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Crystal-stacking process can produce new materials for high-tech devices

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and MIT developed a new platform to create stacked-crystal materials with hybrid properties and multiple functions. This allows for infinite combinations of materials, opening doors to new technologies in data storage, sensing, energy, biomedical devices and more.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Making high-temperature superconductivity disappear to understand its origin

Researchers used a new technique to study the origin of superconductivity in cuprates by overdoping a material until it disappeared. They found that purely electronic interactions likely lead to high-temperature superconductivity and that this interaction emerges exactly when superconductivity starts, strengthening as it gets stronger.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 3, 2020

New research could aid cleaner energy technologies

Researchers at Binghamton University developed a new technique to examine gas and oxide interactions, leading to better understanding of catalysts, batteries, and vehicle longevity. The study's findings could also improve materials design for various industrial applications.

SourceBinghamton University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2020

The properties of thin titanium oxide films have been studied

Researchers developed new titanium oxide thin films with improved conductivity and stability across a wide range of temperatures. The findings show promise for creating efficient catalysts that can operate effectively at various temperatures.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalThin Solid Films·DateJan 21, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Photoelectrochemical water-splitting efficiency hits 4.5%

Researchers at EPFL have achieved a record-breaking photoelectrochemical water-splitting efficiency of 4.5% using cuprous oxide (Cu2O) photocathodes with copper thiocyanate (CuSCN) as a transparent and effective hole transport layer, showing improved performance and overcoming limitations such as high cost and electron-hole recombination.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 16, 2020

Toward a smarter way of recharging the aquifer

A research team at Washington University in St. Louis found that dissolved organic compounds can trigger the mobilization of arsenic in recharged aquifers. When oxygen is introduced into the aquifer, it triggers oxidative dissolution of sulfide minerals, releasing arsenic into the water.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJan 9, 2020

Exploring the 'dark side' of a single-crystal complex oxide thin film

A team of scientists has discovered new details about a type of thin film being explored for advanced microelectronics. The research reveals that the material's local static properties remain intact when transferred from one substrate to another, making it promising for future complex oxide microelectronics.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 6, 2020
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.

PPPL invention could improve efficiency of engines while reducing pollutants

Researchers at PPPL have developed a novel design that could increase the efficiency of gasoline-fueled internal combustion engines while reducing toxic emissions. The patented method rapidly spins gas inside cylinders to operate at lower temperatures, resulting in lower Nitrogen Oxide emissions and improved fuel economy.

SourceDOE/Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory·DateDec 18, 2019

Scientists see defects in potential new semiconductor

Researchers have discovered point defects in beta gallium oxide, which could impact its efficiency as a semiconductor. The defects can provide opportunities for unprecedented control of the material's properties if properly manipulated.

SourceOhio State University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 5, 2019

Discovery of an unusual protein

Researchers have identified a novel protein involved in the anammox process, which converts ammonium and nitric oxide to hydrazine. This protein has a unique four-amino-acid structure that was overlooked in previous studies.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateDec 2, 2019
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.

Energy research -- Economizing on iridium

Researchers have developed a novel, highly porous material that enables efficient hydrogen production from water using less expensive catalysts. The new electrode surpasses commercial systems in terms of activity and achieves significant reductions in iridium usage.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 20, 2019

Nitrous oxide, a greenhouse gas, is on the rise

A new study found that nitrous oxide emissions have risen steadily since the mid-20th century, linked to increased nitrogen substrates released into the environment. The global rate of increase has been underestimated by current methods, and a global effort is needed to solve this problem.

SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature Climate Change·DateNov 18, 2019
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.

New catalysts remove NOx pollutants at lower temperatures

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University developed a low-temperature catalyst using bulk defective vanadium oxide to remove NOx gas from industrial exhaust. The catalyst works at temperatures below 150 degrees Celsius with higher efficiency than conventional catalysts.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateNov 16, 2019

Flawless films of alumina glass flex without fracturing at room temperature

Researchers demonstrate that thin films of amorphous aluminum oxide glass can be permanently bent and pulled under high stress without breaking. The flawless material's high plasticity is linked to its density, with key criteria needed to identify other ductile oxide glasses.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 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.

Finally, the answer to a 'burning' 40-year-old question

Researchers at Lehigh University have discovered the mechanism behind a crucial catalyst that reduces harmful industrial emissions. The study found that tungsten oxide changes the structure of vanadium oxide, increasing its activity and reducing undesirable reaction products.

SourceLehigh University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 24, 2019

Magnetics with a twist: Scientists find new way to image spins

Researchers from Cornell University have developed a novel technique called magneto-thermal microscopy to visualize the spin orientation of antiferromagnetic materials. This breakthrough enables control over the material's textures and unlocks new possibilities for high-density storage and faster electronic devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalPhysical Review X·DateOct 22, 2019
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.

Picoscience and a plethora of new materials

Researchers at Yale University are developing new materials that can mimic neurons, compute with magnets, and calculate using quantum mechanics. The team used a precision measurement technique to create artificial crystals composed of elements from the periodic table.

SourceYale University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 7, 2019

Researchers discover a link between two important products of nitric oxide

Scientists discover a hitherto unknown mechanism behind the formation of nitroso thiols, important reaction products of nitric oxide. This process occurs during the formation of dinitrosyl iron complexes (DNICs), which are also products of nitric oxide.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalChemical Communications·DateOct 4, 2019

Disrupting key protein alters biological rhythms in water flea

Researchers from North Carolina State University have shown that the E75 protein plays a critical role in regulating biological rhythms in Daphnia magna. Suppression of E75 results in longer molt cycles and reduced numbers of offspring. The study highlights the potential impact of environmental stressors on population sustainability.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateSep 19, 2019
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.

Eco-friendly method for the synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles

Scientists from Ural Federal University and Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology developed a green synthesis method for iron oxide nanoparticles using Ipomoea aquatica extract. The resulting nanoparticles exhibit superparamagnetic nature, antibacterial activity, and potential applications in biomedicine.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalChemistrySelect·DateSep 16, 2019

MIT engineers develop 'blackest black' material to date

Researchers at MIT developed a material that is 10 times blacker than anything reported previously, using vertically aligned carbon nanotubes. The new coating absorbs greater than 99.995% of incoming light from any angle, making it the blackest material on record.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 13, 2019

'Resonance' raman spectroscopy with 1-nm resolution

Scientists have developed a new technique to study nanoscale chemical structures and local electronic states using tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy. The method breaks the diffraction limit, allowing for high-resolution analysis of materials at the atomic scale.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 4, 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.

Mouthwash use could inhibit benefits of exercise, new research shows

A recent study found that exercising while using antibacterial mouthwash can significantly reduce the benefits of exercise on lowering blood pressure. The researchers discovered that oral bacteria play a crucial role in the production of nitrite, a molecule that enhances nitric oxide production and helps maintain widened blood vessels....

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalFree Radical Biology and Medicine·DateSep 3, 2019

Getting to the root of how plants tolerate too much iron

Scientists have identified a major genetic regulator of iron tolerance, called GSNOR, which enables plants to grow in environments with high iron levels. The discovery could lead to crop species that thrive in soils with excess iron, improving food security and yields.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 29, 2019

First report of superconductivity in a nickel oxide material

Researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory have made the first nickel oxide material that exhibits clear superconducting properties. The discovery is significant as it opens up new possibilities for high-temperature superconductors, which could revolutionize electronic devices and power transmission.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature·DateAug 28, 2019
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.

MIPT physicists create device for imitating biological memory

Researchers from MIPT created a second-order memristor that stores information and forgets it over time, mimicking natural memory. The device is based on hafnium oxide and has potential applications in designing analog neurocomputers.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 28, 2019

Breaking up is hard to do

Researchers discovered that electrons in copper oxide superconductors continue to pair up even above the critical temperature, reducing the energy gap. This finding constrains theories about high-temperature superconductivity and opens avenues for designing more precise materials.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalNature·DateAug 21, 2019

Promising new solar-powered path to hydrogen fuel production

A team of engineers at Lehigh University has successfully created a catalyst that uses sunlight to split water molecules, producing hydrogen. This process is performed at room temperature and under ambient pressure, making it a promising route towards a renewable energy-based economy.

SourceLehigh University·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateAug 1, 2019
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.

A catalyst for sustainable methanol

Scientists at ETH Zurich developed a new catalyst technology converting CO2 and hydrogen directly into methanol, enabling the production of fuels and chemicals from renewable resources. The approach has significant potential to close the carbon cycle and produce sustainable methanol on an industrial scale.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 29, 2019

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

Lots of lead in the water? Maybe manganese is to blame

Researchers found that manganese can increase the rate of conversion from lead carbonate to lead dioxide by two orders of magnitude. This process can occur when chlorine disinfectants are used in water treatment, and varying concentrations of manganese among public water systems may explain differences in lead dioxide presence.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 22, 2019

Search for new semiconductors heats up with gallium oxide

University of Illinois researchers have developed a method to fabricate beta-gallium oxide, a potentially low-cost alternative to gallium nitride, using metal-assisted chemical etching. The process enables the production of 3D fin structures that can increase power handling and reduce chip size.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 22, 2019
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.

Most powerful and mildest reagents obtained based on eco-friendly iodine

Researchers have developed polyvalent iodine-based reagents for organic synthesis, replacing toxic compounds and enabling reactions at room temperature. The mildest reagent is suitable for oxidizing natural compounds, while the most powerful reagent synthesizes fluorinated alcohols.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalChemical Communications·DateJul 8, 2019

Bionic catalysts to produce clean energy

Researchers at KAUST have created a biohybrid material that performs well as an electrocatalyst, enabling the production of carbon-free fuels and green-energy applications. The material outperforms expensive metal-based OER catalysts in terms of efficiency and is environmentally friendly.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJul 2, 2019

DGIST Discovers control of cell signaling using a cobalt (iii)-nitrosyl complex

Researchers developed a stable cobalt(III)-nitrosyl complex, enabling controlled nitric oxide delivery to cells. This discovery has the potential to greatly impact treatment development for cardiovascular diseases, including vasodilation and enhanced neuroplasticity.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 2, 2019
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.

Artificial DNA can control release of active ingredients from drugs

Researchers developed a process to release multiple active ingredients in sequence under conditions similar to the human body, using hydrogels and artificial DNA. The particles are released one by one, with each stage triggered by the previous release.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJun 28, 2019

Direct method to etch-embed Ce onto Cu-based oxide

Researchers developed a direct method to etch-embed cerium (Ce) onto copper-based oxide surfaces, resulting in highly interactive surface structures with synergistic effects. The obtained catalysts exhibited attractive catalytic performance even in the presence of SO2.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalNANO·DateJun 19, 2019

UCI scientists create new class of two-dimensional materials

Researchers at UCI unveil a new process for producing oxide perovskite crystals in exquisitely flexible, free-standing layers. The discovery creates a new class of two-dimensional materials with remarkable electronic properties, including high-temperature superconductivity.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 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.

Magnetism discovered in the Earth's mantle

Researchers from Germany, France, Denmark, and the USA have made a groundbreaking discovery about the Earth's magnetic field. By studying iron oxide hematite under extreme conditions, they found that it retains its magnetic properties even deep in the mantle, challenging the long-held assumption of its non-magnetic nature.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2019

High-temperature superconducting copper oxide

Researchers report a unique copper oxide exhibiting high-temperature superconductivity at up to 73 K, distinct structural features from known cuprate superconductors. This discovery suggests new directions for developing high-temperature superconductors.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How to purify water with graphene

Scientists have discovered that graphene can be used to purify water by capturing bacterial cells, making it drinkable. The process involves adding graphene oxide to solutions containing E.coli bacteria, resulting in the formation of flakes that can be easily extracted and reused.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalMaterials Science and Engineering C·DateApr 29, 2019

How bacteria build an enzyme that destroys climate-changing laughing gas

Researchers from University of East Anglia discovered a protein called NosL that helps assemble the copper-sulfide cluster active site in nitrogenase reductase, an enzyme that destroys N2O. The team's findings may help pave the way for strategies to mitigate the damaging effects of nitrous oxide on the environment.

SourceUniversity of East Anglia·JournalChemical Science·DateApr 17, 2019
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.

Earliest life may have arisen in ponds, not oceans

A new MIT study suggests that primitive ponds, rather than oceans, were more suitable for brewing up Earth's first life forms. Shallow bodies of water, on the order of 10 centimeters deep, could have held high concentrations of nitrogen, a key ingredient for jump-starting life.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateApr 12, 2019

The trouble with thaw

A recent study reveals that thawing Alaskan permafrost is releasing about twelve times higher amounts of nitrous oxide than previously assumed, making it a significant contributor to global warming. The potent greenhouse gas can stay in the atmosphere for up to 114 years, posing an additional threat to the ozone layer.

SourceHarvard University·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateApr 12, 2019