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Aircraft can get higher and greener from doped fuels

A team of UBCO researchers developed a recipe for a clean-burning, power-boosting aircraft fuel by adding graphene oxide nanomaterials to ethanol. This mixture improves the burn rate by about eight per cent, reducing carbon footprint and increasing engine power.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalCombustion and Flame·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 2, 2021

Using overpasses as shelter from tornado?

Researchers from the University of Rhode Island studied the interaction between tornado-strength winds and highway overpasses, finding no evidence of wind acceleration under an overpass. The study, published in Physics of Fluids, suggests that using an overpass as a shelter during a tornado may not be safer than other options.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
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.

How to catch a perfect wave: Scientists take a closer look inside the perfect fluid

Researchers have discovered a new technique to locate the diffusion wake's signal in the quark-gluon plasma, a subatomic soup that flowed like a friction-free fluid after the Big Bang. This breakthrough may help scientists understand how matter emerged from this perfect fluid.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2021

A robotic fish tail and an elegant math ratio could inform the design of next- generation underwater drones

University of Virginia researchers design a simple way to implement a tunable stiffness strategy in robots, enabling efficient swimming at varying speeds. The approach, inspired by the natural adaptability of fish, uses a programmable artificial tendon to adjust tail stiffness in real-time.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021

The Science of tsunamis

Researchers from University of California - Santa Barbara create model to couple dynamics of landslides and tsunami generation, predicting wave amplitude based on initial column geometry and water depth.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateJun 21, 2021
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.

Quantum-nonlocality at all speeds

Quantum nonlocality is a universal property that prevails regardless of particle speed or indeterminacy. Researchers designed an experiment to test this phenomenon, using the principle of physical phenomena being independent of frame of reference, to prove nonlocality for any quantum particle.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 16, 2021

Micro-environmental influences on artificial micromotors

Researchers discovered how Janus particles relate to nearby barriers, showing velocities are influenced by physical properties of charged boundaries. This study could help engineer micromotors for complex biological environments, including drug delivery and nano-surgery.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 31, 2021

Swirlonic super particles baffle physicists

Researchers found that swirlonic super particles move with constant velocity, proportional to applied force, violating Newton's Law. This phenomenon has practical applications in artificial intelligence, space data, and robotics, particularly in self-assembly.

SourceUniversity of Leicester·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2021
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Fast-flying bats rely on late-night updrafts to reach great heights

Researchers found that European free-tailed bats rely on orographic uplift and wind conditions to fly high and fast during nighttime forays. The bats' flight patterns show a predictable relationship with the landscape, using the same types of areas where winds sweep up a slope to carry them to high altitudes.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 4, 2021

Dalian coherent light source reveals the origin of interstellar medium S2 fragments

Researchers directly observed C+S2 product channel from CS2 photodissociation using Dalian Coherent Light Source. The study provided evidence for the origin of interstellar medium S2 fragments and demonstrated that they could be generated from CS2 photodissociation

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 28, 2021

Not so fast!: controlling the speed of light bullets

Osaka University researchers created light bullets with controllable velocities, opening up opportunities for free-space communication, bio-imaging, and particle acceleration. By deforming pulse-fronts, they can achieve variable velocities during a single propagation path.

SourceOsaka University·DateDec 14, 2020
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.

Researchers 3D print biomedical parts with supersonic speed

A Cornell University-led collaboration has created a new 3D printing technique that produces cellular metallic materials at supersonic speeds, resulting in mechanically robust and porous structures. These structures are 40% stronger than similar materials made with conventional manufacturing processes.

SourceCornell University·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateNov 10, 2020

Why there is no speed limit in the superfluid universe

Researchers from Lancaster University found that exotic particles stick to all surfaces in the superfluid, enabling objects to move at high speeds without destroying the fragile state. This discovery may guide applications in quantum technology and quantum computing.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 21, 2020

HKBU research reveals greater flood risks in the coastal region of China

A study by Hong Kong Baptist University found that slow-moving tropical cyclones bring about 20% more rainfall, resulting in increased flood risks in the region. The research also identified a correlation between slower moving speeds and higher rainfall volumes.

SourceHong Kong Baptist University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2020

A new family of nanocars ready for the next nano Grand Prix

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have developed a new family of nanocars that can move in the nanoworld with high speed and control. The nanocars are made up of dipole molecules, which will enable applications such as transporting reactants or drugs.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·DateJun 15, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The deep ocean is warming slowly -- but dramatic changes are ahead

The deep ocean is warming at a slower rate than the surface, with climate velocity accelerating to 11 times the present rate in waters between 200-1000 metres by the end of the century. This poses huge challenges for protecting areas and mitigating threats to deep-sea life.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Climate Change·DateMay 25, 2020

Robot vacuum cleaner conveys seven dwarf personalities by movement alone

Researchers at Oregon State University found that people can correctly infer a robot's personality from its movement alone, with Happy and Sleepy being rated as most polite. The study suggests that robot personality can positively impact tasks around people, boding well for integration into simple robots

SourceOregon State University·DateMay 4, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

It's all a blur.....why stripes hide moving prey

Researchers at Newcastle University discovered that stripes can conceal speeding prey in miniature cinema experiments with praying mantises. The study found that narrow stripes were harder for the mantises to spot when moving at fast speeds.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 11, 2019

NASA finds Gabrielle's strength on its northern side

Tropical Storm Gabrielle's strongest side was identified by NASA's Aqua satellite on September 8, 2019. The MODIS image showed strongest thunderstorms northeast of the center with fragmented bands south and southwest of the center.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 9, 2019

NASA sees Gabrielle go 'post-tropical...' for now

Tropical Storm Gabrielle has become a post-tropical cyclone over the eastern Atlantic, with heavy rainfall and high winds expected. The storm is forecast to weaken into a remnant low tonight before slowly strengthening into a tropical cyclone by the weekend.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 6, 2019
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.

A new way to make droplets bounce away

Researchers at MIT have designed surfaces that cause droplets to bounce away from surfaces, reducing contact time and area of impact. The new method focuses on minimizing the spatial extent of contact, creating a bowl-shaped splash pattern that redirects droplets upward and prevents icing or soaking.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 27, 2019
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.

Solving a condensation mystery

A new method of condensation, using lubricant-infused surfaces (LIS), has been found to promote more efficient heat transfer and droplet movement. The erratic movement of water droplets is caused by unbalanced capillary forces acting on the droplets.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalSoft Matter·DateJun 25, 2019

How do foams collapse?

Foam collapse occurs via two distinct mechanisms: 'propagating' mode, where a film is absorbed into the surrounding liquid, and 'penetrating' mode, where droplets release from a rupture event break other bubbles. Understanding these mechanisms can help tailor foams to specific applications.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2019

Crashes increase when speed limits dip far below engineering recommendation

A study by Penn State researchers found that setting speed limits below engineering recommendations leads to an increase in fatal and injury crashes. Lowering speed limits by 10-25 miles per hour resulted in a decrease in property damage-only crashes, but drivers often ignore lower speed limits

SourcePenn State·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateDec 12, 2018
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.

New study reveals connection between climate, life and the movement of continents

A new study by University of Texas at Austin researchers links sediment movement to continental drift speed, suggesting a key role for feedback mechanisms. The findings challenge existing ideas on plate interaction and may explain variations in plate speeds, such as India's rapid northward acceleration.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateNov 15, 2018

NASA sees Tropical Storm Xavier affecting Western Mexico

Tropical Storm Xavier has strengthened in western Mexico, bringing heavy rainfall and potentially severe flooding to the region. The storm is expected to weaken over the next few days, but not before producing significant swells along the southwestern coast.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 5, 2018

Fleets of drones could aid searches for lost hikers

Researchers develop autonomous drone system that collaboratively maps terrain under dense forest canopies without GPS, enabling more efficient searches for lost hikers. The system uses LIDAR and path-planning software to fuse individual drone maps into a global 3D map, facilitating human rescuers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateNov 2, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

In the race of life, the tortoise beats the hare every time

A study by Duke University researchers shows that slow and steady animals actually have a faster average speed over their lifetimes than fast but erratic ones. The analysis also applies to modern aircraft design, where jet fighters are surprisingly slow when averaged over their service lifetime.

SourceDuke University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 27, 2018

Study reveals how the brain tracks objects in motion

A new study from MIT reveals that the brain uses both speed and rhythmic patterns to track objects in motion, leading to more accurate estimates. Researchers found that participants made better predictions when they had access to information about both speed and timing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2018

High speed video recording precisely measures blood cell velocity

Researchers at ITMO University developed a system to measure red blood cell velocity using high-speed video recording. The system provides accurate data for diagnosing vascular conditions and assessing therapy efficiency, offering a reliable tool for disease pattern recognition.

SourceITMO University·JournalOptics and Lasers in Engineering·DateNov 14, 2017
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.

Molecular motors: Slowing the clockwork

Chemists at LMU München have developed a new synthesis to reduce the speed of a molecular motor, allowing them to analyze its light-driven rotation in complete detail. This breakthrough enables the study of unidirectional motion and opens up potential applications in catalysis and smart materials.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateSep 19, 2017

NASA sees development of Tropical Storm Jose

NASA analyzed Tropical Storm Jose using Aqua satellite data, detecting strong thunderstorms with cold cloud top temperatures indicating potential for heavy rainfall. The storm is forecast to strengthen and become a hurricane by Friday.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 5, 2017
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.

Despite a great grip, geckos sometimes slip

Researchers found that geckos don't always have enough adhesive ability to save themselves, especially when encountering unexpected falls. The study's results could lead to a better understanding of how geckos stick to surfaces and potentially inspire new technologies.

SourceCornell University·JournalInterface·DateJul 19, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New theory predicts wetted area of droplets colliding with flat surface

Researchers at Kumamoto University have derived a new theoretical formula to predict the wetting and spreading behavior of droplets on flat surfaces. The formula allows for quantification of the maximum wetted area of droplets after collision, influencing equipment quality and efficiency.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 24, 2017

High-speed images capture archer fish's rocket-like launch

MIT engineers detailed the hydrodynamics of archer fish's jump, revealing its unique propulsion system. The study aims to improve underwater vehicle design and could lead to the development of spyhopping vehicles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateApr 19, 2017

Can you bounce water balloons off a bed of nails? Yes, says new study

A team of students has demonstrated that water-filled balloons can be made to bounce on a bed of nails, exhibiting similar behavior to tiny water droplets. The study, published in the European Journal of Physics, used large store-bought party balloons and recorded impacts at different velocities.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalEuropean Journal of Physics·DateDec 13, 2016
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.

It's not a bird! It's not a plane! It's the fastest flying mammal, says UT study

A new study from the University of Tennessee reveals that Brazilian free-tailed bats can reach remarkable flight speeds, challenging existing assumptions about their capabilities. The research used a novel airplane tracking method to track the bats' flight patterns, demonstrating that they adapt to wind conditions like airplanes and birds

SourceUniversity of Tennessee at Knoxville·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateNov 9, 2016

PPPL physicists build diagnostic that measures plasma velocity in real time

Physicists at PPPL have developed a real-time velocity diagnostic that measures plasma velocity in four locations within the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade. This device enables rapid calculations of how the velocity profile of ions evolves over time, which is crucial for optimizing plasma stability and fusion reactions.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·JournalPlasma Physics and Controlled Fusion·DateNov 8, 2016

NASA sees large eye in Hurricane Nicole

Hurricane Nicole strengthens as it approaches Bermuda, with a large eye detected by NASA's GOES Project. The storm is expected to pass near or over Bermuda on Thursday, Oct. 13, with maximum sustained winds near 100 mph and higher gusts.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 12, 2016
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.

Continental tug-of-war -- until the rope snaps

New research reveals that continental breakup proceeds through a two-phase speed evolution, where initial slow extension is followed by rapid acceleration. This process can lead to the formation of rifted continental margins with enhanced faulting and volcanic activity.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 2016

Researcher studies how animals puncture things

Researchers studied animal puncturing methods, including snakes' venom-injecting strikes, mantis shrimp's harpooning prey, and stinging sea creatures' microscopic nematocysts. The study found kinetic energy was the best predictor of penetration depth, with smaller animals often being faster to achieve this

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalInterface Focus·DateApr 22, 2016

New use for X-rays: A radar gun for unruly atoms

Researchers discover a new way to view complex groups of atoms in motion using coherent X-rays, revealing voids and nanocolumns that form during thin film production. This technique improves the quality of commercial applications such as solar panels and drug delivery systems.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 31, 2016
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.

Optimizing flutter shutter to minimize camera blur

Researchers develop a closed formula to reduce motion blur in camera images by optimizing flutter shutter codes for any probability density of expected scene velocities. The formula links optimal codes with velocity distributions and surpasses the previously-established 1.17 bound gain for known velocities.

SourceSociety for Industrial and Applied Mathematics·JournalSIAM Journal on Imaging Sciences·DateMar 23, 2016