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A sharper focus: New computational technique resolves compressed X-ray data

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a novel method to overcome limitations of high-energy X-rays, enabling sharper imaging of complex materials. This breakthrough allows scientists to gain better information about material interfaces and control the behavior of new materials.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review A·DateJul 18, 2019

A crystal clear step closer to commercial solar cells

Researchers at KAUST have developed a synthetic approach to generate homogeneous and defect-free crystals that could fast-track the commercialization of perovskite solar cells. The new single-crystal films exhibit lower defect density and higher charge-carrier diffusion lengths, leading to high-quality solar cells with a maximum power-...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateJul 11, 2019

Getting more heat out of sunlight

A newly developed aerogel material can passively capture solar heat, reaching temperatures of up to 220°C in tests. This could enable lower-cost and simpler solar heat collection systems for various industrial and domestic uses.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 2, 2019
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.

Isabelle Denry received 2019 Wilmer Souder Award

Isabelle Denry received the 2019 Wilmer Souder Award in Dental Caries Award for her contributions to ceramic development and bone replacement. Her research focuses on resorbable bioactive glassceramic scaffolds for dental applications.

SourceInternational Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research·DateJun 19, 2019

A new paradigm of material identification based on graph theory

Researchers propose a new graph theory-based paradigm to improve material identification, focusing on topological relationships rather than bond length and angle. This method achieves automatic deduplication for the first time, identifying 626,772 unique structures from 865,458 original structures.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateJun 13, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Energy researchers break the catalytic speed limit

Researchers from the University of Minnesota and University of Massachusetts Amherst have discovered a way to speed up chemical reactions using oscillating catalysts. This breakthrough could significantly reduce equipment costs and increase production efficiency in various industries.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalACS Catalysis·DateMay 28, 2019

Big energy savings for tiny machines

Researchers at Simon Fraser University developed a theory that predicts maximum efficiency and minimal energy loss in molecular machines. By manipulating DNA hairpins, they demonstrated a strategy to optimize nanomachines, which could lead to significant advancements in fields like computer chips, solar cells, and biotechnology.

SourceSimon Fraser University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 22, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Polymers jump through hoops on pathway to sustainable materials

A new study reveals a 'threading' mechanism where linear molecules thread through ring polymers, causing shape fluctuations under fluid flow. This insight may lead to new processing methods for sustainable polymer materials.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2019

When sand behaves like oil

Researchers have discovered that granular materials, such as sand and coffee, exhibit similar behavior to immiscible liquids when fluidized. This phenomenon has significant implications for industries like pharmaceuticals and energy production, where efficient processing of granular materials is crucial.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 8, 2019
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.

How slippery surfaces allow sticky pastes and gels to slide

Researchers at MIT have created liquid-impregnated surfaces that can significantly reduce friction for yield-stress fluids like gels and pastes. These coatings enable the efficient processing of materials in industries such as food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals, reducing waste and improving product quality.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 22, 2019

Neuron and synapse-mimetic spintronics devices developed

Researchers from Tohoku University have developed artificial neuron and synapse devices using spintronics technology, mimicking the brain's architecture. The devices demonstrated fundamental behavior of biological neurons and synapses, including leaky integrate-and-fire and spike-timing-dependent plasticity.

SourceTohoku University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2019

Greener, more efficient natural gas filtration

Researchers at MIT have developed a novel polymer membrane that dramatically improves the efficiency of natural gas purification while reducing environmental impact. The membrane can process natural gas quickly and effectively, removing more carbon dioxide than traditional materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 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.

New plastic films deflect or trap heat with zero energy required

Researchers developed new plastic films that deflect or trap heat with zero energy required. The versatile materials can be used to regulate the temperature of buildings and people, and have potential applications in wearable technologies and solar cells.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateApr 2, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Scaling forward

A researcher at Argonne National Laboratory has developed a faster way to create molecular models, accelerating the screening of potential new organic materials for electronics. The approach uses machine learning to predict electronic properties and enables scientists to screen more packing arrangements than before.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 22, 2019

Scientists study neutron scattering for researching magnetic materials

Researchers from the University of Luxembourg have demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of neutron scattering techniques for analyzing magnetic materials. The study focuses on analysis techniques for superconductors, permanent magnets, shape-memory alloys, ferrofluids and other magnetic materials.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalReviews of Modern Physics·DateMar 5, 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.

GraphON: Conductive coatings and materials breakthrough

GraphON is a conductive coating that can be manufactured cheaper and easier than comparable products, with greater control over performance. It has potential uses in electrostatically dissipative coatings, electromagnetic interference shielding, electrical heating and conductive coatings.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateFeb 19, 2019

Indecision under pressure

Researchers found that when compressed, cubic boron arsenide's heat conductivity improves initially but then deteriorates due to competition between different processes. This behavior has never been predicted or observed before and challenges conventional understanding of heat conduction.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Nanophysicists developed a high-performance organic phototransistor

Researchers from the University of Münster have developed a novel thin-film organic phototransistor array using small-molecule 2,6-diphenylanthracene. The device shows high photosensitivity, photoresponsivity, and detectivity, outperforming state-of-the-art OPTs.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 8, 2019

One of the world's fastest cameras films motion of electrons

A team from Kiel University has developed an ultrafast camera system that films the motion of electrons in solids. The camera, which operates at a temporal resolution of 13 femtoseconds, allows researchers to study fundamental processes involved in the conversion of light energy into electricity.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 20, 2018

Topological matters: Toward a new kind of transistor

Researchers have demonstrated electronic switching in an exotic, ultrathin material at room temperature, reducing energy loss and increasing efficiency for transistors. The breakthrough uses sodium bismuthide (Na3Bi), a 'topological Dirac semimetal' that can be tuned to behave like a conventional or topological material.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 10, 2018
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.

New methods could improve, expand 3D imaging using X-rays

Researchers have developed two new approaches to 3D imaging with X-rays, enabling unprecedented detail in disease-screening, materials development, and structural information of opaque objects. The methods, including ghost imaging and single-shot techniques, reduce X-ray doses and destroy samples, paving the way for cheaper, more readi...

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateNov 29, 2018

AI capable of outlining in a single chart information from thousands of scientific papers

Researchers developed a Computer-Aided Material Design (CAMaD) system that extracts information related to fabrication processes and material structures and properties, enabling the summarization of knowledge from thousands of scientific articles in a single chart. This allows for rationalizing and expediting material design.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials·DateNov 12, 2018

Filtering liquids with liquids saves electricity

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute developed a liquid-gated membrane system that filters nanoclay particles out of water with high efficiency, reducing fouling and pressure requirements. This innovation has the potential to save energy and improve industrial processes in various industries.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAPL Materials·DateNov 7, 2018
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.

Scientists shuffle the deck to create materials with new quantum behaviors

Researchers have successfully created complex multi-principle element transition metal dichalcogenides with unique quantum phenomena. By combining layered TMDCs using ball-milling and reactive fusion, they have demonstrated the possibility of forming 3D-heterostructured architectures with tunable properties.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalChemical Communications·DateNov 7, 2018

Multi-functional quantum bits for future computers

Rare earth ions exhibit potential for storing quantum states and interacting with each other, enhancing computation capacity. Researchers aim to establish scalable quantum technologies using these elements.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateOct 29, 2018

Texas A&M Center to aid stewardship of US nuclear weapons

The Texas A&M Center for Research Excellence on Dynamically Deformed Solids (CREDDS) will explore advanced manufacturing processes and new materials for nuclear weapon refurbishment. The center will also train the next generation of scientists and engineers to ensure the safety, security, and effectiveness of the US nuclear deterrent.

SourceTexas A&M University·DateOct 16, 2018

New NIST method measures 3D polymer processing precisely

Researchers at NIST have developed a novel light-based technique to measure the mechanical and flow properties of materials during the curing process in real-time. This allows for fast and accurate optimization of processing conditions for various materials, from biological gels to stiff resins.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalSmall Methods·DateOct 9, 2018
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.

Nucleation a boon to sustainable nanomanufacturing

Engineers at Washington University in St. Louis have discovered the activation energy and kinetic factors of calcium carbonate's nucleation, key to predicting and controlling the process. This research can help create nanomaterials, control nanoparticle properties, and aid in designing larger-scale engineering processes.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateSep 19, 2018
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.

Friction loss at first contact: The material does not forgive

Scientists at KIT discovered a sharp line at a depth of 150-200 nm where wear particles are detached, contributing to the later weakness in the material. This finding contributes to understanding processes on the molecular level during friction and may lead to developing materials with better friction properties.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalScripta Materialia·DateAug 30, 2018

Connecting the (nano) dots: Big-picture thinking can advance nanoparticle manufacturing

Researchers at NIST and WTEC advocate for a collaborative approach to nanoparticle manufacturing, highlighting the importance of sharing knowledge and resources across disciplines. The study identifies common challenges in material, process, and application, suggesting that solving these problems could advance the entire enterprise.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateAug 22, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Study reveals how polymers relax after stressful processing

A new study reveals that entangled, long-chain polymers in solutions relax at two different rates, marking an advancement in fundamental polymer physics. The findings will provide a better understanding of the physical properties of polymeric materials and individual polymer molecule behavior under high-stress processing conditions.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 2, 2018

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, July 2018

The lab provides datasets to support emergency response in Hawaii following volcanic eruptions, enabling quick identification of vulnerable structures. Researchers also develop super-stretchy polymers with self-healing abilities and create a scalable processing technique for 3D printing plant-based materials.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 2, 2018

Putting a quantum gas through its phases

Scientists at ETH Zurich develop a controlled quantum system with two coupled order parameters, enabling the creation of diverse phase diagrams and exploring complex interactions. The platform provides a unique tool for studying technologically relevant materials and simulating their properties.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 2, 2018
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.

Scientists calculate impact of China's ban on plastic waste imports

The China ban on non-industrial plastic waste has displaced around 111 million metric tons of plastic waste, which was previously exported to the country. This shift will require high-income countries to develop more robust recycling programs domestically and rethink the use and design of plastic products.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 20, 2018

Team uses severe deformation method on bulk magnetic alloys for high performance

A team of researchers from Texas A&M University and Sandia National Laboratories successfully improved the mechanical properties of bulk magnetic alloys through microstructural refinement. The findings show that the severe plastic deformation process can produce high-performance alloys with superior mechanical environments.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Materials Research·DateJun 13, 2018
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.

Visual worlds in mirror and glass

Studies found that humans use efficient cues to discriminate between reflective and transparent materials, estimating material states without needing all information. Researchers developed a model correlating closely with human perception, suggesting simple information processing in the brain.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2018
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.

Porous materials make it possible to have nanotechnology under control

Researchers develop MOF, a hybrid material with porosity, enabling control over metallic nanostructures and their applications in catalysis and battery stabilization. The innovative methodology allows for precise control of material design, paving the way for diverse uses of these materials.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalDalton Transactions·DateMay 17, 2018