Wave Motion just published our latest research on estimating the physical properties of wood. Our method, based on laser-generated and laser-detected ultrasonic  waves, has major advantages over current techniques, as you can read here. This work started as part of Sam’s PhD thesis, and has since been picked up by Jonathan and Kasper. Maybe one day, laser ultrasonic scanning will displace the standard bending test in the woodmill, as a fast and noncontacting alternative to the grading process!