Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Researchers create antimicrobial ‘superfoam’

Developed by University of Georgia researchers, the superfoam conducts electricity, cleans polluted water, and resists blood, microbes, and proteins. Its versatility makes it a valuable resource for clinicians and environmental remediation professionals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 26, 2023

Fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures

The article discusses the fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), which have unique properties and potential for exploring condensed matter physics. Various strategies for fabricating vdWHs were developed in the past decade, leading to promising functionalities in diverse fields.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 25, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New approach to developing efficient, high-precision 3D light shapers

Scientists create a simple approach to fabricating highly precise 3D aperiodic photonic volume elements (APVEs) for various applications. The method uses direct laser writing to arrange voxels of specific refractive indices in glass, enabling the precise control of light flow and achieving record-high diffraction efficiency.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics Nexus·DateApr 21, 2023

Synthetic biology meets fashion in engineered silk

Scientists have created a method to produce synthetic spider silk with eightfold higher yields than previous methods, making it a promising material for sustainable clothing production. The new silk fibers retain the desirable properties of enhanced strength and toughness while being lightweight.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Creation of thinnest freestanding film with ferroelectric properties ever opens the door to smaller, more efficient devices

Researchers at Nagoya University have successfully synthesized barium titanate nanosheets with a thickness of 1.8 nanometers, the thinnest freestanding film ever created with ferroelectric properties. This achievement paves the way for the development of smaller and more efficient devices such as memories and capacitors.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateApr 20, 2023
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.

Solar cells charging forward

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully created silicon-based photovoltaics at room temperature using a hybrid PEDOT:PSS/silicon heterojunction. This breakthrough technology offers improved production speed and cost, with power generation efficiency above 10%. The new process has the potential to facilitate large-scale diffus...

SourceKyoto University·JournalPNAS Nexus·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 10, 2023

Fully recyclable printed electronics ditch toxic chemicals for water

Researchers at Duke University have produced the world's first fully recyclable printed electronics that replace hazardous chemicals with water in the fabrication process. The demonstration points to a path towards reducing environmental footprint and human health risks in the electronics industry.

SourceDuke University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Origami-inspired robots can sense, analyze and act in challenging environments

A UCLA-led team developed foldable robots using conductive materials, overcoming chip weight and rigidity issues. The OrigaMechs can sense, analyze and act with precision in extreme environments, making them suitable for disaster response and space exploration.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023
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.

Scientists integrate two-dimensional materials into silicon microchips for advanced data storage and computation

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) successfully integrated two-dimensional materials on silicon microchips, achieving high integration density, electronic performance, and yield. The resulting hybrid devices exhibit special electronic properties that enable low-power consumption artificial neural ne...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature·DateMar 27, 2023

Tackling counterfeit seeds with “unclonable” labels

A team of MIT researchers has created an 'unclonable' label system to combat counterfeit seeds in Africa, where fake seeds can cost farmers up to two-thirds of expected crop yields. The system uses biodegradable silk-based tags with unique codes that cannot be replicated.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 2023
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.

Pusan National University researchers develop novel stackable hole injection layer material for solution-processed OLEDs

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel solvent-resistant hole injection layer material, enabling the creation of efficient solution-processed OLED devices. The material exhibits high mobility and excellent film-forming properties, leading to improved efficiency and lifetime compared to existing materials.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

Self-driven laboratory, AlphaFlow, speeds chemical discovery

Researchers developed a self-driven lab, AlphaFlow, that uses AI to optimize complex chemical reactions and discover new materials. The system significantly reduces the time needed to develop new chemistries from months to hours.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023

γ-MnO2 dual-core, pair-hole fiber for ultrafast photonics

The γ-MnO2 dual-core pair-hole fiber enables the production of an all-fiber mode-locked laser with a pulse width of about 1 ps and a repetition frequency of about 600 MHz. This fabrication scheme offers good stability and is suitable for combining other novel materials with specialty fibers, expanding ultrafast optics and sensing appli...

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Some stirring required: fluid mixing enables scalable manufacturing of soft polymer structures

The new technique allows for the production of a dozen different soft polymer material morphologies, including ribbons, nanoscale sheets, rods, and branched particles. By precisely controlling three sets of parameters during manufacturing, researchers can fine-tune the morphology of polymeric materials at the micro- and nano-scale.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2023

Chung-Ang University researchers fabricate novel flexible supercapacitors on paper

Chung-Ang University researchers develop a novel flexible supercapacitor platform with vertically integrated gold electrodes in a single sheet of paper. The design shows low electrical resistance, high foldability, and good mechanical strength, making it suitable for wearable devices.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023
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.

Mix and match: A new platform for the design of multipigment optical phantoms

Researchers created adaptive optical phantoms by combining multiple pigments to mimic target tissue's optical properties, successfully validating them in extensive experiments. The new platform enables broader band spectra for emerging hybrid modalities and novel instruments.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateFeb 21, 2023

Upcycled plastic membrane helps clean up waste

Researchers at KAUST have developed a sustainable method for creating high-performance porous membranes from plastic waste, using bio-based solvents to dissolve polyolefins. This process reduces the environmental footprint of industrial separations and creates access to fresh water.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateFeb 5, 2023

Contact lenses to treat dry eye syndrome

The Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation developed a contact lens prototype that facilitates tear flow in response to normal eye blinking, relieving CLIDE symptoms. The lenses, with microchannels and square cross-sections, can guide tear flow and combat dry eye syndrome.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Advanced electronic skin for multiplex healthcare monitoring

Researchers from TIBI have developed an advanced electronic skin patch that provides simultaneous, continuous monitoring of multiple bodily parameters. The new E-skin patch offers enhanced flexibility, thermal cooling abilities, and fluid absorption over conventional substrates while demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and biodegr...

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023
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.

Transistors repurposed as microchip ‘clock’ address supply chain weakness

A new approach fabricates specialized transistors that serve as the building block of a timing device, enabling enhanced integration and advancing microelectronics capabilities. This innovation repurposes data processing transistors into a 'clock' device, addressing supply chain weaknesses and enhancing chip security.

SourcePurdue University·JournalNature Electronics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023

CU research team moves one step closer to printing models of life-like 3D organs

A CU research team has developed a method to transform medical images into incredibly detailed 3D models on the computer, which can be printed and used for surgical planning. The approach uses custom software to convert scan data into volumetric pixels, allowing for more accurate representations of human anatomy.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateJan 24, 2023

AI discovers new nanostructures

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully discovered new materials using artificial intelligence and self-assembly. The AI-driven technique led to the discovery of three new nanostructures, expanding the scope of self-assembly's applications in microelectronics and catalysis.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 2023

New spin control method brings billion-qubit quantum chips closer

Engineers at Diraq and UNSW Sydney discovered a new way to precisely control single electrons in quantum dots using electric fields, which is less bulky and requires fewer parts. This breakthrough technique can help achieve the goal of fabricating billions of qubits on a single chip for commercial production.

SourceWildfire Communications·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023
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.

Scientists fabricated highly long-life Li-S batteries based on multifunctional separators functionalized by porous mediators

Researchers fabricated Li-S batteries with ultra-long cycle life over 2000 cycles via multifunctional separator design. The novel hollow and hierarchically porous Fe3O4 nanospheres effectively regulate LiPSs behavior, achieving high sulfur utilization and excellent electrochemical performances.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 15, 2022

Bifunctional flexible electrochromic supercapacitors were successfully fabricated

Researchers have successfully fabricated bifunctional flexible electrochromic supercapacitors using silver nanowire flexible transparent electrodes. The devices can exhibit color changes to display energy status, offering potential for smart windows and wearable electronics. With excellent stability and high areal capacitance, these fl...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 13, 2022

Simulations are starting to gel

By incorporating hydrodynamics into their models, the researchers improved predictions of final structures compared to conventional computational models. This work may lead to the development of smart materials with controllable properties in response to external conditions.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 12, 2022

Paper-thin solar cell can turn any surface into a power source

MIT engineers create ultralight fabric solar cells that can generate 18 times more power-per-kilogram than conventional solar cells, making them ideal for wearable power fabrics or deployment in remote locations. The technology can be integrated into built environments with minimal installation needs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalSmall Methods·DateDec 9, 2022
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.

Fast burst of infrared light opens a way for 3D processing inside semiconductor chips

Researchers from LP3 Laboratory developed a light-based technique for local material processing in three-dimensional space of semiconductor chips. They successfully fabricated embedded structures inside Si and GaAs materials, which cannot be 3D processed with conventional ultrafast lasers.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 7, 2022

Novel nanowire fabrication technique paves way for next generation spintronics

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel nanowire fabrication technique, allowing for the direct creation of ultrafine L10-ordered CoPt nanowires with high coercivity on silicon substrates. The technique enables significant improvements in spintronic device fabrication.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNanoscale Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022

Self-folding origami honeycombs pave the way to sustainable protective packaging

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology created a novel method to produce self-folding origami honeycomb structures using paper sheets, which can provide excellent protection against shocks and compression. The developed technique has potential applications in packaging, agriculture, and other fields.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022
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.

Building with nanoparticles, from the bottom up

MIT researchers have developed a new approach to assemble nanoscale devices from the bottom up, using precise forces to arrange particles and transfer them to surfaces. This technique enables the formation of high-resolution, nanoscale features integrated with nanoparticles, boosting device performance.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 26, 2022

Researchers uncover how to 3D-print one of the strongest stainless steels

A team of researchers from NIST, UW-Madison, and Argonne National Laboratory identified key compositions that enable consistent 3D-printing of 17-4 PH stainless steel with favorable properties. The new findings could help producers cut costs and increase manufacturing flexibility.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateSep 22, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

New hafnium polyhydrides are discovered superconductivity above 80K

Researchers at Institute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences have discovered new hafnium polyhydrides exhibiting superconductivity above 80K, a temperature threshold previously unattained by any 5d transition metal hydride. The study reveals these compounds display high critical fields and Ginzburg-Landau superconducting coherent l...

SourceInstitute of Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalMaterials Today Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 29, 2022

Nanoscale fluid-phase changes revealed

Researchers developed a nanopore-scale glass-topped lab-on-a-chip to study complex fluid behaviors at the nanoscale. The device allowed for direct visual recordings of liquid to vapor and back to liquid phase changes, revealing that nanopore behavior influences production and affecting recovery discrepancies.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalLangmuir·TypeNews article·DateAug 11, 2022
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.

Using artificial intelligence to control digital manufacturing

Researchers at MIT have developed a machine-learning system that uses computer vision to monitor the 3D printing process and correct errors in real-time. The system successfully printed objects more accurately than other 3D printing controllers, enabling engineers to incorporate novel materials into their prints with ease.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 2, 2022

Advances in the design and manufacturing of novel freeform optics

Freeform optics have revolutionized the way we approach precision optical systems, enabling superior imaging in compact packages. Researchers have summarized the present state of art in advances, design methods, manufacturing, metrology, and applications. Key challenges include standard definitions, optimization complexities, and measu...

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 7, 2022

Upside-down design expands wide-spectrum super-camera abilities

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new design for plasmonic metasurfaces that greatly expands their frequency range while also making them more robust against the elements. The new fabrication process allows for the use of a wide variety of shapes, opening up new possibilities for applications such as super cameras.

SourceDuke University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022
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.

Controlled fabrication of multimetallic building blocks for hybrid nanomaterials

A research team from Tokyo University of Science has developed a new method to create copolymers with different metal species, which have potential uses in catalysis and drug discovery. The technique allows for controlling the composition of metal species in the resulting polymer.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022

Ultra-thin, flexible probe provides neural interface that’s minimally invasive and long-lasting

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed a tiny, flexible neural probe that can record and stimulate neural activity while minimizing injury to surrounding tissue. The probe is ideal for studying peripheral nerves or the spinal cord, where traditional probes may not fit due to its small size and flexibility.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022
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.

Easy as an inkjet, a new soft printing technique has opened the way for pixelated elastics

Researchers at Princeton University developed a new pixel-by-pixel printing method that creates composite shapes, colors, and mechanical abilities using curable elastic polymers. The technique, inspired by inkjet printers, uses age-old fluid dynamics to fabricate precise and robust structures without complicated machinery.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 23, 2022

Towards more efficient, non-toxic, and flexible thin-film solar cells

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University in Japan have developed a new method to fabricate cadmium-free thin-film solar cells with improved energy conversion efficiency. The process replaces toxic materials with native buffer layers formed through air-annealing, reducing waste and increasing the potential for large-scale manufacturing.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalSolar RRL·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Researchers develop a paper-thin loudspeaker

Researchers at MIT have created a paper-thin loudspeaker that produces sound with minimal distortion while using a fraction of the energy required by traditional loudspeakers. The device, which is as thin as a dime and weighs about the same, can generate high-quality sound on any surface it is bonded to.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalIEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics·DateApr 26, 2022

A fast and accurate innovative imaging technique to monitor modern semiconductor devices

Researchers at Samsung have developed a novel approach to inspect critical dimensions of semiconductor devices, improving speed and resolution. The new 'line-scan hyperspectral imaging' (LHSI) technique offers faster measurements with high spatial resolution, outperforming existing methods.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateApr 21, 2022
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.

Lotus effect: Self-cleaning bioplastics repel liquid and dirt

Researchers developed a self-cleaning bioplastic that repels liquids and dirt like a lotus leaf, breaking down rapidly in soil. The bioplastic is made from cheap raw materials, compostable, and suitable for fresh food and takeaway packaging.

SourceRMIT University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateFeb 8, 2022
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.

USTC finds a new way out for flexible electronics

Researchers at USTC create flexible electronic systems using thermoplastic polyurethane and liquid metal, enabling high-performance, stretchable, and reconfigurable devices. The technology addresses environmental and energy concerns with recyclability and reconfigurability.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 7, 2022