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Researchers find cuttlebone's microstructure sits at a 'sweet spot'

Cuttlebone's unique chambered 'wall-septa' design optimizes weight, stiffness, and damage tolerance, allowing for controlled failure and energy absorption. The structure's wavy walls induce fractures at the middle of walls, limiting external impact.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 11, 2020
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.

Aerogel - the micro structural material of the future

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully produced stable, well-shaped microstructures from silica aerogel using a 3D printer. The printed structures exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties, making them ideal for thermally insulating small electronic components and shie...

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature·DateAug 20, 2020

How soft hair deforms the sharpest steel blades

Studies using realistic shaving experiments and in situ electron microscopy found that differences in cutting angle, microstructural variation, and location of variations contribute to blade failure. Implementing homogeneous microstructures at the cutting edge could be achieved through nanostructured alloys.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 6, 2020

When Dirac meets frustrated magnetism

The discovery of KV3Sb5, a material hosting Dirac physics and metallic frustrated magnetism, has led to the observation of one of the largest anomalous Hall effects (AHEs) ever seen. This unique combination enables scientists to study the interaction between these exotic properties.

SourceMax-Planck-Institut für Mikrostrukturphysik·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2020

'Spear and shield' inspire high toughness microstructure

A team of scientists designed a discontinuous fibrous Bouligand architecture to create exceptional fracture toughness and crack orientation insensitivity. The study reveals the origin of biomimetic microstructures for high-performance advanced composite materials.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 28, 2020

AI could help improve performance of lithium-ion batteries and fuel cells

Researchers applied machine learning techniques to explore microstructure of fuel cells and lithium-ion batteries. They used DC-GANs to generate 3D image data and run simulations to predict cell performance. The technique could help design optimized electrodes for improved energy storage.

SourceImperial College London·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJun 25, 2020
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.

Why toothpaste and cement harden over time

Researchers found that contacts form between particles, stabilizing microstructure and stiffening materials. This discovery explains age-related changes in paste materials and has implications for industries using similar materials.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 22, 2020

Capturing 3D microstructures in real time

Researchers have developed a machine-learning based algorithm for quantitatively characterizing materials with features as small as nanometers. The tool can detect faults and cracks, predict lifetimes under different stresses and strains, and track the evolution of microstructures in real time.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateApr 2, 2020

Water-repellent leaves

Researchers report that the leaves of the floating fern Salvinia molesta can efficiently recover air mattress trapped in microstructures due to interconnected wedge-shaped grooves. Artificially fabricated leaf surfaces also exhibit air mattress recovery and could prove useful in various underwater applications.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 20, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Industrial bread dough kneaders could use physics-based redesign

Researchers have used physics-based redesign to optimize the industrial bread dough kneading process. Their simulations showed that radial mixing in a spiral kneader is more effective than vertical mixing, leading to improved bread quality. The findings could lead to enhanced mixing performance and reduced over- or under-kneading.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateNov 26, 2019

Firefly-inspired surfaces improve efficiency of LED lightbulbs

Researchers at Penn State developed firefly-mimicking structures to improve light extraction efficiency in LEDs, achieving up to 90 percent. Asymmetric microstructures increase surface area for interaction with light and promote randomization of reflections, allowing more light to escape.

SourcePenn State·JournalOptik·DateFeb 19, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Mapping brain circuits in newborns may aid early detection of autism

Researchers have developed a new map of newborn babies' brains that could provide a reference tool for studying typical brain development and neurological disorders. The study used noninvasive MRI scans to reveal complex brain architecture, offering potential biomarkers for autism spectrum disorder at birth.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 18, 2019

Movable microstructures from the printer

Scientists create new 3D printing process using stimulus-responsive polymers, enabling printed objects to change shape under external signals. The technology has potential applications in biology, biomedicine, and microfluidic systems.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2019

Stress of stretching solids: 3D image shows how particles distribute in metals

Using 3D crystallography, researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology study how particles shape up metal composites. They found that controlling particle distribution can improve the composite's strength and ductility, leading to better materials for applications like bridge suspension wires.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Characterization·DateNov 15, 2018
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)

Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.

Division of labor within default mode network

A study of over 10,000 participants found that gray matter volume in certain DMN subregions was associated with white matter microstructure changes. Variations in functional coupling patterns were also linked to connectivity changes between major brain networks.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 12, 2018

Innovative research could result in a billion more being fed

A four-year, $6 million project aims to reduce stalk lodging in corn and sorghum using mathematical modeling and innovative technology. The team plans to breed stronger plants that can withstand various environmental factors, potentially increasing global food production by up to a billion people.

SourceUniversity of Kentucky·DateSep 11, 2018

Structural fluctuation evaluation in substances from measurement data

Researchers developed a new analytical method using sparse modeling to analyze atomic structure and structural fluctuation in materials. This method can determine radial structure and estimate Debye-Waller factor from measured data, indicating potential improvements in battery and electronic device performance.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of the Physical Society of Japan·DateAug 21, 2018

Soccer heading may be riskier for female players

A new study published in the journal Radiology found that women soccer players exhibit more extensive changes to brain tissue after repetitive 'heading' of the soccer ball. Women showed lower fractional anisotropy values across a larger volume of brain tissue compared to men.

SourceRadiological Society of North America·JournalRadiology·DateJul 31, 2018
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.

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

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

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

3-D printed food could change how we eat

Researchers have developed a platform for 3-D printing food with customized texture and body absorption characteristics, enabling personalized nutrition. The technology has the potential to reduce food waste and meet the increasing demands of a growing world population.

SourceExperimental Biology·DateApr 24, 2018

Photovoltaics, thermal stability, and power conversion

Researchers developed ultraflexible OPVs with increased PCE and thermal stability, achieving 80% of initial PCE at over 500 hours of continuous thermal stress. The devices exhibit improved thermal stability compared to current OPVs, enabling optimal performance for wearable sensors and electronic devices.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2018
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.

Gecko adhesion technology moves closer to industrial uses

Researchers have developed a gecko-inspired adhesive technology that can be used to handle delicate materials like silicon wafers in manufacturing computer processors. The technology uses a specific angle of attachment and release to grip the surface, offering a cleaner and more efficient alternative to current methods.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateDec 12, 2017

ID microstructure of stock useful in financial crisis

Researchers analyze order flow for pairs of NASDAQ 100 stocks and find four groups with large mutual differences, surprising given the lack of reflection in actual prices. This discovery contributes to modeling price evolution and could be used to evaluate the impact of financial crises.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 22, 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.

Counterfeits and product piracy can be prevented by security features, such as printed 3-D microstructures

Researchers at KIT have developed innovative fluorescent 3D structures to improve counterfeit protection in products like bank notes, pharmaceuticals, and car spare parts. These new security features can be easily integrated into various applications to prevent product piracy and counterfeiting.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 15, 2017

Electron backscatter diffraction yields microstructure insights

A new methodology examines microscale structural characteristics and changes during manufacturing processes, providing insights into electrical motor efficiency. The technique allows for the evaluation of grain size, shape, texture, and plastic deformations, enabling the tailoring of magnetic properties and minimizing losses.

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

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

Software lets designers exploit the extremely high resolution of 3-D printers

Researchers at MIT developed a new design system that catalogs physical properties of tiny cube clusters, enabling computationally efficient evaluation of macroscopic designs. The system explores the entire space of properties to determine printable clusters, which can be used to optimize object materials and properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateAug 4, 2017

Feel the heat, one touch a time

Scientists have developed a technique to map thermal conductivity at the nanoscale, enabling more efficient thermoelectric materials. This breakthrough uses scanning thermal microscopy to analyze three-phase thermoelectric materials and determine their local thermal conductivity.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJul 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.

Osaka University researchers push metals to their limits

Researchers at Osaka University have created a novel metal alloy by adding two metals to generate a unique cross-lamellar microstructure, significantly improving its mechanical performance. The new alloy shows excellent high-temperature strength and could lead to efficiency gains in gas turbines and jet engines.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 29, 2017

Sculpting optical microstructures with slight changes in chemistry

Applied mathematicians at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a framework to better understand and control the fabrication of optical microstructures. The researchers used this framework to grow sophisticated optical microcomponents, including resonators, waveguides, and beam splitters.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateMar 30, 2017

UK steel production to benefit from efficiency innovation

The ASSURE2 project explores belt casting technology to reduce steel production costs and energy consumption by over 300%. This innovative approach can also produce commercially attractive advanced high strength strip (AHSS) steel grades, such as TWIP and TRIP steels.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·DateDec 12, 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 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.

The next generation of carbon monoxide nanosensors

Researchers from OIST have created a new method to build sensitive CO sensors using copper oxide nanowires integrated with micro-hotplates. The approach enables controlled growth, integration, and measurement of CO concentrations, overcoming previous challenges in sensor production.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Sensors·DateMay 25, 2016

'Weirdest martensite': Century-old smectic riddle finally solved

Physicists at Cornell University have finally solved a puzzle that baffled researchers for over a century. Using computer game technology, they discovered the connection between smectics - liquid crystals forming ellipses and hyperbolas - and martensites, a crystalline structure of steel.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 15, 2016

3-D micro X-ray images help answer questions about fried foods' internal structure

Researchers used X-ray micro-computed tomography to study the microstructure of fried potato disks and observed how oil content and pathway networks change with frying time. The findings can be applied to other fried foods, revealing a correlation between pore size and oil uptake.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Food Science·DateFeb 25, 2016
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.

Portion of ancient Australian chert microstructures definitively pseudo-fossils

A team of scientists has reevaluated the authenticity of ancient Australian chert microstructures, which were once claimed to be the planet's oldest fossils. The researchers assert that at least a portion of these structures are actually pseudo-fossils, formed through geological processes rather than biological activity.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalAstrobiology·DateFeb 16, 2016
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.

Roman concrete mimicked resistant rock in strained region of Italy

A new study reveals that the Campi Flegrei caldera's caprock resembles ancient Roman concrete, with intertwining fibrous minerals contributing to its high strength. The findings help explain how the caldera has endured significant deformation without erupting.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

Polymers designed for protection

The US Army Research Laboratory is designing new polymers with enhanced ballistic capabilities to protect soldiers from emerging threats. By modeling polymer chemistry, microstructure, and energy absorption, researchers aim to create ultra-high molecular weight polyethylenes for optimal performance at high strain rates.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMar 11, 2015

New method to understand steel fracturing

Scientists have developed a new method to study steel fracturing using high-resolution images from a scanning electron microscope. The research revealed the connection between microstructure and porosity in sintered steels, identifying angular pores as initial points of 'nucleation' that initiate breaking.

SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·JournalPowder Metallurgy·DateFeb 9, 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.

Tortuous paths hamper ion transport

Scientists have created a three-dimensional map of electrode materials in lithium-ion batteries, revealing their unique structures and impact on charging speeds. The study's findings suggest that using round particles instead of plate-like ones can significantly improve the battery's performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 8, 2013
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Space-age ceramics get their toughest test

Researchers have developed a real-time CT-scan test rig for ceramic composites at ultrahigh temperatures, enabling the analysis of mechanical properties and microcrack damage. The test rig provides crucial information to predict ceramic composite structural integrity and safe lifetime.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 10, 2012

First micro-structure atlas of the human brain completed

A European team has completed the first micro-structure atlas of the human brain, utilizing advanced MRI technology. The atlas provides unprecedented detail and accuracy, revealing new information about brain structure that helps understand how cellular architecture relates to thought processes.

SourceUniversity College London·DateOct 19, 2012

A new way to make lighter, stronger steel -- in a flash

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a new way to make steel 7 percent stronger than any steel on record using a heat-treatment called flash processing. The unique microstructure formed by the process boosts ductility, making it a potential impact-absorber for automotive applications.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMaterials Science and Technology·DateJun 9, 2011
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.