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Human arm sensors make robot smarter

The system eliminates vibrations caused by human muscle co-contraction, allowing the robot to move safely and efficiently. By modeling human operators in this way, robots can actively adjust to changes in movement, improving performance and safety in manufacturing plants.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateJan 16, 2014

Extraordinary sensors pushed to their boundaries

Researchers from EPFL have created a new method to eliminate external noise in nanomechanical oscillators, allowing for nearly perfect ultra-efficient sensors. This breakthrough enables the detection of very small particles and masses with high accuracy, opening up new frontiers in fundamental science and applied studies.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2014
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 mechanics explains efficiency of photosynthesis

Researchers at University College London found that certain molecular vibrations in plant cells exhibit non-classical behavior, enhancing the efficiency of energy transfer during photosynthesis. This discovery challenges classical physics explanations and has implications for understanding other biological processes.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 9, 2014

Quieting rail transit

Researchers found that new vibration absorbers can reduce wheel squeal in public rail systems, but had a modest impact on rolling noise. The devices attach to the wheels or tracks of rail transit systems and may be effective in reducing wheel squeal, but more testing is needed to fully understand their effectiveness.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateDec 4, 2013

X-rays reveal another feature of high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers used X-rays to study atomic vibrations in high-temperature superconductors, finding a giant resonance that contradicts the electron-phonon coupling mechanism. This discovery highlights the need for new scenarios to explain high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 24, 2013

New antenna spreads good vibrations in fusion plasma

Researchers have developed a novel device called the Shoelace Antenna to regulate heat and particle flow through the plasma boundary in a tokamak fusion reactor. The antenna exploits naturally occurring resonant vibrations to achieve this goal.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 13, 2013
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.

Big beats bolster solar cell efficiency

Researchers at Queen Mary University of London discovered that high-frequency vibrations in pop and rock music enhance energy generation in solar cells, increasing efficiency. The study, published in Advanced Materials, suggests a new potential for printed solar cells to generate electricity from sunlight.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 6, 2013

Using sound waves for remote bomb detection

A new system uses phased acoustic arrays and laser vibrometry to detect vibrations inside a container, revealing the presence of explosives. The technology can identify differences between low-yield and high-yield explosives from a distance, providing an additional layer of safety.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateOct 23, 2013

Flawed diamonds: Gems for new technology

A team of researchers has made the first detailed observation of how energy travels through diamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy centers, defects that can be manipulated with optical methods. The findings could help scientists understand the properties of these diamonds, which have potential applications in quantum computing and imagin...

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 8, 2013

NIST physicists 'entangle' microscopic drum's beat with electrical signals

Physicists at NIST have successfully entangled a microscopic mechanical drum with electrical signals, confirming its potential as a quantum memory in future quantum computers. The experiment also marks the first-ever entanglement of a macroscopic oscillator, opening up new practical uses for the drum.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·DateOct 3, 2013
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.

Skin receptors convey sensation of texture through vibrations

A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has discovered that two sets of nerve receptors in the skin convey information about fine textures through vibrations. This finding suggests that humans can discriminate between different fine textures, such as silk and satin, through these subtle vibrations.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 30, 2013

Optical sensors improve railway safety

A recent study tested fiber-optic sensors on a 36-km stretch of high-speed commuter railroad lines in Hong Kong, detecting over 10 million measurements and identifying anomalies such as excessive vibrations and mechanical defects. The system saves the rail company around $250,000 annually in maintenance costs.

SourceOptica·DateSep 30, 2013

Rice technique expands options for molecular imaging

The technique, dubbed 'multiple-dimensional vibrational spectroscopy,' captures the conformation of small molecules with great accuracy, measuring vibrations and determining angles between bonds. This method could revolutionize the study of catalysis, energy storage, and biomembranes.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateAug 15, 2013

GPM spreads its wings in solar array deployment test

The GPM Core satellite completed two pre-vibration solar array deployment tests, simulating the satellite's deployment in space. The successful tests showcased the satellite's support system and air cushion design, which reduce friction and mimic how the solar array would float in space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 1, 2013

Whole body vibration therapy increases bone strength

A new clinical trial shows that whole body vibration therapy increases bone-mineral density and muscle mass in adolescents with cerebral palsy, allowing for improved walking ability and overall health. The therapy significantly enhances leg and spine bone-mineral density, while also increasing muscle mass in the legs.

SourceThe Endocrine Society·DateJun 15, 2013
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.

Whispering light hears liquids talk

University of Illinois researchers create the first bridge between optomechanics and microfluidics, enabling the study of mechanical vibrations in liquids. The technology has potential applications in biosensors, fluid analysis, and optical control of fluid flow.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2013

Gold nanocrystal vibration captured on billion-frames-per-second film

Researchers used a revolutionary X-ray laser to freeze the motion of atoms in gold nanocrystals, revealing unusual supersonic vibrations. The new images support theoretical models for light interaction with metals and have potential applications in understanding material response after perturbation.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateMay 23, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Making chaos visible

Biophysicist Christian Herbst develops a new method to visualize chaotic phenomena, creating a single graph that can intuitively interpret symptoms of systems 'on the way to chaos'. The phasegram technique reveals complex behavior in simple systems, such as weather and cardiac rhythm.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMay 22, 2013

Researchers tackle collapsing bridges with new technology

A new wave bypass technique could divert vibrations away from load-bearing elements of bridges, reducing the risk of catastrophic collapses. Inspired by nature's structured mirrors and metamaterials, the method involves adding lightweight resonators to existing bridges to absorb specific vibrations.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalPhysics World·DateApr 30, 2013

Quantum computers counting on carbon nanotubes

Physicists at Technical University of Munich develop a method to store information in mechanical vibrations, reducing sensitivity to electrical interference. This innovation could lead to more powerful quantum computers by utilizing carbon nanotubes as quantum bits.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 21, 2013

Nature: Smallest vibration sensor in the quantum world

Researchers created a quantum sensor that detects the smallest vibrations in a carbon nanotube by measuring the effects of a magnetic spin on its mechanical motion. The device has potential applications in determining individual molecule masses and measuring magnetic forces.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 15, 2013
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.

Spotting the invisible cracks in wind turbines

Researchers developed a new analytical method to detect fatigue in wind turbines' parts while the turbine is in operation. This method distinguishes between mechanical properties and interfering noise, enabling precise detection of material fatigue or untightened screws.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateFeb 12, 2013

Virtual vehicle vibrations

A UI researcher has developed a computer program that can accurately predict the effect of role posture on bone and muscle stress in the head and neck during whole-body vibration. The model may reduce the need for human subjects in design and testing, benefiting industries such as automotive and heavy machinery manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Iowa·JournalJournal of Biomechanics·DateFeb 11, 2013

Osaka Basin map: Identifies high-rise buildings at risk from quakes

A new map created by Japanese researchers helps identify high-rise buildings in the Osaka Basin vulnerable to long-period strong ground motions that last minutes. The map provides useful information for engineers to design earthquake-resistant buildings.

SourceSeismological Society of America·JournalBulletin of the Seismological Society of America·DateFeb 4, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

NASA's Webb telescope team completes optical milestone

The aft-optics subsystem of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has completed performance testing, marking a significant milestone in the telescope's integration and test activities. The successful completion of this testing demonstrates that the AOS can withstand the extreme temperatures and vibration environment of space.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 16, 2013

How to treat heat like light

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel method to manipulate heat by employing engineered materials with nanostructured semiconductor alloy crystals. This approach enables the concentration of heat phonons within a specific frequency range, allowing for control over heat flow similar to light waves.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 11, 2013

Adhesion disturbed by noise

Researchers found that adding noise to a micro-textured surface can lower the energy barrier for an object to roll, mimicking gecko feet's adhesive properties. This study could lead to applications in gecko-inspired adhesives, tire adhesion, and digital operations.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateDec 17, 2012

How our sense of touch is a lot like the way we hear

A study by Sliman Bensmaia and colleagues found that the timing and frequency of vibrations in the skin transmit specific messages about texture to the brain, similar to how sound is perceived. This new understanding has implications for simulating tactile sensations, such as haptic rendering and prosthetic technology.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·DateDec 11, 2012
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.

Mild vibrations may provide some of the same benefits to obese people as exercise

A new study suggests that daily exposure to low-magnitude mechanical signals partially rescues B- and T-cell populations damaged by obesity, improving immune function. Brief daily vibration interventions showed promise in obese mice, potentially leading to a cheap and drug-free way for people to regain health.

SourceFederation of American Societies for Experimental Biology·JournalThe FASEB Journal·DateNov 29, 2012

New device could allow your heartbeat to power pacemaker

Researchers developed an energy-harvesting device that uses piezoelectricity to convert heartbeat-induced vibrations into electricity. The device can generate enough power to continuously operate a pacemaker without the need for battery replacements.

SourceAmerican Heart Association·DateNov 4, 2012

Taking the bite out of baseball bats

A new damping technique has been developed to combat painful vibrations in baseball bats, targeting the sweet spot where vibrations between 600-700 Hz cause pain. The technique involves a mass-spring device that quickly eliminates these painful oscillations, reducing shock and discomfort for players.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 18, 2012
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.

Odorant shape and vibration likely lead to olfaction satisfaction

A new study suggests that the shape and vibrational characteristics of odorant molecules play a crucial role in our ability to detect different smells. Researchers found that the vibrations of an odorant molecule's chemical bonds contribute to electron transfer, which sends signals to the receptor, enhancing detection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateSep 19, 2012

Constructive conflict in the superconductor

Physicists at Max Planck Institute find competition between superconductivity and charge density waves in copper oxide ceramics, improving understanding of zero-resistance transport. The discovery could explain unusual interactions between superconducting and magnetic materials.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 17, 2012

Mystery of elephant infrasounds revealed

Researchers discovered that elephants produce infrasounds by vibrating their large larynxes, similar to the human voice. This finding reveals the physical production mechanism behind these subaudible sounds, which play a crucial role in elephant communication and social life.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2012
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.

Severe flu increases risk of Parkinson's: UBC research

Researchers found that severe influenza infection doubles the odds of developing Parkinson's disease later in life, whereas a typical case of red measles as a child reduces the risk by 35%. The study also suggests an association between high-intensity vibrations and increased Parkinson's risk.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMovement Disorders·DateJul 20, 2012

Portable diagnostics designed to be shaken, not stirred

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed a low-cost portable diagnostic system that uses a textured surface to move small drops of liquid along predetermined paths. The system, inspired by the lotus effect, requires little energy and avoids contamination.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 9, 2012

Analyzing energy potential

Researchers develop data logger to analyze and harness energy from vibrations, enabling wearable devices, IoT systems, and industrial applications. The technology replaces traditional battery-powered devices with sustainable energy harvesting.

SourceFraunhofer-Gesellschaft·DateMay 4, 2012

Courtship in the cricket world

A new study by the University of Bristol reveals that male tree crickets can change the frequency of their songs with temperature, allowing them to adjust their size. This allows males to increase sound power, which may be linked to attracting mates and disguising their true size.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 30, 2012

A middle-ear microphone

Researchers have created a tiny, prototype middle-ear microphone that can be implanted in the ear to avoid problems with current cochlear implants. The device has been successfully tested in cadavers and aims to reduce size and improve sound detection abilities for future human testing.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 29, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Heart-powered pacemaker could one day eliminate battery-replacement surgery

Researchers at the University of Michigan have designed a device that converts heartbeat vibrations into electricity to power pacemakers and defibrillators. The new energy harvester could save patients from repeated surgeries by reducing or eliminating the need for battery replacements.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 2, 2012

Wringing more energy out of everyday motions

The Duke team has created a nonlinear approach to energy harvesting that can capture more frequencies from ambient vibrations, making it ideal for practical uses in the real world. This could lead to the development of devices that power implants, sensors, and even larger electrical systems.

SourceDuke University·DateFeb 21, 2012
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Powering pacemakers with heartbeat vibrations

A team of aerospace engineers developed a prototype device that harnesses chest cavity vibrations to generate electricity for pacemakers, delivering eight times the required energy. The technology has potential as a biocompatible alternative to competing methods.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 1, 2012

People with DFNA2 hearing loss show increased touch sensitivity

Researchers found that people with DFNA2 hearing loss are more sensitive to low-frequency vibrations, suggesting a link between the potassium channel and touch sensation. This discovery reveals new insights into the relationships between hearing loss and touch sensitivity.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateDec 9, 2011

For new microscope images, less is more

Scientists have developed a microscope that utilizes compression sensing to gather molecular vibration information with increased resolution and reduced time. The new method has been applied to sum frequency generation microscopes, resulting in images with 16 times more pixel density than traditional scanning techniques.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 8, 2011

An incredible shrinking material

Researchers discovered negative thermal expansion in ScF3 through computer simulations and neutron scattering experiments. The material shrinks as it heats up due to unique atomic vibrations.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 7, 2011

Georgia Tech turns iPhone into spiPhone

A research team at Georgia Tech has developed a technique to decode keyboard vibrations and decipher complete sentences with up to 80 percent accuracy. By analyzing the accelerometer's data, the system can identify pairs of keystrokes and compare them to a preloaded dictionary to determine the typed word.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 18, 2011
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.

A new MEMS device generates energy from small vibrations

Researchers at MIT have designed a tiny energy harvester that can generate 100 times the power of similar devices, making it a potential solution to the power constraint in wireless sensors. The device uses a single layer of PZT and responds to a wide range of low-frequency vibrations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 14, 2011

Penn physicists develop new insight into how disordered solids deform

Researchers have identified a novel method for detecting weak points in disordered materials like glass, which may lead to better understanding of material failure and potential applications. The study combines theoretical modeling with experimental results, shedding light on the principles governing material responses.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 31, 2011
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.

Dr. Marahelli G. Prasad of Stevens receives ASME award

Dr. Prasad received the ASME Student Section Advisor Award for District A for his dedication to student achievement and education. His contributions have inspired students to become leaders in mechanical engineering, leading to numerous ASME award wins.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateJun 13, 2011

Listening with 1 atom

Researchers at the Weizmann Institute developed a quantum version of a locked-in amplifier using a single atomic-ion detector, achieving spatial resolution of just a few nanometers. This technique improves the sensitivity of quantum sensors by around 100 times.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature·DateMay 25, 2011

Good vibrations?

Researchers have found that exposure to vibrations from power tools can cause hand-arm vibration syndrome, a condition that leads to numbness, loss of dexterity, and discoloration in the extremities. A study by Concordia engineer Subhash Rakheja suggests that simple seat upgrades can reduce exposure by up to 60 percent.

SourceConcordia University·DateMar 31, 2011

How long does a tuning fork ring?

A team from Vienna and Munich has developed a numerical solver to predict the design-limited damping of mechanical resonators, enabling the creation of more efficient devices. The solver uses quantum mechanics to calculate the radiation of phonons from the resonator, removing the need for trial and error prototype fabrication.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 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.

Virtual laboratory predicts train vibrations

Researchers developed a virtual laboratory model to predict train vibrations, taking into account elasticity, density, and thickness of materials. The model was validated on the Madrid-Barcelona high speed line and will be applied to other rail facilities in future studies.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalMathematical and Computer Modelling·DateFeb 9, 2011