Researchers at UVA have developed a new polymer design that decouples stiffness and stretchability, allowing materials to be both strong and flexible. The 'foldable bottlebrush polymer networks' can store extra length within their structure, enabling them to elongate up to 40 times more than standard polymers without weakening.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 27, 2024
Researchers developed a new durable plastic that breaks down in seawater, reducing microplastic pollution. The material is strong, non-toxic, and customizable for various applications.
Researchers at the University of São Paulo developed a novel nanotechnology-based solution to remove micro- and nanoplastics from water. The process uses magnetic nanoparticles that bind to tiny plastic particles and can be removed with a magnet.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalMicron·DateNov 12, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2024
A new method allows direct access to specific bits in synthetic polymer data storage, enabling random access. The researchers encoded a sequence of ones and zeroes into a polymer chain, demonstrating the feasibility of storing and retrieving large amounts of data efficiently.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024
Researchers at Duke University have developed a polymer that can be used in commercial 3D printers without solvent, leading to major advantages across different applications. The new solvent-free material has been shown to improve mechanical properties while maintaining biodegradability.
SourceDuke University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2024
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a way to make tough, chemically recyclable polymers without compromising on heat and chemical resistance. This breakthrough could hugely expand the uses of chemically recyclable polymers.
SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2024
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed a novel method to strengthen polyvinyl chloride (PVC) products by permanently attaching chemical additives using electricity. This new approach can prevent microplastic degradation and improve the material's durability, making it more suitable for various applications.
SourceOhio State University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2024
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Researchers discovered that wastewater bacteria can break down plastic into small pieces called nanoplastics and use a specialized enzyme to further degrade it. The bacteria then use the broken-down plastic as a food source, providing new possibilities for developing bioengineering solutions to clean up difficult-to-remove plastic waste.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2024
A new study reveals high levels of airborne plasticizers in Southern California, including phthalates known to cause reproductive harm and cancer. The study uses silicone wristbands to track exposure to these chemicals, finding that daily levels are both high and persistent.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateOct 1, 2024
A team of researchers from the University of Washington has developed a flexible pipe with an interior helical structure inspired by shark intestines, which can keep fluid flowing in one direction without flaps. The design rivaled and exceeded Tesla valves, a one-way fluid flow device invented over a century ago.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 25, 2024
A new report by international experts urges a collective approach to tackle plastic pollution, citing over 7,000 research studies on microplastics. The need for global reduction in plastic production and emission of microplastic particles is emphasized to avoid irreversible environmental damage.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 19, 2024
Scientists use frontal polymerization to replicate nature's approach, creating materials with unique patterns that integrate stiff and soft regions. This results in products with remarkable strength and flexibility, making them resilient to high strains without breaking.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateSep 18, 2024
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
The researchers synthesized supramolecular polymers with the ability to form larger complexes in response to external stimuli, which may shed light on biomolecular self-assembly and other ‘smart’ materials. The resulting shape of the assemblies can be controlled based on the concentration of a specific additive.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2024
A new hybrid technology called SonoBio uses high-frequency ultrasound in combination with biodegradation to break down per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a class of 'forever chemicals'. Researchers aim to make PFAS completely harmless by turning them into carbon dioxide and fluoride.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have developed polyethylene rafts that are about five times more durable than traditional bamboo rafts used in oyster farming. The new rafts are designed to be affordable and can withstand harsh weather conditions, reducing damage from typhoons.
SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalOcean Engineering·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 26, 2024
Researchers have developed a new class of synthetic polymers that effectively combat fungal infections by attacking the cells in multiple ways. These compounds mimic naturally occurring peptides and offer potential for sustainable treatment options with improved survival rates.
SourceLeibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology - Hans Knöll Institute -·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 9, 2024
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.
Researchers have successfully synthesized high-purity polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate using a novel method involving remote spark discharge treatment. This approach uses Tesla coil-generated monomer radicals as polymerization initiators, enabling external spark discharge treatment without a counter electrode.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalNext Materials·DateAug 5, 2024
Liheng Cai, a UVA engineering professor, has received a $1.9 million NIH grant to create advanced biomaterials that can be used to repair living tissues and build organ structures. His lab aims to develop polymers that mimic human biology and integrate healthy cells into the human body.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateAug 5, 2024
A novel, star-shaped polymer has been developed as a low-volume resuscitant for prehospital treatment of severe hemorrhagic shock. The solution can refill blood vessels without disrupting coagulation, offering an improvement over existing colloidal resuscitants.
SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2024
Researchers from Chiba University develop sustainable method for producing biodegradable polymers using cuttlefish ink melanin. Decomposition products are converted into polymeric materials with potential applications in circular economies.
SourceChiba University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2024
A new study found that biodegradable teabags made from polylactic acid (PLA) can take years to break down in soil and cause harm to earthworms. The research highlights the need for clear disposal information on product packaging, as many manufacturers are not providing accurate guidance.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 28, 2024
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.
Engineers have modelled a new way to recycle polystyrene that could make the material reusable. The technique uses pyrolysis to break down polystyrene into parts that can be reformed into new pieces of the material, reducing energy consumption and increasing yield.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 22, 2024
The study reveals that certain dyes can release more radicals than others, leading to increased energy efficiency and speed in photochemical reactions. By slowing down a reverse reaction, radicals are given more time to leave a solvent cage, resulting in up to ten times higher energy efficiency.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Chemistry·DateMar 18, 2024
Scientists from the University of Rochester have developed a novel approach to clean up pollution from PFAS, known as 'forever chemicals', found in various products. The new electrocatalytic method uses laser-made nanomaterials made from nonprecious metals, nearly 100 times cheaper than existing methods.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalJournal of Catalysis·DateMar 5, 2024
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.
New Jersey Institute of Technology chemists have developed a lab-based method to detect traces of PFAS from food packaging material, water, and soil samples in just three minutes or less. The approach, involving paper spray mass spectrometry, is 10-100 times more sensitive than current standard techniques for PFAS testing.
SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 8, 2024
Researchers at RIKEN successfully spin artificial spider silk that closely matches natural production, mimicking the complex molecular structure of silk. The eco-friendly innovation has potential benefits for environment and biomedical fields.
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
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a single strand of fiber that combines the flexibility of cotton with the electric conductivity of polyaniline. The newly created material showed good potential for wearable e-textiles, including detecting hazardous exposures and tracking human vital signs.
SourceWashington State University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·DateDec 11, 2023
A new catalyst developed by Northwestern University chemists can break down Nylon-6, a common plastic found in fishing nets, carpet, and clothing, in just minutes. The process does not generate harmful byproducts and is practical for everyday applications.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 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.
A new technology enables the printing of complex robots with soft, elastic, and rigid materials in one go. This allows for the creation of delicate structures and parts with cavities as desired.
Researchers at University of Illinois developed new semiconductor materials that can harness the power of chirality, a non-superimposable mirror image. The study found that subtle molecular changes can modulate chiral helical assemblies, leading to new optical, electronic, and mechanical properties.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Central Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023
A team of international scientists cautions that reliance on mechanical cleanup devices to address plastic pollution is ineffective and may even harm marine life. They argue that reducing plastic production and consumption is the most cost-effective way to prevent further pollution.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalOne Earth·TypeLiterature review·DateNov 9, 2023
Researchers at Osaka University developed a water-repelling nanostructured light diffuser that surpasses the functionality of other common diffusers. The diffuser uses randomly arranged self-cleaning nanopatterns to produce high transmittance and wide angular spread, making it useful for visual displays and energy-saving windows.
SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2023
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 25, 2023
Researchers at FAMU-FSU College of Engineering developed two closely related polymers with different thermal behaviors, one soluble in water at low temperatures and the other insoluble. The polymers' unique properties open potential new applications in medicine and protein synthesis.
SourceFlorida State University·JournalMacromolecules·DateSep 7, 2023
A study by researchers at the University of São Paulo found that glitter can hinder the growth of cyanobacteria, a key component of aquatic ecosystems. The toxic effects of glitter on microorganisms have not been well-studied, but the findings suggest that even low concentrations can negatively impact susceptible organisms.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalAquatic Toxicology·DateAug 22, 2023
Researchers have created a new type of conducting polymer with a helically grown structure, which can emit circularly polarized light. The polymer's radicals are arranged in a helical shape and can be aligned into stripe-like structures when exposed to a magnetic field.
SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMaterials Advances·DateAug 8, 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.
Workers cutting, grinding, and polishing artificial-stone slabs for countertops are developing silicosis due to high concentrations of silica and polymer resins. Researchers call for public health measures, including banning the product and improving worker safety.
SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalJAMA Internal Medicine·DateJul 24, 2023
A team of scientists discovered that ions transfer through polymer membranes in hybrid liquid-gas electrolyzers via diffusion, not electromigration. This finding has significant implications for the development of more efficient and environmentally friendly energy technologies.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023
Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology explore co-polymerization of glycol nucleic acid monomers with dicarboxylic acids to produce branched and linear xeno nucleic acid polymers. These findings suggest that diverse prebiotic organic molecules could have led to population-level differences in abundance of genetic polymers.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 21, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers have made significant progress in reprogramming cells to supply the ribosome with building blocks other than alpha-amino acids. The ultimate goal is to make the translation system fully programmable, allowing for the production of an unlimited variety of new molecular chains with unique properties.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2023
Researchers have developed a method for producing heart valves in just minutes, using focused rotary jet spinning. The valves mimic the extracellular matrix and showed immediate functionality in sheep, with potential for regenerative properties. Long-term studies are needed to test their endurance.
SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2023
Scientists have identified a novel mechanism of gel formation in synthetic polymers, which leads to the creation of worm-like structures. This breakthrough has significant implications for biofabrication and could lead to the development of new medical implants, contact lenses, and other applications.
SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023
Researchers developed tendon-mimetic hydrogels with outstanding mechanical properties, including excellent Young's modulus and strength, by mixing aramid nanofibers with polyvinyl alcohol. These hydrogels show promising capabilities for tissue repair and implantable medical devices.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 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.
Researchers at Leipzig University have increased the efficiency of an enzyme that breaks down PET plastic, which has implications for bioplastics and a more sustainable future. The team used computer simulations and experiments to improve the enzyme's activity and stability.
SourceUniversität Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 12, 2023
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed a hybrid hydrogel combining natural squid tissues with synthetic polymers, exhibiting hierarchical anisotropy and toughness.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2023
Scientists created Cyborg Cells by combining synthetic polymer networks with bacterial cells, giving them enhanced stress resistance and ability to invade cancer cells. This breakthrough demonstrates the therapeutic potential of Cyborg Cells for various applications.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers have overcome the low reactivity of biobased secondary diols in polyester synthesis by incorporating an aryl alcohol. This leads to high molecular weight materials with improved mechanical- and thermal properties, outperforming existing plastics like PET.
SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 8, 2022
A Japanese research team successfully constructed the first polymeric Weaire-Phelan structure, a previously theoretical form predicted to be the most efficient solution for a century-old tessellation problem. The structure was achieved through a novel polymerization-induced phase separation method.
SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 28, 2022
A new study evaluated the performance of a Seabin device in Plymouth, UK, finding it captured only 0.18kg of litter over 750 hours of operation. In contrast, manual trawls collected significantly more litter with minimal harm to marine life.
SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new catalyst to improve butane conversion into butadiene, increasing efficiency and reducing byproducts. The breakthrough could make butadiene production more commercially viable and address the growing demand-supply imbalance.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 27, 2022
Researchers at A*STAR's Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology developed a bio-functional thermogel that prevents retinal scarring in pre-clinical models. The thermogel modulates cellular behavior to prevent scar membrane formation, offering a novel therapy for proliferative vitreoretinopathy.
SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalNature·DateJul 4, 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.
A recent study has found that ocean plastic may be a source of novel antibiotics, with researchers isolating five antibiotic-producing bacteria from plastic debris. The isolated bacteria showed promise against commonly used and resistant bacterial strains, providing hope for an alternative solution to the growing antibiotic crisis.
Researchers at the University of Bath developed a way to make PLA plastics more degradable in natural environments by incorporating sugar molecules. This technology can degrade 40% of the plastic within six hours of exposure to UV light, making it compatible with existing manufacturing processes.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalChemical Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2022
A research team from the University of Bayreuth investigated the progressive degradation of low-density polyethylene in the environment. They found that isolated nanoplastic particles are rare and instead aggregate rapidly to larger colloidal systems, preventing individual nanoparticles from being freely available.
SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeNews article·DateApr 27, 2022
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new type of water filtration membrane that mimics the natural process of morphogenesis. The membranes, made from soft polymers, exhibit complex 3D structures that allow them to efficiently separate pollutants from water.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2022
Researchers at Kumamoto University developed a novel 'supermolecular' material that binds to protein drugs, prolongs their effect without impairing activity, and improves overall drug performance. The material, called PEG-PRX, adds polyethylene glycol chains to proteins without compromising biological action.
SourceKumamoto University·JournalMaterials Today Bio·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 25, 2022
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.
Researchers developed a novel polymeric nanoparticle that selectively binds to fibrinogen in human plasma, offering a simpler and less expensive way to manufacture fibrinogen concentrate. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of more efficient fibrinogen-specific affinity reagents for drug development.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Pharmaceutical Analysis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022
Researchers at Nagoya University and Zeon Corporation have developed a new thermoplastic rubber material, i-SIS, with an extremely high tensile toughness of 480 MJ/m³. The material's impact resistance surpasses that of glass-fiber-reinforced plastic (GFRP), making it suitable for use in automotive and other industries.
SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 20, 2021