EPFL researchers have created a 3D printing ink containing calcium carbonate-producing bacteria that produces bone-like composites. The resulting bio-composite is exceptionally strong, light, and environmentally friendly. This innovation has potential applications in art restoration, coral reef regeneration, and biomedical fields.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalMaterials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 23, 2023
Scientists at Rice University have developed a new technique using the 'flash Joule' method to transform plastic waste into high-value carbon nanotubes and hybrid nanomaterials. This process is more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly than traditional methods, making it a promising solution for recycling plastic waste.
SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Researchers at the University of Missouri have designed a soft and breathable material that can be worn on the skin without causing discomfort. The material, made from liquid-metal elastomer composite, has integrated antibacterial and antiviral properties to prevent the formation of harmful pathogens.
SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 8, 2023
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.
A new injectable hydrogel has been developed to rapidly stop bleeding from traumatic wounds. The material becomes solid when injected into the body and can be easily washed away with a cold saline solution.
SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalBiomaterials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2022
Dresden researchers have identified textile-technological and physico-chemical methods to improve fiber-matrix interaction at different temperatures. These modifications aim to enhance load transfer between carbon fibers and cement-based matrices.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalProgress in Materials Science·DateDec 20, 2022
Researchers at Pusan National University have developed a new, energy-efficient process to control the orientation of filler particles in thermally conductive polymer composites. This allows for improved heat dissipation in electronics and batteries, reducing energy costs and extending device lifespan.
SourcePusan National University·JournalPolymer Testing·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2022
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.
Researchers are developing functionally graded materials using 3D printing, aiming to create sustainable and efficient materials for the air transport and security industries. The goal is to optimize mechanical properties and minimize production costs.
SourceUniversidad Carlos III de Madrid·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2022
Researchers developed a novel insulation technology using sodium nitrate passivation, achieving maximum thickness of the insulation coating at optimal pH conditions. The passivation layer exhibited strong adhesion and satisfactory thermal stability, resulting in enhanced electrical resistivity and alternating current magnetic performance.
A University of South Australia physicist has solved the long-standing mystery of lightning's zig-zag pattern and dark electric column. The breakthrough explains how singlet-delta metastable oxygen molecules create these steps.
SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Rice University have successfully converted asphaltene, a byproduct of crude oil production, into turbostratic graphene using flash Joule heating. This process utilizes the existing material to create useful graphene for thermal, anti-corrosion and 3D-printing applications.
SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2022
Lehigh University researchers have developed a new fabrication method for high-entropy alloys that can operate in extreme temperatures. The process uses lower temperatures and a different reaction route to achieve a more homogenous microstructure, potentially leading to the development of more efficient materials for aerospace and indu...
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new self-healing composite that can repair itself in place without removal. The technology addresses two longstanding challenges, increasing the lifespan of structural components by up to 500%. This resolves limitations such as overheating and limited self-repair cycles.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2022
A team of researchers from Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology developed an analytical tool to investigate the ordering of fluorine in lead titanium oxyfluoride. They used first-principles calculation to analyze experimental results and determined the element substitution positions, finding that fluorine atoms predominan...
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalDalton Transactions·DateOct 28, 2022
Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a new kind of wood-based degradable plastic with semi-structural strength, enabling the replacement of fossil-based materials in home construction and furnishing. The material can be broken down without harming the environment, allowing for recycling and reuse of fibers.
SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2022
The researchers designed and fabricated three different paper-based metamaterials using their new technique, including a polarization converter, an absorber, and a conformal coding metasurface. These materials demonstrated unique properties such as high conductivity and radar cross-section reduction.
SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateOct 13, 2022
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.
Researchers at Flinders University have created a new multi-functional material that can be used to purify water, as a recyclable construction material, and as a lightweight machine component for possible use in soft robotics. The material combines magnetic iron particles with a sulfur-rich polymer and can be moved remotely by a magnet.
SourceFlinders University·JournalPolymer Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 12, 2022
Researchers from Rice University and European institutions developed a method to switch on and off topological states in a strongly correlated metal using magnetic fields. The strong electron interactions enable the material to be controlled, which could lead to new applications in sensor technology and electronics.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022
A newly developed composite sponge-based air filter has demonstrated strong potential for applications in automobiles and industry, with high efficiency in removing particulate matter under harsh conditions. The filter's unique design and materials ensure good structural stability and adaptability to various environments.
SourceParticuology·JournalParticuology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2022
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.
Researchers have created a biomimetic mineralized layer that replicates the structure of natural tooth enamel, exhibiting increased nanohardness and surpassing the natural tissue in terms of strength. The new material can be used to restore or repair damaged enamel due to abrasion, erosion, or improper diet.
SourceUral Federal University·JournalResults in Engineering·DateSep 16, 2022
Researchers have created composite 2D materials that are resistant to breaking and extremely stretchable, using biomimetic proteins patterned on squid ring teeth. The materials can be fine-tuned for unique thermal conduction regimes and strength properties.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 2022
Researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds in the range of human voices, traffic, and music. The agar-based composite films outperform traditional acoustic foams in terms of sound-absorbing qualities.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJul 14, 2022
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.
A new biohybrid composite material demonstrates improved elasticity and fracture energy compared to existing zwitterionic materials, making it suitable for regenerative medicine applications. The material's biocompatibility allows it to recruit cells and support tissue regeneration.
SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2022
A team of WVU researchers has developed a biodegradable composite material using cotton fibers from recycled mattresses, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics. The new material will be created through 3D printing and can be used to produce various consumer products, such as beverage straws and disposable packaging.
Researchers at the University of Utah designed composite materials using moiré patterns, resulting in abrupt transitions between electrical conductor and insulator properties. The study's findings have broad potential technological applications and demonstrate a new geometry-driven localization transition.
SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2022
Researchers have developed a polymer composite binder that improves the performance of silicon anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The binder, consisting of P-BIAN and PAA polymers, stabilizes the silicon particles and maintains a thin solid-electrolyte interface layer, resulting in improved discharge capacity and structural integrity.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·DateMay 19, 2022
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.
Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.
SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Materials Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022
Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a waterproof coating called Choetsu that adds strength to paper, making it a viable alternative to plastic. The coating, made from safe and low-cost chemicals, also has photocatalytic activity, protecting against dirt and bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalIndustrial & Engineering Chemistry Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022
Researchers developed a strong, water-resistant wood glue using glucose and citric acid for plywood. The adhesive meets China's standard requirement and is more energy-efficient than traditional adhesives.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 11, 2022
Researchers are developing innovative ways to reuse automotive glass, crushing it into small pieces and purifying the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) for industrial use. This approach aims to reduce waste and conserve resources as the demand for automotive glass continues to grow.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 27, 2022
Researchers at Ural Federal University improved the composition of borate glasses by adding heavy metal oxides, significantly increasing their density. The new glass samples showed good results as radiation shielding material in low and medium energy gamma radiation.
SourceUral Federal University·JournalProgress in Nuclear Energy·DateApr 18, 2022
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.
UCI engineers developed an adaptive composite material that regulates heat through reconfigurable metal structures. The material can be used in various applications, including temperature-controlled packages and cups, with potential benefits for energy efficiency and environmental sustainability.
SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Sustainability·DateMar 28, 2022
Researchers at UBC Okanagan have adapted a plastination technique to strengthen bamboo and reduce its degradation rate, making it more environmentally friendly. The innovation has the potential to significantly reduce non-degradable waste in industries such as construction and packaging.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2022
Developing a design tool for tailorable composites will benefit NASA and industries by shortening the design period and improving structural properties. The tool, created with Purdue-affiliated company AnalySwift, has applications in aerospace, energy, wind, automotive, marine, and other industries.
Wind turbine blades made from glass fibre-reinforced polymer can serve up to 25 years before ending up in landfills. Lithuanian researchers have proposed a method to break down these composites, extracting usable materials like phenol and fibre for reuse.
SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalFuel·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022
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.
Researchers developed an indentation test to evaluate mechanical properties of sulfide solid electrolytes, crucial for all-solid-state lithium-ion secondary batteries. The method enabled accurate assessment in inert atmosphere, confirming superior mechanical properties of sulfide-type solid electrolytes.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalACS Applied Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 2022
Researchers found variations in carbon isotopes in younger kimberlites, suggesting the Cambrian Explosion affected the Earth's lower mantle. The study suggests that changes in marine sediments leave profound traces on the Earth's interior.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 8, 2022
The researchers developed a power suit made of a layered carbon composite material that works as an energy-storing supercapacitor-battery hybrid device. This material could increase an electric car's range by 25% and boost its power, giving it the extra push it needs to go from zero to 60 mph in 3 seconds.
SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalSmall·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
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 created two types of hydrogenous-rich composites for shielding space radiation, which showed higher shielding abilities than traditional aluminum. The simulations also revealed that these new composites can reduce the mass needed for shielding by up to 77% when the thickness is larger than 10 g/cm².
SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022
Computer simulations reveal subtle changes in density near a stiff pillar cause a broader concentration of force than expected. The study's findings suggest that even small variations can significantly impact the properties of composite materials.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2022
Researchers at MIT have engineered a composite made mostly from cellulose nanocrystals, which is stronger and tougher than some types of bone, and harder than typical aluminum alloys. The material has a unique brick-and-mortar microstructure that resembles nacre, making it resistant to cracks and plastic deformation.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCellulose·DateFeb 10, 2022
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 at Virginia Tech created a soft robot that can change shape and return to its original configuration using a liquid metal composite. The material combines kirigami-inspired cuts with a metal endoskeleton embedded in rubber, allowing it to morph into different shapes and functions.
SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 9, 2022
Researchers developed a data-guided combinatorial synthesis strategy and computational modeling to identify promising high entropy alloys for electrocatalysis. The method enables the exploration of atomic scale effects on catalytic activity, providing insights into composition-activity-stability trends.
SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 13, 2022
A team of researchers found that the building blocks of Earth and Mars originated primarily from the inner Solar System, contradicting a popular theory. The study analyzed the isotopic composition of rocky planets and meteorites, revealing that only about 4% of the material came from beyond Jupiter's orbit.
SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 22, 2021
Researchers designed a novel polymer to bind and strengthen silica sand for binder jet additive manufacturing, creating structures with intricate geometries and exceptional strength. The study demonstrates a 300-times-weight limit for a 3D-printed sand bridge.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 12, 2021
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.
Scientists at NTU Singapore develop a new electrochromic window material that can block up to 70% of infrared radiation while allowing 90% of visible light to pass through. The material is designed to be energy-efficient and durable, with improved performance compared to existing technologies.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2021
Researchers created a laboratory to simulate comets in space-like conditions, measuring their properties and evolution. The CoPhyLab chamber allows scientists to compare samples and track gas evaporation and particle loss, providing insights into comet formation and solar system history.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 3, 2021
Researchers developed a healable carbon fiber composite that can be repeatedly healed with heat, reversing fatigue damage. This material provides a way to break it down and recycle when it reaches the end of its life, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional thermosets.
SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalCarbon·DateNov 3, 2021
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.
Researchers at Skoltech and their colleagues have successfully created a magnetic material by 3D printing a gradient alloy from nonmagnetic powders. The resulting alloy exhibits ferromagnetic properties, opening up potential applications in machine engineering, such as electrical motors.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Processing Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new synthesis process that increases the number of holes in p-type III-nitride semiconductor materials, leading to more efficient LEDs and lasers. This breakthrough could also help address the long-lasting problem called the 'green gap' in LED technology.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021
A new instrument at the Advanced Light Source enables simultaneous measurement of crystal structure and optical properties during perovskite synthesis. This allows for real-time monitoring of material quality and performance, leading to potentially more efficient solar cells.
SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 19, 2021
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.
Researchers developed a versatile composite fabric that can deactivate both biological threats like SARS-CoV-2 and chemical threats like chemical warfare. The material is also reusable and scalable.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2021
Researchers have found a way to stabilize the novel quantum effect in graphene at room temperature, which could lead to breakthroughs in data storage and computer components. The discovery was made using standard microfabrication techniques and showed that the material can generate its own magnetic field.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021
Researchers investigated glass fiber-reinforced epoxy-based flat laminates with pultrusion, a fast and versatile composite manufacturing process. The study found significant promise for structural applications of these 'shape memory' composites in various industries.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComposites Part A Applied Science and Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
Osaka University researchers have created an adhesive-free method to strongly combine copper foil with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), reducing transmission losses in electronic circuits. The heat-assisted plasma treatment technique improves adhesion strength without adding intermediate layers.
SourceOsaka University·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 2, 2021
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.
Researchers at IBS developed a novel composite material consisting of metal nanowires within an ultrathin rubber film. The float assembly method creates a monolayer of nanowires in the rubber film, resulting in excellent physical properties such as high stretchability and metal-like conductivity.
SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021
Researchers from Skoltech and KU Leuven used machine learning to reconstruct 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials, overcoming the difficulties faced by humans in analyzing these complex materials. The team employed GANs to fill a gap in available inpainting tools, enabling precise material analysis and simulation.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateAug 18, 2021
Researchers at Skoltech developed a mathematical model for thermoplastic composite materials, reducing conservatism in strength calculations. The model allows for virtual testing of structures, minimizing manufacturing costs while ensuring safety and quality requirements.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalInternational Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping·DateAug 10, 2021
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.
Researchers developed a novel evidence-based material recommender system that predicts high entropy alloy formation without data descriptors, overcomes data bias and poor availability. The method recommends an FeMnCoNi alloy as the most probable HEA and successfully synthesizes it, confirming its validity.
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalNature Computational Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2021
Researchers from NUST MISIS and international partners create a radar-absorbing polymer composite with excellent magnetic and microwave properties. The composite can absorb 99.9% of incoming electromagnetic radiation, making it suitable for EMI shielding applications in industries such as 5G networks and radar absorbing coatings.
SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateJul 30, 2021