Add BrightSurf on Google Email

University of Houston researcher honored for work in nanomaterials

Debora Rodrigues, assistant professor at the University of Houston, has received the Emerging Investigator award from the Sustainable Nanotechnology Organization for her pioneering contributions to sustainable nanotechnology. She was recognized for her outstanding research in water purification and treatment using nanomaterials.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateNov 18, 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.

Researchers simplify process to purify water using seed extracts

Researchers have developed a simplified method to purify water using Moringa oleifera seed extracts, significantly reducing harmful bacteria levels. This cost-effective approach holds promise for improving access to safe drinking water in developing countries where millions die from waterborne diseases annually.

SourceWiley·JournalCurrent Protocols in Microbiology·DateJul 21, 2014

Better water purification with seeds from Moringa trees

Scientists have discovered that seed material from Moringa trees can bind to impurities in water, allowing for more efficient purification. The study found that clusters of material produced with the protein are more tightly packed than those formed with conventional flocculating agents, making it easier to separate and treat waste water.

SourceUppsala University·DateDec 5, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Key to cleaner environment may be right beneath our feet

Research suggests that groundwater acts as a natural water filtration and purification system, removing excess nutrients and impurities from the earth's surface. The study highlights the need for better management of this critical resource to ensure clean drinking water and sustainable ecosystems.

SourcePenn State·DateFeb 17, 2013
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.

Major advance in using sunlight to produce steam without boiling water

Scientists have developed a method to generate steam using sunlight and nanoparticles, which can be used for purification of drinking water, sterilization of medical instruments, and sanitizing sewage. The approach produces steam with virtually no wasteful heating of the surrounding liquid, achieving an energy efficiency of 24%.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 19, 2012

Research reveals shocking new way to create nanoporous materials

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a new method to create nanoporous materials, which can be used for water purification and chemical sensors. The collective osmotic shock (COS) process enables the creation of porous structures with realistic industrial cross-over potential.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 27, 2011

New American Chemical Society podcast: Banana peels purify contaminated water

Scientists have found that minced banana peels can quickly remove toxic metals like lead and copper from river water. The banana peel purification apparatus can be reused up to 11 times without losing its effectiveness, making it a promising alternative to traditional methods.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateAug 10, 2011

Nanomechanics: New test measures key properties of polymer thin films and membranes

Researchers at NIST have created a measurement technique that determines mechanical properties of near-nanoscale films, enabling better design for water purification systems. The study reveals chlorine causes progressive deterioration in membrane performance over time, contradicting previous assumptions.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 19, 2011

New insights on an old material will enable design of better polymer batteries, water purification

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered how to manipulate Nafion's internal structure to enhance its applications in energy-related industrial fields. By analyzing the material's molecular motion and alignment, they found that stretching the material influences its conduction properties, enabling new designs for batteries and wate...

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 19, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Banana peels get a second life as water purifier

Researchers have discovered that minced banana peels can quickly and efficiently remove toxic metals like lead and copper from river water, outperforming other materials in the process. The discovery could provide a sustainable solution for water purification, especially in areas where access to clean drinking water is limited.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·DateMar 9, 2011

'Miracle tree' may form basis for low-cost water purification

Researchers aim to create a sustainable water treatment process using moringa seed, which can kill bacteria and remove sediment from water. The system's success depends on optimizing the amount of moringa seed needed to achieve effective water purification without compromising its shelf life.

SourcePenn State·DateSep 17, 2010

Nanotechnology for water purification

Researchers at D.J. Sanghvi College of Engineering have investigated various nanotechnology approaches for water purification, including nanofiltration and zeolite filtration membranes. These methods can effectively remove sediments, chemical effluents, charged particles, bacteria, and other pathogens from water.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nuclear Desalination·DateJul 28, 2010

Dirty waters

The US Department of Homeland Security is developing portable water purification systems to address the global issue of dirty water, which claims over a million lives annually. Several companies are participating in the SECURE program, creating self-contained and self-powered systems that can be used in emergency situations.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateApr 9, 2010
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.

Seeds from the Moringa tree can be used for water purification

Researchers from Uppsala University have found that Moringa seed extracts can effectively remove particulate impurities from water through flocculation. The protein molecules in the seeds bind strongly to surfaces, causing contaminant particles to aggregate and be easily removed.

SourceUppsala University·JournalLangmuir·DateFeb 18, 2010
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.

New filtering technology has environmental, industrial applications

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a new membrane technology that separates oil from water, achieving 98% separation efficiency. The filter works by attracting water while repelling oil, making it suitable for environmental cleanup and industrial applications.

SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateNov 18, 2008

Water purification down the nanotubes

Researchers propose using carbon nanotubes to replace conventional materials in water-purification systems due to their unique chemical properties. The technology could efficiently remove arsenic, fluoride, heavy metals and toxic organic chemicals from contaminated water.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nuclear Desalination·DateSep 15, 2008

Countering an approaching water crisis

Researchers are turning to advanced technologies like membrane bioreactors, nanoscale filtration, and desalination to provide clean water globally. A coordinated approach is needed to tackle complex water issues, with international cooperation key to addressing the crisis before it worsens.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateMar 21, 2008

Cleaner water through nanotechnology

Researchers have developed a nanotech approach using coated silica particles that can efficiently remove biological molecules, pathogens, and organic pollutants from water. This innovative method could help prevent disease and poisoning for millions of people worldwide.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Nanotechnology·DateFeb 20, 2008

Delft water-purification method promises radical improvement

The Nereda TM purification method uses oxygen-using bacterial granules to purify water, offering advantages over conventional processes in terms of space and energy requirements. This technology has been nominated for the Dutch Process Innovation Award and is currently being tested on a larger scale.

SourceDelft University of Technology·DateJun 26, 2006
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.

Tiny water purification packet helps save lives worldwide

A tiny packet containing a grayish powder has been shown to dramatically reduce diarrheal deaths caused by contaminated water. The system, called PUR Purifier of Water, can kill deadly pathogens and remove toxic metals, and is now being distributed globally for free

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 29, 2006