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Science of sandcastles is clarified, finally

Researchers at the University of Manchester have clarified the science behind sandcastle building by resolving a century-old mystery. They created artificial capillaries where water vapor can condense under ambient conditions, showing that the 150-year-old Kelvin equation remains surprisingly accurate even at an atomic scale.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature·DateDec 9, 2020
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.

Pollution from cooking remains in atmosphere for longer - study

Research finds that particulate emissions from cooking can survive in the atmosphere for several days, contributing to poor air quality and human health. The study's findings have significant implications for climate change and city planning.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalFaraday Discussions·DateDec 8, 2020

Molecular pores for thought

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology created an ultrathin porous membrane using molecular building blocks to separate molecules of different sizes and shapes. The membrane outperformed traditional membranes in filtering organic solvents, with high selectivity and durability.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2020

Ultrasensitive transistor for herbicide detection in water

A new transistor detects glyphosate in drinking water at 0.26 parts per million, outperforming conventional sensors with a detection limit of 0.95 ppm. The device works by adding copper ions that bind to the herbicide molecules, causing a detectable reduction in electric current.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateDec 1, 2020

Spontaneous hydrogen peroxide formation from water vapor

Researchers discover that micron-sized water droplets can spontaneously form hydrogen peroxide, regardless of surface type or temperature conditions. This finding has implications for environment-friendly disinfection technology and atmospheric sciences.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 23, 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.

Two liquids of water exist

Scientists have observed the transformation between two liquid states of water at extremely low temperatures and pressures. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on water's unusual behavior and has significant implications for various fields, including biology and desalination.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateNov 19, 2020

Time for a new state of matter in high-temperature superconductors

Physicists have long wondered if crystals can form in time instead of space. Now, researchers have successfully created a time crystal in a high-temperature superconductor by applying a laser. This breakthrough establishes a new state of matter and opens up new possibilities for designing quantum materials on demand.

SourceUniversity of Hamburg·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateNov 12, 2020

A biomimetic membrane for desalinating seawater on an industrial scale

Researchers have developed a hybrid membrane that combines artificial water channels with a polyamide matrix, resulting in higher flow rates and reduced energy needs for seawater desalination. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective desalination processes on an industrial scale.

SourceCNRS·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateNov 9, 2020

Ice-binding molecules stop ice growth, act as natural antifreeze

Certain molecules bind to ice surfaces, halting further growth and acting as natural antifreeze agents. Researchers developed a computational method to model ice binding, which has applications in cryopreservation and climate modeling.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateNov 3, 2020

Probing water for an electrifying cause

A team of KAUST engineers has untangled the roles of water, hydrophobicity, and environmental factors in water electrification. They found that hydrophobic surfaces carry a negative surface charge, which attracts positive ions and repels negative ions from water.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2020
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.

Identifying biomolecule fragments in ionising radiation

A new study reveals the precise energies at which secondary electrons produce certain biomolecule fragments when living cells are irradiated with heavy ions. The research could lead to more effective cancer therapies by understanding how biomolecules such as DNA are damaged by ionising radiation.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal D·DateOct 29, 2020

How octopus suckers "taste by touch"

Researchers have discovered how octopuses can taste objects by touch using their suckers, which include discrete populations of sensory cells. The study found that distinct chemotactile receptors form ion channel complexes that detect specific signals and send them to the nervous system.

SourceCell Press·JournalCell·DateOct 29, 2020

Scientists discover new structures in the smallest ice cube

Researchers have identified five cubic isomers in a tiny ice cube, including two with chirality, using a novel infrared spectroscopy technique. The study provides crucial information for understanding the formation processes of cloud, aerosol, and ice.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 29, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Highly selective membranes

A team of researchers from the University of Tokyo has discovered a feedback system between water molecules that opens up new design possibilities for highly selective membranes. These membranes, which can filter out viruses and other contaminants, could also be used to improve lithium-ion battery performance.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateOct 20, 2020

Sapphires show their true colors: Not water-loving

Researchers found that sapphire crystal faces exhibit contact angles far greater than 10°, with the (1-102) face being hydrophobic. This discovery provides insights into intrinsic wettability and its potential applications in materials science and technology.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateOct 10, 2020

First detailed look at how molecular Ferris wheel delivers protons to cellular factories

Researchers have figured out a key step in how molecular Ferris wheels work in yeast proton pumps, providing insight into a fundamental process that could be harnessed to thwart disease. The study uses high-resolution images and computer simulations to confirm the role of water molecules in conveying protons through the membrane.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020
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.

A self-erasing chip for security and anti-counterfeit tech

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a self-erasing chip that can store authentication information or secret messages. The chip uses a new material that emits light in specific frequencies, which can be erased with a flash of blue light, making it suitable for anti-counterfeit measures and secure data transmission.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateSep 24, 2020

Water trapped in star dust

A research team from Friedrich Schiller University Jena has proven that dust particles and ice are mixed in the interstellar medium. This finding suggests complex organic molecules may be present on dust particles, which can contribute to planetary formation. The study also reveals a hidden reservoir of oxygen in solid-state water.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 22, 2020

Supercooled water is a stable liquid, scientists show for the first time

Researchers have made the first-ever measurements of liquid water at extremely cold temperatures, revealing that it exists in two distinct structures that co-exist and vary in proportion dependent on temperature. This discovery provides long-sought experimental data to explain water's bizarre behavior at low temperatures.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateSep 17, 2020

New process for efficient removal of steroid hormones from water

Researchers developed a filtration system that combines a polymer membrane with activated carbon to eliminate estradiol in drinking water. The method achieves an efficiency of more than 99%, reaching the European Commission's reference value of 1 nanogram per liter.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalWater Research·DateSep 7, 2020
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.

Earth may always have been wet

Scientists analyzed enstatite chondrites, rare meteorites with primitive composition, to estimate the Earth's initial water content. Their findings indicate that the planet's rocks probably contained enough water to supply three times the amount of oceans, with only a small percentage delivered by comets or asteroids.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateAug 27, 2020

Electron movements in liquid measured in super-slow motion

Researchers detect electron movements in liquid water using photoemission, revealing a delay of 50-70 attoseconds compared to gaseous form. This discovery sheds light on chemical reactions and biological processes such as photosynthesis and DNA damage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience·DateAug 21, 2020

Ultrafast hydrogen bond dynamics of liquid water revealed by THz-induced Kerr effect

A team of scientists used THz pulses to study the intermolecular motion of liquid water, revealing a hydrogen bond harmonic oscillator model and polarizability anisotropy on sub-picosecond scales. The results provide insights into the transient structure of liquid water and its interaction with solvent molecules.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateAug 18, 2020
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.

X-rays indicate that water can behave like a liquid crystal

Researchers at Stockholm University have found that water can align its molecules like a liquid crystal when exposed to laser light. The alignment lasts only for a fraction of a second and is confirmed by both experimental studies and molecular simulations.

SourceStockholm University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 11, 2020

Inside the ice giants of space

Scientists developed a theoretical method to model the interior of ice giants Uranus and Neptune, allowing analysis of thermal and electrical processes. The study provides insights into the planets' geometry and evolution, including the existence of frozen cores and magnetic field generation.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 10, 2020

How a crystalline sponge sheds water molecules

Scientists used dynamic in-situ x-ray diffraction to observe how a crystalline sponge changed shape as it lost water molecules. The study found that one water molecule leaves quickly, causing the crystal lattice to compress and twist, while the other two molecules leave together.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalStructural Dynamics·DateJul 29, 2020

Water molecules are gold for nanocatalysis

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum have discovered that water molecules facilitate oxygen dissociation in aqueous solutions, reducing energy costs by 25%. This breakthrough helps explain the high catalytic activity of gold nanoparticles on metal oxides for selective oxidation.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalACS Catalysis·DateJul 27, 2020
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.

Liquid water is more than just H2O molecules

Researchers at Skoltech found a significantly higher concentration of short-lived ions (H3O+ and OH-) in pure liquid water than previously thought. This discovery has far-reaching implications for our understanding of the intricate structure of water, including its role in redox processes, catalytic reactions, and electrochemical systems.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 9, 2020

Limitations of super-resolution microscopy overcome

Researchers have overcome the limitation of super-resolution microscopy by combining dSTORM and expansion microscopy, achieving a distance error reduction to just five nanometers. This enables fluorescence imaging with molecular resolution for the first time, allowing detailed insights into molecular function and architecture.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2020

Wrapping up hydrophobic hydration

Researchers discovered a two-layer water network surrounding hydrophobic molecules, with the inner layer being longer stable and more densely packed. This new understanding is crucial for biomolecular recognition and protein folding processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·DateJun 29, 2020

Integrating nanomaterial with light-absorbing molecule powers hydrogen production from water and sun

Researchers have developed a new photocatalyst that can generate hydrogen from water with high efficiency, using nanoscale metal oxide sheets and a ruthenium dye molecule. The material works under visible light, the main component of sunlight, and has a record-breaking turnover frequency and external quantum yield.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 8, 2020
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.

UToledo chemists identify toxic chemicals in fracking wastewater

Researchers at UToledo developed a new method to characterize fracking wastewater, revealing the presence of toxic chemicals like atrazine, 1,4-dioxane, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. The study aims to improve disposal and purification practices for produced water, which can contaminate drinking water sources.

SourceUniversity of Toledo·JournalJournal of Separation Science·DateMay 26, 2020

Untangling a key step in photosynthetic oxygen production

Researchers use X-ray laser to observe water molecules flowing through the oxygen-evolving complex of Photosystem II, shedding light on a key step in oxygen production. The study provides new insights into how protein and water molecules work together to produce breathable oxygen.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 20, 2020

'Water wires' may play bigger role in cellular function

Scientists at the National MagLab used a powerful magnet to detect oxygen signals in proteins, revealing that water wires play a more significant role in cellular function than previously thought. This discovery has widespread ramifications for understanding how proteins interact with each other.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 12, 2020

Water molecules dance in three

Researchers have accurately described the interaction energy among three water molecules for the first time. The study uses advanced spectroscopy and quantum calculations to analyze the intermolecular vibrations of water trimers.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 24, 2020

How tiny water droplets form can have a big impact on climate models

Researchers found that surface-active species significantly impact droplet formation, improving climate model accuracy. By accounting for curved surfaces and accurate thermodynamic models, they reduced discrepancies in predicted nucleation rates.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 16, 2020
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Unique structural fluctuations at ice surface promote autoionization of water molecules

Scientists have found that hydrate protons on the ice surface are generated through autoionization of water molecules, leading to a significant enhancement in proton activity. This discovery has implications for understanding various phenomena such as charge generation and ozone layer destruction.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMar 30, 2020

A possible end to 'forever' chemicals

Excess electrons can shatter carbon-fluorine bonds in PFAS, breaking them down into by-products that may accelerate the process. The discovery offers a potential method to tackle widespread contamination of water supplies across America.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMar 10, 2020

Superhydrophobic magnetic sponge to help purify water from oil products

A new superhydrophobic magnetic sponge developed by Tomsk Polytechnic University and the University of Lille can effectively purify water from oil products. The material is capable of selectively absorbing oil molecules while repelling water, making it a promising solution for water pollution.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·DateMar 5, 2020
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.

Tying up molecules as easily as you tie up your laces

Researchers from the University of Geneva have developed a new technique for tying molecules together, resulting in modified mechanical properties. The method uses fatty molecules that self-assemble into knots without losing material, allowing for analysis of changes in mechanical properties.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateFeb 27, 2020

The shape of water: What water molecules look like on the surface of materials

Researchers used persistent homology and molecular dynamics simulations to study water molecules on graphene surfaces. They found that water molecules form stable polygonal shapes, which evolve into 3D tetrahedral structures after three layers are added. This discovery provides insights into the transition between surface and free water.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 5, 2020
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.

Superfast insights into cellular events

Researchers at Goethe University have developed a new NMR method that allows them to follow tiny structural changes in RNA chains in real-time. This breakthrough enables the study of RNA refolding and its role in regulating transcription processes, which are crucial for cellular functions.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 27, 2020

The mysterious movement of water molecules

Water molecules behave differently on bismuth telluride compared to conventional metals, repelling each other and remaining isolated on the surface. This discovery is significant as it suggests an advantage in applications exposed to typical environmental conditions.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 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.

Mars: Water could disappear faster than expected

Researchers found large atmospheric pockets of water vapour at an altitude of over 80 km, accumulating in unexpected proportions. The capacity for water to escape increases during certain seasons due to the observed supersaturation rates.

SourceCNRS·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2020

Scientists observe ultrafast birth of radicals

Researchers observed the ultrafast proton transfer process following water ionization, creating a hydroxyl radical. The reaction is crucial for nuclear engineering, space travel, and environmental remediation, and its understanding may lead to strategies to suppress radiation damage.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2020
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.

How we transport water in our bodies inspires new water filtration method

A multidisciplinary team of researchers has developed a novel water filtration process that mimics the human body's efficient water transport system. The new membrane technology shows impressive desalination properties, exhibiting selective salt removal with higher efficiency than current processes.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 16, 2019

Fundamental discoveries for future nanotools: Chemists distinguish multiple weak forces

Chemists at the University of Tokyo have made groundbreaking discoveries about how molecules bind together, using a tiny cube structure to study dispersion forces. The team has found that polarizable atoms can create stronger dispersion forces, leading to increased stability in complex structures and potential applications in drug design.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalCommunications Chemistry·DateDec 12, 2019

Liquid flow is influenced by a quantum effect in water

Researchers found that charged polymers increase viscosity by altering water-water interactions, which is influenced by a nuclear quantum effect. This discovery has fundamental implications for developing new technologies in health, biosciences, materials science, and environmental science.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 9, 2019
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.

Properties of graphene change due to water and oxygen

The study reveals that electrochemical reactions between water and oxygen can control the physical properties of graphene and other two-dimensional materials. This discovery has significant implications for developing flexible displays, high-speed transistors, and next-generation batteries.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2019

A missing link in haze formation

A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has discovered a crucial link between alcohol molecules and haze formation. Alcohols like methanol reduce particle formation by consuming sulfur trioxide, converting it to more sticky compounds that promote growth.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 25, 2019