Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Most detailed X-ray image of batteries yet to reveal why they still aren't good enough

A team of researchers developed a new technique using X-ray technology to map out damage in lithium-ion batteries. They created the most comprehensive view yet of battery electrodes, which are prone to degradation from repeated charging. The study could lead to more reliable and longer-lasting batteries for electric cars and smartphones.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJun 3, 2019
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.

Finding the cause of capacity loss in a metal-oxide battery material

Researchers found that buildup of lithium oxide and decomposition of electrolyte lead to rapid capacity fade in magnetite-based electrode material. The conversion reaction is not fully reversible, causing residual products to accumulate and block electron transport.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 24, 2019

Noninvasive electrophysiological biomarker for Parkinson's disease

Researchers discovered a novel noninvasive electrophysiological biomarker for Parkinson's disease using scalp electrodes and electroencephalography (EEG). The approach showed promise for developing wearable technology to monitor disease-related brain activity at home.

SourceSociety for Neuroscience·JournaleNeuro·DateMay 20, 2019

Wearable system to sense and stimulate the brain at unprecedented resolution

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University aim to create a noninvasive neural interface that can sense and stimulate the brain's dynamic activity with unprecedented resolution. The team will harness novel concepts in physics, biology, and engineering using electricity, ultrasound, and light to develop a wearable device.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·DateMay 20, 2019

Applying precious metal catalysts economically

Researchers developed a new method to use rare and expensive catalysts sparingly by encasing precious metal salts in micelles. The process efficiently catalyzes oxygen reduction in fuel cells, outperforming traditional methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 15, 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.

Researchers make organic solar cells immune to the ravages of water, air and light

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have discovered a method to make organic solar panels more robust by removing electron-accepting molecules from the top surface. This technique enhances the durability of organic solar cells, allowing them to function under water without encapsulation and resist degradation from oxygen an...

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateMay 2, 2019

Improving the lifetime of bioelectrodes for solar energy conversion

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a method to increase bioelectrode stability by operating under an oxygen-free environment. This approach effectively extends the device's lifespan and brings photobiodevices closer to efficient energy conversion.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 26, 2019

Wristbands do a health check while you work out

A wearable system developed at KAUST can detect glucose and lactate levels in sweat, providing insights into blood sugar problems and oxygen deficiencies. The device uses a stretchy patch with MXene-based electrodes that can be repeatedly swapped out for improved detection accuracy.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalSmall·DateApr 25, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New fiber-shaped supercapacitor for wearable electronics

Researchers designed a novel fiber electrode to improve electron supply and ion accessibility, achieving high specific capacitance and rate capability. The amphiphilic core-sheath structure enhances interactions between functional groups and PANI molecules, resulting in greater pseudocapacitance utilization.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateApr 18, 2019

Prototype in precision

A new proximity capacitance imaging sensor has been developed with high sensitivity and resolution, detecting sweat pores between finger ridges. This advancement aims to improve security in various fields such as authentication and life sciences.

SourceTohoku University·DateApr 5, 2019
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.

The brain's auto-complete function

A new study reveals that hippocampal neurons provide pointers to complete memories by firing strongly during recall. This process, called reinstatement, helps the brain reconstruct associated objects from memory, similar to initial learning. The discovery has implications for understanding memory deficits and potential treatments.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 3, 2019

MSU lands $1.8 million NIH grant to improve brain implants

Michigan State University has landed a $1.8 million National Institutes of Health R01 grant to develop new brain implants that decipher complex chemical and electrical input and output for treating Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression, and traumatic injuries.

SourceMichigan State University·DateMar 29, 2019

Bacteria could become a future source of electricity

Researchers at Lund University have achieved a more efficient transfer of electrical current from bacteria to electrodes, paving the way for potential use in biofuel cells and other energy applications. The discovery also sheds light on how bacteria communicate with their surroundings, including other molecules and each other.

SourceLund University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 26, 2019

Restoring hearing loss

A team of researchers, including University of Utah engineers, are working on a new procedure to restore hearing loss using an implantable device that sends electrical impulses to the auditory nerve. The device has shown promise in improving sound resolution and compatibility with existing hearing aids.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateMar 19, 2019
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.

Capturing bacteria that eat and breathe electricity

Researchers at Washington State University captured heat-loving bacteria that can 'eat' pollution by converting toxic pollutants into less harmful substances and generating electricity. The discovery was made possible by a cheap portable potentiostat invented by graduate student Abdelrhman Mohamed, who worked with Professor Haluk Beyenal.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·DateMar 5, 2019

Conducting research: Exploring charge flow through proteins

Proteins exhibit surprising electrical conductivity when connected to electrodes via specific molecules, paving the way for sensitive chemical sensors. The study identifies six proteins capable of conductance, with two specific contacts resulting in highest conductivity.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 4, 2019
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.

A gentle method for unlocking the mysteries of the deep brain

Scientists successfully demonstrated that electroencephalography can be used to accurately study activity in the deep areas of the brain. This breakthrough technique may lead to better understanding and treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's, Tourette syndrome, and obsessive-compulsive disorders.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 27, 2019

Why a blow to the chest can kill or save you

Researchers create experimental device to mimic realistic chest impacts, testing its effect on bioengineered heart tissue. Contrary to previous studies, they found that even very rapid strains had no effect on the propagation of electrical impulses.

SourceUniversity of Bern·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 22, 2019

Why a blow to the chest can kill or save you

Researchers create experimental device to subject bioengineered heart tissue to dynamic strain cycles and measure electrophysiological response. Contrary to previous studies, they found that rapid strains do not disrupt electrical impulses, suggesting alternative explanations for deadly blows to the chest.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 21, 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.

The secret life of batteries

Researchers are working on developing faster-charging batteries for electric vehicles by understanding how lithium ions distribute within the electrode. They used X-rays to create a micron-scale movie of lithium distribution, revealing inhomogeneous movement similar to people spreading out in a room.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateFeb 18, 2019

Large-scale window material developed for PM2.5 capture and light tuning

A research team from the University of Science and Technology of China has developed a simple solution to fabricate large-area Ag-nylon flexible transparent windows for high-efficiency PM2.5 capture. The material shows excellent mechanical stability and can be used as both a thermochromic smart window and a high-efficiency PM2.5 filter.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournaliScience·DateFeb 16, 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.

Phase transition dynamics in two-dimensional materials

The study reveals that using a metallic substrate with higher chemical reactivity can significantly increase the phase transition yield of 2D-TMD materials. This method enables the easy achievement of structural phase transitions and opens possibilities for new device applications such as low contact resistance electrodes.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAdvanced Science·DateFeb 11, 2019

A reconfigurable soft actuator

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a method to change the shape of a flat sheet of elastomer using actuation that is fast, reversible, and controllable by an applied voltage.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·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
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.

Graphene can hear your brain whisper

Researchers have developed a graphene-based sensor that can detect brain activity below 0.1 Hz, unlocking new insights into epilepsy and brain function. This technology could lead to novel multiplexing strategies, enabling unprecedented mapping of low-frequency neural signals.

SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 24, 2019
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.

How the brain decides whether to hold 'em or fold 'em

A Johns Hopkins study found that the brain's push-pull dynamic between hemispheres contributes to risk-taking behavior, with cumulative feelings from past bets influencing decisions. Researchers used stereoelectroencephalography to analyze neural signals and developed a mathematical equation to calculate each patient's bias.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 7, 2019

Graphene's magic is in the defects

Researchers at NYU Tandon School of Engineering have developed a physics-based model that reveals the relationship between structural defects in graphene and electrode sensitivity. By optimizing point defects in number and density, they can create an electrode up to 20 times more sensitive than conventional ones.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 18, 2018

The feature size and functional range of molecular electronic devices

Researchers investigated the transition from tunneling leakage current to molecular tunneling in single-molecule junctions, finding optimal nanogap distances for proper function. The study suggests that future single-molecule electronics require precise control over molecular length and gap size.

SourceXiamen University·JournalChem·DateDec 14, 2018

Using water molecules to unlock neurons' secrets

Scientists have developed a method to monitor changes in membrane potential and observe ion fluxes by studying the behavior of water molecules surrounding neuronal membranes. This breakthrough could provide insight into neural activity, enabling scientists to track neurons without using electrodes or fluorophores.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 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.

Arc welding fume is detrimental to human health

Researchers at Far Eastern Federal University found that arc welding produces toxic nanoparticles in the air, which can be inhaled through the respiratory system. The particles contain metal oxidation products, particularly those with diameters under 1 nanometer, and can translocate to the central nervous system.

SourceFar Eastern Federal University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 5, 2018

Stentrode (TM) developed for brain treatments without major surgery

Researchers have developed a tiny device that electrically stimulates the brain, paving the way for minimally invasive treatments for conditions such as epilepsy and Parkinson's disease. The Stentrode can deliver targeted stimulation without open-brain surgery, opening up new possibilities for treating neurological disorders.

SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateDec 3, 2018

Effective new target for mood-boosting brain stimulation found

Researchers have identified a key brain region, the lateral orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), as an effective target for electrical stimulation to improve mood in people with depression. Stimulation of this area has been shown to produce acute improvement in mood and normalize activity in mood-related neural circuitry.

SourceCell Press·JournalCurrent Biology·DateNov 29, 2018

Draw-your-own electrodes set to speed up development of micro detection devices

Researchers at Imperial College London have created a rapid prototyping method for intricate electrode patterns, allowing devices to sense and measure biological molecules more efficiently. This method enables community labs and hackspaces to design and develop analytical devices in days, not weeks or months.

SourceImperial College London·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 26, 2018

MIT engineers fly first-ever plane with no moving parts

MIT engineers have built and flown the first-ever plane with no moving parts, powered by an 'ionic wind' that generates enough thrust to propel the aircraft over a sustained flight. The lightweight aircraft is silent, doesn't depend on fossil fuels, and produces zero combustion emissions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 21, 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.

Removing toxic mercury from contaminated water

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new electrochemical process to clean mercury from water, reducing its content by over 99%. The technique uses a platinum electrode to form an alloy with mercury, creating a stable and recyclable material.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 21, 2018

Next step on the path towards an efficient biofuel cell

Researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum developed a system combining gas diffusion electrode technology with the enzyme hydrogenase to achieve significantly higher current densities. The resulting biofuel cell achieved a power density of up to 3.6 milliwatts per square centimeter and an open circuit voltage of 1.13 volts.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 14, 2018

Ultra-thin transparent silver films for solar cells

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new fabrication process for transparent ultra-thin silver films, which may improve the efficiency of solar cells and light-emitting diodes. The process overcomes challenges associated with traditional chemical methods.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 12, 2018

Extending the life of low-cost, compact, lightweight batteries

Researchers at MIT have developed a new system to extend the shelf life of single-use metal-air batteries by introducing an oil barrier that protects the aluminum electrode from corrosion. The design has shown a thousandfold improvement in energy loss, enabling batteries to last up to 24 days without degradation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 8, 2018
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.

3D 'organ on a chip' could accelerate search for new disease treatments

Researchers have developed a 3D 'organ on a chip' that enables real-time continuous monitoring of cells, which could lead to the development of new treatments for diseases. The device allows scientists to study cells and tissues in new ways, mimicking the body's native three-dimensional environments.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 26, 2018

Nerve-on-a-chip platform makes neuroprosthetics more effective

The EPFL-developed nerve-on-a-chip platform enables rapid recording of hundreds of nerve responses with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The platform can also record individual nerve cell activity, enabling the development of more effective neuroprosthetics for treating chronic pain and regenerating peripheral nerves.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2018

3D-printed supercapacitor electrode breaks records in lab tests

Scientists at UC Santa Cruz and LLNL fabricated electrodes using printable graphene aerogel to build a porous three-dimensional scaffold loaded with pseudocapacitive material. The novel electrodes achieved the highest areal capacitance, while maintaining performance without sacrificing energy storage capacity per unit mass or volume.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalJoule·DateOct 18, 2018
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.

Imaging accumulated charges at solid-electrolyte interfaces

A Kanazawa University-based collaboration developed a microscopy approach to visualize real-space charge distribution at interfaces. The technique, called 3D open-loop electric potential microscopy (OL-EPM), overcomes challenges in measuring lateral charge distribution at solid-liquid interfaces.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNanoscale·DateOct 2, 2018

Spray coated tactile sensor on a 3D surface for robotic skin

A KAIST research team has reported a stretchable pressure insensitive strain sensor by using an all solution-based process. The new electronic skin can distinguish mechanical stimuli analogous to human skin and can be uniformly coated on 3-dimensional surfaces.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateSep 20, 2018
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.

Intestinal bacteria produce electric current from sugar

Researchers at Lund University discovered that intestinal bacteria like Enterococcus faecalis can generate an electric current from breaking down sugar inside their cells. This finding has implications for bioenergy production, waste treatment, and biosensors.

SourceLund University·JournalBiochemistry·DateSep 18, 2018

Regret is a gambler's curse, neuroscientists say

A UC Berkeley study reveals the brain's orbitofrontal cortex replays and revisits nearly every feature of previous decisions after placing a bet. The researchers found that gamblers' regret from losing or not betting more is the main driver of activity in this region.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 13, 2018

Not too wet, not too dry: plasma-treated fuel cell gets it just right

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a plasma treatment method that modifies electrode surfaces to facilitate efficient water transport in fuel cells. This innovation enables fuel cells to operate effectively without excessive moisture, improving overall performance and energy conversion rates.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateSep 6, 2018