A study found substantial differences in accuracy between commercially available heart rate apps, with some apps performing up to 20 beats per minute off from the clinical gold standard. Non-contact apps performed less well than contact apps, particularly at higher heart rates and lower body temperatures.
A new study reveals that period tracking apps frequently fail to meet users' needs, with inaccuracies in prediction, assumptions about sexual identity or partners, and a focus on pink design. The researchers suggest five key improvements for designing better period tracking apps.
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.
Researchers created custom cells that produce insulin when illuminated by far-red light, allowing for remote control via smartphone application. This innovation enables instant feedback between therapeutic cells and diagnostic devices, promoting stable blood glucose levels in diabetic animals.
A study by Binghamton University found that excessive smartphone use leads to problems such as depression, social isolation and anxiety. Females were most likely to exhibit susceptibility to addiction, accounting for 7% of the 'addict' category.
The study successfully detected three magnitude 5 earthquakes since December 2016 without false alarms. Individual smartphones and 'smart' appliances could be part of a crowd-sourced network for earthquake early warnings in the future.
A crowdsourced traffic violation reporting app, Mobile Roadwatch, has been developed to improve traffic safety. Drivers can capture and report traffic violations using their smartphones, providing valuable evidence for police to issue tickets.
The study found that playing Pokémon GO with children increased physical activity, as kids walked more steps per day and engaged in outdoor activities. Parents reported improved quality time with their children, discussing topics beyond the game itself.
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.
Researchers found that both humans and smartphones frequently fail to distinguish face morph photos from genuine faces, posing a security risk for identity verification. This weakness can be exploited by fraudsters, but raising awareness and using new technologies may help overcome these issues.
Researchers have developed a rapid-testing prototype that weighs under a pound, costs as little as $100 and can detect mosquito-borne illnesses within 30 minutes. The device uses loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) diagnostic method to test for Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses.
A Rutgers study developed a novel model predicting smartphone interruptibility based on personality traits. The research found that users' willingness to be interrupted varied by location and mood, with pleasant moods increasing interruptability.
Researchers developed a technique to transmit audio and data via FM radio signals without affecting original transmissions. Objects like posters and clothing can now send information directly to smartphones or cars.
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.
Researchers found that deep discounts appeal more to present-oriented people, while future-minded buyers value third-party product quality ratings. The study showed that a combination of quality ratings and discounts generates positive reactions in both groups.
A new smartphone app has been developed to measure ride comfort for railway companies, providing instant feedback from passengers about bumps, bangs and vibration on trains. The app uses artificial neural networks to evaluate ride quality, revealing that modern smartphones' accelerometers are suitable for measuring comfort.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed new ways to interact with smartwatches, including scrolling through apps with finger gestures on the watch band and rejecting phone calls by blowing on the screen. These techniques use existing technology such as gyroscope and accelerometer sensors, making them more accessible an...
A new smartphone app called Cigbreak Free has been developed to help smokers quit by incorporating behavioral change techniques into a game-like interface. The app uses 37 evidence-based methods to encourage users to progress through levels and gain rewards, making it easier for them to stick to their New Year's resolutions.
Researchers found that users who are actively shopping in a category are more likely to search for any brand, but as users move from recognition to purchase intent, they become increasingly more likely to search for the specific brand. Brand owners are also more likely to search for their brand, even when not actively shopping.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Uppsala University have developed a cost-effective method for live cell imaging using smartphones, enabling laboratories worldwide to study cellular responses to treatments. The innovative system utilizes 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf electronics, providing excellent cell culture conditions and high-resolution imaging.
The study found that large-scale data can be gathered in real time from mobile devices, stored securely, and transferred. State transition patterns of activity, not just absolute activity, relate to the reported presence of disease.
The MyShake app has recorded nearly 400 earthquakes globally since its launch in February, providing valuable data on seismic activity. The app's performance shows it can complement traditional seismic networks and serve as a stand-alone system in areas with few stations, helping reduce earthquake-related injuries and damage.
A new study found that children who spent more time on screen devices and watching television were more likely to engage in behaviors leading to obesity, including poor diet and lack of physical activity. The research suggests that limiting screen device use may be as important for health as limiting TV time.
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.
Researchers have developed a catalyst that accelerates sodium-air reactions in seawater batteries, achieving an average discharge voltage of 2.7 volts over 100 cycles.
A Disney Research team has developed a model-based method to realistically reconstruct teeth for digital actors and medical applications, even with obscured teeth in photos or videos. The new method uses statistical modeling to create natural variations in tooth shape and spacing.
A mobile app developed by researchers at the University of Oklahoma uses real-time risk estimation to predict tobacco cessation lapses, achieving an 80% accuracy rate. The app combines six questions to identify lapse-risk factors and delivers tailored messages to help smokers overcome triggers.
A new sweat-sensing skin patch can track biomarkers like electrolytes, glucose, and pH to monitor health and fitness. The device was tested in healthy volunteers and showed reliable results with minimal discomfort.
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.
A smartphone application called Cardiio Rhythm uses facial signals to detect subtle beat-to-beat variations in heart rate, correctly identifying over 92% of cases with atrial fibrillation. The technology's convenience makes it attractive for large-scale community screenings.
Most smartphone applications claiming to improve diet and nutrition fail to adhere to evidence-based guidelines. A study found that over 75% of apps received low scores for addressing daily food group amounts and whole grains. This highlights the need for app developers to address these gaps.
Researchers found that smartphones enhance self-reporting of weather incidents, school attendance, illness, and other daily life aspects in rural areas. This technology has the potential to provide near-real-time data for policy makers and planners.
A recent study published in PLOS ONE found a significant association between increased smartphone screen-time and lower sleep quality. Over 650 adult participants recorded their daily screen-time using a smartphone application, revealing that longer screen-time periods were linked to poorer sleep quality and less sleep overall.
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.
Researchers at the University of Houston developed a smartphone-based water testing system using DotLens technology. The system uses commercially available test kits with a low-cost attachment that provides a narrow-band light source, allowing users to identify waterborne pathogens such as Giardia lamblia and Cryptosporidium parvum.
Researchers found that 78% of consumers admit comparing the upgrade to the status quo is necessary, but fail to do so in decision-making. When explicitly reminded to compare features, the likelihood of upgrading decreases. The study suggests overcoming comparison neglect requires accurate marketing and awareness.
A new mobile application, DentaCom, captures and transmits images of dental emergencies to provide dentists with the information needed to make decisions. The app guides individuals through a series of questions, allowing them to complete a guided report and take photos within four minutes.
Researchers at NYIT will study new techniques for secure and energy-efficient smartphone authentication. They aim to reduce the battery drain on smartphones while protecting user identity and privacy.
A 24-week behavioral study found that combining fitness apps with social support and accountability helps teens maintain weight loss. However, when smartphones were the only tool, teens lost initial weight but couldn't sustain it.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Raychaudhuri's MobilityFirst project aims to rearchitect the internet with name-based routing, improving flexibility, security, and efficiency. The project has underway trials to deliver content closer to users, extend mobile services, and support targeted emergency messaging.
A recent study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that self-taught typists can type almost as quickly and accurately as touch typists, as long as they can see the keyboard. This challenges traditional typing techniques taught in schools, which may not be effective for nonstandard typists.
Researchers at WSU have created a low-cost, portable laboratory on a smartphone that can analyze several samples at once to detect cancer biomarkers with lab-quality results. The device has been up to 99% accurate and can be used in clinics and hospitals without on-site labs.
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.
A new study suggests that parents' excessive use of smartphones around young children can lead to internal tension, conflicts, and negative interactions. The study's findings highlight the need for parents to set boundaries and prioritize family time to maintain emotional well-being.
A smartphone app combined with a hand-held ECG monitor can detect atrial fibrillation with a high degree of accuracy. The condition affects nearly one in 10 people and is associated with a heightened risk of stroke and death.
The LudusScope, a 3D printed smartphone microscope, enables kids to play games and make serious observations with miniature light-seeking microbes called Euglena. The device allows students to build their own instrument and collect data on Euglena behavior, swimming speed, and natural biological variability.
Researchers at Penn State and EPFL developed an AI model to recognize specific plant diseases from images, achieving an accuracy rate of 99.35% in a public dataset. The technology has great potential for supplementing existing disease diagnosis methods and could be implemented on smartphones, especially in developing countries.
A new study found that a user-centric control interface significantly improves performance of drone pilots, resolving some of the user control issues undermining drone safety. The findings suggest that current remote control methods can lead to hazards and accidents.
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.
A mass participation study involving over 9000 UK participants found a correlation between sunny days, rainfall, and pain levels. The study suggests that understanding how weather influences pain could lead to new treatments.
Researchers developed HemaApp to estimate hemoglobin concentrations and screen for anemia, with a 69-82% correlation to CBC tests. The mobile app uses a smartphone camera and external light sources to analyze finger colors and detect blood components.
A University at Buffalo study reveals smartphones can steal sensitive data from 3D printers by measuring electromagnetic energy and acoustic waves. Researchers replicated printing objects with a high accuracy rate using smartphone sensors, highlighting the security risks of 3D printing industries.
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.
A recent study found that MirrorLink, a system allowing vehicles to communicate with smartphones, has significant security vulnerabilities. Hackers can exploit these weaknesses to control safety-critical vehicle components, posing a risk to driver safety and security.
A study by Heather Shaw found that Android users are perceived as more honest and humble, but this was not reflected in reality. In contrast, women are twice as likely to own an iPhone, while iPhone users prioritize high-status phones.
A new low-cost application has been developed to detect atrial fibrillation using a smartphone's accelerometer and gyroscope. The algorithm achieved sensitivity and specificity rates of over 95%, making it a promising tool for widespread screening and early detection.
Researchers at University of Washington have introduced a new way to communicate that allows devices like brain implants, contact lenses, and credit cards to talk to everyday devices. The new technique, called interscatter communication, works by converting Bluetooth signals into Wi-Fi transmissions over the air.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
A study of over 28,000 people reveals that individuals consistently follow a hedonic flexibility principle, engaging in mood-increasing activities when feeling bad and useful activities when feeling good. This finding clarifies how emotions shape behavior and explains the trade-offs humans make for long-term happiness.
Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new technique called RetroScope, which can recover multiple previous screens of an Android app from the phone's memory image. The technique uses the device's graphical rendering code to obtain and bring up several previous screens shown by an app.
Researchers at the University of Basel found that brief smartphone exercises can improve mood. Participants felt more alert, calm, and uplifted after using short video tutorials on their smartphones as a guide.
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers from Oxford University used computer simulations to demonstrate how chaotic bacterial swarming can be organized to power microscopic rotors and devices. The study found that densely packed bacteria can spontaneously assemble into a 'bacterial windfarm' capable of generating persistent mechanical power.
A field study suggests a personalized privacy assistant app can simplify managing smartphone app permissions, with users adopting almost 80% of recommended settings. The app learns user preferences and provides quick recommendations, improving comfort with privacy settings.
Researchers at The Australian National University have improved the performance of tiny lasers by adding impurities, increasing light emission efficiency. The discovery could lead to development of low-cost biomedical sensors, quantum computing, and a faster internet.
MIT researchers have developed low-cost chemical sensors that enable smartphones to detect trace amounts of toxic gases. The sensors, made from chemically altered carbon nanotubes, can be worn by soldiers on the battlefield or people working with hazardous chemicals to rapidly detect the presence of chemical weapons.
Computer scientists at Duke University have developed software that allows users to specify what others can see on camera, preventing inadvertent disclosure of sensitive information. The researchers presented a system that enables users to select the part of a scene they want to share, either by hand or with a few clicks.
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.
Researchers found a unique 'texting rhythm' in approximately 1 in 5 patients using smartphones while having their brain waves monitored. The study suggests that texting can change brain waves and may have significant implications for brain-computer interfacing, gaming, and driving.
FeverPhone is a smartphone-based diagnostic system that can diagnose six febrile diseases in the field using a drop of blood, providing rapid and accurate diagnoses. The system has the potential to improve healthcare outcomes in resource-limited countries by enabling timely treatment and reducing morbidity and mortality.
Professor Susan Landau argues the FBI's approach is outdated and needs investment in '21st century investigative savvy' to secure smartphones. The agency must invest in building up its technical understanding to conduct modern cyber investigations.
Research from University of Kent suggests smartphone addiction causes people to view phubbing as normal behavior, due to experiencing or being ignored in social situations. Factors such as internet addiction, FOMO, and lack of self-control also contribute to this phenomenon.