A new study found that apps with ads consume more energy, slow down phones, and use up to 100% more data than those without ads, leading to lower user ratings. The research compared 21 top apps from the past year and measured their impact on phones using analysis tools.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·DateApr 1, 2015
A Berkeley Lab study finds that electric vehicle batteries can meet daily travel needs beyond 20% capacity loss. Most drivers will still have their needs met even after substantial degradation.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMar 30, 2015
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.
Researchers discovered that bacteria can use magnetite to create a 'natural battery' by loading and discharging electrons. This mechanism has implications for cleaning up toxic metals and could be adapted for other types of bacteria, expanding its potential uses.
SourceEuropean Association of Geochemistry·JournalScience·DateMar 26, 2015
Researchers used crowdsourced measurements to study energy impact of smartphone system settings. The study found that certain settings, such as Wi-Fi signal strength and temperature, can significantly affect battery life.
The NREL tool uses Battery Lifetime Analysis and Simulation Tool (BLAST) to evaluate unique scenarios and identify the most cost-effective energy storage system configurations. Small battery systems reducing peak demand by 2.5 percent offer the most attractive return on investment.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateMar 10, 2015
Scientists have created a durable, flexible cloth that harnesses human motion to generate energy, self-charging batteries or supercapacitors without an external power source. The novel TNG fabric can be stacked and reused multiple times, making it suitable for various biomedical and commercial applications.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 4, 2015
Researchers at University of California - Riverside developed a glass cage-like coating and graphene oxide to improve lithium-sulfur battery performance. The silica-caged sulfur particles provided substantially higher battery performance, and incorporating mildly reduced graphene oxide improved the design further.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNanoscale·DateMar 2, 2015
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.
A team of researchers has developed a new sizing system for hybrid photovoltaic panel/battery systems using fuzzy logic, which can determine optimal panel surfaces and battery capacity. The system was verified through simulations and demonstrated effectiveness in optimizing cost and losses.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateFeb 25, 2015
Professor Nazar presents advances in lithium-sulphur battery research at the AAAS Annual Meeting, highlighting innovations in nanomaterial strategies and new electrolytes. Her work aims to overcome technical hurdles and realize the potential of these future-generation energy storage systems.
A new INFORMS study suggests that combining battery leasing with improved charging technology can alleviate range and resale anxieties, increasing electric vehicle adoption. The study finds that these combined models yield higher benefits than traditional ownership models, particularly in terms of emission savings and consumer surplus.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalManufacturing & Service Operations Management·DateJan 28, 2015
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.
Gurpreet Singh receives $500,000 NSF CAREER award to study large-scale production of ultrathin nanosheets, which could lead to improved rechargeable batteries and supercapacitors. The award also supports educational activities, including summer workshops for high school science teachers and female students.
Researchers used x-rays to visualize the formation of a highly conductive silver matrix in lithium-based batteries, revealing its link to the battery's rate of discharge. The study suggests new design approaches and optimization techniques for improving battery performance.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2015
Sandia National Laboratories is developing technology to improve the endurance of legged robots, enabling them to operate for long periods in disaster response scenarios. The new robots, STEPPR and WANDERER, will demonstrate energy-efficient actuators and biped walking capabilities.
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.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a thermally regenerative ammonia-based battery that converts low-grade waste heat into electricity with high efficiency. The battery can produce up to 60 watts per square meter of power, making it six to 10 times more efficient than other liquid-based thermal-electric energy conversion systems.
SourcePenn State·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateDec 3, 2014
A new electrolyte has been created that can be used in magnesium-sulfur battery cells, offering improved electrochemical stability and high efficiency. The electrolyte is also simple to produce and compatible with a sulfur cathode, making it an attractive alternative to traditional lithium-ion batteries.
SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 27, 2014
Researchers have developed a comprehensive cognitive test battery, Cognition, to measure the impact of spaceflight stressors on astronauts' cognition. The 10-test battery will be administered to the first astronaut on the International Space Station on November 28.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·DateNov 26, 2014
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at the University of Maryland have invented a single structure that combines all components of a battery, enabling miniaturization of energy storage. The tiny battery can be fully charged in 12 minutes and recharged thousands of times, making it a promising innovation for future devices.
SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 10, 2014
Researchers have developed lightweight supercapacitors that can boost the power of an electric car. The technology could be embedded in a car's body panels to store enough energy to turbocharge the battery in just a few minutes, enabling faster acceleration and charging times.
SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateNov 5, 2014
Researchers at MIT have developed a new way to coat batteries with a special material that prevents them from conducting electricity after being swallowed. The QTC-coated batteries were found to not damage the gastrointestinal tract in animal tests, showing promise as a safer alternative.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014
Researchers developed a simple coating to render small batteries harmless if ingested, reducing esophagus damage and potentially eliminating deaths. The cost-effective solution uses a quantum tunneling composite to conduct electricity only under pressure.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 3, 2014
Researchers have discovered a highly stable cubic garnet material called LLZO that can enable the development of higher-energy battery designs. The material remains structurally stable over time across neutral and extremely alkaline environments, making it an ideal separator material for lithium-ion batteries.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 21, 2014
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.
Mg-ion batteries may provide improved safety and cost, but their development has been hindered by misconceptions. New findings from Berkeley Lab's Joint Center for Energy Storage Research suggest that multivalent ions like Mg can still move through electrolytes more efficiently than thought.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 16, 2014
Researchers at Ohio State University have created a solar cell that can store its own power, reducing the cost of renewable energy. The 'solar battery' combines a mesh solar panel with a battery, allowing for efficient charging and discharging using light and oxygen.
SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 3, 2014
The new underwater robot is designed to inspect ships for false hulls and propeller shafts that smugglers use to hide contraband. With its unique propulsion mechanism and ability to perform ultrasound scans without surface contact, the robot could revolutionize port security.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateSep 26, 2014
University of Washington researchers create a system that uses reflected smartphone signals to recognize and respond to hand gestures, enabling users to interact with their phones beyond touchscreens. The technology has an accuracy rate of 87% and could improve battery life.
The team's innovative approach allows for the separation between electric vehicle purchase and battery pack costs, potentially lowering prices by $10,000. Swappable modules also enable users to recharge batteries at home, expanding access to electric vehicles in cities without wall outlets.
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.
Researchers at University of Missouri have created a water-based nuclear battery that generates electrical energy from radioactive isotopes. The battery uses strontium-90 to boost electrochemical energy in a water-based solution, making it suitable for applications such as spaceflight and emergency equipment.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature·DateSep 16, 2014
The new pacemaker eliminates the need for battery replacement and leads, tackling two major disadvantages of traditional pacemakers. Researchers successfully tested the system in domestic pig experiments, allowing for batteryless overdrive-pacing at 130 beats per minute.
Researchers developed a new technique to measure nanomechanical properties of microstructures undergoing stress and heating, revealing insights for improving microelectronics and battery designs. The technology uses laser-based Raman spectroscopy to study surface stresses and their impact on mechanical properties.
SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 28, 2014
A study by Technical University of Munich reveals that Asian companies are leading the charge in developing new electrochemical energy storage technologies. Lithium batteries have seen a significant increase in patent applications, making them the clear frontrunners in this field.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalApplied Energy·DateAug 19, 2014
A new INFORMS study suggests that US consumers are better off choosing electric vehicles with a range below 100 miles due to the high cost of batteries. The study found that the majority of consumers will benefit from short-range BEVs once battery costs drop below $100 per kilowatt hour.
SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalTransportation Science·DateAug 18, 2014
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
A team of engineers developed a robot that assembles itself into a complex shape in four minutes flat and crawls away without human intervention. The robot uses an origami-inspired approach to fold itself up, with the potential for exotic applications such as space-based robotic satellites.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateAug 7, 2014
Scientists used X-ray imaging and chemical fingerprinting to analyze lithium iron phosphate battery material under operating conditions. The results show that fast charging inhibits the material's performance due to inhomogeneous phase transformation, while slower charging yields higher capacity.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 4, 2014
A new material enables sodium-beta batteries to operate at significantly lower temperatures, lasting longer and reducing the risk of accidental fire. The improved design also reduces costs by using less expensive materials.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 1, 2014
A Northwestern University team has developed a new understanding of plastics for battery applications by combining two traditional theories in materials science. This opens the door for a new class of batteries with improved safety and power efficiency. The researchers used block copolymers, which are self-assembling into nanostructure...
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 9, 2014
Researchers analyzed the cost-effectiveness of electric school buses that discharge their batteries into the electrical grid when not in use. Over 14 years, a V2G-capable electric bus fleet could save an estimated $38 million compared to diesel buses.
SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalApplied Energy·DateMay 28, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Scientists have developed a new approach to convert low-temperature waste heat into electricity with an efficiency of 5.7 percent, surpassing conventional thermoelectric devices. The new technology utilizes the thermogalvanic effect and requires only low-cost, abundant materials.
SourceStanford University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 2014
Analysis reveals unusual sodium absorption pattern in the crystal, caused by different charges and magnetic moments of manganese atoms. The discovery provides a basis for tailoring the properties of these materials, potentially leading to improved battery performance.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 22, 2014
Researchers at MIT and Stanford University have developed a new approach to harnessing low-temperature waste heat, leveraging the thermogalvanic effect to produce electricity. The system combines battery charging-discharging cycles with heating and cooling, allowing for efficient energy conversion even with small temperature differences.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 21, 2014
Researchers developed a fiber-like supercapacitor with high volumetric energy density, comparable to thin-film lithium batteries. The device offers fast charging and discharging capabilities, making it suitable for powering wearable medical monitors and communications equipment.
SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 11, 2014
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.
Rice University researchers have created a thin-film battery that combines the best qualities of high-energy batteries and supercapacitors, retaining over 76% of its energy capacity after 10,000 charge/discharge cycles. The flexible device has potential for wearable electronics.
SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 28, 2014
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a new battery design that incorporates an electrolyte with dual functions. This cooperative chemistry increases capacity and extends lifespan, enabling longer-lived disposable batteries for medical devices and other applications.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 24, 2014
Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories are developing a solid-state hydrogen storage system that can refuel forklifts in under three minutes, compared to hours of recharging. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the clean forklift market, offering direct cost savings and reduced expenses.
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Researchers at Tel Aviv University have developed a new prototype battery that can fully charge a smartphone in under a minute, using nanodots derived from bio-organic materials. The technology increases electrode capacity and electrolyte performance, making it more efficient and eco-friendly than current battery technologies.
SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·DateApr 10, 2014
Researchers are exploring strain engineering to alter materials' properties, which could improve energy storage and conversion rates in devices like batteries and fuel cells. By applying and managing stresses within known materials, scientists can achieve exponential improvements in key reaction rates.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMRS Bulletin·DateApr 2, 2014
Researchers created a robotic clam called RoboClam that can burrow into undersea soil using little energy. By mimicking the movement of an Atlantic razor clam, RoboClam can liquefy the soil around its shell, reducing drag and allowing it to move quickly and efficiently.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateMar 24, 2014
Researchers have developed a low-cost, battery-free gesture recognition system called AllSee, which uses existing TV signals as both power and detection means. The technology enables seamless interaction with electronic devices hidden from sight using simple hand movements.
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Researchers have developed a kinetic energy harvester that captures the energy generated by human movements and converts it into electrical energy. The system uses a flexible cantilever to bend with body movements, producing a small but significant voltage that can be stored in a capacitor.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Biomechatronics and Biomedical Robotics·DateFeb 19, 2014
Researchers develop microbattery that packs twice the energy of current microbatteries used in acoustic fish tags. The new battery is small enough to be injected into an organism and holds more energy than similar-sized batteries.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 18, 2014
A Kansas State University engineer has developed a composite paper that can efficiently store sodium atoms and serve as a flexible current collector in sodium-ion batteries. The paper offers stable charge capacity and eliminates the need for polymeric binders and copper current collectors.
SourceKansas State University·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 29, 2014
A new wireless surveillance system, TernCam, reduces battery life without compromising image quality. The system enables real-time visual data collection and has successfully transmitted signals in severe weather conditions.
SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Computational Science and Engineering·DateJan 24, 2014
The NREL Equivalent Circuit Battery Model enhances RadTherm software for dynamic analysis of battery performance and optimization of multi-cell pack designs. This improved simulation capability accelerates the development of next-generation electric-drive vehicle batteries.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateJan 21, 2014
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A Virginia Tech research team has developed a battery that runs on sugar, boasting an unmatched energy density and potentially replacing conventional batteries. The new battery could power cell phones, tablets, and other electronic gadgets in as little as three years.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2014
A new type of battery that could transform grid-scale energy storage, making power from renewables more economical and reliable. The innovative technology relies on naturally abundant, inexpensive quinone molecules, which are similar to those found in plants and animals.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateJan 8, 2014
Scientists have developed a way to microscopically view battery electrodes in wet electrolytes, allowing for the study of the solid electrolyte interphase layer and its influence on battery performance. The new method, called an electrochemical liquid cell, provides more realistic conditions for studying battery materials.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 26, 2013
TUM CREATE's electric taxi EVA is designed to address the challenges of limited range and long recharge times in tropical cities. The vehicle features a super-fast charging system that can recharge in just 15 minutes, making it an industry benchmark.
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.
Researchers have developed a flexible, rechargeable battery woven into fabric that can power wearable electronics. The innovation could enable athletes to monitor vital signs and allow for more aesthetic possibilities, such as lighting up patterns on clothing.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 20, 2013
Lumosity presents new data on measuring cognitive training improvements, finding larger doses lead to greater gains and training gains strongly predict transfer effects. A reliability assessment of the BPT shows it is a powerful tool for evaluating the effectiveness of cognitive training.
Researchers at NJIT developed a flexible battery using carbon nanotubes that can be used to power flexible displays and devices. The battery's flexibility allows it to be used in various applications, including powering electric cars.
SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 4, 2013
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.
NREL will develop a new low-cost flow battery using organic energy storage materials to overcome limitations of current flow batteries. The goal is to increase energy density and reduce cost, enabling widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·DateOct 29, 2013