Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

Spotting bad batteries before they malfunction

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a low-cost, accessible method to detect structural defects and damage in lithium-ion batteries using ultrasound technology. The technique can identify gas presence, material deficiencies, and other issues that may cause electrical shorts or performance hampers.

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

New method to study catalysts could lead to better batteries

Scientists developed an algorithm that can accurately simulate atomic interactions on material surfaces, reducing the need for massive computing power. This breakthrough enables the analysis of complex chemical processes in just two percent of unique configurations, paving the way for improved battery performance.

Revolutionizing sodium-ion batteries with lithium salt additives

A recent study demonstrates a transformative approach to enhance sodium-ion battery performance by incorporating lithium salt into the electrolyte. The formation of a robust SEI layer and stabilization of the O3-type cathode surface significantly improve cycleability and capacity retention.

Trisulfur radicals: A game changer for lithium–sulfur batteries

Researchers discover trisulfur radicals as powerful catalysts to boost electrochemical performance of lithium-sulfur batteries. The discovery addresses long-standing challenges, such as the shuttle effect and electrode passivation, making LSBs more viable for widespread adoption.

Researchers develop dissolvable battery using probiotics

A team of researchers at Binghamton University has developed a dissolvable battery using probiotics, which can provide a safe and sustainable energy source for transient applications. The battery utilizes electricity-producing bacteria that are commonly found in the human digestive system and are considered biocompatible.

Discovery could boost solid-state battery performance

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a way to improve solid-state battery performance by creating a 'space charge layer' that enhances ion movement. This breakthrough could lead to better-performing batteries with improved safety and increased energy storage capacity.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

EV battery recycling key to future lithium supplies

A new analysis from UC Davis suggests that lithium-ion battery recycling could play a big role in meeting growing global demand for lithium, potentially reducing the need for new mines. Recycling could mitigate supply constraints and reduce carbon emissions associated with combustion engine vehicles.

New fuel cell could enable electric aviation

Researchers at MIT have developed a new fuel cell that can carry three times as much energy per pound as current EV batteries, offering a lightweight option for electrifying transportation systems. The technology has the potential to enable electric aviation and other sectors like marine and rail transportation.

New study on the global race for future battery technologies

A study reveals an increasing polarisation between Asia and Western nations in future battery technologies, with Europe and the US focusing on improving existing lithium-ion batteries. Meanwhile, countries like China, Japan, and South Korea are investing in high-energy batteries and low-cost alternatives.

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.

A breakthrough in energy equalization for lithium-ion battery packs

A new two-layer active balancing strategy improves energy transfer efficiency and speed by redistributing energy among cells. The layered structure integrates inductor and transformer circuits to balance both within and between battery cell groups, achieving faster equalization and increased energy efficiency.

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

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.

A Big Data approach for battery electrolytes

A new paper outlines a path for AI and machine learning to help build tomorrow’s batteries by maximizing three components: ionic conductivity, oxidative stability, and Coulombic efficiency. The team used a dataset compiled from 250 research papers to identify promising candidates for scientists to test in the lab.

‘Cold’ manufacturing approach to make next-gen batteries

Researchers at Penn State have developed a 'cold' manufacturing approach to create solid-state batteries using advanced ceramic-polymer composite electrolytes. The technique, known as cold sintering, operates at lower temperatures than traditional methods, reducing defects and improving conductivity.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Green nickel for sustainable electrification

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Sustainable Materials have developed a carbon-free method to extract nickel from low-grade ores in a single step, reducing CO2 emissions by 84% and increasing energy efficiency. The approach enables the use of low-grade nickel ores, which account for 60% of total nickel reserves.

How can we optimize solid-state batteries? Try asking AI

Researchers developed a data-driven AI framework that identifies potential solid-state electrolyte candidates and predicts their performance. The framework uses large language models, multiple linear regression, and genetic algorithm to optimize battery design.

Battery research: visualization of aging processes operando

A team of researchers has successfully observed the distribution of elements in a lithium button cell during 10,000 charge cycles using non-destructive X-ray methods. The study reveals that manganese dissolves from the NMC cathode and migrates to the carbon anode, leading to further reactions and processes.

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.

Smoothing over rough edges in batteries

A new phenomenon in modern batteries has been discovered by Texas Engineers, which could improve their life cycles. Researchers found a temporary version of the film that forms on the metal anode during discharge speeds and dissolves back into the battery when finished.

A fluid battery that can take any shape

Researchers at Linköping University developed a fluid battery that can be integrated into future technology in a completely new way. The soft battery has been tested to have high capacity, recharging over 500 times and maintaining its performance.

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.

Charging electric vehicles 5x faster in subfreezing temps

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a modified manufacturing process that enables high ranges and fast charging in cold weather. A stabilizing coating on an electrode, combined with microscale channels, solves the trade-off between range and charging speed, even in subfreezing temperatures.

Diagnosing a dud may lead to a better battery

A team of chemists from Virginia Tech found a way to visualize the intricate structure and chemical reactions of battery interfaces using an X-ray beam line. This breakthrough enables researchers to gain better control over these critical surfaces, potentially leading to cheaper, higher performance batteries.

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.

Smart energy management at home

RAZO Energy's intelligent charging management enables noticeable cost savings for electric vehicle users, reducing costs per hundred kilometers from six euros to two. The system helps keep the power grid stable by balancing consumption and generation of energy in an optimum way.

A safe nuclear battery that could last a lifetime

Researchers have developed a prototype betavoltaic battery powered by radiocarbon, an unstable and radioactive form of carbon, that can generate electricity through beta rays. The battery has shown higher energy conversion efficiency compared to conventional Li-ion batteries, making it suitable for applications like pacemakers.

New sensor could help prevent lithium-ion battery fires and explosions

Researchers have developed a new sensor to detect hazardous gas leaks in lithium-ion batteries, which could prevent catastrophic failures and enhance the reliability of battery-powered technologies. The sensor detects trace amounts of ethylene carbonate vapour, targeting potential battery failures before they escalate into disasters.

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.

New membrane discovery makes possible cleaner lithium extraction

Researchers have developed novel membranes that can pull lithium directly out of salt-lake brines using electricity, leaving other metal ions behind. The process could reduce the environmental impact of lithium mining and contribute to more efficient energy storage systems for renewable energy sources.

A path to safer, high-energy electric vehicle batteries

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin and Argonne National Laboratory have developed a comprehensive analysis of thermal stability in high-nickel cathode materials. The team discovered that each material has a critical state of charge defining its safe operating limit, which influences metal-oxygen bonds and surface reactivity.

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.

New “one-pot” technique a breakthrough for material synthesis

A new 'one-pot' technique has enabled the simultaneous creation of inorganic and polymer battery electrolytes, overcoming the tradeoff between efficiency and mechanical properties. The method, developed at UChicago PME, reduces labor needed for hybrid material synthesis and creates perfect physical blends with chemical bonding.

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.

Graphene production method offers green alternative to mining

The new method produces high-yields of graphene oxide nanosheets with uniform thickness and characteristics comparable to mined graphite, making it viable for large-scale production and potential applications in electric vehicle batteries. Researchers are now exploring biobased sources for carbon fibers and delving deeper into the proc...

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Researchers are cracking the code on solid-state batteries

University of Missouri researchers developed a solution to improve solid-state battery performance by understanding the root cause of issues. They used 4D STEM to examine atomic structures without disassembling batteries, ultimately determining the interphase layer was the culprit.

Leading the charge to better batteries

A team of researchers, led by Kelsey Hatzell from Princeton University, has made breakthroughs in developing anode-free solid-state batteries. These batteries have the potential to store more energy in less space and operate with high performance at a wider range of temperatures.

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.

Scientists design novel battery that runs on atomic waste

Researchers have developed a battery that can harness ambient gamma radiation to produce strong electric outputs, enabling potential applications in space exploration and sensors. The prototype demonstrated a peak power output of 288 nanowatts using cesium-137 and 1.5 microwatts with cobalt-60.

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.

Mini flow battery speeds energy storage research

Researchers at PNNL developed a mini flow battery test system that requires less starting material while delivering comparable performance to standard lab-scale systems. This innovation reduces time and resources needed for testing new battery materials, accelerating the discovery of grid energy storage technology.

Mini flow battery speeds energy storage research

Researchers have designed a compact, high-efficiency flow battery test system that requires an order of magnitude less starting material while delivering results comparable to standard lab-scale systems. The mini flow cell design is geared towards rapid screening and development of new battery materials, reducing the time and resources...

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Graphite production gets a makeover

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a new catalytic graphitization technology to convert petroleum coke into graphite, reducing emissions and cost associated with conventional synthetic graphite production. The process uses lower temperatures and shorter times, making it more sustainable and efficient.