Sapphire fiber sensor can withstand the rigors of fusion and flight

Scientists at Oxford University have developed a novel sensor made of incredibly thin strands of sapphire that can withstand extreme heat and radiation. The breakthrough is billed as a solution to a 20-year problem in the field, and the scientists behi… Continue reading Sapphire fiber sensor can withstand the rigors of fusion and flight

Humidity sensor inspired by camel noses can trace moving fingers

Scientists have developed an advanced new type of humidity sensor that takes inspiration from camel noses to overcome shortcomings with existing solutions. The novel device is capable of detecting low levels of water molecules in the air and opens up s… Continue reading Humidity sensor inspired by camel noses can trace moving fingers

Saildrone heads to the Gulf Stream to investigate carbon uptake in the ocean

After sending a fleet of self-sailing drones into the path of Hurricane Sam to help improve forecast models, Saildrone has now launched three uncrewed surface vehicles into the Gulf Stream winter to gather data on carbon uptake in the ocean.Continue Re… Continue reading Saildrone heads to the Gulf Stream to investigate carbon uptake in the ocean

Skin-worn sensor detects and measures nicotine in e-cig vapor

Nicotine is one of the more harmful compounds in the vapor produced by electronic cigarettes, so non-vapers should avoid breathing it in whenever possible. A new skin-worn sensor could help, by monitoring airborne nicotine levels in the wearer’s immedi… Continue reading Skin-worn sensor detects and measures nicotine in e-cig vapor

Lie-detection system tracks contorting facial muscles to reveal untruths

Scientists in Israel have leveraged commercially available sensors to develop an advanced lie-detection system they say outperforms any other known method. The technology relies on electrodes attached to the face to reveal contorting muscles associated… Continue reading Lie-detection system tracks contorting facial muscles to reveal untruths

Saildrone releases dramatic video from inside Hurricane Sam

Earlier this year, San Francisco’s Saildrone joined forces with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to launch five sensor-packed unmanned surface vehicles into paths of hurricanes in the Atlantic Ocean to gather data. Now one of … Continue reading Saildrone releases dramatic video from inside Hurricane Sam

Helicopter-shaped microchip is smallest flying structure ever built

Engineers at Northwestern University have given microchips a new ability – the power of flight. Inspired by wind-dispersed seeds, these “microfliers” are shaped like tiny propellers to catch the wind, and may be the smallest flying structures ever made… Continue reading Helicopter-shaped microchip is smallest flying structure ever built