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A new way to harness wasted methane

Researchers at MIT have found a low-temperature electrochemical process to convert methane into valuable derivatives, potentially leading to lower-cost methane conversion and reduced flaring. This technology could provide an alternative to high-temperature industrial processes and pave the way for widespread adoption.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Central Science·DateOct 17, 2017

Long nanotubes make strong fibers

Researchers at Rice University have advanced the art of making nanotube-based materials by characterizing and purifying long nanotube wires and films. The study found that longer nanotubes yield stronger and more conductive fibers, with an average tensile strength of 2.4 GPa and electrical conductivity of 8.5 megasiemens per meter.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 16, 2017
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 mimic two natural energy processes with a single catalyst

Researchers at Kyushu University developed a metal complex catalyst that mimics two natural energy processes, hydrogenase and photosystem II. The catalyst produces electrical power by accepting electrons from hydrogen and generates power from sunlight through oxidation of water.

SourceKyushu University, I2CNER·JournalChemCatChem·DateOct 11, 2017

Machine learning translates 'hidden' information to reveal chemistry in action

Scientists have developed a new machine learning method that can analyze x-ray data to reveal the structures and environments of catalysts during reactions. This allows for real-time analysis and optimization of reaction conditions, potentially leading to improved catalyst performance and faster production of desired products.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateOct 10, 2017

New test opens path for better 2-D catalysts

Researchers at Rice University and Los Alamos National Laboratory have developed a technique to probe through tiny windows created by an electron beam and measure the catalytic activity of molybdenum disulfide, a two-dimensional material. The study found that most production of hydrogen is coming from the thin sheets' edges.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 5, 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.

Prestigious award for pioneer of gold catalysis

Professor Graham Hutchings' groundbreaking work on gold catalysis has led to the development of a substitute for mercury, significantly reducing environmental harm. The gold catalyst has replaced mercury in PVC production, meeting international regulations and benefiting human health.

SourceCardiff University·DateOct 5, 2017

A radical solution comes from mixing tools

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST) have discovered a unique reaction pathway that utilizes molten sodium-based catalysts to efficiently convert natural gas into industrial products. The catalyst, which forms hydroxyl radicals from oxygen and water, has great potential for various catalytic reactions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateOct 3, 2017

New efficient catalyst for key step in artificial photosynthesis

Scientists have designed a new single-site catalyst that speeds up the rate of water oxidation, releasing protons and electrons that can be used to create hydrogen fuel. The catalyst improves upon previous designs, achieving a comparable rate to natural photosynthesis per catalytic site.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateOct 3, 2017

Scientists have found a way to create drug molecules from carbon monoxide

Researchers at RUDN University have developed a new method for creating drug molecules using carbon monoxide as a reducing agent. This innovation offers an energy-efficient solution to producing valuable chemicals, potentially reducing waste and costs. The study's findings suggest that this technology could be used in the synthesis of ...

SourceRUDN University·JournalOrganic & Biomolecular Chemistry·DateSep 29, 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.

Novel route to polyamide 6: Catalytic oxidation of cyclohexane with ferrocene in ionic liquid medium

Researchers have developed a novel route to produce polyamide 6 by catalytically oxidizing cyclohexane with ferrocene in an ionic liquid medium. The process is highly selective and efficient, achieving over 98% selectivity and high turnover frequencies. This method has the potential to replace traditional industrial production processes.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalLetters in Organic Chemistry·DateSep 26, 2017

Removing the roadblocks to a more efficient car engine

Researchers at the University of Houston are developing next-generation catalytic converters to reduce harmful emissions and improve fuel efficiency. The project aims to find new materials that can operate effectively at low exhaust temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateSep 20, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers developing advanced lithium-ion and metal-air batteries

The University of Central Florida research group created a new electrode material for high-performance lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged thousands of times without degrading. The new technology has the potential to revolutionize energy storage and make it more sustainable.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateSep 19, 2017
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.

Copper catalyst yields high efficiency CO2-to-fuels conversion

A team of Berkeley Lab scientists has discovered a critical role of nanoparticle transformation in converting carbon dioxide into multicarbon fuels and alcohols. The copper-based electrocatalyst operates at high current density with a record low overpotential, making it more efficient than existing catalysts.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2017

Scientists reveal distinct substrate-binding mode in o-succinylbenzoyl-CoA synthetase

Researchers from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology discovered a unique substrate-binding mode for OSB-CoA synthetase, a crucial enzyme in bacterial vitamin K biosynthesis. The study revealed distinct amino acid residues contributing to thioesterification half-reaction without affecting adenylation.

SourceHong Kong University of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateSep 13, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Chemical hot spots

Researchers at Technical University of Munich used a scanning tunneling microscope to analyze the surface activity of catalysts. They found that defects on the surface create ideal conditions for catalysis by attracting but not holding onto hydrogen ions.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature·DateSep 7, 2017

Scientists make methanol using air around us

Researchers at Cardiff Catalysis Institute have developed a new method to produce methanol from methane using oxygen and hydrogen peroxide at low temperatures. This breakthrough has major implications for cleaner industrial processes worldwide.

SourceCardiff University·JournalScience·DateSep 7, 2017

More durable, less expensive fuel cells

The University of Delaware team developed a new technology that can make fuel cells cheaper and more durable. They created a catalyst of tungsten carbide nanoparticles, which improves water management and reduces the burden on the humidification system in fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 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.

Researchers identify cheaper, greener biofuels processing catalyst

Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a new, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly method for processing bio-oil into liquid fuel. The catalyst uses common bacteria and recovered metal palladium, which can be sourced from waste materials, reducing production costs and environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalFuel·DateAug 25, 2017

Low-cost production technology for sophisticated microreactors

This technology combines fine shape transfer, film formation, and selective thin film removing to produce high-performance microstructures at an affordable cost. Water-CARE device uses a platinum or nickel catalyst to etch surface protrusions, reducing the need for abrasive grains and chemical agents.

SourceOsaka University·DateAug 23, 2017

University of Sydney charges ahead on zinc-air batteries

Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a breakthrough in rechargeable zinc-air batteries by developing a new three-stage method that produces low-cost and high-performance catalysts. The new catalysts can be used to build rechargeable zinc-air batteries, overcoming one of the biggest hurdles preventing their widespread use.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 14, 2017
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.

Lightweight catalyst for artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Fuzhou University have created a macroscopic aerogel from carbonitride nanomaterials that catalyzes the water-splitting reaction under visible-light irradiation. The material offers excellent structural and electronic properties, making it suitable for artificial photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateAug 4, 2017

New model for bimolecular reactions in nanoreactors

Researchers have developed a new mathematical model that describes how molecules are transported to react within nanoreactors. The model reveals that the reaction rate is not limited by molecule concentration, but rather by the shell's permeability, opening up possibilities for controlling chemical reactions.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Catalysis·DateAug 4, 2017

Two sides to this energy story

Researchers at Rice University have developed a catalyst that can split water into hydrogen and oxygen, offering a potential solution for renewable energy. The catalyst uses laser-induced graphene, a low-cost material, to produce large bubbles of oxygen and hydrogen simultaneously.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 3, 2017
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.

Arts engagement can help counter divisions in society

A new study by psychologists at the University of Kent shows that arts engagement predicts 'prosociality' and volunteering. The research found that people's greater engagement in the arts was more strongly associated with charitable giving and volunteering than demographic variables such as age, education, or income.

SourceUniversity of Kent·JournalSocial Psychological and Personality Science·DateAug 3, 2017

Study reveals exactly how low-cost fuel cell catalysts work

Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have discovered a new class of low-cost fuel cell catalysts that match the performance of precious metal-based catalysts. Direct atomic-level observations have provided unique insights into their efficiency potential.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateAug 3, 2017
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.

One-nanometer trimetallic alloy particles created

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to synthesize microscopic alloy nanoparticles using dendrimers, achieving 24 times greater oxidization activity than commercially available catalysts. The discovery opens up new possibilities for creating high-performance materials in various fields.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 31, 2017

Bubbles help new catalysts self-optimize

Scientists at Rice University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed new two-dimensional electrocatalysts that extract hydrogen from water with high efficiency and low cost. The catalysts were created by forming bubbles between layers, which breaks them apart and increases the number of active sites.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Energy·DateJul 31, 2017

New light-activated catalyst grabs CO2 to make ingredients for fuel

Scientists have developed a light-activated material that can chemically convert carbon dioxide into carbon monoxide without generating unwanted byproducts. The material, a nickel organic crystalline structure, showed near 100% selectivity for CO production and no detection of competing gas products.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 28, 2017
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.

Triple-layer catalyst does double duty

The researchers created a three-layer structure of nickel, graphene, and a compound of iron, manganese, and phosphorus that can produce both hydrogen and oxygen simultaneously. The material is scalable, stable in acidic and basic solutions, and requires less energy than traditional catalysts.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Energy·DateJul 26, 2017

Osaka chemists build new chemical structures on unreactive bonds

Researchers at Osaka University have developed a new method for building complex organic molecules by selectively transforming strong carbon-fluorine bonds. This breakthrough enhances the control over chemical reactions, enabling more synthetic freedom for constructing intricate carbon structures.

SourceOsaka University·JournalOrganic Letters·DateJul 26, 2017

Making polymer chemistry 'click'

Researchers create faster and easier way to make sulfur-containing polymers using SuFEx reaction technique, combined with newly identified catalysts. The achievement reduces cost of large-scale production and produces far less hazardous waste.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2017
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.

Multitasking monolayers

Researchers at Vanderbilt University have developed a method to produce patterned monolayers that can perform multiple functions, such as catalyzing chemical reactions and sensing molecules. These materials offer a new option for device designers, allowing for the creation of single materials with two functionalities.

SourceVanderbilt University·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 24, 2017

How enzymes produce hydrogen

Enzymes called [FeFe]-hydrogenases efficiently convert electrons and protons into hydrogen, offering a potential solution for biotechnological production of the energy source. The team's discovery reveals the crucial role of a complex structure called the H-cluster in facilitating this process.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 21, 2017

Innovative nanosensor for disease diagnosis

A research team at KAIST developed diagnostic sensors using protein-encapsulated nanocatalysts to analyze human exhaled breath and diagnose diseases. The sensors achieved high sensitivity and selectivity, detecting biomarker gases related to diseases with improved performance compared to conventional platinum-based catalysts.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAccounts of Chemical Research·DateJul 19, 2017

Studying argon gas trapped in two-dimensional array of tiny 'cages'

Researchers at Brookhaven Lab have successfully trapped argon gas in a two-dimensional array of tiny 'cages', allowing for the detailed study of single atoms in confinement. This achievement could lead to the design of new materials for gas separation and nuclear waste remediation.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2017
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.

How selenium compounds might become catalysts

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum have discovered that selenium can form bonds similar to those of hydrogen bonds, resulting in accelerated chemical reactions. The team's findings suggest that weaker bonds, such as hydrogens bonds, might be sufficient for activation or catalysis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 13, 2017

Researchers report chemical reaction with potential to speed drug development

UT Southwestern researchers have developed a method for direct conversion of double bond-containing hydrocarbons into multifunctional compounds with high purity. The new reaction utilizes a specially designed chiral catalyst to selectively create desirable molecules, accelerating pharmaceutical production.

SourceUT Southwestern Medical Center·JournalNature·DateJul 7, 2017
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.

Recruiting manganese to upgrade carbon dioxide

Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology researchers created efficient catalysts based on inexpensive and abundant manganese to convert carbon dioxide into formic acid and formamide, widely used in industry. The new catalyst can perform over 6,000 turnovers and is stable in air, opening possibilities for other CO2 conversions.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 7, 2017

Scientists awarded £1M to develop the catalysts of the future

Researchers at the University of Bath have been awarded £1M to develop new catalysts using iron, which could reduce environmental impact and improve efficiency. The project aims to create sustainable methods for producing molecules crucial for manufacturing pharmaceuticals and agrochemicals.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJul 6, 2017

New chemical synthesis method can produce an exciting range of novel compounds

Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology have developed a new reaction system that produces aziridines with high yield and selectivity. The method uses phosphite as a catalyst and achieves high rates of production of one enantiomer, which is essential for pharmaceutical applications.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 4, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Fixation of powder catalysts on electrodes

Researchers developed a new method to tightly fix powder catalysts on electrode surfaces, addressing the challenge of high physical stress induced by gas evolving reactions. The technique involves applying an organic polymer that transforms into carbon at high temperatures, providing a stable and conductive surface for catalysis.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 30, 2017

Cheap, energy-efficient and clean reaction to make chemical feedstock

Scientists have discovered a cheap and efficient way to produce olefins, the chemical feedstock for many products, using a titanium-based catalyst. The reaction can be performed at low temperature and has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and costs associated with traditional fossil fuel-based methods.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 28, 2017
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.

Biofuel from waste

Researchers at TUM have created a new process to convert organic waste into fuel, utilizing zeolite catalysts that reduce temperatures and energy requirements. The process takes place in confined spaces inside zeolite crystals, increasing reaction rates by up to 100 times.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 28, 2017