The iSeeFlood app, developed in 2016, is designed to gather data on flash floods, which can be dangerous to pedestrians and motorists. The app, which has now been made available for iPhones, encourages users to report flooding incidents, providing valuable information for cities and emergency services.
Researchers at University of Washington develop SeaGlass to detect anomalies in cellular landscape indicating IMSI-catchers usage. The system identified dozens of anomalies consistent with patterns from cell-site simulators during a two-month deployment in Seattle and Milwaukee.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings on Privacy Enhancing Technologies·DateJun 2, 2017
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 Disney Research have demonstrated an ultra-wideband backscatter communication system that enables IoT sensors to transmit data via ambient radio waves. This approach radically reduces the power requirements of sensor nodes, allowing for widespread deployment in metropolitan areas.
Researchers at UTSA developed a chip that can extend battery life of electronics, making lower power devices like cell phones work more efficiently. The chip is small in size and manages power consumption to reduce heat and increase device lifespan.
SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateMay 1, 2017
A national study found that phone calls to suicidal patients following ED discharge led to a significant reduction in future suicide attempts. The year-long trial, involving 1,376 patients nationwide, provided specialized screening, safety planning guidance and follow-up telephone calls.
SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalJAMA Psychiatry·DateMay 1, 2017
Distracted drivers who slow down to avoid on-road conflicts may actually increase their own crash risk. Young drivers are particularly vulnerable due to the prevalence of mobile phone use in this age group. The study suggests context-aware mobile phone design, advanced technology, and warning systems as potential solutions.
SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalAccident Analysis & Prevention·DateApr 10, 2017
Researchers at Newcastle University found that malicious websites and installed apps can crack four-digit PINs with a 70% accuracy using smartphone sensor data. The study revealed that people are unaware of the risks, and despite industry awareness, no solution has been found yet.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalInternational Journal of Information Security·DateApr 10, 2017
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.
Virginia Tech researchers discovered that Android apps collude to mine user information, compromising security. The study found thousands of pairs of apps that could leak sensitive data, with the biggest risks coming from seemingly innocuous apps like ringtones and widgets.
A new study published in PLOS ONE found that over 78% of US adults supported larger health warnings on cigarette packs, even among smokers. The researchers suggest that these findings support the implementation of larger pack warnings as required by the 2009 Tobacco Control Act.
SourceUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 28, 2017
Researchers at the University of California - Davis have developed a new solution to the 'moving sofa problem', a challenge that has stumped mathematicians for over 50 years. The team used 3-D printing and mathematical techniques to find the largest area that can fit around a corner, with potential applications in complex mathematics.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalExperimental Mathematics·DateMar 20, 2017
Scientists suggest a global network of cell phones or small radio receivers could 'hear' nearby Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs). A free smartphone app could monitor appropriate frequencies, sending data to a central facility.
SourceCenter for Astrophysics | Harvard & Smithsonian·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateFeb 14, 2017
Researchers developed a method to combine anonymized mobile phone and satellite data to create high-resolution poverty maps. The study found that combining these data sources produces comparable poverty predictions with significant advantages.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateFeb 7, 2017
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 cancer survivors value telehealth for its flexibility, convenience, and anonymity, allowing them to manage their care remotely. However, some prefer traditional methods of care, highlighting the need for personalized approaches.
SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateFeb 2, 2017
A QUT study found that experienced drivers tend to speed up while using mobile phones, but those with little experience drive more slowly due to increased workload. Drivers who perceive mobile phones as unsafe also slow down.
SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalTraffic Injury Prevention·DateJan 24, 2017
A team of scientists has designed a new display made from natural elements, including luminescent proteins. This technology enables the creation of energy-efficient Bio-displays with low production costs and high image quality, offering an ecological solution to traditional displays' limitations.
SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 18, 2017
Talking or texting on a cell phone while exercising can lower the intensity of a workout by 45% and affect balance. Listening to music on a cell phone has no notable impact on postural stability during exercise, according to a recent study.
SourceHiram College·JournalPerformance Enhancement & Health·DateJan 13, 2017
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 found that cell phones distract individuals with lower internet usage, impairing attention and judgment. Heavy internet users, however, use mobile phones as spatial cues to enhance visual search.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalJapanese Psychological Research·DateJan 4, 2017
Engineers at Duke University and the University of Washington propose a flat-screen wireless charging system using metamaterials. The technology can charge devices within a room, eliminating cord hassles and power shortages.
SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 4, 2017
A recent study by KIT researchers found that communication of risks related to mobile phones can have unintended consequences. Information on efficient precautions was found to lead to an increased risk perception by recipients, highlighting the need for a better understanding of how messages about precautions affect public perception.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalInternational Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health·DateDec 14, 2016
A Queensland University of Technology study found that hands-free mobile phone use has similar detrimental effects on driving performance as hand-held phone use. Drivers' reaction times were over 40% longer when using a phone, equating to a delayed response distance of about 11m.
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.
Michigan State University researchers have developed a low-cost nanogenerator that can harness energy from human motion, powering devices such as smartphones and headsets without batteries. The device, called FENG, is flexible, biocompatible, and scalable, with advantages including being lightweight and robust.
SourceMichigan State University·JournalNano Energy·DateDec 9, 2016
A hospital-based injury prevention program helps teens understand the dangers of texting, cell phone use, and other distractions while driving. The program increased teens' awareness of the risks and encouraged them to adopt healthy driving behaviors, such as not making phone calls or sending texts while driving.
SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalJournal of Trauma Nursing·DateNov 28, 2016
A team of UCF scientists has developed a novel method for creating flexible supercapacitors that can store more energy and be recharged multiple times without degrading. The new process uses two-dimensional materials to facilitate fast electron transfer, resulting in high energy and power densities.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 21, 2016
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 RAND Corporation study found that 20% of US households view having a landline as the most important telecommunications choice. In contrast, mobile telephones dominate communications for most people, with 3.5 times more importance than landlines.
Researchers found that shoppers distracted by multitasking are less successful at completing their shopping task, particularly if they're in a deliberate mindset. This study suggests retailers should reduce stress in the shopping environment to improve customer experience.
SourceJournal of Retailing at New York University·JournalJournal of Retailing·DateNov 15, 2016
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new interactive sleep app, SleepCoacher, that uses sleep analytics to provide personalized recommendations. The app guides users through self-experiments to find the most effective recommendations for improving their sleep.
Researchers at MIT used cellphone data and crowd-sourced images to identify visual features that contribute to perceptions of safety in urban environments. The study found that buildings with street-facing windows, green spaces, and well-maintained areas increase people's sense of safety, while poorly maintained areas decrease it.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateOct 24, 2016
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.
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.
A team of researchers at the University of Michigan created a window in a battery to study dendrites, which cause fires in next-generation lithium metal batteries. They observed that small dendrites can be stable and even help prolong battery life, but large ones can reduce performance and raise safety concerns.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 18, 2016
Chemists have created a new technique to yield highly detailed, three-dimensional images of battery interiors. This approach uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to monitor the condition of batteries in real time, potentially leading to more efficient and safer power sources.
SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 12, 2016
Researchers at Drexel University discovered that a few-atoms-thin titanium carbide material called MXene can effectively block electromagnetic radiation. The material's high electrical conductivity and two-dimensional structure make it ideal for shielding devices without adding significant weight.
Scientists at Australian National University have developed a new spray-on material that can repel water and withstand ultraviolet radiation. The coating, made from nanoparticles, is transparent, stable, and has numerous real-world applications.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 7, 2016
Researchers at Aalto University have developed a method to combine several small antenna elements into a single digitally controlled antenna, which speeds up data transfer and improves reception. This new technology has the potential to reach data transfer speeds 100-1000 times faster than current phones and improve battery life.
SourceAalto University·JournalIEEE Antennas and Wireless Propagation Letters·DateAug 31, 2016
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.
A simple chemical method has been developed to extract gold from old mobile phones, potentially recovering up to 300 tonnes of gold per year. The new process uses a mild acid and an oily liquid containing a specific compound to selectively extract gold from other metals, eliminating the need for toxic chemicals.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateAug 30, 2016
A study by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev found that cell phone conversations significantly impact children's ability to safely cross roads, slowing their reaction times and reducing visual attention. The study suggests that increasing public awareness among young pedestrians can help improve road safety.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalSafety Science·DateAug 30, 2016
Researchers developed a new computational system that leverages cellphone location data to create detailed models of urban mobility patterns. By analyzing six weeks' worth of data from over 1.9 million residents in the Boston area, the system was able to infer patterns of activity with high accuracy.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016
The study found that implementing a telephone postoperative clinic reduced in-person clinic visits by 44% while maintaining satisfactory patient outcomes. The clinic also increased access to care for patients with long travel distances, improving their overall experience.
SourceAmerican College of Surgeons·JournalJournal of the American College of Surgeons·DateAug 18, 2016
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.
A Kent State University study found that cell phone use can lead to feeling less socially connected, with women showing a significant difference in their relationships with parents and peers. Problematic phone use was also linked to decreased emotional closeness. The study suggests phones may have more social value for women than men.
SourceKent State University·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateAug 17, 2016
A study sent twice-weekly text messages to 1 million people in India advising them to exercise, eat less fat, and eat more fruits and vegetables, resulting in a 40% improvement in health behaviors. The intervention increased fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced fat consumption.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of Medical Internet Research·DateAug 8, 2016
Researchers are developing a crowdsourced system that allows users to contribute in helping detect and locate unauthorized radio frequency use. The system uses software-defined radio technology and smartphone apps to monitor for suspicious activity, potentially aiding authorities in combating wireless theft.
A team of researchers from NYU Tandon and Trinity College developed a method to improve spectrum efficiency by mixing half and full duplex radios in base stations. This approach allows for tunable customization to meet demand without excess interference.
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.
Researchers found that location and communication data from mobile phone carriers show predictable patterns in human behavior, enabling predictions of epidemic spread. The study's mathematical equation allows for forecasting of virus spread and identification of cultural trends.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 6, 2016
A new study by the AAA Foundation finds that nearly 60% of teen crashes involve distractions behind the wheel. The research also shows a disturbing trend of texting and social media use on the rise amongst teen drivers during the '100 Deadliest Days'.
Researchers found that savvy traders obtain larger profits when trading in stocks of more connected firms. The study shows that companies with more connected boards perform better and can benefit from director networks. However, the integrity of directors is crucial to avoid information leaking out.
SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalJournal of Accounting and Economics·DateMay 27, 2016
A Ben-Gurion University study found that most seniors use mobile phones for basic functions like calling and texting, but struggle with more advanced features. Researchers suggest improving mobile literacy can help older adults reap the benefits of mobile technology for better mental and physical health.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalMobile Media & Communication·DateMay 25, 2016
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.
Researchers at EPFL used mobile phone records to reconstruct the spread of a cholera epidemic in Senegal in 2005, revealing critical roles of human mobility patterns and sanitation infrastructure. The study's findings highlight measures to improve sanitation at transmission hotspots as key to reducing future outbreak progression.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 23, 2016
A survey of 1,163 people found that phone use varies depending on activity and who is at the table. Adults generally think it's more acceptable to use a phone than children, but perceived appropriateness declines with age.
Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed an Android mobile app that harnesses the capabilities of modern smartphones to generate spatial data for mapping landscapes. The app uses on-board sensors in smartphones, including GPS, compass, and camera, along with lightweight drones or kites, to capture high-quality images.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 4, 2016
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.
A telephone CPR program was associated with improved cardiac arrest outcomes, including increased bystander CPR rates and reduced time to first chest compression. The study found a significant increase in survival rates and favorable functional outcomes for patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrests.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Cardiology·DateMay 4, 2016
A mobile phone app providing supportive texts and an online community increased breastfeeding rates among new mothers, with 95% continuing to breastfeed three months postpartum. The app also boosted confidence in breastfeeding issues, leading to higher rates of exclusive breastfeeding.
Crowd-sourced information on felt earthquakes is being integrated with data collected by seismometers, providing a more complete picture of an earthquake event. Citizen seismology offers a new window into the aftermath of earthquakes, including infrastructure damage and personal experiences.
Using a simple circuit pattern with three electrodes, researchers assign unique digital identification numbers to each cell passing through the channels on the microfluidic chip. This technique captures information about cell sizes and movement speeds, allowing for automated counting and analysis of cells sorted on the chip.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalLab on a Chip·DateApr 20, 2016
A recent study found that social connections peak at 25 years old for both men and women, with patterns shifting as individuals grow older. After 60s, social isolation increases, but older adults still use mobile technology less often than younger generations.
SourceAalto University·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateApr 11, 2016
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 from Texas A&M University reveals that consuming saturated fats at certain times can disrupt the body's internal clock and trigger metabolic disorders. The research suggests that timing of fat consumption plays a crucial role in inflammation and disease prevention.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalEBioMedicine·DateApr 6, 2016
General practice workloads in England have increased by 16% over seven years, with more frequent and longer consultations, according to a large-scale analysis. The study's findings suggest the system is approaching saturation point due to low recruitment rates and an ageing population with complex needs.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalThe Lancet·DateApr 5, 2016
Workloads in general practice have increased by 16% over the past 7 years, with more frequent and longer consultations. The authors warn that the increases are unsustainable and that general practice in England is approaching a saturation point.
A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that quality of care varied significantly among eight commercial virtual visit companies, with differences in diagnosis accuracy and adherence to guidelines. The variation was greater for certain conditions, such as viral pharyngitis and acute rhinosinusitis.
SourceJAMA Network·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateApr 4, 2016
Argonne National Laboratory scientists have developed a new method for improving lithium-ion battery performance testing, utilizing a tiny measurement device called a reference electrode. The design enhances the quantity and quality of information extracted from battery cells during cycling, providing crucial insights into battery health.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateMar 31, 2016
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 at Penn State developed an acoustofluidic rotational manipulation method that can rotate small organisms and cells using gentle acoustic waves. This technique enables 3D imaging of biological specimens without the need for expensive confocal microscopes.
SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 23, 2016
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that high engagement with mobile technology is linked to anxiety and depression in college-age students. Researchers surveyed over 300 university students, finding that those who used devices for emotional escapism scored higher on depression and anxiety scales.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalComputers in Human Behavior·DateMar 2, 2016