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Blueprints of self-assembly

Scientists at Arizona State University develop a new simulation method to predict and guide the self-assembly process, creating tiny, self-assembled crystals with unique optical properties. This breakthrough advances technologies in computer science, materials science, medical diagnostics, and more.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2024

Transforming common soft magnets into a next-generation thermoelectric conversion materials by 3 minutes heat treatment

A team of scientists at NIMS and Nagoya University has developed a novel method to create transverse thermoelectric conversion materials from common soft magnetic alloys. By applying a short period of heat treatment, they significantly improve the performance of anomalous Nernst effect, leading to enhanced energy efficiency and thermal...

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2024

Columbia researchers “unzip” 2D materials with lasers

Researchers at Columbia Engineering have developed a technique to modify 2D materials using lasers, creating tiny nanopatterns that can capture quasiparticles called phonon-polaritons. This method uses commercially available tabletop lasers and doesn't require an expensive cleanroom or etching equipment.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 7, 2024
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.

Beat the heat with radiative cooling

Researchers from the University of Tokyo have developed a novel approach to manage waste heat in microcircuits by adding a tiny coating of silicon dioxide. This increases the rate of heat dissipation, allowing for faster cooling and potentially leading to smaller and cheaper electronic devices.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 3, 2024

Towards transparent and antimicrobial surfaces for touch displays

Researchers have developed a transparent nanostructured copper surface that is non-conductive, resistant to bacterial growth, and transparent. The surface shows the ability to eliminate over 99.9% of certain bacteria present in tested surfaces within two hours, maintaining its effectiveness even after rigorous wipe testing.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMay 3, 2024

Gigahertz-rate switchable wavefront shaping by LNOI-empowered metasurface

A team of researchers has successfully integrated a metasurface with photonic integrated circuits, enabling fast and tunable control over light manipulation. The device can shape any wavefront in reconfigurable arbitrary polarization states at speeds of up to 1.4 gigahertz.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateApr 16, 2024
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.

New technique lets scientists create resistance-free electron channels

Researchers visualize chiral interface state at atomic scale for the first time, allowing on-demand creation of conducting channels. The technique has promise for building tunable networks of electron channels and advancing quantum computing.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 9, 2024

Rice study identifies protein responsible for gas vesicle clustering in bacteria

Researchers at Rice University have identified a protein responsible for the clustering of gas vesicles in bacteria, a discovery that could enable new biomedical applications. The team used genetic, biochemical, and imaging approaches to understand the patterning of these structures, which are found in certain microorganisms.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Microbiology·DateMar 29, 2024

Breakthrough in nanostructure technology for real-time color display

Researchers at UNIST have developed a groundbreaking technology that enables the real-time display of colors and shapes through changes in nanostructures. Utilizing block copolymers, they achieved the self-assembly of photonic crystal structures on a large scale, mimicking natural phenomena observed in butterfly wings and bird feathers.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 11, 2024

Isomerism can control and increase the diversity of structure of covalent organic frameworks, emerging nanoporous solids

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered a method to generate three types of structural isomers in 3D-COFs, increasing their diversity and potential applications. The creation of these isomers allows for tunable properties such as density and pore size.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Angle-dependent holograms made possible by metasurfaces

Researchers from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed angle-dependent holograms using metasurface technology, allowing for diverse images based on viewing angles. The holographic display demonstrates an extensive viewing angle of 70 degrees, enabling observers to perceive the three-dimensional image from various directions.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 20, 2024

Scientists find new way to roll atomically thin nanosheets into scrolls

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University have developed a novel approach to create nanoscrolls with improved control over nanostructure. The team achieved tight rolls with scrolls up to five nanometers in diameter and multiple microns in length, opening doors for new applications in catalysis and photovoltaic devices.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 10, 2024
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.

Solvent sieve method sets new record for perovskite light-emitting diodes

Researchers developed highly efficient and stable perovskite light-emitting diodes using a solvent sieve method, achieving an operating lifetime of over 5.7 years and a record high external quantum efficiency of 29.5%. The study also demonstrated excellent stability in ambient air conditions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 5, 2024

Machine learning guides carbon nanotechnology

Researchers at Tohoku University and Shanghai Jiao Tong University developed a machine learning method to predict the growth of carbon nanostructures on metal surfaces. The approach combines theoretical models with data from chemistry experiments to control the dynamics of material growth, leading to improved quality and efficiency.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 31, 2024

Locusts’ sense of smell boosted with custom-made nanoparticles

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used specially made nanostructures to enhance the locust's ability to detect odors, boosting neural signals for improved chemical sensing. The team created a biocompatible and biodegradable nanoparticle that converts light to heat, amplifying neural activity.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 26, 2024
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.

Hacking DNA to make next-gen materials

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have developed a universal method for producing functional 3D metallic and semiconductor nanostructures using DNA. The new method produces robust nanostructures from multiple material classes, opening opportunities for 3D nanoscale manufacturing.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 24, 2024

TU Graz researchers optimize 3D printing of optically active nanostructures

Researchers at TU Graz have made a breakthrough in manufacturing complex, free-standing 3D nanoarchitectures with precise shapes and sizes. They achieved this by precisely simulating the required optical properties in advance and completely removing chemical impurities, enabling new optical effects and application concepts.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2024

The metalens meets the stars

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences developed a 10-centimeter-diameter glass metalens that can image the sun, moon, and distant nebulae with high resolution.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 17, 2024

Advancement in thermoelectricity could light up the Internet of Things

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new thermoelectric material that can improve the efficiency of temperature-to-electricity conversion, enabling more sustainable IoT applications. The innovation has potential to power environmental monitoring systems and wearable devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Rice chemists find new way to rid boron nitride nanotubes of impurities

Rice chemists find a way to remove impurities from boron nitride nanotubes using phosphoric acid and fine-tuning the reaction. The new method produces high-purity tubes that are stronger than steel by weight, making them suitable for various industries, including aerospace and biomedical imaging.

SourceRice University·JournalChemistry of Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

Progress in the investigation of ultrafast electron dynamics using short light pulses

Scientists have made significant progress in understanding ultrafast electron dynamics by tracking the motion of electrons released from zinc oxide crystals using laser pulses. The research team combined photoemission electron microscopy and attosecond physics technology to achieve temporal accuracy, enabling them to study the interact...

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalAdvanced Physics Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 4, 2024

In a new light – new approach overcomes long-standing limitations in optics

A multi-institutional research team, including Osaka University, has developed a new approach to enhance the efficiency of Mie scattering, which could lead to significant advancements in meta-photonics and applications like all-optical transistors. The researchers found that misaligning the incident laser on a nanometer scale can induc...

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 12, 2023
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.

Harvesting more solar energy with supercrystals

LMU researchers create a two-dimensional supercrystal that generates hydrogen from formic acid using sunlight, holding the world record for green hydrogen production. The material uses plasmonic nanostructures to concentrate solar energy and convert it into high-energy electrons.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateDec 1, 2023

Laser-induced hydrothermal growth for electrocatalytic applications

Researchers developed a novel laser-induced hydrothermal reaction method to grow binary metal oxide nanostructures and layered-double hydroxides on nickel foams. This technique improves the production rate by over 19 times while consuming only 27.78% of the total energy required by conventional methods.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateNov 29, 2023

Pick and place: Creating 3D-printed materials that shrink more precisely

Researchers developed a technique to achieve uniform shrinkage of 3D-printed structures, enabling finely detailed structures with advanced light manipulation capabilities. The method has applications in anti-counterfeiting, high-performance devices, and materials with precise structuring.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2023

Two conductors of a chemical reaction

Researchers have successfully observed the operating principle of promoters in a catalytic reaction in real-time. Using high-tech microscopy methods, they visualized individual La atoms' role in hydrogen oxidation. The study revealed that two surface areas of the catalyst act as pacemakers, controlled by promoter lanthanum.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 20, 2023
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.

Template for success: Shaping hard carbon electrodes for next-generation batteries

Researchers at Tokyo University of Science developed nanostructured hard carbon electrodes using inorganic zinc-based compounds, which deliver unprecedented performance and significantly increase the capacity of sodium- and potassium-ion batteries. The new electrodes improve energy density by 1.6 times compared to existing technologies.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2023

Scaling up nano for sustainable manufacturing

Researchers have developed a new self-assembling nanosheet that can create functional and sustainable nanomaterials for various applications. The material is recyclable and can extend the shelf life of consumer products, enabling a sustainable manufacturing approach.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2023

Sustainable smart agriculture with a biodegradable soil moisture sensor

Osaka University researchers create a wirelessly powered, biodegradable soil moisture sensing technology that can be installed in high densities, enabling precision agriculture with minimized land and water use. The system achieves both electronic functionality and biodegradability, allowing for safe disposal of used sensor devices.

SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Move over carbon, the nanotube family just got bigger

Researchers have engineered a range of new single-walled transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanotubes with different compositions, chirality, and diameters. The ability to synthesize diverse structures offers insights into their growth mechanism and novel optical properties.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 14, 2023
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.

Enlightening insects: Morpho butterfly nanostructure inspires technology for bright, balanced lighting

Researchers at Osaka University developed a water-repelling nanostructured light diffuser that surpasses the functionality of other common diffusers. The diffuser uses randomly arranged self-cleaning nanopatterns to produce high transmittance and wide angular spread, making it useful for visual displays and energy-saving windows.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023

Strength is in this glass's DNA

Researchers fabricate a pure form of glass and coat specialized pieces of DNA with it to create a material stronger than steel but incredibly lightweight. This novel technology has inspired innovative applications in drug delivery, electronics, and more.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023
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.

Crystallization as the driving force

The research team successfully developed nanomaterials through a bottom-up approach, exploiting the directionality of crystal growth during crystallisation. The resulting nanostructures have potential applications in various fields, including information processing and catalysis.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2023

Buried ancient Roman glass formed substance with modern applications

Researchers discovered how corrosion and crystallization over centuries created nanofabrication of photonic crystals in ancient Roman glass. The crystals have applications in modern technology, including waveguides, optical switches, and devices for fast optical communications.

SourceTufts University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateSep 18, 2023

Pioneering beyond-silicon technology via residue-free field effect transistors

Scientists have successfully fabricated centimeter-scale transition metal dichalcogenide field-effect transistors with low ohmic contact resistance close to the quantum limit. The devices exhibited an ultrahigh current on/off ratio of ~10^11 at 15 K, outperforming previous values.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 4, 2023

Gold buckyballs, oft-used nanoparticle ‘seeds’ are one and the same

Rice University chemists have discovered that gold nanoparticles are synthesized from gold buckyballs, a finding that could revolutionize nanoparticle synthesis. This discovery was made by Matthew Jones and Liang Qiao, who found that the commonly used golden 'seed' particles were actually cousins of the original buckyballs.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2023
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.

Advanced magnesium-based hydrogen storage materials and their applications

Core-shell nanostructured Mg-based hydrogen storage materials show excellent kinetics and long-term cycling performances. They can absorb and desorb hydrogen at relatively low temperatures, reducing energy consumption in hydrogen storage and release. The materials have potential to improve Mg-based hydrogen storage systems for various ...

SourceIndustrial Chemistry & Materials·JournalIndustrial Chemistry and Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateAug 15, 2023

Decoding how molecules "talk" to each other to develop new nanotechnologies

Researchers successfully recreated and mathematically validated two molecular languages at the origin of life, opening doors for nanotechnology development. They designed a programmable antibody sensor using multivalency, which detects antibodies over different concentration ranges.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 15, 2023

Technology advance could expand the reach of 3D nanoprinting

Researchers develop low-cost 3D nanoprinting system with nanometer-level accuracy for printing microlenses, metamaterials, and micro-optical devices. The system uses a two-step absorption process and integrated fiber-coupled laser diode, making it accessible to scientists beyond optical experts.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateAug 9, 2023

Are quantum computers the future of genome analysis?

A Japanese research team has developed a technique that could lead to a new paradigm for genomic analysis using quantum computers. The breakthrough involves identifying single nucleotides, a crucial step toward creating a molecular sequencer of DNA.

SourceOsaka University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 31, 2023
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.

A novel approach for balancing properties in composite materials

Dr. Amir Asadi's team embeds patterned nanostructures into high-performance composites to achieve multifunctionality and structural integrity simultaneously. This approach offers a practical and scalable method for creating nanostructured materials with tunable properties, revolutionizing the manufacturing of high-performance composites.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 25, 2023

A non-covalent bonding experience

Researchers from the University of Iowa and Brookhaven National Laboratory create 14 organic-inorganic hybrid materials, including seven entirely new ones, to advance clean energy and safe nuclear energy. The study reveals new bonding mechanisms and insights into material separations and recycling.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 19, 2023
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.

Treatment creates steel alloys with superior strength and plasticity

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new steel alloy with extraordinary strength and plasticity, achieving a yield strength of about 700 megapascals. The treatment produced ultra-fine metal grains that exhibit super-plasticity, allowing the material to stretch and bend without rupturing.

SourcePurdue University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

A novel technique to observe colloidal particle degradation in real time

A novel technique allows for the observation of colloidal particle degradation in real-time, providing valuable insight into the mechanisms of micro- and nanoplastics origin and change over time. The study demonstrates the potential to assess temperature variations, ultraviolet light, and stress on nanoscale particles.

SourceShinshu University·JournalSoft Matter·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2023

F. Ömer Ilday comes to Ruhr University

F. Ömer Ilday brings ultrafast lasers expertise to Ruhr University, focusing on materials science and complex laser-matter interactions. He aims to establish a new center for interdisciplinary collaborations and promote start-ups.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJun 6, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Non-contact Microsphere ultrafast laser nanopatterning technology

Researchers developed an ultrafast laser processing technology based on non-contact microspheres, realizing <50 nm functional nano-patternings on phase change materials. The method achieves a good balance between working distance and feature size, overcoming the optical diffraction limit.

SourceCompuscript Ltd·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·DateMay 26, 2023

Fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures

The article discusses the fabrication and applications of van der Waals heterostructures (vdWHs), which have unique properties and potential for exploring condensed matter physics. Various strategies for fabricating vdWHs were developed in the past decade, leading to promising functionalities in diverse fields.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateApr 25, 2023