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Liquid metal key to simpler creation of electrodes for microfluidic devices

The NC State team has created microfluidic devices with inherently aligned electrodes composed of liquid metal alloy, allowing for easier and faster electrode creation. This approach enables the creation of useful electrode configurations that were previously difficult or impossible to achieve.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateFeb 22, 2011

Manipulating molecules for a new breed of electronics

Scientists have successfully controlled the electrical conductance of a single molecule by manipulating its mechanical properties. The research uses a type of molecule called pentaphenylene and demonstrates that changing the tilt angle can increase conductance up to 10 times, thanks to lateral coupling effects.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 20, 2011
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.

New microscopy method opens window on previously unseen cell features

Researchers have developed a new microscopy technique, electrochemical impedance microscopy (EIM), that can explore subtle features of cell adhesion, apoptosis, and electroporation. EIM provides sub-micron spatial resolution and is label-free, making it non-invasive to samples.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 24, 2011

Charging makes nano-sized electrodes swell, elongate and spiral

Researchers observed electrode wires made from materials used in rechargeable lithium ion batteries contorting and fatten as they become charged with electricity. This study suggests how rechargeable batteries eventually give out and might offer insights for improving battery performance.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 9, 2010

Using new materials to make more reliable nanoelectromechanical systems

Researchers have found a way to improve the reliability of carbon nanotube-based nanoelectromechanical systems by using diamond-like carbon electrodes. This enables reliable switching and storage of binary states in devices, advancing the technology from laboratory-scale demonstrations to practical applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalSmall·DateDec 6, 2010

Manufacturing 'made to measure' atomic-scale electrodes

Scientists from Donostia-San Sebastian and Kiel universities develop method to control atom count in molecular unions, improving electric current flow. This breakthrough enables precise characterization of nanometric systems, resolving a key problem in nanotechnology.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 30, 2010
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Batteries smaller than a grain of salt

Scientists have created tiny energy storage devices, no bigger than a grain of sand, with the potential to power micro- and nano-scale devices. The new batteries are part of a larger effort to miniaturize lithium-ion technology, which could lead to breakthroughs in fields like medicine and electronics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateOct 19, 2010

The brain speaks

Researchers translated brain signals into words using two grids of 16 microelectrodes implanted beneath the skull but atop the brain. The study showed that the method can distinguish between brain signals for each word, with an accuracy rate of 76-90%, demonstrating proof of concept.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJournal of Neural Engineering·DateSep 6, 2010
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Atmospheric pressure plasma jet from a grounded electrode

Scientists have developed a novel method for creating atmospheric pressure plasma jets using grounded electrodes, which differ from conventional applications. This breakthrough increases operator safety and enables the creation of jets at lower voltages, opening up new possibilities for biomedical applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 24, 2010

Reading terrorists minds about imminent attack

A new Northwestern University study has developed a technology that can detect imminent terrorist attacks by correlating P300 brain waves with guilty knowledge in mock terrorism scenarios. The test was accurate in identifying critical concealed information, even without prior knowledge of the planned crime.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPsychophysiology·DateJul 30, 2010

New cochlear implant could improve outcomes for patients

Researchers developed a new cochlear implant with more electrodes and a thinner, more flexible wire, which can improve the quality of sound and preserve residual hearing. This innovation allows for more precise stimulation of the auditory nerve, resulting in better sound resolution.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·DateJun 30, 2010

Life of plastic solar cell jumps from hours to 8 months

A team of researchers at the University of Alberta developed a longer-lasting plastic solar cell by applying a polymer coating to an electrode. The coating helped prevent chemical leaching, allowing the solar cell to operate for up to 500 hours and then continue working for another seven months.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 21, 2010
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.

New nanoscale electrical phenomenon discovered

Researchers have discovered a new nanoscale electrical phenomenon that allows for nondestructive transmission of electricity through glass, enabling the development of faster and less expensive portable diagnostic devices. This breakthrough could also enable significant advancements in building micro-mechanical and lab-on-a-chip devices.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 18, 2010

Discarded data may be gateway to new brain insights

Researchers found significant patterns in discarded brain wave data, revealing connections between low-frequency and high-frequency brain waves. These connections suggest important aspects of brain architecture and function, potentially shedding light on the brain's organizational structure.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalNeuron·DateMay 12, 2010

A brain-recording device that melts into place

A new brain implant made from silk has been developed to monitor and control seizures, as well as transmit signals past damaged spinal cord areas. The ultrathin flexible implants can record brain activity more faithfully than thicker devices, with potential applications in epilepsy, spinal cord injuries, and other neurological disorders.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 18, 2010

Stanford researchers find electrical current stemming from plants

Researchers at Stanford University have successfully harnessed a tiny electric current from algae cells using a unique nanoelectrode. This discovery could lead to the development of high-efficiency bioelectricity with zero carbon emissions. However, further improvements are needed to scale up the process and make it economically feasible.

SourceStanford University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 13, 2010
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.

MIT makes significant step toward lightweight batteries

A team of MIT researchers has made significant progress on lithium-air batteries by identifying metal catalysts that can improve efficiency and increase energy density. The study finds that electrodes with gold or platinum catalysts show higher activity and efficiency than simple carbon electrodes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalElectrochemical and Solid-State Letters·DateApr 2, 2010

NIST racetrack ion trap is a contender in quantum computing quest

Physicists at NIST create a device that can trap dozens of ions with versatile control, advancing the quest for practical quantum computers. The racetrack ion trap features 150 work zones and can be scaled up for mass fabrication.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNew Journal of Physics·DateApr 1, 2010
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.

To see or not to see

Scientists identified rapid bursts of neural activity in high-order visual centers when patients correctly recognized target images, suggesting a 'threshold' for conscious perceptual awareness. The study found that brain processing time is crucial for ignition, with mask presentation too soon 'killing' visual input signals.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNeuron·DateJan 14, 2010

Deep brain stimulation successful for treatment of severely depressive patient

A 64-year-old woman with severe depression was treated with deep brain stimulation of the habenula, showing significant improvement and long-term remission. The procedure is a new treatment option for therapy-resistant depression, building on existing knowledge of the habenula's role in the condition.

SourceHeidelberg University Hospital·JournalBiological Psychiatry·DateJan 8, 2010

Nanotube defects equal better energy and storage systems

Artificially introducing defects in nanotubes can enhance the development of supercapacitors, which combine the advantages of batteries and electrostatic capacitors. The researchers found that defects create additional charge sites, increasing stored charge capacity and power density.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 19, 2009
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.

Nanowire biocompatibility in the brain: So far so good

Scientists at Lund University successfully injected nanowires into rat brains, revealing that the brain's 'clean-up' cells (microglia) take care of the wires. After 12 weeks, only minor differences were observed between test and control groups.

SourceSwedish Research Council·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 22, 2009

A step toward better brain implants using conducting polymer nanotubes

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed brain implants coated with conducting polymer nanotubes, which can record neural signals better than conventional metal electrodes. The new implants may eventually lead to more effective treatment of neurological disorders like Parkinson's disease and paralysis.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 29, 2009

Paper battery may power electronics in clothing and packaging material

A new battery made of cellulose shows promise for powering flexible electronics, such as clothing and packaging. The battery's performance is improved by coating a conductive polymer on individual cellulose fibers, creating a nano-thin coating that enables efficient electricity storage.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 23, 2009
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 get first close look at stimulated brain

Researchers at Harvard Medical School used two-photon microscopy to track calcium levels in neurons during electrical stimulation, revealing a scattered and widely distributed set of neurons switch on. The findings contradict a long-standing hypothesis and suggest that axons are being stimulated rather than cell bodies.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalNeuron·DateAug 26, 2009

Nanopillars promise cheap, efficient, flexible solar cells

Researchers have developed a new design for solar cells using arrays of nanoscale pillars, each a single crystal, to efficiently convert light into charge-carrying electrons. The efficiency of the test device was measured at six percent, which is higher than most photovoltaic devices based on nanostructured materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 9, 2009

1 step closer to an artificial nerve cell

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed an electrically conducting plastic delivery electrode that releases specific neurotransmitters to activate neighboring brain cells, enabling precise control of neural signals. This technology has the potential to treat various neurological conditions, including hearing loss, epilepsy,...

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 7, 2009

Reading the brain without poking it

A new study from the University of Utah shows that microelectrodes can detect brain signals controlling arm movements without penetrating the brain. This technology may enable amputees and paralyzed individuals to control prosthetic limbs and computers using their thoughts.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNeurosurgical FOCUS·DateJun 28, 2009

MIT: New system monitors fetal heartbeat

A new system developed by MIT scientists can monitor the fetal heartbeat noninvasively, allowing for early detection of potential problems. The system separates the maternal ECG signal from the fetus's and background noise thanks to a complex algorithm, enabling clinicians to catch subtle variations in the fetal heartbeat.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering·DateJun 1, 2009
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.

Controllable double quantum dots and Klein tunneling in nanotubes

Scientists successfully capture a single electron in a highly tunable carbon nanotube double quantum dot using ultraclean nanotubes. They also discovered a new type of tunneling analogous to Klein paradox, allowing electrons to pass through obstacles without sufficient energy.

SourceNetherlands Organization for Scientific Research·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 14, 2009

A glimpse at vision: First impressions count

Researchers at Children's Hospital Boston demonstrate that the brain can recognize objects quickly and consistently, even under different lighting conditions, size, and rotation. This finding could lead to advancements in teaching computers to see and improving brain-computer interfaces for individuals with visual impairment.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalNeuron·DateApr 29, 2009

X marks the spot: Ions coldly go through NIST trap junction

Physicists at NIST have demonstrated a new ion trap that enables efficient transport of ions through an X-shaped junction, solving a key engineering issue for future ion-trap quantum computers. The demonstration achieved over 1 million successful transports with minimal heating, making it suitable for large-scale quantum computing.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateApr 8, 2009

Nanotech coating could lead to better brain implants to treat diseases

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a nanotech coating that can help brain implants operate longer and improve treatment for various diseases. The coating, made of three components, enables electrodes to interface more smoothly with the brain, reducing tissue damage and improving signal transmission.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 10, 2009
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Plugging in molecular wires

Researchers developed a new process to capture light energy with nearly equal efficiency by connecting molecular wires to biological photosynthetic systems. This approach improves the transfer of electrons, achieving high quantum yields similar to natural photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·DateFeb 12, 2009

A very encouraging clinical trial for patients with OCD

A recent clinical trial has shown remarkable results for patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), with 7 out of 10 participants experiencing a substantial reduction in symptoms after deep cerebral stimulation. The treatment, which involves targeting the subthalamic nucleus in the brain, offers a promising alternative to tradi...

SourceINSERM (Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale)·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 12, 2008
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.

Brain implants may help stroke patients overcome partial paralysis

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a new brain-computer interface (BCI) technology that can detect and decode brain signals associated with hand and arm movements on the same side of the body. This breakthrough may enable patients with partial paralysis to regain mobility in their limbs.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalStroke·DateNov 11, 2008

Coating improves electrical stimulation therapy used for Parkinson's, depression, chronic pain

A new coating made from carbon nanotubes improves the signals received and transmitted by electrodes, potentially advancing electrical nerve stimulation therapy. The coating bolsters both stimulation and receptive capabilities, showing promise in treating diseases such as epilepsy, depression, and chronic leg and back pain.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 16, 2008
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.

Coatings to help medical implants connect with neurons

Ohio State University researchers have developed coatings that encourage neurons in the body to grow and connect with electrodes, boosting implant effectiveness. The coatings, which release neurotrophins over time, show promise for treating conditions such as Parkinson's disease and macular degeneration.

SourceOhio State University·DateAug 21, 2008

Using live fish, new tool a sentinel for environmental contamination

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technology that uses live fish embryos to detect harmful chemicals in water, providing an early warning system for environmental contamination. The tool measures oxygen use in developing fish, revealing minute levels of toxic substances before they cause harm.

SourcePurdue University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateAug 13, 2008

Towards zero training for brain-computer interfacing

A novel data analysis method has been developed that extracts representative spatial filters for each individual subject, reducing the need for calibration before every session. This approach may pave the way for practical daily use of brain-computer interfacing technology for both patients and healthy users.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateAug 12, 2008
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.

Water refineries?

Researchers have discovered a way to extract pure oxygen from water using relatively small amounts of electricity and common chemicals. The breakthrough could lead to the development of solar-powered energy systems that can operate 24/7.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2008

Water refineries?

Researchers have discovered an efficient way to produce oxygen from water using a simple and inexpensive technique involving cobalt and phosphates. This breakthrough has significant implications for the large-scale deployment of solar energy, offering a cheap and easily manufactured storage mechanism.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateJul 31, 2008

'Cross fire' from the brain makes patients tremble

Jülich scientists have discovered the mechanism behind Parkinsonian tremor and developed a new deep brain pacemaker to disrupt it. The device influences disturbed neurons in the core region of the brain, causing irregular rhythms that break down diseased modes.

SourceHelmholtz Association·JournalEPL (Europhysics Letters)·DateJul 11, 2008

Nanowires may boost solar cell efficiency, UC San Diego engineers say

Researchers at UC San Diego have created experimental solar cells with nanowires that show promise as efficient thin-film solar cells of the future. The new design increases electron transport and reduces recombination, leading to a significant boost in efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 13, 2008

Electrode re-implantation helps some Parkinson's disease patients

A study of seven patients with Parkinson's disease found that re-implanting electrodes to correct placement can improve symptoms and reduce medication doses for those who had poor results after initial implantation. The procedure led to significant improvements in motor function scores and reduced levodopa medication doses.

SourceJAMA Network·JournalArchives of Neurology·DateMay 12, 2008
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-based gadgets may be just years away

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed tiny liquid crystal devices with graphene electrodes, paving the way for computer and TV displays based on this technology. The graphene-based films are highly transparent and conductive, making them ideal for applications in various electro-optical devices.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 30, 2008

New nanotube sensor can continuously monitor minute amounts of insulin

A new method using nanotechnology rapidly measures minute amounts of insulin, enabling real-time assessment of the body's insulin-producing cells. This breakthrough could improve the efficacy of a procedure for treating Type 1 diabetes, allowing diabetics to free themselves from insulin injections.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalAnalytica Chimica Acta·DateApr 15, 2008