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Way cool: UVA professor developing ‘freeze ray’ technology for the Air Force

UVA professor Patrick Hopkins is developing a 'freeze ray' technology to cool electronics in spacecraft and high-altitude jets, which can't be cooled by nature due to the vacuum of space. The technology uses heat-generating plasma to create localized cooling, and has been granted $750,000 by the Air Force.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 31, 2023
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.

Scientists create novel approach to control energy waves in 4D

Researchers at the University of Missouri have engineered a synthetic metamaterial to direct mechanical waves along a specific path, adding innovative control to 4D reality. This breakthrough discovery has potential applications in civil engineering, micro-electromechanical systems, and national defense.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 31, 2023

New robot boosts solar energy research

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

UBC researchers recover vital resources from wastewater sludge

Researchers at UBC's Bioreactor Technology Group have developed a method to concentrate and recycle phosphorous from municipal waste. The process converts organic components into a petroleum-like bio-crude and concentrates the phosphorous into a solid residue called hydrochar, which has 100 times higher total phosphorus than raw sludge.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalWater Research·DateJul 25, 2023
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.

The present and future of computing get a boost from new research

Researchers have made breakthroughs in two areas of computing: improving current semiconductor technology and developing new neuromorphic devices that think like the human brain. These advancements aim to increase efficiency, power, and processing capabilities for future technological leaps.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 20, 2023

Researchers put a new twist on graphite

A team of researchers at the University of Washington has discovered a way to imbue bulk graphite with physical properties similar to those of graphene, a single-layer sheet. This breakthrough could unlock new approaches for studying unusual and exotic states of matter and bring them into everyday life.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

‘Stunning’ discovery: Metals can heal themselves

Researchers from Sandia National Laboratories have discovered that metals can heal themselves by fusing back together microscopic cracks without human intervention. This breakthrough could lead to the development of self-healing machines and structures, reducing wear and tear damage and making them safer and longer-lasting.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023

Rice engineers’ storage technology keeps nanosurfaces clean

Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of storage container that effectively prevents surface contamination for at least six weeks. The technology relies on an ultraclean wall with tiny bumps and divots, which attracts VOCs in air inside the containers.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023

UVA engineer innovates a liquid safety cushioning technology

Researchers developed a liquid nanofoam cushion that can absorb and dissipate high-force blows in collisions, reducing the risk of injury. The material is more flexible, comfortable to wear, and can be designed as lighter and smaller protective devices.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2023
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.

Investigating the porous metals in orthopedic implants and beyond

Research discusses challenges and future directions for porous metallic implant fabrication, focusing on microstructure, biocompatibility, and mechanical properties. The review aims to promote metabolite and nutrient exchange, bone ingrowth, and improved implant-tissue anchorage.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJul 13, 2023

Drexel’s titanium oxide material lets sunlight drive green hydrogen production

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a photocatalytic titanium oxide nanofilament material that can harness sunlight to unlock the potential of hydrogen as a fuel source. The material outperforms current methods and is stable for months, offering a sustainable and affordable path to creating hydrogen fuel.

SourceDrexel University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023

New biodegradable plastics are compostable in your backyard

Researchers at the University of Washington have developed bioplastics that degrade on the same timescale as banana peels and can be processed at home. These spirulina-based bioplastics are stronger, stiffer, and more fire-resistant than previous attempts, making them suitable for various industries.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 10, 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.

Researchers create highly conductive metallic gel for 3D printing

Scientists have developed a metallic gel that allows for highly conductive 3D printing at room temperature. The gel, which is 97.5% metal, enables the creation of electronic components and devices with unprecedented conductivity.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

A solid understanding of liquid-solid interaction

The University of Pittsburgh researcher is working on a three-year project to harness the potential of liquid-solid interaction for biomedical engineering and suspension bridge construction. The study aims to precisely control microrobots through the bloodstream and prevent disasters like the Tacoma Narrows Bridge collapse.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateJun 29, 2023

New method could break down PFAS left on water treatment filters

University of Missouri researchers developed a method using thermal induction heating to rapidly break down PFAS on the surface of granular activated carbon and anion exchange resins. The process achieved 98% degradation in just 20 seconds, offering a highly energy-efficient alternative to conventional methods.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalACS ES&T Engineering·DateJun 28, 2023

Researchers make a quantum computing leap with a magnetic twist

A team at the University of Washington has made a breakthrough in quantum computing by detecting signatures of 'fractional quantum anomalous Hall' (FQAH) states in semiconductor materials. This discovery marks a significant step towards building stable qubits and potentially developing fault-tolerant quantum computers.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 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.

An unexpected antenna for nanoscale light sources

Researchers at ETH Zurich have found a novel mechanism to produce nanoscale light sources by exploiting the antenna-like behavior of semiconductor materials. By varying the voltage and measuring the current through a tunnel junction, they discovered an exciton resonance that acts as an effective antenna, enabling efficient light emission.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2023

Physicists discover a new switch for superconductivity

Researchers found that iron selenide undergoes a collective shift in orbital energy during the nematic transition, rather than coordinated spin shifts. This discovery opens up new avenues for discovering unconventional superconductors and improving existing materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 22, 2023

Pangolin the inspiration for medical robot

Researchers created a robot inspired by pangolins' ability to curl up into a ball, with a soft layer and hard metal components. The robot can emit heat when needed and transport particles like medicines, making it promising for minimally invasive medical procedures.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

MIT engineers develop a soft, printable, metal-free electrode

Researchers at MIT have created a metal-free, Jell-O-like material that can conduct electricity similarly to conventional metals. The material is made into a printable ink, which the researchers patterned into flexible, rubbery electrodes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 15, 2023

Metamaterials with built-in frustration have mechanical memory

Scientists designed materials with mechanical memory by introducing frustration into their structure, resulting in a new type of order. This breakthrough could be used to create robotic arms and wheels with predictable bending mechanisms, as well as more efficient quantum computers.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

Tiny device mimics human vision and memory abilities

Researchers created a small device that captures, processes, and stores visual information in a similar way to humans. This technology uses analog processing, reducing energy consumption and enhancing performance, with potential applications in bionic vision, autonomous operations, and advanced forensics.

SourceRMIT University·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

Previously unknown material could revolutionize cancer treatment

A new composite material made of ultra-tiny silicon nanoparticles and an organic element can convert lower-energy light into higher-energy light, enabling the formation of free radicals to attack cancer tissue. The material has potential applications in boosting solar panel efficiency and improving bioimaging technologies.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 12, 2023
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.

Creating artificially engineered organs could become quicker and easier

Researchers have developed a new manufacturing pipeline to simplify and advance high-value manufacturing of tissue-compatible organs, reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough aims to address the dire need for artificially engineered organs and tissue grafts, potentially saving thousands of lives in the UK.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 12, 2023

Novel ferroelectrics for more efficient microelectronics

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University and Penn State University have discovered novel ferroelectric materials that can switch at the atomic level, enabling more efficient microelectronics. The findings hold promise for applications such as non-volatile memory, electro-optics, and energy harvesting.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 2023

New method takes the uncertainty out of oxide semiconductor layering

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new atomic layer deposition (ALD) technique for depositing thin layers of oxide semiconductor materials, resulting in high carrier mobility and reliability. This breakthrough enables the production of devices with normally-off operation, high mobility and reliability.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·DateJun 8, 2023

Combining bioprinting techniques to pursue functional blood vessels

Researchers at the University Medical Center Utrecht combined volumetric bioprinting and melt electrowriting to create functional blood vessels. The technique allowed for the creation of tubes, forked vessels, and even venous valves with unidirectional flow, paving the way for further development into a fully functional blood vessel.

SourceUniversity Medical Center Utrecht·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 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.

Simultaneous multi-material embedded printing for 3D heterogeneous structures

Researchers developed a novel printing method that controls the precise deposition of bioink in embedding medium, achieving accurate and homogeneous structures. The method enables the creation of complex three-dimensional structures with multiple materials, which has potential applications in manufacturing heterogeneous tissue models.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateJun 5, 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.

“A blessing in disguise!” Physics turning bad into good

Scientists developed a new method to manipulate light using non-Hermitian theory, enabling unidirectional control of surface plasmon polaritons. This breakthrough could lead to improved quantum sensors and applications in disease diagnosis and atmospheric gas detection.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 24, 2023

Stretching metals at the atomic level allows researchers to create important materials for quantum, electronic, and spintronic applications

A University of Minnesota team creates high-quality metal oxide thin films from historically difficult-to-synthesize metals using a breakthrough method that stretches the metals at the atomic level. This innovation paves the way for scientists to develop better materials for various next-generation applications.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2023

Modular builds may help construction industry weather a perfect storm

A new study suggests that modular production techniques can minimize construction delays caused by weather, resulting in cost savings for builders. The research estimates that using modular construction can reduce costs by approximately AUD$40,000 on a $6.4 million project.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalInternational Journal of Sustainable Building Technology and Urban Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 22, 2023
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.

Smart material prototype challenges Newton’s laws of motion

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a smart material prototype that can control the direction and intensity of energy waves. This breakthrough could have significant implications for various fields, including military and commercial applications.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2023

Researchers discover liquid quasicrystal with dodecagonal tiling pattern

A team of researchers has discovered a liquid quasicrystal with a dodecagonal honeycomb structure, consisting of triangular, square, and trapezoidal cells. The discovery provides new insights into the formation of these special structures and offers promising applications in optics and electronics.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

World's first mass production of metalenses for visible wavelengths

A POSTECH research team has successfully mass-produced metalenses for visible light, overcoming previous limitations in fabrication and efficiency. By combining photolithography and nanoimprint lithography, the team achieved high-speed production of high-performance lenses with improved efficiency up to 90%.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 8, 2023

Theory of σ bond resonance in flat boron materials

Researchers propose a new bonding theory that illustrates how each boron atom satisfies the octet rule and how alternating σ bonds further stabilize the 2D sheet. The theory introduces a new form of resonance, allowing delocalization of σ electrons within the plane.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 27, 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
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.

Researchers design battery prototype with fiber-shaped cathode

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created a zinc-ion battery prototype with a fiber-shaped cathode, which can power a wrist watch. The team used graphene oxide and manganese dioxide materials to create a yarn-shaped battery that is strong, flexible, and electrically conductive.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2023

The world of diabetes brought to life on a diminutive chip

A team of researchers developed a multi-organ chip on-a-chip that applies 3D cell printing technology to closely replicate the pathological environment of type 2 diabetes. The chip shows a correlation between visceral fat and T2D, as well as impaired retina cell function, indicating potential complications.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 20, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Now you can be comfortable in your e-skin

Osaka University researchers develop a cellulose-based material, called nanopaper e-skin, that makes effective contact with the skin while maintaining breathability and comfort. The substrate can withstand deformation, sterilization, and environmental sustainability, making it a promising candidate for electrophysiological monitoring.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023

Researchers develop carbon-negative concrete

Scientists at Washington State University have created a carbon-negative concrete that can sequester up to 23% of its weight in CO2 while maintaining strength comparable to regular cement. This innovation could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint, with potential applications in pavements and bridges.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMaterials Letters·DateApr 18, 2023

KAIST team develops highly-sensitive wearable piezoelectric blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring

A KAIST research team has developed a highly sensitive, wearable piezoelectric blood pressure sensor for continuous health monitoring. The sensor's accuracy meets international standards, with errors within ±5 mmHg and a standard deviation under 8 mmHg for both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 17, 2023
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.

Strong ultralight material could aid energy storage, carbon capture

Researchers engineered a lightweight material by fine-tuning interlayer interactions in 2D polymers, retaining desirable mechanical properties even as a multilayer stack. The material's strong interlayer interaction is attributed to hydrogen bonding among special functional groups.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2023

Eco-efficient cement could pave the way to a greener future

Rice University scientists developed a rapid process to remove heavy metals from coal fly ash using flash Joule heating. This purified coal fly ash can be used in infrastructure projects, reducing emissions by 30% and improving concrete strength and elasticity.

SourceRice University·JournalCommunications Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023

Probe where the protons go to develop better fuel cells

A team led by Professor Yoshihiro Yamazaki from Kyushu University discovered the chemical innerworkings of a perovskite-based electrolyte developed for solid oxide fuel cells. By combining synchrotron radiation analysis, large-scale simulations, machine learning, and thermogravimetric analysis, they found that protons are introduced at...

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023
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.

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.

QUT research shows bushfire safe rooms may save lives

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have built and tested a full-scale bushfire safe room that demonstrates excellent heat resistance. The results suggest the shelter could keep people alive for up to two hours in extreme conditions, but further testing is needed to confirm human survivability.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalStructures·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2023

A new view of microscopic processes

Researchers at the University of Missouri are acquiring a new transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The TEM will allow them to conduct experiments in real-time and gain a greater understanding of material structure at an atomic level.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 21, 2023

Transfer-tattoo-like cell-sheet delivery for wounds

A team of researchers developed a transfer-tattoo-like cell sheet that can be directly applied to targeted surfaces, facilitating cutaneous wound healing and promoting skin tissue regeneration. The system leverages natural cell migration between surfaces, eliminating the need for external stimuli and detachment processes.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 19, 2023