Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a novel technique called atomic force microscope infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) to measure chemical properties of polymer nanostructures as small as 15 nm. This technique enables accurate identification of material composition, crucial for applications in semiconductors, composite mat...
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateMar 8, 2013
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich created a numerical model to study complex fluids, such as ketchup, which exhibits unusual behavior when shaken. The model explains the effects of long-chained polymer molecules on flow resistance, providing new insights into the microscopic mechanisms driving these phenomena.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 6, 2013
Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology explore an alternate theory for RNA origin, finding molecules that spontaneously assemble into gene-length linear stacks in water. The discovery suggests proto-RNA bases could have formed the first genetic material.
Polymer implants coated with a bioactive film can bond better with surrounding bone and tissues, reducing complications. The new technique uses microwaves to apply a hydroxyapatite layer that dissolves slowly, promoting stable bonding.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Biomedical Materials Research·DateFeb 18, 2013
Researchers create female emerald ash borer decoy using polymers, allowing for more efficient trapping and detection of male beetles. The decoy is 40% more effective than previously used methods, paving the way for swift control of the pest.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Bionic Engineering·DateFeb 14, 2013
Researchers at MIT have developed a new type of vaccine-delivery film that gradually releases DNA coding for viral proteins, potentially overcoming safety risks and improving effectiveness. The film is implanted under the skin using microneedles and degrades over time, releasing the vaccine over days or weeks.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 28, 2013
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
The researchers developed elastic, self-healing wires with a liquid-metal core and polymer sheath that reconnect at the molecular level after being severed. This technology has potential for use in technologies exposed to high-stress environments, such as reconfigurable circuit wiring and 3D microfluidics.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 23, 2013
A new rigid polymer sieve selectively separates gas molecules based on their sizes, allowing for highly permeable and selective gas separations. This breakthrough could lead to cheaper and more energy-efficient gas separation methods.
Scientists have developed a flexible, nanoscale material that can deliver precise doses of drugs to specific targets in the body. The new technology, called a 'bed of nails', uses aligned carbon nanofibers embedded in an elastic membrane to pierce cell walls and release medication.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 15, 2013
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.
Researchers at Brown University found that DNA molecules are more likely to be captured at or near an end than in the middle when pulled through a solid-state nanopore. The discovery is attributed to the application of polymer network theories, including Jell-O theory, which predicts more configurations with ends facing the pore.
SourceBrown University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 8, 2013
Scientists have developed a new device that captures and preserves cancer cells circulating in the bloodstream, allowing for non-invasive diagnosis and insight into cancer spread. The technology could enable doctors to detect tumor cells earlier and provide valuable information on how cancer spreads throughout the body.
Researchers at UMass Amherst and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory have developed a nanotube-based fabric that repels chemical and biological agents. The new material will be breathable yet protective, responding reversibly to environmental threats.
Researchers developed nanoparticles that generate heat to kill cancer cells using infrared light. The new particles showed no toxicity and were able to withstand repeated heating cycles.
SourceAtrium Health Wake Forest Baptist·JournalMacromolecular Bioscience·DateNov 20, 2012
A new study found that currency's physical appearance dramatically affects consumer behaviour, with people preferring to spend dirty, crumpled currency in social situations. The researchers' findings challenge long-held beliefs about the value of money and suggest that it can be a part of conspicuous consumption.
SourceUniversity of Guelph·JournalJournal of Consumer Research·DateNov 13, 2012
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Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers have developed a new laser-activated bio-adhesive polymer called SurgiLux, which forms low-energy bonds with tissues when activated by light. This technology has the potential to replace traditional sutures in clinical settings, particularly for delicate tissues like neurons or blood vessels.
SourceThe Journal of Visualized Experiments·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateOct 25, 2012
Researchers at Duke University have observed the deformation of water droplets within polymers when exposed to high electric voltages. The droplets transform from a spherical shape to a tubular shape, leading to material failure and potential applications in tunable lenses for eyes.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2012
Scientists created primitive cell-like structures that infused with RNA, demonstrating how molecules react under conditions similar to early Earth. The model showed increased chemical reactions by up to 70-fold when RNA was densely packed, highlighting the importance of compartmentalization in early life forms.
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 developed a new diagnostic tool using atomic force microscope based infrared spectroscopy to characterize polymer nanostructures and identify integrated materials. The technique allows for chemical analysis of polymer lines as small as 100 nm, enabling critically needed metrology for nano-manufacturing.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 10, 2012
Scientists at the University of Akron have discovered that cobweb spiders use two different designs to create adhesives with varying strengths, one for firm attachments and another for weak ones. This intelligent design strategy could lead to the development of synthetic adhesives with biomedical applications.
SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 2, 2012
Researchers used simulations to study the scaling behavior of polymers at extreme limits, where it depends on their density and length. They found that polymer blends in ultrathin films displayed enhanced compatibility due to the simulations' ability to efficiently compute dense large-chain systems.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateSep 27, 2012
Researchers from Drexel University and The University of Pennsylvania are exploring ways to improve the efficiency, durability, and affordability of dye-sensitized solar panels. They aim to streamline electron transfer processes using carbon nanotubes and replace liquid electrolytes with more effective polymers.
A study published in JAMA found that patients treated with newer-generation drug-releasing stents had a significantly lower rate of major adverse cardiac events at 1 year compared to those receiving bare-metal stents. This was attributed to reduced target vessel-related reinfarction and ischemia-driven target-lesion revascularization.
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Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers developed a new approach to creating microchip structures using self-assembling polymers, producing arrays of wires with perfect square and rectangular patterns. This technique can create complex shapes, such as cylinders, spheres, and double cylinders, with a simple template.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 17, 2012
UCLA researchers have developed a method to stabilize proteins using polymers, which could lead to improved protein-based therapeutics. The study found that attaching the polymer to the protein resulted in better stability during lyophilization and heat treatment.
SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 21, 2012
The FAME II trial demonstrates that targeting treatment to patients with ischemia significantly reduces the need for revascularisation. Patients without ischemia can be successfully managed using optimal medical treatment alone.
Researchers at Linköping University have discovered that homing molecules can render toxic prions harmless, decreasing their toxicity and infectibility. This breakthrough could lead to the treatment of diseases such as Alzheimer's, which is caused by amyloid plaque with a similar but slower course.
SourceLinköping University·JournalJournal of Biological Chemistry·DateApr 24, 2012
Theoretical physicists at UMass Amherst have developed a new technique called Diagrammatic Monte Carlo to simulate strongly interacting quantum systems. This breakthrough enables accurate predictions of their properties, opening doors to practical superconductor applications and solving complex 'many-body' problems in high-energy physi...
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 18, 2012
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.
Scientists created self-actuating materials by exposing polymer sheets to UV light, allowing them to fold into specific 3D shapes when water is added. The technique has potential for directing blood vessel or tissue growth in laboratory settings.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2012
The University of Houston assistant professors received NSF CAREER awards for their innovative work on graphene's optical properties, polymer-based cells, and environmental impact. Bao aims to confirm graphene's ability to act as an optical waveguide, while Moeller researches fundamental materials structure-property relationships.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique for nanoscale thermal analysis, enabling rapid measurements on stiff materials. This method uses magnetic actuation to modulate the tip-sample force near the atomic scale.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNanotechnology·DateJan 12, 2012
CLiPS program, led by Case Western Reserve University, receives $40 million NSF funding renewal for its transformative polymer research and educational programs. The program supports underrepresented students in STEM careers through the Polymer Envoys program.
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers have found that electric charge ratio and polymer concentrations control complex properties, allowing stable delivery of DNA into targeted cell nuclei. Future work focuses on forming complexes with controlled size and electric charge for efficient gene therapy.
SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateNov 28, 2011
The EVOLVE trial found that a bioabsorbable polymer stent was non-inferior to traditional durable polymer stents in treating de novo coronary artery disease, with lower rates of late events and reduced need for dual antiplatelet therapy.
Carbon nanotubes have exceptional thermal, mechanical, and electrical properties, but agglomerate formation hinders their full potential. Simulations using the Ohio Supercomputer Center unveil the effectiveness of tie molecules in improving CNTs' stability and performance.
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 at Empa have developed record-breaking flexible CIGS solar cells with an 18.7% efficiency, overcoming performance limitations on polymer films by reducing deposition temperatures. The innovation enables cost-effective roll-to-roll processing and lower manufacturing costs.
SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 2011
The Bern-Rotterdam cohort study found a 67% risk reduction in very late stent thrombosis for patients treated with everolimus-eluting stents compared to early generation drug-eluting stents. This is an important advance in the safety of drug-eluting stents.
Researchers from NC State University have developed a simple, scalable method to align gold nanorods, which respond differently to light depending on their orientation. The team used electrospun polymer nano/microfibers to achieve long-range alignment of the nanorods at both nanoscale and larger length scales.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLangmuir·DateAug 17, 2011
A new device, developed by Scottish researchers, can reliably detect explosive vapors using a compact silicon-based micro-system. The device measures the change in electron lifetime, less affected by environmental factors, making it more reliable than previous devices.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 15, 2011
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 Duke University Medical Center have discovered a new approach to treat inflammatory auto-immune disorders like lupus and multiple sclerosis. The anti-inflammatory agents use polymers to neutralize external nucleic acids that trigger an overactive immune response.
SourceDuke University Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 15, 2011
A newly synthesized polymer, fitted with molecular pincers, effectively captures nicotine molecules and its analogues. The polymer can be used for fabrication of sensitive and selective chemical sensors to determine nicotine in solutions, as well as for slow, controlled release of nicotine for therapeutic purposes.
SourceInstitute of Physical Chemistry of the Polish Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Communications·DateAug 4, 2011
A University of Connecticut scientist has developed electrochromic lenses that can change color rapidly, reducing waste and increasing production. The technology also has potential applications for the US military, such as enhancing situational awareness in dynamic environments.
SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry·DateJul 12, 2011
A team of scientists has created a new 3D tumor model that can grow in a realistic and easily accessible substrate, speeding up cancer drug discovery. The model's 3D nature provides a more accurate representation of how tumors grow in the body, reducing the likelihood of promising drugs failing during animal testing.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateJun 8, 2011
Researchers found that microorganisms swim slower in elastic fluids due to increased viscosity and resistance. The study used nematode worms to test the effect of elasticity on swimming speed.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 18, 2011
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.
A joint study by academics in Switzerland, Germany, and at Boston University reveals a unique empirical law quantifying market behavior near price lows and highs. The researchers found that this law is valid for both small and large financial bubbles, suggesting that the formation of trends does not depend on time scale.
SourceBoston University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 2, 2011
Researchers from Zhejiang University have expanded metal-free click polymerization to propiolate-azides, efficiently preparing functional poly(aroxycarbonyltriazole) compounds with high molecular weight and regioselectivity. These polymers exhibit aggregation-induced emission characteristics and serve as sensitive fluorescent chemosens...
Scientists at Case Western Reserve University, U.S., have created a polymer-based material that can heal itself when exposed to ultraviolet light. The new materials, called 'metallo-supramolecular polymers,' behave like normal polymers but can be repaired using light.
SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011
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.
Scientists discover a polymer-based material that can heal itself quickly and easily with the help of ultraviolet light, restoring its original properties. The material, called metallo-supramolecular polymers, has potential applications in coatings for consumer goods such as cars, floors, and furniture.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateApr 20, 2011
A £6 million research programme aims to create new generation of high performance fibre reinforced polymer composites, capable of sustaining large deformations without breaking. The materials will provide greater reliability, safety and design flexibility, with the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 15%.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in developing a universal blood product that can be transfused without matching the donor and recipient's blood types. This new approach uses immunocamouflage to hide blood cells from antibodies, allowing for a reduced risk of fatal immune reactions.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMar 9, 2011
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers have discovered that the coating of nanoparticle surfaces significantly influences immune activation, allowing for more targeted treatment of diseases. The study shows that designing polymers in various ways can drastically change the body's immune response.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 1, 2011
Researchers at Northwestern University developed a new method for rapidly prototyping nanoscale devices and structures, combining the benefits of scanning-probe lithography and polymer pen lithography. The technique, called hard-tip, soft-spring lithography, produces patterns with sub-50-nanometer resolution and scalability.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature·DateJan 26, 2011
Researchers have created a new method for rapidly producing protein-polymers using overlap-extension rolling circle amplification. This technique allows for the synthesis of large libraries of proteins with subtle differences, which can be used to rapidly screen new combinations and develop new classes of protein-based polymers.
SourceDuke University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 25, 2011
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.
A recent study by the National Physical Laboratory shows that light can control the electrical properties of graphene, enabling the development of new optoelectronic devices. The researchers successfully created a device that retains its modified properties until heated, opening up possibilities for highly sensitive sensors.
SourceNational Physical Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 10, 2011
Researchers have developed a new type of sensor that can rapidly detect biomarkers in real time, enabling an inexpensive and quick way to collect diagnostic information about patients. The technology has the potential to diagnose cancer and other diseases by detecting specific compounds in a person's breath.
SourcePurdue University·JournalIEEE Sensors Journal·DateDec 28, 2010
The Iowa State team developed a process for producing a thin and uniform light-absorbing layer on textured substrates that improves the efficiency of polymer solar cells by increasing light absorption. Tests showed a 20% increase in power conversion efficiency and a 100% increase in light captured at the red/near infrared band edge.
SourceIowa State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 2, 2010
Researchers have developed a simple method to fabricate free-standing polymer membranes with precisely patterned holes, opening up potential applications in microfluidics. The technique uses photolithography and prepolymer, allowing for easy fabrication of membranes with accurate sizes and shapes.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalBiomicrofluidics·DateNov 9, 2010
Researchers at Los Alamos National Laboratory have fabricated transparent thin films capable of absorbing light and generating electric charge. The semiconducting polymer-fullerene material, which forms a honeycomb pattern, has potential for large-scale energy-generating solar windows or optical displays.
SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 3, 2010
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 have developed a holographic system that can transmit near-real-time 3D images using a novel photorefractive polymer. The system can refresh images every two seconds, making it faster than previous versions by over 100 times.
SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2010
A team at the University of Arizona has developed a new type of holographic telepresence that can project three-dimensional, moving images in real-time. This breakthrough technology enables applications such as telemedicine, advertising, and entertainment to take on new levels.
SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature·DateNov 3, 2010
Scientists have developed transparent thin films capable of absorbing light and generating electric charge over large areas. The material combines elements for light harvesting and electric charge transport, enabling potential applications in energy-generating solar windows and transparent solar panels.
SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 3, 2010