Technical Terms Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP): A portable, in situ testing device that assesses soil strength and stiffness through successive impacts of a falling hammer.

Scientists are looking into using a computerized penetrometer to assess the crispness of apples.

A telescopic snow probe stuffed with electronics could soon be helping ski guides decide whether off-piste slopes are safe for skiing. Gauging danger on the ski slopes is notoriously difficult The ...