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Chen receives Humboldt Award

Long-Qing Chen, a renowned professor at Penn State, has been awarded the Humboldt Research Award for his significant contributions to materials science and engineering. He plans to establish international collaborations and learn about European cultures through a one-year research project in Germany.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 7, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New research could make dew droplets so small, they're invisible

Researchers at Virginia Tech have made breakthrough discovery on optimizing dew droplet size to improve efficiency of removing condensation. By fine-tuning surface nanoscopic topography, they found that droplets can be made small enough to jump off surfaces as early as 2 micrometers.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 31, 2017

ERC advanced grant for Carl-Philipp Heisenberg

Biologist Carl-Philipp Heisenberg has been awarded an ERC advanced grant to study the interplay between gene regulatory networks and physical processes in embryonic development. His research will focus on gastrulation, a critical phase of embryonic development where cells are transformed into distinct layers.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateApr 7, 2017

UT Austin psychology researchers map neurological process of learning, deciding

Researchers at UT Austin have developed a new brain mapping technique to study how people update their knowledge and form new ideas. The study found that the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex work together to update conceptual knowledge, providing insight into the mechanics of learning.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 2, 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.

Fatigue contributing factor in kid's pitching injuries

A study of elite adolescent pitchers found that fatigue significantly impacted pitching mechanics, causing pain and potentially leading to injuries. Core and leg strength were identified as key components in preventing such injuries through targeted training programs.

SourceAmerican Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine·DateMar 5, 2016

Demirel receives proof-of-concept grant

Demirel is using proteins to coat biomedical swabs, enabling gene analysis from tiny amounts of blood or biological samples. The project has market potential in forensics, genetics and medicine industries.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 26, 2016

Elsevier announces the launch of a new journal: Extreme Mechanics Letters

The new journal aims to bridge the gap in publication options for the mechanics community, featuring short articles on cutting-edge research in various disciplines. It is edited by three distinguished scientists and offers immediate publication of papers without waiting for other articles.

SourceElsevier·JournalExtreme Mechanics Letters·DateDec 8, 2014

Even geckos can lose their grip

Researchers at Linköping University have demonstrated that geckos and spiders lose grip due to the effect of heat on van der Waals forces. This phenomenon has significant industrial benefits, particularly in the production of graphene, where detachment from the substrate is crucial.

SourceLinköping University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJul 9, 2014
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.

Perspective of the PandaX dark matter experiment

The PandaX experiment at the China Jinping underground laboratory is using a liquid xenon dual-phase technology to detect dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay. The facility has been optimized for low background radiation, with a shielded environment protecting against cosmic muons.

SourceScience China Press·DateJul 6, 2014
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.

Even brief interruptions spawn errors

Research at Michigan State University found that even brief interruptions can significantly impact accuracy on complex tasks. The study, which involved 300 participants and a sequence-based procedure, discovered that interruptions lasting just three seconds doubled the error rate. This finding has significant implications for professio...

SourceMichigan State University·DateJan 7, 2013

Scientists build 'mechanically active' DNA material

Researchers create a dynamic gel made of DNA that mechanically responds to stimuli in the same way cells do. The DNA gel's movement runs on ATP, allowing for faster and stronger mechanics than other smart gels based on synthetic polymers.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2012

A nanoclutch for nanobots

A 'nanoclutch' has been designed to regulate the speed of nanomotors, allowing for stepless control. The device uses electrowetting forces and charged carbon nanotubes to transmit torque between tubes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 24, 2012
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.

New seismology research on Haiti, slow earthquakes and the southern San Andreas Fault

Researchers explore scaling relationships of slow slip events and compare them to similar laws for earthquakes, highlighting the need for further study to understand fault mechanics. A newly defined propeller-like geometry of southern San Andreas Fault may require re-thinking ground motion assessments.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateJan 26, 2012

Chemists reveal the force within you

A new method visualizes mechanical forces on cell surfaces in real-time, providing detailed view of forces as they occur. The technique has potential to diagnose and treat diseases related to cellular mechanics.

SourceEmory Health Sciences·JournalNature Methods·DateNov 9, 2011

'I'm a Mac' -- so what? Study finds way to measure brand personality appeal

Researchers from North Carolina State University developed a system to measure brand personality appeal (BPA), allowing companies to understand how favorably their brand is viewed by consumers. The BPA framework assesses three components: favorability, originality, and clarity, grading brands on their overall appeal.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of the Academy of Marketing Science·DateApr 18, 2011
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.

Stretching the truth: JILA biophysicists help unravel DNA stretching mystery

Researchers at JILA disprove the popular theory that DNA's backbone needs a small gap or loose ends to extend by 70% when subjected to 65 picoNewtons of force. The new study uses a novel test structure to demonstrate that the mechanism behind overstretching is the same for both nicked and intact DNA molecules.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 20, 2011

Popular Mechanics breakthrough awardees announced

The National Science Foundation has recognized three projects with Breakthrough Awards: an artificial retina restoring sight to the blind; a system using controlled rocking to help buildings withstand earthquakes; and a low-cost medical microscope for detecting malaria-infected blood cells.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateOct 22, 2010
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.

With BYU partner, FSU's Magnet Lab researchers deciphering flu virus

Researchers at FSU's Magnet Lab, in partnership with Brigham Young University, are studying the Influenza Type A virus using advanced NMR technology. They have discovered key components of protein channels that regulate viral gene distribution and reproduction.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2006

First powder injection molding process for pure niobium

The Penn State team has successfully developed a method to calculate optimal proportions of niobium powder to binder and temperature for sintering, opening doors to injection-molded niobium parts. The approach can be applied to other materials with irregularly-shaped particles, expanding its potential applications.

SourcePenn State·DateOct 17, 2005

Theory Supporting Radical Heart Surgery Proposed By Penn Surgeon

A mathematical model explains the scientific basis of radical heart surgery, potentially selecting suitable candidates for therapeutic removal of large heart muscle portions. The Batista procedure aims to improve cardiac function by reducing heart size and stress.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateJul 15, 1997
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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