Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Understanding the physics in new metals

Researchers developed a new X-ray study method to understand correlated metals, promising for superconductors and quantum computers. The method, resonant inelastic X-ray scattering (RIXs), excites electrons, providing information about electronic structure.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJul 19, 2021

DNA barcoding of animal tool materials

Researchers employed DNA barcoding techniques to identify plant species used by wild New Caledonian crows to fashion complex hooked stick tools. The study found that Mimusops elengi was the primary raw material used, providing insights into variation in crows' preferences and plant availability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

Falling in line: The simple design and control of MOF electric flow

A team from Osaka Prefecture University has developed a method to design and control the path of electron flow in a polycrystalline material, enabling high conductivity in a controllable direction. This breakthrough paves the way for the creation of next-generation thin-film smart devices.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJul 6, 2021
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.

Multi-material multi-photon 3D laser micro- and nanoprinting

Researchers reviewed approaches to multi-material multi-photon micro/nano-printing, enabling targeted structures with diverse material properties. Automated systems are rapidly developing for combining multiple primary materials within a single machine tool.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 27, 2021

Food scraps get a bold new life

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a new method to recycle discarded fruit and vegetable scraps into strong construction materials. The process uses vacuum-dried, pulverized food scraps, such as seaweed and cabbage leaves, and produces materials that are at least as strong as concrete.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·DateMay 25, 2021

The birth of a subnanometer-sized soccer ball

Researchers successfully captured a video image of the bottom-up synthesis of fullerene C60, an allotrope resembling a soccer ball. The process was observed using single-molecule atomic resolution real-time electron microscopy (SMART-EM), revealing a kinetically and thermodynamically controlled cyclodehydrogenation reaction.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 24, 2021
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.

You're so vein: Scientists discover faster way to manufacture vascular materials

Researchers at Beckman Institute develop new manufacturing process that shortens production time from two days to just minutes, enabling the creation of self-healing structural materials. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including aerospace and construction.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 14, 2021

Building a foundation for high-power tech

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh are working on new soft magnetic materials and manufacturing processes to enable ultra-high frequency power electronics switching devices. The four-year project aims to establish a foundation for ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor materials in novel power electronics switching devices.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateMay 14, 2021

Skoltech scientists find a way to make pultrusion faster

Researchers found that processing additives significantly impact the speed of polymerization in pultrusion, enabling faster production and improved efficiency. The study's findings have potential applications for enhancing profitability while maintaining quality in composite structures.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Composite Materials·DateMay 7, 2021

Homing in on the smallest possible laser

Scientists have successfully generated a Bose-Einstein Condensate out of exciton-polaritons, enabling the creation of the smallest possible solid-state lasers. This phenomenon holds promise for technological advancements in optoelectronic circuits.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 6, 2021
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.

New material could better protect soldiers, athletes and motorists

A new process has led to the development of high-performance energy absorbing systems that can be used in various applications, including vehicle crash safety, military armoured vehicles, and human body protection. The material's unique nanoscale mechanism enables it to absorb more mechanical energy per gram with good reusability.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 22, 2021

AI agent helps identify material properties faster

A team of researchers has developed an AI agent called Crystallography Companion Agent (XCA) to analyze X-ray diffraction data and identify material properties faster. The agent collaborates with scientists to perform autonomous phase identifications, overcoming traditional neuronal network overconfidence.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Computational Science·DateApr 20, 2021

Tiny chip-based device performs ultrafast modulation of X-rays

Researchers developed a new x-ray optics-on-a-chip device that can modulate X-rays at speeds up to 100 times faster than conventional devices. The tiny device, weighing just 3 micrograms, has the potential to capture fast chemical, material and biological processes.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Express·DateApr 20, 2021

Streamlining the process of materials discovery

Researchers at KAIST develop M3I3 Initiative to speed up materials development using multiscale/multimodal imaging and machine learning. The team creates a quantitative model using machine learning and presents a future outlook for advancements in materials science.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 4, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Heat conduction record with tantalum nitride

A research team from TU Wien has discovered a new form of tantalum nitride with exceptional thermal conductivity, surpassing that of diamond. The material's unique atomic structure suppresses interactions that inhibit heat conduction, making it highly promising for the chip industry.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 31, 2021

Deciphering the secrets of printed electronics

The technology allows for the creation of non-rigid, component-free, flexible, bendable, and easily integrable devices. Researchers from Aarhus University have published a comprehensive review of printed electronics techniques, material inks, and applications.

SourceAarhus University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 29, 2021

Renewable energy, new perspectives for photovoltaic cells

Researchers at Politecnico di Milano and IFN-CNR have developed new materials that minimize efficiency losses in organic photovoltaic cells. These advancements enable future solar cells to be more efficient, flexible, and environmentally friendly.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 25, 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.

Bronze Age mining sites received deliveries of pre-processed foods

Cereal plant remains from Prigglitz-Gasteil show signs of processing off-site, suggesting specialized communities relied on external food sources. This discovery adds to the discussion on Bronze Age mining sites' dietary patterns and highlights the importance of processed foods in sustaining these communities.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMar 24, 2021

The side stream of malting could be better used in human nutrition

A recent study from the University of Eastern Finland found that malting side-stream products contain high amounts of phytochemicals and proteins, making them a potential source of nutritious food. The researchers identified 285 different phytochemicals in these products, with germination increasing their levels.

SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·Journalnpj Science of Food·DateMar 18, 2021

ACS Nano special edition highlights innovations at KAIST

The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) has been featured in a special virtual issue of ACS Nano, highlighting its collective intelligence and technological innovation. The issue showcases KAIST's vision of becoming a global value-creative leading university and its progress over the last 50 years.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 8, 2021

Designing soft materials that mimic biological functions

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a theoretical model to design soft materials that demonstrate autonomous oscillating properties, mimicking biological functions. The work could advance the design of responsive materials for therapeutics and robot-like soft materials.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateMar 1, 2021
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.

Building bridges between atoms and making catalysts of high quality

Researchers from USTC establish bridges between atoms and make catalysts of high quality. They apply substitutional doping method to prepare Co-doping MoS2 monolayer, which shows dramatically increased exchange current density during electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 25, 2021

Spintronics: New production method makes crystalline microstructures universally usable

A new production method developed by physicists at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg enables the transfer of crystalline microstructures to any material, advancing the production of smaller, faster, and more energy-efficient components. The method has potential applications in spintronics, magnonics, and hybrid components.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 23, 2021

From trash to treasure: Silicon waste finds new use in Li-ion batteries

Researchers at Osaka University have fabricated Li-ion battery electrodes using Si swarf/graphite sheet composites, achieving high performance, reduced cost, and environmental friendliness. The Si/GS composite structure improves cyclability up to 901 cycles, making it a promising alternative for electric vehicles.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateFeb 9, 2021

Audiovisual professionalisation affects how the brain perceives media content

A study published in Frontiers in Systems Neuroscience found that audiovisual professionalisation causes a decrease in eyeblink rate and impacts brain rhythms among media professionals. This research has implications for occupational health strategies and the design of consumption strategies for videos.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalFrontiers in Systems Neuroscience·DateFeb 5, 2021
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.

A little soap simplifies making 2D nanoflakes

Researchers found a way to process hexagonal boron nitride into high-quality 2D nanosheets using surfactants and water. The findings could lead to the development of antibacterial films and heat-resistant materials.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJan 27, 2021

SUTD research team extends 4D printing to nanophotonics

The SUTD research team has developed a novel shape memory polymer resist for 4D printing, enabling submicron dimensions comparable to visible light wavelengths. This breakthrough allows for the exploration of new applications in nanophotonics and enables the creation of tunable photonic devices.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2021
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.

Businesses stand to benefit from sustainable restructuring

A new study by NTNU finds that sustainable innovation has a positive effect on companies' competitiveness, with 64 of 100 articles concluding that it has a positive impact. The study also highlights that innovation and sustainability often lead to increased value creation, reduced costs, and new business opportunities.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJan 6, 2021

Mechanophores: Making polymer crystallization processes crystal clear

Scientists have developed a new method to observe polymer crystallization in real-time, allowing for direct measurement of the rate, extent, and location of crystal growth. This breakthrough enables manufacturers to test polymer materials for specific mechanical properties during crystallization.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2021

Electrons hop to it on twisted molecular wires

Researchers at Osaka University developed twisted molecular wires that can conduct electricity with reduced resistance. The creation of smaller islands that are closer in energy maximized the conductivity, and temperature measurements confirmed the role of electron hopping.

SourceOsaka University·DateDec 29, 2020

Three-dimensional view of catalysts in action

A new diagnostic tool allows for the visualization of catalysts in three dimensions, enabling researchers to study complex chemical reactions and improve materials. The technique, operando X-ray spectroscopy, provides detailed information on the structure and function of active catalysts.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 17, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

UCI engineers reveal molecular secrets of cephalopod powers

Researchers at UCI have discovered a way to control the hierarchical assembly and optical properties of reflectin, a protein that gives squids and octopuses their color-changing abilities. This breakthrough could lead to innovations in optics, electronics, and medicine.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 17, 2020

Researchers develop new combined process for 3D printing

Chemists at Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg have developed a combined process for 3D printing that integrates liquids directly into materials. This allows for the creation of pharmaceutical products with active medical agents and monitoring systems in plastic materials.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateDec 16, 2020

Semiconductor material analysis made possible with artificial intelligence

Researchers at KIST developed an AI system that estimates magnetic Hamiltonian parameters from spin structure images using deep learning techniques. The system was trained with machine learning algorithms and achieved estimation errors less than 1%, reducing the material parameter estimation process from tens of hours to instant analysis.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2020

Industrial waste is reused to produce alternatives to plastic

Researchers at São Paulo State University developed a biodegradable film for food packaging made from bacterial cellulose scraps and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. The product outperforms traditional films, with improved mechanical strength and reduced water vapor permeability.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 14, 2020
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.

Separating gases using flexible molecular sieves

Researchers have discovered a class of flexible molecular sieves that can selectively separate gases, such as propylene from propane. This breakthrough has the potential to improve the efficiency of gas purification processes in the manufacture of high-quality plastics.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 30, 2020

Building a better electronic touch

Researchers have developed two new materials that enhance the capabilities of electronic 'touch,' allowing for more realistic simulations of human skin. These advances enable the creation of wearable healthcare sensors, prosthetics, and artificial skin for robots, with applications in grasping objects without disrupting natural touch.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2020

The ultimate conditions to get the most out of high-nickel batteries

Researchers found that dry storage conditions at dew points of around -45°C significantly improve high-nickel battery performance. Exposing batteries to humidity leads to premature capacity fade and degradation. The study identifies three processes responsible for impurities, including surface carbonates and hydroxides.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalElectrochimica Acta·DateNov 18, 2020
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.

Power-free system harnesses evaporation to keep items cool

Researchers at MIT developed a two-layered material that provides extended cooling using evaporation, inspired by camel fur. The system can keep perishable goods fresh for up to eight days and has potential applications in food packaging and pharmaceutical storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateNov 11, 2020

Tough, strong and heat-endure: Bioinspired material to oust plastics

Researchers at USTC develop materials with a hierarchical structure similar to nacre, exhibiting excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability. The new materials outperform conventional plastics in terms of strength and toughness, making them a promising alternative for plastic replacement.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2020

Optimizing the design of new materials

Researchers developed a new method to optimize materials exhibiting metal-insulator transitions (MIT) using Bayesian optimization and latent-variable Gaussian processes. The approach identified 12 previously unidentified MIT materials with optimal functionality and synthesizability.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateNov 6, 2020

NUS researchers develop novel process that turns waste into nutritional supplements

The NUS team has developed a method to convert crustacean shells and wood waste into L-DOPA, a widely used drug for Parkinson's disease, and Proline, essential for collagen and cartilage formation. The process combines chemical and biological approaches, potentially reducing reliance on non-renewable fossil fuels.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 29, 2020

Collaboration sparks new model for ceramic conductivity

An interdisciplinary collaboration has updated the small polaron hopping model to reflect different pathways for conduction in ceramics, enabling researchers to customize metal oxide properties. The new model reveals large energetic barriers associated with switching conduction paths between cations.

SourceCornell University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 22, 2020
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.

Material found in house paint may spur technology revolution

Researchers at Sandia National Laboratories have developed a new device that more efficiently processes information using non-volatile computer memory. The breakthrough could revolutionize technologies like voice recognition, image processing, and autonomous driving by reducing energy consumption.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 19, 2020

Modeling organic-field effect transistors with a molecular resolution

Recent advances in OFET device models incorporate molecular-level parameters, enabling more accurate simulation of micrometer-sized devices. These models have improved the understanding of charge-transport mechanisms and provided insights into nonlinear current characteristics.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 13, 2020

Layer of strength, layer of functionality for biomedical fibers

Researchers have developed core-sheath polymer fibers that combine strength with bioactivity, enabling various biomedical applications. The fibers can be tailored to specific needs by carefully selecting inner and outer layer materials, and can even include antiviral agents or drugs.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateOct 13, 2020
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.

Air stable intrinsically stretchable color-conversion layers for stretchable displays

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed an air-stable color conversion layer using perovskite nanocrystals and a flexible polymer matrix, enabling the creation of stretchable displays that can be bent, stretched, and attached to the skin. The new material has shown improved stability and photoluminescence intensity unde...

SourceSeoul National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 4, 2020

FSU researchers help develop sustainable polymers

Researchers at FSU have made new discoveries on the effects of temperature on sustainable polymers, which may help produce environmentally friendly plastics. The team found that certain polymers crystallize in unusual ways when cooled, leading to increased toughness and potential applications for sustainable plastic production.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalMacromolecules·DateSep 25, 2020

Food mechanics recipe to serve up healthy food that lasts

Researchers developed a computational model to simulate the micromechanical behavior of dried plant cells, providing insight into improving design of industrial machinery for food drying processes. The study also highlights implications for moving beyond plant cells to biomedical and human cosmetic applications.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 13, 2020

Brain stimulation reduces dyslexia deficits

A study published in PLOS Biology found that brain stimulation therapy can alleviate sound-processing deficits and improve reading accuracy in adults with dyslexia. The therapy, known as transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS), was shown to be particularly effective for individuals with poor reading skills.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateSep 8, 2020
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.