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Porous radical organic framework improves lithium-sulphur batteries

A team of researchers has developed a new material that enhances the capacity and stability of lithium-sulphur batteries by trapping polysulphides in open pores, reducing battery life shortening. The material improves Li-S battery performance to over 1,500 cycles with minimal capacity loss.

Prussian Blue breaks out of its cubic mold after 300 years

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have successfully synthesized Prussian Blue with an octahedral morphology by using a specialized solvent. The new crystal shape enhances electrochemical reactivity and stable performance in sodium-ion hybrid capacitors.

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.

Digital to analog in one smooth step

The new Harvard device can turn purely digital electronic inputs into analog optical signals at high speeds, addressing the bottleneck of computing and data interconnects. It has the potential to enable advances in microwave photonics and emerging optical computing approaches.

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.

Lithium-sulphur batteries with lean electrolyte: problem areas clarified

Scientists used operando neutron tomography to visualize the dynamic wetting of lithium-sulphur pouch cells, gaining insights into cell failure mechanisms. The study found that discharge/charge processes improve electrolyte homogeneity, promoting electrochemical activation and enhanced capacity.

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.

Electric vehicle batteries: Prioritize reuse before recycling

A study by researchers at the University of Münster found that deploying end-of-life EV batteries as stationary energy storage devices can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. By prioritizing reuse, countries with high renewable energies can save up to 56 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions.

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.

Battery sharing could cut energy costs for communities

Researchers developed a method to determine optimal battery capacity and rental prices, showing considerable savings possible even after subtracting costs. The approach benefits both energy communities and commercial battery operators in volatile markets.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Solid-state batteries charge faster, last longer

Researchers have developed solid-state batteries that can charge in a fraction of the time and pack more energy into less space than traditional lithium-ion versions. These batteries use stable solid materials instead of liquid electrolytes, enabling faster charging, reduced safety risks, and improved efficiency.

Built-in smart sensors can prevent lithium-ion battery fires before they start

Researchers at the University of Surrey have developed built-in smart sensors to monitor temperature, pressure, stress, and chemical changes in real-time, providing early warnings and fire suppression features. The technology aims to improve safety and sustainability in electric vehicles, renewable energy, and other industries.

Bi-layered coating: A breakthrough in fire-resistant materials

Researchers developed a bi-layered coating that addresses traditional flame-retardant limitations, providing immediate and prolonged fire resistance. The innovative design offers superior protection for polymeric and metallic substrates with minimal thickness.

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 develop dissolvable battery using probiotics

A team of researchers at Binghamton University has developed a dissolvable battery using probiotics, which can provide a safe and sustainable energy source for transient applications. The battery utilizes electricity-producing bacteria that are commonly found in the human digestive system and are considered biocompatible.

Advent of the topological quantum battery

Researchers have demonstrated the feasibility of topological quantum batteries by leveraging photonic waveguides and two-level atoms. The devices show near-perfect energy transfer and dissipation immunity, offering potential performance advantages over classical batteries.

Discovery could boost solid-state battery performance

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have discovered a way to improve solid-state battery performance by creating a 'space charge layer' that enhances ion movement. This breakthrough could lead to better-performing batteries with improved safety and increased energy storage capacity.

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.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

New, non-toxic synthesis method for “miracle material” MXene

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new electrochemical synthesis method for MXene, overcoming the difficulties of producing this 'miracle material'. The new process uses electricity instead of toxic hydrofluoric acid, allowing for safer and more sustainable production.

Charging electric vehicles 5x faster in subfreezing temps

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a modified manufacturing process that enables high ranges and fast charging in cold weather. A stabilizing coating on an electrode, combined with microscale channels, solves the trade-off between range and charging speed, even in subfreezing temperatures.

Advancing energy through research in porous media

Dr. Rita Okoroafor's research integrates geochemistry, geomechanics, and reservoir engineering to improve understanding of fluid-rock interactions in subsurface technologies. Her work enhances hydrogen storage efficiency, optimizes geothermal reservoir performance, and improves CO2 storage security.

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.

Water movement on surfaces makes more electric charge than expected

Water movement on surfaces creates an irreversible electrical charge, with potential applications in improving safety and energy storage. The study found that the charge is generated at the interface between liquid and solid and can be retained in droplets as they move over the surface.

Leading the charge to better batteries

A team of researchers, led by Kelsey Hatzell from Princeton University, has made breakthroughs in developing anode-free solid-state batteries. These batteries have the potential to store more energy in less space and operate with high performance at a wider range of temperatures.

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.

Engineers discover key barrier to longer-lasting batteries

University of Texas at Dallas researchers have discovered why LiNiO2 batteries break down during charging and are testing a solution to remove the key barrier to widespread use. They developed a theoretical solution that reinforces the material by adding a positively charged ion, creating pillars to strengthen the cathode.

Better texture for better batteries

Researchers at University of Chicago improved battery performance by studying metal texture, discovering that adding a thin layer of silicon enhances desired properties. The new technology has the potential to increase power densities and enable more efficient energy storage.

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.

Scientists develop ultra-thin absorbers with record-breaking bandwidth

Researchers at Syracuse University have developed ultra-thin absorbers that exceed theoretical limits, enabling efficient capture of electromagnetic waves across broad frequency ranges. These advancements have significant implications for industries such as defense, energy harvesting and advanced communication systems.

Sodium-ion batteries need breakthroughs to compete

Despite potential advantages, sodium-ion batteries struggle to match lithium-ion batteries in terms of energy density and cost. Researchers identify key areas for improvement, including increasing energy densities without critical minerals and developing new battery chemistries.

Geothermal aquifers offer green potential but quality checks required

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified clogging in a geothermal well due to accidental venting, highlighting the need for regular inspection and monitoring of water quality. The study emphasizes the importance of geochemical analysis of groundwater for stable and widespread use of aquifer thermal energy storage systems.

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.

A greener, cleaner way to extract cobalt from ‘junk’ materials

A new method developed by Penn researchers uses a chemical-separation technique to extract cobalt from 'junk' materials, increasing the capacity for purified cobalt production with minimal environmental harm. The process avoids harsh chemicals and generates lower costs than traditional methods.

Burned rice hulls could help batteries store more charge

Researchers found that burned rice hulls can provide a nearly doubling of energy density in typical lithium-ion or sodium-ion batteries. The process is more sustainable than producing graphite from biomass, which requires heating to high temperatures and produces significant CO2 emissions.

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.

Towards a hydrogen-powered future: highly sensitive hydrogen detection system

Researchers developed a highly sensitive hydrogen detection system using tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) with high selectivity and rapid response. The new method achieved accurate measurements of hydrogen concentrations from 0.01% to 100%, improving the detection limit at longer integration times.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Thermophotovoltaics demonstrate economic promise

Researchers analyzed a thermophotovoltaic system paired with phase-change materials for energy storage and found slight reductions in costs. The study identified key factors affecting TPV system costs, highlighting the need for future research to improve adoption and efficiency.

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.

Discovery of promising electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a promising solid electrolyte for all-solid-state batteries, showing high conductivity and formability. The new electrolyte, Na2.25TaCl4.75O1.25, also exhibits superior mechanical properties and electrochemical stability.