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Increase in foreign body ingestions among young children

A new study found that foreign body ingestions among children under six increased by 91.5% between 1995 and 2015, with coins being the most common item ingested. The rate of ingestions per 10,000 children rose from 9.5 in 1995 to 18 in 2015.

SourceNationwide Children's Hospital·JournalPEDIATRICS·DateApr 12, 2019

Graphene coating could help prevent lithium battery fires

Researchers at University of Illinois Chicago found that graphene coating can reduce lithium battery fires by preventing oxygen release from cathode decomposition. The coating showed significant reduction in oxygen release under high heat, maintaining battery performance even after rapid cycling.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 9, 2019

Study examines commercial hybrid-electric aircraft, reduced carbon emissions

A recent study at the University of Illinois examined the energy lifecycle of fuel/battery configurations to yield greatest reductions in carbon dioxide emissions. The most feasible configuration was a propulsion system with 50% electrical-power drivetrain, estimated to produce 49.6% less lifecycle CO2 emissions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Aircraft·DateMar 25, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Powering devices -- with a desk lamp?

Researchers have developed special light harvesters that can convert ambient indoor lighting into usable energy, potentially powering wireless devices in homes and offices. The technology uses organic photovoltaics to optimize the use of artificial room lighting, which is abundant but often underutilized.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 13, 2019

Novel technology aims to improve lithium metal battery life, safety

Researchers at Penn State have developed a novel solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) to improve the stability of lithium metal batteries, allowing for increased energy density and safety. The SEI is made from a reactive polymer composite that creates a stable bond between the lithium electrode and electrolyte.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 11, 2019
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Tracking firefighters in burning buildings

Researchers have developed a motion-powered, fireproof sensor that can track the movements of firefighters and others in high-risk environments. The sensor generates power through triboelectric charging and has been successfully tested at temperatures up to 300C.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalNano Energy·DateMar 1, 2019

New research initiative will power up Europe's battery revolution

A large-scale research initiative called Battery 2030+ aims to invent the batteries of the future, providing European industry with cutting-edge technologies. The project will focus on establishing an acceleration platform for discovering new battery materials using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

SourceUppsala University·DateFeb 26, 2019
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Powering a pacemaker with a patient's heartbeat

Scientists have designed a pacemaker that harnesses the energy of heartbeats to regulate heart rhythm. The device was successfully tested in pigs and shows promise for creating a self-powered cardiac pacemaker.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 20, 2019

Better red than dread: Barrier keeps batteries safe

Rice University researchers have created a new method to detect and mitigate lithium dendrite growth, which can cause battery failure. A layer of red phosphorus acts as a signal to shut down charging when dendrites approach the separator.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 14, 2019

Engineers harvest heart's energy to power life-saving devices

A team of engineers at Dartmouth College has developed a dime-sized invention that converts the kinetic energy of the heart into electricity, powering implantable devices like pacemakers and defibrillators. The new technology could potentially replace batteries with surgery, reducing complications and costs.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateFeb 4, 2019
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Proton transport 'highway' may pave way to better high-power batteries

A team of researchers has found that diffusion may not be necessary to transport ionic charges inside a hydrated solid-state structure of a battery electrode. This discovery could lead to new design principles for electrodes and potentially improve the energy density and cycle life of high-power batteries.

SourceOregon State University·JournalNature Energy·DateJan 28, 2019

The energy implications of organic radical polymers

Researchers have discovered a new class of polymer that can store and exchange electrons, leading to faster charging times for batteries. The organic radical polymers' unique structure allows rapid charge transfer during redox reactions.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 28, 2019

Cartilage could be key to safe 'structural batteries'

Researchers created a damage-resistant rechargeable zinc battery with a cartilage-like solid electrolyte, extending flight time by 5 to 25 percent in drones. The batteries can withstand hard impacts and stabbing without losing voltage or starting a fire.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJan 10, 2019

Lithium-matrix anode protected by a solid electrolyte layer for stable lithium metal batteries

Researchers have developed a novel Li anode design featuring a solid electrolyte layer and housed framework to mitigate dendrite growth and volume expansion. The resulting batteries exhibit excellent capacity retention and stability, paving the way for next-generation rechargeable battery development. This innovative approach has signi...

SourceScience China Press·JournalJournal of Energy Chemistry·DateJan 9, 2019
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Tiny implantable device short-circuits hunger pangs, aids weight loss

A new, battery-free implantable device has been developed by University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers to aid in weight loss. The device generates gentle electric pulses that stimulate the vagus nerve, helping the brain feel full after only a few bites of food.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 17, 2018

Researchers create first sensor package that can ride aboard bees

Engineers at the University of Washington have developed a sensing system that can ride on top of a bumblebee, allowing for long-term data collection without power constraints. The system uses a tiny rechargeable battery and a receiver to triangulate the bee's position, enabling precise location tracking.

SourceUniversity of Washington·DateDec 12, 2018

How returning to a prior context briefly heightens memory recall

Researchers at MIT's Picower Institute discovered a mechanism the brain employs to make returning to a familiar context lead to vivid memories. The study found that brief re-exposure to the initial context increases the electrical excitability of 'engram cells,' which encode memory through specific neural connections.

SourcePicower Institute at MIT·JournalNeuron·DateDec 11, 2018

A major feat: room temperature electrochemical cycling of a fluoride-ion battery

Researchers developed a method for creating a fluoride-ion electrochemical cell capable of operating at room temperature using a chemically stable liquid fluoride-conducting electrolyte. The new study presents a breakthrough in achieving low-temperature operating FIBs, with potential applications in high-energy-density batteries.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2018

Putting hybrid-electric aircraft performance to the test

Researchers created a flight-performance simulator to test the performance of a hybrid-electric drivetrain on a Tecnam P2006T aircraft. The study found that a parallel hybrid architecture can lead to substantial improvements in fuel efficiency, particularly for short-range missions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of Aircraft·DateNov 27, 2018
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Next-gen batteries possible with new engineering approach

Researchers developed a three-dimensional polymer sponge that promotes ion transfer while inhibiting dendritic growth in lithium metal batteries, potentially increasing cycle life and safety. The technology could enable more powerful and stable metal battery technologies for everyday use.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Energy·DateNov 14, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Pressure helps to make better Li-ion batteries

Scientists have discovered a new strategy to enhance the conductivity of lithium titanium oxide (LTO) anode materials for Li-ion batteries. By applying high pressure, LTO can transform into an amorphous phase that displays better conductivity. The findings provide insight into the relationship between structure and conducting properties.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateNov 13, 2018

Nickel-hydrogen battery

The nickel-hydrogen battery boasts an energy density of approximately 140 Wh per kg and rechargeability over 1,500 cycles. With a potential cost of around $83 per kilowatt-hour, it could represent a low-cost option for long-term energy storage needs.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

New electric car charger is more efficient, 10 times smaller than current tech

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new electric vehicle fast charger that is 10 times smaller and wastes 60% less power than existing systems. The technology, called medium voltage fast charger (MVFC), has an efficiency of at least 97.5%, reducing operating costs and increasing revenue for consumers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·DateOct 3, 2018
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

New battery gobbles up carbon dioxide

A new type of battery developed by MIT researchers can convert carbon dioxide into a solid mineral carbonate as it discharges. This approach could potentially reduce the cost of carbon capture systems and make them more economically viable. The battery is made from lithium metal, carbon, and an electrolyte that incorporates captured CO2.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateSep 21, 2018

A novel approach of improving battery performance

Researchers have developed a novel technology to improve lithium metal battery performance by coating the anode with a lithium silicide layer. The new approach overcomes dendritic growth issues, leading to improved rate capability and cycle stability.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 17, 2018
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

JCESR receives Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award

The Joint Center for Energy Storage Research (JCESR) has received the Secretary of Energy's Achievement Award for its significant achievements in developing high-performance, low-cost energy storage technologies. The award recognizes the contributions of 29 individuals across multiple JCESR institutions.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateAug 29, 2018

Lithium-oxygen battery technology charges ahead

Researchers have developed a way to increase operating temperature and use alternative materials to overcome thermodynamic barriers in lithium-oxygen batteries. The resulting cell achieves nearly 100% coulombic efficiency, a significant step towards commercial adoption.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 23, 2018
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

A paper battery powered by bacteria

Researchers have developed a new type of battery made from paper and fueled by bacteria, which could overcome challenges of limited resources and commercial batteries. The paper-based bio-battery has shown to be effective in powering small devices like LEDs and calculators, with potential for improvement through further research.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 19, 2018

Hybrid nanomaterials bristle with potential

Scientists at KAUST developed a controlled method to create triple-layered hollow nanostructures with electrocatalytic activity, suitable for renewable fuel production and water desalination. The hybrid materials outperform single substances in terms of properties.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 12, 2018

Scientists create biodegradable, paper-based biobatteries

Researchers at Binghamton University have created a biodegradable, paper-based battery that is more efficient and easy to produce than previous designs. The hybrid paper battery uses a combination of paper and engineered polymers to give it biodegradable properties.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateAug 8, 2018
AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope supports teaching labs and QA checks with LED illumination, mechanical stage, and included 5MP camera.

EV charging in cold temperatures could pose challenges for drivers

New research from Idaho National Laboratory found that cold temperatures significantly impact EV charging efficiency, leading to longer charging times. The study analyzed data from a fleet of electric vehicles in New York City, revealing a decrease in battery state of charge with lower temperatures.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalEnergy Policy·DateJul 31, 2018

Looking inside the lithium battery's black box

Researchers at Columbia University have used Stimulated Raman Scattering microscopy to directly observe ion transport in electrolytes for the first time. They discovered a lithium deposition process with three stages: no depletion, partial depletion, and full depletion of lithium ions. The study also found a feedback mechanism between ...

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 30, 2018
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

What's causing the voltage fade in Lithium-rich NMC cathode materials?

Scientists identified nanoscale defects as the cause of voltage fade in Lithium-rich NMC cathode materials. By combining experimental and theoretical approaches, researchers showed that heat treating the materials eliminated most defects, restoring original voltage.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Energy·DateJul 16, 2018

When low batteries are a good thing

Researchers discovered that the mitochondria of gut-resident white blood cells have a different composition that reduces their energy production, keeping them in a controlled activated state. This knowledge can lead to new diagnostic markers and treatments for conditions like gut inflammations and infections.

SourceInstituto de Medicina Molecular·JournalScience Immunology·DateJun 22, 2018
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Template to create superatoms, created by VCU researchers, could make for better batteries

Researchers at Virginia Commonwealth University have created a new approach to synthesize metal-based superatoms that can effectively move charges while maintaining structural stability. This innovation could lead to the development of more efficient batteries and better semiconductors, essential components of computerized devices.

SourceVirginia Commonwealth University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 21, 2018

Sodium- and potassium-based batteries hold promise for cheap energy storage

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology found that sodium- and potassium-ion batteries can be more stable and have a longer life than previously thought. The study suggests that these batteries could be used in large-scale energy storage systems, such as smart grids, due to their potential for cost-effectiveness.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateJun 19, 2018

Chip upgrade helps miniature drones navigate

Researchers at MIT have developed a new chip design called Navion that can process camera images and inertial measurements in real-time, allowing for accurate navigation of miniature drones. The chip consumes just 24 milliwatts of power and is about the size of a LEGO minifigure's footprint.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateJun 19, 2018