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Making sense of coercivity in magnetic materials with machine learning

Researchers developed a new approach to analyze coercivity in soft magnetic materials using machine learning and data science. The method condenses relevant information from microscopic images into a two-dimensional feature space, visualizing the energy landscape of magnetization reversal. This study showcases how materials informatics...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Cutting-edge tool to expand nanoscale study of material deformation

Researchers at Lehigh University have received a $1.2 million NSF grant to purchase a new plasma focused ion beam system for studying material deformation at the nanoscale. The system enables in situ mechanical testing and EBSD analysis, allowing for detailed study of microstructural elements and

SourceLehigh University·DateNov 28, 2022

Ceramic coatings do not fatigue

Researchers at TU Wien found that ceramic coatings do not fatigue under extreme load conditions, but instead break down due to fracture toughness. The discovery changes the approach to measuring and improving thin film durability.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalActa Materialia·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Crystals generate electricity from heat

Researchers have discovered a synthetic sulfide mineral that converts heat into electricity efficiently and safely. The novel material, composed of copper, manganese, germanium, and sulfur, shows two crystal structures within the same material and has a stable temperature range up to 400 degrees Celsius.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Looking to sea urchins for stronger ceramic foams

A team of researchers, led by Ling Li from Virginia Tech, has discovered the key strategies behind the strength and toughness of sea urchin exoskeletons. The study reveals that a balance between branch connection nodes and pore size is critical to the material's damage tolerance.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 28, 2022

These cellulose nanofibers might be an alternative to petroleum-based plastics

Scientists at Osaka University have created a new material that could replace traditional plastics with a sustainable, biodegradable alternative. The cellulose nanofibers were engineered to exhibit direction-dependent properties, allowing for facile molding into complex structures such as microneedles and bio/nanotechnology architectures.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2022
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.

New field of research: Crystal traces in fossil leaves

The study reveals that calcium oxalate crystals are responsible for the formation of microscopic cavities in fossilized leaves. The researchers found clear parallels in closely related species, suggesting a biological function for the crystals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 7, 2022

Microscopic octopuses from a 3D printer

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed 3D printed microscopic octopuses with 'life-like' properties using smart polymers. These structures can be tuned on demand and have dynamic chemical bonds that allow them to grow and harden in a few hours, enabling complex micrometric structures.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 4, 2022

War-zone related stress may lead to changes in the microstructure of the brain

A study at Brigham and Women's Hospital found that war-zone related stress can alter the brain's limbic gray matter regions, affecting basic emotions and drives. These structural changes are associated with cognitive functioning, including improved verbal short-term memory and processing speed.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeObservational study·DateSep 20, 2022

Deformation fingerprints will help researchers identify, design better metallic materials

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new method to capture and predict the fatigue strength of metallic materials using automated high-resolution electron imaging. This approach allows for rapid prediction of metal failure and breakage, leading to design of safer and more resilient materials for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 19, 2022
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.

Faster friction - less wear

At extremely high speeds, friction decreases wear due to uneven heat distribution on the surface. The outermost layer of metal is damaged while deeper regions remain intact. This effect has implications for high-speed applications such as E-mobility and aircraft.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Materials Today·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 6, 2022

Keeping bulk magnesium diboride superconducting at higher current densities

Researchers at Shibaura Institute of Technology developed an optimized recipe to retain superconductivity in bulk MgB2 by enhancing its critical current density. By combining sintering conditions with controlled addition of nanometer-sized amorphous boron and dysprosium oxide, the team achieved a superior critical current density.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2022

Chip-scale metamicroscope for high-performance imaging

A newly developed polarizer-embedded metalens microscope system achieves high-quality, wide-field imaging with a large depth-of-field, significantly expanding human eyesight to the microworld. The chip-scale device offers a thousand-fold reduction in volume and weight compared to traditional microscopes.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 28, 2022
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.

University of Houston research allows for 3D printing of 'organic electronics'

The University of Houston research team has successfully developed a method for 3D printing organic semiconductor devices using multiphoton lithography, enabling the creation of highly conductive microstructures. The technology has potential applications in emerging fields such as nanoelectronics and bioelectronics.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 24, 2022

Thermal insulation for quantum technologies

Scientists at HZB created sintered porous silicon-aluminum nanomaterials with reduced thermal conductivity using a novel process. The resulting materials have tiny pores, crystalline nanoparticles, and domain boundaries that suppress heat conduction.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2022

Korea Maritime and Ocean University scholars find key to reducing defects in multimaterials

Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Materials Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

Spintronics: How an atom-thin insulator helps transport spins

Researchers have discovered a way to mitigate significant losses in spin current transport by integrating an atom-thin insulator between materials. This innovation has important implications for energy-efficient and ultra-fast storage technologies, as well as applications in terahertz emitters and other spintronic devices.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022
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.

Self-propelled, endlessly programmable artificial cilia

Researchers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a single-material, single-stimuli microstructure that can outmaneuver even living cilia. These programmable structures could be used for soft robotics, biocompatible medical devices, and dynamic information encryption.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature·DateMay 5, 2022

Electronics can grow on trees thanks to nanocellulose paper semiconductors

Osaka University researchers have created a nanocellulose paper semiconductor with 3D network structures that can be tuned for use in various sustainable electronic devices. The treatment process allows for heat-induced conductivity without damaging the nanostructure, enabling flexible macro-scale structures and detailed designs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022

New technology 3D-prints glass microstructures with rays of light

Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed a new way to 3D-print glass microstructures using computed axial lithography (CAL), which produces objects with higher optical quality and design flexibility. The CAL process enables smooth surfaces and complex geometries, making it ideal for manufacturing microscopic glass objects.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2022

Ductile-regime vibration texturing: Create structural colors on brittle silicon

Researchers have successfully created high-quality, crack-free microstructures on silicon surfaces in the ductile regime using elliptical vibration cutting. The technique allows for high-aspect-ratio feature generation with minimal interference, enabling structural coloration and potential applications in displays, sensing, and more.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournalLight: Advanced Manufacturing·DateMar 22, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

World-first: Speed of sound used to measure elasticity of materials

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a groundbreaking technology to measure the microscopic elasticity of materials. By analyzing the speed of sound across the material's surface, they can reveal the orientation and inherent stiffness of small crystals, which is essential for material performance.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalActa Materialia·DateFeb 15, 2022

Super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy discovered with potential for aerospace engineering

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered a super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy that retains its stiffness even after being heated to 1000 K. The alloy's unique structure and chemical composition allow it to store a large amount of elastic energy, making it suitable for high-precision devices in aerospace enginee...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022
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.

A longstanding mystery in manufacturing has been solved

Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a simple analytical model to predict chip formation and optimize surface finish in manufacturing processes. The study reveals the critical cutting depth for almost every material, tool geometry, and running conditions, minimizing tool wear and improving product quality.

SourceAarhus University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 14, 2021

Microfountain pen draws minute patterns for live cells, circuits

A flexible and easy-to-use micropen setup is capable of directly writing on surfaces to a microprecise level. The device allows for the printing of microarrays, lines, curves, and other structures in real-time using biomaterial or conductive ink.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 7, 2021

Understanding mouthfeel of food using physics

A team of researchers used CARS microscopy to analyze the fat arrangement in foie gras and duck pâté. They found that foie gras had a harder, more brittle texture due to its irregularly shaped fat network. The study provides new insights into the relationship between microstructure and food texture.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateDec 3, 2021
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.

Some polycrystal grain boundaries feel the heat more than others

The study found that certain grain boundaries in strontium titanate exhibit enhanced thermal expansion, leading to potential material failures. This discovery highlights the importance of grain boundaries in material properties and has implications for selecting suitable materials for various applications.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 2, 2021

Researchers shrink camera to the size of a salt grain

The new system can produce high-quality images comparable to those of conventional cameras, with a compact design suitable for minimally invasive endoscopy and full-scene sensing. This breakthrough could revolutionize medical imaging and robotics with size and weight constraints.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

Researchers presented the best ways to reduce of tool wear in the machining of superalloys

Researchers from South Ural State University and international universities reviewed over 200 sources to identify parameters that extend tool life in superalloys. The study suggests various methods, including tool tip texturing, flood cooling, and hybrid machining, to reduce wear and improve surface integrity.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalCIRP Journal of Manufacturing Science and Technology·DateNov 29, 2021

Spintronics: Exotic ferromagnetic order in two-dimensions

Researchers from Germany and Spain successfully create a uniform two-dimensional material with exotic ferromagnetic behavior known as easy-plane magnetism. This discovery opens up new possibilities for spintronics, a technology that uses magnetic moments instead of electrical charges.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021
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.

Innovative design of titanium alloy with supreme properties by 3D printing

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong created a new titanium-based alloy using additive manufacturing, boasting unprecedented structures and properties. The alloy exhibits high tensile strength, excellent work-hardening capacity, and is up to 40% lighter than stainless steel, making it suitable for various structural applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021

Refuting a 70-year approach to predicting material microstructure

Researchers have found that a conventional model for predicting material microstructure does not apply to polycrystalline materials. They used near-field high energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) to study grain boundaries, revealing that the model's predictions are inconsistent with experimental data.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

Innovative sensor specifically and precisely detects molecule

Researchers from KIT and TU Darmstadt developed a novel sensor for gas molecules by combining a graphene transistor with a customized metal-organic coating. The sensor selectively detects ethanol and responds to neither other alcohols nor humidity.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 5, 2021

Bringing real-time, fine-scale, subsurface quality control to 3D printing

Researchers from Osaka University introduced a non-contact quality control technology to 3D printing by detecting fine-scale defects below the surface of 3D-printed metal assemblies. They used laser ultrasonics to uncover small defects that are frequently difficult to image.

SourceOsaka University·JournalUltrasonics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 21, 2021
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.

Studying thermophoresis in space

A multidisciplinary team of Lehigh University researchers will conduct experiments on thermophoresis in complex fluids for bioseparations at the International Space Station. The team hopes to understand how temperature gradients affect particles and improve virus separation techniques with potential societal impact.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 17, 2021

This rainbow-making tech could help autonomous vehicles read signs

Researchers have discovered a new material that can produce beautiful optical phenomena, including concentric rainbows. The technology has potential applications in aiding autonomous vehicles in recognizing traffic signs, particularly in real-world conditions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateAug 31, 2021

Researchers develop carbon spring with high compressibility and stretchability

A team of researchers from the University of Science and Technology of China developed a super-elastic porous carbon material called 'carbon spring' with both high compressibility and stretchability. This unique microstructure enables reversible tensile and compressive deformation, similar to a real metallic spring.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 26, 2021
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.

Aided eye: Neural network helps augment 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials

Researchers from Skoltech and KU Leuven used machine learning to reconstruct 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials, overcoming the difficulties faced by humans in analyzing these complex materials. The team employed GANs to fill a gap in available inpainting tools, enabling precise material analysis and simulation.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateAug 18, 2021

'Talking drum' shown to accurately mimic speech patterns of west African language

Researchers analyzed spoken and sung verbal snippets with corresponding drum and song excerpts, finding high acoustic correlation between talking drums and Yorùbá language. The study also explores the connection between music and speech, shedding light on the relationship between auditory communication and language evolution.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Communication·DateJul 27, 2021
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.

A novel method for controlling the microstructure and performance of 3D printed human implants

Researchers propose a triple-cycle heat treatment system to improve the microstructure and performance of 3D printed titanium-molybdenum alloy human implants, achieving better biocompatibility and mechanical properties matching human bones. This method enables more widespread use of 3D printed implants in the biomedical field.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJun 27, 2021

Altered microstructure improves organic-based, solid state lithium EV battery

Researchers have developed an improved organic-based, solid-state lithium EV battery by altering the electrode microstructure using ethanol. The new design increases energy density to 300 Wh/kg, a significant improvement over previous batteries with a utilization rate of nearly 98%. This breakthrough aims to reduce reliance on scarce t...

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalJoule·DateJun 17, 2021

Neural nets used to rethink material design

Rice University engineers have developed a new technique using neural networks to predict the evolution of microstructures in materials, which can be used to design new materials with desired properties. The method has been shown to speed up computations significantly, making it easier to create novel materials.

SourceRice University·JournalPatterns·DateApr 30, 2021

Creating patterns spontaneously in synthetic materials

The team developed a spontaneous patterning method that mimics biological processes, producing resins with regular ridges and controlled height and spacing. By adjusting the initial temperature of the solution, they created materials with patterns of color and stiffness, paving the way for creating new 'smart' materials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 24, 2021
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.

Taking microelectronics to a new dimension

Researchers from Fraunhofer ITWM and Technische Universität Kaiserslautern create a new photosensitive material that enables the fabrication of highly conductive microcomponents via direct laser writing. The approach demonstrates high material density and on-chip compatibility, offering vast potential for improving antenna performance.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 23, 2021

Lithium niobate crystal film for integrated photonic applications

The article reviews progress in microstructure engineering and domain engineering of lithium niobate photonics, including photonic modulation and nonlinear photonics. High-efficiency wavelength converters using optical waveguides involve nonlinear integrated photonics.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 11, 2021

Snake micro scales reveal secrets of sidewinding and slithering

Researchers discovered a unique microstructure on the bellies of sidewinding snakes, which improves performance when using lateral undulation for movement. The findings shed light on the functionality of these structures and their role in convergent evolution.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2021

New technique extends next-generation lithium metal batteries

Researchers at Columbia University discovered that adding potassium ions to conventional lithium battery electrolytes prevents lithium microstructure proliferation, ultimately limiting the growth of dendrites that can cause short-circuiting and fires. This breakthrough enables stable lithium metal batteries with improved performance.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateNov 4, 2020
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.

Single-atom alloy: Superb cocatalyst for photocatalysis

Researchers have developed a single-atom alloy co-catalyst that significantly enhances photocatalytic hydrogen production activity. By precisely controlling the Pt content in the Pd@Pt/MOF composite, they achieved an exceptionally high photocatalytic activity, surpassing its counterparts.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 28, 2020

Novel photoresist enables 3D printing of smallest porous structures

Scientists from KIT and Heidelberg University have developed a photoresist for two-photon microprinting, enabling the creation of three-dimensional polymer microstructures with cavities in the nano range. The novel material allows for controlled porosity and affects light scattering properties.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 16, 2020