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University of New South Wales

AERO GIZMO

Locusts give up aerodynamic secrets of insect flight

By Karen Sprey

19:04 September 20, 2009 PDT

Locusts have helped scientists unlock the secrets of insect flight (Photo: Niv Singer)

It seems that locusts, the bane of farmers the world over, have served some purpose after all. With the aid of a wind tunnel and a high-speed digital video camera, scientists have captured the changes in the shape of the locust's wings during flight and created, for the first time, a computer model that recreates the airflow and thrust generated by their complex flapping movement. Modeling the aerodynamic secrets brings us a step closer to creating miniature robot flyers with the maneuverability and energy efficiency of an insect - such micro-aircraft would likely have huge benefits for search and rescue, military activities and inspecting hazardous environments. Read More

SCIENCE AND EDUCATION

The coldest, driest, calmest place on Earth

By Darren Quick

01:30 September 1, 2009 PDT

Antarctica is a prime location for a telescope - not so great for a holiday

When you’re planning your next holiday, a site known as Ridge A that sits 4,053m (2.5 miles) high up on the Antarctic Plateau, will probably be one of the first places to strike off the list. Although the research team that discovered it says it could be the calmest place on Earth, it is also thought to be the coldest and driest. A joint U.S.-Australian team pinpointed the site by combining data from satellites, ground stations and climate models in an attempt to find the best observatory site in the world by assessing the many factors that affect astronomy, such as cloud cover, temperature, sky-brightness, water vapor, wind speeds and atmospheric turbulence. Read More

GOOD THINKING

Squad positioning system helps fight fires and save lives

By Michael Mulcahy

23:22 June 10, 2009 PDT

Squad positioning system helps fight fires and save lives

Student designer Roy Hareguina's "Squad" is a compact indoor positioning system that enables fire fighters, even in dense smoke, to know their exact location and that of their colleagues at all times. Using a dual-mapping system, the tough polyetheretherketone (PEEK) units reduce the danger of separation and disorientation in high-rise buildings, and increase a fire fighter’s ability to save lives. Read More

 
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