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Next generation material that adapts to its history

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new material that changes its electrical behavior based on previous experience, effectively giving it adaptive memory. The material responds differently to varying magnetic field strengths, which affects its conductivity and allows for bistability and rudimentary learning-like properties.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances

International research collaboration produces all-perovskite tandem solar cell with high efficiency, record voltage

A team of researchers from the University of Toronto and Northwestern University has developed an all-perovskite tandem solar cell with extremely high efficiency and record-setting voltage. The prototype device demonstrates the potential of this emerging technology to overcome key limits associated with traditional silicon solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalNature

Exploring the world inside the body with shining fibers

A new microscopy system using optical tapered fibers has successfully acquired images of photoacoustic signals without contrast agents. The resolution is sufficient for cellular imaging, including red blood cells, with a resolution of 1.0 ± 0.3 micrometers.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalLaser & Photonics Review

Autonomous crawling soft ‘ringbots’ can navigate narrow gaps

Researchers at NC State University have developed a ring-shaped soft robot capable of crawling across surfaces when exposed to elevated temperatures or infrared light. The 'ringbots' are made of liquid crystal elastomers in the shape of looped ribbon, resembling a bracelet, and can pull a small payload across various environments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study
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.

With new heat treatment, 3D-printed metals can withstand extreme conditions

A new MIT-developed heat treatment transforms 3D-printed metal microstructure, enabling energy-efficient 3D printing of blades for gas turbines and jet engines. Researchers discovered a way to improve the structure by adding an additional heat-treating step.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdditive Manufacturing

Researchers cook up a new way to remove microplastics from water

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new material made from egg whites that can efficiently remove salt and microplastics from seawater. The aerogel material has significant benefits due to its low cost, energy efficiency, and effectiveness in water filtration.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalMaterials Today·TypeExperimental study

Seeing concentrations of toxins with the naked eye

Researchers developed a fast and cost-effective method to detect amphiphiles, a ubiquitous family of chemical compounds used in disease diagnosis and toxin detection. The new test uses rolling droplets on microstructured surfaces to detect levels of pathogenic endotoxins in water at ultralow concentrations.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

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

A cooler approach to making new materials that can stand the heat

Lehigh University researchers have developed a new fabrication method for high-entropy alloys that can operate in extreme temperatures. The process uses lower temperatures and a different reaction route to achieve a more homogenous microstructure, potentially leading to the development of more efficient materials for aerospace and indu...

SourceLehigh University
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

SwRI experiment helps predict effects of DART impact

The SwRI experiment helped predict the effects of NASA's DART impact on asteroid Dimorphos. The study assessed ejecta momentum enhancement created by the space probe's collision, measuring a 3.4-fold increase in momentum transfer.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeExperimental study

These engineers drew inspiration from geometrical frustration

Engineers have created a new type of surface that can change its physical properties across different directions. By combining cells with adjustable shapes, the researchers can alter compressibility, flexibility and density. This technique has potential applications in medical devices, architecture and aerospace.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study

New tech solves longstanding challenges for self-healing materials

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new self-healing composite that can repair itself in place without removal. The technology addresses two longstanding challenges, increasing the lifespan of structural components by up to 500%. This resolves limitations such as overheating and limited self-repair cycles.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study
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.

Safe, sustainable photo-on-demand synthesis of polypeptide precursors: Promising ‘building blocks’ for new functional materials

A research group at Kobe University has successfully synthesized α-amino acid N-Carboxyanhydrides (NCAs), a crucial precursor for artificial polypeptides, using the photo-on-demand phosgenation method. This new synthesis method eliminates the use of toxic phosgene and is considered safe, inexpensive, and simple.

SourceKobe University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study

Electron liquids on the cutting edge

Researchers have controlled a one-dimensional electron fluid to an unprecedented degree, discovering new properties of Tomonaga-Luttinger liquids in two-dimensional materials. The team's findings could pave the way for more robust quantum computers with enhanced fault-tolerance.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

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

New study finds ways to improve light absorption in perovskite/si tandem solar cells

A research team at UNIST has developed a perovskite-silicon tandem solar cell with a special textured anti-reflective coating, increasing its power conversion efficiency to 23.50%. The device maintains its initial efficiency for 120 hours, outperforming existing devices which drop to 50% after 20 hours.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials
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.

Clarification of material properties for clearly better displays

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new material called ITZO, which promises to be up to seven times faster than current state-of-the-art materials. By understanding the unique properties of this material, scientists can design more efficient display technologies for ultra-high resolution displays.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study

Algorithm for 2D-to-3D engineering integrates art, nature and science

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed an algorithm that enables 2D materials to maintain their mechanical strength after conversion into 3D structures. The algorithm is inspired by kirigami art and mimics the structure of nacre, a natural shell coating known for its robust mechanical properties.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Physicists probe 'astonishing' morphing properties of honeycomb-like material

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a novel phenomenon in a type of quantum material that can change its electrical properties under specific conditions. The material, known as Mn3Si2Te6, exhibits colossal magnetoresistance when exposed to certain magnetic fields, allowing it to behave like a metal wire.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature

Heat-proof chaotic carbides could revolutionize aerospace technology

Scientists at Duke University have engineered materials capable of producing tunable plasmonic properties while withstand extremely high temperatures. The new high-entropy carbides can achieve improved communications and thermal regulation in aerospace technologies, including satellites and hypersonic aircraft.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

Scientists develop a new kind of printable, wearable insect repellent

Researchers have created a wearable insect repellent by encapsulating IR3535 in biodegradable polymer and shaping it into a ring or bracelet. The repellent continuously evaporates, forming a barrier for insects, offering several hours of protection.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalInternational Journal of Pharmaceutics·TypeExperimental study

Study opens door to new class of slippery, water-loving surfaces

Researchers developed hydrophilic slipper surfaces that are both extremely slippery and water-attracting, countering conventional wisdom. These SLIC surfaces have potential applications in biomedical technologies and condensers, where they offer anti-fouling properties and improved efficiency.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study

Engineers develop a new kind of shape-memory material

A new category of shape-memory materials made of ceramic, rather than metal, has been discovered by MIT researchers. The ceramic material can actuate without accumulating damage and withstand much higher temperatures than existing metals, making it suitable for applications such as actuators in jet engines.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nanoparticles can improve stroke recovery by enhancing brain stimulation, study shows

Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University found that brain stimulation combined with a nose spray containing nanoparticles can improve recovery after ischemic stroke. The treatment increased cognitive and motor functions, and weighed more quickly than those treated with TMS alone.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalMaterials Today Chemistry·TypeExperimental study

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

Artificial soft surface autonomously mimics shapes of nature

Engineers at Duke University developed a scalable soft surface that can continuously reshape itself to mimic objects in nature. It uses electromagnetic actuation, mechanical modeling, and machine learning to form new configurations and adapt to hindrances.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study
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.

Deformation fingerprints will help researchers identify, design better metallic materials

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to capture and predict the fatigue strength of metallic materials using automated high-resolution electron imaging. This approach allows for rapid prediction of metal failure and breakage, leading to design of safer and more resilient materials for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study

New software platform advances understanding of the surface finish of manufactured components

Scientists developed a software platform to analyze surfaces, creating digital twins that predict material properties like adhesion and durability. The contact.engineering platform standardizes procedure and facilitates open science, allowing users to share measurements and collaborate.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalSurface Topography Metrology and Properties·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

CityU invents a method to convert 3D-printed polymer into a 100-times stronger, ductile hybrid carbon microlattice material

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong create lightweight, ultra-tough hybrid carbon microlattices that are 100 times stronger and doubled in ductility compared to original polymers. The new method enables the creation of sophisticated 3D parts with tailored mechanical properties for various applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study
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.

Story tips: Inland water carbon emissions on the rise, sealed with silica, cancer-fighting chemistry, improving materials for energy storage, using math to predict SARS-CoV-2 protein mutations

Researchers found that inland water carbon emissions are on the rise, with estimates suggesting 4.4 billion metric tons of carbon are released annually, primarily as carbon dioxide or methane. A new thermal insulation composite made from silica particles also shows promise for improving energy efficiency and reducing moisture damage.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalGlobal Change Biology

Martian rock-metal composite shows potential of 3D printing on Mars

Researchers at Washington State University have created a strong and high-performance material by mixing Martian regolith with a titanium alloy. The composite showed better properties than the metal alone, making it suitable for making tools or rocket parts on Mars.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInternational Journal of Applied Ceramic Technology

Researchers demonstrate new, more energy-efficient devices using gallium nitride

Researchers have developed a new technique to dope gallium nitride (GaN), creating high-power electronic devices with reduced energy loss and increased efficiency. This breakthrough enables the use of GaN in compact power electronics for sustainable infrastructure, such as smart grids.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Express·TypeExperimental study
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.

£1.2m grant to revolutionise product design and manufacturing

Researchers aim to create crack-resistant, uniform materials with reduced residual stresses and porosity for use in AM. The project will combine the best processing features of existing alloys groups, resulting in lightweight, rigid, and thermally stable components.

SourceOxford Brookes University

Fixing a hidden flaw could unlock better batteries for electric vehicles

Researchers discovered that irregularities between grains in the battery's electrolyte can accelerate failure by moving ions at varying speeds. Adjusting material processing techniques may help solve reliability problems with solid-state batteries.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Materials

Fewer unknowns in the laser nanosynthesis of composites

Researchers used laser melting to produce composite particles with sizes ranging from 400 to 600 nanometers. They discovered how to determine the critical size of particles that begin to change under laser light, and found that larger particles reach lower temperatures.

SourceThe Henryk Niewodniczanski Institute of Nuclear Physics Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalScientific Reports

A reflection on the real world

KAUST researchers created a more efficient solar-cell module by redesigning its optical design, reducing power conversion efficiency loss in real-world applications. The new module achieved an efficiency increase from 25.7% to 26.2% due to refractive-index engineering.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters
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.

New heat-tolerant, high-capacity capacitor created with solid electrolytes borrowed from all-solid-state batteries

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a thermally stable bulk-type all-solid-state capacitor with a highly deformable oxide solid electrolyte. This innovation enables high current densities and high-capacity charging/discharging at temperatures up to 300°C, opening doors for high-temperature applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Power Sources·TypeExperimental study

NTU scientists invent invisible coating to make wood “fireproof”

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed an invisible coating that can 'fireproof' wood by forming a char that expands to prevent combustion. This technology has the potential to reduce costs and improve fire resistance, making it an attractive solution for the construction industry.

SourceNanyang Technological University

HPC helps identify new, cleaner source for white light

Scientists at Giessen University used high-performance computing to understand the optical response of cluster glass, a material that generates bright, clear white light. The study verified the experiment through simulation and showed the link between the observed properties and molecular structure.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
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.

Researchers "color code" webbing material for exposure to damaging UV rays

A new study creates a photochromic nylon webbing that changes color in response to UV exposure, allowing for long-term UV sensing. The webbings' color decay rate depends on the initial dye concentration, with customized dye levels enabling varying lifetimes.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeExperimental study

New programmable materials can sense their own movements

MIT researchers developed a method to create 3D-printed materials with tunable mechanical properties and embedded sensors, enabling real-time feedback on movement and interaction. The sensing structures use air-filled channels that deform when moved or squeezed, providing accurate feedback for robotics and wearable devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances

Towards higher nanopatterning resolution with molecules that fill nanogaps better

A research group from Tokyo University of Science has discovered molecular features that govern the filling process at nanoscales, enabling finer resolutions in ultraviolet nanoimprint lithography. The findings provide valuable insights for guiding the selection and design of optimized resists for sub-10 nm resolution.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNanomaterials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling

Building molecular bridges: New crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes

A new study from Tokyo Institute of Technology introduces a novel crystal engineering strategy to design ultrabright fluorescent solid dyes. This approach allows for monomeric emission and suppressed intermolecular interactions, enabling the creation of highly dense crystalline structures with controlled electronic properties.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study
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.

Machine learning enables optimal design of anti-biofouling polymer brush films

Researchers used machine learning to predict protein adsorption onto polymer brush films, identifying key film characteristics that impact adsorption. The study found hydrophobicity index to be the most critical parameter, with thickness and density also playing a significant role.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study

Researchers regulate pore size distribution to improve nanofiltration membrane

A research group developed a novel antifouling nanofiltration membrane by regulating pore size distribution through one-step multiple interfacial polymerization. The resulting membrane exhibits stronger antifouling performance and long-term stability, promising improved robustness in industrial liquid separation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Designer materials to keep plastic out of landfills

A team of scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has designed a new material system to overcome the challenges of mixed-plastic recycling. They created customized polydiketoenamine (PDK) plastics that can be recycled efficiently and indefinitely, providing a low-carbon manufacturing solution for plastic products.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study

How ultrathin polymer films can be used for storage technology

Scientists from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg discovered that precisely applied mechanical pressure can improve the electronic properties of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) films. The team used atomic force microscopy to control and reorient electrical charges in the material, enabling stable nano-scale structures with high ...

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study

Complex motions for simple actuators

Researchers at Harvard University have developed inflatable actuators that can bend, twist, and move in complex ways using origami-inspired designs. The actuator's bistable origami blocks allow it to perform up to eight different motions with a single pressure source.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials
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.

Thin mica shows semiconducting behavior, say scientists in new study

Researchers observe a significant increase in electrical conductivity when mica is thinned down to few molecular layers, exhibiting semiconductor-like behavior. The findings suggest that thin mica flakes have the potential to be used in two-dimensional electronic devices with exceptional stability and durability.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study

Gecko feet are coated in an ultra-thin layer of lipids that help them stay sticky

Researchers at NIST found that gecko setae are coated in an ultra-thin layer of lipids, which repel water and help maintain grip on wet surfaces. This discovery could lead to the development of biomimetic products, such as gecko boots or gloves for improved traction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalBiology Letters

New protocol for assessing the safety of nanomaterials

A comprehensive protocol for analysing nanomaterials has been introduced to support their safe use in various industries. The protocol allows researchers to determine and quantify metal-bearing nanomaterials in biological tissues and cells at trace-level concentrations.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNature Protocols
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Personal health trackers may include smart face mask, other wearables

University of Missouri researchers develop wearable smart bioelectronic devices, including a 'smart' face mask that can monitor physiological status and detect respiratory problems. The masks also use laser-assisted fabrication to provide breathable soft electronics for better real-time health monitoring.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances

Sniffing out your identity with breath biometrics

A team of researchers from Kyushu University has developed an olfactory sensor capable of identifying individuals by analyzing the compounds in their breath. The system, combined with machine learning, achieved an average accuracy of over 97% in authenticating up to 20 individuals.

SourceKyushu University·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study
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.