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Researchers discover pressure-induced polyamorphism in dense SO2

Scientists found pressure-induced amorphization and reversible structural transformations in sulfur dioxide under extreme conditions. The researchers discovered a phase transition from molecular to polymeric amorphous forms of SO2, shedding light on a poorly understood phenomenon in condensed matter physics.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2020

Sulfur 'spices' alien atmospheres

Researchers found that a small presence of sulfur in the atmosphere can lead to three times more haze particles, primarily organic sulfur products. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about sulfur's role in exoplanet atmospheres and highlights the importance of caution when interpreting spectroscopic data.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Astronomy·DateApr 6, 2020

Common feed ingredient tested safe in bulls

Researchers found that bulls fed distillers grains had higher sperm quality and greater body weight, but no significant difference in body fat. The study suggests that distillers grains can be safely used in bull development rations, with minimal impact on reproductive health.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalTranslational Animal Science·DateMar 10, 2020
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.

All-solid-state lithium-sulfur batteries with high capacity and long life

The researchers developed a low-cost and straightforward liquid phase process to create an active sulfur material and carbon nanofiber composite. This composite showed higher discharge capacity and better cycle stability than traditional lithium-ion secondary batteries. The new battery technology has the potential to revolutionize the ...

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMar 5, 2020

Journey to the center of Mars

Scientists Takashi Yoshizaki and Bill McDonough developed a new compositional model for Mars, predicting the depth to its core-mantle boundary at around 1,800 km. The model suggests moderate amounts of sulfur, oxygen, and hydrogen in Mars' core, with the core accounting for only about one-sixth of the planet's mass.

SourceTohoku University·JournalGeochimica et Cosmochimica Acta·DateFeb 19, 2020

Dimethyl sulfide oxidation in marine atmosphere

Scientists found that at least 30% of oceanic dimethyl sulfide is transformed into hydroperoxymethyl thioformate (HPMTF), a previously unknown atmospheric compound. This discovery suggests reevaluation of marine sulfur's impact on cloud formation and climate.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 17, 2020
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.

How plants in the cabbage family look inward when sulfur is scarce

Scientists at Kyushu University found that two enzymes, BGLU28 and BGLU30, play a crucial role in breaking down glucosinolates in plants deficient in sulfur. The study reveals that these enzymes are essential for plant growth under sulfur-deprived conditions.

SourceKyushu University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·DateFeb 12, 2020

MSU researcher aids discovery of new cellular mechanism

A Montana State University biotechnology researcher discovered a previously unknown tool that cells can use to protect their proteins from irreversible damage caused by redox reactions. This mechanism involves adding an extra sulfur atom onto existing sulfurs in protein molecules, allowing cells to recover and make new proteins.

SourceMontana State University·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 30, 2020

Physicist obtain atomically thin molybdenum disulfide films on large-area substrates

Researchers have developed a method to synthesize large-area, atomically thin molybdenum disulfide films with modified structures depending on the synthesis temperature. The resulting films show promise for use in electronic devices and optical communication, with potential breakthroughs in transparent and flexible electronics.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJan 22, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

UTSA to unlock the power of sulfur in future drug design

Researchers at UTSA are developing new methods to synthesize organosulfur compounds, which are widely used in pharmaceuticals. The goal is to improve the accuracy and speed of these synthesis processes, leading to more effective medicines and potentially advancing functional materials.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·DateNov 21, 2019

New findings on the largest natural sulfur source in the atmosphere

A team of researchers from TROPOS and Universities in Germany, Austria, and Finland have discovered a new reaction pathway for dimethyl sulfide, challenging current knowledge on its degradation. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the Earth's sulfur cycle and climate modeling.

SourceLeibniz Institute for Tropospheric Research (TROPOS)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 18, 2019

Science snapshots from Berkeley Lab

A crowdsourcing game called Foldit allows players to design protein structures that are reproduced in labs, showing their accuracy. Researchers also discovered how cooking affects the gut microbiome and found a new material to remove toxic sulfur dioxide gas.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Microbiology·DateNov 1, 2019
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.

New design strategy can help improve layered superconducting materials

Scientists from Tokyo Metropolitan University have created a new layered superconducting material with four distinct sublayers, achieving unparalleled customizability and higher critical temperatures. By introducing different elements, they were able to raise the critical temperature from 0.5K to above 2.0K and later to 3.0K.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 12, 2019

Earth, wind, flora sway Trinidad sulfur levels

A new study reveals that coastal proximity, rain and prevailing wind direction influence the distribution of marine sulfur on land. Plants in coastal settings utilize marine-derived sulfur, which is affected by human activities such as oil refineries and vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalApplied Geochemistry·DateSep 23, 2019

Dimethylsulfide emissions from the Arctic

Research reveals a 33% decadeal increase in Arctic dimethylsulfide emissions, primarily driven by reduced Arctic ice cover. The authors predict a possible doubling of emissions if the entire Arctic summer ice disappears.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 9, 2019

New grant supports promising research in solar energy

Scientists at the University of Delaware and Georgia Tech have won a grant to develop a new approach for improving the efficiency of PERC cells, which are designed to increase electricity generation in solar panels. The team aims to use sulfur and selenium to create more efficient silicon solar cells with improved voltage.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateJun 28, 2019
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.

Scientists design organic cathode for high performance batteries

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have designed an organic cathode material with sulfur for lithium batteries, achieving higher energy density, cost-effectiveness, and environmental sustainability. The new material overcomes challenges associated with sulfur batteries by stabilizing it through an organic backbone.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 30, 2019

Polysulfide donors strongly suppress inflammatory responses

Researchers at Kumamoto University have developed a new polysulfide donor that strongly suppresses inflammatory responses. The compound artificially increases reactive sulfur species in cells, leading to reduced inflammation and improved survival rates in mice with endotoxin shock.

SourceKumamoto University·JournalCell Chemical Biology·DateApr 3, 2019

Strong link between air pollution in Southwestern Ontario and adverse birth outcomes

A study by Lawson Research Institute found evidence of a strong association between exposure to sulfur dioxide during pregnancy and adverse birth outcomes, including low birthweight and preterm birth. Pregnant women were 3.4 times more likely to have a low birthweight baby for every 1-part per billion increase in sulfur dioxide.

SourceLawson Research Institute·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateApr 3, 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.

New approach could boost energy capacity of lithium batteries

Researchers at MIT developed a new 'hybrid' cathode combining two approaches to increase energy output per pound and liter, resulting in higher power density. The new material can already beat existing batteries in terms of energy density, paving the way for longer-range electric cars and portable electronics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 28, 2019

2018's biggest volcanic eruption of sulfur dioxide

The Manaro Voui volcano in Vanuatu released the largest amount of sulfur dioxide in 2018, with 400k tons during its most active phase in July. The eruption had devastating effects, including acid rain and destruction of homes.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 28, 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.

Scientists discover a better way to make plastics out of sulfur

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have developed a new process to create polymers from sulfur, which could lead to more sustainable plastics. The discovery, published in Nature Communications, uses a catalytic process that reduces reaction times and temperatures, making it more efficient and environmentally friendly.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2019

Gypsum as an agricultural product

Gypsum, recovered from coal-fired power plants, is a rich source of calcium and sulfur, promoting better root development and reducing aluminum toxicity. Its application also improves soil structure, reducing erosion and phosphorus movement, benefiting various crops like corn and alfalfa.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·DateFeb 6, 2019
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.

A closed cage-like molecule that can be opened

Researchers at Kanazawa University designed a metallomolecular cage that can be opened through disulfide exchange reactions with thiolate anions. The cage's 'hatch' opens to allow cesium ions to enter, demonstrating its potential as a molecular container with on-demand guest uptake/release systems.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateJan 30, 2019

Extratropical volcanoes influence climate more than assumed

Researchers found that extratropical eruptions produce strong hemispheric cooling in proportion to their sulfur release, contrary to the assumed weaker impact. This study sheds light on the importance of injection height and helps quantify volcanic eruptions' past climate variability effects.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 28, 2019

New properties of sulfur atom discovered

Researchers at the University of Malaga have discovered that sulfur atoms can exhibit both donative and repulsive behavior, leading to the creation of more stable and functional organic diradicals. These findings have significant implications for various scientific fields, including chemistry and environmental science.

SourceUniversity of Malaga·JournalNature Chemistry·DateDec 14, 2018

What's behind smelly wine

Researchers found that polysulfanes decompose during wine storage, releasing hydrogen sulfide and causing the smell of sewage or rotten eggs. The study suggests that antioxidants like sulfur dioxide can help manage the release of stinky sulfur compounds in wine.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateDec 12, 2018

Discovering a new compound

A team of scientists has uncovered a new compound produced by the bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum, which is found in volcanic hot springs. The discovery reveals that the microbe modifies a previously unknown thiol to produce a compound called N-methyl-bacillithiol, which plays a crucial role in the sulfur cycle. This finding has signif...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalmBio·DateNov 29, 2018
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.

Monitoring air pollution after Hurricane Maria

Researchers deployed low-cost, solar-powered sensors to monitor air quality in Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria. The devices detected high levels of sulfur dioxide and carbon monoxide, exceeding EPA standards on nearly 80% of days during the monitoring period.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Earth and Space Chemistry·DateOct 31, 2018

A clearer path to clean air in China

Research from Harvard suggests that reducing formaldehyde emissions could be more effective at reducing extreme wintertime haze than focusing solely on sulfur dioxide. Formaldehyde is formed by the reaction of SO2 with formaldehyde in clouds or fog droplets, and its sources are primarily vehicles and industrial facilities.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateOct 18, 2018

Moss rapidly detects, tracks air pollutants in real time

Scientists have found a simple way to detect air pollutants like sulfur dioxide in real time by analyzing changes in moss leaves. Moss can regenerate its chemical sensing capacity, making it a sustainable natural plant sensor for rapidly alerting authorities to potential dangers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateOct 17, 2018

A stabilizing influence enables lithium-sulfur battery evolution

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a stable cathode material that can hold polysulfides in place, maintaining energy density while reducing weight and production time. The new approach uses titanium monoxide nanofibers to immobilize polysulfides, enabling Li-S batteries to achieve superior performance through hundreds of c...

SourceDrexel University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateOct 16, 2018
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.

More ships and more clouds mean cooling in the Arctic

A study by University of Connecticut researchers found that increased trans-Arctic shipping could lead to a minor cooling effect in the Arctic, potentially offsetting some of the overall warming trend. However, this effect is relatively minor and may be offset by international regulation and trade agreements.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateSep 17, 2018

When sulfur disappears without trace

Researchers have developed a new synthetic route to 1,4-dicarbonyls, a class of molecules found in natural products, drug targets, and pharmaceuticals. By using sulfoxides, a type of oxidized sulfur compound, they can create multiple isomers selectively.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateAug 16, 2018

Earth now and 2.5 billion years ago: New study of air helps understanding both

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals a previously unknown sulfur isotope effect that helps identify sources of air pollution in China. The researchers used sulfur isotopes to analyze coal and air samples, finding a connection between biomass burning and aerosol formation.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2018

Sources of atmospheric sulfur isotope anomalies

Researchers from China and the US analyzed five sulfur isotopes in aerosol, SO2, and coal samples to determine their sources. The study reveals that photochemical reactions in the stratosphere produce sulfate aerosols enriched with 33S, while biomass and fossil fuel combustion yield sulfates depleted in 36S.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 6, 2018
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.

Where Martian dust comes from

Scientists have discovered that Mars' massive dust storms originate from a single geological formation near the equator. This vast deposit, called the Medusae Fossae Formation, has been eroding over time and polluting the planet with fine, powdery dust particles.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 24, 2018

Sulfur analysis supports timing of oxygen's appearance

Researchers found that ancient rock sulfur isotope anomalies align in rivers eroding the rocks, supporting the timing of oxygen's appearance around 2.7 billion years ago. The balance suggests a robust oxygenation event, allowing for better understanding of complex life's emergence.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 23, 2018

Close-ups of grain boundaries reveal how sulfur impurities make nickel brittle

Researchers at the University of California, San Diego, have found that competition between interfacial ordering and disordering leads to brittle fractures at grain boundaries. They also discovered bipolar interfacial structures cause brittle intergranular fractures in sulfur-doped nickel.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 17, 2018

MSU researchers lead team that discovers heaviest known calcium atom

Researchers from MSU and RIKEN Nishina Center discovered eight new rare isotopes of elements phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, argon, potassium, scandium, and calcium. Calcium-60 is the heaviest known calcium atom with 20 protons and 40 neutrons.

SourceMichigan State University Facility for Rare Isotope Beams·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 11, 2018
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.

Chinese power plants and emissions standards

Following China's July 2014 deadline, coal-fired plant emissions declined significantly as measured by on-the-ground and satellite monitoring. The strongest correlation was found in regions with the least aggressive new standards.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Sources of aerosols in the Himalayan atmosphere

Researchers analyzed a 200-year sediment core from a Himalayan lake, finding increased sulfate concentrations starting at the end of the Second Industrial Revolution. The findings suggest that atmospheric sulfur isotope ratios in the region were influenced by pre-industrial biomass burning and post-1930 anthropogenic dust emissions.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Study finds reduction in sulfur emissions from power plants in China

A new study found that China's sulfur emissions from coal-fired power plants decreased by 13.9% after implementing a law requiring significant reductions, but compliance varied widely among regions. The research used satellite data and on-the-ground emissions monitoring systems to pinpoint discrepancies and suggest policy lessons.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 18, 2018

Self-assembling 3D battery would charge in seconds

Researchers at Cornell University have developed a self-assembling 3D battery architecture that enables lightning-fast charging times. The battery's innovative design eliminates energy storage losses and increases power density, making it potentially revolutionary for electronic devices.

SourceCornell University·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMay 17, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Tailor-made synthesis of cyclic chemicals by means of enzymes

Bielefeld chemists create a biocatalytic method to selectively reduce sulfur-containing heterocycles, yielding highly enantioselective synthesis of target compounds. The discovery has potential applications in developing new active substances and sustainable pharmaceutical production.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 16, 2018

Nanodiamonds are forever

The Argonne team discovered that sulfur diffusion breaks down nanodiamonds into onion-like carbon, creating a superlubricant with friction 10 times lower than some nonstick coatings. The new lubricant can be used in various industries, including wind turbines and magnetic disc drives.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 10, 2018

Microwaved plastic increases lithium-sulfur battery lifespan

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered a way to improve the lifespan of lithium-sulfur batteries by using microwaved plastic as a carbon scaffold. The process reduces polysulfide shuttling effect, increasing battery capacity retention and paving the way for commercial use.

SourcePurdue University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 9, 2018

The complicated biology of garlic

Researchers argue that garlic's unique flavor comes from sulfur compounds, which are biologically active within mammalian cells. However, the complexity of preparing garlic affects which sulfur compounds are consumed, leading to inconsistent results in human intervention studies.

SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Pharmacological Sciences·DateApr 26, 2018

Electrochemical tuning of single layer materials relies on defects

Researchers found that defects in 2D molybdenum sulfide materials can improve their physical and electrochemical properties. By intentionally introducing sulfur vacancies, they can enhance chemical processes like hydrogen evolution from water, leading to increased energy efficiency and reduced costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 19, 2018
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 charge ahead to develop better batteries

Researchers at the University of Texas at Dallas have developed a high-powered, environmentally safe lithium-sulfur substitute that could drastically lengthen battery life. The new technology improves stability and power density, making lithium-sulfur batteries more commercially viable.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 27, 2018

The fine-tuning of two-dimensional materials

Scientists at Penn State have developed a new understanding of why synthetic 2D materials often perform orders of magnitude worse than predicted. By using oxygen-terminated substrate surfaces, they enhanced the photoluminescence intensity and carrier lifetime of molybdenum disulfide by 100 times.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2018
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.