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Rhythmic vibrations guide caste development in social wasps

Antennal drumming behavior has been linked to development of social caste in a native paper wasp, Polistes fuscatus. The new work shows that exposure to simulated antennal drumming biases developing larvae toward the physiological characteristics of workers rather than gynes.

Measuring fatigue through the voice

Australian researchers found that as fatigue progresses, speech slows and variations in pitch increase, indicating a loss of control over the muscles producing speech. The study provides a novel method for analyzing the effects of fatigue on the central nervous system through acoustic analysis.

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.

All-optical transistor

Researchers at EPFL have discovered an all-optical transistor that controls the flow of light using a novel optical microresonator. The device enables a strong 'control' laser to turn on or off a weaker 'probe' laser, opening up new possibilities for telecommunications and photonics.

Were our tetrapod ancestors deaf?

Researchers studied the closest living relative of tetrapods, the African lungfish, and found that they lack sensitivity to airborne sound. The inner ear's structure suggests a high vibration sensitivity but limits hearing to very low frequencies, implying that early tetrapod ancestors were probably deaf to airborne sound.

Daily vibration may help aging bones stay healthy

Researchers found daily whole body vibration improves bone density around the hip joint and femur, reducing a biomarker of bone breakdown. The technique also stimulates stem cells to differentiate into bone cells, potentially aiding fracture healing. Vibration has shown promise in improving glucose uptake and reducing fatty liver disease.

Surfing for earthquakes

Researchers have developed a web portal that allows seismologists to study noise for analyzing the Earth's structure, leading to better understanding of earthquakes. The system enables smaller groups to perform complex analysis previously limited to large organizations.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A simple quantum dynamics problem?

Scientists have observed the first real-time measurements of a rare gas atom and halogen molecule dissociation. The study found that adding vibrational energy to the bromine-stretching vibration led to rapid direct dissociation, while higher excitation resulted in a more complex mechanism.

Dartmouth researchers contribute to solving a quantum puzzle

Researchers bridge the gap between classical and quantum physics by exploring how the rules of quantum mechanics apply to macroscopic objects. They discovered that vibrations in a crystal can cause electrons to tunnel through barriers, leading to random quantum fluctuations.

Researchers equip robot sub with sensory system inspired by blind fish

A team of scientists at TUM developed an artificial sensory organ inspired by the lateral-line system found in fish and amphibians, enabling the underwater robot Snookie to orient itself in murky waters. This technology aims to enable AUVs to work autonomously in operations ranging from deep sea exploration to inspection of sewer pipes.

Mini generators make energy from random ambient vibrations

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed mini generators that can produce electricity from random, non-periodic vibrations. These devices have the potential to power a range of applications, including remote wireless sensors and surgically implanted medical devices.

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.

3 FASTSAT instruments pass tests

Three NASA scientific instruments, MINI-ME, PISA, and TTI, have completed environmental testing and passed critical tests, paving the way for their launch on the FASTSAT-HSV01 satellite. The instruments will study Earth's atmosphere and space weather, improving global predictions.

Harvesting energy from nature's motions

Researchers at Duke University created a non-linear device that can convert a range of vibrations into electricity, improving efficiency over traditional linear devices. This technology has the potential to power small electronic devices, such as pacemakers and cardiac defibrillators, and even sensors in ocean buoys and spacecraft.

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.

Perceiving touch and your self outside of your body

A study published in PLOS ONE found that sensations of touch can be felt and mislocalized towards where a virtual body is seen, altering the mapping of touch sensations in space. This research demonstrates the crucial role of brain mechanisms in multisensory processing for conscious experience.

1 nano-step closer to weighing a single atom

Researchers have created a new class of ultra-sensitive nanoscale devices capable of detecting the vibrations of individual gold nanoparticles. By studying bipyramid-shaped nanoparticles with highly uniform sizes and shapes, scientists overcame previous limitations in understanding damping in these systems.

Researchers putting a freeze on oscillator vibrations

University of Oregon physicists have developed a technique to slow down mechanical fluctuations in optomechanical oscillators, reducing phonon excitations to near 40 quanta. The goal is to reach the quantum mechanical ground state with minimal excitation, enabling precise nanotechnology measurements.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Splash, babble, sploosh: Computer algorithm simulates the sound of water

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a computer algorithm that can simulate the sounds of water and other fluids, allowing for more realistic graphics simulations. The algorithm is based on physics-based simulations and uses computational models to generate sound waves in response to vibrations and movements.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

MIT: Using touch to help deaf people

MIT Sensory Communication Group researchers create tactile devices that translate sound waves into skin vibrations, improving communication for deaf people relying on lip reading. The devices could be integrated into smartphones, providing a cost-effective alternative to cochlear implants.

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.

Next NASA moon mission completes major milestone

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has successfully completed thermal vacuum testing at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, simulating extreme hot and cold conditions of space. The orbiter will carry seven instruments to provide detailed maps of the lunar surface and increase understanding of its topography and natural resources.

'Fish technology' draws renewable energy from slow water currents

A University of Michigan engineer has created a machine called VIVACE that converts slow-moving ocean and river currents into clean, renewable power. The device works by creating vortex-induced vibrations in the water, which are then converted into mechanical energy and electricity.

Researchers shed new light on catalyzed reactions

Rice University scientists develop technique to view step-by-step breakdown of TCE, a common groundwater pollutant, using nanoparticles and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The method provides new level of detail for understanding catalyzed reactions in water, with potential applications in biofuels processing.

Catching quakes with laptops

The project uses laptops with built-in accelerometer chips to detect tremors, allowing for faster earthquake detection and more accurate location of strong motions. With many sensors, it's possible to provide several seconds of warning before an earthquake hits neighboring regions.

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.

Size-specific cracking shakes

Scientists have found that certain nanostructures are more susceptible to failure by fracture at specific sizes. This is due to phonon confinement, which affects thermal transport and electronic processes. The study provides valuable information for designing stable nanostructures with reduced fracture energy.

Disorder enables extreme sensitivity in piezoelectric materials

A team of scientists found that intrinsic disorder in relaxor crystals leads to their extreme sensitivity to mechanical pressure or voltage. This property makes them useful for applications such as medical ultrasound imaging, loudspeakers, sonar, and computer hard drives. The research was published in Nature Materials.

Stimulating muscles may improve musician's dystonia

A study published by the American Academy of Neurology found that stimulating hand muscles using low-amplitude vibration can help treat musician's dystonia. The therapy, which lasts just 15 minutes, has been shown to restore a more normal brain response in people with the condition.

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.

Make way for the real nanopod

A team of researchers created the first fully functional radio from a single carbon nanotube, enabling tiny wireless communication devices. The nanotube radio works by detecting incoming radio waves and vibrating at its flexural resonance frequency to receive signals, offering a new approach to making radios.

Story tips for journalists

The RT3 accelerometer measures walking intensity, providing an accurate alternative to traditional questionnaires. Researchers found that only 15% of Americans meet the recommended physical activity level, with people with disabilities getting even less.

Side-to-side shaking of nanoresonators throws off impurities

Cornell researchers demonstrate a new way to make nanoresonators vibrate 'in the plane' – side to side. This technique shakes off extraneous materials, allowing only tightly bound pathogens to be detected. The ability to excite in-plane motion also has applications in making nanoscale gyroscopes and nano optics.

'Self-healing' house in Greece will dare to defy nature

A £9.5 million European Union-funded project will build a self-healing house in Greece with unique walls that contain wireless sensors and can repair cracks using nano polymer particles. The system aims to alert residents straight away if there are any problems, potentially saving lives.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers find a new way to read nanoscale vibrations

Cornell researchers have found a simple solution to measuring nanoscale vibrations by tapping with an atomic force microscope (AFM), allowing for the detection and identification of bacteria, viruses, and other organic molecules. The new method uses probes similar to those in AFMs to measure vibrations in nanomechanical oscillators.

Termites get the vibe on what tastes good

Researchers found termites prefer blocks with more wood content, even without touching them. The study suggests termites use vibrations to assess food quality, which could lead to new methods for controlling feeding termites and mitigating termite damage in buildings.

Research aims to calm your car's rattling

Researchers at Purdue University have developed mathematical models to simulate and analyze the rattling of car headrests, a major source of consumer dissatisfaction. The models can predict which vibration frequencies cause the rattling and enable automakers to tune their suspension systems more effectively.

Listening in on the birth pangs of Earth's crust

Researchers at Brown University and Columbia's Earth Institute recovered two lost ocean-bottom seismometers, providing unprecedented insights into the process of seafloor spreading. The data from the instruments reveals increasing seismic activity before a major episode of seafloor creation, offering a unique 'ear to earth's belly'.

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.

Imaging challenges theory of high-temperature superconductivity

Researchers at Cornell University found that the distribution of paired electrons in a common high-temperature superconductor was disorderly, but the distribution of phonons was also disorderly. This suggests that a similar mechanism may be responsible for high-temperature superconductivity.

Scientists observe solitary vibrations in uranium

Researchers identify lattice solitons, localized energy waves, in uranium crystals using x-ray and neutron scattering experiments. The discovery has immediate implications for uranium science and solid-state physics.

Magnetic fields revealed in technicolour

A team of scientists has successfully created a new material that induces magnetic vibrations at visible light frequencies, allowing for the creation of ultra-small optical lenses and miniature lasers. This breakthrough could lead to significant advancements in optics, optoelectronics, and biosensing.

Turning sensation into perception

A study by Romo and de Lafuente found that the medial premotor cortex plays a crucial role in sensory perception, particularly in touch. The researchers used macaque monkeys as subjects and found that activity in this region correlated with the intensity of the stimulus, regardless of whether the monkey consciously felt it or not.

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 sensor based on human organ is no tin ear

Researchers have developed a new sensor based on a human organ that can detect specific frequencies of sound waves. The device, which is a microelectromechanical system, has three main benefits over existing artificial cochlea designs: mass production potential, comparable size, and efficiency.

Cracking the perception code

Researchers discovered that monkeys perceive vibration frequency by analyzing neuronal firing patterns, particularly in the first 250 milliseconds. The findings suggest a complex process where attention to the initial response dominates perception, with subsequent firings becoming less significant.

Compact JILA system stabilizes laser frequency

Researchers at NIST developed a compact, vertically mounted cavity that eliminates vibrations, allowing for stable laser light with minimal environmental disturbances. The new design outperforms previous systems in size and cost, enabling widespread adoption of precise optical technologies.

APS physics tip sheet #49

Physicists propose new class of time machines that avoid difficulties inherent in other models. Researchers also analyze lateral vibrations to control friction and crack propagation in thin films. The horizontal Brazil nut effect is studied, showing grain migration to center or edge based on size and density.

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.

Turn up da noise

Researchers found that adding noise to weak vibrations increased the ability of participants to detect the frequency of the original signal. This effect could be useful in designing prosthetics for the elderly to prevent painful falls and improve balance control.

NEMS device detects the mass of a single DNA molecule

Researchers at Cornell University developed a nanoscale detection device that can identify even the smallest organic molecules, including proteins. The device uses microfluidics to detect genetic markers for cancer susceptibility and has potential applications in medical and forensic diagnosis.

Shake and stir to make granular materials change phases

Duke University researchers have created a method to make granular materials change phases through vibration and stirring, contradicting conventional expectations. This technique could be used to predict stability in dirt embankments or 'unjam' coal or gravel hoppers.

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.

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.