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Dual-scale encapsulation strategy delivers leak-proof phase change materials from biomass

A novel dual-scale encapsulation strategy for thermal energy storage using bio-derived palmitic acid and nanocellulose is reported. The composite achieved excellent shape stability and leakage resistance with a cumulative leakage rate of only 0.03% after heating.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study

Plasma spray turns lignin waste into functional coatings in one step

Researchers developed a novel approach to convert technical lignin into functional coatings using low-energy suspension plasma spraying (LE-SPS). The new technique eliminates the need for solvents, crosslinkers, or catalysts, and produces continuous and dense coatings with improved UV attenuation and anti-fogging behavior.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bioinspired cellulose aerogel mimics white beetles for passive daytime cooling

Researchers developed a cellulose-based aerogel inspired by white beetles' optical structure, achieving high solar reflectance and infrared emissivity through hierarchical photonic scattering networks. The material achieved daytime subambient cooling of up to 7.1 °C and reduced building energy consumption by 43.5% on average.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study

Ambient-pressure-dried cellulose/MXene aerogel integrates EMI shielding, infrared stealth and joule heating

Researchers developed a cellulose/MXene sediment aerogel that combines EMI shielding, infrared stealth, and Joule heating within a single porous structure. The aerogel retained high porosity and specific surface area, enabling strong electromagnetic wave attenuation and thermal insulation.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study

Robots can’t feel; these sensors could change that

Researchers have developed a highly sensitive electronic 'skin' using tiny devices that can measure force applied over an area. This technology has the potential to improve prosthetic limbs and robotic manipulation, allowing robots to accurately track hand movements and grasp delicate objects.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study

Q&A: Gassing up bioengineered materials for wound healing

Researchers at Penn State have developed a new class of tunable biomaterials, known as granular aerogel scaffolds, to support tissue regeneration and vascularization in wound healing. The material offers improved cell infiltration and may help rapidly form new blood vessels and regenerate damaged tissue.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiomaterials·TypeExperimental study
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.

Phytic acid–driven structural engineering unlocks high-performance lignin-based carbon aerogel supercapacitors

Researchers developed a synergistic structure-doping regulation strategy for lignin-based carbon aerogels using phytic acid, promoting uniform spherical hierarchical structures and dual phosphorus-sulfur doping. This approach achieves high-performance supercapacitors with superior power density and energy storage capabilities.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study

Dual-phase ceramic aerogel with a unitary structure

Researchers have designed a novel ceramic aerogel structure featuring a nanofibrous core framework and nanoporous sheath, resulting in enhanced mechanical flexibility with up to 80% compressive strain. The aerogel also demonstrates superior thermal superinsulation performance with a thermal conductivity of less than 24 mW·m−1·K−1.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·TypeExperimental study

Novel silica aerogel for efficient carbon emission reduction

Researchers have developed a novel silica aerogel that captures CO2 efficiently while providing excellent thermal insulation. The bifunctionalized hybrid silica aerogel can adsorb CO2 at low concentrations under humid conditions, making it suitable for various applications in carbon-neutral technology.

SourceGreen Chemical Engineering·JournalGreen Chemical Engineering
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.

Breakthrough in chitosan aerogel reinforcement using silk microfibers

Researchers developed a novel approach to enhance chitosan aerogels' mechanical properties by incorporating silk microfibers with different aspect ratios. The study showed significant improvements in compressive strength, deformation mechanisms, and liquid transportation capabilities.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study

Breakthrough in oil spill remediation: a robust MXene aerogel with photothermal properties

Researchers have developed a multifunctional aerogel for efficient crude oil cleanup, exhibiting high compressive strength, hydrophobicity, and photothermal conversion. The aerogel's unique structure enables rapid absorption of viscous crude oil, addressing environmental concerns related to increasing oil spills.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study

New environmentally-friendly mortar reduces heat loss

Researchers at Newcastle University have developed a new environmentally-friendly mortar made from recycled plastic and silica aerogel, which improves insulation and reduces plastic waste. The new mortar mix reduced heat loss by up to 55% while maintaining the required strength for masonry construction.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalConstruction and Building Materials·TypeExperimental study

Innovative aerogel transforms tannery waste into leather industry resource

A team of scientists has developed an aerogel made from chitosan and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose that addresses the dual challenge of tannery wastewater treatment and resource utilization. The aerogel demonstrates exceptional adsorption capacities for Cr(III), Al(III), and Zr(IV) ions, commonly found in tannery effluents.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study
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.

Airy cellulose from a 3D printer

Scientists developed a printable, bio-based aerogel using cellulose that is biocompatible, has high porosity, and excellent heat-insulating properties. Its anisotropy allows for controlled thermal conductivity and precise applications in medicine and microelectronics.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study

Aerogel can become the key to future terahertz technologies

Researchers at Linköping University have developed an aerogel material that can tune the transmission of terahertz signals between 13% and 91%, enabling various applications. The material's absorption property can be adjusted through a redox reaction, making it suitable for long-range signals from space or radar systems.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Science

Newly developed hydrogel nanocomposite for the mass production of hydrogen

A new type of floatable photocatalytic platform composed of hydrogel nanocomposites efficiently proceeds hydrogen evolution reaction. The platform exhibits clear advantages over conventional systems, including efficient solar energy conversion and easy gas diffusion.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study

Natural-waste padsare developed to keep packaged meat fresh

Researchers at the University of Córdoba have developed natural-waste pads that absorb moisture and delay meat oxidation, favoring a more sustainable packaging option. The pads, made from chitosan, nanocellulose, and bay leaf essential oil, show promise in preserving fresh meat for up to 10 days.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalPolymer·TypeExperimental study
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.

Advanced electronic skin for multiplex healthcare monitoring

Researchers from TIBI have developed an advanced electronic skin patch that provides simultaneous, continuous monitoring of multiple bodily parameters. The new E-skin patch offers enhanced flexibility, thermal cooling abilities, and fluid absorption over conventional substrates while demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and biodegr...

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study

Microchannel-containing nanofiber aerogels with small protein molecule enable accelerated diabetic wound healing

Researchers developed a nanofiber aerogel that promotes faster and more effective healing of diabetic wounds. The aerogel facilitates cell migration, oxygen, and nutrient delivery to the wound bed, while incorporating an anti-microbial peptide prevents bacterial growth and promotes healing.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study
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.

Passive cooling system could benefit off-grid locations

A new passive cooling system developed at MIT combines radiative, evaporative, and thermal insulation to provide up to 19 degrees Fahrenheit of cooling from ambient temperature. This technology has the potential to significantly reduce energy consumption and extend food storage in off-grid locations.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCell Reports Physical Science

Insulation from wood research proves better than existing plastic-based materials

Researchers developed a wood-based insulating material that offers superior thermal performance to existing plastic-based materials. The new aerogel-integrated wood material is created without adding additional substances and has the potential to replace fossil-based aerogels for energy efficiency and sustainable development.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces

Keeping buildings cooler with a wood-based foam

Researchers have designed a lightweight wood-based foam that reflects sunlight, emits absorbed heat, and is thermally insulating. The material could reduce buildings' cooling energy needs by an average of 35.4% depending on weather conditions, making it a promising solution for hot climates.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters

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

Meringue-like material could make aircraft as quiet as a hairdryer

A team of researchers at the University of Bath has developed a lightweight, meringue-like material made from graphene oxide and polyvinyl alcohol that can significantly reduce aircraft engine noise. This innovative aerogel could be used as insulation within aircraft engines to improve passenger comfort and fuel efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports
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.

Absorbent aerogels show some muscle

Researchers at Rice University have developed a simple chemical process to create light and highly absorbent aerogels that can take a beating. The aerogels, which are customizable in shape and size, showed superior remediation properties compared to traditional COF powders.

SourceRice University·JournalChemistry of Materials

CO2 catalysis made more accessible

Researchers have discovered a new aerogel electrocatalyst formed from inexpensive metal alloys, enabling highly efficient electrochemical conversion of carbon dioxide. The process achieves an efficiency of 93% with minimal byproducts.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition

Porous, ultralow-temperature supercapacitors could power Mars, polar missions

Researchers have developed porous carbon aerogels for electrodes in ultralow-temperature supercapacitors, reducing heating needs for future space and polar missions. The new technology could enable NASA's Mars rovers to operate without heaters, improving efficiency and extending their lifespan.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalNano Letters

NUS engineers create 'smart' aerogel that turns air into drinking water

Researchers at NUS have created a substance that extracts water from air without external power, producing up to 17 litres of water per day. The 'smart' aerogel autonomously gathers and condenses water molecules, meeting World Health Organization standards for drinking water.

SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalScience Advances
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.

System can sterilize medical tools using solar heat

A team of researchers at MIT and IIT developed a solar-powered system to generate pressurized steam for autoclaving medical tools. The system uses optically transparent aerogel to trap heat and can maintain safe sterilization conditions without electricity or fuel.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule

Portable solar-powered device for sterilizing medical equipment in the field

Researchers developed a portable solar-powered device that generates steam hot enough to sterilize medical instruments without relying on well-built infrastructure or electricity. The device's transparent aerogel insulates the system, reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule

Power-free system harnesses evaporation to keep items cool

Researchers at MIT developed a two-layered material that provides extended cooling using evaporation, inspired by camel fur. The system can keep perishable goods fresh for up to eight days and has potential applications in food packaging and pharmaceutical storage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule
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.

Aerogel - the micro structural material of the future

Researchers at the Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology have successfully produced stable, well-shaped microstructures from silica aerogel using a 3D printer. The printed structures exhibit excellent thermal insulation properties, making them ideal for thermally insulating small electronic components and shie...

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature

The lightest shielding material in the world

Researchers at Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology create a composite of cellulose nanofibers and silver nanowires, achieving impressive shielding effectiveness. The resulting aerogel is incredibly light, flexible, and durable, with high shielding capabilities against electromagnetic radiation.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalAdvanced Science

Noble metal aerogels enabled by freezing

Researchers have developed a novel freeze-thaw method to create noble metal aerogels with high surface areas and self-healing properties. These aerogels exhibit impressive light-driven photoelectrocatalytic performance, outperforming commercial palladium-on-carbon catalysts.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition

A cheap organic steam generator to purify water

Researchers at Linköping University have created a cheap and efficient steam generator that uses sunlight to desalinate and purify water. The system utilizes a cellulose-based aerogel structure that absorbs energy from sunlight, resulting in high-quality drinking water production.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems
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.

TU Dresden chemists develop noble metal aerogels for electrochemical hydrogen production

Researchers from TU Dresden have developed novel noble metal aerogels that exhibit exceptional electrocatalytic properties, outperforming commercial platinum catalysts in a range of applications. These advanced materials show promise for efficient electrochemical hydrogen production, including green hydrogen and fuel cells.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials

Manipulating ligands

Researchers created surface-clean noble metal aerogels with controlled ligand chemistry, revealing a new dimension for enhancing electrocatalysis performance. The intrinsic electrocatalytic properties of these clean gels were unveiled and found to be positively correlated with the oxidation state of metals.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition

World's smelliest fruit could charge your mobile phone

Researchers from University of Sydney have developed a method to store electricity efficiently using durian and jackfruit waste. The fruits' biomass is converted into super-capacitors that can quickly charge electronic devices, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Energy Storage
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.

System provides cooling with no electricity

A new system designed by MIT and Chilean researchers uses radiative cooling with an aerogel insulation layer to cool objects by up to 23 degrees Fahrenheit, eliminating the need for electricity. The device blocks incoming sunlight while allowing infrared heat to radiate away into space, achieving significant cooling powers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances

A material way to make Mars habitable

Silica aerogel could warm the Martian surface, increasing atmospheric pressure and temperatures similar to Earth's greenhouse effect. This regional approach to making Mars habitable offers a more achievable solution than global atmospheric modification.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Astronomy

Getting more heat out of sunlight

A newly developed aerogel material can passively capture solar heat, reaching temperatures of up to 220°C in tests. This could enable lower-cost and simpler solar heat collection systems for various industrial and domestic uses.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano

A polar-bear-inspired material for heat insulation

Researchers created a synthetic insulator mimicking polar bear hair's structure, which traps heat and is lightweight and water-resistant. The new material has exceptional stretchiness, making it suitable for aerospace applications.

SourceCell Press·JournalChem
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Hard carbon nanofiber aerogel becomes superelastic

Researchers developed a simple method to fabricate superelastic hard carbon aerogels with nanofibrous network structure, exhibiting robust mechanical performances including super-elasticity, high strength, and low energy loss coefficient. The aerogel maintains super-elasticity in harsh conditions, such as liquid nitrogen.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalAdvanced Materials

Graphene sponge helps lithium sulphur batteries reach new potential

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology developed a graphene sponge that acts as a free-standing electrode in lithium sulphur batteries, improving their energy density and cycle life. The new design achieves an 85% capacity retention after 350 cycles, reducing instability issues.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalJournal of Power Sources

From foam to bone: Plant cellulose can pave the way for healthy bone implants

Plant cellulose-based aerogel implants have shown 33% more bone growth in rats at three weeks and 50% more at 12 weeks compared to controls. The innovation has the potential to fill a $2-billion market with economical raw materials and applications in dental and joint replacement surgeries.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalActa Biomaterialia

Now you see heat, now you don't

Researchers have fabricated a film using DuPont Kevlar fibers and polyethylene glycol that absorbs heat and releases it slowly, making objects invisible to thermal cameras. The composite film performs comparably to other stealth films but is simpler and cheaper to make.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Super-light, super-insulating ceramic aerogel keeps the hottest temperatures at bay

Researchers developed a near-weightless material with exceptional structural stability and superinsulation, capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. The unique ceramic aerogel features unusual double-negative-index properties, demonstrating robustness against high-temperature exposure and rapid temperature swings.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience

Scientists developed a method that allows removal of antibiotic residue from waste water

Researchers at Tallinn University of Technology developed a method to remove antibiotic residues from wastewater using metal-doped organic aerogels. The most effective material was found to be nickel-doped aerogel, which showed excellent adsorbent properties and photocatalytic degradation capabilities.

SourceEstonian Research Council·JournalChemical Engineering Journal

An elastic puff of air

Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a new class of highly elastic aerogels with adjustable network density, allowing for tailored porosity. These materials exhibit excellent thermal insulation, surpassing conventional materials like polyurethane foam, and can be bent, rolled, twisted, and cut into desired shapes.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition

Wood to supercapacitors

Researchers have discovered a way to produce highly conductive electrode materials for supercapacitors sustainably using nanocellulose derived from wood pulp. The new method yields mechanically stable and porous three-dimensional networks with high electrical conductivity.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition
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.

World's oldest insect inspires a new generation of aerogels

A team of international scientists has created a new form of highly-efficient, low-cost insulation based on the wings of a dragonfly. The material is ultralight and porous, with a piece weighing less than a kilogram, and can be replicated at an affordable cost.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalAdvanced Materials

Insulating with microscopic bubbles

Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a new insulating material using microscopic bubbles, creating an ultra-insulating brick called Aerobrick. This innovation outperforms traditional insulation methods by up to 35%.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnergy Procedia

Lightweight catalyst for artificial photosynthesis

Scientists at Fuzhou University have created a macroscopic aerogel from carbonitride nanomaterials that catalyzes the water-splitting reaction under visible-light irradiation. The material offers excellent structural and electronic properties, making it suitable for artificial photosynthesis.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.