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Water is not the same as water

Scientists have successfully separated two forms of water, ortho- and para-water, which exhibit different chemical reactivities due to their nuclear spin orientations. These findings were reported in Nature Communications and confirmed by computer simulations.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 29, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In the beginning was the phase separation

A team at TUM has shown that phase separation is an efficient way of selecting and stabilizing chemical building blocks, allowing them to survive longer. This process can be used to create self-replicating information carriers with life-like properties.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 23, 2018

The ultrafast dance of liquid water

Researchers at Stockholm University have discovered correlated motion in water dynamics on a sub-100 femtosecond timescale, indicating a complex network of hydrogen bonds that play a role even on ultrafast timescales. The study reveals the coordinated dance of water molecules due to the formation of tetrahedral structures.

SourceStockholm University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 17, 2018
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.

World's fastest water heater -- 100,000 degrees in 0.000 000 000 000 075 seconds

Researchers use X-ray laser to heat water from room temperature to 100,000 degrees Celsius in less than a tenth of a picosecond, producing an exotic state of matter. This study has significant implications for understanding the properties of water and its behavior under extreme conditions.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 14, 2018

Understanding steam burns

Researchers have solved the mystery of steam burns, revealing that water vapour penetrates skin pores to cause second-degree burns. The epidermis cannot protect against steam, which condenses in the lower dermal layer, releasing thermal energy and triggering damage. To minimize damage, cooling is essential for a long time.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 14, 2018

The slipperiness of ice explained

A team of researchers has discovered that the friction on ice is driven by the high mobility of water molecules at the surface, not by a thin layer of liquid water. The study found that as temperature increases, the mobility of these molecules also rises, resulting in lower friction.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Polymer Research·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateMay 9, 2018

Proof of water wires motivated by a biological water channel

A team of researchers led by Georges Belfort has discovered water wires in an imidazole molecule, which could lead to the development of artificial aquaporin membranes for efficient desalination. The study shows that the imidazole's ring structure enables water molecules to self-assemble into a highly oriented linear chain structure.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 26, 2018

KAIST discloses the formation of burning ice in oceanic clay rich sediment

Researchers at KAIST have identified flammable ice formed in oceans through clay minerals in sedimentary deposits. They proposed a new principle for gas hydrate formation and found that electric fields can promote hydrate nucleation.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 9, 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.

Using water molecules to read electrical activity in lipid membranes

Researchers have developed a non-invasive method to track electrical activity in lipid membranes by analyzing the position of surrounding water molecules. This approach reveals unexpected charge fluctuations and complex chemical behavior previously unknown.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 2, 2018

Bioinspired slick method improves water harvesting

Scientists at UT Dallas created a surface that can capture and direct water droplets from fog and air vapor, rapidly directing them into reservoirs via lubricated microgrooves. The 'hydrophilic directional slippery rough surfaces' (SRS) use hydroxy functional groups to efficiently capture water droplets.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 30, 2018

Understanding the strange behavior of water

Researchers uncovered the anomaly in water's properties by using supercomputers to 'untune' its interactions, revealing a specific molecular arrangement that contributes to its unusual behavior. This discovery provides a simple explanation for phenomena such as water expanding on cooling and insects walking on its surface.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2018
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.

A simple trick for modeling calcium

Researchers have developed a straightforward modification to computer models of calcium ions that leads to highly accurate simulations. The new model can simulate calcium interactions with proteins and other molecules, providing powerful tools for studying biological processes.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMar 6, 2018

SwRI scientist helps characterize water on lunar surface

A Southwest Research Institute scientist contributed to a study indicating water and/or hydroxyl may be more prevalent on the Moon's surface than previously thought. The research used multiple instruments and investigations to better characterize the inferred measurements of water, suggesting it is present under wider ranging conditions.

SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 23, 2018

'Chemical net' could be key to capturing pure hydrogen

Researchers have discovered that MXene nanosheets can be used to construct laminated membranes for efficient gas separation, outperforming top-of-the-line membrane materials in permeability and selectivity. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new gas separation applications and expand the use of membrane technology.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 29, 2018

Flexibility and arrangement -- the interaction of ribonucleic acid and water

The study reveals that water molecules at the RNA surface perform tipping motions, known as librations, which influence the structure and dynamics of RNA. The findings show a complex scenario where water fluctuations are transferred to RNA vibrations, essential for avoiding local overheating.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJan 23, 2018
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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Tracking a solvation process step by step

Chemists at Ruhr-Universität Bochum tracked individual water molecules attaching to an organic molecule, exploring hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity. The study uses low-temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, providing insights into solvation processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 21, 2017

Structure of channelrhodopsin determined

The researchers discovered the structure of Channelrhodopsin 2, enabling a deeper understanding of its mechanism of action. This knowledge could lead to improved optogenetic tools for studying neurodegenerative diseases and developing gene therapies.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience·DateDec 13, 2017

New synthethic protocol to form 3-D porous organic network

A new synthetic protocol has been developed to form 3D porous organic networks via solid-state explosion of organic single crystals. This method offers several advantages over existing techniques, including the absence of solvents and catalysts, resulting in highly pure products.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2017
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.

Penn researchers demonstrate how to control liquid crystal patterns

Researchers at Penn University have demonstrated the ability to control liquid crystal patterns, which could be useful in creating patchy colloids and microscopic particles with functionalized surfaces. The study was led by Lisa Tran and Randall Kamien and has potential applications in biosensing and energy harvesting.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 1, 2017

Cobalt and tungsten -- the key to cheaper, cleaner hydrogen

Researchers have designed a new catalyst made of cobalt and tungsten that reduces the cost of electrolytic hydrogen production by splitting water molecules at very low voltages. This process avoids the use of expensive and scarce precious metals like iridium.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 30, 2017

Solution to mysterious behavior of supercooled water

The study reveals that anomalous molecular motions in supercooled water lead to the breakdown of Stokes-Einstein behavior, with regions forming hydrogen bonds heterogeneously. The findings provide insights into the physical implications of this anomaly, which could help explain dynamic behaviors in glassy materials.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

Probing exotic ices

Researchers analyzed how water molecules interact with one another in three types of ice, finding that interactions depend strongly on molecule orientation and ice structure. Insights from this analysis will help understand liquid water and its behavior surrounding biomolecules.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateOct 10, 2017

Studies of 'amorphous ice' reveal hidden order in glass

A new study reveals that amorphous ice, formed when water is cooled to low temperatures, exhibits a previously undetected internal pattern known as disordered hyperuniformity. This finding may help explain water's unique properties and challenge the definition of glass.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 3, 2017

A deeper understanding of a surface phenomenon

Researchers studied the movement of acetone droplets on water using a simplified model and three independent approaches, finding that ignoring surface tension's curvature leads to accurate calculations. The study has implications for understanding complex phenomena like droplet gliding and measurements like the Langmuir balance.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalJournal of Fluid Mechanics·DateOct 2, 2017
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.

Filtering molecules from the water or air with nanomembranes

Researchers have created ultra-thin carbon nanomembranes that can filter out specific molecules from water and air, with significant implications for purification and other industries. The membranes' unique properties can be tailored to suit different purposes, making them versatile tools in various fields.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 14, 2017

Hydrogen power moves a step closer

Scientists are developing methods to create renewable fuel from water using quantum technology, marking a significant step forward in the pursuit of sustainable energy. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission revealed intense downpours within Hurricane Jose's powerful convective storms.

SourceLancaster University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 14, 2017
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.

Don't be salty -- tiny tubes desalinate water one molecule at a time

Researchers from Northeastern University have discovered that tiny carbon nanotubes can efficiently remove salt from seawater, offering a potential solution to global water scarcity. The novel system outperforms existing methods, with the potential to increase accessible drinking water from 0.007 percent to a higher percentage.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalScience·DateAug 29, 2017

Oil and water may combine if conditions are right, study suggests

A new study suggests that hydrophobic molecules like oil can be forced to dissolve in water when subjected to high pressure. Researchers applied immense pressure to methane and water, gaining insights into their interaction. This finding has implications for replacing hazardous industrial solvents and modeling planetary bodies.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 28, 2017
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.

Outperforming nature's water filtration ability with nanotubes

Researchers discovered that carbon nanotubes with a width of 0.8 nanometers can filter water with better efficiency than biological proteins, known as aquaporins. The narrow nanotube porins (nCNTPs) maintain permeability even at high salt concentrations and can be tailored for specific ion selectivity.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 24, 2017

WSU researchers develop alternative to wasteful methane flaring

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a small reactor that can inexpensively break down methane into carbon monoxide and hydrogen, producing syngas for use in energy production. This innovation could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and wasted energy from oil drilling operations.

SourceWashington State University·JournalACS Catalysis·DateAug 1, 2017
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.

Water makes the proton shake

Researchers have elucidated the ultrafast motions and structural characteristics of protons in water under ambient conditions, identifying the Zundel cation as a predominant species. The proton explores all locations between two water molecules within less than 100 fs, losing memory quickly due to strong electric field fluctuations.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalScience·DateJul 13, 2017

Scientists make 'squarest' ice crystals ever

Researchers at Ohio State University have created ice crystals with near-perfect cubic arrangement of water molecules, a form of ice that may exist in high-altitude clouds. The ability to study cubic ice in the lab could improve computer models of climate change and enhance our understanding of water.

SourceOhio State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJul 10, 2017

Molecule may help maintain brain's synaptic balance

Researchers at Thomas Jefferson University discovered a molecule, LRP4, that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of excitatory and inhibitory neurons. The molecule is specific to excitatory synapses, suggesting a parallel molecule may exist for inhibitory synapses.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·DateJun 13, 2017

Researchers find a surprise just beneath the surface in carbon dioxide experiment

A team of researchers used X-ray experiments and theoretical models to study the conversion of carbon dioxide into liquid fuels using copper catalysts. The findings revealed that oxygen atoms embedded near the surface of copper had a significant impact on the reaction, leading to more efficient reactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 12, 2017

Open-source approach provides faster, better solubility predictions

A new molecular modeling method using freely available software provides accurate predictions of solubility. The approach exploits thermodynamic expressions and can be applied to any solute-solvent combination, making it a crucial tool for industries such as pharmaceuticals and petroleum.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 6, 2017
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.

New method: Water mapping around solutes

Chemists at Ruhr-University Bochum developed a new terahertz calorimetry technique to map changes in water molecules around solutes. This method allows for real-time analysis of hydration shells and can be applied to complex systems like enzymes for drug design.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMay 22, 2017

Caltech chemical engineer explains oxygen mystery on comets

A Caltech engineer explains how comets produce oxygen gas, a rare finding in space, through dynamic molecular oxygen production. The discovery challenges previous theories and has implications for searching for life on exoplanets.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2017

Advantage: Water

Scientists have determined that water is only slightly more likely to stay in one piece as it binds to the catalyst surface than it is to form hydroxyl pairs. This small advantage has significant implications for industries using titanium dioxide, including alternative fuel production and solar energy.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 13, 2017

Into the DNA of a coral reef predator

Scientists from OIST and Australia have sequenced the COTS genome, revealing identical genetic material between Great Barrier Reef and Okinawa populations. The study identified water-borne molecules used by COTS for communication, which could be targeted to disrupt destructive spawning events.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature·DateApr 5, 2017
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.

Graphene sieve turns seawater into drinking water

Researchers at the University of Manchester have developed graphene-oxide membranes that can filter out common salts from seawater, making it safe to drink. This technology has the potential to revolutionize water filtration worldwide, particularly in countries with limited access to clean water.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateApr 3, 2017

Tracking real-time proton induced radiation chemistry in water

Researchers use picosecond time resolution to investigate ultrafast radiation chemistry occurring immediately after protons interact with water. The new approach allows for high detail capture of rapid chemical evolution, revealing a delay in the formation of absorption bands after proton exposure.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 27, 2017

Flexibility is key in mechanism of biological self-assembly

Researchers modeled the mechanism of biological self-assembly, finding that flexible surfaces allow for rapid joining, while inflexible surfaces fuse slowly. The study explored factors influencing self-assembly and provides insights into understanding protein complexes and drug receptors.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 17, 2017

Exploring the mysteries of supercooled water

Physicists at Roma Tre University developed a computer-based simulation to study the interactions of water molecules in supercooled conditions. The study reveals that a specific property of the water network can be used to determine changes in entropy, offering insights into unusual thermodynamic facets of water's activity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateFeb 28, 2017

Existence of a new quasiparticle demonstrated

Researchers have demonstrated the existence of a new quasiparticle called angulon, which forms when a rotating object interacts with its surrounding environment. The angulon theory can explain 20 years of observations and offers a quick and simple description for rotation of molecules in solvents.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 28, 2017
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.

Crowdsourcing effort helps researchers predict how a molecule will smell

A crowdsourcing effort helped researchers develop a mathematical model that can forecast the scent a molecule will evoke. The study used over 1 million data points from human volunteers to link perceptual information to chemical features, achieving a perfect score of 0.83 in smell prediction.

SourceRockefeller University·JournalScience·DateFeb 20, 2017

50+ year-old protein volume paradox resolved

Scientists accurately predict protein volume changes upon unfolding, resolving a long-standing paradox. The new method, developed by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute researchers, reveals that unfolded proteins gain and lose volume in intricate ways.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 10, 2017

Rice takes deeper look at unconventional oil and gas

Researchers develop new method to analyze shale samples using NMR and molecular dynamics simulations, helping determine hydrocarbon presence and extraction difficulty. The approach improves identification of gas, oil, and water in organic shales.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Magnetic Resonance Imaging·DateFeb 9, 2017
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.

Understanding breakups

Researchers developed a new theory describing the deformation and breakup of nanosized droplets when they strike a surface, enabling improved nanoscale printing and spraying. The model is ready for use in applications but has limitations, such as only applying to nanoscale droplets and Newtonian fluids.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 30, 2017

How water can split into two liquids below zero

Researchers confirmed a theoretical possibility of dual liquid states in sub-zero water and other tetrahedral molecules. A study using DNA origami and simulation revealed that such structures could exhibit a high-density and low-density liquid phase, separated by an empty lattice.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJan 25, 2017