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Topological Phonos: Where vibrations find their twist

An international team of researchers has discovered that the quantum particles responsible for material vibrations can be classified through topology. The study found that at least half of materials exhibit non-atomic cumulative phononic band sets, leading to potential applications in frequency filtering and mechanical energy attenuation.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateMay 9, 2024

Columbia researchers “unzip” 2D materials with lasers

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a technique to modify 2D materials using lasers, creating tiny nanopatterns that can capture quasiparticles called phonon-polaritons. This method uses commercially available tabletop lasers and doesn't require an expensive cleanroom or etching equipment.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024

This sound-suppressing silk can create quiet spaces

A team of researchers from MIT created a lightweight, compact, and efficient mechanism to reduce noise transmission using a sound-suppressing silk fabric. The fabric uses vibrations to cancel out unwanted sounds in two different ways, one for small spaces and another for larger areas like rooms or cars.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 7, 2024
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Small adaptation helps lemurs make a big noise

Researchers discovered lemurs possess an additional pair of vocal folds, which they believe is responsible for enriching their vocal repertoire and allowing them to exaggerate their size. This adaptation may have provided a selective advantage in competition for territory or mates.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 29, 2024

Vibrations of granular materials: an everyday scientific mystery

A new study reveals that granular materials exhibit universal and non-universal features in their vibrational spectra, shedding light on the propagation of sound through these mysterious materials. The research provides a statistical understanding of the spectra, linking them to random matrix theory.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2024

Internet can achieve quantum speed with light saved as sound

Scientists create a small drum that stores data sent with light in its sonic vibrations, allowing for secure transmission over long distances. This innovation has the potential to revolutionize quantum computing and enable an internet with quantum speed and security.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 15, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New center positions UC Riverside as a leader in quantum vibronics

The University of California, Riverside's new QuVET center aims to harness quantum mechanics in energy and time, with a focus on vibronic effects in molecular systems. The collaboration between UCR and top universities will explore ways to enhance energy transport efficiency and develop new technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateMar 22, 2024

How to make difficult-to-cut materials and components “easy-to-cut”?

Nontraditional energy-assisted mechanical machining uses vibration, laser, electricity, etc. to improve machinability and reduce process forces in processing difficult-to-cut materials and components. The technology provides a feasible way to enhance material removal rate and surface quality.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateFeb 28, 2024

World’s first real-time wearable human emotion recognition technology developed!

A groundbreaking technology recognizes human emotions in real time, combining verbal and non-verbal expression data for accurate emotional information extraction. The system features a personalized skin-integrated facial interface that enables self-powered, flexible, and transparent emotion recognition.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2024

Sound-powered sensors stand to save millions of batteries

A new type of mechanical sensor, powered by sound waves, could monitor infrastructure and medical devices without battery replacement, reducing waste. The sensor can distinguish between different words and sounds, triggering processes or alarms.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 29, 2024
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.

Healing heel pain: researchers from Sahmyook University explore the use of local vibration in plantar fasciitis treatment

A recent trial assessed a novel combination of local vibration and extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the effective treatment of plantar fasciitis, with results showing significant reductions in plantar fascia thickness and heel pain. The study highlights a promising therapeutic intervention to treat this common musculoskeletal cond...

SourceSahmyook University·JournalJournal of Rehabilitation Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJan 17, 2024

Laser-driving a 2D material

Researchers at Columbia University paired laser light with crystal lattice vibrations to boost the nonlinear optical properties of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), a stable 2D material. The team achieved over a 30-fold increase in third-harmonic generation, generating new frequencies and efficiently producing optical signals.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 22, 2023

Novel ingestible devices developed to create the illusion of satiety

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a pill-size device called VIBE that creates the sensation of fullness by stimulating vagal nerve receptors when it comes into contact with gastric fluid. The device reduced food intake by an average of 31% in swine, and its effects were sustained for 30 minutes.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023
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.

Engineers develop a vibrating, ingestible capsule that might help treat obesity

The researchers designed a capsule about the size of a multivitamin, powered by a small battery, which vibrates to activate mechanoreceptors in the stomach. This activation stimulates hormone release patterns similar to those following a meal, reducing food intake and slowing weight gain by 40 percent.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 22, 2023

Molecular jackhammers’ ‘good vibrations’ eradicate cancer cells

Researchers develop molecular jackhammers that use aminocyanine molecules to create plasmons, which rupture melanoma cell membranes with high efficiency. The method showed a 99% success rate against lab cultures of human melanoma cells and cured half of the mice with melanoma tumors.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Electronic pathways may enhance collective atomic vibrations’ magnetism

Researchers discovered that chiral phonons, which exhibit circular motion, interact differently than linear phonons and have a larger magnetic moment in topological materials. This finding enhances thermal conductivity and opens new possibilities for advanced devices and applications.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Watching electrons at work

The study reveals that excited electrons in perovskites cause a shift towards increased symmetry in the crystal lattice. This attractive interaction between excitons could be exploited to enhance electron transport and improve solar cell performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

New laser setup probes metamaterial structures with ultrafast pulses

Engineers at MIT have developed a new laser-based technique to probe metamaterial structures with ultrafast pulses, enabling the dynamic characterization of microscale metamaterials. The LIRAS system excites and measures vibrations in hundreds of miniature structures within minutes, accelerating the discovery of optimal materials for a...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2023

Understanding the dynamic behavior of rubber materials

A team of researchers has developed a novel experimental system to simultaneously measure the mechanical properties and internal structure of rubber-like materials. The study found that strain within these materials is non-uniform, depending on the shape and size of composite particles.

SourceWaseda University·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 9, 2023

Want the secret to less painful belly flops? These researchers have the answer.

A Brown University research team investigated belly flop mechanics, finding that flexible impactors can sometimes increase the maximum impact force on the body, contradicting conventional thinking. The study's findings have implications for naval and marine engineering applications.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 6, 2023
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.

Electronic sensor the size of a single molecule a potential game-changer

Researchers at Curtin University have created a piezoresistor the size of a human hair, revolutionizing chemical and biosensors. This breakthrough enables detection of diseases through molecular shape changes, offering new possibilities for health monitoring devices.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023
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.

Investigating interactions at molecular junctions for novel electronic devices

A recent study by Tokyo Tech researchers explores the structure and electron transport properties of molecular junctions. The findings reveal three distinct structures at the junction, corresponding to high- and low-conductivity states, which hold promise for designing novel electronic devices with unique properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 12, 2023

Bound states in the continuum is possible in the acoustoelastic coupling

A research team at POSTECH successfully demonstrated the existence of bound states in the continuum using an acoustoelastic coupling structure. The phenomenon enables the confinement of elastic waves, similar to light particles, facilitating applications such as vibration focusing and energy harvesting.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalExtreme Mechanics Letters·DateJul 11, 2023
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.

First steps towards realizing mechanical qubits

Scientists have successfully created conditions for mechanical qubits by engineering anharmonicity close to the ground state. By cooling a nanotube device to near absolute zero, researchers demonstrated a new mechanism that boosts nonlinear effects in the system, paving the way for quantum computing.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 8, 2023

Smart material prototype challenges Newton’s laws of motion

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a smart material prototype that can control the direction and intensity of energy waves. This breakthrough could have significant implications for various fields, including military and commercial applications.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2023
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.

'Charge density wave' linked to atomic distortions in would-be superconductor

Researchers use spectroscopic imaging scanning tunneling microscope to map atomic positions and measure electric charge, revealing link between electron density and atomic arrangements. The discovery sheds light on the emergence of a 'charge density wave' that distorts lattice vibrations and locks atoms in place.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMay 17, 2023

Picking up good vibrations – of proteins – at CHESS

A new method developed by Cornell researchers provides tools to interpret discarded X-ray crystallography data, enabling better understanding of proteins' movement, structure, and function. This breakthrough could lead to designing new drugs targeting specific proteins.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2023

Listening to the largest tree on Earth #ASA184

Researchers used hydrophones to record the sounds of Pando aspen grove's leaves and root system, discovering vibrations passing through the tree during a windstorm. The study challenges traditional concepts of individual organisms and has potential applications in nondestructive analysis of environmental systems.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 10, 2023

NJIT prof. wins NSF CAREER Award to study quantum material for next-gen electronics

Researcher Junjie Yang is investigating complex atomic vibrations in hafnia-based crystals to unlock the material's potential for designing less power-hungry computers. The project aims to characterize how atoms vibrate, which plays a crucial role in ferroelectricity, and could aid the synthesis of new ferroelectric quantum materials.

SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·DateMay 4, 2023
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.

Engineers tap into good vibrations to power the Internet of Things

Researchers at University of Waterloo and University of Toronto developed a novel generating system that converts mechanical vibrations into electricity. The system is compact, reliable, low-cost, and green, and has the potential to power billions of sensors needed for Internet of Things devices.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2023

Versatile, high-speed, and efficient crystal actuation with photothermally resonated natural vibrations

A team of scientists from Waseda University and Tokyo Institute of Technology have successfully demonstrated large-angle photothermally resonated high-speed bending induced by pulsed UV irradiation. They used 2,4-dinitroanisole β-phase crystals to achieve a fast natural vibration at 390 Hz with a large photothermal bending angle.

SourceWaseda University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Global breakthrough: Plants emit sounds!

Researchers at Tel Aviv University recorded and analyzed plant sounds emitted under stress, identifying specific identifiable sounds. The study suggests that plants may communicate with other plants and animals through these sounds.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalCell·DateMar 30, 2023
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.

Pusan National University researchers develop non-intrusive sensor for pipeline monitoring

A novel, low-cost sensor system utilizing force-sensing resistor technology has been developed by Pusan National University researchers for real-time pipeline monitoring. The system demonstrated a 99.4% correlation with commercial sensors, enabling accurate detection of pipeline damages.

SourcePusan National University·JournalStructural Control and Health Monitoring·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2023

New microchip links two Nobel Prize-winning techniques

Physicists at Delft University of Technology have developed a new technology on a microchip combining optical trapping and frequency combs to measure distances with high precision in opaque materials. The technology uses sound vibrations instead of light, offering a simple and low-power solution for applications such as monitoring the ...

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeCase study·DateMar 22, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers develop smart portable sensing system for monitoring precast structures during delivery

The novel portable wireless sensing system measures strain and acceleration in real-time, generating a safety assessment report to prevent damage and ensure safe delivery. While effective, the system lacks real-time data management capabilities, requiring future development of a cloud-based monitoring system.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAutomation in Construction·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Detecting the molecular vibration information faster and better by “stretching” time

Researchers have developed a new ultrafast infrared spectroscopy method that can detect molecular vibration information at high speeds. This method, called upconversion time-stretch infrared spectroscopy (UC-TSIR), provides over 30-fold more spectral elements and 400 times better spectral resolution than conventional methods.

SourceSchool of Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalLight Science & Applications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023
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.

Neutrons reveal key to extraordinary heat transport

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory used neutrons to map phason and phonon vibrations in fresnoite crystals. They found that phasons carry heat three times faster than phonons, which may improve the accuracy of simulations for energy materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 23, 2023

Theory can sort order from chaos in complex quantum systems

A new mathematical theory developed by scientists at Rice University and Oxford University can predict the nature of motions in complex quantum systems. The theory applies to any sufficiently complex quantum system and may give insights into building better quantum computers, designing solar cells, or improving battery performance.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 23, 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.

Hands-free tech adds realistic sense of touch in extended reality

A new 'multisensory pseudo-haptic' technology delivers believable tactile experiences in virtual environments by combining visual feedback from a VR headset with tactile sensations from a mechanical wristbracelet. This innovation keeps hands free, enabling long-term wear and more realistic user experiences.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 22, 2023

Vibrating capsule doubles the ability for constipation sufferers to poop without drugs

A vibrating capsule designed to stimulate the colon has been shown to double the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements in adults with debilitating chronic constipation. The device, which is not a drug and works directly in the colon, showed significant improvement in symptoms such as straining and stool consistency.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalGastroenterology·DateFeb 21, 2023

Snakes can hear more than you think

A University of Queensland study found that snakes can hear airborne sound and react to it, contrary to popular belief. The research used soundproof rooms and observed reactions from captive-bred snakes, revealing differences in responses based on genus and evolutionary pressures.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 14, 2023

High-speed, high-precision positioning of stages with unknown vibration characteristics

A new control system design method achieves ultra-precision positioning on industrial machinery with unknown vibration characteristics. The system uses a nominal characteristic trajectory following controller and a vibration suppression compensator to reach target positions with high speed and precision.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPrecision Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023
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.

Ionic liquids' good vibrations change laser colors with ease

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory demonstrate a new color-shifting strategy that relies on interactions between lasers and vibrational energy in ionic liquids. The method offers an efficient and customizable approach to shift laser colors, with applications in science, industry, and medicine.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJan 19, 2023

Texas A&M research aims to improve Lyme disease diagnostics

Researchers at Texas A&M University are testing Raman spectroscopy as a diagnostic tool for Lyme disease, which shows promise in accurately identifying infected individuals. The new test could improve Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment outcomes for both humans and animals.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalFrontiers in Cellular and Infection Microbiology·DateJan 6, 2023
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.

Standoff coherent Raman spectrometer

Researchers have developed a novel air-laser-based standoff Raman spectrometer with high temporal and frequency resolutions. The device enables remote detection of chemical species in real time, monitoring their rovibronic levels and populations in the frequency domain.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Marsquake!

The largest earthquake on Mars, a 4.7 magnitude marsquake, revealed layers in the crust suggesting a massive meteoroid impact, with possible alternating volcanic and sedimentary rocks. This finding provides evidence for past collision events that shaped the planet.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2022
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.