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Making electronics out of coal

Researchers at MIT have successfully created simple electrical heating devices using coal, showcasing its potential for various high-tech uses. The team characterized the chemical, electrical, and optical properties of four different types of coal, revealing a range of conductivities that can be tailored to specific applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 19, 2016

Why are some people more attached to their phones than others?

A study by psychologists Henry Wilmer and Jason Chein found that people who constantly check their phones exhibit poor impulse control and a tendency to devalue delayed rewards. This suggests that frequent smartphone use is associated with impatience and impulsivity.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMar 16, 2016

Spinning better electronic devices

UC Riverside researchers have successfully transmitted electrical signals through insulators in a sandwich-like structure, potentially revolutionizing electronic device efficiency. The breakthrough exploits the 'spin' of electrons rather than their charge, enabling new generations of spintronic devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 2, 2016

New thin film transistor may lead to flexible devices

Researchers at the University of Alberta have invented a new transistor that could revolutionize thin-film electronic devices with its bipolar action architecture. The device has power-handling capabilities up to 10 times greater than commercially produced transistors, making it suitable for flexible electronics applications.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 9, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Researchers propose high-efficiency wireless power transfer system

Scientists from ITMO University developed a novel WPT system that maintains up to 80% transfer efficiency across 20 centimeters, making it suitable for commercial applications. The system uses spherical dielectric resonators and a higher-order resonant frequency mode to reduce power losses.

SourceITMO University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 3, 2016

Organic crystals allow creating flexible electronic devices

Researchers from Moscow State University have grown organic semiconductor crystals with extremely high light-emitting efficiency, promising a bright future for wet-processed organic optoelectronics. The solution-grown crystals outperform vapor-grown ones in luminescence efficiency and quantum yield.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 3, 2016

Designer crystals for next-gen electronics

Researchers have developed a new process to grow designer crystals using vapour rather than liquid, enabling the creation of faster and more powerful electronic devices. The method uses metal organic frameworks (MOFs) with extremely large surface areas, allowing for the trapping of other molecules and boosting processing power.

SourceCSIRO Australia·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 14, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Electronics get a power boost with the addition of a simple material

Researchers at Penn State have discovered a way to give transistors a power boost by incorporating vanadium oxide into electronic devices. The material's metal-to-insulator transition property can enhance state-of-the-art non-volatile memories and improve the stability and energy efficiency of read, write, and maintain information states.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2015

Injectable electronics

Researchers developed a method for fabricating nano-scale electronic scaffolds that can be injected via syringe, monitoring neural activity, stimulating tissues and promoting neuron regeneration. The technology has the potential to revolutionize the interface between electronics and biology.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 8, 2015

High-temperature superconductivity in atomically thin films

Researchers at Tohoku University have successfully fabricated an atomically thin, high-temperature superconductor film with a Tc of up to 60 K, exceeding that of bulk FeSe. This finding enables the control and tuning of Tc, opening up new avenues for investigating mechanism and developing next-gen nano-scale superconducting devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 2, 2015
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.

Mission possible: This device will self-destruct when heated

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed heat-triggered self-destructing electronic devices that dissolve into their molecular components. This technology reduces electronic waste and boosts sustainability in device manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 21, 2015

Improving organic transistors that drive flexible and conformable electronics

Researchers at UMass Amherst developed a new understanding of strain effects on organic transistor performance, revealing that micro-scale wrinkling can enhance or have no effect on electrical properties. The study contributes to the development of next-generation flexible electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 5, 2015

New ways to see light and store information

Researchers have designed an organic electronic device with record-breaking ultra-long charge carrier lifetimes, opening up possibilities for new classes of devices such as sensitive photo detectors and flexible memory elements. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient solar cells, low-carbon electricity generation, and reduced e...

SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 13, 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.

KAIST develops ultrathin polymer insulators key to low-power soft electronics

Researchers at KAIST developed an ultrathin polymeric insulator using initiated chemical vapor deposition, overcoming limitations of traditional techniques. The resulting insulator enables the creation of low-power, high-performance field-effect transistors on flexible substrates.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 9, 2015

Cumulative daily screen time linked to teen sleep problems

A large study published in BMJ Open found that teens who spend more than 2 hours on screens after school are strongly linked to longer sleep onset latency and shorter sleep duration. The research suggests that screen time may replace sleeping time or interfere with sleep by stimulating the nervous system.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalBMJ Open·DateFeb 2, 2015
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.

Attractiveness speeds up performance

A study by British researchers found that aesthetically appealing visuals speed up people's ability to solve multi-step problems with visuals on websites or mobile phones. Simple and familiar icons were the easiest to find, but when the task got harder, pleasing aesthetics provided a performance boost.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateJan 22, 2015

Taking thin films to the extreme

Harvard University researchers demonstrate ability to paint ultra-thin coatings onto rough surfaces using thin-film interference, enabling lightweight decorative logos on spacecraft. The technology also holds promise for making flexible electronic devices and advanced solar cells.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 30, 2014
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.

Getting a charge out of water droplets

The new findings demonstrate that the process can generate small amounts of electricity, comparable to other ambient energy harvesting systems. The device could be simple and powered by humidity in the air, producing clean water as a side benefit.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 11, 2014

2-D transistors promise a faster electronics future

Berkeley Lab researchers have developed the world's first fully two-dimensional field-effect transistor (FET) using layered materials with van der Waals interfaces. This breakthrough promises to improve the performance and scalability of electronic devices, enabling the creation of faster and more efficient electronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 3, 2014

High quality 3-D nanoporous graphene

Scientists at AIMR successfully synthesized three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous graphene with preserved two-dimensional Dirac electronic characters. The material exhibits exceptional electron mobility and a massless Dirac cone system, making it an attractive alternative to silicon-based devices.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 2, 2014
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.

Beyond graphene: Controlling properties of 2-D materials

Scientists successfully create 'heterostructures' with novel functionalities, such as tunnelling transistors and solar cells. By controlling the relative orientation between graphene and boron nitride, researchers can reconstruct the crystal structure of graphene and open a band-gap.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 28, 2014

Exploring public perceptions of future wearable computing

A study by Georgia Tech researchers found that people in the US and South Korea prefer wearing e-textiles on their wrists and forearms, with minimal acceptance for other locations. Cultural differences play a significant role in perceptions of wearable technology, with Americans focusing on ease of use and South Koreans prioritizing mo...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateNov 7, 2013

Zoomable holograms pave the way for versatile, portable projectors

Researchers have created a small holographic projection system with a lensless zoom function, enabling compact and cost-effective projectors. The new technology reduces calculation time and preserves image quality, making it suitable for applications such as presentations and displays.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateOct 15, 2013

Butterfly wings + carbon nanotubes = new 'nanobiocomposite' material

Researchers have developed a nanobiocomposite material by combining the natural properties of Morpho butterfly wings with carbon nanotubes, showing promise for wearable electronic devices and sustainable energy applications. The new hybrid material exhibits high electrical conductivity and self-cleaning capabilities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 28, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Advancing resistive memory to improve portable electronics

A team at UC Riverside developed a novel way to build resistive memory devices that can store terabytes of data, replacing current flash memory. The new technology uses zinc oxide nano-islands on silicon, eliminating the need for a separate selector device.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 14, 2013

New insights into the polymer mystique for conducting charges

A team of researchers at Bangor University has made significant discoveries on the behavior of polyethylene in conducting electrical charges. The study reveals that the nano-scale structure of polyethylene, with crystalline regions separated by amorphous zones, plays a crucial role in charge conduction.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateAug 9, 2013

Ancient technology for metal coatings 2,000 years ago can't be matched even today

Researchers discovered that ancient artists and craftsmen developed sophisticated thin-film coating techniques, including using mercury as a glue, to apply uniform films of gold and silver. These techniques have not been surpassed in quality since ancient times, making them invaluable for preserving priceless artifacts.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateJul 24, 2013
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.

Nanoelectronics Center at UT Austin receives $7.8 million award

The University of Texas at Austin's Nanoelectronics Center will receive a five-year, $7.8 million award from SRC and NIST to develop novel ultra-low-power transistor research. The goal is to create transistors that consume significantly less energy than current devices, with potential applications in mobile computing and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·DateJun 12, 2013

New 'transient electronics' disappear when no longer needed

Scientists have developed transient electronics that can be implanted in the body to relieve pain or battle infection for a specific period, then dissolve harmlessly. The devices perform normally until the encapsulating layer disappears, offering potential applications in consumer electronics with pre-engineered service life.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 8, 2013

Accidental discovery may lead to improved polymers

Chemical engineers at the University of Toronto have made an accidental discovery that could lead to improved commercial polymers. The researchers found a new side product in a common polymer synthesis technique, which could reduce inconsistency and increase quality.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateApr 5, 2013
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 electronics by solving nearly century-old problem

A team of researchers led by UC Riverside Professor Alexander A. Balandin has solved the long-standing issue of low-frequency electronic 1/f noise in materials and devices. By studying multi-layered graphene samples, they found that the origin of this signal is at the surface of electrical conductors, contrary to previous research.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 6, 2013

Nature nurtures creativity

A study found that spending four days in nature, disconnected from electronic devices, improves creative problem-solving skills by 50%. The researchers used the Remote Associates Test to measure creativity and found significant benefits among participants.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2012
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.

Study outlines common risky behaviors of children struck by motor vehicles

A study analyzing pediatric pedestrian accidents found that children under 18 were more likely to be male and have head injuries, with a higher incidence of unsupervised activity. The research also highlighted the importance of parental supervision and safety reminders for preventing child pedestrian accidents.

SourceAmerican Academy of Pediatrics·DateOct 19, 2012

Effort to mass-produce flexible nanoscale electronics

Case Western Reserve University researchers have won a $1.2 million grant to develop technology for mass-producing flexible electronic devices. The team aims to create flexible electronics that can be worn on the skin, foldable devices as thin as plastic wrap, and implantable nerve-stimulating electrodes.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·DateOct 16, 2012

Wayne State's new flexible electronics technology may lead to new medical uses

A new flexible electronics technology developed by Wayne State University's Yong Xu has opened up possibilities for health care and medical applications of electronic devices. The technology is compatible with mainstream CMOS processes, allowing for the creation of high-performance and high-density CMOS circuits on flexible substrates.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 30, 2012
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.

Researchers map path to quantum electronic devices

Duke University researchers create a mathematical formulation to unlock the data stored in a database of potential TI ingredients, providing specific recipes for searching for TIs with desired properties. This breakthrough enables efficient alloys creation and discovery of new classes of systems.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 13, 2012

X-rays reveal molecular arrangements for better printable electronics

Researchers have employed powerful X-rays to determine molecular arrangements in organic materials used in printed electronics, leading to the discovery of molecular alignment as a key factor in material performance. The technique could lead to cheaper and more efficient electronic devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 25, 2012

Researcher finds faster, cheaper way to cool electronic devices

A North Carolina State University researcher has created a more efficient cooling method for electronic devices using a copper-graphene composite. The new material cools devices up to 25% faster than current materials and reduces costs by replacing expensive copper with graphene.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions B·DateApr 9, 2012

Researchers devise new means for creating elastic conductors

Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique to create elastic conductors from carbon nanotubes, enabling the production of stretchable electronic devices with improved resilience and conformability. The new method buckles carbon nanotubes on an elastic substrate, creating conductors that can transmit electric sign...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 24, 2012
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.

Study finds no link between elderly patient activity and hospital falls

A new study from University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston found that elderly patients who suffered in-hospital falls actually moved around no more than those who did not fall. The researchers analyzed the mobility patterns of patients fitted with electronic devices and found no statistical difference in walking between the groups.

SourceUniversity of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston·JournalArchives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation·DateOct 28, 2011

Scientists observe smallest atomic displacements ever

Researchers have developed a novel X-ray technique to image atomic displacements in materials, revealing that multiferroics exhibit magnetic and electric polarization due to relative charge displacement. The discovery has significant implications for designing multiferroic materials for practical applications.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalScience·DateSep 1, 2011

'Computer synapse' analyzed at the nanoscale

Researchers have analyzed the physical and chemical properties of memristors using highly focused x-rays, providing a detailed insight into their behavior. This study is crucial for understanding how memristors work, which will lead to novel applications in semi-autonomous robots and complex electronic circuits.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalNanotechnology·DateMay 15, 2011
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.

A 'USB' for medical diagnosis?

UC Davis engineers have developed a universal microfluidics connector to bridge biological tests with electronic devices, enabling compact medical diagnostic tools. The 'fit-to-flow' interface could enable cell phones to function as mini microscopes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalLab on a Chip·DateNov 29, 2010

New nano techniques integrate electron gas-producing oxides with silicon

A team at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has demonstrated methods to harness electronic oxides for broad applications in nanoelectronic devices. The new process allows the formation of structures that put different oxide layers on top of a silicon substrate, enabling the creation of conducting nanowires and tiny transistors.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 19, 2010
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Graphene exhibits bizarre new behavior well suited to electronic devices

Physicists at the University of California, Berkeley discovered that when graphene is stretched, it develops bubbles of quantized electrons behaving in a bizarre way. The discovery opens doors to room-temperature straintronics and control of electronic properties through strain.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·DateJul 29, 2010

A 'huge step' toward mass production of coveted form of carbon

Researchers develop a new procedure for mass-producing graphene, a material that could revolutionize electronics devices. The process uses commercially available silicon carbide wafers to produce high-quality graphene with excellent electronic properties.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateJun 9, 2010

Hugging the heart electronically

Researchers have developed a flexible silicon electronics device that can map waves of electrical activity in the heart with high density and speed. The device uses 288 contact points and has the potential to localize and treat abnormal heart rhythms.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMar 24, 2010
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

A huge step toward mass production of coveted form of carbon

Scientists have developed a simple method to produce high-quality graphene on commercially available silicon carbide wafers. This breakthrough enables mass production of graphene, a material with unique electronic properties that could replace silicon in electronics devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 10, 2010