Bluesky Facebook Reddit Email

A fix for frost: Engineers use electricity to zap ice without heat or chemicals

Researchers at Virginia Tech have developed a new method for removing frost from surfaces using electrostatic defrosting (EDF), which can remove up to 75% of the frost without the need for heat or chemicals. The approach uses high voltage to polarize the frost, creating an electric field that detaches microscopic ice crystals.

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.

A little salt is good for battery health

Scientists at KAUST discovered how free water compromises battery life and performance, but also found a solution with affordable salts like zinc sulfate. The study showed that sulfate reduces the amount of free water in batteries, increasing their lifespan by more than ten times.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Developing printable droplet laser displays

Droplets of a specific organic liquid emit laser light when an electric field is applied, demonstrating electrically switchable 'laser pixels.' A 2x3 array of these droplets can be controlled individually for high-density displays.

Research aims to streamline the detection of foodborne viruses

The research aims to develop a new method for detecting foodborne viruses like norovirus and hepatitis A in time to prevent or quickly respond to an outbreak. The technology uses magnetic liquids to concentrate viruses from large food samples into smaller volumes, streamlining the detection process.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Ionic liquids: “Don’t shake it”

Researchers developed a technique to separate well-mixed mixtures, creating an economically viable process for synthesizing and purifying ionic liquids like [bmim][BF4]. High-purity [bmim][BF4] was produced with a purity exceeding 99%, and the recovered layer containing methylimidazole could be recycled.

Researchers create new class of materials called ‘glassy gels’

Glassy gels are a new class of materials that combine the properties of glassy polymers and gels, with unique characteristics including high elasticity and adhesive surfaces. The materials were created by mixing liquid precursors with an ionic liquid, resulting in a hard yet stretchable material.

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.

Looking for a new battery platform? Focus on the essentials!

Researchers developed a novel air-handleable garnet-type solid electrolyte technology that improves surface and internal properties, preventing contamination layer formation. This innovation enables the creation of ultra-thin lithium solid-state batteries with high energy density and low weight.

Polymeric films protect anodes from sulfide solid electrolytes!

Researchers developed polymeric protective films to improve anode interface stability in sulfide-based all-solid-state batteries. The films, made from various polymers, showed improved interfacial stability and high-capacity retention rates after multiple cycles.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

A battery’s hopping ions remember where they’ve been

In a groundbreaking study, researchers observed that battery ions change direction and return to previous positions before resuming their random travels. The 'fuzzy memory' of the ions lasts just a few billionths of a second but will help scientists predict ion behavior.

Potential solvents identified for building on moon and Mars

Using machine learning and computational modeling, Washington State University researchers found six good candidates for solvents that can extract materials on the moon and Mars usable in 3D printing. The solvents, called ionic liquids, are salts in a liquid state.

Aptamers: lifesavers; ion shields: aptamer guardians

Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology discovered a breakthrough approach to stabilize aptamers using ionic liquids. The team found that these liquid-based environments can shield nucleic acids from enzymes, preserving their functions up to 6.5 million times longer than conventional methods.

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.

Scientists unveil fire-safe fuel

Scientists at the University of California - Riverside have developed a fire-safe fuel that cannot ignite without an external electrical current. This breakthrough could significantly reduce the risk of wildfires and improve energy efficiency.

Breakthrough: Peering into nanofluidic mysteries one photon at a time

Scientists have developed a new approach to study molecular behavior in confined spaces, allowing for real-time tracking of individual molecules within nanofluidic structures. This breakthrough enables the use of single-photon emitters as nanoscale probes, providing unprecedented insights into molecular properties and behaviors.

An ingredient in toothpaste may make electric cars go farther

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory discovered a new fluoride electrolyte that can protect lithium metal batteries against performance decline. The electrolyte maintains a robust protective layer on the anode surface for hundreds of cycles, enabling the battery to last longer.

Aluminium-ion batteries with improved storage capacity

A research team has developed an organic redox polymer that surpasses the capacity of graphite, enabling aluminium-ion batteries to store up to 167 milliampere hours per gram. The battery retains 88% of its capacity after 5,000 charge cycles at 10 C.

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.

New concept for lithium-air batteries

Researchers are working on a new concept for lithium-air batteries that could lead to significant improvements in energy storage capacity. A collaborative project in Germany aims to test new materials and components to enhance the stability of these battery cells. The goal is to overcome technical challenges such as unstable electrolyt...

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Ionic liquids' good vibrations change laser colors with ease

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory demonstrate a new color-shifting strategy that relies on interactions between lasers and vibrational energy in ionic liquids. The method offers an efficient and customizable approach to shift laser colors, with applications in science, industry, and medicine.

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.

Two-dimensional ionic liquids to effectively capture carbon dioxide

Researchers found that two-dimensional ionic liquids exhibit anomalous stepwise melting processes, leading to high CO2 adsorption capacity and structural robustness. This technology could provide a new method for precise control and functional design of liquids, promising various chemical engineering applications.

Engineers at UBC get under the skin of ionic skin

Researchers at UBC create ionic skins made of flexible hydrogels that use ions to carry an electrical charge. These hydrogels can generate voltages when touched, producing a piezoionic effect that allows them to detect pressure and other stimuli. The technology has potential applications in prosthetics, wearable sensors, and body impla...

Chemists suggest using polymeric ionic liquids in supercapacitors

A team of researchers created a theoretical model demonstrating the difference in electrical differential capacitance between polymeric and ordinary ionic liquids. They predict a huge increase in capacitance for polymeric ionic liquids compared to regular ionic liquids with the same chemical composition.

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.

New material offers remarkable combo of toughness and stretchiness

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new material with remarkable toughness and stretchiness, comparable to cartilage. The ionogels created by the team exhibit self-healing and shape memory properties, making them suitable for various applications.

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.

The proton conduction mechanism in protic ionic liquids

Researchers have made significant progress in understanding the proton conduction mechanism in protic ionic liquids, a key component in fuel cells. The study reveals that the mechanism shifts from proton hopping to vehicle mechanism with increasing acidity, enabling the development of new hydrogen ion conductors.

An ionic forcefield for nanoparticles

Researchers at Harvard have developed an ionic forcefield coating that allows nanoparticles to bypass the immune system's first line of defense. In mouse experiments, coated nanoparticles survived longer in the body and reached their target location with increased efficiency.

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.

Promising strategies for durable perovskite solar cells

Researchers developed feasible approaches for durable perovskite photovoltaics by addressing internal instability, chemical degradation, and environmental factors. Compositional engineering and bonding passivation are promising methods to improve device durability.

Ionic liquid electrolyte for potassium batteries

A nonflammable ionic liquid electrolyte has been developed for potassium batteries, allowing for the creation of safe and efficient batteries. The battery demonstrated high energy and power density, retaining around 89% of its original capacity after 820 cycles with a coulombic efficiency of 99.9%.

Science snapshots September 2020

Researchers have developed a new technique to fabricate tiny circuits from ultrathin materials for next-generation electronics. Plants are being engineered to produce new molecules with enhanced properties, while lignin is transformed into a precursor for a useful chemical with wide range of applications

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

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.

Green chemistry approaches to the synthesis of coumarin derivatives

The synthesis of coumarin derivatives can be performed using various green chemistry methods, including ultrasound, microwaves, and solvent-free synthesis. These methods reduce the utilization and generation of toxic organic substances, while also enhancing product yields and purity.

Can ionic liquids transform chemistry?

Researchers are exploring the use of ionic liquids as a more sustainable and efficient way to produce industrial materials like fibers and fuels. The unique properties of these molten salts make them an attractive alternative to traditional solvents, with potential applications in chemical synthesis, biomass refining, and energy storage.

Providing safe, clean water

Researchers introduce a new water purification method using magnetic nanoparticles coated with an ionic liquid, effectively removing organic, inorganic, and microbial contaminants. The nanoparticles can be easily removed with magnets, making them a promising starting point for decentralized water purification systems.

Ionic liquid treatment for obesity

Rats fed a high-fat diet showed 12% less body weight gain after ingesting an ionic liquid containing choline and geranate once daily for 30 days. The treatment also decreased food intake and intestinal fat uptake by 60-70%.

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.