Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a 'molecular flask' that modulates chemical reactions, allowing for the creation of specialized polymers in extremely small spaces. This breakthrough technology enables the production of complex materials with various applications, including optoelectronics and medicine.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 24, 2025
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.
Researchers highlight biodegradable plastics as a promising solution to single-use plastic waste, with the packaging segment accounting for half of single-use plastic production. The market is expected to reach $105 billion by 2024, driven by consumer awareness and corporate response.
SourceUniversity of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture·JournalTrends in Food Science & Technology·TypeSystematic review·DateApr 21, 2025
Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a solvent-free process to break down polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastics using a molybdenum catalyst and ambient air moisture. The process converts PET into monomers, the building blocks for plastics, paving the way for more sustainable plastic recycling.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2025
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a groundbreaking method to recycle Plexiglas by breaking down polymer chains into individual monomer building blocks. The process relies on a chlorinated solvent and UV light, with yields of up to 98% even in multicoloured samples.
A team of researchers from the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics has developed a high-water-soluble pyrene tetraone derivative that enhances the energy density of aqueous organic flow batteries. The new monomer achieves an ultra-high volumetric capacity of approximately 90 Ah/L, with excellent stability and cycling performance.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 3, 2025
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 have introduced a new class of polymers called polythioenones, which are mechanically and chemically recyclable and suitable for 3D printing. These polythioenones demonstrate better mechanical properties than conventional polyolefins thanks to a special ring-shaped building block.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 13, 2025
Researchers developed a recyclable alternative to thermosets, making materials like car tires and hip joints more environmentally friendly. The new material, made from dihydrofuran, can be easily recycled and degrades naturally over time.
Researchers at Kyungpook National University have developed a new approach to map and engineer enzymes for enhanced plastic recycling. They employ landscape profiling to identify efficient biocatalysts for recycling polyethylene terephthalate (PET), producing high-purity monomers under mild conditions.
SourceKyungpook National University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 28, 2025
A Northwestern University-led research team has developed a 2D mechanically interlocked polymer with exceptional flexibility and strength. The material's unique structure exhibits up to 100 trillion mechanical bonds per square centimeter, making it a promising candidate for high-performance body armor.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2025
Researchers developed a new durable plastic that breaks down in seawater, reducing microplastic pollution. The material is strong, non-toxic, and customizable for various applications.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Institute of Science Tokyo develop an innovative strategy to produce β- and γ-naphthocyclinones, challenging compounds that have potential for medical and biological applications. They successfully synthesize the molecules using a retrosynthetic analysis approach, achieving yields of over 70%.
SourceInstitute of Science Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2024
A KAIST research team has successfully produced a microbial-based plastic that is biodegradable and can replace existing PET bottles. The team used metabolic engineering to develop a microbial strain that efficiently produces pseudoaromatic dicarboxylic acids, which are better suited for producing polymers than traditional methods.
SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2024
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a novel strategy to increase the efficiency of photopolymerization reactions by leveraging dynamic UV lighting. This technique produces heavier polymer chains with reduced energy consumption, offering potential for sustainable industrial processes and polymeric materials.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMacromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2024
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.
Researchers developed a new reaction using nickel as a catalyst to create polymers with unique structures and fine-tunable properties, opening doors for applications in drug delivery, energy storage, microelectronics, and beyond. The sustainable method holds promise for environmentally friendly polymer production.
SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Synthesis·DateAug 8, 2024
A novel peptide, KS-133, has been developed to target genetic mechanisms associated with schizophrenia. The nanoparticle-based drug delivery system, where KS-133 is encapsulated with a brain-targeting peptide, shows effective distribution in the brains of mice and improves cognitive functions in mice with induced schizophrenia.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJACS Au·DateJun 27, 2024
A research team at Waseda University has discovered a family of poly(thiourea)s (PTUs) with exceptional optical properties, including transparency over 92% and a refractive index of 1.81. The polymers can be easily degraded into simpler molecules, making them suitable for sustainable optoelectronic applications.
SourceWaseda University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 30, 2024
Researchers from IOCB Prague and Ghent University have developed 3D-printable gelatin-based materials that can be easily monitored using X-rays or CT scans. This improvement enables the tracking of implant biodegradation and mechanical failures, allowing for tailored clinical requirements.
SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalACS Applied Engineering Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2024
Researchers at Shinshu University propose a new chemical process to depolymerize cyclic α-substituted styrene-based vinyl polymers, resulting in the recovery of monomer precursors. This efficient recycling system can facilitate effective resource circulation and development of new plastic recycling technologies.
SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Macro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024
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 at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz discovered a unique cryptochrome protein in marine bristle worms that distinguishes between sunlight and moonlight. The protein's structure reveals an unusual light-induced change from dimer to monomer arrangements, allowing it to synchronize reproduction with lunar phases.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 13, 2023
Researchers create CREATS method for imaging polymerization reactions at single-monomer resolution, revealing the sequence of monomers in copolymers. This allows for fine-tuning of material properties, such as stiffness or flexibility, and provides a guiding principle for designing tailored materials.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 9, 2023
Researchers discovered a unique protein in bristle worms that distinguishes between sunlight and moonlight. The protein, L-Cry, disassembles under intense light and forms a stable connection in the dark.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 30, 2023
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have developed a new way to recycle polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic using electricity and chemical reactions. In small-scale lab experiments, PET was broken down into its basic building blocks, which can be recovered and potentially reused to make new plastic bottles.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalChem Catalysis·DateJul 5, 2023
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
A University of Virginia-led study challenges traditional understanding of associative polymers' behavior, revealing that reversible bonds slow down polymer movement without creating a rubbery network. This discovery has implications for materials used in sustainability, health, and engineering applications.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 2, 2023
Researchers at Colorado State University have created a new chemical strategy to deliver universal dynamic crosslinkers into mixed plastic streams, transforming them into viable new polymers that can be turned into higher-value materials. The method makes post-consumer plastics usable as a new kind of material with useful properties.
SourceColorado State University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023
Frontal polymerization, a faster and more energy-efficient process, generates heat that drives natural convection. This interaction leads to patterns in the resulting solid polymeric material, affecting its properties.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 30, 2023
Researchers at Shinshu University have developed a closed-loop recycling process for polymers using microparticles, resulting in fully recyclable films with high mechanical stability and fracture energy. The strategy enables the reuse of polymer materials, reducing plastic waste and environmental pollution.
SourceShinshu University·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 23, 2023
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.
Researchers used machine learning to create molecule chains that display designated colors in response to different stimuli, such as light, chemicals, and energy. This breakthrough enables faster and more efficient data storage and security applications.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2023
A team of scientists, led by Marco Fraaije from the University of Groningen, has developed an enzyme that can convert lignin monomers into useful chemical building blocks. The enzyme has been engineered to be stable, selective, and faster in conversion, offering a promising solution for the valorization of biomass.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2022
A Japanese research team successfully constructed the first polymeric Weaire-Phelan structure, a previously theoretical form predicted to be the most efficient solution for a century-old tessellation problem. The structure was achieved through a novel polymerization-induced phase separation method.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a one-pot-and-one-step synthesis procedure to create long and geometrically interlinked polymer molecules. This process can produce a wide range of advanced materials with applications in drug delivery, data storage, microelectronics, and nanolithography.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 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.
Researchers at UT Austin developed a semicrystalline polymer that combines strength and flexibility, overcoming challenges of mixed materials in robotics and electronics. The new material is 10 times as tough as natural rubber and can be controlled with light.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 13, 2022
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
A new study reveals that the protein CHIP can regulate insulin receptor signals more efficiently alone than in a paired state. This finding suggests that maintaining a balance between monomeric and dimeric states of CHIP is crucial for proper cellular function.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalMolecular Cell·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022
Researchers characterize material properties of IP-Q using Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation, revealing elastic parameters and their effects on acoustic behavior. The study optimizes elastic parameters for TPP-fabricated structures, benefiting applications in life science, mobility, and industry.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateAug 12, 2022
A team of scientists from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has designed a new material system to overcome the challenges of mixed-plastic recycling. They created customized polydiketoenamine (PDK) plastics that can be recycled efficiently and indefinitely, providing a low-carbon manufacturing solution for plastic products.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 20, 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.
Researchers at Eindhoven University of Technology accidentally discovered that adding more water to a liquid solution turns it back into a gel, and then further dilution forms another gel. The team's findings have significant implications for various fields in chemistry and biology.
SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022
A research team from Tokyo University of Science has developed a new method to create copolymers with different metal species, which have potential uses in catalysis and drug discovery. The technique allows for controlling the composition of metal species in the resulting polymer.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022
Researchers developed efficient metal-free polymeric scintillators for high-resolution X-ray imaging, outperforming conventional anthracene-based scintillators. The polymers exhibit multicolor radioluminescence and high photostability, enabling applications in radiation detection, medical diagnosis, and security inspection.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMay 17, 2022
Researchers at MIT have synthesized himastatin, a natural compound with antimicrobial properties. The team discovered that the compound kills bacteria by disrupting their cell membranes.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A research team at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics synthesized renewable nylon monomers from poplar wood using a Pd/C catalyst. The total carbon yield was found to be 39.2%, enabling further conversion to valuable chemicals.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalChem Catalysis·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateFeb 14, 2022
Researchers at MIT have developed a new material that is stronger than steel and as light as plastic, with potential applications in car parts, cell phones, bridges, and other structures. The material, called polyaramide, self-assembles into sheets and has unique properties, including high elastic modulus and impermeability to gases.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2022
Researchers developed an auto-switchable phosphazene-based catalyst to create well-defined diblock terpolymers in a single step, overcoming the limitations of traditional two-step polymerizations. This innovative approach offers vast potential for producing diverse polymers for various industrial applications.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2022
Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022
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.
Researchers have developed a biodegradable polymer coating that can block grease and oil in compostable paper packaging, reducing environmental impact. The coating's ester linkages break apart in water, allowing microorganisms to degrade it.
Researchers have developed a new type of polymer that can be broken down into its constituent parts, reducing waste and promoting a circular use of materials. The polymers exhibit excellent thermal stability and versatile mechanical properties, making them an attractive candidate to replace traditional plastics.
SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalNature Chemistry·DateAug 17, 2021
Cornell researchers created a chemically recyclable thermoplastic by synthesizing long polymer chains using a special catalyst. The resulting material, poly(1,3-dioxolane) or PDXL, has high tensile strength and can be easily depolymerized back to its monomer state, making it suitable for large-scale applications like packaging products.
Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated that living cells can construct semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (sIPNs) for biomedical applications. These cell-built materials exhibit medically relevant functions and could be used to release protective molecules, such as antibiotics, in a controlled manner.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2021
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.
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology use genetic engineering to produce protein assemblies from protein crystals. They successfully synthesized bundled protein filaments with precise arrangement and control.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 25, 2021
Researchers have developed an enzyme-activated compostable plastic that can break down into its building blocks and be reformed into a new product. This innovative material has the potential to diminish microplastics pollution and offers a promising solution for plastics upcycling.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 2021
Researchers at NIMS and RIKEN successfully synthesized the longest bottlebrush polymer ever made, reaching a length of 7 μm. This achievement has significant implications for the development of flexible and low-friction polymeric materials.
SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 25, 2021
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.
The team developed a spontaneous patterning method that mimics biological processes, producing resins with regular ridges and controlled height and spacing. By adjusting the initial temperature of the solution, they created materials with patterns of color and stiffness, paving the way for creating new 'smart' materials.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 24, 2021
A new modification strategy regulates pore size distribution and electronegativity in polyamide NF membranes, improving rejection rates for monosaccharides and monovalent salts. This results in better separation efficiency with only minor permeability loss.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateMar 11, 2021
Researchers at the University of Groningen and ECUST have developed a way to produce polymers from lipoic acid, which can be easily depolymerized under mild conditions. The process recovers 87% of monomers in their pure form, enabling fully recyclable plastics.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalMatter·DateFeb 4, 2021
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.
Researchers have developed a new method for recycling plastic waste using mechanochemical ball milling and vapor-assisted aging, achieving up to 99% conversion of PET into monomers. This breakthrough has the potential to significantly reduce plastic pollution and create sustainable processes for producing valuable chemicals.
SourceRuđer Bošković Institute·JournalChemSusChem·DateJan 25, 2021
A Princeton University team has discovered a new polybutadiene molecule that can be depolymerized under certain conditions, enabling the creation of chemically recyclable plastics. The material, named (1,n'-divinyl)oligocyclobutane, exhibits intriguing properties such as telechelic functionality, thermal stability, and high crystallinity.
SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJan 25, 2021
Researchers developed degradable, cargo-bearing polymers from xylose-based monomers that can be hydrolyzed to release useful molecules. The polymers' linkages determine their degradation rate, producing pyrroles or furans.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 22, 2021
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.
Researchers at Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics successfully synthesized bio-based Methylcyclopentadiene through direct hydrodeoxygenation of 3-methylcyclopent-2-enone derived from cellulose. The process achieved a high carbon yield of 70% and opens up a new horizon for the production of valuable products.
SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 7, 2021
Researchers at the University of Groningen and AkzoNobel created a coating process using light, oxygen, and UV light, turning biomass into a high-quality coating. The coatings have properties comparable to those of acrylate-based coatings and can be adaptable for different purposes.
SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 16, 2020
Researchers at Arizona State University have discovered that certain molecules can promote the self-assembly of sliding clamps into structures containing many stacked doughnut shapes, resembling tubes of doughnuts. These findings suggest a new mechanism by which cells may control DNA replication under stress conditions.
SourceArizona State University·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateDec 9, 2020
Researchers develop a method to create complex, low-symmetry structures by assembling organic monomers into cyclic macromolecules. These 'foldamers' mimic the properties of biopolymers and offer an ideal model system to study protein folding and interactions.
SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 20, 2020
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Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.