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Pitt ChemE and Lubrizol team up to improve American manufacturing

The partnership aims to apply advanced chemical engineering research to industrial-scale chemical manufacturing, reducing waste generation, utility, and energy costs. The University of Pittsburgh's Chemical and Petroleum Engineering Department is developing new educational programs and internships to prepare students for the industry.

New method developed to 3-D print fully functional electronic circuits

A new method enables rapid 3D printing of fully functional electronic circuits using a single inkjet printing process. The technique combines 2D printed electronics with additive manufacturing, allowing for the creation of complex structures with multiple materials, including metals and plastics.

Breaking the chain: Catalyzing a green future for chemistry

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new catalyst to produce valuable chemicals from biomass, allowing for the creation of green raw materials for manufacturing. The catalyst enables the production of important chemicals like 2-butanol and cyclohexanol without emitting CO2.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

New, simplified technique makes light metallic nanofoam

Researchers at UC Davis developed a simplified method to produce extremely low-density palladium nanofoams, which have potential applications in hydrogen fuel cells. The new technique achieves high loading capacity and excellent thermodynamic stability, making it an ideal candidate for industrial-scale use.

A new advanced forensics tool

A new non-destructive method using Raman spectroscopy has been demonstrated to make abraded serial numbers on polymers visible again. Researchers from INRS have successfully recovered erased information from polycarbonate samples without damaging the material.

Just-in-time 3-D implants set to transform tumor surgery

Researchers are developing customized 3D implants that can be printed in real-time during tumor surgery, allowing for more precise treatment of bone cancer. This innovative technology has the potential to improve patient outcomes and expand surgical options.

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.

When humidity benefits batteries

Researchers developed a postprocessing treatment for silicon-based electrodes that improves mechanical properties and storage capacity, leading to up to ten times increased electrode performance. The treatment involves placing electrodes in a humid environment for two to three days, resulting in greater stability and longer cycle life.

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.

Study shows how rough microparticles can cause big problems

A new study from North Carolina State University, MIT, and the University of Michigan found that surface texture of microparticles can cause internal friction altering suspension viscosity. This finding helps address issues with pumping suspensions in industries.

Teleoperating robots with virtual reality

The CSAIL team developed a VR system that lets users teleoperate robots using an Oculus Rift headset. The system mimics the user's movements to complete various tasks, making it feel like they are inside the robot's head. This technology could enable blue-collar workers to telecommute and benefit from the IT revolution.

KTP grant enables SME to take key role in rail electrification

A Huddersfield-based company has partnered with the University of Huddersfield to leverage a Knowledge Transfer Programme (KTP) and develop modernized products for the rail industry. The partnership aims to reduce material usage, increase efficiency, and lower costs through the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software.

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.

Finding 2-D materials to make batteries cheaper, better

Researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago are working on discovering new 2D materials to manufacture improved and cost-effective batteries. The goal is to increase battery efficiency by about 1,000 times, enabling sustainable energy generation, chemical manufacturing, and pollution removal.

Metallurgy breakthrough

Researchers at HRL Laboratories successfully 3D print high-strength aluminum alloys, including Al7075 and Al6061, overcoming a long-standing challenge in additive manufacturing. Their nanoparticle functionalization technique prevents hot cracking and retains alloy strength.

Filtering molecules from the water or air with nanomembranes

Researchers have created ultra-thin carbon nanomembranes that can filter out specific molecules from water and air, with significant implications for purification and other industries. The membranes' unique properties can be tailored to suit different purposes, making them versatile tools in various fields.

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.

Technique could aid mass production of biodegradable plastic

A new technique developed by researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln has improved the properties of plant-derived biodegradable plastic, allowing for large-scale industrial production. The approach involves rapidly heating bio-plastic fibers to high temperatures, resulting in enhanced resistance to heat and moisture.

Print no evil: Three-layer technique helps secure additive manufacturing

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology and Rutgers University have developed a three-layer system to verify that components produced using additive manufacturing have not been compromised. The system uses acoustic and physical techniques to detect malicious activity and quality problems, reducing materials waste.

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.

Defeating cyberattacks on 3-D printers

Experts at Rutgers University-New Brunswick and Georgia Tech have created three methods to defend against sneaky attacks on 3D printers, including detecting malicious fill patterns and printing defects using sensors and high-tech scanning.

UTA researchers earn grant to design robot-based vocational assessment, training

Researchers at UTA are developing iWork, a robot-based system that assesses workers' physical, cognitive, and collaborative skills. The system uses advanced computational methods to identify human ability, intent, and potential, providing personalized training solutions for millions of people seeking retraining for manufacturing jobs.

Smaller, smarter, softer robotic arm for endoscopic surgery

Researchers have developed a hybrid rigid-soft robotic arm for endoscopes with integrated sensing, flexibility, and multiple degrees of freedom. The device is powered by water and features a suction cup-inspired mechanism to safely interact with tissue.

Tobacco industry steps up tactics to reduce impact of display ban

A University of Stirling study found that tobacco companies are offering retailers cash bonuses and other rewards to promote their brands in Scotland. The researchers discovered that retailers were being incentivized to boost sales of tobacco products despite the ban on open displays.

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.

New method promises easier nanoscale manufacturing

Scientists at the University of Chicago have discovered a new way to precisely pattern nanomaterials, enabling the creation of complex structures and paving the way for next-generation electronics. The DOLFIN technology makes it possible to mass-produce nanomaterials directly into usable devices.

Reshaping computer-aided design

Researchers from MIT's CSAIL have developed InstantCAD, a tool that enables designers to interactively edit and optimize CAD models using a streamlined workflow. This allows for real-time improvements and optimizations, reducing the time required to test and refine complex designs.

Smart sensors could save lives

A team from KAUST developed a cheap, reliable system to signal danger using disposable sensor nodes linked wirelessly to fixed nodes. The system uses 3D printing and inkjet printing to create small sensors that can detect heat, low humidity, and hydrogen sulphide.

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 announce the quest for high-index materials

Researchers systematically examine available high-index materials for their resonances in visible and infrared ranges. Crystalline silicon is identified as the best material for dielectric antennas operating in visible range, while germanium outperforms other materials in infrared band.

3-D printing sweeps toy manufacturing off the shelves

A study by Michigan Technological University finds that 3-D printing can save consumers up to 90% on toy purchases, with the potential to offset $60 million in annual savings. DIY manufacturing also enables the creation of novel toys and games that are not commercially available.

Nanoparticles could spur better LEDs, invisibility cloaks

A University of Michigan team has created a method to add metallic nanoparticles into semiconductors with virtually no added manufacturing cost. The process enhances LED lighting efficiency and allows for precise control over the distribution of particles, potentially enabling future applications such as invisibility cloaks.

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.

Cosmetic complaints climb but products still on market

A new Northwestern University study reveals that cosmetic complaints have more than doubled from 2015 to 2016, with hair care products being the biggest offender. The lack of regulatory scrutiny and poor reporting by consumers and manufacturers lead to significant under-reporting of adverse events, with only 200-400 reported annually

A more safe and efficient means for drug manufacturing

Researchers created a system that uses continuous flow technology to produce pharmaceutical compounds, improving safety and yield. The new approach yielded 24 kilograms of chemotherapy agent prexasertib over three days, demonstrating its effectiveness.

Man(ufacturing) of steel

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are developing new steel alloys for additive manufacturing with a focus on high-strength low-alloy steels suitable for naval construction and repair. The project aims to improve mechanical properties and corrosion resistance using integrated computational materials design.

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.

Bio-based p-xylene oxidation into terephthalic acid by engineered E. coli

Researchers developed a biocatalytic system to produce terephthalic acid from p-xylene using metabolically engineered E. coli, offering a greener alternative to traditional chemical methods. The resulting yield of 97 mol% demonstrates the feasibility of this bio-based technology for large-scale production.

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.

3-D-printed 'bionic skin' could give robots the sense of touch

Researchers at the University of Minnesota have developed a revolutionary process for 3D printing stretchable electronic sensory devices that can give robots the ability to feel their environment. The discovery also has potential applications for printing electronics on real human skin, enabling new forms of wearable technology.

Manufacturing technique can make proteins less effective

Researchers developed a device to study the effects of 'extensional flow' on proteins, which can lead to reduced effectiveness and aggregation. The device revealed that manufacturing processes can be optimized to reduce protein damage, improving the quality of biopharmaceuticals.

Researchers invent process to make sustainable rubber, plastics

Researchers have developed a new method to produce butadiene, a key chemical component in plastics and rubber, from biomass-derived sugars. The process, called dehydra-decyclization, uses a novel catalyst to convert sugars into butadiene with high yield and selectivity.

Graphene 'copy machine' may produce cheap semiconductor wafers

MIT engineers developed a technique using graphene to transfer crystalline patterns onto semiconductor wafers, reducing wafer costs and opening opportunities for exotic materials. The method allows manufacturers to copy and peel off semiconducting layers, reusing the original wafer multiple times.

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.

Self-assembling polymers provide thin nanowire template

Researchers develop new method to make nanowires with widths below 10 nanometers, using templated assembly and block copolymers. The technique enables mass manufacturing with existing lithographic methods and can be used to create complex patterns for microchip interconnections.

New research could help speed up the 3-D printing process

Researchers have found that conventional desktop and professional 3D printers build objects at a slow rate of 10-20 cubic centimeters per hour. The team identified a pinch-wheel mechanism as a limitation, which can be improved to increase printing speed.

Financialization's negative effect on the American solar industry

A new study reveals that financialization in the US impaired its emerging solar industry, while Japan's photovoltaics manufacturers thrived. This case study highlights the conflicting relationship between finance and production, and calls for policies that bring productive and financial capital together to support low-carbon industries.

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.

Exhaust fumes as a resource

Researchers at FAU have created a method to combine exhaust gas purification with the synthesis of high-value products. Nitrogen oxides can be used to produce balsalazide and sulfasalazine, two drugs for chronic inflammatory bowel diseases.

The looming threat of Asian tobacco companies to global health

Researchers found Asian tobacco companies are shifting from domestic focus to transnational expansion through government support, manufacturing for export, and new product development. This shift is expected to lead to a further increase in tobacco-related deaths worldwide, totaling six million annually.

Bonding chips using inkjet printers

Researchers at the University of Barcelona have developed a new bonding technique for chips using inkjet printers with silver nanoparticles, enabling the creation of rigid and flexible hybrid circuitry. The method uses inkjet printing technology to assemble surface mount devices, achieving high electrical conductivity and reliability.

The looming threat of Asian tobacco companies to global health

A study by SFU professor Kelley Lee found that Asian tobacco companies are shifting from a domestic focus to become transnational players, aiming to increase their share of the world market. The companies' business strategies include government-supported consolidation, product innovation and foreign direct investment.

New application of THz technique on water evaluation in crude oil

Researchers developed a novel method using Terahertz spectroscopy and 3D-printing technology to measure water content in crude oil with high accuracy. The technique can be used to continuously monitor moisture content and is suitable for applications even during high-water-bearing periods.

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.