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A chiral surprise in the rainforest

Scientists discovered that the ratio of chiral alpha-pinene molecules varies with altitude, time of day, and season in the Amazon rainforest. Insects, particularly termites, are found to be a significant source of plus-alpha-pinene, previously unknown in forest emissions.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemistry·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateAug 27, 2020

Quantum simulation for 3D chiral topological phase

Researchers simulated a 3D chiral topological insulator using nitrogen-vacancy centers, observing dynamical bulk-surface correspondence and symmetry protection in momentum space. They measured spin textures on band inversion surfaces, revealing perfect (broken) topology depending on the preserved or broken chiral symmetry.

SourcePeking University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 25, 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.

A plot twist in pharmaceuticals: Single nanoparticles could pave the way for medicines on demand

Physicists at the University of Bath have accurately measured and characterised a single, twisted nanoparticle using a new method, taking them closer to producing medicines on demand. The discovery could lead to mini-labs that can mix substances in a completely new way, producing pharmaceuticals from minute droplets of active ingredients.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 20, 2020

Liquid crystals create easy-to-read, color-changing sensors

Researchers at the University of Chicago have developed a way to stretch and strain liquid crystals to generate different colors, leading to a wide range of optical effects. This technology has potential applications in temperature and strain sensors, enabling remote measurement without contact.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 10, 2020

Cherned up to the maximum

Researchers have observed that palladium gallium (PdGa) reaches the maximum allowed Chern number of four, a fundamental aspect yet to be settled in topological physics. The team also demonstrated control over the sign of the Chern number by manipulating the crystal's handedness during growth.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Fluorine enables separation-free 'chiral chromatographic analysis'

Researchers developed a platform for rapid chiral analysis, producing chromatogram-like output without separation. The method effectively resolved a wide range of chiral molecules, including pharmaceuticals and biomolecules.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·DateJul 2, 2020

Electrochemical reaction powers new drug discoveries

A Cornell-led collaboration has developed a new electrochemical reaction that enables the creation of chiral molecules, crucial for drug synthesis. The breakthrough could lead to the manufacture of a host of new, low-cost drugs with improved efficacy and reduced production costs.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJun 30, 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.

A fresh twist in chiral topology

Researchers at Max Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids successfully realized chiral topological compound PtGa, exhibiting a high topological charge of 4. This property enables the generation of a large quantized photogalvanic current that can be manipulated by incident light polarization.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 22, 2020

A new horizon for vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy

Researchers developed solid state and time-step VCD methods to study chirality amplification in supramolecular systems. These enhancements allowed detection of chiral gels, metal complexes, and molecular pairs on solid surfaces, opening a new horizon for VCD spectroscopy.

SourceEhime University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMay 28, 2020
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SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Chirality-assisted lateral momentum transfer for bidirectional enantioselective separation

Researchers design an experiment to demonstrate chirality-dependent optical lateral force on microparticles, achieving robust bidirectional sorting and reversible optical lateral forces. The study opens new avenues for direct detection and sorting of microparticles with imperceptible chemical differences.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

How cosmic rays may have shaped life

Researchers propose that cosmic rays influenced the evolution of DNA-based life on Earth, promoting one form of molecular handedness over its mirror image. This idea suggests a connection between fundamental physics and the origin of life, with potential experiments to test their hypothesis.

SourceStanford University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 20, 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.

Intricate magnetic configuration of 3D nanoscale gyroid networks revealed

The study demonstrates that nanoscale magnetic gyroids can adopt a large number of stable states, exhibiting ferromagnetic behavior without a unique equilibrium configuration. The findings establish gyroids as a candidate system for research into unconventional information processing and emergent phenomena relevant to spintronics.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 30, 2020

New metasurface laser produces world's first super-chiral light

Researchers have demonstrated a new metasurface laser that produces 'super-chiral light' with ultra-high angular momentum, enabling control over optical communications and applications in industries like food, computer, and biomedical. The laser design allows for high power operation in a compact design.

SourceUniversity of the Witwatersrand·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 27, 2020

Let's do the twist

Researchers designed a polymer that can twist and bend in response to light, mimicking human muscle movement. The polymer's chiral structure changes direction when exposed to different light sources, enabling simultaneous bending and twisting motions.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 7, 2020

New measurements reveal evidence of elusive particles in a newly-discovered superconductor

Researchers at the University of Illinois have used high-resolution microscopy tools to study an unusual type of superconductor, uranium ditelluride (UTe2). The measurements reveal strong evidence for the presence of exotic Majorana particles on its surface, which could provide insights into fundamental physics and quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature·DateApr 3, 2020
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Research uncovers a new way of making chiral catalysts

Researchers have developed a method to synthesize one-handed chiral rotaxanes, which can selectively bind to gold atoms and catalyze chemical reactions. This breakthrough enables the creation of single-handed chiral molecules, addressing potential issues with pharmaceutical drug efficacy.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalChem·DateMar 9, 2020

Spin-preserving chiral photonic crystal mirror

Researchers have developed a novel planar chiral mirror that preserves the spin of light upon reflection, overcoming limitations of traditional mirrors. This innovation has potential applications in quantum information processing and quantum optics.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 5, 2020

Reconfigurable chiral microlaser by spontaneous symmetry breaking

Scientists demonstrate a reconfigurable chiral microlaser in a symmetric WGM microcavity, achieving unprecedented control over laser directionality and chirality. The device exploits the optical Kerr nonlinearity to break symmetry spontaneously, enabling all-optical control of chirality.

SourcePeking University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 28, 2020

Using light to put a twist on electrons

Physicists have induced and measured nonsymmetrical states in a layered material using circularly polarized mid-infrared light. This phenomenon, known as chirality, can be controlled and enhanced by shining the light beam at specific conditions, demonstrating a new tool for manipulating electronic behavior in materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020
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Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Shaping the rings of molecules

Researchers at Université de Montrêl have successfully used biocatalysis to control the shapes of large ring molecules, called macrocycles. This breakthrough enables the creation of planar chiral macrocycles, which can be tailored for various applications including pharmaceuticals and electronics.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalScience·DateFeb 21, 2020

New 3D chirality discovered and synthetically assembled

Scientists have discovered a new type of 3D chirality that exhibits unique macroscopic properties, including fluorescence and strong optical rotation. The discovery was made possible through the use of advanced synthesis techniques, including double cross-couplings and retro-synthetic analysis.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateFeb 19, 2020

Pretty with a twist

Researchers at TUM functionalized a simple rod-like building block with hydroxamic acids to form molecular networks displaying complexity and beauty. The networks exhibit exceptional properties and chiral symmetry, with unique opportunities for bottom-up nano-templating.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJan 16, 2020
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.

Two chiral catalysts working hand in hand

A team of researchers from the University of Münster has developed a new synthetic method for producing all four stereoisomers of α,β-disubstituted γ-butyrolactones. The method uses two chiral catalysts working in tandem to efficiently produce the final product.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Catalysis·DateDec 3, 2019

Observing changes in the chirality of molecules in real time

Researchers have developed a new method to observe changes in molecular chirality during chemical reactions in real time. They used femtosecond laser pulses with tailor-made polarization to follow the disappearance of chirality after bond breakage.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 14, 2019

Gallium-based solvating agent efficiently analyzes optically active alcohols

A KAIST research team has developed a gallium-based metal complex enabling the rapid chiral analysis of alcohols using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This new method can determine enantiomeric excess within minutes, benefiting researchers in organic chemistry and the pharmaceutical industry.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournaliScience·DateNov 14, 2019
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Nanoparticle orientation offers a way to enhance drug delivery

Researchers at MIT have found that coating nanoparticles with right-handed molecules of the amino acid cysteine can improve their ability to avoid being destroyed by enzymes in the body. This approach also allows them to enter cancer cells more efficiently, making it a promising method for developing more effective drug carriers.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 5, 2019

A new spin on life's origin?

A research team at The University of Tokyo has successfully produced helixes that twist preferentially in a particular direction, shedding light on the origin of life's chirality. This breakthrough may lead to new and cheaper drug production methods and finally address the lingering question of how life began.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateNov 1, 2019

Let there be...a new light

Researchers have synthesized a new type of chiral light that can tell right- and left-handed molecules apart. This innovative light interacts differently with each type of molecule, allowing for precise control over chemical reactions and potential applications in drug development.

SourceForschungsverbund Berlin·JournalNature Photonics·DateOct 28, 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.

Bio-inspired nano-catalyst guides chiral reactions

A team at the University of Michigan developed a new catalyst that selectively produces the correct version of twisted molecules, which are essential for medicines. The catalyst is made from mineral nanoparticles and can work in water, reducing costs and environmental impact.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 23, 2019

Chemists clarify a chiral conundrum?

Rice chemists disentangled the mysterious interactions between bovine serum albumin and gold nanorods, revealing multilevel chirality and a possible way to sense single proteins' handedness. This discovery could lead to the development of drug-sensing tools with improved accuracy.

SourceRice University·JournalScience·DateSep 26, 2019

Tensile strength of carbon nanotubes depends on their chiral structures

A team of physicists and engineers measured the tensile strengths of individual structure-defined single-walled carbon nanotubes, finding that their strength depends on both the chiral angle and diameter. The study provides a fundamental insight into developing super-strong and ultra-lightweight materials.

SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 18, 2019
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

An astonishing parabola trick

Researchers from Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf and Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin have discovered a unique chiral effect in magnetic materials. The team created parabolic strips of Permalloy, which exhibited a surprisingly strong delayed response to a reversed magnetic field due to curvature-induced chiral properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 3, 2019

Break in temporal symmetry produces molecules that can encode information

Researchers at São Paulo State University discovered that breaking time-reversal symmetry creates molecules with spin-polarized orbitals, allowing for the encoding of information. This phenomenon could be exploited in quantum computing and spintronics to develop faster, more efficient devices.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 2019

Multi-state switchable stationary phase opens new doors in chiral separation

Researchers from Kanazawa University have developed a three-state switchable chiral stationary phase that can be controlled using metal ions, enabling efficient separation of enantiomers. The phase's stability and separation performance were demonstrated over multiple cycles, opening new doors for drug discovery and other research areas.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 31, 2019
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.

New membrane efficiently separates mirrored molecules

Researchers have developed a chiral separation membrane using two-dimensional layered materials, showing high selective permeation efficiency among various enantiomers. The membrane can efficiently separate left-handed and right-handed molecules like limonene, with potential applications in sewage processing and desalination.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 25, 2019

Concert of magnetic moments

Scientists have identified a unique chiral coupling that allows spins in different magnetic layers to interact over long distances, even if they are not adjacent. This discovery opens up novel opportunities for engineering complex magnetic configurations to store and process data more efficiently.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 13, 2019

Manipulating electron spin using artificial molecular motors

Researchers created a novel solid-state spin filtering device with artificial molecular motors that switch spin polarization direction by light irradiation and thermal treatments. The device demonstrates 4 times chirality inversion, allowing for precise control of spin-polarization direction in spin-polarized currents.

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 7, 2019

Synthesis of helical ladder polymers

Scientists have successfully synthesized helical ladder polymers using a novel electrophilic aromatic substitution method. The resulting molecules exhibit well-defined right-handed helical geometry and can be modified to create nanoscale architectures for various applications.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateMay 20, 2019

Discovery may lead to new materials for next-generation data storage

A team of researchers discovered polar skyrmions in an electric material, opening up a plethora of materials systems and physical phenomena to explore. The combination of polar skyrmions and electrical properties may allow for the development of novel devices with significant interest to the Army.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 10, 2019
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.

Discovery may lead to new materials for next-generation data storage

Researchers at Cornell University and the University of California Berkeley have made a groundbreaking discovery in polar skyrmions, opening up new possibilities for novel devices. The team found that skyrmions can exhibit chirality in an electric material, which could be used to develop new data storage technologies.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature·DateMay 9, 2019

New material also reveals new quasiparticles

Scientists at PSI investigate a novel material exhibiting electronic properties never seen before, including Rarita-Schwinger fermions and quadruple topological Fermi arcs. The crystal is a chiral topological semimetal with exotic physical phenomena, such as phase transitions at its surface.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 7, 2019

Twisting whirlpools of electrons

Scientists at EPFL demonstrate for the first time that it is possible to use light to dynamically twist an individual electron's wave function. This enables the creation of an ultrafast vortex electron beam that can be used to encode and manipulate quantum information, as well as control magnetic materials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 6, 2019

Electric skyrmions charge ahead for next-generation data storage

A team of researchers has observed chirality in polar skyrmions for the first time in a material with reversible electrical properties. The discovery could lead to applications like more powerful data storage devices that continue to hold information even after being powered off.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateApr 18, 2019
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.

Princeton scientists discover chiral crystals exhibiting exotic quantum effects

Researchers have discovered that certain classes of chiral crystals can host electrons behaving like slowed down light, with collective behavior mimicking magnetic monopoles. The team found that these crystals can exhibit unique phenomena such as large Fermi arcs and electron spins that collectively behave like magnetic monopoles.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateMar 20, 2019

Duplicate or mirror?

Scientists have discovered that the direction of laser light hitting a molecule determines its chiral form. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient production of molecules with uniform chirality for pharmaceuticals. The research was conducted using the planar formic acid molecule and the reaction microscope method.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 14, 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.