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New technology uses light to engrave erasable 3D images

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a technique using light to imprint 2D and 3D images inside any polymer containing a photosensitive chemical additive. The technology enables the creation of erasable 3D displays with high resolution, applicable in surgeries, architectural designs, education, and art.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2024

Plant-inspired polymers for water purification

A German-Japanese research team developed a polymer inspired by a protein found in plants to selectively remove harmful heavy-metal ions from water. The polymer achieves high specificity and efficiency, making it a promising solution for improving water treatment processes.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2024
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.

Enhancing the performance of proton exchange membrane water electrolysis by constructing electron/proton pathways

Researchers developed PEDOT:F ionomer to improve PEMWE performance. The hybrid conductor facilitates water adsorption and reduces energy barriers, leading to enhanced oxygen evolution reaction performance. This innovation promotes smoother particle migration during electrolysis.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalAdvanced Powder Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 19, 2024

Scientists preserve DNA in an amber-like polymer

Researchers at MIT develop a glassy, amber-like polymer that can store DNA at room temperature while protecting the molecules from damage caused by heat or water. The T-REX method allows easy removal of DNA without damaging it, making it a promising technology for storing digital information on DNA.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 13, 2024

Polymer research aims to expand possibilities in sensor technology

Researchers aim to create polymers that can form the basis of effective sensors for applications in physiological, environmental, and Internet of Things monitoring. The goal is to increase energy efficiency and broaden material choices, enabling devices to operate at low voltage and interact with ions and transport ionic charges.

SourceLehigh University·DateMay 21, 2024

Exploration of polymer cononsolvency mechanism through soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy

This study investigates the cononsolvency mechanism of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) in aqueous methanol solutions. PNIPAM forms rounded structures in pure water but chain structures in pure methanol, leading to hydrophobic hydration and aggregation in aqueous methanol solutions.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 16, 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.

Bio-based resins could offer recyclable future for 3D printing

Researchers from the University of Birmingham have designed a new type of recyclable resin made from biosourced materials for use in 3D printing applications. The feedstock is made from lipoic acid, a naturally occurring fatty acid molecule, and can be recycled back into its constituent parts.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Aligned peptide ‘noodles’ could enable lab-grown biological tissues

Researchers at Rice University have developed a novel fabrication process to create aligned peptide nanofiber hydrogels, which can guide cell growth in a desired direction. The study revealed that cells need to be able to 'pull' on the peptide nanofibers to recognize alignment, and excessive rigidity can prevent this.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2024

Scientists solve chemical mystery at the interface of biology and technology

Researchers discovered a two-step process behind the lagging behavior of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs), which can be customized to improve data processing speed. The study's findings may help design better materials for next-generation applications in biosensing and brain-inspired computation.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 1, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Development of organic semiconductors featuring ultrafast electrons

Scientists at POSTECH create conducting polymers with exceptional electrical conductivity, rivaling graphene's performance. The breakthrough achieves ultrafast electron mobility and long phase coherence length, overcoming a major challenge in organic semiconductors.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalChem·DateApr 18, 2024

Treatment for blindness-causing retinal detachment using viscous seaweed

A team of scientists from Pohang University of Science & Technology developed an artificial vitreous body based on alginate to treat retinal detachment. The hydrogel maintains vision post-surgery and regulates fluid dynamics within the eye, preventing recurrence and air bubble formation.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalBiomaterials·DateMar 25, 2024
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.

Self-emergence of stational periodic arrangement of dual microdroplets through quasi one-dimensional confinement

A research team from Doshisha University discovered a novel phenomenon for generating self-organized characteristic patterns through phase separation of polymer solutions in glass capillary tubes. They created uniform microdroplets containing DNA and medicines, which maintained their alignment for eight hours, offering insights into bi...

SourceDoshisha University·JournalACS Macro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 20, 2024

Advanced artificial photosynthesis catalyst uses CO2 more efficiently to create biodegradable plastics

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed a new photosensitizer that doubles the yield of fumaric acid from CO2, creating biodegradable plastics with reduced carbon dioxide emissions. The innovation reuses waste resources to produce fumaric acid, a key component of sustainable packaging materials.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalDalton Transactions·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2024

Nanomedicine paves the way for new treatments for spinal cord injury

Researchers develop nanovector nanogels that selectively target glial cells involved in spinal cord injury inflammation, reducing damage and improving recovery. The treatment demonstrates potential for modulating glial cells in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's.

SourcePolitecnico di Milano·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2024

An enhanced brain delivery of antibodies heightens the potential to treat brain diseases

Researchers developed a novel platform to transport therapeutic antibodies across the blood-brain barrier using a biocompatible polymer. The method showed promising results in both in vitro and mouse-model experiments, suggesting enhanced brain delivery of cancer-fighting antibodies without inducing adverse effects.

SourceUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham·JournalFrontiers in Cell and Developmental Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 3, 2024
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.

Texas A&M team develops polymers that can kill bacteria

A Texas A&M University-led collaboration has developed new polymers capable of killing bacteria without inducing antibiotic resistance by disrupting their membrane. The researchers tested their polymers against two main types of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, including E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), with promising results.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2023

Scientists tackle difficult-to-recycle thermoset polymers

Researchers at the University of Bath and University of Surrey have developed a method to introduce degradable bonds into thermoset polymers, making them more easily recyclable. The study found that gels with breakable bonds retained their properties better when reformed after degradation.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalPolymer Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 19, 2023

Towards next-generation nanocatalysts to revolutionize active electron transfer

Researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a copolymer-conjugated nanocatalytic system to enhance active electron transfer for increased photoinduced hydrogen generation. The system leverages the advantages of a stimuli-responsive polymer chain to achieve dynamic electron transfer.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalChemical Communications·DateDec 13, 2023
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.

Tracking down environmental toxins

Researchers have introduced a new technique for detecting per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in water samples using interrupted energy transfer. The detection limit is in the µg/l range, making it suitable for on-site testing in highly contaminated regions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 2023

Machine learning tells us how to dissolve polymeric materials in organic solvents

Researchers developed a machine learning system to predict polymer miscibility with organic solvents, allowing for efficient recycling of plastics. The model can calculate χ parameters up to 40 times faster than conventional quantum chemistry calculations and has proven accurate in predicting suitable blends.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·JournalMacromolecules·DateOct 3, 2023
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.

A thermal processable, self-healing, and fully bio-based starch plastic

Researchers have developed a novel, fully bio-based starch plastic with remarkable flexibility, hydrophobicity, and self-healing properties. The material's ability to be thermally processed and adaptively heal scratches and large-area damage makes it highly appealing for various applications.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 17, 2023

Breakthrough polymer research promises to revolutionize recycling

A team of researchers at the University of Florida has developed a new method for recycling plastics that promises to reduce energy requirements without sacrificing quality. This breakthrough approach uses chemical recycling and depolymerization, which can produce recycled plastic with similar or better properties than the original mat...

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalChem·DateAug 7, 2023
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.

Materials science: How molecular entanglements determine the structure of polymers

Semi-crystalline polymers' structure and properties depend on molecular chain entanglement. The researchers developed a model to predict their microscopic structure and properties, offering potential improvements or replacements with more sustainable materials.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2023

The future of recycling could one day mean dissolving plastic with electricity

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

Chemists develop sustainable method to remove 'forever chemicals' from water

Scientists have developed a sustainable electrochemical method to remove PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals,' from water. The new platform uses metallocenes to capture and release PFAS, allowing for efficient removal and reuse without incineration or harsh chemical conditions.

SourceSaarland University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2023

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.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateJun 13, 2023
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.

Researchers overcome stem cell delivery barrier, paving the way for regenerative medicine

Scientists have developed a new method to deliver genetic information to stem cells using nanoparticles coated with a specific polymer, enabling more efficient control over cellular differentiation. This innovation has the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of regenerative medicine treatments.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 8, 2023

Shining a light on helical polymers

Scientists at CiQUS have developed a methodology to quantify the folding degree of helical polymers, identifying the direction of helix rotation and its impact on structure-function relationship. The innovative approach allows for the estimation of folding degree and potential improvements in polymer performance.

SourceCenter for Research in Biological Chemistry and Molecular Materials (CiQUS)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 4, 2023
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.

Pusan National University researchers develop novel stackable hole injection layer material for solution-processed OLEDs

Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a novel solvent-resistant hole injection layer material, enabling the creation of efficient solution-processed OLED devices. The material exhibits high mobility and excellent film-forming properties, leading to improved efficiency and lifetime compared to existing materials.

SourcePusan National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2023
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.

Wear and forget: an ultrasoft material for on-skin health devices

Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2023

Breaking the temperature barrier of hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass

Researchers from Tsinghua University develop a new strategy to decouple temperature and pressure in hydrothermal carbonization, breaking the temperature limit. This process produces high-quality carbon microspheres with abundant oxygen-containing functional groups and good thermal stability, suitable for various applications including ...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Artificial photosynthesis uses sunlight to make biodegradable plastic

A research team at Osaka Metropolitan University successfully synthesized fumaric acid from CO2 using sunlight, paving the way for a renewable energy-powered alternative to traditional plastics. The findings could help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable production of biodegradable plastics.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSustainable Energy & Fuels·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2023
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.

An overlooked phenomenon

Phosphate ions in water alternate between a hydrated state and a mysterious 'dark' state, evading direct detection. The discovery has implications for understanding biocatalysis, cellular energy balance, and biomaterials formation.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2023

Automated simulation software creates a world map of polymer properties

Researchers developed RadonPy, an open-source software that automates polymer physical property calculations using simulations. The program produced and stored data for over 1,000 unique amorphous polymers, validating its accuracy against experimental values.

SourceResearch Organization of Information and Systems·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateDec 22, 2022

Wearable electronics from starch to prevent e-waste

Researchers developed a biodegradable material that decomposes in weeks to months, replacing toxic metal components of electronic devices. The starch-based polymer uses natural enzymes and has the right properties for sensors, offering an alternative to complex polymers and reducing e-waste.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

Bringing the Kelvin problem solutions to life with the first-ever polymeric Weaire-Phelan structures

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
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.

Efficient nanovaccine delivery system boosts cellular immunity

A research group at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a nanovaccine that delivers cancer antigens to dendritic cells, inducing strong cellular immunity. The new system, using positively charged cationic lipids, increases cytokine production by approximately 100 times compared to previous designs.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022

Polyester chemistry highlights possible role of microdroplets in the origin of life

A new international collaboration has explored the suitable conditions for polyester microdroplet synthesis and assembly, revealing that they can form in much wider conditions than previously understood. The research suggests that polyester microdroplets could have played a role in chemical evolution on early Earth.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 18, 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.

Smart materials: metal cations-recognizable thermoresponsive polymers

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have created a novel thermoresponsive polymer that can be easily regulated by changing the type and mixing ratio of metal ions. This innovation offers potential applications in drug delivery systems and metal ion-sensing devices, allowing for precise temperature control.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalMacromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2022

Building bricks from waste materials

Scientists create polymer bricks made from waste cooking oil and industrial byproducts, eliminating the need for mortar in traditional building methods. The new material's sulfur-sulfur bond produces a strong, sustainable construction material with potential to streamline construction.

SourceFlinders University·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 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.

‘Pulling back the curtain’ to reveal a molecular key to The Wizard of Oz

Scientists have created a durable molecular encryption key using sequence-defined polymers that can store and transport digital keys securely. They successfully decrypted a file with text from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by extracting the key from ink in a letter, demonstrating the approach's potential for real-world applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJul 20, 2022

Designer materials to keep plastic out of landfills

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

Review article on metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheets assembled on the surface of water

Metal-organic framework (MOF) nanosheet research has made significant advances in gas recovery and sensing materials. Professor Makiura's review article summarizes the development of MOF nanosheets on water surfaces, showcasing their potential for separation membranes and sensor miniaturization.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalCoordination Chemistry Reviews·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 28, 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.

Flexing the power of a conductive polymer

Researchers at UCSB develop soft, semiconducting carbon-based polymer for reconfigurable logic circuits. The conjugated polyelectrolyte enables flexible and power-efficient electronics, promising a new era in computing systems.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 24, 2022