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Selecting the right structural materials for fusion reactors

A team of scientists from Tokyo Institute of Technology and Japan have identified CVD-SiC and FeCrAl alloys as compatible with liquid LiPb at high temperatures. The findings provide crucial information for the development of sustainable fusion reactors.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022

Rusting iron can be its own worst enemy

Researchers at Rice University found that iron itself plays a role in its own corrosion when exposed to supercritical CO2 and trace amounts of water. Thin layers of 2D materials like graphene can serve as a barrier to prevent corrosion.

SourceRice University·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2022

Pusan National University study “cracks” mystery of water-promoted fracture growth on glass

Researchers at Pusan National University discovered that tempered glass is more resistant to water-promoted fracture growth than annealed glass. The study found that water droplets penetrate microcracks in glass surfaces, dissolving silicon-oxygen bonds and degrading mechanical strength.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Suiting up with Al-Mg-Si: New protective coating for steel to resist corrosion in ships and marine and coastal facilities and structures

Scientists have created a new protective coating using Al-Mg-Si alloy to resist corrosion in ships and marine facilities. The coating demonstrates improved corrosion resistance through a 'shielding effect', increasing the economic life of steel machinery.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCorrosion Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 5, 2022

New device advances commercial viability of solar fuels

A new device has been developed that converts sunlight into two promising sources of renewable fuels – ethylene and hydrogen. The researchers found that by optimizing the working conditions for cuprous oxide, a promising artificial photosynthesis material, they can create a more stable system.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021

Putting the fizz into salty water

A new study from the University of Bath is shedding light on the behavior of saline solutions under extreme conditions, a crucial step towards carbon storage in deep-sea aquifers. The research uses neutron diffraction to examine the interaction between salt ions and water molecules at high pressures and temperatures.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

Anticorrosion coating sets new benchmark

Researchers created a sulfur-selenium alloy that outperforms traditional coatings in protecting steel from corrosion and oxidation. The material's self-healing properties allow it to recover from scratches and damage, making it suitable for infrastructure applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021
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.

Scientists have learned how to weld a new kind of steel

Researchers from South Ural State University and China's Xi'an Jiaotong University have successfully welded A606 (Cor-Ten) steel, a promising material with high atmospheric corrosion resistance. The study optimized welding conditions to achieve high strength properties and necessary microstructure.

SourceSouth Ural State University·JournalThe International Journal of Advanced Manufacturing Technology·DateOct 15, 2021

Surface chemistry reveals corrosive secrets

A new technique reveals the role of cations in surface chemistry, shedding light on environmental issues like rust and pollution. The study uses surface analysis to understand the initial stages of iron corrosion, which can help monitor carbon dioxide capture, water quality, and infrastructure management.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry A·TypeImaging analysis·DateOct 13, 2021

Electrosynthesis: preventing cathodic corrosion

Researchers at Mainz University have conducted a literature review on cathodic corrosion in electrosynthesis, highlighting the need for new materials and methods to prevent electrode dissolution. The team aims to develop a method to generate plastic precursors from agricultural waste using electrosynthesis.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalChemical Reviews·DateSep 15, 2021

Scientists mine the rich seam of body wearable motion sensors

A new study from the University of Bath finds that strategically placed garment seams with conductive yarn can accurately track body motion, identifying subtle movements not picked up by popular fitness trackers. This technology has potential applications in physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and sports performance.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJun 29, 2021
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.

A new theory for what's happening in the brain when something looks familiar

Researchers propose sensory referenced suppression theory, where brain corrects for changes in sensory input to isolate familiar activation. This could have implications for treating memory-impairing diseases like Alzheimer's and developing AI systems that work similarly to human brains.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2021

How social media and AI enable companies to track brand reputations in real-time

Researchers developed a brand reputation tracker that can monitor changes in brand reputation over time using artificial intelligence-based text analysis of social media posts. The tracker accurately reflected major brand events, such as changes in Facebook's reputation after the Cambridge Analytica scandal.

SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateMay 12, 2021

Successful DNA replication in cyanobacteria depends on the circadian clock

A new study reveals that cyanobacteria rely on a circadian clock to precisely time DNA replication. Disruptions to this rhythm can lead to unfinished chromosomes and potential health problems. The findings have implications for understanding the impact of interrupted circadian rhythms on human health.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Swing vote 'trumped' turnout in 2016 election

A Yale University study reveals that conversion among swing voters was the primary factor behind Donald Trump's electoral success in 2016. The researchers found that voters switching from Democrat to Republican more consistently explained the GOP's gains than did increases in voter turnout.

SourceYale University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 21, 2021

Green hydrogen: "Rust" as a photoanode and its limits

Research on haematite, a widely known rust material, has been hindered by low photocurrent conversion efficiency compared to theoretical maximum values. A recent study reveals that the wavelength of absorbed light in hematite thin films affects its photoelectrochemical properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 19, 2021

First closeups of how a lithium-metal electrode ages

Lithium-metal batteries, used in next-gen electronics and electric vehicles, suffer from calendar aging, losing charge even when turned off. The nature of the battery electrolyte significantly impacts aging, with different electrolytes causing varying levels of corrosion and efficiency loss.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 22, 2021
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 rocks rusted on Earth and turned red

A Rutgers-led study has discovered the natural mineral hematite is responsible for the red color in New Jersey rocks and American Southwest formations. The research reveals that hematite concentrations track 14.5 million years of Late Triassic monsoonal rainfall, providing valuable insights into ancient climate change.

SourceRutgers University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 8, 2021

Making wheat and peanuts less allergenic

Researchers are using plant breeding and genetic engineering to develop less allergenic varieties of wheat and peanuts. They focus on reducing gluten content in wheat and one specific protein that regulates gluten production, aiming to increase food options for people with allergies.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateJan 27, 2021

Common pipe alloy can form cancer-causing chemical in drinking water

Researchers found that residual disinfectants in drinking water distribution systems react with chromium in iron pipes to produce carcinogenic hexavalent chromium. The study recommends reducing the use of pipes with high levels of chromium alloy and using a less reactive disinfectant.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 3, 2020
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.

Solar hydrogen: let's consider the stability of photoelectrodes

Researchers have conducted the first operando stability study of high-purity BiVO4 photoanodes during photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Using in-situ plasma mass spectrometry, they determined a useful parameter called the stability number (S), which can be used to compare and assess the stability of photoelectrodes.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateOct 26, 2020

A better informed society can prevent lead poisoning disasters

Researchers suggest using scientific data and predictive frameworks to identify risks of lead release, improving testing strategies and anticipating problems. Citizen scientists can aid in data gathering with mobile test kits, while AI and machine learning help identify relationships between water conditions and lead levels.

SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 18, 2020

Sunflower oil shows unexpected efficiency in corrosion prevention

Researchers at Kazan Federal University developed a sunflower oil-based inhibitor to prevent gas hydrates and pipeline corrosion in the Arctic. The unique reagent showed high efficiency during laboratory tests, offering a budget-friendly solution with biodegradable properties.

SourceKazan Federal University·JournalEnergy·DateAug 28, 2020
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.

Microbial ecology yields new insights for future shipwreck conservation

Researchers at East Carolina University identify a highly diverse microbial community on a 1960s shipwreck, with iron-oxidizing bacteria contributing to biocorrosion. The study's findings highlight the need for tailored conservation efforts to address unique environmental factors and materials.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·DateAug 19, 2020

POSTECH solves the durability issue of hydrogen cars

A research team at POSTECH developed a new catalyst that improves the durability of automotive fuel cells when shut down. The Pt/HxWO3 catalyst promotes hydrogen oxidation and selectively suppresses oxygen reduction reactions, solving the corrosion issue.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Catalysis·DateJul 13, 2020
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.

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.

Bats inspire detectors to help prevent oil and gas pipe leaks

Engineers have developed a new system that combines fast neutrons and gamma rays to detect corrosion in oil and gas pipelines. The technology mimics the natural world's use of ultrasound waves by bats to detect objects, enabling real-time detection of pipeline flaws.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 30, 2020

Current model for storing nuclear waste is incomplete

New research from Ohio State University reveals that high-level nuclear waste storage materials will degrade faster than expected due to their interaction. The study found severe localized corrosion of glass, ceramics, and stainless steel under certain conditions, posing significant challenges for the current storage model.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 27, 2020

Can a tiny invasive snail help save Latin American coffee?

Researchers found that the Asian tramp snail B. similaris consumes fungal pathogens causing coffee leaf rust, reducing their numbers by up to 30% on infected leaves. However, further studies are needed to understand potential tradeoffs and the snail's effect on other controlling factors.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEcology·DateJan 23, 2020
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.

Marine biology: Acidified oceans may corrode shark scales

A study published in Scientific Reports suggests that prolonged exposure to high carbon dioxide seawater may corrode tooth-like scales covering the skin of puffadder shysharks. The research found that 25% of denticles were damaged in acidified water, compared to 9.2% in a control group.

SourceScientific Reports·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 19, 2019

Wastewater leak in West Texas revealed

A study by Southern Methodist University geophysicists has found evidence of a leak in a West Texas wastewater disposal well between 2007 and 2011. The leak could have contaminated the Rustler Aquifer, used for irrigation and livestock but not drinking water.

SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 25, 2019
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.

Monitoring the corrosion of bioresorbable magnesium

Scientists at ETH Zurich have created a new family of bioresorbable magnesium alloys containing zinc and calcium, which can be resorbed by the human body. Analytical transmission electron microscopy revealed a previously unknown dealloying mechanism governing the dissolution of precipitates in the magnesium matrix.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 23, 2019

It takes two -- a two-atom catalyst, that is -- to make oxygen from water

Researchers discovered a two-atom catalyst that enables efficient oxygen production from water under low-light conditions. The study's findings mimic the activation of photosystem II during photosynthesis, suggesting that similar two-atom catalytic cores might be suitable for achieving efficient water splitting.

SourceYale University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 21, 2019

Analysis of US labor data suggests 'reskilling' workers for a 'feeling economy'

The article discusses how the rise of AI will shift jobs towards feeling tasks, making emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills vital for success. Research by the University of Maryland suggests that companies and individuals must adapt to this new economy, where firms need to recruit people who excel in feeling tasks.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalCalifornia Management Review·DateOct 7, 2019
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Ultra-thin layers of rust generate electricity from flowing water

Thin films of rust can convert kinetic energy into electricity when exposed to saltwater, offering a new method for sustainable power generation. The electrokinetic effect is around 30% efficient and has potential applications in tidal energy conversion and implantable devices.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2019

Improving functional recovery after stroke

Blocking Nogo-A increases newly formed blood vessels and improves motor tasks, neuronal survival, dopamine levels, and nerve fiber density after ischemic stroke. Anti-Nogo-A antibodies may represent a therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke recovery.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 24, 2019

Thwarting oil-pipeline corrosion by identifying a nanoscale villain

Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories discovered a triple junction formed by cementite and ferrite grains as the root cause of unpredictable corrosion in steel pipes. This finding could lead to new methods for forging pipe with reduced nanostructures, minimizing corrosion vulnerability.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·Journalnpj Materials Degradation·DateJun 6, 2019
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.

Making lead pipes safe (video)

Researchers present a quick and affordable solution to restore protective coatings in lead pipes, reducing toxic lead leaching into water supply. The new electrochemical approach could be applied to existing pipes with minimal disruption and cost savings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 3, 2019

Invasive crayfish sabotages its own success, study says

A new study published in Ecology found that rusty crayfish populations declined in lakes with mucky and sandy bottoms, while those with rocky substrates remained stable or increased. The research suggests that the invasive species sabotages its own success by using aquatic plants as shelters to avoid predators.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalEcology·DateMar 28, 2019

In-depth insights into glass corrosion

Scientists use confocal Raman spectroscopy to study silicate glass corrosion in real time, discovering that silica molecules form aggregates near the surface, forming an opal-like layer. This layer does not provide perfect protection against water, allowing the corrosion process to continue.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 28, 2019
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.

Biotechnology to the rescue of Brussels sprouts

A team of European researchers has identified multiple genes that are resistant to Albugo candida, a disease causing white rust in Brassicaceae family plants. The discovery was made using Arabidopsis thaliana as a model plant and has the potential to design new genetic improvement strategies for different cultivated crop species.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2019

Rust never sleeps

Researchers at PNNL use APT to trace oxidation-reduction reactions and create the first 3D atomic maps of iron oxide crystals. These 'atomic maps' reveal a dynamic iron cycle, showing iron atoms filling in potholes on crystal surfaces and driving growth.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 4, 2019

Fluid-inspired material self-heals before your eyes

A Northwestern University team has developed a novel material that can self-heal within seconds when scratched or cracked, preventing localized corrosion. The coating, inspired by fluids, flows and reconnects to rapidly heal, even after repeated damage.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalResearch·DateJan 28, 2019