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Fruit flies grow brainy on a poor diet

Researchers at Kyoto University found that a poor, low-yeast diet causes fruit flies' larvae to grow dendrites in an unexpected way. The hyperarborization phenotype is triggered by a simultaneous deficiency in vitamins, metal ions, and cholesterol, which increases the production of Wingless signaling molecules from body wall muscle.

SourceKyoto University·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2023

Portable and affordable all-optical system for testing lab-on-a-chip human hearts

Researchers have developed a novel portable and low-cost macroscopic mapping system for all-optical cardiac electrophysiology using optogenetics and machine vision cameras. The system can stimulate and image engineered networks of human heart cells, providing insights into cardiac wave function and stability.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Biomedical Optics·DateJan 11, 2023

New type of entanglement lets scientists 'see' inside nuclei

Physicists have discovered a way to observe quantum interference between dissimilar particles, allowing for the creation of high-precision images of gluon distributions within atomic nuclei. This technique enables researchers to better understand the force holding quarks and gluons together in atomic nuclei.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 4, 2023

Berkeley Lab scientists develop a cool new method of refrigeration

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have developed a new method of heating and cooling called ionocaloric cooling, which could provide efficient and safe cooling for homes. The technique uses ions to drive solid-to-liquid phase changes, making it potentially more efficient than current refrigerants.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 3, 2023
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.

Plants between light and darkness

Researchers discovered two ion transport proteins, VCCN1 and KEA3, that dynamically adjust photosynthetic performance in response to light fluctuations. The study found that these proteins play a crucial role in protecting plants from excessive sunlight and optimizing growth under varying light conditions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNew Phytologist·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2022

Designing better battery electrolytes

Scientists are rethinking electrolyte design for future battery generations, considering factors like interphases and solid-state electrolytes. They're using AI and automated laboratories to identify optimal electrolyte characteristics and reduce human error.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateDec 19, 2022

What triggers flow fluctuations in heavy-ion collision debris?

Scientists study flow patterns from heavy-ion collisions to understand fluctuations in particle behavior, aiming to calculate the properties of quark-gluon plasma. The results point to initial state influences as the primary trigger for these fluctuations, with collision energy and nucleus size also playing a role.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Particles of light may create fluid flow, data-theory comparison suggests

Theoretical calculations and experimental data from the ATLAS detector suggest that photons can create a fluid of strongly interacting particles in collisions with heavy ions. This is supported by observations of particle flow patterns similar to those seen in lead-lead and proton-lead collisions.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 13, 2022

New study sheds light on boric acid transport and excretion in marine fish

Researchers have discovered a new molecular mechanism for the transport and excretion of boric acid in marine pufferfish, finding that a unique gene, Slc4a11A, plays a crucial role in this process. This breakthrough opens up new avenues for understanding boric acid transport in animals.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2022
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.

Copper a clue in the fight against cancer

Researchers discovered that the Memo1 protein binds copper ions, blocking toxic redox reactions that damage or kill cancer cells. The protein's interaction with copper also protects against metastasis formation in breast cancer cells. This finding opens up potential new treatments for cancer.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 10, 2022

New approach to fabricating ion conducting ceramic membranes for stable hydrogen production

Researchers developed a new approach to fabricate multilayered ceramic membranes with ceria-based thin-film for stable hydrogen production. The interface-reaction-induced reassembly method resulted in highly dense and adherent layers with reduced ionic transport resistance, enabling long durability (>1000 hours) in practical conditions.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 7, 2022

Tapping into seawater's energetic potential

A KAUST-led team creates selective anode catalysts for stable and efficient hydrogen evolution in seawater splitting. The nanoreactors exhibited high electrocatalytic activity and stability due to their unique structure, isolating the electrolysis from side reactions.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChem Catalysis·DateOct 30, 2022
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.

Zinc enhances albumin’s protective role against Parkinson's disease

Researchers have discovered that zinc ions tune the ability of human serum albumin to prevent α-synuclein aggregation, a process linked to Parkinson's disease. Zinc binding alters HSA's chaperone function, blunting fibril formation and slowing down protein deposition that can lead to neurodegeneration.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalInternational Journal of Biological Macromolecules·DateOct 16, 2022

Researchers have determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of a protein important for organ functions

A team of researchers has determined the three-dimensional atomic structure of NKCC1, a human chloride transporter crucial for regulating ion balance in the body. The study reveals a surprising mechanism for releasing ions into cells, which could lead to novel compounds for treating kidney and brain disorders.

SourceAarhus University·JournalThe EMBO Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022
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.

Study shows shaker channel mutation differs structurally from human potassium channels

A recent study led by Dr. Luis Cuello and Alain J. Labro found that a known Shaker channel mutation differs structurally from its human counterparts, with implications for drug development and ion transport mechanisms. The research reveals a unique conformation of the W434F mutant that is distinct from wild-type channels.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateOct 11, 2022

Study makes spin liquid model more realistic

Researchers improved the Kitaev spin liquid model by freezing electrons in space, allowing only spin contributions at low temperatures. The study successfully explained experimental data and predicted a topological phase in the presence of an external magnetic field.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalPhysical Review·DateOct 10, 2022

Taking salt out of the water equation

Researchers at KAUST have developed ultrathin polymer-based ordered membranes that simultaneously exhibit high water flux and high salt rejection. The membranes display excellent performance in both forward and reverse osmosis configurations, surpassing those containing advanced materials like carbon nanotubes and graphene.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 6, 2022

Novel method helps quantify reversibility and irreversibility of practical li metal batteries

A research group has developed an innovative methodology to quantify the electrochemical reversibility of a lithium metal anode in practical lithium battery systems. The method enables the precise quantification of active and inactive lithium, allowing for a better understanding of the degradation and failure of Li metal batteries.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Energy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateOct 2, 2022
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.

Neural net computing in water

A team of researchers at Harvard University has developed an ionic circuit that performs analog matrix multiplication, a key operation in neural networks, using ions in liquid. The breakthrough uses a pH-gated ionic transistor and expands to a 16x16 array for more complex computations.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 29, 2022

Watching the fate of molecular nitrogen with X-rays, when an electron has been kicked out

Researchers at the Max Born Institute have used novel ultrashort soft X-ray spectroscopy to study the fate of molecular nitrogen when an electron is kicked out. They found that the B state has a similar degree of excitation as the X state, contradicting previous models. Instead, a coherent interplay between light fields enables lasing ...

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022
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.

New study explains mechanisms of salt transport and could help treat cystic fibrosis

A recent study by Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center researchers has shed light on the mechanisms of salt transport across membrane barriers. The findings have significant implications for treating cystic fibrosis, a disease caused by mutations in three types of sodium-potassium pumps.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateSep 21, 2022

Novel carrier doping in p-type semiconductors enhances photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration

Researchers have developed a novel carrier doping method for p-type semiconductors, which improves photovoltaic device performance by increasing hole concentration. The new method uses alkali ion impurities to enhance conductivity in copper(I)-based semiconductors.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2022

Scientists found out how to efficiently extract silver

Researchers have created a sorbent that maximizes the absorption of precious metal from solutions, selectively extracting silver even in low concentrations. The new sorbent's properties make it useful for purifying drinking water and processing production waste.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalRussian Journal of Inorganic Chemistry·DateAug 22, 2022
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.

How calcium ions get into the cellular power stations of plants

The study found that plants have a transport route for calcium ions into their mitochondria, which is essential for signal transmission. The researchers also discovered a link between calcium ion transport and the regulation of the plant hormone jasmonic acid, which controls defense against herbivores and senescence.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateAug 10, 2022
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.

Computer simulations aid scientists in gauging battery performance

Researchers at IISc used widely-used computational techniques to predict and verify migration barrier values in lithium-ion batteries. They propose robust guidelines to choose accurate frameworks for testing materials. The study found SCAN functional had better accuracy overall, while GGA was faster but less accurate.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJul 25, 2022

At the water’s edge: Self-assembling 2D materials at a liquid–liquid interface

Researchers from Tokyo University of Science create new method for producing heterolayer coordination nanosheets with improved properties and controllability. The study expands the diversity of 2D materials, enabling potential applications in optoelectronics and renewable energy.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 21, 2022

Novel multi-proton carrier complex as efficient proton conductor at high temperatures

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed a novel multi-proton carrier complex that shows efficient proton conductivity even at high temperatures. The resulting starburst-type metal complex acts as a proton transmitter, making it 6 times more potent than individual imidazole molecules.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 18, 2022
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.

Advances in lithium niobate photonics

Lithium niobate photonics has developed rapidly, enabling compact devices with high performance. Thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) structures have shown significant improvements in refractive index contrast, paving the way for more integrated photonic devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJun 23, 2022
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.

Unique molecular CODE – Paramagnetic encoding of molecules

Researchers have developed a novel method for molecular encoding using paramagnetic properties, enabling digital information storage and transmission. The system uses lanthanide elements to create unique signals that can be read remotely, with potential applications in chemistry, pharmacy, telemedicine, and more.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 10, 2022

Chung-Ang University researchers use biomolecule-loaded metal-organic frameworks nanopatterns to aid artificial stem cell differentiation

A new platform mimics live cellular environment to guide stem cell differentiation outside the body. Researchers from Chung-Ang University developed a novel platform based on metal-organic frameworks, which offers advantages over conventional methods for in vitro stem cell differentiation.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

All-attosecond pump-probe spectroscopy

The researchers successfully demonstrated attosecond-pump attosecond-probe spectroscopy to study non-linear multi-photon ionization of atoms. The experiment showed that the absorption of four photons from two attosecond pulse trains led to three electrons being removed from an argon atom.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalOptica·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 9, 2022

Air pollution may increase freezing rain in the Northern Hemisphere

Long-term measurements at Mount Heng in southern China found acidic and more soluble ions in freezing rain, leading to decreased ambient temperatures. This process prolongs the existence of freezing rain, amplifying its effects in northern China as global warming shifts its influencing area

SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric Environment·DateJun 7, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Designing the perfect membrane for clean separation

Researchers at KAUST have developed a new class of oriented mixed-matrix metal-organic framework (MMMOF) membrane that selectively removes detrimental gases like H2S and CO2 from natural gas. The membrane demonstrates far better separation efficiency compared to conventional methods.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience·DateJun 2, 2022

Artificial cell membrane channels composed of DNA can be opened and locked with a key

Researchers at Arizona State University have designed and constructed artificial membrane channels using DNA, allowing selective transport of ions, proteins, and cargo. The channels can be opened and closed with a lock and key mechanism, enabling diverse scientific domains such as biosensing and drug delivery applications.

SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022

Crystal study may resolve DNA mystery

A study by Rice University bioscientists has revealed the presence of a central metal ion critical to DNA replication and implicated in misincorporation. The research found that three metal ions are involved in the process, with the first supporting nucleotide binding and the second stabilizing the binding of loose nucleotides. This di...

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 9, 2022
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.

Story tips: Fueling up on savings, COVID’s behavior effect, cosmic collisions, seismic and sound, and space-to-ground comms

Researchers found that speeding can decrease fuel economy by 7% and result in an extra 28 cents per gallon at current US fuel prices. They also studied human behavior during the early days of COVID-19 and simulated cosmic collisions to better understand X-ray emissions.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Transport Geography·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 2, 2022

An efficient electrochemical intercalation method for high-yield production of TMD nanosheets

A research team from City University of Hong Kong has developed an efficient electrochemical intercalation method to produce high-yield mono- or few-layer transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) nanosheets. The new strategy offers a higher degree of control over lithium insertion and can be scaled up for industrial applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 7, 2022

Triggering cellular apoptosis by optical targeting

Researchers at Okayama University have created a new method to kill cancer cells using light-activated protein AR3, reducing the risk of adverse reactions. The approach uses green light to trigger apoptosis in targeted cells, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2022
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.

Quantum sensors: Measuring even more precisely

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have developed a programmable quantum sensor that can measure with even greater precision, using tailored entanglement to optimize performance. The sensor autonomously finds its optimal settings through free parameters, promising a significant advantage over classical computers.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2022

New sorbent removes maximum copper and zinc from water

Researchers have created a novel sorbent that effectively removes copper and zinc from water solutions, with the ability to be reused for efficient treatment of industrial wastewater and drinking water. The sorbent's adsorption properties were enhanced through modification, allowing for up to 60% removal of heavy metals within minutes.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Molecular Sciences·DateMar 22, 2022

Using ions to find molecules

Physicists create cold molecular ions using a new method and detect ultracold molecules with high sensitivity. The technique uses a single trapped ion to sense tiny amounts of molecules, opening up new possibilities for precision spectroscopy and understanding ultracold collisions.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 11, 2022
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.

Office buildings with infrequent water use may have poor water quality

A study published in PLOS Water found that office buildings with low-consumption plumbing may experience chemical and microbiological safety issues due to weekend stagnation. The research highlights the need for regular water testing in commercial buildings, even those designed as 'green' to reduce water consumption.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeObservational study·DateMar 9, 2022

Separator key when it comes to ‘stable’ vs. ‘safe’ battery

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered that the pore size of a battery separator plays a crucial role in determining the stability and safety of a battery. The study reveals that smaller pores can lead to localized metal ion penetration and increased risk of short circuits.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022
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.

Molecule snapshot by explosion

Researchers at the European XFEL facility have taken pictures of gas-phase iodopyridine molecules at atomic resolution using ultra-bright X-ray pulses. The images were reconstructed from the fragments caused by a Coulomb explosion, providing unprecedented clarity for this method and molecule size.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

Graphene and an intense laser open the door to the extreme

Researchers at Osaka University have successfully accelerated energetic ions using graphene targets irradiated with ultra-intense lasers, overcoming previous limitations. The findings demonstrate the robustness of graphene in this application and pave the way for compact and efficient plasma-based accelerators.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2022

Scientists test promising biosensor aimed for use in brain

Researchers developed a waterproof biosensor that can accurately detect changes in potassium and sodium ion levels important in TBI. The chip features electronic components that produce an electrical signal when sensing chemicals, and the team successfully tested it in artificial cerebrospinal fluid and human blood serum.

SourceOhio State University·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2022