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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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Manganese cathodes could boost lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new process for creating manganese-based cathodes that can store and deliver energy efficiently. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective lithium-ion batteries.

World’s strongest battery paves way for light, energy-efficient vehicles

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created a world-leading structural battery that can halve the weight of laptops and make mobile phones as thin as credit cards. The battery has increased its stiffness, allowing it to be used in vehicles, increasing their driving range by up to 70 percent on a single charge.

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.

Research to enable cheaper and safer battery storage

Researchers developed a unique electrochemical ultrasonic force microscopy (EC-UFM) technique to observe sodium-ion battery interfaces during operation. The new method guides passivating layer formation, preserving charge carrier transport and enhancing battery performance.

Looking for a new battery platform? Focus on the essentials!

Researchers developed a novel air-handleable garnet-type solid electrolyte technology that improves surface and internal properties, preventing contamination layer formation. This innovation enables the creation of ultra-thin lithium solid-state batteries with high energy density and low weight.

Recycling carbon dioxide into household chemicals

A low-cost, tin-based catalyst selectively converts CO2 to ethanol, acetic acid, and formic acid, producing valuable liquid hydrocarbons. The discovery could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions by converting CO2 into desired chemicals near the site of production.

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.

Next-generation sustainable electronics are doped with air

Researchers at Linköping University developed a new method to dope organic semiconductors using air as a dopant, enhancing conductivity and modifying semiconductor properties. The process involves dipping the material in a salt solution and illuminating it with light, resulting in a p-doped conductive plastic.

Hide and seek between atoms. Find the dopant!

The team developed a deep learning AI technique to quantitatively analyze cation mixing using atomic structure images. This approach revealed that introducing metal dopants like aluminum, titanium, and zirconium into the transition metal layer fortified bonds between nickel and oxygen atoms, curbing cation mixing.

Rubber-like stretchable energy storage device fabricated with laser precision

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology have fabricated a small-scale energy storage device that can stretch, twist, fold, and wrinkle. The device features fine patterning of liquid metal electrodes using laser ablation, allowing it to maintain its energy storage performance under repeated mechanical deformations.

Magnetic with a pinch of hydrogen

A German-American research team has developed an innovative idea to improve the properties of ultra-thin magnetic materials by reacting them with hydrogen. The researchers have identified three promising candidates that can be magnetically activated by hydrogen passivation, paving the way for new types of electronic components.

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.

Novel material supercharges innovation in electrostatic energy storage

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a novel 2D/3D/2D heterostructure material that can minimize energy loss while preserving ferroelectric material properties. The new structure achieved an energy density up to 19 times higher than commercially available capacitors and efficiency over 90%.

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.

Are high-purity cathode materials truly necessary?

Research by a team at Pohang University of Science & Technology found that impurities in lithium raw material can enhance process efficiency and prolong battery lifespan, reducing costs and emissions by up to 19.4% and 9.0%, respectively.

New all-liquid iron flow battery for grid energy storage

Researchers at PNNL have developed a safe, economical, and water-based flow battery made with commercially available industrial quantities of nitrogenous triphosphonate. The new design exhibits remarkable cycling stability over 1,000 charging cycles, outperforming previous iron-based batteries.

Bendable energy storage materials by cool science

Researchers developed mesoporous metal oxides on flexible materials using synergetic effect of heat and plasma at lower temperatures. The devices can withstand bending thousands of times without losing energy storage performance.

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.

A new world of 2D material is opening up

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a method to synthesize hundreds of new 2D materials, expanding the possibilities for energy storage, catalysis, and water purification. The study uses a three-step process, including large-scale computations and chemical exfoliation, to identify and create suitable materials.

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.

Getting to know the ​‘ghost’ inside batteries

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory discovered soft-shorts, tiny voltage fluctuations that indicate the early signs of battery failure. These transient short-circuits occur when lithium filaments grow from the anode to the cathode, disrupting ion flow between electrodes and potentially leading to permanent internal shorts.

New sustainable method for creating organic semiconductors

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a new, sustainable way to create conductive inks for use in organic electronics. The new process uses benign solvents like water and has been shown to improve material properties and device performance.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Unlocking hydrogen’s potential for renewable energy storage, transport

A new NSF-supported collaboration aims to improve liquid organic hydrogen carriers and use AI to identify novel approaches for a global renewable energy supply chain. The team is developing a new class of molecules, chemistries, and chemical processes to better store and transport green energy across the globe.

Huge benefits of merging hydropower and desalination

A new system combines pumped hydro storage with reverse osmosis desalination to produce both electricity and freshwater. The Integrated Pumped Hydro Reverse Osmosis System (IPHROS) can supply 661,000 homes' worth of energy and water daily.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Scaling up nano for sustainable manufacturing

Researchers have developed a new self-assembling nanosheet that can create functional and sustainable nanomaterials for various applications. The material is recyclable and can extend the shelf life of consumer products, enabling a sustainable manufacturing approach.

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.