Laser radar systems now being developed at Rochester Institute of Technology and MIT's famed Lincoln Lab could eventually generate ultra-detailed, three-dimensional maps of planets, comets, asteroids and moons. The scientists are developing a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) technology that operates both in the optical and ultraviolet, and could deliver detailed information about atmospheric composition, plus air temperature and pressure, wind speed, and precise topological features of a planet or planetary body.

Ever feel like your teacher just didnt understand what you were going through? Well, researchers at the University of Massachusetts Amherst and Arizona State University are busy designing computerized tutors designed to teach and feel. The machines will be outfitted with sensors that pick up whether a student is angry, frustrated or bored. For instance, a computer vision system will study the subjects facial expressions—even something like the tilt of the persons head can be an indicator of his or her level of interest.

They won't win any fashion contests, but the asthma victims taking part in a new study at the Georgia Tech Research Institute could help scientists learn more about the environmental triggers of wheezing attacks.

See the photo gallery for an illustrated look at a creepy new line of defense