Fiber “barcodes” can make clothing labels that last
Drawing inspiration from butterfly wings, reflective fibers woven into clothing could reshape textile sorting and recycling.
Detailed images from space offer clearer picture of drought effects on plants
J-WAFS researchers are using remote sensing observations to build high-resolution systems to monitor drought.
Low-cost device can measure air pollution anywhere
Open-source tool from MIT’s Senseable City Lab lets people check air quality, cheaply.
3D-printed revolving devices can sense how they are moving
A new system enables makers to incorporate sensors into gears and other rotational mechanisms with just one pass in a 3D printer.
New “traffic cop” algorithm helps a drone swarm stay on task
By keeping data fresh, the system could help robots inspect buildings or search disaster zones.
Nanotube sensors are capable of detecting and distinguishing gibberellin plant hormones
Developed at SMART, the nondestructive nanosensors could have wide applications in agricultural science.
Augmented reality headset enables users to see hidden objects
The device could help workers locate objects for fulfilling e-commerce orders or identify parts for assembling products.
Improving the speed and safety of airport security screening
Lincoln Laboratory seeks ways to build non-contact screening methods that can detect concealed explosives at airports.
Ingestible sensor could help doctors pinpoint GI difficulties
The sensor sends out its location as it moves through the GI tract, revealing where slowdowns in digestion may occur.
New polymers could enable better wearable devices
MIT engineers developed organic polymers that can efficiently convert signals from biological tissue into the electronic signals used in transistors.
Sensing with purpose
Fadel Adib uses wireless technologies to sense the world in new ways, taking aim at sweeping problems such as food insecurity, climate change, and access to health care.
Computers that power self-driving cars could be a huge driver of global carbon emissions
Study shows that if autonomous vehicles are widely adopted, hardware efficiency will need to advance rapidly to keep computing-related emissions in check.
Can your phone tell if a bridge is in good shape?
A new study suggests mobile data collected while traveling over bridges could help evaluate their integrity.
Nanosensors target enzymes to monitor and study cancer
By analyzing enzyme activity at the organism, tissue, and cellular scales, new sensors could provide new tools to clinicians and cancer researchers.