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Researchers capture footage of fluid behaving like a solid

Swansea University researchers have captured the moments a fluid reacts like a solid through a new method of fluid observation under pressurised conditions. The study looks at fluids with a solid-like response to stress, called Discontinuous Shear Thickening (DST), and offers a novel visual indication for future theoretical models.

SourceSwansea University·DateAug 14, 2020

Molecular additives enhance mechanical properties of organic solar cell material

Computational experiments on semiconducting polymers show that adding small molecules enhances performance and stability; predicting improved solar cell materials for extreme operational stress-strain conditions. Researchers at Lehigh University used Frontera, the world's fastest academic supercomputer, to demonstrate this finding.

SourceLehigh University·JournalSoft Matter·DateAug 12, 2020
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.

Avoiding food contamination with a durable coating for hard surfaces

Researchers have created a durable coating using titanium dioxide that can eliminate foodborne germs such as salmonella and E. coli on stainless steel surfaces. The coating, which is also food-safe, provides an additional layer of protection against cross-contamination in meat processing plants.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalMaterials Chemistry and Physics·DateJul 16, 2020

Pencil-and-paper-based electronics

Flexible on-skin electronics made from pencil traces on paper can record various biomedical signals such as temperature, heart rate, and glucose levels. The technology has the potential to enable transdermal drug delivery and provides a cost-effective solution for monitoring vital signs in low-resource medical settings.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 13, 2020

Highest peak power and excellent stability

Researchers have developed a new system delivering few-ps pulses at 2 μm wavelength with peak power of 17 GW, exceeding previous records. The system features excellent stability and brilliant beam quality, making it suitable for applications in nonlinear optics, spectroscopy, and materials processing.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalOptics Letters·DateJul 6, 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.

Light from inside the tunnel

Physicists from Max Born Institute and University of Rostock discover light-induced tunneling of electrons in dielectrics, creating a nonlinear current that dominates bright bursts of light. This finding expands fundamental understanding of optical non-linearity and its applications in information processing and material processing.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 30, 2020

Removing toxic chemicals from water -- New environmentally-friendly method

A breakthrough water treatment method using a solvent-free approach has been developed by Swansea University. The MACS machine manufactures catalysts for ozone, destroying pollutant chemicals such as nitrophenol in water. This technology holds potential to enable radical advances in advanced technology across various disciplines.

SourceSwansea University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 24, 2020

Researchers discover unique material design for brain-like computations

Researchers at the U.S. Army Research Laboratory have developed a unique material design inspired by the human brain's neural structure for brain-like computations. This design strategy promises orders of magnitude reductions in power consumption, suitable for complex data classification and processing.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalMaterials Today·DateJun 18, 2020

Printed perovskite LEDs

Scientists at HZB have successfully produced functional light-emitting diodes using a metal halide perovskite material. The new printing process enables the creation of printed LEDs with significantly better optical and electronic characteristics compared to traditional additive manufacturing processes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateJun 12, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

The consequences of exploiting the ocean depths

The mesopelagic zone, or Twilight Zone, holds the largest and least exploited fish reserves in the oceans, crucial for global carbon cycle and sustainability. Climate change and growing population demand threaten this ecosystem.

SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalNature·DateJun 1, 2020

SUTD developed a simple method to print planar microstructures of polysiloxane

Researchers from SUTD developed a simple method to fabricate reproducible planar microstructures of polysiloxane without changing its properties. The new approach, embedded ink writing (EIW), enables direct patterning of polysiloxane on different soft and rigid substrates.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 28, 2020

Researchers review advances in 3D printing of high-entropy alloys

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) exhibit remarkable mechanical properties at high temperatures and exceptional strength, ductility, and fracture toughness at cryogenic temperatures. Researchers reviewed the recent achievements in 3D printing of HEAs, validating laser-based techniques for producing high-quality products.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 22, 2020
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.

Machine-learning tool could help develop tougher materials

Engineers have developed an AI-based rapid screening system to test fracture resistance in vast arrays of candidate materials. The system uses machine-learning to analyze the propagation of cracks through a material's molecular structure, reducing testing time from hours to milliseconds.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMatter·DateMay 20, 2020

Stretch and flow: Research sheds light on unusual properties of well-known materials

Scientists have combined experiments with simulations to reveal new insights into the flow behavior of elasto-visco-plastic materials. Their research highlights the importance of including elasticity in future models, which is crucial for understanding how these materials behave under different conditions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2020

Future information technologies: 3D quantum spin liquid revealed

Researchers at HZB have found a three-dimensional quantum spin liquid in the hyper-hyperkagome lattice of PbCuTe2O6. The discovery was made through both theoretical simulations and neutron experiments, which confirmed the predicted behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Scientists proposed a new approach for efficient nanomaterials' modeling

Scientists developed a novel method to improve mathematical modeling of nanoscale materials, enabling faster calculations and more accurate predictions. The approach involves creating imaginary rigid grains, reducing bond numbers and computation time.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalMechanics Research Communications·DateApr 29, 2020

Two steps closer to flexible, powerful, fast bioelectronic devices

Researchers develop biocompatible ion-driven soft transistors that can perform real-time neurologically relevant computation. A mixed-conducting particulate composite enables the creation of electronic components out of a single material, allowing for non-invasive recording and processing of brain activity.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 24, 2020
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.

Development of new photovoltaic commercialization technology

A research team has identified the cause of performance degradation in CQD PV devices and developed a material processing method to stabilize their performance. The method uses ligand substitution with potassium iodide, maintaining device efficiency above 80% for 300 hours.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 10, 2020

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab: 3D nanoparticles and magnetic spin

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a technique to produce atomic-scale 3D images of nanoparticles, enabling precise measurement of their atomic positions. They also created an antiferromagnetic switch for computer memory and processing applications, revolutionizing spin-based electronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2020

Fish storage architecture in ancient Florida

Researchers discovered subrectangular constructs in Calusa archaeological sites, which may have been gates for watercourts. The watercourts contained fish scales from the period of use, suggesting storage and later processing of surplus fish supported the Calusa rulers' authority.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2020

Recipe for neuromorphic processing systems?

Researchers developed a recipe for creating ideal hybrid memristive-CMOS neuromorphic computing systems, exploiting the advantages of low-precision, noisy, and variable neurons. This work aims to enable compact and efficient real-time processing for applications such as bio-signal processing and brain-machine interfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 24, 2020
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.

'Triangle 2' plastic containers may see environmental makeover

Researchers at Cornell University developed a new way to control the properties of high-density polyethylene, a type of plastic commonly used in containers. The breakthrough allows for improved processability and strength while reducing the energy required for production and recycling.

SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMar 4, 2020

KITE code could power new quantum developments

Researchers developed open-source software to assist in creating quantum materials, which could vastly increase computing power and reduce energy consumption. The Quantum KITE initiative uses sophisticated computer programmes to predict material properties, enabling the creation of realistic simulations with unprecedented atom numbers.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 2, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Breaking the temperature barrier in small-scale materials testing

Scientists have developed a new method to test microscopic aeronautical materials at ultra-high temperatures, using electron microscopy and laser heating. This breakthrough reduces the time and expense required for such tests, paving the way for the development of new materials for commercial applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2020

NSF recognizes Ganesh Balasubramanian with CAREER award

Lehigh University's Ganesh Balasubramanian has received an NSF CAREER award to create a predictive framework for manufacturing complex alloys. The project aims to accelerate the manufacturing process by 50% and reduce costs, while also pushing the industry towards smart manufacturing.

SourceLehigh University·DateFeb 13, 2020

Graphene Flagship publishes handbook of graphene manufacturing

The Graphene Flagship has published a comprehensive guide to graphene manufacturing and processing, providing a single source of knowledge for researchers and industry. The handbook encompasses over 1,500 references and covers techniques for production and characterisation of graphene-related materials.

SourceGraphene Flagship·Journal2D Materials·DateJan 29, 2020
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.

Imprinted color patterns

Chinese researchers create an azopolymer that allows light-induced nanoimprinting at room temperature, overcoming heat-dependent issues in traditional photolithography. The technique enables the creation of structurally colored surfaces and has potential applications in nanofabrication and electronics industry.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 15, 2020

Electron pulser for ultrafast electron microscopy wins 2019 R&D 100 award

The Affordable Laser-Free Retrofittable Stroboscopic Solution for Ultrafast Electron Microscopy has been recognized as one of the top innovations of 2019 by R&D World magazine. This device can be retrofit into conventional transmission electron microscopes to image dynamic behaviors of materials over very short timescales.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateDec 20, 2019

Ultrashort x-ray technique will probe conditions found at the heart of planets

Researchers at Imperial College London have developed a new technique using powerful lasers and bright x-rays to capture information about extremely dense and hot matter. This breakthrough allows for unprecedented resolution and efficiency in studying warm dense matter, crucial for fusion power and astrophysics.

SourceImperial College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 19, 2019
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.

Taking an X-ray of an atomic bond

Researchers have developed a new technique to study electron behavior in atomic bonds using resonant x-ray reflectivity. This method allows for the measurement of individual elements' contributions to their shared bond, providing insights into the degree of covalent and ionic bonding.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 17, 2019

Study on surface damage to vehicles traveling at hypersonic speeds

Researchers studied the interaction of ice crystals and dust particles with vehicle surfaces, revealing rules for material degradation and erosion. The work provides a 'first principles' rule for predicting surface damage in hypersonic flight.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 19, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

'Messy' production of perovskite material increases solar cell efficiency

Scientists at Cambridge discovered that perovskite materials can be more efficient when their chemical compositions are less ordered, simplifying production processes and lowering costs. This is achieved by creating areas with different compositions that trap energized charge carriers, improving solar cell efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 11, 2019

Neural network technique identifies mechanisms of ferroelectric switching

Researchers have developed an artificial intelligence technique that uses deep neural networks to analyze data from experiments on nanoscale ferroelectrics. This method has identified geometrically-driven differences in ferroelectric domain switching, providing new insights into the mechanisms of ferroelectric switching.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2019

How preprocessing methods affect the conversion efficiency of biomass energy production

A new study published in Bioresource Technology Reports examines the impact of biomass preprocessing on conversion efficiency. Researchers found that comminution and particle size play a significant role in determining energy expenditure, with miscanthus showing improved efficiency under certain conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalBioresource Technology·DateOct 11, 2019
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.

SUTD researchers revolutionize 3D printed products with data-driven design method

Researchers from SUTD have developed a holistic approach that applies data-driven methods in design search and optimization for additive manufacturing (AM) products. The new method uses surrogate models to rapidly narrow down the high-dimensional design space, enabling designers to explore millions of design alternatives.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·DateSep 20, 2019

UBC engineers create ways to keep stone waste out of landfills

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have developed a new type of composite material made from discarded stone waste and polymers, which increases the strength and conductivity of the final product. The materials can be used in various applications, including decorations, sanitation products, and even aerospace.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComposite Structures·DateSep 19, 2019

Major environmental challenge as microplastics are harming our drinking water

Research from the University of Surrey and Deakin's Institute for Frontier Materials found that microplastics can break down further during water treatment processes, impacting on water quality. The study highlights the need for new detection strategies to limit nano and microplastics in water treatment systems.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalWater Research·DateSep 9, 2019

Spintronics: Physicists discover new material for highly efficient data processing

Physicists have discovered a new material that significantly increases the conversion rate of spin current to charge current, paving the way for future spintronic applications. The new material is more efficient than any previously investigated material, with potential to reduce energy loss and heat generation in devices.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 9, 2019
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.

Affordable multiferroic material

Researchers developed a novel liquid process to fabricate an affordable multiferroic nanocomposite film, exhibiting a strong correlation between its electric and magnetic properties. This breakthrough enables the production of materials for various applications such as large-volume memory, spatial light modulators, and unique sensors.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateSep 3, 2019

Dangerous wild grass will be used in batteries

Researchers from NUST MISIS have successfully turned hogweed into a material for supercapacitors, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable alternative for energy storage. The processing technology involves treating the plant stems with hydrochloric acid and carbon dioxide to create a porous structure suitable for electrodes.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalRussian Journal of Electrochemistry·DateAug 26, 2019

The first metal-organic coordination polymers were synthesized at the Samara Polytech

Scientists at Samara Polytech have synthesized the first metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) with unique properties, including magnetic susceptibility, luminescence, and electrical conductivity. The resulting nanostructured materials demonstrate record sorption characteristics for various volatile substances.

SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalChemical Science·DateAug 13, 2019
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.

UTA Research Institute scientist earns award for emerging leadership in engineering

Rasel Raihan, a research scientist at the UTA Research Institute, has received the Young Professionals Emerging Leadership Award from the Society of Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering. He is recognized for his technical excellence and outstanding service in advancing the field of advanced materials and process engineering.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateAug 9, 2019