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Good vibrations: Smart access to homes and cars using fingers

VibWrite integrates passcode, behavioral, and physiological characteristics to verify users, offering a low-cost security solution that resists attacks and can be deployed on any solid surface. The system has verified legitimate users with over 95% accuracy in trials and shows promise for commercialization in the near future.

SourceRutgers University·DateOct 30, 2017
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.

New software lets your car tell you what it needs

Researchers at MIT developed a smartphone app that can analyze a car's sounds and vibrations to detect issues such as clogged air filters and worn-out spark plugs. The system uses machine-learning processes to extract subtle differences, achieving accuracy above 90% in tests.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·DateOct 25, 2017

Wearables to boost security of voice-based log-in

Researchers developed a wearable device called VAuth that creates a unique and secure signature using speech-induced vibrations on the user's body. The technology has achieved a 97-percent detection accuracy and successfully thwarts various practical attacks, making it a promising solution to enhance voice authentication security.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateOct 17, 2017

Small scale energy harvesters show large scale impact

Researchers from Shahid Charmran University of Ahvaz in Iran have modeled new piezoelectric energy harvester (PEH) technology at the nano-scale level. Their study demonstrates how small-scale dimensions impact nonlinear vibrations and PEH voltage harvesting, revealing significant size effects on output.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateSep 28, 2017

Shape-shifters soak up sunshine

Scientists at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a crystalline material that changes shape in response to light, showcasing its potential applications in novel optoelectronic devices

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 27, 2017

Scientists get first direct look at how electrons 'dance' with vibrating atoms

Researchers develop precise new way to study materials, revealing strong electron-phonon coupling that could lead to unprecedented superconductivity. The approach allows scientists to validate theories and computations describing complex materials' behavior, providing deep insights into their behavior.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2017
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.

Biomechanical acoustics study sheds light on running injuries

Researchers investigated how runners adapt their running patterns to cope with shock-induced vibrations. Preliminary results suggest that the human body adjusts to stabilize energetics and protect the upper body, regardless of speed. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and develop strategies to prevent running injuries.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateJun 29, 2017

Holey pattern boosts coherence of nanomechanical membrane vibrations

Researchers created a nanomechanical resonator that confines vibrations to a small region, boosting coherence and achieving unprecedented Q-factors. This enables new generations of quantum sensors and force microscopy, with potential applications in probing quantum limits and molecular resolution imaging.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 22, 2017

Quantum thermometer or optical refrigerator?

Physicists have developed optomechanical beams that can act as inherently accurate thermometers or optical shields, exploiting the principles of quantum physics. These microscopic beams have potential applications in biology, chemistry, electronics, and chip-based temperature sensors that never need calibration.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2017

X-ray study reveals way to control molecular vibrations that transmit heat

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab create method to track dynamic molecular features in soft materials, enabling control of vibrational waves and flow of energy. The technique has potential applications in thermal and acoustic insulators, waste heat conversion, and light-mechanical motion.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 8, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Energy decay in graphene resonators

A recent study by ICFO researchers found a hybridization effect at high energies that could manipulate vibrational states and engineer hybrid states with mechanical modes. This discovery has the potential to open up new possibilities for manipulating vibrational states, studying collective motion of highly tunable systems.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 16, 2017

Internet of things made simple: One sensor package does work of many

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a plug-in sensor package that can transform any room into a smart environment, detecting various phenomena such as sounds, vibration, and temperature. The 'Synthetic Sensors' approach uses machine learning techniques to combine raw sensor feeds and identify dozens of events and obj...

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateMay 10, 2017

Noise pollution from gas compressors changes abundance of insects, spiders

A study by Florida Museum of Natural History found that noise pollution from gas compressors significantly decreases the populations of certain insects and spiders, while increasing others. This shift in arthropod communities could have larger-scale ecological consequences.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalEcology and Evolution·DateMay 9, 2017
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.

Bubble group dancing

Researchers at Zhejiang University discovered a new type of bubbling mechanism that generates periodic and aperiodic bubbles with unique properties. This phenomenon has significant implications for industries such as heat transfer enhancement, mass transfer, and bubble motion control.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 11, 2017

Device boosts interaction between light and motion

A Brazilian research team developed an optomechanical device that boosts the coupling between light waves and mechanical waves to higher levels than similar devices. This enables the creation of highly customizable sensors for detecting force and motion, as well as potential applications in telecommunications as optical modulators.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 6, 2017

Lego figures don't stand a chance against time reversal

Physicists at Brigham Young University have developed an acoustic technique called time reversal that uses targeted sound vibrations to knock over Lego figures. This technology has far-reaching implications for fields like private communication, targeted noise cancelation, and even medical treatments such as destroying kidney stones.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateApr 5, 2017
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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

When proteins court each other, the dance moves matter

Proteins' tiny motions, called vibrations, enable interactions with other molecules. A new study shows that the direction of these vibrations matters more than previously thought, shedding light on how proteins interact and facilitating tasks like absorbing oxygen and repairing cells.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateMar 15, 2017

Phonon nanoengineering: Vibrations of nanoislands dissipate heat more effectively

Scientists discovered a new type of vibration in europium silicide nanoislands that dissipates heat more effectively. The study used nuclear inelastic scattering to measure the energy spectrum of atomic vibrations and found that the vibrations of atoms in the crystal lattice can be tailored for specific thermal properties.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 8, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Synthetic tooth enamel may lead to more resilient structures

The researchers created a synthetic version of tooth enamel to improve resilience in rigid structures. They successfully mimicked its properties through layering and polymerization, demonstrating that this material can absorb vibrations effectively.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature·DateMar 1, 2017

Ants stomp, termites tiptoe: Predator detection by a cryptic prey

Researchers discovered termites can detect predatory ants through subtle substrate vibrations, allowing them to evade danger. This unique ability could lead to advances in technologies based on acoustic signatures and potentially revolutionize pest control methods.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalEcology Letters·DateFeb 21, 2017

A better way to swallow

A Pittsburgh engineer has received a $549,139 NSF CAREER Award to create a new screening method for swallowing disorders. The technology uses high-resolution vibration and sound recordings to diagnose dysphagia, allowing doctors to identify silent aspirators more accurately.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateFeb 14, 2017
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.

NASA gives the Webb Telescope a shakedown

Scientists and engineers at NASA created a new, large-scale shaker table system to test the James Webb Space Telescope's vibrations during launch. The 'Vibration Test Systems' simulates forces from 5-100 Hz, enabling precise control over shaking levels.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 13, 2017

Passengers take mobile measure of comfort for railway companies

A new smartphone app has been developed to measure ride comfort for railway companies, providing instant feedback from passengers about bumps, bangs and vibration on trains. The app uses artificial neural networks to evaluate ride quality, revealing that modern smartphones' accelerometers are suitable for measuring comfort.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalFrontiers in Built Environment·DateFeb 12, 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.

NASA restarts rigorous vibration testing on the James Webb Space Telescope

NASA has resumed rigorous vibration testing on the James Webb Space Telescope after an early shutdown in 2016 due to sensor readings exceeding predicted levels. The team implemented changes to the test profile to prevent similar issues, adding diagnostic tests to ensure confidence in the launch environment.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 25, 2017

Glass's off-kilter harmonies

Researchers have discovered that localized vibrations in amorphous silicon dioxide contribute substantially to the material's thermal conductivity, contradicting previous assumptions. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient forms of everyday materials and even superconducting materials.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 18, 2017

The sound of quantum vacuum

The study reveals strong correlations between laser-induced light fluctuations and mechanical motion, showcasing the strange laws of quantum mechanics. By using a phononic crystal to confine vibrations, the researchers achieved ultra-precision measurements, overcoming fundamental quantum limits.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 22, 2016

Underwater volcano's eruption captured in exquisite detail by seafloor observatory

A University of Washington study has captured the eruption of an underwater volcano in unprecedented detail, providing new clues about the behavior of volcanoes where two ocean plates are moving apart. The research used data from the Cabled Array seafloor observatory to analyze seismic vibrations and movement before and during the event.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·DateDec 15, 2016
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.

Tiny electronic device can monitor heart, recognize speech

Researchers developed a tiny, soft, and wearable acoustic sensor that measures vibrations in the human body, allowing for monitoring of human heart health and recognition of spoken words. The device can gather continuous physiological data and has implications for remote healthcare and communication for people with speech impairments.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 16, 2016

WHOI study reveals previously unknown component of whale songs

Researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution discovered a previously unknown element of whale songs, particle motion, which could travel further than expected. This finding raises concerns about potential interference with whale communication due to human-made noise in the ocean.

SourceWoods Hole Oceanographic Institution·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 2, 2016

Jumping spiders can hear sound without eardrums

Researchers discovered that jumping spiders can detect sounds in the 80-380 Hertz range at distances up to 10 feet, even without ears or ear drums. This ability helps them respond to predators like the Mud Dauber wasp.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateOct 31, 2016
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.

Learning Morse code without trying

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a system that teaches people Morse code in four hours using vibrations felt near the ear. Participants were 94% accurate keying a sentence and 98% accurate writing codes for every letter, even while playing games and feeling the taps without paying attention.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 27, 2016

With new model, buildings may 'sense' internal damage

Researchers at MIT have developed a computational model that analyzes ambient vibrations to detect signs of building stability. The model may help monitor buildings over time for potential damage or stress, providing a database like a health book for the structure.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMechanical Systems and Signal Processing·DateOct 19, 2016

Study yields new knowledge about materials for ultrasound and other applications

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered the key to piezoelectric excellence in relaxor-based ferroelectrics, enabling more detailed electrical signals and better images in medical ultrasound. The findings may provide knowledge needed to accelerate the design of functional materials for diverse applications.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 3, 2016

Tuning the instrument: Spider webs as vibration transmission structures

Research confirms spider webs are superbly tuned instruments for vibration transmission, with web tension and stiffness controlling information sent. Spiders use web vibrations to detect prey and predators, with their 'view' relying almost exclusively on this sensory input.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateSep 6, 2016

Reach in and touch objects in videos

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL have developed an imaging technique called Interactive Dynamic Video (IDV) that lets users reach in and interact with objects in videos. By analyzing video clips for 'vibration modes,' the team can predict how objects will move in new situations, enabling realistic simulations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology, CSAIL·DateAug 2, 2016
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.

Shaking up surgery

Researchers from Hiroshima University have developed a small vibrating device that attaches to surgical tools, enhancing surgeons' sensitivity to different shapes and textures. The PZT Actuator boosts the sensation to a noticeable level, allowing doctors to detect tissue texture and identify solid tumors with greater accuracy.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalIEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics·DateAug 1, 2016

Mystery solved: The case of the slipping finger

Haptics researchers at Northwestern University have discovered that ultrasonic vibrations cause fingers to bounce on touchscreens, reducing friction. This phenomenon is caused by the air trapped between the finger and screen compressing and acting like a spring, allowing the finger to fall onto a cushion of air instead of the screen.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 1, 2016

Lattice structure absorbs vibrations

A new three-dimensional lattice structure developed by ETH scientists can absorb a wide range of vibrations, including those in the audible range. This design allows for improved noise reduction and energy efficiency in machines, vehicles, and aircraft.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2016
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.

Avoiding stumbles, from spacewalks to sidewalks

Researchers at MIT have developed a new space boot with built-in sensors and haptic motors that can guide the wearer around or over obstacles. The boot uses vibrations to provide navigation cues, which could be beneficial for both astronauts in space and visually impaired individuals on Earth.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 27, 2016

Building a Moebius strip of good vibrations

Researchers at Yale University have created a Moebius strip-like structure by manipulating the shape of connected vibrating springs, demonstrating a new way to control waves. The experiment showcases an extension to the adiabatic theorem, which predicts a robust method for wave manipulation.

SourceYale University·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2016

Sub-sensory vibratory noise augments postural control in older adults

Researchers found that sub-sensory vibratory noise delivered to the foot sole of older adults significantly augmented postural control complexity, leading to improved mobility and reduced TUG times. This study highlights the potential benefits of vibratory stimulation for enhancing physical function in older adults.

SourceHebrew SeniorLife Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research·JournalJournal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation·DateJul 7, 2016
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.

Drum beats from a one atom thick graphite membrane

Researchers created a nanoscale drum using graphene to manipulate vibrations with high tunability and controllable coupling between modes. This enabled the creation of new notes and amplification of vibrations, opening doors to probing fundamental physics and improving sensor sensitivity.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 14, 2016
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.

Attosecond physics: Attosecond camera for nanostructures

Physicists observe nanoscale light-matter phenomenon lasting only attoseconds, studying collective electron motions and near fields in gold nanoneedles. The development enables precise characterization of near-field vibrations, paving the way for complex studies of light-matter interactions in metals.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 31, 2016

Fiddler crabs' 'Morse code' attracts Mrs. Right

Male fiddler crabs produce female-luring vibrations in their burrows, serving as a type of 'Morse code' that females decipher to learn about suitors. The length and interval of pulses convey information on male characteristics, influencing female decision-making during mating.

SourceSpringer·DateMay 31, 2016

Closing in on the elusive rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra

A team of theoretical chemists at Queen's University compared experimental and theoretical methods for interpreting the rotational-vibrational CH5+ spectra. They were able to develop a new assignment of the experimental results, reducing errors from 30 cm-1 to 2 cm-1.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 24, 2016

High performance golf club comes with annoying sound

Researchers at Penn State tracked the cause of a loud noise made by a type of golf club and found it was due to vibrations in the club head. The vibrations were strongest in the most sensitive range of human hearing, leading to an annoyingly loud sound that some players compared to a cookie tray hitting a car.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateMay 24, 2016
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.