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Spiders adjust courtship signals for maximum effect

Male Schizococa ocreata wolf spiders adjust their signaling modes based on environment to increase mating chances. In natural habitats, vibrations on leaf litter were found to be significantly more effective than other substrates, leading to successful mating over 85% of the time.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalAnimal Behaviour·DateJan 24, 2011

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.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 24, 2011

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of the Acoustical Society of America·DateDec 22, 2010

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.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateNov 11, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalBiology Letters·DateNov 8, 2010

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.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalBone·DateOct 25, 2010

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.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·DateAug 20, 2010
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.

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJul 13, 2010

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.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNature·DateJun 30, 2010

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateMar 29, 2010
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMar 23, 2010

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 11, 2010

MIT: Chemical energy influences tiny vibrations of red blood cell membranes

Researchers at MIT have found that chemical energy from ATP controls the shape of red blood cell membranes and determines their membrane vibrations. The study, published in PNAS, provides conclusive evidence that these vibrations require ATP input to occur.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 21, 2009
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.

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 30, 2009

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.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 4, 2009

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.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJul 27, 2009
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

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.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 17, 2009

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.

SourceCornell University·DateJun 4, 2009
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.

Study: Vibration plate machines may aid weight loss and trim abdominal fat

A study found that vibration plate exercise, combined with a calorie-restricted diet, led to significant long-term weight loss and fat reduction. The intervention group lost an average of 10.5% body weight and 47.8 square centimeters of visceral fat, compared to the control group who gained weight.

SourceInternational Association for the Study of Obesity·DateMay 8, 2009
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.

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 27, 2009
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.

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 22, 2008

'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.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalJournal of Offshore Mechanics and Arctic Engineering·DateNov 21, 2008

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.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 19, 2008
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.

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.

SourceInternational Science Grid·DateOct 27, 2008

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 1, 2008

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 16, 2008

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.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateDec 26, 2007
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.

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.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 31, 2007

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.

SourceJournal of Rehabilitation Research·JournalThe Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development·DateSep 18, 2007

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 2007

'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.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·DateApr 2, 2007
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.

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 26, 2007

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.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateMar 19, 2007

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.

SourcePurdue University·DateFeb 8, 2007

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'.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience·DateNov 23, 2006
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature·DateAug 2, 2006

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.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2006
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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateNov 16, 2005

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateNov 6, 2005

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.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateNov 3, 2005
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.

Purdue findings help Coast Guard modify search-and-rescue plane

Researchers developed special vibration-isolating seats to manage increased vibration risks, while monitoring potential damage to the aircraft. The findings support the installation of larger observation windows despite increased vibration concerns.

SourcePurdue University·JournalExperimental Techniques·DateOct 18, 2005

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.

SourceHoward Hughes Medical Institute·JournalNature Neuroscience·DateAug 1, 2005

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 27, 2005

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.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 8, 2005
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.

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.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateJul 5, 2005

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.

SourceCornell University·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 19, 2005

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.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 5, 2005
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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