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Unlimited digital sensing unleashed for imaging, audio, and driverless cars

Scientists have developed a technique to enhance digital sensor capabilities beyond current limits, enabling applications in consumer photography, medical imaging, and space exploration. The new approach uses 'modulo' sampling to process a wider range of information, unlocking high dynamic range for sensors.

SourceImperial College London·JournalIEEE Transactions on Signal Processing·DateSep 17, 2021
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.

Photo posts reveal huge interest for real coastal nature

A study analyzing over 120 million social media posts reveals that tourists focus more on nature in marine protected areas than neighboring coastal zones. The research found that these areas provide more cultural ecosystem services than adjacent coastal areas.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalOne Earth·DateAug 20, 2021

5D imaging of ultrafast phenomena

Researchers have developed a novel spectral-volumetric compressed ultrafast photography system that captures 5D information in a single snapshot. This breakthrough imaging technique enables new insights into ultrafast phenomena in physics and biochemistry.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 13, 2021

Long-term Himalayan glacier study

Researchers from Heidelberg University combined historical images and maps with current data to track glacier changes in the Nanga Parbat Massif. The study shows that the glaciers have been shrinking since the 1930s, but at a slower rate than other Himalayan regions due to avalanche activity and debris cover.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 17, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Winner Art of Neuroscience competition announced

The eleventh edition of the Art of Neuroscience competition has been won by Yas Crawford for her artwork 'Cognition IX', which explores neurological interoception in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis patients. The winner was chosen from over 293 entries and received praise for its perfectly composed image, full of movement and dynamic flow.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·DateJun 10, 2021

Researchers explore ways to detect 'deep fakes' in geography

A team of researchers has developed a method to detect deep fakes in geography, including satellite images and maps. The technique uses Cycle-Consistent Adversarial Networks (CycleGAN) to identify fake images, distinguishing them from real ones with 80% accuracy.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalCartography and Geographic Information Science·DateJun 2, 2021

Future drones likely to resemble 300-million-year-old flying machine

Researchers at the University of South Australia have designed a dragonfly-inspired drone that boasts superior aerodynamic performance. The drone's unique body shape and long abdomen mimic those of the insect, allowing it to hover, cruise, and perform aerobatics with ease.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalDrones·DateApr 27, 2021
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.

"Molecular Tomographer" algorithm maps gene expression in space

The Tomographer algorithm transforms gene-sequencing data into spatially resolved images, mapping gene expression patterns across tissues. By analyzing tissue strips and mRNA measurements, the algorithm reconstructs spatial gene-expression patterns in tissues like the brain of the Australian Bearded Dragon.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateApr 20, 2021

Uncovering the secrets of some of the world's first color photographs

A team of researchers from EPFL's Audiovisual Communications Laboratory used historic photographic plates to study the original light and colors of century-old scenes. They found that Lippmann's method captured 26-64 spectral samples, far more than modern techniques, and were able to recreate the original light using an algorithm.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 15, 2021

Deep learning networks prefer the human voice -- just like us

Researchers found that neural networks trained on sound files of human language reached higher performance in image recognition, identifying objects and animals correctly 92% of the time. Using sound as a training tool improved results even with limited training data, outperforming traditional binary input methods.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateApr 6, 2021

New nondestructive optical technique reveals the structure of mother-of-pearl

A new technique, hyperspectral interference tomography, has been developed to study the structure of nacre, a biomineral found in mother-of-pearl. This nondestructive method allows for the assessment of nacre layer thickness, which records temperature and can be used to analyze fossil mollusk shells and learn about past climates.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 29, 2021

New study finds false memories can be reversed

A new study from the University of Portsmouth and Universities of Hagen and Mainz found that false memories can be reversed using specific interview techniques. The research involved implanting false memories in participants and then using strategies to help them retract these false recollections, while leaving their true memories intact.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 24, 2021
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.

Counterintuitive approach may improve eyewitness identification

Researchers found that selecting fillers who are facially dissimilar to the suspect enhances eyewitness ability to accurately identify the perpetrator, while protecting innocent suspects. The counterintuitive technique improves outcomes without affecting the number of false alarms.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 15, 2021

Listening to the call of the wild: Tracking deer movements using sound

A novel technique uses synchronized recordings from grid-based listening stations to triangulate deer locations, reducing errors and increasing efficiency. The system has been successfully tested in Oze National Park, with accuracy of up to 15 meters.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalSensors·DateJan 28, 2021

Machine intelligence accelerates research into mapping brains

Researchers in Japan have used machine intelligence to fine-tune algorithms for brain mapping by MRI, improving the accuracy and reliability of connectome estimation. The new technique generates more convincing results, particularly in detecting long-range nerve fibers, crucial for understanding brain function.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 18, 2020
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.

Who is the world's best super-recogniser? This test could help us find them

A study published in PLOS One suggests that a freely available test, known as the UNSW Face Test, is able to rank facial recognition abilities with precision. Researchers argue that this test is perfect for identifying exceptional face recognisers and could lead to breakthroughs in fields such as law enforcement and national security.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 16, 2020

Artificial intelligence dives into thousands of WW2 photographs

A new study by Aarhus University uses AI to analyse thousands of WW2 photographs, enabling the identification of photographers based on image characteristics. The technology has significant applications in humanities and social sciences, including linking photo archives to war-related research.

SourceAarhus University·JournalIEEE Access·DateOct 28, 2020
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.

Ultrafast camera films 3-D movies at 100 billion frames per second

Researchers have developed a camera that can film 3D movies at 100 billion frames per second, capturing ultrafast imagery with stereo-polarimetric compression. The camera uses polarization information to enhance its capabilities and may help scientists study sonoluminescence.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 16, 2020

INRS researchers design the world's fastest UV camera

Researchers designed a compact UV camera capable of recording photons in the ultraviolet range in real time, achieving an imaging speed of 0.5 trillion frames per second. The system uses compressed ultrafast photography to capture unparalleled resolution with just one click.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateOct 8, 2020

All-optical method sets record for ultrafast high-spatial-resolution imaging: 15 trillion frames per second

Scientists have developed an all-optical imaging system that captures ultrafast dynamic processes at a record-breaking frame rate of 15 trillion frames per second. The method uses non-collinear optical parametric amplifiers, allowing for high spatial and temporal resolutions, and has the potential to become a new microscopy technique.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateSep 17, 2020
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.

Keeping innocent people out of jail using the science of perception

Salk scientists have developed a new lineup method that reveals the strength of recognition memory for each face and eliminates unconscious biases. This technique, called paired comparisons, estimates the probability of correctly identifying the culprit, offering an unprecedented quantitative index of certainty.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 14, 2020

Smile! Photos converted into 3D from any mobile device

Researchers at Facebook have developed an end-to-end system that converts 2D photos into 3D images, requiring no advanced photographic skills or equipment. The new technology provides seamless real-time conversion, robust enough to work on almost any photo, and generates results in seconds.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 25, 2020

African lion counts miss the mark, but new method shows promise

A recent study developed a new technique for photographing and data analytics to count lions, which has shown promising results in understanding their populations and movements. The current estimates of African lion populations are thought to be unreliable due to the use of outdated methods such as track counts and audio lure surveys.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·DateJun 17, 2020
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.

Creating buzz with potential end-users helps entrepreneurs with crowdfunding campaigns

A study by University of Oregon researchers found that companies that successfully engage with their target audience and incorporate feedback into their prototypes are more likely to reach their fundraising goals and attract media coverage. Engaging with potential end-users early on can create buzz and increase the chances of success i...

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalOrganization Science·DateApr 30, 2020

New technique 'prints' cells to create diverse biological environments

Scientists have developed a new technique that can rapidly print two-dimensional arrays of cells and proteins mimicking various cellular environments. This method harnesses photolithography and programmable DNA, allowing for high-throughput study of cell interactions contributing to tissue function.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2020

What makes an Airbnb host look trustworthy?

Researchers found that women are deemed more trustworthy than men in host photos, while high-quality images with the host interacting with others attract more bookings. Younger hosts and those with poor-quality photos are less sought after.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalPsychology and Marketing·DateFeb 25, 2020
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.

Pattern analysis in forensic identification

A study assesses the reliability of a forensic identification technique using photographic pattern analysis. The results show that even at low false positive rates, true positive rates are less than 40%, suggesting extreme caution when using this technique.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 24, 2020

Metalens grows up

Scientists at Harvard University created an all-glass, centimeter-scale metalens with nanostructures that can focus light, revolutionizing applications like microscopy, cameras, and sensors. The breakthrough enables mass production of large metalenses using conventional chip fabrication methods.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 3, 2019

Living bridges

Researchers studied traditional Khasi building techniques for living root bridges, which can reach over 50 meters in length and withstand centuries. The bridges' complex root structure provides stable and safe passage, while also serving as a natural cooling system for cities.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

The secrets behind a creepy photographic technique

Mordanñage is a 19th-century photographic process that creates dramatic black-and-white images with veiling effects. Researchers have determined the chemical details behind the process, revealing how hydrogen peroxide and acetic acid soften the photographic paper, allowing copper to oxidize and form veils.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 30, 2019

Recovering 'lost dimensions' of images and video

MIT researchers create a visual deprojection model that recovers valuable data lost from images and video by learning patterns in low-dimensional projections. The model has successfully recreated video frames showing people walking and recovered motion-blurred images, with potential applications in medical imaging.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 16, 2019

Professor earns NSF and ARO grants to improve radar and wireless communications

The professor aims to improve radio frequency sensing systems and enhance consumer wireless communications by sharing the limited electromagnetic spectrum. This collaborative effort enables radar to detect targets with enhanced sensing capability and higher energy efficiency, while allowing wireless communications to access more spectrum.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateSep 23, 2019
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.

Enhancing materials for hi-res patterning to advance microelectronics

Researchers develop 'hybrid' resists combining poly(methyl methacrylate) and aluminum oxide to improve lithography contrast and enable high-resolution silicon nanostructures. The approach uses an existing resist, metal oxide, and common equipment, offering a cost-effective solution for next-generation electronics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateAug 27, 2019

Shaping light with a smartlens

A team of researchers from ICFO demonstrates an adjustable technique to manipulate light without mechanical movement, enabling the creation of dynamically tuneable lenses with high control and low power consumption. The Smartlens technology has potential applications in high-end systems and simple end-user-oriented imaging devices.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 26, 2019

Concordia researchers develop new method to evaluate artificial heart valves

Concordia researchers develop a new technique to detect obstructions in bi-leaflet mechanical heart valves, which can help identify potential issues with blood flow. The method uses particle image velocimetry and phase-contrast MRI to simulate blood flow patterns, allowing for non-invasive detection of valve dysfunction.

SourceConcordia University·JournalArtificial Organs·DateJun 19, 2019

Nanoparticles underlie optical effects of daguerreotypes

The scattering spectrum of individual nanoparticles on daguerreotype surfaces exhibits a narrow blue/UV peak and broader red peak, resulting in a blue tone when viewed from above. The tone shifts to brown/red as the viewing angle increases due to changes in nanoparticle morphology and size.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 10, 2019
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.

About faces: geometric style of portrait artwork

A team of computer scientists has developed a method to analyze artistic portraiture, capturing facial features and individual style with high accuracy. The researchers used 'artistic augmentation' to transform photographic face data into more similar to artistic portraits.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateJun 5, 2019

More than victims: Migration images provide a chance to tell a greater story

A study analyzing 800 photos from the 2015 Syrian refugee crisis found that most depicted migrants as victims, with only 186 showing agency or positive moments. The research highlights the responsibility of photojournalists to convey a more comprehensive story, one that goes beyond shocking images.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalInternational Communication Gazette·DateMay 29, 2019

New ultra-fast imaging technology with high frame rate and frame number

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a novel compressed ultrafast photographic technique enabling both high frame rate and large frame number. This new technique offers an important tool for observing complex transient processes on the femtosecond timescale.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 21, 2019

The sword of a Hispano-Muslim warlord is digitized in 3D

Researchers from Polytechnic University of Valencia and Ingheritag3D have digitized the Nasrid sword attributed to Ali Atar, a 15th-century warlord. The study utilizes photogrammetry and 3D modeling techniques to document the intricate filigree and ornaments on the sword.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalVirtual Archaeology Review·DateMar 27, 2019

Fingerprints, revisited

Researchers are developing methods to extract DNA and analyze chemicals from fingerprints, improving identification rates. These techniques involve analyzing molecules like DNA, amino acids, or explosives left behind in fingerprints.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateMar 13, 2019
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.

Machine learning to the rescue

The team aims to develop a sorting-machine prototype using pupae images and machine-learning algorithms to process tens of thousands of images daily. They also design a robot to sort the pupae based on the result of the algorithm, with the goal of reducing tsetse populations in sub-Saharan Africa.

SourceData Science Institute at Columbia·DateMar 8, 2019

Physicists uncover new competing state of matter in superconducting material

A team of researchers has discovered a long-lived new state of matter in an iron pnictide superconductor, which reveals collective behaviors that compete with superconductivity. The discovery was made using laser-induced spectroscopy techniques, allowing for real-time observation of electron pairings and fluctuations.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 2, 2019

Mystery of color patterns of reef fish solved

Researchers found that closely related reef fish species with vastly different colour patterns are most pronounced when their ranges overlap. The study also discovered that this divergence in colour patterns can occur quickly over 300,000 years but remains stable for millions of years.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies·JournalEcology Letters·DateDec 4, 2018
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.