showed promise in overcoming the age-related decline in learning abilities, with implications for treating brain injuries and improving physical therapy outcomes.

Tiny wounds on eye may lead to big problems in certain cases

A recent study by Ohio State University found that almost one in 13 soft contact lens wearers develop severe corneal abrasions, leading to infections or other problems. The study suggests that optometrists monitor their patients for such abrasions and proper hygiene habits can prevent them.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

Seeing the light

The Office of Naval Research has funded the development of a Tactical Vectoring Equipment (TVE) display, a simple array of six lights with Fresnel lenses that projects red or green light based on viewing angle. This system aims to improve navigation and communication for surface ships behind carriers in low visibility conditions.