Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Light in the Moebius strip

Scientists generate Moebius strip from laser light to process materials and manipulate microparticles, opening up new possibilities for nanotechnology. The optical tool could also be used to guide nanoparticles on complex paths using optical tweezers.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateFeb 12, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Not Candy Crush -- scientists identify nature of candy sculpture

Researchers discovered a consistent shape emerges from hard candy immersed in water current, persists before vanishing, and relates to lollipop dissolving rate. Understanding this process is crucial for industries relying on solid compound incorporation.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateFeb 5, 2015

Chemists control structure to unlock magnetization and polarization simultaneously

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have successfully controlled a material's structure to generate both magnetisation and electrical polarisation, two contradictory properties. This breakthrough has significant implications for low-energy information technology applications, such as efficient information storage and logic devices.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2015

Solar cell polymers with multiplied electrical output

A team from Brookhaven National Laboratory and Columbia University has designed materials that can convert more absorbed light energy into useful electricity by producing two electrical charge carriers per unit of light. This approach enables easy manufacturing processes, including 'printing' solar-energy-producing material like ink.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 12, 2015
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.

3-D 'pop-up' silicon structures: Transforming planar materials into 3-D microarchitectures

Complex 3D micro/nanostructures are crucial in biology, and researchers have created a simple route to form these structures by exploiting mechanics principles. The process involves using a pre-strained elastomer substrate to induce buckling processes that transform planar materials into well-defined, 3D frameworks.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience·DateJan 8, 2015

Stacking 2-dimensional materials may lower cost of semiconductor devices

Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that stacking 2D materials can create semiconductor junctions with efficient charge transfer, even when the crystalline structures don't match. This discovery could make the manufacture of semiconductor devices an order of magnitude less expensive.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 11, 2014

New material makes water and oil roll off

Researchers have developed a new material, called fluoropore, that can repel both water and oil due to its super-repellent surface. The material has the potential to produce universal protective coatings against any type of staining.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateNov 28, 2014
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.

Breakthrough in flexible electronics enabled by inorganic-based laser lift-off

A breakthrough in flexible electronics has been achieved using Inorganic-based Laser Lift-off (ILLO), which overcomes material and processing limitations. ILLO allows for the fabrication of ultrathin inorganic electronic devices on flexible substrates, enabling high temperature processes previously restricted by polymer materials.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 25, 2014

DFG establishes 14 new Research Training Groups

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) is establishing 14 new Research Training Groups to support early career researchers, while extending seven existing groups. The RTGs will focus on topics like urban water circulation systems, parasitology, and cold controlled ensembles.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateNov 19, 2014

Musicians show advantages in long-term memory, UT Arlington research says

Researchers at UT Arlington discovered that musicians outperform non-musicians in EEG-measured working memory tasks. However, the advantage in long-term memory was only found in picture recognition. The study used EEG technology to measure neural activity in the brains of 14 musicians and 15 non-musicians.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateNov 18, 2014
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.

Strengthening thin-film bonds with ultrafast data collection

Scientists have developed a new device that captures information about both temperature and crystal structure during extremely fast reactions in thin-film materials. This breakthrough will help researchers optimize the process of making advanced technologies, including state-of-the-art semiconductors.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateOct 22, 2014

Future computers could be built from magnetic 'tornadoes'

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have made a breakthrough in creating magnetic materials that can perform calculations, paving the way for more power-efficient computers. By harnessing the properties of magnetic vortex domain walls, they hope to develop smaller and faster logic gates.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateOct 14, 2014
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.

Quick-change materials break the silicon speed limit for computers

Researchers have developed phase-change materials that can switch between crystalline and glassy phases to enable fast logic-processing operations. These new devices could process speeds up to 500-1,000 times faster than current silicon-based computers while using less energy.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 19, 2014

Cutting health-care costs 1 appendix at a time

A new study published in Annals of Surgery shows that providing pricing information upfront can influence patient choice of surgical procedures and potentially lead to cost savings. When parents were aware of the cost difference between open surgery and laparoscopy for their children's appendicitis, they were almost twice as likely to ...

SourceUniversity of Utah Health·JournalAnnals of Surgery·DateSep 10, 2014
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.

Chu, Selvamanickam honored at superconductivity conference

Paul Chu and Venkat Selvamanickam are recognized for their sustained service and significant contributions to applied superconductor materials technology. The awards acknowledge their work in advancing high-temperature superconductivity, with applications in commercialization.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateAug 8, 2014

Designing better materials for the 21st century

Professor Jian Luo at UC San Diego is developing a new materials design tool called interfacial phase diagrams to create better structural materials for energy generation and storage. This basic research aims to improve the properties of materials, such as molybdenum-based alloys and zirconia-based ceramics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateAug 7, 2014

ORNL study reveals new characteristics of complex oxide surfaces

Researchers at ORNL used microscopy and data processing to study the surface of a perovskite manganite, revealing a Jahn-Teller distortion caused by oxygen atoms. This finding could improve our understanding of sensitive applications like solid fuel cells and oxygen sensors.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2014
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.

Hijacking bacteria's natural defenses to trap and reveal pathogens

A breakthrough in diagnostic technology could make it easier to detect pathogenic bacteria, particularly in developing nations. The innovative approach involves hijacking bacterial metabolic machinery to grow polymers that selectively bind to specific bacteria.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 11, 2014

Environmentally compatible organic solar cells

A new European project, MatHero, aims to develop high-efficiency and reliable organic solar cells using novel materials and eco-friendly processes. The goal is to make organic photovoltaics competitive with inorganic counterparts by enhancing efficiency, reducing production costs, and increasing lifespan.

SourceHelmholtz Association·DateApr 16, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Energy breakthrough uses sun to create solar energy materials

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a method to produce solar energy materials directly from sunlight, reducing production costs and time. This process uses a continuous flow microreactor to synthesize nanoparticle inks that make solar cells by printing.

SourceOregon State University·JournalRSC Advances·DateApr 3, 2014

York physicists pave the way for more energy efficient technology

Researchers from the University of York have created a new class of magnetic materials and devices with improved performance and power efficiency. The breakthrough uses all-optical thermally induced magnetic switching (TIMS) to change the magnetic state of the material, reducing energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 28, 2014

Food packaging chemicals may be harmful to human health over long term

Environmental scientists warn that synthetic food packaging chemicals can leach into foods and harm human health over the long term. The authors argue that little is known about their impact on chronic conditions like cancer, obesity, and neurological disorders.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalJournal of Epidemiology and Community Health·DateFeb 19, 2014

Ion beams pave way to new kinds of valves for use in spintronics

Scientists create magnetically structured materials by irradiating iron aluminum alloy with neon ions, enabling the creation of spin valves that can function as magnetic storage media. The technology uses electron charge and inherent magnetic properties for information storage and processing.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 18, 2014

University institutes are shaping future of research

Northwestern University's International Institute for Nanotechnology is a hub for interdisciplinary research, attracting over 190 faculty researchers from diverse fields. The institute has enabled the development of transformative nanotechnologies, including nanomedicine and energy solutions.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateFeb 15, 2014
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 technique makes 'biogasoline' from plant waste

Researchers at UC Davis have invented a technique to produce gasoline-like fuels from cellulosic materials like farm and forestry waste. This breakthrough could lead to a larger market for renewable fuels beyond existing diesel substitutes.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 3, 2014

National Academy of Inventors names 4 UT Arlington professors as fellows

Four University of Texas at Arlington faculty members - Frank Lewis, Carolyn Cason, Ron Elsenbaumer, and Vistasp Karbhari - have been elected as National Academy of Inventors fellows. They are recognized for their innovative work in various fields, including electrical engineering, nursing, chemistry, and mechanical engineering.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateDec 16, 2013

SOFS take to water

Berkeley Lab researchers unveiled the first soluble single-layer 2D honeycomb SOFs with precise control over dimensionality, holding implications for sensing, separation, energy sciences, and biomimetics. The breakthrough uses non-covalent supramolecular interactions to maintain solubility in water.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 16, 2013
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.

Ancient minerals: Which gave rise to life?

A new analysis of Hadean mineralogy suggests that no more than 420 different minerals were present at or near Earth's surface during the first 550 million years after life emerged. These minerals formed from magma and alteration, excluding rare elements such as borate and molybdate minerals.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalAmerican Journal of Science·DateNov 25, 2013

Chaotic physics in ferroelectrics hints at brain-like computing

Researchers at ORNL led by Sergei Kalinin discovered complex and unpredictable patterns on ferroelectric material's surface when written in dense arrays. The study suggests the possibility of memcomputing, where information storage and processing occur on the same physical platform.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateNov 18, 2013

Monitoring material changes in the hostile environment of a fusion reactor

Researchers at MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center have developed a novel diagnostic instrument that can remotely map the composition of material surfaces inside a magnetic fusion device. This new approach promises to provide scientists with insights into the dynamic interaction between fusing plasma and its surrounding materials.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 13, 2013
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

Nano-cone textures generate extremely 'robust' water-repellent surfaces

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that cone-shaped nanotextures produce significantly better water-repellency than cylindrical pillars. The unique shape prevents the contact line from getting pinned to the nanotexture, keeping surfaces dry even under pressure.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 21, 2013

A better breathalyzer

Researchers developed a novel breathalyzer that uses a reusable, color-changing opal sensor to detect alcohol vapor concentration. The device can provide precise digital readings and is usable multiple times, making it a promising solution for police officers.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateOct 8, 2013

New microfluidic approach for the directed assembly of functional materials

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new microfluidic approach to assemble functional materials, including polypeptides and nanostructures. The technique uses tailored flows in microfluidic devices to control the assembly process, enabling reproducible fabrication of advanced materials.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 7, 2013

National labs and Air Force partner to improve aircraft component design

The Air Force Research Laboratory partnered with national laboratories to develop a novel capability for nondestructively mapping material substructure and grain level stresses. This capability has been applied to nickel and titanium alloys, providing insight into deformation and forming the basis for modeling tools.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·DateSep 19, 2013

Subduction channel processes: New progress in plate tectonic theory

Scientists have made significant findings on continental subduction, revealing the processes that occur within subduction channels and their impact on collision orogeny. These studies focus on the interaction between the deeply subducted crust and the overlying mantle wedge under ultrahigh pressure conditions.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateSep 16, 2013
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.

NASA's Hubble sees a cosmic caterpillar

Astronomers observe a unique protostar, IRAS 20324+4057, shaped like a cosmic caterpillar due to intense ultraviolet radiation. The star is still collecting material from its surrounding gas envelope, which is being eroded by nearby stars.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 29, 2013

Materials break, then remake, bonds to build strength

Scientists have developed a new material that can strengthen itself in response to stress, similar to how muscles build strength through exercise. The material, inspired by weightlifting and Silly Putty, can transform from a liquid to a solid state, becoming stronger with each cycle of stress.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 4, 2013

Light that moves and molds gels

The Pitt research team demonstrated that hydrogels can be reconfigured and controlled by light, undergoing self-sustained motion. This biomimetic behavior has significant implications in the medical arena, potentially leading to new devices and technologies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 1, 2013

2 in 1 solution for low cost polymer LEDs and solar cells

Researchers from UNIST developed a new plasmonic material that enhances performance in both polymer light-emitting diodes (PLEDs) and polymer solar cells (PSCs), achieving world-record high efficiency, with PLEDs reaching up to 27.16 cd A-1 and PSCs producing enhanced power conversion efficiency (PCE) of up to 8.31%.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 21, 2013

Impossible material made by Uppsala University researchers

Uppsala University researchers develop a novel magnesium carbonate material called Upsalite, exhibiting exceptional surface area and water absorption properties. This breakthrough enables more efficient control of environmental moisture in various industries, including electronics and drug formulation.

SourceUppsala University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJul 17, 2013
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.

Trapping T-rays for better security scanners

Scientists at the University of Adelaide have created a novel structure that traps terahertz waves in tiny holes to produce higher contrast imaging. This breakthrough has the potential to enhance the sensitivity of medical diagnostic and security scanners, leading to more accurate cancer detection and improved homeland security.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJul 10, 2013

An ultrasensitive molybdenum-based image sensor

A new molybdenum-based image sensor has been developed, featuring a single pixel that requires only 1/5th the light energy of current silicon-based sensors. This breakthrough enables high sensitivity in low-light conditions, opening up new possibilities for astrophotography and biological imaging.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 12, 2013
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.

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.

A new material for environmentally friendlier electronics

A new compound, diisopropylammonium bromide (DIPAB), has been created as a ferroelectric material with low environmental impact and economical benefits. It can be processed easily from aqueous solution and may replace traditional materials in the production of electronic devices.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScience·DateJan 28, 2013