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OU researcher earns NSF CAREER Award to engineer better EV batteries

University of Oklahoma mechanical engineering professor Dong Zhang is leading efforts to advance EV battery technologies, exploring advances in battery mechanisms and chemistries. His NSF-funded work aims to develop physics-based models to predict the performance of battery cells with silicon-graphite composite material.

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.

New organic polymer paves the way for recyclable water-based batteries

A research team from Tohoku University has developed a new organic redox polymer that addresses material compatibility issues in aqueous electrolytes. The polymer retains high hydrophilicity and can be broken down into its raw components under mild conditions, reducing resource consumption and plastic pollution.

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.

U-M 'Battery Lab 2.0' expansion open for innovation

The University of Michigan has expanded its open-access Battery Lab with a new facility, increasing capacity for lithium-ion battery production and prototyping. The lab now offers advanced equipment, including an automated laser welder and three-megawatt-hour battery production line.

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.

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.

Surprisingly diverse innovations led to dramatically cheaper solar panels

A new MIT study identifies key innovations that led to the dramatic cost reduction of solar panels since the 1970s. The researchers found that technical advances from various industries, including semiconductor fabrication and metallurgy, played a pivotal role in reducing costs. These findings can aid policymakers and R&D investmen...

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

AI breakthrough unlocks 'new' materials to replace lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at NJIT used artificial intelligence to discover new porous materials capable of revolutionizing multivalent-ion batteries. The AI-driven approach uncovered five entirely new materials with large, open channels ideal for moving bulky multivalent ions quickly and safely. These findings offer a promising solution for the futu...

Versatile boron additives in lithium metal batteries

Researchers have found electrolytes with boron additives can mitigate critical challenges of lithium metal batteries, including lithium dendrite formation and low Coulombic efficiency. The boron additives also improve the specific discharge capacity and high-rate performance of lithium-ion batteries.

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.

Electric vehicle batteries: Prioritize reuse before recycling

A study by researchers at the University of Münster found that deploying end-of-life EV batteries as stationary energy storage devices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By prioritizing reuse, countries with high renewable energies can save up to 56 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

A little salt is good for battery health

Scientists at KAUST discovered how free water compromises battery life and performance, but also found a solution with affordable salts like zinc sulfate. The study showed that sulfate reduces the amount of free water in batteries, increasing their lifespan by more than ten times.

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.

Confronting China’s grip on graphite for batteries

The US relies heavily on Chinese graphite for battery production, with prices twice as high as importing it from China. To address this, the STEER initiative proposes lowering costs through financing, technological innovation, and domestic recycling, but faces challenges including lengthy qualification timelines.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Solid-state batteries charge faster, last longer

Researchers have developed solid-state batteries that can charge in a fraction of the time and pack more energy into less space than traditional lithium-ion versions. These batteries use stable solid materials instead of liquid electrolytes, enabling faster charging, reduced safety risks, and improved efficiency.

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.

Built-in smart sensors can prevent lithium-ion battery fires before they start

Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed built-in smart sensors to monitor temperature, pressure, stress, and chemical changes in real-time, providing early warnings and fire suppression features. The technology aims to improve safety and sustainability in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and other industries.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

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.

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.