Researchers created a potential new adhesive using poly(vinyl alcohol) to improve the adhesion of wearable sensors. The modified compound, 4C3-PVA, was found to be hydrophobic but have less tensile strength compared to other versions.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateFeb 5, 2020
Researchers at POSTECH have discovered the key to strong underwater mussel adhesion, finding that Dopa and Lysine molecules work together in a synergistic effect. Their study used molecular biology techniques to analyze adhesive proteins in mussels and confirmed two molecules with strong adhesion even in underwater conditions.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateJan 22, 2020
Researchers have created kirigami structures that can support 14,000 times their own weight without adhesives or fasteners. The tilted triangle design is strongest when flaps are undamaged and untapped, and its unique geometry allows for horizontal compression within the center of the design.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJan 21, 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.
Researchers at the University of Toronto have developed a super-stretchy, transparent and self-powering sensor that records complex human sensations. The 'artificial ionic skin' can measure strain, humidity and temperature changes, generating controlled ion movements that can be measured as electrical signals.
SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateJan 8, 2020
Boston University researchers have developed a biodegradable adhesive that can effectively stick to various surfaces, replacing traditional plastic adhesives. The adhesive's formula is easily adaptable to suit industrial and medical applications.
SourceBoston University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 18, 2019
Researchers at Purdue University have created high-performance, tunable adhesives using compounds found in foods like nuts and fruits. These nontoxic and degradable adhesives could replace carcinogenic formaldehyde-based glues in furniture and other household items, improving health and environmental sustainability.
SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateDec 5, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A team of researchers at Osaka University created a novel two-dimensional graphical tactile display that combines visual and tactile information. The display uses temperature-sensitive adhesive sheets to create a 'sticky' sensation, allowing users to feel objects on the screen.
Researchers at Hokkaido University developed adhesives inspired by mussels that utilize electrostatic interactions to stick to negatively charged surfaces in saltwater. The adhesiveness was largely thanks to the interaction between positively charged residues on the polymers and the negatively charged surfaces.
SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2019
A new adhesive developed by MIT engineers can tightly bind tissues such as lungs and intestines within five seconds. The double-sided tape can also be used to attach implantable medical devices to tissues, offering a promising alternative to surgical sutures.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 30, 2019
Researchers found that nanostructured surfaces reduce bacterial adhesion, making it harder for Staphylococcus aureus bacteria to form biofilms and resist antibiotics. The study suggests optimizing surface topography can minimize bacterial attachment and prevent biofilm formation.
Researchers at New Jersey Institute of Technology created a biologically inspired remora disc that replicates the fish's ability to lock onto surfaces, with a 'sweet spot' in suction power between nine and 12 lamellae. The study provides insight into the evolution of the remora's unique disc morphology.
SourceNew Jersey Institute of Technology·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateSep 3, 2019
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.
Researchers from Kiel University discovered a complex interplay of factors influencing pollen adhesion to surfaces. They found that pollen's adhesive properties change depending on the duration of contact and microstructure of the surface, providing new insights into coating processes and transporting medicinal substances.
SourceKiel University·JournalJournal of The Royal Society Interface·DateAug 20, 2019
Scientists develop a soft snail robot that harnesses energy from a laser beam to crawl on horizontal surfaces and climb vertical walls. The robot's unique properties offer insights into micromechanics with smart materials, paving the way for future exploration in small-scale soft robotics.
SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalMacromolecular Rapid Communications·DateJul 31, 2019
Researchers have developed an active adhesive dressing that contracts in response to body heat, speeding up wound healing. The dressings, inspired by embryonic skin, use thermoresponsive polymers and silver nanoparticles to prevent bacterial growth, making them a promising alternative to traditional treatments.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 24, 2019
Researchers are developing materials inspired by mussel threads that can remove heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pathogens from wastewater. These innovations could help mitigate environmental damage after oil spills.
Researchers have developed a new nanomaterial tape that can function over a wide temperature range, from -321 F to 1,832 F. The tape adheres to various materials and surfaces, with no noticeable residues, making it suitable for electronic components and extreme environments.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 10, 2019
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.
NYU Tandon Professor Jin Kim Montclare has been awarded $400,000 by the Army Research Office for her work on bio-engineering proteins to develop wet adhesion in sealants and medical adhesives. Her team aims to create responsive biological adhesives that can interface with non-living materials.
Researchers found that N-cadherin protein plays a crucial role in arranging neurons to form the columnar microstructure of the brain. The study used Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly brain as a model and discovered that three neuron types are arranged within the columns, with R7 forming the core.
Researchers created a hydrogel-based adhesive inspired by snails' mucus, combining strength and reversibility. The PHEMA gel achieves adhesive strengths comparable to superglues, with 'shape adaptation and memory' properties.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019
Scientists at Lehigh University and Korea Institute of Science and Technology have created a reversible super-glue-like material that can easily come unglued. The new hydrogel-based adhesive combines benefits of both liquid and dry adhesives, allowing for strong adhesion on flat and rough surfaces.
SourceLehigh University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019
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 Penn team created an adhesive that mimics the snail's epiphragm, allowing for strong adhesion and easy reversibility. The breakthrough was achieved using a polymer called PHEMA, which conforms to small grooves on surfaces when wet, making it stick, and hardens into those cavities when dry, securing itself firmly.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2019
A graphene-based adhesive biosensor was created with an octopus-like sucker, allowing for full contact with both wet and dry skin. The device can monitor various human activities, including heart rate, step count, and speech patterns.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 22, 2019
Two studies analyze the adhesive properties of the Dusky Arion slug's defensive glue, identifying key proteins and structures that contribute to its strength and flexibility. Insights gained could lead to the development of organic synthetic adhesives with reduced risk of complications.
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 at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a novel adhesive inspired by the natural mixture of bee spit and flower oil, which shows unique properties in resisting changes in humidity. The glue works similarly to a layer of cooking oil covering syrup, slowing down drying considerably.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2019
Researchers at EPFL's LSMS digitally simulated how surface roughness changes over time, capturing the entire process from initial geometry to final fractal geometry. Their findings suggest that wear debris is present for surfaces to develop self-affine roughness and could lead to significant reductions in energy consumption and costs.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 2019
A new dental filling material made with thiourethane could significantly extend its lifespan, reducing the need for frequent fillings and related complications. The material has been shown to be two times more resistant to breakage than standard fillings.
SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2019
Researchers detail sticky situations at the nanoscale, finding that miniscule differences in surface roughness can cause significant changes in adhesion. Their theory predicts an increase in interface toughness as roughness increases, with potential applications in micro-electro-mechanical systems and nanoscale patterning.
SourceBrown University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 7, 2019
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
A new soy-based adhesive, created using Maillard chemistry, shows promise as a non-toxic alternative for food packaging. The adhesive, made from natural proteins and sugars, is stronger than Gorilla Glue on wood and has the potential to replace toxic petroleum-based adhesives.
SourcePurdue University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJan 31, 2019
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new reusable adhesive that activates quickly and maintains strong adhesion underwater. The shape memory polymers (SMPs) can be manipulated to transition between two states, allowing for reversible dry adhesion and enabling applications such as wet or submerged wall mounting.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateJan 28, 2019
Researchers at Osaka University have developed a method to make industrial polymers adhesive without the need for adhesives or corrosive chemical treatments. This breakthrough enables vulcanized rubber and plastic PTFE to adhere strongly to each other, or to glass and copper, using surface chemistry.
SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 26, 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.
Researchers have developed an adhesive that can strongly adhere to wet materials like hydrogel and living tissue, and be easily detached with specific frequencies of light. This technology has the potential to enable painless detachment of wound dressings and transdermal drug delivery devices.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 14, 2018
Researchers at Stanford University have developed small flying robots called FlyCroTugs that can pull objects up to 40 times their weight using advanced gripping technologies. The robots' ability to anchor themselves to various surfaces using gecko-inspired adhesives and microspines enables them to navigate through snug spaces and inte...
SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateOct 24, 2018
A research team from Kiel University has developed a method to boost the adhesive effect of silicone materials by combining surface structuring with plasma treatment. They found that surfaces with a mushroom-like microstructure exhibit significantly improved adhesion, even when bent to varying degrees. This breakthrough could enable ne...
SourceKiel University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 31, 2018
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 at Purdue University have developed a low-tech solution to improve the machinability of 'gummy' metals, such as nickel, aluminum, and copper. By coating these metals with a suitable adhesive or ink, cutting forces are reduced, resulting in smoother, cleaner cuts.
SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Applied·DateJul 18, 2018
Scientists have created a new hydrogel adhesive made from two naturally derived polymers that is 15 times stronger than traditional adhesives used for nerve reconstruction. The material supports cell survival, extension, and proliferation essential for nerve regeneration in vitro and in animal models.
SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalTissue Engineering·DateJun 14, 2018
Researchers at University of Akron discover the secret behind spider silk's sticky properties in humid conditions. They found that a combination of glycoproteins and low molecular mass compounds helps sequester interfacial water, preventing adhesive failure.
SourceUniversity of Akron·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2018
Researchers use hydrogels to safely remove pressure-sensitive tapes from paper artworks without solvents, preserving the underlying artwork. The technique reveals hidden inscriptions like Michelangelo's 'di mano di Michelangelo' on a 16th-century drawing.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 21, 2018
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers developed a robotic gripper combining gecko toes' adhesive properties with air-powered soft robots, enabling it to grasp various objects, including rough and dirty ones. The gripper's unique design maximizes surface contact area, ensuring a better grip.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateApr 9, 2018
MIT engineers create kirigami-patterned adhesive films that stick to highly deformable regions of the body, such as knees and elbows, and maintain their hold even after 100 bending cycles. The films' slits open at the center of bending, releasing tension and improving grip.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalSoft Matter·DateMar 27, 2018
Researchers at UNIST created a new type of underwater adhesive that is stronger than natural biological glues used by mussels. The hydrogel-based adhesive exhibits strong adhesion under wet conditions due to reversible interlocking between reconfigurable microhook arrays.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJan 16, 2018
Scientists have developed a dry adhesive with ultra-sticky properties, comparable to that of a gecko's toe pads. The adhesive was made using a nanoimprinting technique and showed remarkable durability in repetitive attachment and detachment tests.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 10, 2018
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.
Researchers have developed a low-cost sensor using adhesive tape to analyze both liquid and solid samples, improving the accuracy of paper-based sensors. The device detects heavy metal ions in water without displacing indicator ink, making it reliable for environmental testing.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 29, 2017
Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital have developed a novel surgical adhesive inspired by the elastic defensive slime of the Dusky Arion slug. The new sealant mediates strong interfacial contact, conforms to skin and tissue, and closes holes in heart tissue with high effectiveness.
SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalNew England Journal of Medicine·DateNov 22, 2017
Researchers created a polymer-based material with enhanced strength and elasticity by mimicking a mussel's adhesive qualities. The material, which is 770 times stiffer and 92 times tougher than its untreated precursor, offers potential applications in structural, biomedical, and aerospace materials.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 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.
Researchers identify a novel connection between highly variant types of Streptococcus mutans and rampant caries in high-risk children. High-risk children carry more virulent variants of the bacteria with unique adhesive proteins that improve survival in the mouth.
Geckos using narrower perches exhibit longer limbs compared to those on wider perches, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding suggests a different adaptation strategy for geckos, potentially due to greater frictional and adhesive forces that enable them to cling to narrow perches effectively.
Researchers at Université libre de Bruxelles found that molecules move faster as they approach adhesive surfaces due to the nanoconfinement effect. However, this increased movement rate is only temporary, lasting until new molecules fill in the gaps and slow down the molecular movement.
SourceUniversité libre de Bruxelles·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 1, 2017
Researchers have developed a mussel-inspired glue that can prevent premature labor and promote healthier futures for babies. The adhesive, infused with dihydroxyphenylalanine from mussel feet, has shown promise in preventing amniotic sac tears during fetal surgery.
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.
A new inorganic adhesive method was developed to overcome the challenges of using organic adhesive in cryogenic adsorption pumps. The method involves combining membranes of metals with good compatibility, creating a strong adhesive force. The new pump achieved seven times larger pumping speed compared to previous models.
SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·DateAug 7, 2017
Researchers have created a super-strong adhesive that binds to tissues with strength comparable to cartilage, even when wet. The adhesive uses a double-layered hydrogel design with positively-charged polymers to create a strong bond.
SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2017
Researchers have developed a new type of adhesive substance that mimics the properties of slug mucus, effectively sealing wounds after surgery. The substance was found to be strong, flexible and non-toxic, with performance comparable to using a hemostat in emergency surgical procedures.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 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.
Researchers developed a nanoparticle-based adhesive that exhibits imaging contrast effect in CT and ultrasound, is biocompatible, and ensures accurate target localization during movement. The new glue has shown less toxicity than FDA-approved options and was successfully tested in animal models for various surgical procedures.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 19, 2017
Researchers found that geckos don't always have enough adhesive ability to save themselves, especially when encountering unexpected falls. The study's results could lead to a better understanding of how geckos stick to surfaces and potentially inspire new technologies.
Researchers from Stanford University and NASA's JPL have designed a robotic gripper to grab and dispose of space debris, featuring gecko-inspired adhesives. The gripper can stick to flat objects and curved surfaces, and switch between relaxed and rigid states for precise manipulation.
SourceStanford University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 28, 2017
Researchers found that geckos are subjected to impact forces that approach the safety factor of a single foot, leading to the possibility of injury or failed landing attempts. The study provides insight into the evolution of adhesion and may help understand the phenomenal adhesive power exhibited by these lizards.
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalInterface·DateJun 27, 2017
Researchers have developed a double-sided adhesive that can stick and unstick to surfaces in wet conditions, inspired by geckos' ability to attach and release their feet. This material could enable underwater robotics, sensors, and other bionic devices with improved friction and adhesion levels.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateApr 26, 2017
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.
Scientists developed a bioinspired adhesive material that can be controlled remotely by UV light, transporting micro-objects with high precision. The material consists of mushroom-shaped adhesive microstructures and elastic porous material, allowing for reversible control and detachment.
SourceKiel University·JournalScience Robotics·DateJan 25, 2017
The patented resin is made from plant oils, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional adhesives. It provides improved water-resistance, shelf life, and adhesion, making it suitable for various applications, including labeling and coatings.
Glowworms' adhesive threads feature water-absorbent droplets containing minerals possibly from primary urine, extracting atmospheric water to avoid desiccation. The lines' composition is unique, containing mainly water, hygroscopic salts, and biomolecules.
Researchers have developed a dry adhesive that bonds in extreme temperatures, offering properties for space exploration and electronics management. The gecko-inspired adhesive maintains strength in liquid nitrogen and molten silver, and even gets stickier with increasing heat.
SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2016
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.