A recent study published in Nature analyzed satellite estimates of biomass from tropical forests in the Amazon, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia. The research found that temperature, aridity, soil nutrients, and other environmental variables affect forest biomass differently across regions.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·DateAug 12, 2026
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.
Researchers developed a new lidar system that simultaneously measures distance, velocity and surface material properties in a scene. The system uses polarization information to extract this data with high precision and accuracy.
Researchers from Frontiers, a multidisciplinary team, spent years searching for the tallest tree in Taiwan after discovering an estimated 5,000 different species thrive on the island. They used LiDAR technology and citizen scientists to identify the 'Heaven Sword,' a 84.1-meter-tall Taiwania fir, as East Asia's tallest tree.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Forests and Global Change·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2026
Researchers have discovered ancient iceberg plowmarks along the Great Lakes that suggest lake-effect snow was pushed toward western shores during the Ice Age, potentially reducing snowfall in cities like Buffalo and Cleveland. The study provides critical context for paleoclimate researchers studying future climate patterns.
SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalGeology·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 13, 2026
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a digital twin tool that uses AI and laser mapping to test different management strategies in simulated pine forests. The tool predicts trunk diameter and volume with high accuracy, enabling targeted treatments to minimize waste and bolster financial returns.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalJournal of Forestry·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 3, 2026
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 used LiDAR surveys to analyze medieval mountain castles' topography, distinguishing between human-made and natural landscapes. The study found that castle sites exhibit greater variability in slope compared to unmodified natural ridges, with high slope variability linked to landslide traces within the castle boundaries.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPhysical Geography·DateApr 28, 2026
Researchers propose a foundational framework to help multi-agent, connected systems decide what information they can trust before acting. The 'cy-trust' concept assigns a numerical trust value between 0 and 1 to data from other agents based on sensing, context, network behavior, and past experience.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the IEEE·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 2, 2026
Researchers used UAV-LiDAR technology to measure deposits on abandoned mountain roads, estimating decadal-scale debris supply. The study found that debris supply increases with steeper slope angles and larger contributing areas, posing a risk for debris flows.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalGeomorphology·DateMar 4, 2026
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.
Researchers developed a color-guided depth recovery method for non-repetitive LiDAR images to improve real-time crowd monitoring during disasters. The method reconstructs continuous depth structures while preventing over-smoothing and overfilling gaps, achieving improved depth accuracy and structural consistency.
SourceDoshisha University·JournalTransportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 26, 2026
A hierarchical 3D LiDAR localization method improves robot positioning in large outdoor spaces even after seasonal changes. The method integrates deep learning techniques to extract discriminative local features from 3D point clouds, making it robust to environmental variability.
SourceUniversidad Miguel Hernandez de Elche·JournalInternational Journal of Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 18, 2026
Researchers analyzed LiDAR data to identify growth patterns associated with defoliation processes and mortality in artificial pine forests. The study found a link between high temperatures and increased defoliation, and suggests forest management policies should focus on regulating tree density through thinning programs.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateFeb 3, 2026
The 106th Annual Meeting of the American Meteorological Society will focus on the intersection of technology and human decision-making in weather, water, and climate sciences. The meeting will feature keynote presentations, Presidential Sessions, and named symposia highlighting key Earth science topics.
An international team led by University of Arizona archaeologists has discovered a large ritual construction, Aguada Fénix, dating back to 1,000 B.C. The monument measures nearly a mile long and features a cross-shaped pit with ceremonial artifacts, including jade axes and pigments associated with cardinal directions.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 5, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers at Kyoto University used LiDAR to measure the crown structure of 4,326 canopy trees across 23 forest census plots in Japan. The analysis revealed that canopy trees account for about 75% of total forest biomass across diverse forest types, providing a foundation for estimating total forest biomass and supporting sustainable ...
SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Forest Research·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2025
A new dataset doubles documented stream miles in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed, allowing for more accurate characterization of water flow and land use. The high-resolution data will help prioritize restoration projects, such as streamside tree plantings and pollutant filtering.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Baltimore County·DateJun 26, 2025
Researchers discovered a massive 330-acre ancient agricultural site in Michigan, featuring raised field systems and clustered garden beds. The site, dating back to the 10th century, reveals intensive farming practices by ancestral Native Americans, challenging previous estimates.
SourceDartmouth College·JournalScience·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 5, 2025
Researchers have developed a new laser device smaller than a penny that can conduct extremely fast and accurate measurements by precisely changing its color across a broad spectrum of light. The laser has applications ranging from guiding autonomous vehicles to detecting gravitational waves, a delicate experiment to observe our universe.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateJun 2, 2025
Researchers have developed a new platform using dispersion-managed silicon nitride microresonators to suppress timing jitter, achieving femtosecond-level precision. This breakthrough enables the deployment of chip-scale solitons in space navigation, ultrafast data networks, and quantum measurement systems.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateMay 21, 2025
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.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed an autonomous driving algorithm for robots to navigate raised cultivation beds, utilizing lidar point cloud data. The system enables precise movement and accuracy in both virtual and actual environments, promising to expand tasks beyond harvesting to monitoring and pruning.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 16, 2025
The article highlights the vulnerability of US Gulf coast archaeological sites to climate change-induced sea level rise and extreme weather. The study calls for an integrated approach combining coastal ecosystem management with archaeological and historical resource preservation using Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge.
University of Missouri researchers developed a method using lidar and AI to analyze pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle interactions at traffic signals. The approach aims to enhance driver awareness, reduce accidents, and improve mobility.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Transportation Engineering·DateMar 24, 2025
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.
A new Concordia-developed app, iSurgARy, uses augmented reality to guide catheter insertion into the brain, improving ventriculostomy safety and accuracy. The app provides spatial awareness of patient anatomy, allowing surgeons to better aim at their target points.
SourceConcordia University·JournalHealthcare Technology Letters·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 19, 2025
A researcher is using accessible 3D scanning technologies to document and analyze stranded marine mammals, providing precise morphometric assessments and creating interactive visualizations. This approach enhances data collection, democratizes access, and expands the impact of conservation efforts worldwide.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Marine Science·TypeImaging analysis·DateMar 5, 2025
A study published in Science Bulletin has created a comprehensive tree density map of China, estimating 142.6 billion trees across the country, with varying densities by region and ecosystem type.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateFeb 21, 2025
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.
Relativity Networks develops patent-pending HCF cable that transmits data nearly 50% faster than conventional glass fiber, expanding data center geographical optionality. UCF's College of Optics and Photonics supports the innovation through industry partnerships and research collaborations.
A new single-photon time-of-flight LiDAR system can acquire high-resolution 3D images of objects or scenes up to 1 kilometer away, offering improved surveillance and monitoring capabilities. The system uses a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector and achieves a higher spatial resolution than previous systems.
A McGill University researcher has discovered a 15th-century Zapotec site in southern Oaxaca, Mexico, was a sprawling fortified city with over 1,100 buildings. The city's layout suggests the Zapotecs had a well-organized social structure and level of agency in negotiating with the Spanish.
SourceMcGill University·JournalAncient Mesoamerica·DateJan 29, 2025
Researchers developed a compact hyperspectral Raman imaging lidar system for remote detection and identification of plastics. The system can identify plastics from 6 meters away with high accuracy, offering a valuable tool for monitoring and analysis of oceanic plastic pollution.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A new technology developed by researchers from UPV, BUPT, CAS Institute, Air Force Early Warning Academy and University of Ottawa improves the accuracy of radars and LiDAR systems by up to 14 times, enabling faster and more accurate navigation in autonomous vehicles and detailed environmental studies.
SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2024
A study by Osaka University researchers found that visual landmarks can be difficult to find in certain environments, leading to motion sickness. They propose using radio-frequency localization, such as ultra-wideband sensing, to overcome these challenges and improve indoor augmented reality applications.
SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 23, 2024
The NASA Goddard Lidar team has developed a system that can produce higher resolution data within a smaller space, significantly increasing efficiency compared to current models. This technology, known as CASALS, uses artificial intelligence and other technologies to allow the instrument to make its own decisions while in orbit.
A team of researchers has created a model that predicts landslide risk in coastal areas, using high-resolution images to identify over 1,000 landslide points in São Sebastião, Brazil. The new methodology aims to provide more precise results and will be ready by the end of 2025.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBrazilian Journal of Geology·DateNov 13, 2024
The partnership aims to improve the speed and accuracy of flood damage assessments by combining multi-modal data sources and a novel vision language model. The system will enable first responders to quickly allocate resources and respond more efficiently to weather disasters.
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.
PanoRadar leverages radio waves and AI to enable robots to navigate challenging environments like smoke-filled buildings or foggy roads with high resolution. The system combines measurements from all rotation angles to enhance imaging resolution, creating a dense array of virtual measurement points.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2024
Researchers developed a quantum lidar system using up-conversion detector technology to record optical signals over a wide bandwidth. The system achieved wind field detection at a distance of 16 km with improved sensitivity and consistency compared to traditional lidar systems.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalACS Photonics·DateOct 18, 2024
Researchers propose a new approach to reduce the tradeoff between overhead and protecting machines against vulnerabilities. The 'Vulnerability-Adaptive Protection Paradigm' applies different protection strategies to different parts of the system, allocating resources more wisely.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalCommunications of the ACM·DateOct 3, 2024
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.
Researchers found a correlation of 61.89% between sporadic Ca+ layers and Es over Beijing, increasing to 90% above 100 km. Seasonal variation was observed, particularly during summer, attributed to variations in metal ions.
SourceBeijing Zhongke Journal Publising Co. Ltd.·JournalEarth and Planetary Physics·DateSep 19, 2024
The ATLID atmospheric lidar is a state-of-the-art instrument that records detailed vertical profiles of aerosols and clouds in the atmosphere. The new data from EarthCARE's lidar will significantly advance our understanding of aerosols, clouds, and their interactions with climate change.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·TypeObservational study·DateSep 16, 2024
Researchers from University of Utah introduced Simulating Travel Rates in Diverse Environments (STRIDE) model to predict walking travel times with unprecedented accuracy. The model considers slope steepness, vegetation density, and ground surface roughness for efficient routes.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 16, 2024
Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method using tunable lasers, enabling precise tracking of the laser's color at every point in time. The technique offers higher power and spectral stability compared to existing methods, making it suitable for various applications including LIDAR and spectroscopy.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 12, 2024
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
The study uses spaceborne lidar to estimate canopy height, providing accurate measurements over large geographic regions. The results show promising accuracy for evergreen forests with dense canopy cover, highlighting the potential of ICESat-2 in monitoring forest recovery and detecting health issues.
SourceJournal of Remote Sensing·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 24, 2024
Researchers at the University of Rochester developed a new microcomb laser design that provides low power efficiency, high tunability, and easy operation. The simplified approach enables direct control over the comb with a single switch, opening up potential applications in telecommunications systems, LiDAR for autonomous vehicles.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2024
Researchers developed a highly reflective black paint that improves detection of dark objects by lidar sensors in self-driving cars. The new paint, made with titanium dioxide, was tested on two types of lidar sensors and showed improved performance compared to traditional carbon-based paints.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 2, 2024
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 new remote sensing method captures details of hurricane Ian's aftermath, identifying 2,427 structures impacted by the storm. The study found that most damaged structures were single-family and multi-unit residences, with a total assessed value of over $200 million.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalJournal of Marine Science and Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 29, 2024
Researchers have developed a compact and lightweight single-photon airborne lidar system that can acquire high-resolution 3D images with a low-power laser. The system uses single-photon detection techniques to measure time-of-flight, enabling highly accurate 3D mapping of terrain and objects even in challenging environments.
Researchers developed a high-resolution lidar technique that can measure cloud droplet number concentrations remotely. The device provides unprecedented fine-scale structure at the base of clouds, enabling scientists to gain insight into aerosol-cloud interactions and their impact on climate.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·Journalnpj Climate and Atmospheric Science·DateApr 24, 2024
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.
Researchers at University of Missouri are developing software that allows drones to fly independently, perceiving and interacting with their environment while achieving specific goals. This technology has the potential to assist in mapping and monitoring applications, such as 3D or 4D advanced imagery for disaster response.
The new lidar will measure temperature and neutrally charged iron in the upper atmosphere, supporting experiments at HAARP. It is expected to be operational later this year and will provide complementary measurements to existing lidars.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJan 31, 2024
Researchers developed a network that combines 3D LiDAR and 2D image data to improve small object detection accuracy. The model outperformed existing methods in various noise conditions, with average precision improvements of up to 7.18%.
SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalIEEE Internet of Things Journal·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2024
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.
Researchers developed a 360-degree head-up display system that can project holographic representations of road obstacles, improving road safety. The system uses LiDAR data to create accurate and dynamic information about potential hazards.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateDec 20, 2023
The researchers successfully created a stable hybrid laser by 3D printing micro-optics onto fibers, reducing the size and cost of traditional lasers. The new design enables high-power laser sources with compactness and robustness, opening up opportunities for applications such as autonomous vehicles, medical procedures, and lithography.
Researchers have developed Coherent Two-Photon LIDAR, eliminating range limitations imposed by coherence time. This technique uses phase-dependent interference to measure distances beyond the coherence time of the light source.
SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 6, 2023
The new system enables infrared non-line-of-sight imaging, improving safety and efficiency for unmanned vehicles and robotic vision applications. Spatial resolution of less than 2 cm achieved at both 1560 and 1997 nm wavelengths.
The development of a new photonic technique enables the precise control of photonic angular momentum, allowing for the efficient recognition and real-time control of total angular momentum modes. The technique, which involves the symmetrical cascading of two units, has been experimentally demonstrated to recognize up to 42 individual T...
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 18, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers developed a new diffraction-gated real-time ultrahigh-speed mapping (DRUM) camera that captures dynamic events in a single exposure at 4.8 million frames per second. The camera uses off-the-shelf components and is fast enough to capture highly dynamic biomedical processes or enable high-speed lidar systems.
Researchers propose integrated metasurfaces that can be combined with standard optical components like LEDs and LCDs for commercialization. Collaboration between industry and academia is crucial for developing innovative optical platforms.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateAug 29, 2023
Researchers at the University of Exeter have identified a Roman road network spanning Devon and Cornwall using LiDAR scans and geographical modelling. The network, which connected settlements with military forts, reveals that North Tawton was a strategically vital connection point.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Computer Applications in Archaeology·TypeImaging analysis·DateAug 7, 2023
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.
A new approach boosts light absorption in thin silicon photodetectors with photon-trapping structures, increasing the absorption efficiency over a wide band in the NIR spectrum. The findings demonstrate a promising strategy to enhance the performance of Si-based photodetectors for emerging photonics applications.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJul 26, 2023
A team of researchers from EPFL has found a way to harness the unique features of chaotic frequency combs to implement unambiguous and interference-immune massively parallel laser ranging. This innovative approach offers significant advantages over conventional methods, enabling hundreds of multicolor independent optical carriers.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 2023