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Termites feed through good vibrations

Scientists have discovered that termites use vibrations to determine suitable food sources, a finding that could lead to new methods for reducing termite damage. The study also reveals the 'cocktail party effect' of signal processing, where termites can distinguish between signals from other termites and artificial signals.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 23, 2005

Ali Nayfeh earns Virginia's Lifetime Achievement in Science award

Nayfeh has made significant contributions to the field of nonlinear dynamics, including developing a new methodology for controlling ship motions and analyzing acoustic waves in aircraft engine-duct systems. His work has improved the understanding of complex phenomena such as subharmonic and superharmonic resonances in ships and boats.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateFeb 17, 2005

Superfluid helium-4 whistles just the right tune

Physicists at UC Berkeley have successfully produced a quantum whistle in superfluid helium-4 using an array of tiny holes. The whistle is achieved at a temperature of 2 Kelvin, making the sensors user-friendly for scientists unfamiliar with cryogenic technology.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·DateJan 28, 2005
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.

Carbon nanotube 'shock absorbers' excel at dampening vibration

Researchers developed carbon nanotube-based composite materials to maximize frictional damping in mechanical systems. The findings show that these materials can effectively reduce vibration and energy dissipation, making them a promising solution for various applications.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 12, 2005

Good vibrations in the nanoworld

Carbon nanotubes' electronic and mechanical properties are highly dependent on the presence of defects, which alter their vibrational modes and affect electrical conductivity and heat transport. The study demonstrates the importance of understanding these effects for optimizing nanoscale devices.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 28, 2004

At molecular scale, vibrational couplings define heat conduction

Researchers studied vibrational energy flow through a water-surfactant-organic solvent system, finding that the shape of molecules plays a crucial role in heat transfer. The study reveals that different excitations travel along different paths and rates, leading to significantly longer energy transfer times.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·DateSep 23, 2004
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.

Carbon nanotube oscillator might weigh a single atom

Researchers at Cornell University have created a tiny oscillator that uses a carbon nanotube to vibrate at radio frequencies, enabling mass sensing and gas detection capabilities. The device is so small that it can potentially weigh individual atoms, offering new possibilities for scientific research and applications.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateSep 15, 2004

System to monitor heat panels could safeguard future spacecraft

Researchers at Purdue University are developing a system to continuously monitor heat panels on future spacecraft for subtle damage, which could lead to accidents if left undetected. The system uses vibration and sound measurements to detect damage in real-time, making it ideal for periods of highest stress during takeoff and reentry.

SourcePurdue University·DateJul 14, 2004

Earthquakes beget earthquakes near and far

Researchers at Penn State found lags between the changes in forces and strength in laboratory simulations, with delays ranging from seconds to weeks after initial earthquakes. The study suggests a competition between compaction and dilation of granules in gouge zones contributes to delayed fault movements.

SourcePenn State·DateMay 28, 2004

Building a scale sensitive enough to weigh a virus

Researchers use nanoelectromechanical systems to detect masses as small as 6 attograms, a third of the mass of a typical virus. The technology has potential for detecting and identifying microorganisms and biological molecules.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 2, 2004
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.

Warm water vibrates for longer

Researchers found that the lifetime of water's OH-stretch vibration increases with temperature, weakening hydrogen bonds and allowing molecules to vibrate longer. The study used ultrafast infrared lasers to measure the number of vibrating molecules, revealing a unique property of water.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·DateFeb 5, 2004

UCF testing way to communicate to soldiers on battlefield through vibrations

University of Central Florida researchers are testing a new way to communicate with soldiers through vibrations, aiming to reduce distractions and improve safety. The study, funded by the U.S. Department of Defense, explores whether coded vibrations can be an effective alternative to traditional communication methods.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateJan 7, 2004

MESSENGER shipped to Goddard for prelaunch tests

MESSENGER, NASA's first Mercury orbiter mission, is set to begin prelaunch tests at Goddard Space Flight Center. The spacecraft will undergo environmental testing and shake-and-bake tests to prepare it for its May 2004 launch and a yearlong study of Mercury.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateDec 19, 2003
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

How backhoes get the shakes

A recent study by Margolis and Shim found that a small movement of the mechanical controls in backhoes can lead to rapid vibration, causing operators to lose control. The problem can be eliminated by stiffening the suspension of the cab or developing automatic control systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalJournal of Dynamic Systems Measurement and Control·DateNov 18, 2003

Diagnostic method tests integrity of composite military materials

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new diagnostic method that uses a vibration-based technique to test the structural integrity of composite military materials. The method can detect damage caused by small impacts and has been shown to be sensitive enough to detect damage even in areas where other techniques cannot.

SourcePurdue University·DateMay 1, 2003
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Engineers create simple method for analyzing car designs

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a simple alternative to complex mathematical models for analyzing car designs. The new technique can pinpoint design flaws more accurately and diagnose problems within days, compared to months, by using vibration measurements.

SourcePurdue University·DateNov 4, 2002

Circuit transfers four times more power out of shakes and rattle

Researchers developed a new circuit that harnesses vibrations to generate up to 50 milliwatts of power, surpassing the output of simple energy harvesting circuits. The adaptive piezoelectric energy harvesting circuit can be used in various applications, including wearable devices, sensor networks, and smart home security systems.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 23, 2002

Ultrasound cleans ceramic filters: Could aid water treatment

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an ultrasonic cleaning technique that can clean ceramic membrane filters without the need for harsh chemicals. The method uses sound waves to form and collapse bubbles, releasing heat and energy that flushes away contaminants.

SourceOhio State University·DateApr 10, 2002

New tool helps automakers silence irritating whistle noise

Ohio State University engineers designed a generic pipe adapter to diagnose and eliminate whistle noise in vehicle engines. The adapter reduces sound levels by up to 30 decibels, saving automakers time and money.

SourceOhio State University·JournalJournal of Sound and Vibration·DateApr 1, 2002

MIT's robotic helicopter makes first acrobatic roll

The MIT team's X-Cell 60 model rotorcraft performed a 360-degree aileron roll autonomously, marking the first-ever achievement in its kind. The helicopter's small size and low cost make it an attractive option for military reconnaissance or aerial filming.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 4, 2002
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.

Brains of deaf people rewire to ‘hear’ music

Researchers found that deaf people's brains process vibrations in the same part of the brain as sound, leading to a similar musical experience. This discovery challenges the long-held belief that brains are hardwired at birth and instead shows that our genes provide a developmental strategy for brain organization.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateNov 27, 2001

Random noise from within objects reveals their internal structure

Researchers Weaver and Lobkis developed a technique to measure the vibrations of an object's interior by analyzing ambient noise. By correlating patterns in the noise, they can extract information about the object's internal structure, offering new possibilities for non-invasive inspection and monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 1, 2001

New Penn State approach steadies floors too flexible for comfort

Dr. Linda M. Hanagan's innovative approach uses active control systems to dampen vibrations in existing buildings, reducing costs and time required compared to traditional stiffening or thickening methods. The system can be applied quickly, often taking less than a week to fix the problem.

SourcePenn State·JournalEngineering Journal·DateSep 21, 2001

Engineers 'tread' toward quieter tires

Researchers at Purdue University have created a mathematical model to analyze tire vibrations and identify the components that produce the most noise. The model, which creates a visual representation of the tire's vibration pattern like a fingerprint, will help engineers design quieter tires and reduce highway noise.

SourcePurdue University·DateAug 3, 2001

Scientists detect clue to material's unusual electrical properties

Researchers have made a breakthrough in understanding a perovskite-related oxide with an extremely high dielectric constant, which remains stable over a wide temperature range. The material's unique property is attributed to the rearrangement of atomic charges without structural distortion.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJul 26, 2001
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Smart spacecraft will provide smoother ride

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed mathematical formulas to reduce vibrations on spacecraft, enabling autonomous decision-making without human programming. The technology will be tested on the International Space Station, which is currently under construction with a budget of $50 billion and expected completion in five years.

SourceVirginia Tech·DateNov 30, 2000

Multidimensional technique enhances vibrational spectroscopy

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a multidimensional technique that enhances vibrational spectroscopy, allowing for unprecedented detail in studying molecular vibrations. This new method enables femtosecond-resolved snapshots of molecular motions, providing insights into the fundamental mechanics of molecules.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateAug 31, 2000

Vibrations may deliver crucial information to pilots

Researchers at Ohio State University found that pilots can detect changes in automation status more effectively when receiving vibrations than visual cues. The study suggests that tactile feedback could be a powerful tool for human-machine communication in various domains, including aviation, healthcare, and space exploration.

SourceOhio State University·DateAug 7, 2000

Physics of baseball

The physics of baseball involves understanding various phenomena such as the break of a curve ball, the flight of a home run, and the impact between bat and ball. The collision is highly inelastic, resulting in lost kinetic energy due to frictional heat and reaction forces that affect the bat's recoil.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateFeb 17, 2000
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Chemists report using infrared lasers to probe key molecular interactions

Researchers have developed a new technique called Doubly Vibrationally Enhanced (DOVE) Four Wave Mixing, which uses two infrared lasers to study molecular connections and vibrations. This method allows chemists to gain insights into complex scientific problems, such as bacterial resistance to antibiotics and soil weathering.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 7, 2000

Seismic researchers hope for good vibrations during summer of rock

A team of scientists will conduct seismic experiments along a 600-mile route, using specialized instruments and explosions to create detailed profiles of the Earth's crust. The project aims to gain insight into the formation of the Rockies and improve knowledge of earthquake hazards, natural resources, and water resources.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateJul 27, 1999

Noise reduction

The Active Tuned Mass Absorber (ATMA) system reduces propeller-induced sound in turbo-prop aircraft, improving passenger comfort and enhancing military surveillance. With over 200 units installed on DC-9 and MD-80 aircraft, ATMA has proven effective in reducing interior noise levels by up to 90%.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateJul 1, 1999

Nanofabricated 'Harp' Studies Resonances

Researchers at Cornell University have created a nanoharp to study the physics of very small vibrating systems. The device consists of silicon rods suspended above a substrate and measures vibrations using laser light, detecting frequencies up to 380 MHz.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 23, 1999

Vibrating Cells Could Be The Ultimate In Noninvasive Screening

A new imaging device, Hall Effect Imaging (HEI), uses ultrasonic emissions to highlight variations in electrical conductivity between healthy and diseased tissue, offering a faster alternative to painful biopsies. HEI has high specificity, ruling out false positives, and could complement MRI technology.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJan 13, 1999
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Shining Light On Sound

The INEEL Laser Ultrasonic Camera transforms sound waves into an image, revealing object thickness, stiffness and imperfections. The system's dynamic holographic image shows waves moving along the surface of the entire object in real-time.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·DateDec 17, 1998

New Device To Alleviate Distress Caused By Tinnitus

The Aurex-3 device uses a vibrating probe to cancel out ringing sounds in the ear, offering long-term benefits without interfering with hearing. Developed by ADM Tronics, the device employs beat harmonics to effectively mask tinnitus symptoms.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateAug 5, 1998

Measuring Bonds In A Single Molecule

A team of Cornell University physicists successfully measured the frequency of atomic vibrations in a single molecule of acetylene, providing a new way to identify and study molecular bonds. This technique, called vibrational microscopy, has potential applications in understanding catalysts and biological molecules like DNA.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateJun 11, 1998
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.

Why Is Ice So Slippery? Mysteries Of The "Invisible" Ice Surface

Researchers used low-energy helium atom scattering to study the topmost layer of ice, finding that water molecules vibrate strongly, causing a coherent diffraction pattern to be elusive. The results explain why ice is slippery, adheres to other ice surfaces, and traps molecules in the stratosphere, leading to ozone depletion.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 6, 1998

Shake, Rattle And Hum - Measuring Vibrations On Board The Shuttle

Scientists use sensors to measure the intensity of vibrations at different frequencies, optimizing experiments for the US Microgravity Payload. By analyzing data from past missions, they can plan future ones more effectively and minimize disturbances.

SourceNASA/Marshall Space Flight Center--Space Sciences Laboratory·DateNov 21, 1997

Tornado Sensor May Become Reality

Researchers have developed a two-part seismic device that can detect ground vibrations given off by an approaching tornado, allowing users to seek shelter. The 'sensor' portion of the device is designed to be affordable for everyone and can provide up to five minutes warning before a tornado strikes.

SourceMichigan Technological University·DateApr 16, 1997

New Theory, Technologies Expected To Step Up Detection Of Black Holes

Researchers have developed a new theory that can pinpoint more black hole candidates in distant space by analyzing data from the NASA Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer satellite. The team used this approach to identify a black hole candidate at GRS 1915+105, suggesting that others may exist before the year is out.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·DateFeb 24, 1997
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.

New Signature Of Black Holes Detected?

Scientists detect unique X-ray vibrations in black hole candidate GRS 1915+105, potentially revealing its mass and rotation rate. The discovery is consistent with predictions made by the Stanford astrophysics group three years ago.

SourceStanford University·DateJan 14, 1997