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New technology could help treat hearing loss more effectively

Researchers at the University of Cincinnati are developing a new technology using magnetic nanoparticles to deliver medications directly to the inner ear, where hearing loss occurs. The goal is to create an effective and minimally invasive treatment option for various types of hearing loss.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateAug 19, 2024

Using AI to find the polymers of the future

Researchers use AI algorithms to accelerate materials discovery, predicting polymer properties and generating new formulations. The technology has led to advancements in energy storage, filtration technologies, additive manufacturing, and recyclable materials.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Reviews Materials·DateAug 19, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

From shrimp to steel: Introducing nature-inspired metalworking

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have developed a novel approach to metalworking using chitinous colloids and composites. By leveraging the affinity between chitin and metals, they created functional metallic structures without high temperatures or pressures.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 15, 2024

Leaf-like solar concentrators promise major boost in solar efficiency

Researchers propose a leaf-inspired luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) design to overcome scalability limitations. The innovative setup enhances photon collection and transfer, improving efficiency and reducing self-absorption issues.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·DateAug 15, 2024

European X-ray laser explores a poorly understood state of matter

Physicists at European XFEL have made comprehensive observations of ionisation processes in warm dense matter. The team observed how quickly copper transforms into the exotic state of ionised WDM to become transparent to X-rays.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 8, 2024

Pusan National University researchers use artificial intelligence to create powerful sound-dampening materials

A new deep learning-based inverse design method allows for the optimization of complex acoustic metamaterials, reducing noise pollution while maintaining ventilation. The approach enables ultra-broadband sound attenuation across various peak frequencies.

SourcePusan National University·JournalEngineering Applications of Artificial Intelligence·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2024
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.

Researchers solve long-standing challenge for piezoelectric materials

Piezoelectric materials are used in sonar and ultrasound applications, but can deteriorate due to heat and pressure. Researchers have developed a technique to depole and repole these materials at room temperature, allowing for easier repair and paving the way for new ultrasound technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 6, 2024

“Smarter” semiconductor technology for training “smarter” artificial intelligence

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology have developed a novel analog hardware using ECRAM devices that maximizes AI computational performance. Their technique, which uses a three-terminal structure with separate paths for reading and writing data, demonstrates excellent electrical and switching characteristics.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2024

Balancing the seesaw: Simultaneously enhancing strength and elongation in metallic materials

A team of researchers from POSTECH has introduced a novel approach to balance strength and elongation in metallic materials. By using periodic spinodal decomposition, they created an alloy that boasts both high strength and high elongation, achieving a yield strength of 1.1 GPa with nearly the same elongation as before.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2024
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.

Innovative method for 3D quantitative phase imaging

Researchers at UCLA have developed a wavelength-multiplexed diffractive optical processor that enables all-optical multiplane quantitative phase imaging. This approach allows for rapid and efficient imaging of specimens across multiple axial planes without the need for digital phase recovery algorithms.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 26, 2024

Tackling industrial emissions begins at the chemical reaction

Researchers at the University of Sydney have proposed a new way to reduce industrial emissions by utilizing liquid metals in chemical reactions. This approach aims to decrease energy requirements and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJul 25, 2024

Nanoscale device simultaneously steers and shifts frequency of optical light, pointing the way to future wireless communication channels

Researchers have developed a metasurface that can reflect light at multiple frequencies, enabling faster wireless communication channels. The device operates in reflection mode at optical frequencies, offering thousands of times more bandwidth than current Wi-Fi.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 24, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Advanced printing crafts precision scaffolds for tissue regeneration

Researchers developed core-shell microfibrous scaffolds that excel in rotator cuff repair, restoring natural morphology and mechanical properties. The acellular, in situ tissue engineering technology harnesses stem cell regenerative abilities to provide robust biological regeneration without cell seeding.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 24, 2024

Researchers clarify how soft materials fail under stress

A new study links various soft material behaviors, revealing a critical parameter called the brittility factor that simplifies failure behavior. This finding helps engineers design better materials for future challenges.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 19, 2024

A new tractor beam technology aims to minimize biopsy trauma

Researchers at the University of Melbourne have developed a compact, high-efficiency metasurface-enabled solenoid beam that can draw particles toward it. The technology has the potential to reduce pain and trauma associated with current biopsy methods.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2024

Paving the way to extremely fast, compact computer memory

The layered multiferroic material nickel iodide (NiI2) has been found to have greater magnetoelectric coupling than any known material of its kind, making it a prime candidate for technology advances. This property could enable the creation of magnetic computer memories that are compact, energy-efficient and can be stored and retrieved...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2024
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.

Transporting precious cargo using the body’s own delivery system

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a method to load therapeutic cargo into extracellular vesicles, effectively delivering engineered proteins to specific diseased cells. This approach could enable more effective and affordable biological medicines for diseases like immunotherapy and regenerative medicine.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 16, 2024
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.

Understanding the 3D ice-printing process to create micro-scale structures

Professors Philip LeDuc and Burak Ozdoganlar have developed a novel 3D ice printing technique that enables the creation of micro-scale structures with tailored geometries. Their method uses water as an ink substitute, allowing for the deposition of precise internal voids and channels.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 15, 2024

Detecting defects in tomorrow’s technology

Researchers investigate defects in 2D materials, finding that some can improve electrical conductivity and shedding light on a common defect related to missing chalcogen atoms. Understanding these defects is crucial for refining processes needed to create precise TMD-based semiconductors.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·Journal2D Materials·DateJul 9, 2024

Designing our meals with 3D printing

A team of researchers from Singapore University of Technology and Design has developed a new approach to 3D food printing using multi-channel nozzles. They successfully printed foods with seamless transitions between materials, opening up possibilities for personalized and sustainable meals. The technology can be used to create aesthet...

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalFuture Foods·DateJul 3, 2024
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.

Mapping the surfaces of MXenes, atom by atom, reveals new potential for the 2D materials

A team of researchers from Drexel University and UCLA used scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy to study the surface chemical structure of titanium carbide MXene. They found features on the surface, including titanium oxide clusters and functional groups, which could explain MXene's extreme properties and potential applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalMatter·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 3, 2024

Melanin from cuttlefish ink as a sustainable biomass resource

Researchers from Chiba University develop sustainable method for producing biodegradable polymers using cuttlefish ink melanin. Decomposition products are converted into polymeric materials with potential applications in circular economies.

SourceChiba University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024
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.

Gold nanoparticles kill cancer – but not as thought

Research using a novel microscopic technique reveals that gold nanoparticles' lethality to cancer cells is more complex than previously thought. Smaller nanoparticles can regenerate and divide after initial stress, while larger star-shaped particles cause oxidative stress leading to programmed cell death.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalSmall·DateJun 27, 2024

Novel method optimizes extraction of antioxidant and colorant from jabuticaba peel

Researchers at UNICAMP and UCA optimize anthocyanin extraction from jabuticaba peel, achieving a higher yield than traditional methods. The novel method uses biosorbent material derived from the residue, resulting in an efficient and environmentally friendly process.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Food Composition and Analysis·DateJun 27, 2024

The future of metals research with artificial intelligence

Researchers developed an AI model that accurately predicts metal yield strength by combining physical theory with machine learning. The model outperforms traditional methods, which often rely on extensive experimentation.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalActa Materialia·DateJun 27, 2024
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.

Can large-area, three-dimensional metamaterials revolutionize optical sensing?

Researchers developed a 3D metamaterial capable of detecting polarization and direction of light, overcoming limitations of conventional optical devices. The breakthrough technology utilizes pi-shaped metal nanostructures with numerical aperture-detector polarimetry to analyze light distribution.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 18, 2024

Metal alloys that can take the heat

A multidisciplinary research team has developed a predictive tool for designing complex metal alloys that can withstand extreme temperatures. By analyzing the degradation of high-entropy alloys, the team discovered universal rules that can predict oxidation behavior in these alloys.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 12, 2024
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.

From seashells to cement, nature inspires tougher building material

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new cement composite that mimics the strength and flexibility of seashells, increasing crack resistance and ductility. The composite, inspired by nacre's microstructure, exhibits improved fracture toughness and deformability, making it potentially tougher, safer, and more durable.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 11, 2024

Online professional education works for complex topics

UTA researchers found that sending material in advance and using Zoom features like chat, polling, and breakout rooms helped keep participants engaged. Short, relevant videos also proved effective in teaching complicated topics. The team recommends a structured approach with activities like icebreaker exercises to foster community enga...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·JournalThe Physics Teacher·TypeSurvey·DateJun 7, 2024
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 all-optical approach to revolutionize night vision technology

Researchers at TMOS have developed a new infrared filter thinner than cling wrap, which can be integrated into everyday eyewear, allowing users to view both visible and infrared light spectra. This breakthrough miniaturizes night vision technology, opening up new applications in safety, surveillance, and biology.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Transformative Meta-Optical Systems·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2024

‘Cloaked’ proteins deliver cancer-killing therapeutics into cells

Researchers have designed a method to 'cloak' proteins for targeted delivery into cells, utilizing lipid nanoparticles. The cloaked proteins can be captured by the nanoparticles and exert their therapeutic effect once inside the cell. This approach shows promise for repurposing antibodies and other proteins for cancer treatment.

SourceCornell University·JournalACS Central Science·DateMay 28, 2024
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Carbon nanotube yarns generate electricity from waste heat

Researchers at Okayama University have developed a novel method to produce carbon nanotube yarns with excess electrons that can harvest waste heat. The yarns achieved high thermoelectric power factors within temperatures ranging from 30 to 200 °C, making them suitable for practical applications such as fabric-based modules.

SourceOkayama University·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 25, 2024

Electromechanical material doesn’t get ‘clamped’ down

Researchers have identified a class of materials called antiferroelectrics that produce an electromechanical response up to five times greater than conventional piezoelectric materials, even in films as thin as 100 nanometers. This breakthrough could enable the development of next-generation electronics and devices.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMay 23, 2024

Study: Under extreme impacts, metals get stronger when heated

Researchers at MIT found that copper can be as strong as steel when struck by a super-high velocity object, contradicting decades of studies. The new discovery could lead to new material designs for extreme environments, such as hypersonic aircraft and equipment for high-speed manufacturing processes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMay 22, 2024
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.

Researchers introduce programmable materials to help heal broken bones

Engineers developed a material that mimics human bone for orthopedic femur restoration, providing optimized support and protection from external forces. This innovative approach uses machine learning, optimization, and 3D printing to create a fully controllable computational framework.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 21, 2024

3D printing robot uses AI machine learning for US Army research

A US Army research collaboration with Boston University's KABlab used an AI machine learning robot to create a record-breaking energy-absorbing shape, breaking the known record of 71% efficiency. The shape has four points, like thin flower petals, and is taller and narrower than early designs.

SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024

AI chips could get a sense of time

Researchers at the University of Michigan have created a new type of memristor that can mimic the timekeeping mechanism found in biological neural networks. This breakthrough could lead to significant energy savings for AI chips, potentially reducing energy consumption by a factor of 90 compared to current graphical processing units.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 20, 2024
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.

Researchers develop a detector for continuously monitoring toxic gases

A new detector system uses a combination of metal-organic frameworks and conductive polymers to provide continuous monitoring of toxic gases. The material shows high sensitivity and reversibility, enabling detection at low concentrations, making it suitable for industrial or home settings.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 16, 2024

Using solar energy to generate heat at high temperatures

Researchers at ETH Zurich have engineered a thermal trap to deliver heat at high temperatures needed for industrial processes, overcoming the challenge of fossil fuels. The device, which uses solar radiation, absorbs sunlight and converts it into heat, minimizing radiative heat losses and increasing efficiency.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalDevice·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Eco-friendly and affordable battery for low-income countries

Researchers at Linköping University have developed a battery based on zinc and lignin that can be used over 8000 times, retaining its charge for approximately one week. The battery is stable and easily recyclable, making it a promising alternative to lithium-ion batteries.

SourceLinköping University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Materials·DateMay 14, 2024

Designer peptoids mimic nature’s helices

Researchers at PNNL have developed a method to control the handedness of peptoid helices, which can be used to design precise drug delivery agents or artificial enzymes. The team's discovery could provide insights into protein assembly and potentially lead to breakthroughs in treating protein folding-related diseases.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2024

Good vibrations: New tech may lead to smaller, more powerful wireless devices

Researchers at the University of Arizona and Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new class of synthetic materials that enable giant nonlinear interactions between phonons. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, more efficient wireless devices, such as smartphones or other data transmitters.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024
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.

Discover optimal conditions for mass production of ultraviolet holograms

The study found that an 80% concentration of zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and specific solvents leads to the highest pattern transfer efficiency. The conversion efficiency reaches impressive levels in the ultraviolet spectrum, paving the way for commercial viability of metasurfaces.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalMicrosystems & Nanoengineering·DateMay 9, 2024

Surfaces on the move: dynamic liquefaction

RMIT researchers have found that the liquid-solid boundary can fluctuate back and forth, with metallic atoms near the surface breaking free from their crystal lattice. The phenomenon occurs at unexpectedly low temperatures and is observed up to 100 atoms in depth.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2024