Add BrightSurf on Google Email
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.

Cage with caps

A Japanese team has introduced a molecular cage with 'caps' that can confine certain rare-earth-metal ions, including lanthanum and europium, for isolation or recycling. The critical feature of the cage is its two 'caps' that cover the openings and bind to the ions through hydrogen bridges and electrostatic interactions.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2022

New evidence shows water separates into two different liquids at low temperatures

Researchers have uncovered new evidence of a liquid-liquid phase transition in water, where molecules form 'entangled' arrangements at low temperatures. This finding has significant implications for understanding the physics of water and could pave the way for new experiments to validate the theory.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2022

Simple method destroys dangerous ‘forever chemicals,’ making water safe

Chemists at UCLA and Northwestern University developed a simple way to break down nearly indestructible 'forever chemicals' at relatively low temperatures with no harmful byproducts. The technology uses common reagents in heated water to sever molecular bonds in PFAS, leaving only harmless compounds.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2022

In simulation of how water freezes, artificial intelligence breaks the ice

Researchers at Princeton University used artificial intelligence to simulate ice formation by individual atoms and molecules with quantum accuracy. This breakthrough enables tracking of hundreds of thousands of atoms over longer timespans than previous simulations.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 8, 2022

Milking molecules from microbes

A team of researchers developed a low-energy and efficient way to harvest and concentrate valuable chemicals from microalgae, which can be grown on waste materials. This membrane-based process enables continuous extraction and concentration of secreted metabolites, paving the way for large-scale bio-factories.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateJul 25, 2022
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.

Potential energy surfaces of water mapped for the first time

Researchers have successfully mapped the potential energy surfaces of individual water molecules in liquid water at room temperature and normal pressure. This breakthrough uses X-ray analysis and statistical modeling to reveal the complex behavior of water molecules, shedding light on their role as a solvent.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 8, 2022

How crops can better survive floods

Researchers have found a signaling molecule that helps plants survive flooding by triggering a molecular emergency power system. Pretreating plants with ethylene improves their chances of survival. The study could lead to the development of resistant plant varieties to combat waterlogging and flooding in agriculture.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·DateJun 10, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The future of desalination?

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have created a fast and efficient method for purifying saltwater using fluorine-based nanostructures. The new technology outperforms existing desalination methods, requiring less pressure, energy, and time to produce clean water.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022

Earth’s atmosphere may be source of some lunar water

A new study by University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute scientists finds that hydrogen and oxygen ions escaping from Earth's upper atmosphere could combine on the moon to create lunar water and ice. The research estimates up to 3,500 cubic kilometers of surface permafrost or subsurface liquid water created from these ions.

SourceUniversity of Alaska Fairbanks·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 27, 2022

Measuring the ‘wettability’ of graphene and other 2D materials

Researchers successfully measured the wettability of graphene and other 2D materials using VSFG, a surface-selective tool that connects macroscopic and molecular-level properties. The study found that graphene's 'wetting transparency' diminishes with increasing layers, becoming hydrophobic at a certain point.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 26, 2022

Mysteries of gas giants known as ‘hot Jupiters’ unravelled

Researchers have uncovered significant trends in hot Jupiters' atmospheres, including dramatic temperature swings and the presence of metallic elements. The study's findings provide valuable insights into the evolution of our solar system and offer a better understanding of exoplanet populations.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Supplement Series·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 25, 2022

National Cheng Kung University researchers present new solution for wastewater remediation

Researchers have developed an eco-friendly and reusable solution for removing toxic synthetic dyes from wastewater using nanocomposite-based hydrogels. The new material, made from carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and graphene oxide, demonstrates high adsorption capacities and retains its effectiveness even after multiple cycles of use.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateApr 14, 2022
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.

The material that could save industries heat

Scientists at Tohoku University have discovered a compound that can reversibly store and release large amounts of low-grade heat. The birnessite-type layered manganese dioxide with crystal water compound has shown better performance compared to other compounds for heat storage purposes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2022

Easing oxygen's evolution

Researchers at KAUST have developed a low-cost method to generate carbon-free fuels by coating a metal foam with iron and cobalt nanomaterials. The device splits water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, a potential green fuel, using renewable electricity.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022

Researchers develop procedure to interpret x-ray emission spectra of liquid water

A team led by Osamu Takahashi developed a procedure to reproduce the double peak feature of x-ray emission spectroscopy spectra in liquid water. They used molecular dynamics calculations and first principles quantum mechanical calculations to estimate XES spectra, reproducing features such as the double peaks.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 1, 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.

Researchers make non-alcoholic beer taste like regular beer

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a method to produce non-alcoholic beer that tastes like regular beer, improving its flavor and sustainability. The technique involves using micro-factories of yeast cells to release hop aroma molecules, eliminating the need for expensive aroma hops.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 11, 2022

Self-healing ice

Researchers from the University of Amsterdam have found that ice can heal itself by forming a new layer of ice to cover scratches and cuts. This discovery could potentially extend breaks between skating races, but careful control of moisture in the air is still necessary.

SourceUniversiteit van Amsterdam·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateFeb 7, 2022

TTUHSC scientist seeking solution to antibiotic resistance

Researchers at TTUHSC developed novel hydrophilic nanoparticles that target bacterial membranes, killing pathogens while sparing mammalian cells. The nanoantibiotics' size-dependent activity reveals a new blueprint for developing non-toxic and environmentally friendly antibiotics.

SourceTexas Tech University Health Sciences Center·JournalNature Communications·TypeObservational study·DateJan 20, 2022

Camels’ noses inspire a new humidity sensor

Researchers created a humidity sensor mimicking camel noses to detect moisture levels in industrial exhaust and human skin. The device responds to changes in skin perspiration and can even follow the path of a finger, suggesting a potential basis for touchless interfaces.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 19, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Unexpected energy storage capability where water meets metal surfaces

Scientists investigated nanoparticle dispersions in aqueous solution to track down capacitance and rearrangement processes at platinum and gold nanoparticles. They found that dissolved ions accumulate between compact water layers, leading to unexpectedly high capacitances.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 19, 2022

X-ray laser reveals how radiation damage arises

A team of researchers used the X-ray laser European XFEL to study the detailed dynamics of how water molecules break apart when exposed to high-energy radiation. The study reveals that the disintegration process is more complicated than expected, with the oxygen atom not being flung away hard when the molecule breaks up.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 6, 2021

New research reveals the mechanism of ion transport in aqueous Li-ion batteries

Recent study uses advanced spectroscopy techniques to observe water molecules in superconcentrated salt solutions and identifies heterogeneity in solvation structure. This finding explains the unexpected fast lithium-ion transport in highly viscous electrolytes.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateNov 29, 2021

Space dust analysis could solve mystery of the origins of Earth’s water

A team of researchers found evidence that solar wind altered the chemical composition of ancient asteroid grains, producing water molecules and providing a possible source for Earth's oceans. The discovery could help future space missions find sources of water on airless worlds.

SourceUniversity of Hawaii at Manoa·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021
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.

How positively and negatively charged ions behave at interfaces

Scientists investigate how positively and negatively charged ions behave at solid-liquid interfaces. They found that the hydration shell of positively charged sodium ions is stripped away at small voltages, while negatively charged chloride ions require higher voltages.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 2021

Tel Aviv University researchers have discovered a mechanism that helps plants cope with water shortages

Researchers at Tel Aviv University discovered a central mechanism in plants that helps them deal with drought conditions and water shortages. They found that the ABA signal molecule is stored in inactive state in leaves and released under desired conditions, allowing plants to rapidly respond to changing environmental conditions.

SourceTel-Aviv University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 2, 2021

A sub-nanometer supramolecular rectifier

Researchers designed a sub-nanometer molecular rectifier utilizing destructive quantum interference and asymmetric supramolecular interaction, overcoming electronic functionality challenges. The device achieves rectification behavior at the sub-nanometer scale, enabling potential miniaturization of electronic devices.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateOct 27, 2021

Astronomers provide 'field guide' to exoplanets known as hot Jupiters

Researchers used Hubble Space Telescope observations and theoretical models to study a broader population of hot Jupiters. The study provides insight into planet formation and suggests that these planets contain similar sets of molecules, including water and carbon monoxide.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalNature Astronomy·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021
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.

Are there DBPs in that cup of tea?

A recent study measured 60 DBPs in three types of tea and found that brewed tea contained significantly lower levels of DBPs than tap water. However, the researchers also identified 15 previously uncharacterized compounds that likely form from chlorine reactions with natural precursors in tea leaves.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateSep 15, 2021

How confined protons migrate

Protons seem to migrate faster than other ions in free aqueous solutions, but individual protons do not really move. In confined spaces, protons get stuck in an oscillatory state due to confinement effects and acid concentration.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateSep 8, 2021
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.

Metallic water prepared for first time under terrestrial conditions

Researchers at IOCB Prague develop a method to prepare metallic water without high pressure, by dissolving electrons from alkali metal in water vapor. The resulting solution lasts several seconds and contains dissolved alkali cations and hydroxide and hydrogen.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2021

Making clean hydrogen is hard, but researchers just solved a major hurdle

Scientists have found a low-cost way to split off oxygen molecules from water using sunlight, paving the way for more efficient production of clean hydrogen. The breakthrough uses a technique that creates electrically conductive paths through a silicon dioxide layer, allowing for stable and efficient water splitting.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2021
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.

Light-harvesting nanoparticle catalysts show promise in quest for renewable carbon-based fuels

A study by University of Illinois researchers has shown that small quantities of hydrocarbons can be produced when CO2 and water react in the presence of light and a silver nanoparticle catalyst. The findings demonstrate a viable technology for renewable energy generation and chemical manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 24, 2021

What we know about water may have just changed dramatically

Scientists have discovered that water molecules respond differently to an electrode surface, affecting how substances dissolve in water and chemical reactions occur. This breakthrough could lead to more accurate simulations for water desalination and potentially provide clean water faster, cheaper, and cleaner.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2021

SwRI works to improve atmospheric water harvesting

Researchers at Southwest Research Institute are developing a cost-effective method for harvesting water from atmospheric air using silica gel beads. This approach can capture water vapor molecules at low humidity levels, making it a promising solution for communities with limited access to clean water.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·DateJun 1, 2021

It takes some heat to form ice!

Researchers track water molecule movement using Helium Spin-Echo technique, revealing repulsion between water molecules on graphene surface is crucial for ice formation. This discovery challenges previous understanding of ice nucleation and provides new insights into controlling ice formation.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2021
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.

Solving a natural riddle of water filtration

An international team of researchers has developed a way to replicate a natural process that moves water between cells, mimicking the functions of aquaporins in our bodies. The new channels can carry water faster than current membranes while excluding protons and unwanted molecules.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 20, 2021

Life may have become cellular by using unusual molecules

Simple chemical compounds, like hydroxy acids, spontaneously link together to form structures reminiscent of modern cells when dried from solution. These structures may have helped scaffold the emergence of biological cellularity.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalBiomacromolecules·DateMay 13, 2021

Florida Inventors Hall of Fame announces 2021 inductees

The 2021 class includes notable inventors like Dean Kamen and Mark Dean, whose work on the Segway and original IBM PC revolutionized technology. The inductees collectively hold over 675 U.S. patents, addressing pressing issues like healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·DateApr 29, 2021
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.

Identification of the wettability of graphene layers at the molecular level

A research team observed hydrogen-bond structure of water molecules on graphene-water interfaces using vibrational sum-frequency generation spectroscopy. They found that as the number of layers increases, graphene becomes increasingly hydrophobic. VSFG spectroscopy provides a detailed picture of interfacial water at the molecular level.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalChem·DateApr 21, 2021

The role of hydrophobic molecules in catalytic reactions

A team of researchers from Ruhr-University Bochum and Sorbonne Université has discovered the significant contribution of small hydrophobic molecules to the energy costs of electrochemical reactions. The study found that these molecules interact with water at interfaces, leading to a crucial role in the chemical reactions.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2021

UConn researchers find bubbles speed up energy transfer

Researchers at UConn used ultrafast lasers to measure the interaction between helium atoms, discovering that bubbles can enhance energy transfer. This finding has significant implications for understanding how living tissues react to radiation exposure.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 12, 2021
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.

Could we recycle plastic bags into fabrics of the future?

MIT engineers develop wicking fabrics from polyethylene, a material previously dismissed for textile use due to its water-trapping properties. The new fabrics show improved moisture-wicking ability compared to cotton, nylon, and polyester.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 15, 2021

Computing clean water

Computational models predict solute-surface affinity, allowing for more effective membrane design and improved energy efficiency. Researchers discovered that surface water molecular structures play a crucial role in determining affinity.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 11, 2021

Terahertz waves from electrons oscillating in liquid water

Researchers at Max Born Institute observe terahertz radiation from electrons localized in liquid water, displaying a frequency between 0.2 and 1.5 THz. The emission persists for up to 40 ps, with surprisingly weak damping, allowing for potential manipulation.

SourceMax Born Institute for Nonlinear Optics and Short Pulse Spectroscopy (MBI)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 4, 2021

Dentists' tool boost as engineers get to root of tiny bubbles

Researchers have gained insights into how tiny, powerful bubbles are formed by ultra-fast vibrations, which could improve dental hygiene devices and other technologies. The study's findings suggest that nanobubbles can form through boiling or cavitation processes, paving the way for future research.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2021
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.

The water surface is a fantastic place for chemical reactions

Researchers used advanced technique to study phenol reaction at air-water interface, revealing a 10,000-fold increase in reaction speed compared to bulk water. The findings could improve understanding of catalytic chemistry and its impact on the global environment.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 15, 2021

Sensor and detoxifier in one

A team of Chinese researchers developed a material that can both quickly detect and efficiently remove ozone. The porous material, called an imine COF, works reliably at high humidity and over a wide temperature range.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 5, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Chemists describe a new form of ice

Researchers from the US, China, and Russia have discovered a novel hydrogen hydrate that forms at room temperature and low pressure. The new form of ice has three water molecules per hydrogen molecule, showing promise for cost-effective hydrogen storage solutions.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 22, 2020

Key building block for organic molecules discovered in meteorites

Researchers found prebiotic organic molecule hexamethylenetetramine (HMT) in three carbon-rich meteorites, validating theories of its role in forming organic compounds. HMT is thought to be a stable source for ammonia and formaldehyde, which can form other important biological molecules.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2020

How water helps the substrate into the enzyme

Researchers discovered water's unique properties when confined in a tiny cage, facilitating access to the catalytic center. The team showed that water forms a droplet inside the cage, structurally and dynamically distinct from known phases of water.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateDec 15, 2020

Making cheaper, biocompatible E-skin electrodes

Researchers developed a non-toxic hydrothermal treatment that enhances conductivity of PEDOT:PSS films by 250 times, making them suitable for biomedical applications.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateDec 10, 2020
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.