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JHU: A man who can't see numbers provides new insight into awareness

Researchers studied a man with a rare degenerative brain disease who couldn't see numbers, finding his brain processed faces and words without awareness. The study suggests additional neural processing is required for awareness, which was impaired in the individual.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020

Simulating wind farm development

Researchers at Stanford University have devised a model that considers the impact of interactions between developers and landowners on the success and cost of wind farms. The model highlights three actions developers could take to increase landowner acceptance and ultimately reduce costs, including community engagement meetings, prelim...

SourceStanford University·JournalJournal of Mechanical Design·DateJun 19, 2020

Exotic nanotubes move in less-mysterious ways

Researchers isolated single BNNTs using a fluorescent rhodamine surfactant, allowing them to track their movement and confirm Brownian motion matches predictions. This study helps understand particle behavior in liquids and could lead to the development of novel composite materials and biomedical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateJun 2, 2020
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.

UC research: Women tend to run more sophisticated political campaigns

A University of Cincinnati study analyzed 1,351 candidate responses and found that women candidates tend to run more sophisticated campaigns with a focus on general themes. Despite this, women often face challenges in winning elections due to various factors such as voter demographics and campaign strategies.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalPolitical Research Quarterly·DateMar 18, 2020

Showing robots how to do your chores

Researchers at MIT developed a system called PUnS that lets robots plan and perform complex tasks like setting a dinner table under uncertain conditions. The system enables robots to weigh multiple requirements and choose the most likely action, based on a 'belief' about probable specifications for the task.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Robotics and Automation Letters·DateMar 6, 2020

New sandboxing approach in web browser increases security

Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin and Mozilla developed a new sandboxing approach for web browsers using WebAssembly. This approach shifts some browser code into secure sandboxes, preventing malicious code from taking over users' computers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateFeb 25, 2020

Solar storms could scramble whales' navigational sense

A study found that gray whales are 4.3 times more likely to strand during solar storms due to radio frequency noise disrupting their navigational sense. Researchers believe the noise overwhelms the whales' senses, preventing them from navigating altogether.

SourceDuke University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 24, 2020

Automated system can rewrite outdated sentences in Wikipedia articles

A system created by MIT researchers can pinpoint and replace specific information in Wikipedia sentences while retaining humanlike grammar and style. This technology has potential to automatically update factual inconsistencies in Wikipedia articles, reducing time and effort spent by human editors.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateFeb 12, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Scientists reveal whole new world of chemistry by stepping indoors

Researchers from CSU's HOMEChem experiment found sharp spikes in hypochlorous acid and chlorine when mopping floors with bleach, revealing a new world of indoor chemistry. The team also observed interactions between nitrogen and ammonia emissions from cooking with cleaning products.

SourceColorado State University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateFeb 6, 2020

Giving cryptocurrency users more bang for their buck

A new cryptocurrency-routing scheme, Spider, has been developed to boost the efficiency of certain networks designed to speed up blockchain transactions. This routing scheme lets users invest only a fraction of funds in each account, allowing for roughly four times more transactions before rebalancing on the blockchain.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJan 30, 2020

Computer servers now able to retrieve data much faster

Researchers at University of Waterloo have developed a novel approach called FLAIR, which optimizes data storage systems by utilizing all servers within a network. This leads to improved storage efficiency and output speed, resulting in faster data retrieval times up to 97%.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·DateJan 30, 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.

Music is universal

A comprehensive study by Harvard scientists found that music pervades social life in similar ways worldwide, with behaviors such as infant care, healing, dance, and love associated with specific musical features. The Natural History of Song database collected recordings from 315 societies and 5,000 song descriptions, revealing common p...

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateNov 21, 2019

Overlap allows nanoparticles to enhance light-based detection

Researchers at Rice University have developed a method to amplify the light emitted by molecules using plasmonic nanoparticles. By optimizing the spectral frequency overlap between the molecule and nanoparticle, they can enhance signal detection up to 10 times. This technique has potential applications in analyzing catalysts and improv...

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 14, 2019

NSF award helps Kent State anthropologists expand international partnership

A new federal grant will provide Kent State graduate students with invaluable opportunities to study primates and human evolution at Kyoto University in Japan. The International Research Experience for Students (IRES) grant, awarded by the National Science Foundation, will allow six students to travel to Japan each summer for three years.

SourceKent State University·DateOct 9, 2019
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.

Shape-shifting sheets

Researchers from Harvard SEAS developed a mathematical framework that can turn any sheet of material into any prescribed shape. The framework, inspired by paper craft kirigami, uses cuts to change flexibility and morph into 3D shapes.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 20, 2019

Smart sink could help save water

A smart sink was tested at Stanford University to see if it could help people use less water while still being comfortable. The results showed that participants used up to 26% less water when washing dishes with the automated faucet.

SourceStanford University·DateAug 20, 2019
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.

Making sense of a '7.1'

Researchers led by Abhijit Ghosh are studying the unknown fault that caused a 7.1 magnitude earthquake in Ridgecrest, California. The team aims to understand the physics behind earthquakes and develop more effective warning systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·DateAug 14, 2019

Sharp meets flat in tunable 2D material

Rice University scientists develop a unique two-dimensional material with sharp zigzag boundaries, showcasing promise for optoelectronics and advanced computing. The material's band gap can be tuned in a controllable way, opening up new avenues for research and potential applications.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 12, 2019

New award will honor Winslow Briggs' legacy of mentorship

The American Society of Plant Biologists will establish a mentorship award in honor of legendary plant scientist Winslow Briggs. The award recognizes outstanding commitment to mentoring and supporting next-generation scientists, with the inaugural recipient to chair a symposium at the ASPB annual conference.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·DateAug 6, 2019
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.

Rice lab produces simple fluorescent surfactants

Researchers at Rice University have developed a set of eight fluorescent surfactants that can capture images of single nanotubes or cells using fluorescent microscopy. These compounds show promise for use in medicine, manufacturing, water purification and biomedical applications.

SourceRice University·JournalPure and Applied Chemistry·DateAug 5, 2019

Reverse engineering the fireworks of life

Researchers at Princeton University successfully built microtubules from scratch, revealing the branching pattern that enables cell growth and reproduction. Their study, published in eLife, provides insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying these cellular structures.

SourcePrinceton University·DateAug 2, 2019

A new spin on DNA

The team, led by Xiaowei Zhuang, captured the first recorded rotational steps of a molecular motor as it moved from one DNA base pair to another. They used DNA origami to build molecule-sized propellers that allowed them to visualize the motor's movement.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateJul 17, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Elbows key for walkers' efficiency

Researchers found that walkers who use straight arms conserve energy and reduce their cost by 11% compared to bending their elbows. However, the study did not find any significant difference in energy costs between arm postures for runners. The exact reason behind runner's bent arm posture remains a mystery.

SourceThe Company of Biologists·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJul 9, 2019

Stanford researchers teach robots what humans want

Researchers at Stanford University developed a new system that combines demonstrations and user preference surveys to set goals for autonomous systems, achieving better results in simulations and real-world experiments. The system improved upon previous methods, reducing the time required to generate instructions by 15-50 times.

SourceStanford University·DateJun 24, 2019

Many choices seems promising until you actually have to choose

A study from the University at Buffalo found that people experience a 'paralyzing paradox' when faced with too many options, leading to fear of making the wrong choice. To manage this, considering the relative importance of the choice and having clear guidelines can help scale down decision-making process.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalBiological Psychology·DateJun 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.

Autonomous boats can target and latch onto each other

Researchers at MIT have developed a new latching mechanism for autonomous boats, allowing them to form 'pop-up' structures such as bridges and stages. This innovation enables more efficient use of Amsterdam's canals for transportation, waste collection, and other purposes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 5, 2019

Outstanding university computing students recognized

The ACM Student Research Competition, sponsored by Microsoft, recognizes promising computer science students who receive travel grants to present their original research at well-known conferences. The top three winners in both graduate and undergraduate categories receive prizes of $500, $300, and $200, respectively.

SourceAssociation for Computing Machinery·DateMay 29, 2019

Generating high-quality single photons for quantum computing

The new design achieves around 95% indistinguishability and three times higher efficiency than traditional cavities. It enables the production of high-quality single photons necessary for practical quantum computing, solving problems intractable for classical computers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 14, 2019
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.

Novel technology aims to improve lithium metal battery life, safety

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) to improve the stability of lithium metal batteries, allowing for increased energy density and safety. The SEI is made from a reactive polymer composite that creates a stable bond between the lithium electrode and electrolyte.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 11, 2019
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.

University of Cincinnati design team creates a naloxone dispenser

The University of Cincinnati design team has created a naloxone-dispensing smart device called AntiOD, which is designed to educate the public on signs of overdose and how to administer naloxone. The device will be installed in semi-public places with step-by-step instructions for bystanders.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateJan 22, 2019

New Zika vaccine effective in preclinical trials

Researchers at the University of Hawaii have developed a recombinant subunit vaccine that uses only a small part of the Zika virus to protect against infection. The vaccine has shown efficacy in both mice and monkeys, providing an important milestone in its development.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·DateDec 4, 2018
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.

Offering employees a helping hand can backfire

A new study by San Francisco State University researchers found that offering job-related support and emotional support have roughly the same effect. Simply making resources available is often more consistently positive than overtly discussing it. Employers are advised to think carefully before providing support, considering whether it...

SourceSan Francisco State University·JournalJournal of Occupational Health Psychology·DateOct 25, 2018

Grant aims students toward next-gen bioelectronics

The Rice University graduate-level bioelectronics program aims to develop technologies at the cell/material interface, focusing on light-harvesting systems and implantable devices. The five-year program will train students from various departments to tackle bioelectronics challenges collaboratively.

SourceRice University·DateSep 4, 2018

Self-healing reverse filter opens the door for many novel applications

A team of Penn State mechanical engineers developed a self-healing membrane that screens out smaller objects while allowing larger ones to pass through. The membrane responds to an object's kinetic energy and can be optimized for various applications, including medical devices and sanitation systems.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 24, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

ShareBackup could keep data in the fast lane

The ShareBackup system uses fast switches and software to take over network traffic after a failure, minimizing downtime for applications. It can analyze problems, including misconfigurations, and diagnose faulty devices, helping data centers optimize their networks.

SourceRice University·DateAug 16, 2018

MIT mathematicians solve age-old spaghetti mystery

Researchers at MIT have found a way to break dry spaghetti into exactly two pieces by twisting and then slowly bending it. The team developed an apparatus to control the twist and bend, and used it to test hundreds of sticks, finding that this method works consistently across different types of spaghetti.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 13, 2018

Among golden-crowned sparrows, a false crown only fools strangers

Golden-crowned sparrows have different ways to assess dominance status depending on whether the interaction is with a familiar bird or a stranger. With familiar birds, social recognition governs dominance relationships, while with strangers, crown plumage takes center stage.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalEcology Letters·DateJul 25, 2018
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.

Study finds climate determines shapes of river basins

Researchers found that climate plays a significant role in shaping river basins, with dry climates resulting in long and thin basins regardless of size. In contrast, larger humid basins are longer and thinner, while smaller humid basins are wider and shorter.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJul 18, 2018

Orange peels may hold secret to airborne medicine, safer bridges

Engineers at UCF have discovered a way to release fragrant oil from oranges, mimicking nature's mechanism to create microjets. This discovery may lead to less expensive and biodegradable methods for delivering medication, as well as innovative solutions for detecting bridge failures.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 11, 2018

Ten thousand bursting genes

Researchers developed a new technique called intron seqFISH that allows for the imaging of over 10,000 genes within single cells. This technique provides precise and instantaneous snapshots of single cells, revealing that gene expression oscillates globally across many genes on a surprisingly short timescale.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalCell·DateJun 8, 2018
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.

Easter Islanders used rope, ramps to put giant hats on famous statues

The ancient Rapa Nui people used a parbuckling technique to transport massive stone hats (pukao) onto statues, weighing up to 12 metric tons. The analysis of pukao shapes reveals physical constraints associated with transport, supporting the idea that Rapa Nui people were ingenious in their use of resources.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJun 4, 2018

Oil and gas wastewater as dust suppressant less than ideal

A multidisciplinary team of researchers found that oil and gas wastewater can be effective at suppressing dust, but it also carries high salt, organic, and radioactivity concentrations. The team recommends using alternative materials or treatment to remove contaminants before using the wastewater.

SourcePenn State·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMay 30, 2018
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.