Pirate-like flies connect symbiosis to diversity

(Phys.org)—After a year of studying up close the symbiotic relationship between a mosquito-sized bug and a fungus, a Simon Fraser University biologist has advanced the scientific understanding of biological diversity.

A whisker-inspired approach to tactile sensing

Inspired by the twitching whiskers of common rats and Etruscan shrews, European researchers have developed rodent-like robots and an innovative tactile sensor system that could be used to help find people in burning buildings, ...

Hold the phone for vital signs

An iPhone app that measures the user's heart rate is not only a popular feature with consumers, but it sparked an idea for a Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) researcher who is now turning smart phones, and eventually ...

Voice-detection feature on new iPhone could shake up industry

The new Apple iPhone 4S that was unveiled Tuesday includes a faster chip and more powerful camera than its predecessor, but overall is underwhelming except for one potentially revolutionary new feature: Siri voice-recognition ...

The perfect connection between guitar and computer

Guitar virtuosos have to master all kinds of playing techniques. But how can the intricate process of playing the instrument be captured digitally? A special thin film on the tailpiece has the answer. Functioning as a sensor, ...

A robot with finger-tip sensitivity

Two arms, three cameras, finger-tip sensitivity and a variety of facial expressions – these are the distinguishing features of the pi4-workerbot. Similar in size to a human being, it can be employed at any modern workstation ...

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