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Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Strain improves performance of atomically thin semiconductor material

Researchers at UConn improved the performance of an atomically thin semiconductor material by stretching it, a technique that could lead to faster computer processors and more efficient sensors. The study, published in Nano Letters, found a 100-fold increase in photoluminescence when the material was subjected to strain.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 10, 2018

Automatically periodical

Researchers found that random packings of disks always form a periodic structure, achieving higher densities than random arrangements. The probability of a channel not being periodic decreases exponentially with increasing fill level, regardless of container width.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 4, 2018

Cheap 3-D printer can produce self-folding materials

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University used an inexpensive 3D printer to produce self-folding plastic objects that can be heated to assume predetermined shapes. The process utilizes a common printing defect, warpage, which is typically considered a problem with these printers.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateApr 24, 2018

On the shape of the 'petal' for the dissipation curve

Researchers at Lobachevsky University have made significant progress in understanding the shape of the energy dissipation curve of edge states in topological insulators. The study reveals specific and measurable regularities that affect the physical properties of electron gases, including new peaks in absorption spectra and changes in ...

SourceLobachevsky University·JournalJournal of Experimental and Theoretical Physics·DateApr 20, 2018
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.

Writing and deleting magnets with lasers

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf developed a method to create and erase magnetic areas in an alloy using lasers, transforming its magnetic behavior. The process involves heating the alloy with ultra-short laser pulses, allowing it to form a magnet.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 18, 2018

How to cool a smartphone

Scientists at NUST MISIS have developed composites that can efficiently remove heat from electronic devices, potentially replacing traditional materials like fiberglass. The new material has high thermal conductivity and mechanical properties, making it suitable for use in smartphones and other electronics.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateApr 3, 2018
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.

Now you see it: Invisibility material created by UCI engineers

Materials experts at UCI have created a revolutionary new material that can change its reflectivity in under a second, mimicking the properties of squid skin. The technology has potential applications in military camouflage, space insulation, and more.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2018

Atomic structure of ultrasound material not what anyone expected

Scientists used advanced microscopy techniques to study the atomic structure of PMN, a widely used relaxor material in ultrasound and sonar applications. The findings reveal that atoms are arranged in a gradual gradient, differing from conventional wisdom predictions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 20, 2018

Mathematics pushes innovation in 4-D printing

Researchers developed a mathematical approach to predict crease formation in soft solids, enabling on-demand control of adaptive surface morphology. This breakthrough enables the design and fabrication of morphable materials for stretchable electronics, self-foldable machines, and lab-on-a-chip devices.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 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.

Controlling quantum interactions in a single material

A team of researchers has successfully controlled multiple quantum mechanical properties in a single material, including ferroelectricity and conductivity. The breakthrough could lead to the development of ultrafast, low-power electronics and quantum computers.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 5, 2018

New approach could quickly identify best organic solar cell mixtures

Researchers discovered a new quantitative relation to identify promising material combinations for organic solar cells. The discovery enables chemists to evaluate different mixtures before manufacturing devices, optimizing performance and reducing processing time.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 5, 2018

X-ray experiments suggest high tunability of 2-D material

Researchers used a new platform, MAESTRO, to observe the electronic structure of a 2-D semiconductor material, tungsten disulfide (WS2), at microscale resolution. The study suggests that WS2 may be highly tunable, with possible applications for spintronics and electronics.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateJan 26, 2018
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.

A simple new approach to plastic solar cells

Researchers at Osaka University redesigned a polymer to improve its hole conductivity, enhancing solar power conversion performance. This design enables mass production through simple printing methods, potentially lowering costs and increasing adoption of plastic solar cells.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 24, 2018

Novel material cuts cost of substance purification for industry

A Brazilian startup has developed a porous silica magnetic microparticle that can selectively adsorb different molecules, allowing for efficient purification of substances in various industries. This technology reduces production costs by skipping filtration or centrifugation stages, resulting in lower costs and shorter production times.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateJan 24, 2018

New discovery could improve organic solar cell performance

Scientists at Berkeley Lab have unraveled the mystery of a multiplier mechanism in an organic crystal, which holds promise for dramatically boosting the efficiency of organic solar cells. The discovery explains how this reaction can occur in just tens of femtoseconds, avoiding loss of energy as heat.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 24, 2018
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.

Quantum cocktail provides insights on memory control

Researchers created a quantum many-body system using trapped atoms in an artificial crystal, enabling them to study the physics of magnetic materials. By controlled shaking of the crystal, they switched between two forms of magnetic order, a crucial process for data storage.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalNature·DateJan 24, 2018

Bioengineered soft microfibers improve T-cell production

Researchers have developed a biomaterials-based system that uses soft microfibers to activate and expand T cells, increasing their number by nearly an order of magnitude. This approach simplifies processing compared to existing systems and has the potential to bring new hope to cancer patients for T-cell therapy.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalAdvanced Biosystems·DateJan 17, 2018

Traditional secrets to keeping cool: Investigating Okinawan textiles

Researchers analyzed Okinawan textile Basho-fu using Scanning Electron Microscopes and X-ray diffraction to compare traditional and laboratory production processes. They found that traditional degumming is milder than laboratory methods, retaining more air voids and breathability.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Fiber Science and Technology·DateDec 26, 2017
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 chip for environmental and health monitoring

Researchers are developing miniaturized sensor systems that can be produced on an industrial scale to monitor NO2 levels in metropolitan areas and detect cancers. The project combines different sensor components to analyze complex gas mixtures and fine-tunes the functionality of materials used.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateDec 15, 2017

Controlling spin for memory storage

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a computational simulation that shows the potential of ultrafast laser pulses to switch electrons' spins in magnetic materials, enabling faster magnetic memory devices. The study suggests perovskite manganites and layered manganites as possible materials for testing their model.

SourceTohoku University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 5, 2017

Research reveals the scale at which Earth's mantle composition varies

Scientists have discovered that heterogeneities in the Earth's mantle are at least a kilometer in size, enabling the survival of their chemical signature during magma transport. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of mantle convection and its impact on tectonic plate movement.

SourceBrown University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2017
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.

Soft magnetic material characterizations get a harder look

Soft magnetic materials are crucial for designing efficient electric machines, but current characterization methods are inadequate for applications like traction drives. Researchers offer improvements to guide the selection of the most suitable material.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateNov 14, 2017

Researchers develop flexible, stretchable photonic devices

Researchers have created a method to make photonic devices that can bend and stretch without damage, using a specialized glass called chalcogenide. These flexible devices could be used in various applications such as skin-mounted monitoring devices, diagnostic systems, or as connectors for electronics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 8, 2017

Computer system finds 'recipes' for producing materials

A new AI system can analyze a large dataset of research papers to extract recipes for producing specific materials. The system can identify paragraphs containing recipes and classify words within those paragraphs according to their roles, allowing scientists and engineers to access detailed instructions for material production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 6, 2017

Research aims to help renewable jet fuel take flight

University of Delaware researchers have developed catalysts that transform lignocellulosic biomass into high-carbon molecules suitable for jet fuel, enabling cost-competitive and sustainable production. The process operates at low temperature and is scalable, addressing the need for non-petroleum-based fuels for aviation.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalChemSusChem·DateOct 30, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

From Cellulose to 3-D Objects

Researchers have developed a sustainable 3D printing process using polyethylene-2,5-furandicarboxylate (PEF), a polymer made from cellulose. The new biobased polymer allows for high-quality objects with good solvent resistance and thermal stability.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 27, 2017

Innovative material for soft sensor could bring new tactile tech

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new type of soft sensor that can sense in real-time without delay. The iSoft platform uses piezoresistive elastomer to detect changes in resistance caused by contact or stretching, enabling customized interactions and applications.

SourcePurdue University·DateOct 23, 2017

Tiny aquariums put nanoparticle self-assembly on display

Researchers use liquid-phase transmission electron microscopy to study colloidal gold nanoparticles' interactions and self-assembly. The method provides precise control over particle shape and assembly rates, opening up new possibilities for nanotechnology applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2017

New analysis explains role of defects in metal oxides

Researchers at MIT discovered that imperfections in metal oxide materials can alter their properties, enabling new types of low-energy computer memory and processing devices. The findings provide a theoretical framework to understand the effects of defects on material stability and structure under strong electric fields.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 21, 2017

New microscopy method for quick and reliable 3-D imaging of curvilinear nanostructures

EPFL researchers have developed a scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) method to generate fast and reliable 3D images of complex curvilinear structures. This tilt-less 3D electron imaging technique can acquire images in a single shot, opening up new avenues for real-time 3D imaging of dynamic material and biological processes.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 6, 2017
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.

Researchers set new bar for water-splitting, CO2-splitting techniques

The researchers successfully converted 90% of water into hydrogen gas and over 98% of CO2 into carbon monoxide using new materials and processes. These advancements have significant implications for extracting valuable feedstock from resources like greenhouse gases.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 30, 2017

Why does rubbing a balloon on your hair make it stick?

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered that tiny holes and cracks in materials can control electric charge through friction. The findings could lead to better adhesion for agricultural pesticides, paints, and other applications, while also preventing damage from static electricity.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateAug 29, 2017

The breaking point

Researchers developed a new theory to understand how cracks propagate, revealing a nonlinear relationship between forces and material response near the crack's edge. This discovery may lead to better understanding of material failures and development of new strategies for protecting the environment.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 23, 2017

Solidifying advanced alloy design

Researchers developed a framework for designing tailored microstructure patterns in materials using a combination of theory and experiment. They successfully simulated the solidification process of an aluminum-silver-copper alloy, comparing their results with experimental photographs.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalActa Materialia·DateAug 22, 2017
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.

Fundamentals of water repellency revealed at VTT

Researchers at VTT have discovered the frictional mechanism behind water repellency on inclined surfaces. By understanding this phenomenon, they can predict sliding of drops off surfaces and develop hydrophobic materials with improved wettability.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 14, 2017

Fewer defects from a 2-D approach

Scientists at KAUST have discovered that two-dimensional layers of perovskite material can achieve higher purity levels than their three-dimensional counterparts. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective solar cells.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNano Letters·DateAug 13, 2017

User research at BER II: Lupin roots observed in the act of drinking

Soil scientists have developed a new method to observe water transport in soil and plant roots, enabling the first-ever 3D mapping of this process in just 10 seconds. This breakthrough technology could also be applied to study fuel cells, batteries, and construction materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 26, 2017
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Studying argon gas trapped in two-dimensional array of tiny 'cages'

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have successfully trapped argon gas in a two-dimensional array of tiny 'cages', allowing for the detailed study of single atoms in confinement. This achievement could lead to the design of new materials for gas separation and nuclear waste remediation.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2017

Green method developed for making artificial spider silk

A team of architects and chemists from the University of Cambridge has designed super-stretchy and strong fibres almost entirely composed of water. The new method improves upon earlier methods of making synthetic spider silk without high-energy procedures or extensive use of harmful solvents.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 10, 2017

Scientists get first direct look at how electrons 'dance' with vibrating atoms

Researchers develop precise new way to study materials, revealing strong electron-phonon coupling that could lead to unprecedented superconductivity. The approach allows scientists to validate theories and computations describing complex materials' behavior, providing deep insights into their behavior.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJul 6, 2017

How do impurities move in tungsten?

A research group at National Institutes of Natural Sciences has developed a high-speed automatic search method for the migration path of impurity atoms in materials with polycrystalline structures, enabling the investigation of collective migration and its impact on plasma confinement. This method uses molecular dynamics and parallel c...

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNuclear Materials and Energy·DateJun 30, 2017

Study reveals mysterious equality with which grains pack it in

Researchers have confirmed a decades-old mathematical theory explaining the physics of how substances like sand and gravel pack together. The finding provides a simple and elegant way to describe granular material behavior, with potential applications in industries such as energy and pharmaceuticals.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 26, 2017
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.

New method allows real-time monitoring of irradiated materials

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique that allows for continuous, high-precision monitoring of materials exposed to high-radiation environments. This method could significantly speed up the development of new materials for nuclear reactors, enabling real-time diagnostic systems to monitor damage over time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 30, 2017

Optimization of hemp-ground tire rubber/high density polyethylene composites

Researchers developed hybrid composites using hemp fibers and ground tire rubber to improve interfacial adhesion and balance stiffness and strength. The quality-over-cost ratio was optimized by combining mechanical property data with raw material costs, making the methodology applicable to various systems.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Applied Polymer Science·DateMay 23, 2017

Tracking down the scent of recycled plastic

A young researcher at FAU has studied what causes recycled plastic to smell, identifying key contaminants such as mouldy, cheesy, or acidic-smelling molecules. The study's findings will help scientists develop strategies for reducing odours in recycled plastics.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalJournal of Separation Science·DateMay 23, 2017

A bath for precision printing of 3-D silicone structures

Researchers have developed a versatile, oil-based microgel material that can mimic aqueous microgels and eliminate instabilities between printed materials and their support. This innovation enables the precise 3-D printing of silicon materials in various shapes, including biocompatible materials like silicone.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 10, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A speedy, sensitive, and low-cost detection test for Zika virus

A new detection test for Zika virus distinguishes between African and Asian strains, improving tracking efforts. The low-cost LAMP test is faster than current gold-standard methods, with minimal processing requirements.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 3, 2017

Molecular libraries for organic light-emitting diodes

A new screening process makes boron-doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accessible for organic light-emitting diode (OLED) applications, offering a cost-efficient and resource-friendly way to achieve results.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 21, 2017

Leaf vein structure could hold key to extending battery life

Researchers have designed a porous material inspired by leaf veins that improves rechargeable battery performance and gas sensing. The material enhances the charge and discharge process, reducing stresses and increasing battery life by up to 25 times.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 6, 2017
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.

Streamlining mass production of printable electronics

A team of researchers in Germany and Canada has successfully demonstrated a proof of concept for fully inkjet-printable flexible resistive memory. This breakthrough enables the mass production of printable electronics with mechanically flexible memory tiles, using commercially available materials.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 4, 2017

Team highlights work on tuning block polymers for nanostructured systems

The Epps group has made significant strides in tuning and characterizing block polymers for various applications. They aim to optimize materials design by manipulating phase behavior, thermal transitions and mechanical properties. The goal is to create high-performance materials that reduce defects and mitigate environmental concerns.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·DateMar 29, 2017

Researchers flip a magnetic memory cell with a light pulse at record speed

University of Minnesota researchers developed a magnetic tunnel junction that can be switched by a pulse of light lasting one trillionth of a second, breaking the current speed record. The device has the potential to enable faster writing speeds and revolutionize information technology advances.

SourceUniversity of Minnesota·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateMar 9, 2017
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.