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Mind the nanogap: Fast and sensitive oxygen gas sensors

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new strategy to produce nanogap oxygen gas sensors with fast response times and low operating temperatures. The study presents a promising approach to create scalable gas-sensing platforms for various applications.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·DateMay 31, 2021
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.

Danish invention preserves muscle mass in COVID-19 patients

Researchers at Aarhus University developed biocompatible electrodes for electrical muscle stimulation and integrated them into medical support stockings. The study found that the stockings counteracted significant muscle loss in bedridden Covid patients, reversing a 10% decline in muscle mass after five to six days of hospitalization.

SourceAarhus University·DateMay 28, 2021

High-capacity electrodes by valence engineering developed for desalination

Researchers from Hefei Institutes of Physical Science created three manganese oxides with different Mn valences for high-capacity capacitive desalination. The results showed that these electrodes displayed high salt adsorption capacity and corresponding high salt adsorption rates surpassing other carbon materials.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalNano Research·DateMay 27, 2021

Ionophobic electrode boosts energy storage performance

A new strategy using massive molecular dynamics simulations has been proposed to improve the energy density and power density of EDLCs with ILs. By introducing ionophobicity, the researchers found a significant enhancement in overall performance, particularly with an extremely ionophobic electrode.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 26, 2021
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.

Solid-state batteries line up for better performance

Researchers at the University of Illinois have made significant breakthroughs in solid-state battery technology by controlling atomic alignment of materials to improve cathode-solid electrolyte interface stability. This enables more efficient charging and discharging cycles, leading to increased energy density and improved cycle life.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 20, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The new study of emerging materials helping in detection of COVID-19

Researchers from Ural Federal University developed a new method for detecting SARS-CoV-2 using electrochemical biosensors made of emerging materials. The sensors offer high sensitivity, specificity, and portability, making them a promising tool for virus detection. Further research is needed to commercialize the technology.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalJournal of Electroanalytical Chemistry·DateApr 29, 2021

Battery parts can be recycled without crushing or melting

Researchers at Aalto University have discovered a new recycling method for lithium-ion batteries that replenishes spent lithium in electrodes without crushing or melting. This process saves valuable raw materials and likely energy compared to traditional methods, which extract metals from crushed batteries by melting or dissolving them.

SourceAalto University·JournalChemSusChem·DateApr 29, 2021

Unlocking richer intracellular recordings

A team of Carnegie Mellon University researchers has developed a novel microelectrode platform using 3D fuzzy graphene to enable richer intracellular recordings of cardiac action potentials. This advancement could revolutionize research on neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases, as well as the development of new therapeutic strategies.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 13, 2021

Cohesive circuit protection for wearable electronics

A new cellulose nanofiber coating offers enhanced water resistance for flexible electronic devices, allowing them to withstand hundreds of bending cycles and underwater exposure. The coating's unique properties make it an ideal solution for medical devices used in emergency disaster response situations.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 1, 2021
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.

Controlling bubble formation on electrodes

Researchers at MIT have discovered three ways bubbles form and release from porous electrodes, which can be controlled by adjusting surface treatment. The team found that the wettability of the surface is crucial in determining bubble formation, allowing for precise control over system performance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateMar 26, 2021

Recharge your batteries

University of Utah professor Tao Gao's discovery reveals physics behind lithium plating and enables prediction of its occurrence. The breakthrough could lead to faster charging times for electric vehicles and smartphones, reducing charging time from over an hour to under 10 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalJoule·DateMar 24, 2021

Goodbye large neural probes

A team of researchers developed an ultrasmall needle-electrode technology called 'STACK' that enables high-quality brain recordings in mice with a high signal-to-noise ratio. The device offers improved biocompatibility and minimized tissue damage, making it suitable for long-term and safe chronic recordings.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·DateMar 22, 2021

Big breakthrough for 'massless' energy storage

The new battery has an energy density of 24 Wh/kg, ten times higher than previous prototypes, and a stiffness of 25 GPa. This breakthrough paves the way for 'massless' energy storage in vehicles and consumer electronics.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·DateMar 22, 2021

Inexpensive tin packs a big punch for the future of supercapacitors

Researchers have created a more powerful, fast-charging supercapacitor with improved connectivity and recyclability using affordable tin. The material enhances the properties of cobalt oxide-based electrodes, leading to increased conductivity and promising practical applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMar 17, 2021
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.

How to prevent short-circuiting in next-gen lithium batteries

Researchers at MIT have developed a way to prevent dendrite formation in solid-state lithium batteries, potentially unlocking the potential of high-powered batteries. The team created a semisolid electrode with a self-healing surface, allowing for high current densities without dendrites.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 16, 2021

Finding key to low-cost, fast production of solid-state batteries for EVs

A new manufacturing process developed by Georgia Tech researchers allows for the mass production of solid-state batteries using nonflammable ceramic electrolytes. This breakthrough could lead to lighter, safer, and more energy-dense batteries, potentially reducing costs and increasing efficiency.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 8, 2021

Retinal implants can give artificial vision to the blind

Researchers at EPFL have developed a retinal implant that uses electrodes to stimulate retinal cells, allowing blind individuals to see simplified images in black-and-white. The system has been tested virtually using virtual reality simulations and has demonstrated promising results, paving the way for potential human trials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMar 5, 2021

Oregon researchers unveil the weaving fractal network of connecting neurons

Researchers at the University of Oregon have discovered a fractal network of connecting neurons in the brain, which balances energy costs to facilitate communication between neurons. The study's findings have implications for designing implants to treat macular degeneration and other retinal diseases.

SourceUniversity of Oregon·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 2, 2021
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.

Silver and gold nanowires open the way to better electrochromic devices

Researchers from INRS have developed a new approach for foldable and solid electrochromic devices using silver nanowires coated with compact gold shells. The device demonstrates high stability and flexibility in harsh environments, overcoming the limitations of traditional indium tin oxide-based devices.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 22, 2021

Tuning electrode surfaces to optimize solar fuel production

Researchers found that modifying the surface of electrodes with bismuth can significantly increase electrical current, driving the reactions that split water into oxygen and hydrogen. This process could lead to a clean and sustainable energy future.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 18, 2021

New research could boost a solar-powered fuel made by splitting water

Researchers at University of Chicago and Brookhaven National Laboratory develop a new method to improve photoelectrodes for producing solar fuels. By modifying the surface composition of bismuth vanadate electrodes, they found that surfaces with more bismuth atoms favor water splitting reactions.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalNature Energy·DateFeb 18, 2021
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.

Novel flexible terahertz camera can inspect objects with diverse shapes

A team of researchers at Tokyo Tech has designed a flexible and free-standing terahertz sensor array that can image irregularly shaped objects. The camera patch sheet can be easily cut into smaller sensors for better coverage, showcasing its potential in industrial applications such as quality control operations.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 16, 2021

Highway tunnel for ions

Scientists at IPC PAS designed a novel solution by accelerating ion transport in narrow pores to charge supercapacitors faster. They presented slit-like pores with sizes slightly larger than ions and achieved promising results through complex computer simulations and experiments.

SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 16, 2021

Surface effect of electrodes revealed by operando surface science methodology

Researchers propose a new strategy to explore electrochemical process on electrode surfaces using operando surface science methods. They successfully visualize intercalation of super-dense multilayer anions into graphite electrode surface region, revealing a distinct electrochemical process in the surface region.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 4, 2021

Inside the battery in 3D: Powerful X-rays watch solid state batteries charging and discharging

A research team observed the internal evolution of materials inside solid-state lithium batteries as they charged and discharged using ultrabright X-rays. The detailed 3D information may help improve reliability and performance of the batteries, which use solid materials to replace liquid electrolytes in existing lithium-ion batteries.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 3, 2021
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.

X-Ray tomography lets researchers watch solid-state batteries charge, discharge

A research team observed internal evolution of materials in solid-state lithium batteries using X-ray tomography. The operando synchrotron imaging revealed how dynamic changes at electrode interfaces determine battery behavior. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for improving the reliability and performance of solid-state batteries.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 28, 2021

Producing green hydrogen through the exposure of nanomaterials to sunlight

A research team has developed new nanostructured electrodes to split water molecules under sunlight, paving the way for efficient green hydrogen production. The electrodes, made with titanium dioxide and cobalt oxide, can absorb up to 50% of visible light and produce hydrogen through photocatalysis.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalSolar Energy Materials and Solar Cells·DateJan 21, 2021

Electron transfer discovery is a step toward viable grid-scale batteries

Researchers at the University of Michigan have made a significant breakthrough in electron transfer for grid-scale batteries, which could lead to more efficient and cost-effective energy storage. The study found that bridging plays a critical role in improving the reaction rate of flow batteries.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJan 21, 2021

New process more efficiently recycles excess CO2 into fuel, study finds

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new electrochemical reaction using polymers to improve CO2-to-ethylene conversion efficiency. The study found that the new polymer-entrained electrodes produced more stable chemical intermediates, resulting in up to 87% ethylene production, surpassing previous reports.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJan 11, 2021
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.

Liquid metal ink liberates form

Researchers at POSTECH developed a new liquid metal ink that can withstand harsh deformation and maintain electrical conductivity, enabling the creation of flexible electronics. The ink was successfully printed on various substrates, displaying negligible resistance changes even when stretched up to 500%.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 10, 2021

How our brains track where we and others go

A new UCLA study suggests that our brains generate a common code to mark where other people are in relation to ourselves. The research, published in Nature, used brain electrodes to observe how patients navigated physical spaces and monitored others nearby.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2020
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.

Scientists discover how our brains track where we and others go

Researchers used a special backpack to monitor brain waves while participants walked around an empty room, finding hidden spots. The study found that brain waves flowed in a distinct pattern suggesting the brain mapped out physical space and boundaries.

SourceNIH/National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke·JournalNature·DateDec 23, 2020

Even after long-term exposure, bionic touch does not remap the brain

A new study on people with amputations using bionic hands for over a year found that the brain never shifted its perception of touch sensations to match the prosthetic thumb. The participants' brains persisted in perceiving the sensation in other locations, such as their middle finger or palm.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalCell Reports·DateDec 22, 2020

Making cheaper, biocompatible E-skin electrodes

Researchers developed a non-toxic hydrothermal treatment that enhances conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films by 250 times, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateDec 10, 2020
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.

Tiny bubbles on electrodes key to speeding up chemical processes

Researchers have discovered that tiny bubbles on electrodes can facilitate electrochemical reactions, leading to faster pollutant removal and chlorine production. The formation of hydroxide anions in the bubble's corona accelerates these processes, making them more efficient than usual.

SourceCurtin University·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 2020

Restoring a rudimentary form of vision in the blind

Researchers at Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience developed high-resolution brain implants that enable recognition of artificially induced shapes and percepts. The breakthrough technology allows for a rudimentary form of vision restoration, enabling profoundly blind individuals to navigate and interact more easily.

SourceNetherlands Institute for Neuroscience - KNAW·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2020

Human Brain Project-supported innovation published in Science

Researchers developed high-resolution implants consisting of 1024 electrodes to generate artificial images, enabling the recognition of shapes, lines, and letters in sighted monkeys. The technology aims to restore vision in blind people with intact visual cortex, significantly improving their independence.

SourceHuman Brain Project·JournalScience·DateDec 3, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Perfect imperfection: Electrode defects boost resistive memory efficiency

Thicker electrodes with greater surface roughness improve resistance switching memory cell characteristics. The study found that such electrodes reduce forming and switching voltages, increase endurance to 50 million cycles, and enhance device performance.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 23, 2020

Sensors get a laser shape up

A new method developed at KAUST uses laser beams to produce uniform, three-dimensional graphene electrodes with high porosity and surface area. The electrodes exhibit excellent electrocatalytic activity and distinguish paracetamol and other compounds. Researchers plan to optimize the fabrication of sensors and expand their applications.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateNov 15, 2020

Convenient antioxidant capacity measurement of food

Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a new electrochemical system to measure antioxidant capacity in food, eliminating complex separation and extraction steps. This system allows for easy analysis of fat-soluble antioxidants in colorful or cloudy samples without extensive equipment or special treatment.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateNov 12, 2020
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.

Improving high-energy lithium-ion batteries with carbon filler

Researchers used conductive fillers like single-walled carbon nanotubes to improve battery performance. The study found that combining NCM electrodes with as little as 0.16% by weight of SWCNT produced good electrical conductivity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateNov 10, 2020

Boosting the capacity of supercapacitors

Researchers at KAUST developed a new material that significantly improves the energy density of supercapacitors, enabling quick bursts of energy. The material uses covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with carefully selected molecular functional groups to overcome conductivity limitations.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateNov 1, 2020

Smart tablecloth can find fruit and help with watering the plants

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a smart tablecloth that can detect non-metallic objects such as fruits and liquids using an 'implicit input' technique. The system achieved a 94.5% accuracy rate in testing, with notable success in distinguishing between different types of liquids and fruits.

SourceDartmouth College·DateOct 30, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Performance test for neural interfaces

Neural interface electrodes play a crucial role in studying the nervous system and developing potential treatments for diseases. A new set of guidelines has been established to standardize the testing of these electrodes, enabling transparent reporting and promoting an efficient scientific process.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalNature Protocols·DateOct 28, 2020

Charging electric cars up to 90% in 6 minutes

A POSTECH research team has developed a faster charging and longer lasting battery material for electric cars. They proved that forming an intermediate phase during charging and discharging can generate high power without losing energy density or reducing particle size, enabling the development of long-lasting Li-ion batteries.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 23, 2020

The perfect angle for e-skin energy storage

Materials scientists developed a method to spray graphene ink onto flexible substrates at a specific angle and temperature, creating micro-supercapacitors with excellent performance. The new design stores up to 2 times more charge per square centimeter than previous devices, making it suitable for wearable electronic skin devices.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNano Energy·DateOct 12, 2020
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.

One electrode fits all functional groups

Researchers discovered a new approach to control chemical reaction reactivity using a single gold electrode, which can behave like multiple functional groups by switching applied voltage. This 'electro-inductive effect' enables in-situ tuning of electronic property and reactivity in the middle of a reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2020

New findings pave the way to environmentally friendly supercapacitors

Researchers at Graz University of Technology have developed a sustainable hybrid supercapacitor made of carbon and aqueous sodium iodide electrolyte. The system achieves unexpectedly high energy storage capacity by storing all chemical energy in solid iodine particles, enabling fast charging and discharging processes.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 7, 2020

All-2D light-emitting field-effect transistors

Researchers have developed a new type of transistor that can emit strong light, overcoming previous limitations. By modulating the contacts and channel with separate three gates, the polarity and light emission can be controlled, showing great promises for multi-digit logic devices and highly integrated optoelectronic circuitry.

SourceSeoul National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 4, 2020