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Flipping a switch in the space between atoms

Dr. Nick Strandwitz is exploring a multi-step method to address temperature issues in atomic layer deposition (ALD), a process crucial for precision thin film growth. His goal is to control the crystallinity of the material, which affects its electronic properties.

A polymer that puts plastic on a better path toward recyclability

Researchers have developed a family of synthetic polymers that can be repeatedly recycled with great efficiency. These new polymers overcome the challenges faced by existing biodegradable plastics and mechanical approaches to reusing plastic, offering a highly desirable chemical recycling method.

Fueling a cleaner combustion

A new additive consisting of oxygenated organic compounds has been developed to reduce the release of pollutants during the combustion of fossil fuels. The researchers' study found that diethyl carbonate can facilitate clean combustion of diesel fuels, reducing soot production and environmental damage.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Stabilizing energy storage

Researchers improve redox flow batteries by designing charge-storing molecules that are up to 1,000 times more stable than current compounds. This breakthrough aims to increase the capacity and efficiency of large batteries for grid storage, enabling full utilization of renewable energy sources.

Light switch in autumn leaves

Researchers have discovered that yellow phyllobilins in autumn leaves function as four-step molecular switches that react to light, with the molecular environment determining the switching mechanism. These findings suggest potential physiological roles for these compounds in plant photoregulation.

Non-native insects change more than native host plant survival

Research on non-native cycad herbivores reveals significant changes in leaf chemistry following herbivory, which can lead to faster litter decomposition and altered nutrient turnover rates. The study highlights the devastating consequences of invasive species on native ecosystems.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Single-step hydrogen peroxide production could be cleaner, more efficient

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have discovered a new way to synthesize hydrogen peroxide in a single step, which could make it an economically feasible oxidant for various chemical processes. The method uses a palladium-based catalyst and avoids the decomposition reaction that typically occurs during synthesis.

Rotting oaks lead to hazardous voids in Indiana's Mount Baldy sand dune

Scientists have discovered that holes in Mount Baldy's sand dunes were formed by entombed oak trees that decomposed into a cementing mineral, creating hazardous voids. The study, presented at the Geological Society of America meeting, sheds light on how these living systems interact between biology and geology.

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.

Covering the bases with cover crops

Researchers found that mixtures of cereal rye and hairy vetch can effectively control weeds and conserve soil moisture. Adding poultry litter increased decomposition and nitrogen release when the cover crop contained at least 50% cereal rye.

Nanometer catalyst cleans up bad cigarette smoke in smoking room

A new nano-catalyst filter, developed by KIST, can remove 100% of particle substances in cigarette smoke, converting them into water vapor and carbon dioxide. The air cleaning equipment based on the catalyst can purify over 80% of cigarette smoke within 30 minutes and 100% within 1 hour in a 30 square meter smoking room.

The invisible key to methane hydrates

Researchers discovered that nanobubbles persist in liquid, influencing the formation and dissociation of natural gas hydrates. The findings provide insight into the mechanism of hydrate decomposition and could lead to more efficient and safe extraction of methane hydrates.

Artificial enzyme removes natural poison

A man-made chemical enzyme has been used to neutralize glycoside esculin, a toxin found in horse-chestnuts, demonstrating the feasibility of 'Chemzyme' technology. The artificial enzyme's resilience and designability make it a promising solution for various industrial applications.

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.

Key compound of ozone destruction detected

Scientists from KIT have successfully measured the chlorine compound ClOOCl in the ozone layer, confirming its role in stratospheric ozone destruction. This discovery disproves doubts on polar ozone chemistry expressed by American researchers.

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.

How social insects recognize dead nestmates

UC Riverside entomologists discover that Argentine ants use a different mechanism to recognize dead nestmates, triggered by the dissipation of life chemicals. The researchers found that live ants produce both life and death chemicals, while dead ants only produce death chemicals, leading to their removal from the colony.

Ripe fruit preferred

Researchers found that breakdown of chlorophyll in ripening fruits produces highly active antioxidants called nonfluorescing chlorophyll catabolytes (NCCs). These NCCs are effective against oxidative stress and may play a role in human health. The study suggests that consuming ripe fruits regularly can provide potential health benefits.