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Technique smooths path for AI training in wireless devices

A new technique uses compression to reduce data transmission size, allowing for efficient federated learning on wireless devices. The approach has been shown to condense data packets by up to 99%, making it suitable for areas with limited bandwidth.

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.

In visual memory, size matters

A Bar-Ilan University study found that participants remembered large images 1.5 times more than small ones, regardless of detail or resolution. This phenomenon may affect screen quality and learning on smartphones, suggesting larger screens could be better for studying.

Smartphone evidence on human rights abuse in the age of deepfakes

A Swansea law expert has been awarded €1.5 million to study the impact of deepfakes on public perceptions of user-generated evidence in human rights trials. The project, TRUE, will track changes in trust over time and develop a systematic account of its role in accountability processes.

Exploring problematic smartphone use during COVID-19 pandemic

A survey study found links between problematic smartphone use and low sense of control, fear of missing out (FOMO), and repetitive negative thinking during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study suggests that physical activity and mindfulness practices may help reduce such use.

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.

Using ergonomics to reduce pain from technology use

A Texas A&M University study suggests that ergonomic interventions can reduce pain from technology use, particularly among college students. The researchers found that posture and stress are key factors in pain reporting, rather than device type.

Color-sorting metalenses boost imaging sensitivity

Researchers have developed a new metalenses technology that enables filter-free color image sensors with enhanced signal levels. This innovation could improve low-light and fast imaging capabilities for smartphones and autonomous vehicles, leading to better night view capture and high-speed object detection.

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.

Black smokers can quit with a smartphone app

A new smartphone application, iCanQuit, has been shown to be more effective in helping Black US adults quit smoking and remain abstinent. The app uses acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to help users manage cravings and stay motivated.

Wearable tech confirms wear-and-tear of work commute

A Dartmouth study uses mobile sensing to predict individual job performance based on commute data, revealing the link between work commute and job quality. The research also shows how data from personal tech devices can help improve employee productivity and satisfaction.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

'Mountain Rain or Snow' seeks citizen scientists and winter storm reports

The Mountain Rain or Snow project collects observations of rain, snow, and mixed precipitation from across mountainous regions. Volunteers can submit their own reports via smartphone or computer to improve satellite monitoring and model predictions, leading to better weather forecasts, skiing conditions, and avalanche risk assessments.

Smartphone app could improve aspirin use for healthy pregnancies

A new smartphone app, MyHealthyPregnancy, evaluates preeclampsia risk and patient adherence to low-dose aspirin recommendations. The study found that 37% of high-risk patients were unaware they needed to take the medication, highlighting a need for improved communication between providers and patients.

AI-powered glaucoma screening test delivers rapid results

A new rapid screening test for glaucoma uses infra-red sensors to monitor eye movement, providing accurate results within seconds. The test could help advance early detection of the disease, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, and make it more accessible for national screening programs.

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.

New program can help COVID alert app improve vaccination campaigns

Researchers developed a program to target vaccinations using digital contact tracing technology, which can almost halve the number of vaccines required to bring the pandemic under control. The new program prioritizes individuals with the most contacts for vaccinations while keeping personal data private.

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Living retina achieves sensitivity and efficiency engineers can only dream about

The living retina achieves sensitivity and efficiency that human engineers can only dream about, with optimized mosaics of different sensitivities parsing 40 visual features. The retinas adapt to current conditions and conserve energy by tuning out noise, making them orders of magnitude less power-hungry than smartphone sensors.

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.

Contact-tracing apps could improve vaccination strategies

Mathematical modeling suggests that contact-tracing apps can help achieve herd immunity by identifying individuals with greater exposure to others and targeting them for vaccination. The approach, known as 'hot-spotting,' could reduce the number of vaccine doses needed by up to half.

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.

Augmented reality helps tackle fear of spiders

A new augmented reality app, Phobys, has been developed to help people reduce their fear of spiders through exposure therapy. The app uses a realistic 3D spider model projected into the real world and offers nine levels of training, with game elements to maintain motivation.

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.

Many popular nutrition apps lack behavior change content features

Top-performing diet and nutrition apps often track dietary intake, anthropometrics, and physical activity but lack behavior change features. A new study in the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior found that premium versions offered more features than free ones, but these did not significantly impact app ratings or user engagement.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Smartphone gaming can be harmful for some seeking relief from boredom

Researchers at the University of Waterloo found that people who experience intense boredom frequently in everyday life may seek 'flow' by playing smartphone games to escape their feelings. This 'boredom fix' can lead to negative consequences and excessive gaming, ultimately increasing depression.

Smartphone photos can be used to detect anemia

A new study published in PLOS ONE suggests that smartphone photos of the inner eyelid can be used to screen for anemia. The algorithm achieved accuracy rates of up to 94.4% in predicting anemia, making it a potential tool for early diagnosis and treatment in low-resource settings.

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.

Encrypting photos on the cloud to keep them private

A new system, dubbed Easy Secure Photos (ESP), encrypts photos uploaded to cloud services, protecting them from attackers and the cloud services themselves. Users can visually browse and display encrypted images as if they weren't encrypted.

Smart technology is not making us dumber

According to a recent paper in Nature Human Behaviour, smart technology is not dumbing us down. Instead, it's augmenting human cognitive abilities, allowing us to excel in complex tasks. By leveraging tools like GPS and computers, we can free up brain energy to think creatively.

Apps 'valuable tool' for patients during pandemic

Research found smartphone apps and telehealth initiatives improve healthcare systems and patients' quality of life in relation to pain management. User involvement is vital for app development and acceptability.

Smartphone bans in the workplace

A field experiment involving 100 students showed that soft smartphone bans can increase efficiency for standard routine tasks, but have no notable impact on more complex tasks. The success of soft bans also depends on employees' perceptions of social norms and freedom of choice.

Smartphone use associated with unhealthy eating and overweight in teens

A study of over 53,000 Korean adolescents found that moderate smartphone use is associated with unhealthy eating behaviors, including a higher intake of junk food and fewer fruits and vegetables. Teens who spent more than 3 hours per day on their phone were significantly more likely to be overweight or obese.

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.

New smartphone app predicts vineyard yields earlier, more accurately

A new smartphone app developed by Cornell University engineers can predict grape yields up to 24% more accurately than traditional methods. The app uses computer-vision technology to analyze video footage of grape vines, allowing farmers to secure labor and equipment in advance and reduce profits.

Brain computer interface turns mental handwriting into text on screen

Researchers have deciphered brain activity associated with trying to write letters by hand and developed an algorithm to identify letters. The system displayed the text on a screen in real time, allowing the participant to type 90 characters per minute, more than double the previous record for typing with a brain-computer interface.

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.

New app makes Bitcoin more secure

A new mobile app is being developed to safeguard users of cryptocurrency by detecting vulnerabilities in popular 'wallet' applications used to manage Bitcoin. The app, called the Bitcoin Security Rectifier, monitors for signs of intrusions and alerts users when an attack is happening, providing remedies based on the type of attack.

Is night shift really helping you sleep better?

A Brigham Young University study found that mobile night shift functions do not improve sleep quality, contrary to manufacturer claims. Researchers tested 167 emerging adults and found no significant differences in sleep outcomes between those using phones with Night Shift enabled or disabled.

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.

Medically savvy smartphone imaging systems

Smartphone-based imaging systems can guide diagnosis and treatment with portable, user-friendly biomedical imaging. Emerging technologies like multispectral and quantitative fluorescence imaging offer promising diagnostic applications.

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.