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Blueprints of self-assembly

Scientists at Arizona State University develop a new simulation method to predict and guide the self-assembly process, creating tiny, self-assembled crystals with unique optical properties. This breakthrough advances technologies in computer science, materials science, medical diagnostics, and more.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024
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.

Water main breaks are rarely due to a single factor, new Concordia research finds

A study by Concordia researchers analyzed data from 13 Canadian utilities covering 26,000 km of pipes and 62,000 failures. They found age, material, and diameter were the most associated factors with breaks, but also revealed less well-known effects of pipe protection methods, soil types, and seasonal variations.

SourceConcordia University·JournalENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS RESEARCH·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 16, 2024

The first Neolithic boats in the Mediterranean

Excavations at La Marmotta, Italy, uncovered five Neolithic canoes dating between 5700-5100BC, featuring advanced construction techniques. The discovery provides invaluable insights into early navigation and the technological sophistication of ancient communities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateMar 20, 2024

Bridge in a box: Unlocking origami's power to produce load-bearing structures

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed an origami system that can create load-bearing structures like bridges and shelters. The system uses a uniform thickness approach to bolster weight-bearing capacity. With this breakthrough, communities can quickly rebuild facilities damaged by natural disasters or construct in ch...

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 18, 2024
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.

Mapping water wonders: a groundbreaking leap in hydrology with NDWFI

Developed using Landsat imagery and Spectral Mixture Analysis, the NDWFI method improves water detection accuracy, particularly for small and transient bodies. This advancement enhances water resource management and conservation efforts worldwide.

SourceAerospace Information Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalJournal of Remote Sensing·DateMar 15, 2024

Olympic tower construction at Teahupo’o, Tahiti could damage reef ecosystem

Researchers warn of devastating impacts of Olympic tower construction on coral reef habitat and local economy in Teahupo’o, Tahiti. The study found that the site supports a thriving coral community worth at least $170,000, with potential economic losses estimated at $1.3 million if the reef is damaged.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalRemote Sensing·TypeObservational study·DateMar 13, 2024

UW anthropologists’ research unveils early stone plaza in the Andes

Researchers discovered a 4,750-year-old circular plaza with monumental megalithic stones in northern Peru's Callacpuma archaeological site. The structure dates back to the Late Preceramic Period and is one of the earliest examples of such architecture in the Americas.

SourceUniversity of Wyoming·JournalScience Advances·TypeContent analysis·DateFeb 14, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A new “metal swap” method for creating lateral heterostructures of 2D materials

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science employed a new 'transmetallation' technique to synthesize lateral heterojunctions of 2D coordination nanosheets. The method enables the creation of ultrathin electronic devices with unique properties, paving the way for innovative devices.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2024

3D printed nanocellulose upscaled for green architectural applications

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new, sustainable architectural material by 3D printing nanocellulose and algae. The material's use could significantly reduce energy consumption in construction, aligning with the European Green Deal's goals.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMaterials & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2024

Edge-to-edge assembly technique for 2D nanosheets

Researchers fabricated a soccer ball-shaped construction using edge-to-edge assembly of 2D semiconductor materials, exhibiting exceptional mechanical stability and durability. The new technique improves the efficiency of catalytic reactions and facilitates the smooth movement of reactants, paving the way for the development of stable a...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 2, 2024
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.

Fungal-rich soil may improve green roofs

A Dartmouth-led research team created an experimental green roof to test the effect of native prairie microbes on soil microbial community development. Their findings demonstrate that active management accelerates soil development faster than passive reestablishment, fostering a more diverse and sustainable soil community.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2024

Optical computing boost with diffractive network advance

Researchers extend spatially incoherent diffractive networks to perform complex-valued linear transformations with negligible error, opening up new applications in fields like autonomous vehicles. This breakthrough enables the encryption and decryption of complex-valued images using spatially incoherent diffractive networks.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateJan 22, 2024

Improving soil health with aeration curing for sludge management

Researchers developed an innovative method to manage construction-generated sludge by utilizing aeration curing, which reduces pH levels and requires less neutralizer. The technique has the potential to improve soil health and support sustainable development goals.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalCase Studies in Construction Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Recycling concrete using carbon can reduce emissions and waste

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a method to upcycle old broken concrete using graphene, producing strong and durable concrete. The approach is gaining traction as new graphene deposits are discovered and mined, bringing down costs and improving the environmental footprint of concrete production.

SourceFlinders University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023

New method verifies carbon capture in concrete

Researchers develop a method to verify whether carbon in concrete comes from air or raw materials. By analyzing carbon isotopes, they can confirm direct air capture and certify offsetting CO2 emissions. This technology is crucial for the construction industry and supports a circular economy.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalJournal of Advanced Concrete Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 27, 2023
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.

Autonomous excavator constructs a 6-meter-high dry-stone wall

Researchers at ETH Zurich developed an autonomous excavator called HEAP to construct a 6-meter-high and 65-meter-long dry-stone wall. The excavator uses sensors, machine vision, and algorithms to place stones in the desired location, achieving a high level of precision and speed.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Robotics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2023
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.

UK’s first local Net Zero Carbon planning policy likely to drive more efficient buildings and cut energy bills, review shows

A new net zero carbon planning policy in Bath & North East Somerset is expected to make new buildings much more energy efficient and boost the introduction of renewables. Despite concerns about increased costs, most planning applicants support the policy's intentions, with solar photovoltaics and heat pumps being key technologies.

SourceUniversity of Bath·TypeObservational study·DateOct 20, 2023

“Printing” photo-thermoelectric imagers on soft sheet

A new fabrication process for photo-thermoelectric imagers on soft sheets has been developed, enabling highly durable non-destructive inspections. The process simplifies the integration of multi-functional device substrates, contributing to the manufacturing of image sensor sheets.

SourceChuo University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

Starch discovery reaps benefits for brewing, baking and milling industries

Research has clarified how starch granules form in wheat seeds, unlocking diverse potential benefits for various industries. The discovery of the enzyme PHS1 crucial for B-type granule initiation offers opportunities to create variations in starch for different food and industrial applications.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalThe Plant Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2023

Accurate data on dynamic molecular aggregates in cells for the first time

Researchers from University of Freiburg and University of Cambridge have observed dynamic molecular aggregates in cells for the first time. These condensates play a crucial role in controlling biochemical processes and are regulated by active biological mechanisms, not just physical forces.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 15, 2023

New method simplifies the construction process for complex materials

Researchers developed a computational technique to quickly design and evaluate cellular metamaterial structures with unique properties. The new interface enables users to explore the entire space of potential shapes, allowing for faster development of complex materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateAug 2, 2023
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.

A whole new dimension for 3D printing

The new method creates complex 3D shapes in seconds by applying heat to pre-folded flat sheets with origami patterns. This innovation has the potential to mitigate issues with traditional 3D printing, such as material wastage and long print times, and can be used in various fields like fashion, disaster recovery, and more.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2023

The looming 840,000 tonne waste problem that isn’t single-use plastics

A new recycling method for carbon and glass fibre composites has been developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, which can reduce energy use by 70% and preserve mechanical properties. The approach ensures increased material recovery and improved energy efficiency compared to previous methods.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023

Treating wastewater using passive processes

Professor Lapointe suggests treating certain types of wastewater with passive, modular, and decentralized solutions, reducing techno-economic barriers. These solutions include bioretention cells, aggregate-decant systems, and seepage areas through functionalized soils.

SourceÉcole de technologie supérieure·JournalNature Water·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 13, 2023

Modular builds may help construction industry weather a perfect storm

A new study suggests that modular production techniques can minimize construction delays caused by weather, resulting in cost savings for builders. The research estimates that using modular construction can reduce costs by approximately AUD$40,000 on a $6.4 million project.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2023
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.

High-quality 2D films could be one-drop away

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technology to fabricate high-quality nanosheet films in about one minute. The method uses an automated film-forming process that produces neatly tiled monolayer films with no gaps between the nanosheets.

SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 19, 2023

Can a city store as much carbon as a forest?

A new metric, called the carbon storage (CS) factor, enables urban planners to evaluate how a new development will affect the city's carbon balance. By using the right kind of wooden construction technologies, up to 70% of future construction can preserve lost forest carbon storage capacity.

SourceAalto University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateMay 9, 2023

Researchers develop safety monitoring system for construction sites

A new system called ViPER+ uses ultra-wideband technology to track workers' locations on job sites, enhancing safety by detecting violations of location-based policies. The system was tested in two construction zones with students playing the roles of workers and vehicles, demonstrating its accuracy in non-line of sight situations.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalApplied Sciences·DateApr 21, 2023

AI could set a new bar for designing hurricane-resistant buildings

Researchers at NIST have developed a new method of digitally simulating hurricanes using AI techniques, accurately representing the trajectory and wind speeds of real storms. The simulations can help develop improved guidelines for building design in hurricane-prone regions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalArtificial Intelligence for the Earth Systems·DateMar 29, 2023
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.

New process could capture carbon dioxide equivalent to forest the size of Germany

Researchers at the University of Strathclyde have developed a new process that can capture carbon dioxide equivalent to planting a forest the size of Germany. The method involves crushing rocks in CO2 gas, which releases trapped carbon dioxide, providing a low-carbon solution for hard-to-decarbonize industries.

SourceUniversity of Strathclyde·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 13, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers develop smart portable sensing system for monitoring precast structures during delivery

The novel portable wireless sensing system measures strain and acceleration in real-time, generating a safety assessment report to prevent damage and ensure safe delivery. While effective, the system lacks real-time data management capabilities, requiring future development of a cloud-based monitoring system.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalAutomation in Construction·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023

Helping construction material manufacturers reduce the energy consumption, carbon footprint of heating and cooling homes

Researchers at Purdue University have created a new method for incorporating phase change materials (PCMs) into building envelope elements, which reduces energy consumption by moderating temperature fluctuations. The process increases the thermal inertia and compressive strength of construction materials while making them more resilien...

SourcePurdue University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateMar 1, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Researchers propose a more effective method to predict floods

A team of researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University and other institutions has identified a flexible and user-friendly model for predicting flood frequency in a changing environment. The fractional polynomial-based regression method is more effective than existing models, which often fail to account for factors like climate ...

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalJournal of Hydrology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 9, 2023

Methods for building lunar landing pads may involve microwaving moon soil

University of Central Florida researchers have discovered a method that uses microwaves to melt lunar soil, coupled with beneficiation technology, may be the best option for building safe and economical lunar landing pads. This approach could increase microwave absorption by up to 80% using magnetic fields, making it more energy-effici...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNew Space·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2022

Creating efficient building energy management systems from room-level big data

A new study proposes a scalable, bottom-up approach to developing energy-saving initiatives at the individual level by analyzing real-time energy usage data. The research team developed an energy calculator that can be scaled up to the building- and community-level, enabling more accurate occupant-level measurements.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 9, 2022

New technology to reduce potholes

Researchers developed an intelligent compaction technology that integrates into a road roller, assessing real-time the quality of road base compaction. This improves road construction, reducing potholes and maintenance costs, leading to safer and more resilient roads.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalEngineering Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 4, 2022

Trapping polaritons in an engineered quantum box

Australian researchers have engineered a quantum box for polaritons in a two-dimensional material, achieving large polariton densities and a partially 'coherent' quantum state. The novel technique allows researchers to access striking collective quantum phenomena and enable ultra-energy-efficient technologies.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2022
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.

Digital transformation in construction industry requires more support, study shows

A recent study published in Engineering Construction & Architectural Management identified the main obstacles preventing digital transformation in the engineering and construction industry. The three main problems are a lack of laws and regulations, a lack of support and leadership, and a lack of resources and professionals.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEngineering Construction & Architectural Management·TypeSurvey·DateOct 14, 2022

A swarm of 3D printing drones for construction and repair

A team of Swiss researchers has developed Aerial Additive Manufacturing (AAM), a system that uses flying drones to print materials for construction projects. The technology enables on-site manufacturing and building in difficult-to-access or dangerous locations, such as post-disaster relief construction and tall buildings.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2022

3D printing drones work like bees to build and repair structures while flying

Researchers have developed a technology using flying robots that mimic the collective building methods of bees and wasps to construct and repair large structures. The Aerial Additive Manufacturing system consists of drones that work autonomously but are monitored by human controllers, adapting their techniques as needed.

SourceImperial College London·JournalNature·DateSep 21, 2022

PPE can be recycled to make stronger concrete

Researchers at RMIT University developed a method to recycle disposable PPE into stronger concrete, increasing strength by up to 22% and improving resistance to cracking. The study aims to create a circular economy approach for healthcare waste, reducing landfill waste and creating valuable resources.

SourceRMIT University·JournalCase Studies in Construction Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 24, 2022
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.

Concrete using recycled tyre rubber hits the road to a circular economy

Engineers at RMIT University have created a sustainable concrete using 100% recycled tyre rubber, reducing environmental impact and manufacturing costs. The innovative material can be used in various construction projects, including low-cost housing.

SourceRMIT University·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

A model of improved safety for LNG storage

Researchers have developed a rigorous computer simulation technique to optimize LNG tank design, reducing construction costs while improving safety against catastrophic failures. The new model can be used to mitigate environmental and economic consequences of failure, enabling Australia to store more energy at the right time.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalBulletin of Earthquake Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 2, 2022
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.

Artificial cell membrane channels composed of DNA can be opened and locked with a key

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022