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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

Like flipping the switch

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a programmable gate driver for solid-state electronic transistor switches, reducing switching loss under changing input current and temperature fluctuations. The device includes automatic timing control, allowing for single-chip integration and real-time control.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·DateMar 22, 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
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The switch made from a single molecule

Researchers at University of Tokyo's Institute for Solid State Physics have demonstrated a switch made from a single fullerene molecule that can function as multiple high-speed switches simultaneously. This technology could lead to unprecedented levels of resolution in microscopic imaging devices.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2023

A neuro-chip to manage brain disorders

NeuralTree is a closed-loop neuromodulation system-on-chip that can detect and classify biomarkers from real patient data and animal models of disease in-vivo, leading to high accuracy in symptom prediction. The system boasts 256 input channels, making it highly versatile and scalable.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalIEEE Journal of Solid-State Circuits·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 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.

Integrated photonic circuits could help close the 'terahertz gap'

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new thin-film circuit that produces finely tailorable terahertz-frequency waves, enabling precise control over frequency, wavelength, amplitude, and phase. This breakthrough has significant implications for future electronics, telecommunications, spectroscopy, and quantum applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2023

Photonics chip allows light amplification

A new study developed a traveling-wave amplifier based on a photonic integrated circuit operating in the continuous regime, providing 7 dB net gain on-chip and 2 dB net gain fiber-to-fiber. This achievement enables unlimited application areas for LiDAR and other optical sensing applications.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateNov 30, 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.

NIST finds a sweet new way to print microchip patterns on curvy surfaces

Researchers have found a way to transfer precise micro Patterns onto unconventional surfaces, including curved surfaces and fibers. This technique, called REFLEX, could open up new possibilities for the development of new materials and microstructures in fields such as electronics and biomedical engineering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2022

Hard to crack hardware

Researchers at KAUST have developed a spintronics-based logic lock to defend chip security, which can be integrated into electronic chips to fend off malicious attacks. The design uses magnetic tunnel junctions to scramble the circuit's operation unless the correct key combination signal is supplied.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalIEEE Access·DateNov 15, 2022

Faster and more efficient computer chips thanks to germanium

Researchers at TU Wien have developed a new method for creating high-quality contacts between metal and semiconductor materials, enabling faster and more efficient computer chips. The technology uses crystalline aluminium and a sophisticated silicon-germanium layer system to overcome the problem of oxygen contamination.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 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.

A faster experiment to find and study topological materials

Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to identify topological materials using machine learning and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. The method is over 90% accurate in identifying known topological materials and can predict properties of unknown compounds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 28, 2022

UTD engineers join initiative to tackle hardware trojans

Researchers aim to improve detection and removal of hardware trojans, which can disrupt wireless communication and leak sensitive information. The project is part of a public-private partnership aiming to accelerate the translation of research findings into new technologies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateOct 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.

Why heat makes us sleepy

Researchers at Northwestern University found that a thermometer-like brain circuit promotes midday siestas on hot days. The study, which used fruit flies as a model organism, identified absolute heat receptors in fly heads, leading to increased midday sleep in flies and potentially humans.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateAug 17, 2022

Tunable single-mode lasing on a high-Q resonator

The researchers achieved ultranarrow linewidths and wavelength tunability in the lithium niobate microlaser, enabling applications like lidar and metrology. The single-mode lasing is realized through simultaneous excitation of high-Q polygon modes at both pump and laser wavelengths.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 20, 2022
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.

New ultrathin capacitor could enable energy-efficient microchips

Researchers developed a thin-layer version of barium titanate, enabling faster switching and lower voltages for next-gen memory and logic devices. The findings could pave the way for more sustainable computing power with reduced energy consumption.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

A golden ticket to smaller electronics

A team of researchers at Osaka University developed a new method for direct three-dimensional bonding of copper electrodes using silver, enabling reliable connections at low temperatures without external pressure. The process can be performed under gentle conditions, resulting in permanent connections as small as 20 micrometers.

SourceOsaka University·DateJun 22, 2022

Researchers develop the world's first ultra-fast photonic computing processor using polarization

Scientists at the University of Oxford have created a new type of computing processor that uses light to process information, achieving speeds faster than traditional electronics. By leveraging multiple polarisation channels, the researchers increased computing density by several orders of magnitude, paving the way for more efficient p...

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022
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.

CityU scientists reveal new neurocircuitry essential for animals to sense environmental cues of imminent danger

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong discovered a new neural mechanism that enables animals to perceive and integrate environmental cues, such as air puffs and sounds, to initiate defensive behavior. This finding has implications for understanding schizophrenia patients' auditory hallucinations.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022

Light-controllable time-domain metasurface for dynamic harmonic manipulation

Researchers developed a light-controllable time-domain digital coding metasurface that can manipulate microwave reflection spectra by time-varying light signals. The metasurface platform produces harmonics based on phase modulation, generating symmetrical harmonics and white-noiselike spectra.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 22, 2022

New polymer materials make fabricating optical interconnects easier

Researchers developed new polymer materials with adjustable refractive index, enabling easy creation of optical interconnects between photonic chips and board-level circuits. The technology has the potential to boost Internet data center efficiency by reducing power consumption and heat generation.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 13, 2022

New transistor could cut 5% from world’s digital energy budget

A new magneto-electric transistor has been developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the University at Buffalo. The design can reduce energy consumption by up to 75% and retain memory in event of power loss, making it a promising alternative to silicon-based transistors.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 11, 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.

Kaiyuan Yang wins NSF CAREER Award

Kaiyuan Yang's five-year grant will focus on enhancing the reliability and security of bioelectronic implants by making them aware of and adaptive to their physical and logical contexts. The goal is to develop WBMI bioelectronics that can be deeply implanted in humans through minimally invasive injection, ingestion or through vessels.

SourceRice University·DateApr 7, 2022

Opening up the electromagnetic spectrum

Researchers developed first fully integrated parity-time symmetric electronic system, expanding giga-terahertz research capabilities. The system operates without exotic materials, utilizing standard microelectronic fabrication technology.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 6, 2022

Control of MEMS lidar mirrors enables steady pictures in shaky environments

A team of researchers has developed a MEMS scanning lidar that can detect objects reliably even in shaky environments. The long-range MEMS lidar prototype uses a digital controller to suppress errors caused by vibrations, allowing for stable 3D imaging and object detection.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateMar 29, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Quantum physics sets a speed limit to electronics

Researchers investigated the shortest possible time scale of optoelectronic phenomena and found that it cannot be increased beyond one petahertz. The experiments used ultra-short laser pulses to create free charge carriers in materials, which were then moved by a second pulse to generate an electric current.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 25, 2022

Direct generation of complex structured light

Researchers have developed a direct method for generating complex structured light through intracavity nonlinear frequency conversion. This technique uses transverse mode locking to produce vortex beams, which are then converted into second-harmonic generation beams with distinct structural characteristics. The study demonstrates the p...

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 18, 2022

Beam me up to 5G, Schottky

An international team of scientists has developed an organic semiconductor that can operate in the 5G frequency range, with a structure featuring ultralow capacitance and resistance. The innovation paves the way for mass manufacturing at low cost using solution processing techniques.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 13, 2022

How can the computer chip predict the future of gene synthesis?

Researchers used the history of microchip development to predict advancements in synthetic biology, citing potential for exponential growth in transistors on a single computer chip. The study suggests that synthesizing an artificial human genome could cost approximately $1 million and simpler applications like custom bacteria could be ...

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalScientific Reports·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 3, 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.

A potential breakthrough for production of superior battery technology

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a method to produce micro-supercapacitors, which can increase battery lifespan and enable fast charging. The new production process is scalable and could lead to significant environmental benefits by reducing battery recycling needs.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·Journalphysica status solidi (b)·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

2D materials under the microscope

Researchers review current research on 2D materials, highlighting their potential for quantum light sources and integrated circuits. The scientists also discuss recent advances in hybrid devices and scalable quantum photonic technologies.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateJan 31, 2022

Integrated photonics for quantum technologies

Researchers outline potential and challenges of integrated photonic circuits for quantum technologies, highlighting need for investment in education and infrastructure. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of current state and future applications of integrated photonics for quantum technologies.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateJan 7, 2022

Integrated photonics meets electron microscopy

Scientists successfully demonstrated efficient electron beam modulation using integrated photonic microresonators, paving the way for atomic-scale imaging and coherent spectroscopy.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateDec 22, 2021
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.

Establishing an elemental structure that facilitates high-intensity broadband spin waves

A research team at Toyohashi University of Technology demonstrates a new substrate structure that enables the excitation and detection of high-intensity broadband spin waves, even when miniaturized. The YIG-on-metal (YOM) structure achieves broader frequency bandwidth and higher intensity than conventional electrode structures.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of Physics D Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021

Intelligent transistor developed at TU Wien

Scientists at TU Wien have developed a novel germanium-based transistor with the ability to perform different logical tasks, offering improved adaptability and flexibility in chip design. This technology has potential applications in artificial intelligence, neural networks, and logic circuits that work with more than just 0 and 1.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

A traffic light for light-on-a-chip

A team of researchers at EPFL and Purdue University has developed a magnetic-free optical isolator using integrated photonics and micro-electromechanical systems. This device can couple to and deflect light propagating in a waveguide, mimicking the effects of magnet-driven isolators without requiring magnetic fields.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 21, 2021

Radiationless anapole states in on-chip photonics

A team of researchers has discovered radiationless anapole states in on-chip photonics, which enable the creation of highly sensitive biosensors and nonlinear signal processing systems. The discovery allows for tunability of anapole states within a wide wavelength range, with enhanced energy concentration inside nanoparticles.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateOct 12, 2021
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.

Winged microchip is smallest-ever human-made flying structure

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a flying microchip that can monitor air pollution, airborne diseases, and environmental contamination. The device, about the size of a grain of sand, uses wind to generate flight, stabilizing its trajectory through aerodynamic optimization inspired by nature.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 22, 2021

Towards more energy-efficient 2D semiconductor devices

Researchers from SUTD discover a family of 2D semiconductors with Ohmic contacts, reducing electrical resistance and generating less waste heat. This breakthrough could pave the way for high-performance and energy-efficient electronics, potentially replacing silicon-based technology.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·Journalnpj 2D Materials and Applications·DateSep 15, 2021

Generating entangled photons with nonlinear metasurfaces

A new approach to generating quantum-entangled photon pairs uses nonlinear metasurfaces to enhance and tailor photon emissions. The researchers achieved a five-order-of-magnitude increase in the brightness of entangled photons, with a highly configurable platform that can control entanglement and direction.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Well-balanced ambipolar DPP-based copolymers for organic circuits

Researchers designed a novel copolymer with well-balanced ambipolar properties, exhibiting high gain and stability in organic digital and analog circuits. This breakthrough enables the exploration of organic circuits and other related electronic devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateAug 19, 2021

Scientists offer new insights on computer power growth, past and future

Researchers at The Rockefeller University have revealed a more nuanced historical wave pattern to the rise of transistor density in silicon chips. The study highlights six waves of improvements, each lasting about six years, with significant increases in transistor density per chip.

SourceProgramme for the Human Environment, The Rockefeller University·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateAug 18, 2021

Brain-inspired highly scalable neuromorphic hardware presented​

Researchers at KAIST have developed a brain-inspired highly scalable neuromorphic hardware by co-integrating single transistor neurons and synapses. This innovation dramatically reduces hardware cost and accelerates the commercialization of neuromorphic hardware, enabling its application in mobile and IoT devices.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalScience Advances·TypeMeta-analysis·DateAug 5, 2021

Decades of research brings quantum dots to brink of widespread use

A new Science article assesses the technological progress of colloidal quantum dots, which have become industrial-grade materials for a range of technologies. Advances include first demonstration of colloidal quantum dot lasing, discovery of carrier multiplication and pioneering research into LEDs and luminescent solar concentrators.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 5, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Doctoral student bridges gap between electronics and optics

A doctoral student at Texas A&M University has designed a chip that can revolutionize data rate for processors by utilizing photons. The chip operates at higher speeds with higher data rates compared to previous generation of chips, and is capable of reaching nearly five times the bandwidth.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateJul 22, 2021

Organic electronics possibly soon to enter the GHz-regime

Researchers at TU Dresden introduce complementary vertical organic transistors that can operate at low voltage, have adjustable inverter properties, and demonstrate fast response times. The development of these devices could pave the way for flexible, printable electronics with GHz-regime performance.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Electronics·DateJul 16, 2021
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.

New microchip sensor measures stress hormones from drop of blood

A Rutgers-led team developed a microchip that can measure cortisol and other stress hormones in real-time from a single drop of blood, providing patients with timely feedback for better treatment. The miniaturized device has the potential to be used for non-invasive cortisol measurement in other fluids.

SourceRutgers University·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 30, 2021

Novel heat-management material keeps computers running cool

Researchers successfully integrate a new ultrahigh thermal-management material into computer chips, reducing heat and increasing energy efficiency. The development outperforms existing materials like diamond and silicon carbide, with temperatures rising to nearly 188 degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Electronics·DateJun 29, 2021

New method to improve durability of nano-electronic components, further semiconductor manufacturing

Researchers developed a novel approach to mitigate electromigration in nanoscale electronic interconnects by coating copper metal interconnects with hexagonal boron nitride. This innovation enables further scaling of device density and progression of Moore's Law, leading to improved device efficiency and decreased energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateJun 1, 2021
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.