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Eliminating 'springback' to help make environmentally friendly cars

Hiroshima University researchers develop a new technique to prevent 'springback' in press-forming high-strength steel, a common problem that causes defects and environmental concerns. By eliminating this issue, they enable the mass production of lightweight cars with reduced emissions.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalJournal of Materials Processing Technology·DateDec 1, 2015

Hardened steels for more efficient engines

Researchers at KIT scientists have developed a new process for low-pressure carbonitration using methylamine, which combines advantages of low-pressure processes with atmospheric carbonitration. The method results in more homogeneous hardness profiles and improved efficiency.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalHTM Journal of Heat Treatment and Materials·DateNov 20, 2015

Making cars of the future stronger, using less energy

Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a new welding technique that produces 50% stronger bonds while consuming 80% less energy. The process uses high-voltage pulses to vaporize metal foils and directly bond atoms, creating seamless welds without weakened seams.

SourceOhio State University·DateOct 29, 2015

Super-slick material makes steel better, stronger, cleaner

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a way to make steel stronger, safer and more durable by creating a surface coating made from rough nanoporous tungsten oxide. The new material is capable of repelling any kind of liquid even after sustaining intense structural abuse.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 20, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Snake scales protect steel against friction

Researchers from KIT developed a process to transfer scale structure of reptiles to components of electromechanical systems. The results show that narrow scale structures increase friction under both lubricated and non-lubricated conditions, while wide scales reduce friction by more than 40%.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateAug 17, 2015

New source of lead in drinking water identified: Galvanized steel pipe coatings

A recent study found that galvanized steel pipes can release high levels of lead into drinking water, with concentrations reaching up to 172 µg/L. Copper piping installed upstream can worsen lead release from the zinc coating, posing a significant risk to public health.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalEnvironmental Engineering Science·DateJul 22, 2015

NIST calculates high cost of hydrogen pipelines, shows how to reduce it

NIST researchers found that hydrogen-specific steel pipelines can cost 68% more than natural gas pipelines due to damage caused by hydrogen over time. However, they also propose modifying industry codes to allow the use of higher-strength steel alloys without thicker pipe walls, resulting in a net cost reduction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJul 20, 2015

Timber and construction, a well-matched couple

A new methodology has been developed to assess the environmental sustainability of timber structures, taking into account factors such as social responsibility and economic development. The tool evaluates various criteria and indicators to produce an Environmental Sustainability Index for these structures.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·DateJul 7, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

The welding system of the future is self-learning

The new self-learning welding system is controlled by a neural network program that tracks multiple variables, such as bevel angle, thermal profile, and weld form to detect and correct errors in real-time. This technology has the potential to bring significant savings to the welding industry by eliminating post-welding checks and repairs.

SourceLappeenranta University of Technology·DateMar 20, 2015

Improving productivity of welding by reducing groove angle

Researchers at LUT reduced welding groove angle from 45 to 30 degrees, increasing productivity and reducing additives and mistakes. The new method results in lighter, thinner, and more durable structures with improved environmental friendliness.

SourceLappeenranta University of Technology·DateMar 17, 2015

New paint makes tough self-cleaning surfaces

A new paint developed by researchers at UCL creates self-cleaning surfaces that resist everyday wear and tear. The paint's unique properties allow it to withstand damage and maintain its self-cleaning abilities, making it suitable for a wide range of applications.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015
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.

How iron feels the heat

Scientists have uncovered a key factor driving iron's unique thermal behavior, revealing a synergy between magnetism and atomic vibrations that increases the metal's stability at high temperatures. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate predictions of steel properties and enable the development of new, stronger alloys.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateFeb 13, 2015

Buildings with 'rocking' technology would be more earthquake-resilient

Case Western Reserve University researcher Michael Pollino developed a computer model that suggests optimal sizes for 'rocking steel-braced frames' to dissipate seismic energy. These designs could provide better earthquake resilience and repairability, potentially reducing costs.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalEngineering Structures·DateFeb 11, 2015

Climate change efforts backfire in Brazil's steel industry

New research shows that climate change mitigation efforts in Brazil's steel industry have failed to reduce greenhouse gas pollution. Instead, programs under the Kyoto Protocol led to a doubling of carbon dioxide emissions, from 91 million to 182 million metric tons of CO2 between 2000 and 2007.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Climate Change·DateFeb 9, 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

Microbullet hits confirm graphene's strength

Rice University scientists used a novel testing method to measure graphene's ability to absorb impact, finding it stretches before breaking. The technique, LIPIT, allows for rapid evaluation of nanoscale materials, with potential applications in body armor and spacecraft shielding.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateDec 1, 2014
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.

New filter technology -- uses inert gas to bore holes in high-quality steel

A new filter technology has been developed using inert gas to bore holes in high-quality steel, resulting in a more stable and flexible membrane. The process is environmentally friendly and eliminates the need for toxic chemicals, making it an attractive alternative to plastic membranes in highly sensitive applications.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·DateAug 28, 2014

Testing the shelf-life of nuclear reactors

A team of researchers has devised a method to rapidly test the structural materials used in nuclear reactors, closely replicating damage caused by high-energy neutrons. The technique uses high-energy ion beams to damage samples of ferritic-martensitic steel, allowing for the development of more resilient components for advanced reactors.

SourceElsevier·JournalScripta Materialia·DateAug 20, 2014

NIST corrosion lab tests suggest need for underground gas tank retrofits

NIST lab tests reveal severe corrosion on steel alloy samples exposed to ethanol and acetic acid vapors, suggesting need for underground gas tank retrofits. The study's findings indicate that submersible pump casings made of steel or cast iron may need to be replaced sooner than expected.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalCorrosion Science·DateJul 31, 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.

Efficient structures help build a sustainable future

The study reveals that steel cable structures have a significantly lower environmental impact, with 29% less mass and 65.1% less embodied energy than traditional truss systems. This finding highlights the importance of material selection in reducing construction's environmental damage.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalJournal of Architectural Engineering·DateJul 16, 2014

Inspired by nature, researchers create tougher metal materials

Scientists have developed a method to create stronger and more ductile metal materials by adjusting the internal structure, similar to bone and bamboo. This technique can be customized for various applications, including improving industrial steel's strength and ductility.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 2, 2014

Green planning needed to maintain city buildings

New research highlights the erosion of building materials including stone, concrete and steel due to mix of pollutants and organic chemicals in green spaces. Experts recommend investing in green spaces to reduce greenhouse gases, cut pollution exposure and improve mental health benefits.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJun 30, 2014

Iron, steel in hatcheries may distort magnetic 'map sense' of steelhead

Research from Oregon State University found that exposure to iron pipes and steel rebar can alter the magnetic field around fish, affecting their ability to navigate. The study suggests that stabilizing the magnetic field by using alternative materials in hatcheries may help produce better yields of fish.

SourceOregon State University·JournalBiology Letters·DateJun 3, 2014
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.

Wayne State University licenses technology to new start-up, Detroit Materials, Inc.

Researchers at Wayne State University have developed high-strength low-alloy steels and cast irons with improved energy efficiency, reduced emissions, and increased safety. The university has licensed its patented technology to Detroit Materials, Inc., a new start-up company focused on commercializing ultra-high performance materials.

SourceWayne State University - Office of the Vice President for Research·DateJun 2, 2014

Glasses strong as steel: A fast way to find the best

Scientists at Yale University have developed a faster way to identify and characterize complex alloys known as bulk metallic glasses (BMGs), which are stronger than steel. The new method allows researchers to screen about 3,000 alloys per day, significantly reducing the time needed for discovery.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 13, 2014

A new twist makes for better steel, researchers find

Researchers at Brown University have discovered a method to fortify steel by twisting it, allowing for improved strength while maintaining ductility. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new steel alloys for high-strength applications such as axles on high-speed trains.

SourceBrown University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2014
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.

Theoretical analysis of patterns formed on the ancient Damascus blades

Researchers used computational software to analyze published data on Damascus blades, proposing a new explanation for pattern formation. The study suggests that the high carbon content and microsegregation of solutes during solidification lead to the characteristic band-like formation of coarse cementite particles.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateMar 12, 2014

The physics of curly hair

Researchers at MIT and Université Pierre et Marie Curie provide the first detailed model for the 3-D shape of a strand of curly hair, with applications in computer animation and engineering. The model characterizes all degrees of curliness and describes how properties change along the arc length.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 12, 2014

Waterfowl poisoning halved by lead shot prohibition

The use of lead-free steel shot in Spanish wetlands has significantly reduced waterfowl poisoning, with a 50% decrease in lead accumulation detected. Researchers attribute this to the change in material from lead to steel shot.

SourceSpanish Foundation for Science and Technology·JournalEnvironment International·DateJan 16, 2014

Research: 'Sourcing hub' could help create more efficient supply chain

A new research suggests that developing relationships between companies, suppliers, and raw material suppliers can lead to significant cost savings and improved designs. By creating a sourcing hub, firms can simplify their supply chains and gain access to better advice on raw material selection.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalCalifornia Management Review·DateJan 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.

Overcoming brittleness: New insights into bulk metallic glass

Researchers have discovered a new class of bulk metallic glasses that exhibit enhanced fatigue endurance, thanks to a unique staircase-like fracture mechanism. This breakthrough paves the way for widespread adoption in industries such as smartphones, biomedical implants and aerospace engineering.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2013

€15 million project to revolutionize railway tracks

Researchers are developing modular, all-steel track sections that can be laid quickly and embedded with fibre optic technology for instant safety alerts. This innovation aims to reduce maintenance costs and improve efficiency in the railway industry.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateOct 18, 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.

Death & disability from air pollution down 35 percent in the US

A new study by Brigham Young University professor Arden Pope found a 35% reduction in deaths and disability attributable to air pollution in the US since 1990. This improvement is attributed to cleaner air quality, with significant reductions in cardiovascular disease and respiratory problems.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalJAMA·DateSep 17, 2013

Chemists develop 'fresh, new' approach to making alloy nanomaterials

Researchers at Syracuse University have developed a novel method for synthesizing alloy nanomaterials with stainless steel-like interfaces. This breakthrough may enable the creation of diverse forms of alloy nanomaterials for various applications, including gas storage and heterogeneous catalysis.

SourceSyracuse University·JournalSmall·DateAug 9, 2013

Man-made quakes could lead to safer, sturdier buildings

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University are testing a two-story building made of cold-formed steel to determine its seismic resistance. The tests aim to improve nationwide building codes and make future buildings less expensive to construct.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·DateJul 31, 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.

Researchers find a way to make steel without greenhouse-gas emissions

A new process developed by MIT researchers uses molten oxide electrolysis to produce steel without emitting greenhouse gases, resulting in higher purity metal and potential cost savings. The method could be adapted for production of other metals and alloys with similar advantages.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMay 8, 2013

New fatigue model leads to more durable ships

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a new fatigue model that enables the creation of lighter structures, leading to more energy-efficient ships. The study's findings can be used to improve the design of various welded steel structures, predicting fatigue endurance more accurately and utilizing materials more efficiently.

SourceAalto University·JournalInternational Journal of Fatigue·DateApr 23, 2013

New technique creates stronger, lightweight magnesium alloys

Engineers have created a new technique to strengthen magnesium alloys, introducing nano-spaced stacking faults to increase strength by approximately 200 percent. The resulting material has high specific strength, making it lighter than steel but stronger, with potential for replacing steel in some applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMaterials Research Letters·DateMar 13, 2013

In probing mysteries of glass, researchers find a key to toughness

Researchers identified a critical fictive temperature (CFT) that determines glass ductility, suggesting any glass can be made ductile or brittle by adjusting cooling rates. The study applies to all glasses, not just metallic glasses, and has implications for designing ductile glasses.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 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.

A shock to pollution in chemistry

Scientists have studied a milling reaction in real time using highly penetrating X-rays, observing the transformation of simple ingredients into complex products. This breakthrough enables optimization of industrial processes, reducing solvent use and energy consumption.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 2, 2012

Model sheds light on the chemistry that sparked the origin of life

Researchers propose a mechanism by which life may have gotten its start in the early Earth's chemical environment. A mathematical model reveals that networks of molecules with self-perpetuating capabilities can give rise to complex systems and potentially life.

SourceNational Evolutionary Synthesis Center (NESCent)·JournalActa Biotheoretica·DateNov 26, 2012

What's behind the success of the soccer 'Knuckleball'

Researchers reveal that a soccer 'knuckleball' shot causes a zigzag trajectory due to aerodynamic lift forces, not deformations at the site of impact. The study sheds light on the phenomenon's unpredictability and potential role in historic experiments trying to prove the Earth's rotation.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·DateNov 16, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

2 Carnegie Mellon teams get nod to compete in DARPA Robotics Challenge

Two Carnegie Mellon teams, Tartan Rescue Team and Team Steel, have been selected to compete in the DARPA Robotics Challenge, a competition where robots will respond to disaster scenarios in human-engineered environments. The ultimate winning team will receive a $2 million prize and advance robotics development across all fields.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·DateOct 24, 2012

Boiling water without bubbles

Researchers at Northwestern University have engineered a surface that prevents bubbling during boiling, creating a stable vapor cushion and eliminating bubbles. This discovery could lead to advancements in heat transfer equipment, anti-frost technologies, and reduce damage to surfaces.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateSep 13, 2012

Sliding metals show fluidlike behavior, new clues to wear

Scientists observe bumps, folds, vortex-like features, and cracks on the metal surface as it slides, revealing a surprising fluidlike behavior at room temperature. The findings could lead to improved durability of metal parts and better understanding of material behavior.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 11, 2012

Hyenas that think outside the box solve problems faster

Researchers at Michigan State University found that hyenas that tried multiple solutions and took risks were more successful in solving a steel puzzle box. The study suggests that large brains may enable hyenas to think flexibly and come up with novel solutions.

SourceMichigan State University·DateAug 8, 2012
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.

Steel-strength plastics -- and green, too!

A Tel Aviv University researcher has developed a super-strength polypropylene that could replace steel in everyday products, reducing pollution and increasing energy efficiency. The new material is cheaper to produce and more durable than traditional plastics, making it a promising alternative for industries such as car manufacturing.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 7, 2012

Using graphene, scientists develop a less toxic way to rust-proof steel

Researchers at the University at Buffalo have developed a graphene-based composite that can replace toxic coatings with hexavalent chromium, reducing environmental harm and promoting safer industries. The new coating has shown significant improvements in durability, allowing treated steel to survive for months in harsh environments.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·DateMay 18, 2012
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.

Research maps the city's heat

Researchers in Sheffield have mapped a possible expansion of the city's district heating network, which could reduce CO2 emissions by 80,000 tonnes annually. The system, powered by waste and steel plant heat, provides low-cost heating to over 140 public buildings and 3,000 homes.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEnergy Conversion and Management·DateMay 13, 2012