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Integrative experiment design reveals hidden patterns in decades-old social science research

MIT Sloan researchers demonstrate a new approach to designing social science experiments by applying integrative experiment design to a longstanding question about punishment in public goods games. The study reveals how punishment's effect on collective welfare can swing from substantially harmful to substantially helpful, depending on...

SourceMIT Sloan School of Management·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2026

Rice scientists develop ‘molecular magnifying glass’ to help identify diseases earlier

Researchers at Rice University have developed a 'molecular magnifying glass' that allows them to visualize subtle environmental changes in proteins, which can indicate the earliest stages of diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and cancer. This tool provides real-time monitoring of protein microenvironment changes in living cells.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateSep 12, 2025

Robotic system zeroes in on objects most relevant for helping humans

A new robotic system uses cues in a scene to determine a human's objective and quickly identify relevant objects, enabling intuitive assistance in household, workplace, and warehouse settings. The approach achieved 90% accuracy in predicting human objectives and 96% accuracy in identifying relevant objects.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 24, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Magnetic whirl simulation in real time

A team of researchers from Mainz University successfully simulated skyrmion dynamics on real-time experimental scales using a novel collaborative approach. By combining theoretical and experimental methods, the researchers were able to accelerate the development of skyrmion-based applications for energy-saving computer architectures.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 30, 2025

Study shows how households can cut energy costs

A study by MIT researchers shows that households in Amsterdam reduced their energy consumption and costs by half after receiving better information and coaching. The experiment found that smart devices can help people change their habits, but only if accompanied by a close understanding of what drives behavior changes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJan 13, 2025
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.

New imaging technique to improve head and neck cancer surgery

Researchers developed a new imaging technique using fluorescence-guided surgery to enhance visibility of tumors and nerves during head and neck cancer surgery. The technique uses two near-infrared fluorophores, one for tumors and another for facial nerves, allowing for clear differentiation between cancerous tissues and nerves.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateNov 7, 2024

Climate change can alter methane emission and uptake in the Amazon

Researchers found that extreme temperatures and humidity projected for the Amazon under climate change may increase methane-producing microorganisms in flooded areas and reduce methane uptake in upland forests by 70%. This could lead to a shift in the balance of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant global impacts.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalEnvironmental Microbiome·DateOct 10, 2024
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.

Being able to see inside a flow battery

Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology, in collaboration with MIT and PSI, developed a new method to visualize the inner workings of redox flow batteries using neutron imaging. The technique provides extraordinary moving images that help understand the battery's performance and durability.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 6, 2024

Morphing facial technology sheds light on the boundaries of self-recognition

A study by Dr. Shunichi Kasahara found that levels of identification with one's face remain consistent regardless of agency or control over facial movements. The results suggest that a sense of agency does not significantly impact our ability to judge our facial identity, even in scenarios like deepfakes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2024

Cracking the code of hydrogen embrittlement

A study published in Science Advances investigated the formation of cracks in a nickel-base alloy. The researchers found that one widely-held hypothesis does not apply to this alloy and discovered new information about crack initiation. This breakthrough helps lay the groundwork for better predictions of hydrogen embrittlement.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 19, 2024

New molecular sensor tracks energy use at the subcellular level

Researchers developed a high-resolution sensor to track real-time dynamics of ATP levels in cells and within subcellular compartments. The iATPSnFR2 sensor has high sensitivity across a wide range of ATP concentrations, enabling accurate tracking of ATP levels and their dynamics.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 16, 2024
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.

How scientists are accelerating chemistry discoveries with automation

A new statistical-modeling workflow can quickly identify molecular structures of products formed by chemical reactions, accelerating drug discovery and synthetic chemistry. The workflow also enables the analysis of unpurified reaction mixtures, reducing time spent on purification and characterization.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Information and Modeling·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 8, 2024

Guardian of drone: Towards autonomous sea-land-air cloaks

A team at Zhejiang University has developed a self-driving cloaked unmanned drone with an intelligent aeroamphibious invisibility cloak, capable of manipulating electromagnetic scattering in real-time across dynamic environments. The cloak integrates perception, decision-making, and execution functionalities using spatiotemporal modula...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 6, 2024

Live music emotionally moves us more than streamed music

A recent study conducted at the University of Zurich found that live performances stimulate a stronger emotional response in the brain compared to listening to recorded music. The researchers used magnetic resonance imaging to measure brain activity during both live and recorded music sessions, revealing a significant difference in amy...

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 26, 2024

First-ever atomic freeze-frame of liquid water

Researchers use a new technique to isolate energetic electron motion in liquid water, providing a window into electronic structure on an attosecond timescale. This breakthrough resolves long-standing debates about X-ray signals in liquid water and opens up a new field of experimental physics.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2024
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.

Precise control of photonic angular momentum

The development of a new photonic technique enables the precise control of photonic angular momentum, allowing for the efficient recognition and real-time control of total angular momentum modes. The technique, which involves the symmetrical cascading of two units, has been experimentally demonstrated to recognize up to 42 individual T...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateOct 18, 2023

Physicists find evidence for magnetically bound excitons

Researchers at Caltech have detected magnetically bound excitons in an antiferromagnetic Mott insulator, a first in real-time experiments. This finding has implications for the development of new exciton-related technologies that harness both magnetic and optical properties.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Physics·DateOct 5, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Scientists film soundwaves in a crystal

Researchers used a unique X-ray technique to capture soundwaves' propagation in a diamond crystal, revealing ultrafast structural phenomena that were previously beyond scientific reach. The breakthrough enables real-time imaging of solid materials with unprecedented resolution and speed.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 2, 2023

Stealth swimmers: The fish that hide behind others to hunt

A new study reveals that trumpetfish can conceal themselves by swimming closely behind another fish while hunting, reducing the likelihood of detection. This unique strategy, known as 'shadowing', uses a non-threatening species of fish as camouflage to approach prey.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCurrent Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 7, 2023

Novel Raman technique breaks through 50 years of frustration

A novel Raman technique called thermostable-Raman-interaction-profiling (TRIP) allows for label-free and highly reproducible Raman spectroscopy measurements, breaking a 50-year-old challenge. The TRIP method enables the detection of protein-ligand interactions in real-time, potentially shortening drug and vaccine testing timelines.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 28, 2023
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.

Creative people enjoy idle time more than others

A University of Arizona study found that creative individuals are more likely to engage with their thoughts during downtime, using association and free-flowing ideas. This allows them to generate innovative concepts and enjoy idle time without feeling bored.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalCreativity Research Journal·TypeObservational study·DateJul 6, 2023

A new view of microscopic processes

Researchers at the University of Missouri are acquiring a new transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The TEM will allow them to conduct experiments in real-time and gain a greater understanding of material structure at an atomic level.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 21, 2023
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.

How a record-breaking copper catalyst converts CO2 into liquid fuels

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new technique that captures real-time movies of copper nanoparticles as they convert carbon dioxide into renewable fuels and chemicals. The study reveals that metallic copper nanograins serve as active sites for CO2 reduction, paving the way for advanced solar fuel technology.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeImaging analysis·DateFeb 16, 2023

THz–fingerprint vibrational spectroscopy at an ultrafast spectral rate

Researchers developed a new technique called dual-detection impulsive vibrational spectroscopy (DIVS) to measure two distinct types of vibrational signals. DIVS enables synchronous measurement of THz- and fingerprint region vibrations, offering high temporal resolution for real-time chemical analysis.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 1, 2022

New microscopy method offers 3D tracking of 100 single molecules at once

Researchers at Arizona State University have developed a new microscopy method that can track 100 single molecules simultaneously in three dimensions. The technique uses surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technology to precisely image molecular binding events and study their dynamic activities in real time.

SourceArizona State University·JournalACS Sensors·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Stone skipping techniques can improve reentry of space vehicles

Scientists from several Chinese universities investigated the physics of stone skipping and its relation to space vehicle reentry. They found that vertical acceleration and spinning direction affect bouncing and surfing motions, providing new insights for aerospace and marine engineering.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 20, 2021

Understanding the power of our Sun

The Borexino collaboration has successfully experimentally confirmed the Bethe-Weizsäcker cycle, a crucial component of our Sun's nuclear fusion reactions. This achievement marks a significant breakthrough in understanding solar energy production and neutrino behavior.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature·DateNov 25, 2020
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.

Quantum science turns social

Researchers developed a remote gaming interface that allowed external experts and citizen scientists to optimize a quantum gas experiment in real-time. The team found that collective search behavior of humans balances innovative attempts and refines existing solutions, making human problem-solving unique.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2018

New weather forecasting model could help advance NOAA's 3-4 week outlooks

A new weather forecasting model, Subseasonal Experiment (SubX), combines multiple global models to produce more accurate forecasts for the US. The multi-model approach improves temperature and precipitation outlooks for weeks 3-4, providing critical insights for decision makers.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateAug 17, 2017

Reactivating fault slip with fluid injection

Researchers discovered that injecting water into an inactive fault can cause aseismic slip, which may lead to micro-earthquakes. This study offers insights into the role of friction in fluid-filled faults and could guide monitoring at injection sites.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 11, 2015
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.

Restaurant customers willing to pay more for local food

A recent study by Penn State researchers found that restaurant patrons are willing to pay more for meals made with local ingredients. When the price of local options was 18% higher than non-local options, a higher proportion of customers chose the local meal.

SourcePenn State·JournalInternational Journal of Revenue Management·DateOct 26, 2010

Growing catalysts

Scientists at ESRF have made significant progress in understanding zeolite synthesis by monitoring the process in real-time. They found that molecular organization occurs before crystallization, leading to more efficient catalysts.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 8, 2006

How To Run An Experiment Without Leaving Home

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Isothermal Dendritic Growth Experiment is the most extensive non-NASA remote operation on the flight, providing high-quality data for dendritic growth studies. The experiment's video system records 30 images a second, offering real-time insights into crystal growth in space.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateNov 26, 1997
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.

MSX Successfully Observes Combined Experiments Program Flights

The MSX satellite successfully tracked two medium-range missiles, demonstrating its ability to perform key missile defense functions. The primary sensors collected several minutes of high-quality data, which is now undergoing preliminary analysis at the USASSDC.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateMar 6, 1997