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Researchers at University of California, Irvine have invented a nanowire-based battery material that can be recharged hundreds of thousands of times without cracking. The breakthrough work uses a gold nanowire coated in a manganese dioxide shell and encased in an electrolyte made of a gel-like substance.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·DateApr 20, 2016

Robots could get 'touchy' with self-powered smart skin

Scientists developed a simpler and less costly smart skin that boosts sensitivity without increasing costs, enabling robots to feel and sense their environment. The skin harnesses mechanical energy and turns it into an electric current, eliminating the need for external power sources.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 13, 2016

Intracellular recordings using nanotower electrodes

Researchers have developed nanoscale-tipped high-aspect-ratio vertical microneedle electrodes that can record neuronal signals from cells deep within biological tissues. These electrodes have a needle length exceeding 100 µm, allowing for deeper tissue penetration and expanding the range of applications in intracellular recording.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalSmall·DateApr 8, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New chemistries found for liquid batteries

Researchers at MIT have discovered a new set of chemical constituents that could make liquid batteries more practical and affordable. The breakthrough uses calcium, an abundant element, to form the basis for both the negative electrode layer and molten salt in three-layer battery.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2016

Advanced energy storage material gets unprecedented nanoscale analysis

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a technique to track ion movement in the MXene material, revealing important insights into its energy storage properties. The study's findings suggest that ion insertion and diffusion play a crucial role in the material's exceptional performance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 16, 2016
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.

Electrical brain stimulation could support stroke recovery

Researchers at Oxford University found that transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) significantly improved motor skills in stroke patients. The study showed that tDCS reinforced training, leading to greater recovery and increased brain activity in relevant areas.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 16, 2016

New electrode for ion concentration analysis

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new dry electrode for measuring ion concentrations, overcoming size and cost constraints. The system uses solid electrode material with storage capacity for positively charged ions, providing stable results over a lengthy period.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 15, 2016

Nanomotors could help electronics fix themselves

Researchers have developed self-propelled nanomotors that can autonomously seek out and repair microscopic cracks in electronic systems, restoring electrical conductivity. These nanomotors, powered by hydrogen peroxide, mimic the body's immune system to promote healing in complex electronic components.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 13, 2016

Efficiency of water electrolysis doubled

Researchers have successfully increased water electrolysis efficiency by applying a copper layer to platinum electrodes. This innovation boosts the reaction's activity and extends electrode lifespan. The breakthrough could lead to large-scale implementation of climate-friendly energy conversion using surplus electricity.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2016
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.

Mind-controlled prosthetic arm moves individual 'fingers'

Researchers from Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully controlled a prosthetic arm to move individual fingers using brain mapping technology. The study, published in the Journal of Neural Engineering, represents a potential advance in technologies to restore refined hand function to those who have lost arms to injury or disease.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateFeb 15, 2016

Nature Materials: Smallest lattice structure worldwide

Researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed the world's smallest lattice structure made of glassy carbon, with struts and braces less than 200 nm in diameter. The structure boasts higher specific strength than most solids and has potential applications as electrodes, filters, or optical components.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 2, 2016

Robotic fingers with a gentle touch

Researchers create soft gripper that uses electroadhesion to pick up fragile objects of arbitrary shape and stiffness. The new technology mimics muscle function, gripping onto objects with electrostatic forces.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 1, 2016

Graphene shown to safely interact with neurons in the brain

Researchers have successfully interfaced graphene with neurons, maintaining the integrity of these vital cells. The work may lead to the development of graphene-based electrodes that can safely be implanted in the brain, offering promise for restoring sensory functions in amputee or paralyzed patients.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 29, 2016

Scientists decode brain signals nearly at speed of perception

Researchers used electrodes implanted in the temporal lobes of awake patients to decode brain signals and predict what object patients were seeing with over 95% accuracy. The study's findings have significant implications for understanding human perception and could lead to new treatments for paralysis and stroke patients.

SourceUniversity of Washington School of Medicine/UW Medicine·JournalPLOS Computational Biology·DateJan 28, 2016
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.

Continuing the search for better energy materials

Researcher Zhifeng Ren has received a $561,275 DOE grant to continue his work on flexible transparent electrodes and thermoelectric materials. His efforts aim to enhance existing material properties and discover new materials with high power factor.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJan 19, 2016

Nanowalls for smartphones

Scientists at ETH Zurich have developed a new type of transparent electrode using 3D print technology, featuring gold or silver nanowalls on a glass surface. This innovation offers higher conductivity and transparency than traditional indium tin oxide electrodes, leading to improved screen quality and touch responsiveness in smartphones.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 6, 2016

Melting, coating, and all-solid-state lithium batteries

Researchers created a new way to coat solid electrolyte around electrodes, solving problems of gasification and poor permeability. The breakthrough enables high-ion conductivity and air stability in all-solid-state lithium batteries.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 31, 2015

CWRU researchers tailor power source for wearable electronics

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have created flexible, wire-shaped microsupercapacitors that can be woven into garments to power wearable electronics. The capacitors increase energy density and capacitance by coating a titanium wire with aligned carbon nanotubes, allowing for more efficient charging and discharging.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEnergy Storage Materials·DateDec 16, 2015
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.

The double life of a bacteria

Researchers discovered a bacterium that can use direct uptake of electrons from an electrode to fuel its metabolic pathway. This finding suggests the existence of electro-ecosystems, where microorganisms sustain life by electrical current, not relying on inorganic substances or light.

SourceRIKEN·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateDec 16, 2015

New design points a path to the 'ultimate' battery

Scientists have developed a working laboratory demonstrator of a lithium-oxygen battery with very high energy density, exceeding 90% efficiency, and over 2000 recharges. The breakthrough relies on a highly porous graphene electrode and additives altering chemical reactions for improved stability and efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 2015

New concepts emerge for generating clean, inexpensive fuel from water

Researchers at the University of Chicago and University of Wisconsin developed a new method to split water into hydrogen and oxygen efficiently using solar energy. By incorporating nitrogen into an electrode made of bismuth vanadate, they increased photon absorption and electron transport, leading to higher fuel efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2015

An enhanced lithium-air battery

Researchers have developed a new lithium-air battery that utilizes unique materials to overcome common issues with efficiency and water tolerance. The battery's design features a lithium metal negative electrode, non-aqueous electrolyte, and positive electrode that work together to improve overall performance.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 29, 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.

Capacitor breakthrough

Researchers at the University of Delaware have successfully developed a new method to increase the energy storage ability of dielectric capacitors using nanotechnology. The innovation achieves an energy density of about two watt hours per kilogram, significantly higher than existing structures.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2015

Silver: The promising electrode winner for low-cost perovskite solar cells

Researchers have identified silver corrosion as a major issue in perovskite solar cells, which absorb light across almost all visible wavelengths and exceed 20% power conversion efficiency. A solution-based method using silver electrodes can reduce costs but may lead to short lifetimes.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateOct 14, 2015

Breakthrough for electrode implants in the brain

Researchers at Lund University have developed implantable electrodes that capture signals from single neurons without causing brain tissue damage. The electrodes, called 3-D electrodes, are extremely soft and flexible, enabling stable recordings over long periods.

SourceLund University·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateOct 8, 2015

A micro-supercapacitor with unmatched energy storage performance

Researchers at INRS have developed a micro-supercapacitor with unprecedented energy density, exceeding existing electrochemical capacitors by 1,000 times. This innovation combines the strengths of supercapacitors and lithium-ion batteries, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 30, 2015
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.

Hopes of improved brain implants

Researchers at Lund University have developed a new type of brain implant that uses nanowires to stimulate or capture signals from different areas of the brain. This breakthrough could lead to improved treatments for Parkinson's disease, depression, autism, and paralysis.

SourceLund University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 29, 2015

ORNL demonstrates road to supercapacitors for scrap tires

Researchers at ORNL have created flexible polymer carbon composite films as electrodes for supercapacitors, achieving high power and energy density. The technology can consume up to 50 tons of scrap tires daily, providing relief from the expected 1.5 billion discarded tires by 2035.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalChemSusChem·DateSep 25, 2015

PolyU develops novel efficient and low-cost semitransparent solar cells

Researchers at PolyU have created high-efficiency, low-cost semitransparent perovskite solar cells with graphene electrodes for BIPV applications. The PCEs reach up to 12% and show potential cost savings of over 50% compared to existing silicon-based solar panels.

SourceThe Hong Kong Polytechnic University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 7, 2015
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.

New nanomaterial maintains conductivity in three dimensions

Researchers create a one-step process to make seamless carbon-based nanomaterials that possess superior thermal, electrical and mechanical properties in three dimensions. The material enables high efficiency batteries, supercapacitors, and solar cells, and has potential for applications such as energy storage, sensors, and wearable ele...

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 4, 2015

New findings move flexible lighting technology toward commercial feasibility

Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology have made significant advancements in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) for solid-state lighting. The team developed flexible electrodes using graphene, conducting polymers, and silver nanowires, which demonstrated good electrical, optical, and mechanical performance.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateSep 3, 2015

Researchers collaborate in development of brain-friendly interfaces

Researchers have developed a brain-friendly interface using an extracellular matrix environment, which can adapt to the mechanical properties of brain tissue and acquire neural recordings. This technology has the potential to revolutionize the treatment of limb loss and spinal cord injuries.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateAug 7, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sensitive and specific: A new way of probing electrolyte/electrode interfaces

Researchers developed a novel diffraction spectroscopy technique to probe chemical processes at the electrode/electrolyte interface, offering enhanced sensitivity and specificity. The method uses graphene gratings to detect molecular vibrations with sub-monolayer sensitivity.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2015

Culturing the connectome

Researchers at OIST developed a method to recreate connections between neurons from two different brain areas in a dish, allowing for the study of brain function and potential treatments for neurological disorders. The breakthrough used neurons from embryos of mice and created a working corticostriatal network.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateJun 19, 2015

Study finds a way to prevent fires in next-generation lithium batteries

Researchers discovered a way to prevent dendrite formation in lithium metal batteries by adding chemicals to the electrolyte, improving safety and performance. The new approach could lead to more efficient and longer-lasting batteries with potential applications in electric vehicles and energy storage.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2015

Designer electronics out of the printer

Researchers at TUM have successfully improved the electrical properties of printed films by optimizing the printing process, resulting in custom organic electronics. The team used X-ray radiation to study the curing process and achieved high time resolution, leading to significant improvements in stability and conductivity.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 16, 2015
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.

MRI technology reveals deep brain pathways in unprecedented detail

Researchers at Duke University Medical Center have created a high-resolution map of the human brain stem using MRI technology, providing unprecedented detail of deep brain pathways. This new model can guide surgeons in implanting electrodes more accurately, potentially eliminating trial-and-error methods and making surgery safer.

SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalHuman Brain Mapping·DateJun 3, 2015

New 'designer carbon' from Stanford boosts battery performance

The new material has exceptional energy-storage capacity, enabling unprecedented performance in lithium-sulfur batteries and supercapacitors. Designer carbon can be fine-tuned for various applications by adjusting the type of polymers and organic linkers used during fabrication.

SourceStanford University·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 29, 2015

Physicists precisely measure interaction between atoms and carbon surfaces

Researchers at the University of Washington have made the most precise measurements yet of atom-surface interactions crucial for improving lithium batteries and air filters. By studying gas atoms' behavior on a carbon nanotube surface, they found a measurable change in electrical resistance occurs when an atom sticks to the surface.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

Stanford scientists discover how microbes acquire electricity in making methane

Researchers have identified the mechanism by which methanogens obtain electrons from solid surfaces, paving the way for more efficient microbial factories that produce methane gas. The discovery also sheds light on microbially influenced corrosion, a significant global problem with estimated annual economic losses of $1 billion.

SourceStanford University·JournalmBio·DateMay 18, 2015

New chip architecture may provide foundation for quantum computer

Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a microfabricated ion trap architecture that increases qubit density and brings us closer to building a quantum computer. The new design uses ball grid array techniques to fit more electrodes onto the chip, paving the way for increased scalability.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMay 5, 2015
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.

Chest strap heart rate monitor

A new chest strap ECG monitor has been developed using wettable electrodes that are kept moist by an artificial sweating process. The device can now be used for long-term heart rate monitoring, addressing previous limitations of gel electrodes.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·DateMay 5, 2015

Beyond the lithium ion -- a significant step toward a better performing battery

Scientists at the University of Illinois Chicago have made a significant breakthrough in battery technology by replacing lithium ions with magnesium ions, which can carry twice the positive charge. This development could lead to the creation of high-voltage, high-energy batteries that can outperform existing lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2015

Thumbnail track pad

Researchers at MIT Media Lab create a miniature wireless track pad using capacitive sensing, allowing users to control devices with their thumbs. The technology has potential applications in various scenarios, including cooking, texting, and subtle communication.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 16, 2015
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.

Engineer improves rechargeable batteries with MoS2 nano 'sandwich'

Researchers have developed a new type of battery electrode made from molybdenum disulfide sheets wrapped in silicon carbonitride, showing improved stability and high lithium capacity. The discovery could lead to more efficient rechargeable batteries for smartphones and other devices.

SourceKansas State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 16, 2015

University of Houston researchers build brain-machine interface to control prosthetic hand

A team of researchers from the University of Houston has developed a non-invasive brain-machine interface that allows an amputee to control a prosthetic hand with high accuracy. The technology, which uses electroencephalogram (EEG) signals to capture brain activity, enables individuals to grasp objects with ease and precision.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalFrontiers in Neuroscience·DateMar 31, 2015
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Carbon nanotube fibers make superior links to brain

The carbon nanotube fibers have proven superior to metal electrodes for deep brain stimulation and reading signals from a neuronal network. They offer promise for treating patients with neurological disorders while monitoring the real-time response of neural circuits.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 25, 2015

Clean energy future: New cheap and efficient electrode for splitting water

UNSW Australia scientists have developed a highly efficient oxygen-producing electrode for splitting water that has the potential to be scaled up for industrial production of clean energy fuel, hydrogen. The new technology is based on an inexpensive, specially coated foam material that lets the bubbles of oxygen escape quickly.

SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 17, 2015

New research could lead to more efficient electrical energy storage

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have identified changes in the structure and bonding of graphitic carbon electrodes that may improve the capacity and efficiency of electrical energy storage systems. The new X-ray adsorption spectroscopy capability provided key information on how the structure and bonding evolve du...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 4, 2015

Pens filled with high-tech inks for do-it-yourself sensors

Researchers developed bio-inks that react with chemicals, allowing the creation of reusable glucose sensors on skin and leaves. The pens can also detect pollutants and hazardous materials, enabling potential applications in healthcare, environmental monitoring, and security. Future steps include connecting sensors wirelessly to monitor...

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·DateMar 2, 2015
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.

NIH-funded research lays groundwork for next-generation prosthetics

Researchers have developed implantable devices that can record muscle activity and provide more natural prosthesis control. The technologies aim to improve the reliability of prosthetic limbs and enable users to experience sensations in their residual limbs, enhancing overall prosthetic performance.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·DateFeb 9, 2015

Utah team gets $1.4M for bionic hand research

A team of researchers at the University of Utah has received $1.4 million to further develop an implantable neural interface that allows amputees to control a prosthetic hand with their thoughts and feel sensations of touch and movement.

SourceUniversity of Utah·DateFeb 9, 2015

'Bulletproof' battery: Kevlar membrane for safer, thinner lithium rechargeables

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a new battery technology using a Kevlar membrane to prevent lithium-ion fires and enhance safety. The membrane, made with nanofibers extracted from Kevlar, stifles the growth of metal tendrils that can become unwanted pathways for electrical current.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 27, 2015
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.