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EU researchers aim to halve CO2 footprint of carbon fiber production

Researchers from the University of Limerick are leading a €4.9m project to produce carbon fiber from forestry by-products, aiming to halve its CO2 footprint. The LIBRE project expects to reduce production costs by 30% and bring down the environmental impact of carbon fiber manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·DateMar 6, 2017

UKCRIC to deliver world-leading research on cities and infrastructure

UKCRIC will enable academia, industry, government and end users to collaborate on upgrading UK's infrastructure, reducing its cost and increasing resilience. The initiative will focus on developing new materials, techniques and technologies, as well as research into smart sensors and systems.

SourceEngineering and Physical Sciences Research Council·DateMar 2, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Tough aqua material for water purification

Israeli scientists developed a supramolecular aqua material that forms a hybrid membrane with robust filtering properties, easy fabrication, and recyclability. The hybrid membrane is effective in removing toxic heavy metals and small organic molecules from contaminated water.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 19, 2017

Economics of forest biomass raise hurdles for rural development

A study by Oregon State University economists found that using residual forest biomass for rural development faces significant economic challenges. The researchers estimated costs of collecting, transporting, and processing biomass, concluding that targeted subsidies or support are needed to make facilities viable in remote communities.

SourceOregon State University·JournalForest Policy and Economics·DateDec 28, 2016
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.

A step to understanding polymorphs

Researchers study organizing principles behind high Z' crystal structures to understand material properties like solubility and bioavailability. By analyzing complex structures, they identify organization principles tied to chemical molecule details.

SourceInternational Union of Crystallography·JournalActa Crystallographica Section B·DateDec 9, 2016

Know your flow

Viscoelastic polymer solutions exhibit elasticity, causing severe distortions in observed flow patterns. Researchers also studied 'living polymers', finding unique flow patterns with blockages in the channel.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalSoft Matter·DateNov 22, 2016

Novel 3-in-1 'Rheo-Raman' microscope enables interconnected studies of soft materials

The novel 'Rheo-Raman' microscope allows for interconnected studies of soft materials by correlating their microstructure, composition, and flow behavior. This enables the understanding of how structural make-up dictates macroscopic properties like strength, hardness, or electrical conductivity.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 4, 2016
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 material to revolutionize water proofing

Scientists at Australian National University have developed a new spray-on material that can repel water and withstand ultraviolet radiation. The coating, made from nanoparticles, is transparent, stable, and has numerous real-world applications.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 7, 2016

Feeling the force between sand grains

Researchers at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory developed a new technique to quantify force transmission through 3D granular materials. The findings suggest that forces move spatially through these materials in patterns consistent with theory and simulations.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 24, 2016

New flexible material can make any window 'smart'

A new flexible smart window material can control both heat and light from the sun using an electric charge, aiming to save on cooling and heating bills. The material's unique nanostructure doubles its efficiency compared to conventional high-temperature processes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 22, 2016
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

'Dream Team' chosen to study basic science of nuclear waste

A team of researchers from top institutions, including PNNL and Washington State University, will study the chemistry of radioactive waste to accelerate cleanup efforts. The goal is to understand how radiation affects materials and constituents in waste tanks, ultimately reducing processing time and expense.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateJul 18, 2016

Researchers at the UPV/EHU characterize the materials of Punta Begoña Galleries

The study characterizes the materials used to build the galleries and analyzes their deterioration, providing valuable insights for future reconstruction decisions. The main components of mortars include calcite and gypsum, with alite and belite also detected in clinker-based Portland cement.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalJournal of Raman Spectroscopy·DateJul 13, 2016
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.

Let there be light

University of Utah researchers have developed a theory that adding light during the manufacturing process can reduce defects in semiconductors, leading to more efficient solar cells and brighter LED bulbs. This breakthrough could unlock the potential of materials previously deemed unusable, such as cadmium telluride and gallium nitride.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 16, 2016

UW team first to measure microscale granular crystal dynamics

The University of Washington team observed and analyzed collective interparticle vibrations in two-dimensional microscale granular crystals for the first time. This understanding allows for designing materials with unique properties, such as customizable impact energy absorption.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 17, 2016

Ferrous chemistry in aqueous solution unravelled

Researchers have developed a method to analyze the electronic states of iron(II) in aqueous solution, revealing new insights into its interactions with surrounding solvent. This breakthrough could improve our understanding of electron interactions in catalytic and functional materials.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 11, 2016

Machine learning accelerates the discovery of new materials

Researchers used machine learning to speed up the discovery of shape-memory alloys with low thermal hysteresis, critical for improving fatigue life in engineering applications. The framework iteratively guides experiments to find materials with desired target properties, cutting time and cost by half.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 9, 2016
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.

Spintronics for future information technologies

Researchers have successfully controlled spin currents in topological insulators using circularly polarised laser light, opening the door for ultra-energy efficient data processing. The findings, published in Physical Review B, demonstrate the potential of these materials for spintronic applications.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review B·DateApr 29, 2016

Progress of simulating dynamics in heterogeneous materials

The study uses coarse-grained modelings to probe multi-scale behaviors in heterogeneous materials, revealing dynamical similarities, invariants, and slow-varying quantities. The researchers develop new approaches to analyze complex structures and fields, leading to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms.

SourceScience China Press·DateApr 12, 2016

Replacement for silicon devices looms big with ORNL discovery

A new processing technique has been developed to create low-power, high-efficiency electronic devices using layered ferroelectric materials. This discovery could potentially replace silicon in some applications and enable the creation of flexible electronics.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 17, 2016
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.

Advanced energy storage material gets unprecedented nanoscale analysis

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a technique to track ion movement in the MXene material, revealing important insights into its energy storage properties. The study's findings suggest that ion insertion and diffusion play a crucial role in the material's exceptional performance.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 16, 2016

New ORNL method could unleash solar power potential

Researchers at ORNL have developed a new method that provides unprecedented detail on energy flow in nanometer scale, enabling the improvement of solar cells' performance. The technique uses femtosecond transient absorption microscopy to extract images with single-pixel precision.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Photonics·DateMar 15, 2016

Treeing it up: Research team documents design of wood-based polymers

A research team at the University of Delaware has designed softwood lignin-based polymers with improved thermal and flow properties, making them suitable for applications such as tires, running shoes, and gaskets. The development aims to reduce costs and environmental impact by utilizing waste from the pulp and paper industry.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalMacromolecules·DateMar 7, 2016
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.

Cornell opens $25 million NSF platform for discovering new materials

The Platform for the Accelerated Realization, Analysis, and Discovery of Interface Materials (PARADIM) enables scientists to design and create novel materials with extraordinary properties. These materials will impact various fields including national security, clean energy, and human welfare.

SourceCornell University·DateMar 4, 2016

Paper skin sensors for environmental monitoring

Researchers at KAUST created a low-cost sensor using everyday materials to detect external stimuli. The 'Paper Skin' sensor performs well as an artificial skin application while integrating multiple functions using cost-effective materials.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateFeb 21, 2016

The odor of stones

Researchers discovered that diatoms are attracted to the smell of silicate minerals and move actively to areas with high concentrations. This ability allows them to colonize specific regions and is a key factor in their survival. Understanding this process could lead to the development of new materials resistant to algal colonization.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016

X-rays reveal details of plastic solar cell production

Researchers have observed molecular processes in real-time using X-rays, gaining insights into the printing process. This understanding can help control the arrangement of materials, improving the efficiency of organic solar cells.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJan 8, 2016

A step towards quantum electronics

Researchers connected two materials with unusual quantum-mechanical properties through a quantum constriction, enabling clean materials with intriguing quantum-mechanical properties. This collaboration opens up a new research direction for ultrafast and robust electronic networks.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScience·DateDec 17, 2015
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.

Professor Federico Rosei of INRS wins the John C. Polanyi Award

Professor Federico Rosei of INRS Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications Research Centre has received the 2016 John C. Polanyi Award from the Canadian Society for Chemistry. He is known for his research on nanostructured materials and has earned several national and international awards.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateDec 7, 2015

3-D laser printing of whispering-gallery-mode microcavities

Researchers have developed a method for creating high-quality whispering-gallery-mode microcavities using femtosecond laser 3D printing. The technique enables the fabrication of these microcavities with extremely high Q factors, which enhance interaction between light and matter, leading to promising applications in various devices.

SourceScience China Press·DateOct 30, 2015

Toward tires that repair themselves (video)

Scientists have created tire-grade rubber that can heal itself, potentially extending the lifespan of tires. The material, developed by Amit Das and colleagues, heals at room temperature and can withstand stresses of up to 754 pounds per square inch.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 23, 2015
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.

GVSU professor, student help discover one-million-year-old monkey fossil

A team of scientists, including a GVSU professor and alumni, discovered a 1-million-year-old monkey fossil in the Dominican Republic. The species, Antillothrix bernensis, was found to be morphologically consistent with previously collected material but dated to 1.3 million years ago.

SourceGrand Valley State University·JournalJournal of Human Evolution·DateSep 4, 2015

Professor Federico Rosei elected ASM International Fellow

Professor Federico Rosei, a renowned researcher at INRS Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, has been elected ASM International Fellow. He is recognized for his exceptional work on synthesizing and characterizing multifunctional materials.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateJul 27, 2015
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.

Clay sheets stack to form proton conductors

A new proton-conducting system created by Northwestern University professor Jiaxing Huang uses stacked clay sheets to concentrate protons for conduction. This breakthrough material has significant advantages over graphene-based sheets and other materials, including ease of production and high thermal stability.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2015

A new way to image surfaces on the nanoscale

A new imaging technique has been developed to determine the arrangement of atoms on surfaces at atomic resolution. The method could improve our understanding of corrosion and catalysis processes, leading to more efficient green energy production.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2015

Materials science researcher honored as Fellow by ASM International

Pranesh Aswath, a renowned materials scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington, has been recognized as a Fellow by ASM International for his groundbreaking research in ceramics. His work on functional ceramic films and biological applications has resulted in over 150 publications and numerous patents.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateJun 17, 2015

A new look at surface chemistry

A new analytical method using high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM) has resolved the unique atomic structure at the surface of a material for the first time. This breakthrough enables direct information on both surface and bulk atoms, improving understanding of critical reactions such as catalysis and corrosion.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 17, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Nanomaterial self-assembly imaged in real time

A team of scientists has developed a new method to visualize the growth of complex self-assembled nanostructures in liquids, enabling detailed understanding of their formation. This breakthrough will facilitate future advances in nanotechnology.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 8, 2015

Defects can 'Hulk-up' materials

A new technique uses high-energy alpha particles to transform thermoelectric materials into more efficient versions, even improving electrical conductivity and thermopower. The research could lead to significant advancements in clean energy and device cooling applications.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 20, 2015

CLAIRE brings electron microscopy to soft materials

Researchers at Berkeley Lab develop CLAIRE, a technique for noninvasive nanoscale imaging of soft matter. This allows for high-resolution observation of dynamics behind nano-sized components in biomolecules, accelerating the development of technologies such as artificial photosynthesis and photovoltaic cells.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateMay 14, 2015

Comet Wild 2: A window into the birth of the solar system?

Researchers from University of Hawai'i - Mānoa discover that larger dust particles in comet Wild 2 are similar to rocks found in primitive meteorites called chondrites. The smaller-sized dust displays a range of oxygen isotopic compositions, deepening the mystery of Wild 2's past.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateMay 13, 2015

Toward a squishier robot

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh designed a synthetic polymer gel that can change shape and move using its own internally generated power. The SP-BZ gel combines the properties of two materials to enable self-bending, folding, and self-propelled motion.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 5, 2015
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.

See flower cells in 3-D -- no electron microscopy required

Researchers developed an optical sectioning–3D reconstruction method using compound fluorescence light microscopes to image plant cells without damaging them. This approach allows for bulk processing of samples, clear imaging months after collection, and higher resolution than SEM.

SourceBotanical Society of America·JournalApplications in Plant Sciences·DateApr 30, 2015

'Holey' graphene for energy storage

Researchers at the University of California - San Diego have discovered a method to increase electric charge storage in graphene, a two-dimensional form of carbon. The 'holey' structure introduces charged defects that increase capacitance by three-fold, making it useful for quick bursts of energy.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 21, 2015

Professor Federico Rosei receives prestigious honor as mentor

Professor Federico Rosei has received the AVS Excellence in Leadership Award, a first for a scientist working in Canada. He is recognized for his extensive training and mentoring initiatives, which have benefited over 100 young researchers from 30 countries.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateMar 23, 2015

Robotic materials: Changing with the world around them

Researchers develop robotic materials that can sense their environment and change their properties in response. Inspired by nature, these materials aim to create prosthetics, self-healing bridges, and adaptive vehicles. However, manufacturing techniques remain a challenge, and an education gap must be addressed.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015
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.

Fluid-filled pores separate materials with fine precision

Researchers at Harvard's Wyss Institute have developed a novel system for separating materials using fluid-filled pores, which can precisely separate liquids, gases, and solids without clogging. The system harnesses dynamic control over a highly sensitive mechanism, allowing for efficient separation of complex mixtures.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalNature·DateMar 5, 2015

New, useful feature of Moringa seeds revealed

Researchers at Uppsala University discovered that Moringa seed protein can be used to separate different materials from water, a process important in mining industries. The study found that the optimal amount of seeds needed varies depending on the material, allowing for more efficient separation.

SourceUppsala University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.