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Harnessing AI to search for new materials with exotic properties

Physicist Trevor David Rhone is using artificial intelligence to accelerate materials discovery, exploring the vast number of potential materials candidates to identify those with novel properties. His approach aims to speed up the process and enable new applications for spintronics, data storage, and quantum computing.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateJul 14, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Programmable structures from the printer

Scientists have created movable, self-adjusting materials systems with complex shape changes that can be triggered by moisture. These systems mimic the movement mechanisms of the air potato plant and have produced their first prototype: a forearm brace that adapts to the wearer.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 9, 2021

A scalable multilayer metafabric provides passive daytime radiative cooling

Researchers developed a scalable multilayer metafabric with exceptional passive radiative cooling functionality and excellent mechanical properties. The fabric can be easily produced through industrial manufacturing routes and demonstrates promising potential for widespread application.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2021

A universal approach to tailoring soft robots

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design developed a novel approach to tailoring soft robots' mechanical properties. By integrating design optimisation and fabrication, they created customised robots that outperformed traditionally casted counterparts in swimming performance.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJul 7, 2021

The bitumen puzzle

Researchers used AFM-IR, ToF-SIMS, and fluorescence microscopy to study bitumen surface composition and structure. The study found that the surface is heterogeneous, with individual molecular assemblies distributed in a specific pattern.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 6, 2021

Want new advanced materials? There's a phase transition for that

Scientists from Japan and China have discovered three previously unknown mechanisms of phase transition in soft materials, shedding light on the dynamics of solid-to-solid transformations. This research has diverse applications, including targeted drug delivery and development of new materials with tailored properties.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 30, 2021
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.

This crystal impurity is sheer perfection

Researchers at Berkeley Lab design a nanoparticle composite that grows into 3D crystals, enabling faster production of electronic and optical devices. The discovery provides unprecedented control in fine-tuning nanolevel precision.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 29, 2021

Fracture setting method could replace metal plates, with fewer complications

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a new biocompatible polymer-based composite material that can replace metal plates in treating difficult and unstable fractures. The material, AdhFix, enables customized plating for fixation of fractures with a more comfortable recovery.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 23, 2021

How a bath sponge becomes a bio-based industrial filter

Researchers at TU Freiberg create new composite material from marine bath sponges that can be used as a bi-based filter for wastewater treatment or pollutant removal, and can be reused multiple times without losing its properties.

SourceUniversity of Freiberg / TU Bergakademie Freiberg·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 16, 2021

Cells construct living composite polymers for biomedical applications

Researchers at Duke University have demonstrated that living cells can construct semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (sIPNs) for biomedical applications. These cell-built materials exhibit medically relevant functions and could be used to release protective molecules, such as antibiotics, in a controlled manner.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 10, 2021
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.

Skoltech scientists find a way to make pultrusion faster

Researchers found that processing additives significantly impact the speed of polymerization in pultrusion, enabling faster production and improved efficiency. The study's findings have potential applications for enhancing profitability while maintaining quality in composite structures.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Composite Materials·DateMay 7, 2021

New AI tool calculates materials' stress and strain based on photos

Engineers can now determine material properties like stress and strain from images of their internal structure, reducing computational complexity. The AI-powered approach uses computer vision and machine learning to generate estimates in real-time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 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.

Crystal structure prediction of multi-elements random alloy

Researchers developed an AI model that predicts crystal structures of multi-element alloys without requiring massive data. The method showed high accuracy in predicting structural phase and can save calculation cost by up to 1,000 times compared to previous methods.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 17, 2021

How do good metals go bad?

Researchers found that exotic metallic materials exhibit poor electrical conductivity due to tiny amounts of impurities or defects. These defects cause electrons to remain localized, hindering current flow at low frequencies, but allowing it at high frequencies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 15, 2021

New insulation takes heat off environment

Researchers at Flinders University have developed a new sustainable insulation material using waste cooking oil, sulfur, and wool offcuts, offering promising energy savings for property owners and tenants. The composite boasts low flammability and biodegradable properties, aligning with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

SourceFlinders University·JournalChemSusChem·DateMar 12, 2021

Moiré than meets the eye

Carbon nanotubes have been engineered to produce moiré patterns, which could enhance material properties. The researchers' breakthrough has significant implications for the development of superconducting materials with improved performance.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2021
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.

Material from Russia will triple the capacity of lithium-ion batteries

Researchers from NUST MISIS developed a new nanomaterial that can replace low-efficiency graphite in lithium-ion batteries, increasing capacity and extending service life. The material provides three times higher capacity than existing batteries and allows for five times more charge-discharge cycles.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateMar 10, 2021

Compression or strain - the material expands always the same

A team of scientists has created a novel material with unique properties, exhibiting half-auxetic behavior under both strain and compression. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in sensing and magneto-optics technologies.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 5, 2021

Potentially harmful chemicals found in plastic toys

Researchers identified 126 substances that can harm children's health, including phthalates, flame retardants, and fragrances. The study recommends prioritizing phase-out of these chemicals and developing benchmarks for safe use in toy materials.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·DateFeb 22, 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.

UCF joins project to develop composites for spacecraft, NASA missions

The University of Central Florida is helping NASA develop thin-ply composites that are as thin as measuring tape but strong enough to support satellite payloads. These materials offer significant gains in performance over traditional metallic materials and can be rolled up, compacted and stored for long periods.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·DateFeb 22, 2021

Magnetic effect without a magnet

Researchers find giant Hall effect in material Ce3Bi4Pd3, exceeding theoretical predictions by a thousand times. The effect is caused by complex electron interactions and the Kondo effect, leading to unexpected potential for next-generation quantum technologies.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 22, 2021

Quickly identify high-performance multi-element catalysts

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Copenhagen developed an approach to predict optimal composition and confirm accuracy with high-throughput experiments. The strategy enables identification of complex mechanisms at surfaces consisting of five chemical elements, overcoming limitations of previous catalysts.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 17, 2021
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.

Moiré patterns facilitate discovery of novel insulating phases

Physicists at UC Riverside created moiré patterns by overlaying WS2 and WSe2 layers, leading to insulating states with varying electron occupancy fractions. Strong interactions between electrons restrict mobile electrons into local cells, resulting in insulating behavior. Similar behaviors can occur for other occupancy fractions.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Physics·DateFeb 15, 2021

Imaging technique provides link to innovative products

Researchers have developed a hyperspectral imaging technique to visualize and test two-dimensional materials at the nanoscale. This allows for the identification of new properties and potential applications, including more-efficient energy transmission and solar- and wind-powered vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 4, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Scientists develop an efficient way to produce low-cost heatsinks

Researchers at NUST MISIS create affordable heat sinks by mixing rubbers with silicon carbide, significantly reducing production costs. The new material can withstand temperatures up to 300°C and has potential applications in industry and electronics.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalPolymers·DateDec 21, 2020

Novel crystalline oxide may solve the problem of overheating in composite materials

Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology synthesized a novel material with negative thermal expansion properties, which may help avoid damage to composite materials. The material exhibits both phase transition and framework-type mechanisms, providing a potential solution for the overheating problem in composite materials.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateDec 18, 2020

Machine learning boosts the search for 'superhard' materials

Researchers have developed a machine learning model that predicts the hardness of new materials based on their chemical composition, finding over 10 promising borocarbide phases. The model's accuracy surpasses classical methods, enabling scientists to more efficiently discover suitable compounds for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 17, 2020

New fullerene crystal production method 50 times faster than predecessor

Researchers have successfully developed a highly efficient technique for producing one-dimensional fullerene crystals, called fullerene finned-micropillar (FFMP), that can be produced in an hour. The team achieved this significant breakthrough by utilizing a small heating apparatus and annealing process.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 15, 2020
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.

A theory as clear as glass

Scientists at the University of Tokyo used molecular dynamics calculations to simulate glass-forming ability of metallic mixtures. They found that even small changes in composition can disrupt crystallization and lead to glassy states upon cooling. This breakthrough may lead to a universal theory of glass formation and cheaper, more re...

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 11, 2020

New method sees fibers in 3D, uses it to estimate conductivity

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a method to create 3D images of fiber orientation in composite materials, enabling accurate predictions of thermal conductivity. This innovation has far-reaching implications for designing high-performance materials and heat shields.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateDec 1, 2020

Exploring blended materials along compositional gradients

Scientists have created a new platform to rapidly create and characterize blends of materials, significantly accelerating material development. The platform uses electrospray deposition and x-ray scattering to explore complex compositional dependencies in a matter of days, reducing the time from months or weeks.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·DateNov 24, 2020
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.

NIST AI system discovers new material

Researchers developed an AI algorithm called CAMEO that discovered a new compound by operating in a closed loop, maximizing productivity and efficiency. The AI is designed to contain knowledge of key principles, including past simulations and lab experiments, to identify the best material for specific applications.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020

New process narrows the gap between natural and synthetic materials

Researchers at EPFL create composite polymers with unique properties by encapsulating monomers in compartments and using UV radiation to polymerize them. The resulting material is exceptionally strong and can withstand heavy loads without damage.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 19, 2020
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.

Russian scientists created a chemical space mapping method and cracked the mystery of Mendeleev number

Researchers from Skoltech have created a universal approach for predicting material properties based on their chemical composition. By assigning a Mendeleev number (MN) to each element, they have shown that this system is more effective than empirical solutions in identifying promising compounds with unique properties.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 10, 2020

A material that 'bruises' like the skin?

Researchers at KIST developed a new material that changes color when damaged, improving sensitivity by 850% compared to existing materials. The innovative process allows for easy application to various materials, making it suitable for wearable sensors and artificial skin.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalMacromolecules·DateNov 4, 2020

Turning up the heat on molten salt valves

The $2.5 million DOE grant project will investigate a newly designed molten salt valve to improve reliability and reduce maintenance costs in concentrating solar power systems. The advanced valve design aims to withstand extreme temperatures and pressures, reducing material stress and fatigue.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateNov 4, 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.

Bioplastics no safer than other plastics

A recent study published in Environment International found that bioplastics contain high levels of toxic chemicals, similar to conventional plastics. The researchers tested 43 different plastic products and found that 80% contained more than 1000 different chemicals.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalEnvironment International·DateOct 23, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Engineered electrode material moves battery research closer to 'holy grail'

Researchers have developed an engineered electrode material that enables high-capacity Lithium-ion batteries with fast-charging capabilities. The material, combining black phosphorus and graphite, shows improved stability and efficiency, restoring 80% of its full capacity in under 10 minutes.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2020

New composite material revs up pursuit of advanced electric vehicles

Scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory created a composite material that increases electrical current capacity of copper wires, enabling more efficient electric vehicle traction motors. The new material can be scaled for use in ultra-efficient devices with improved performance and reduced cost.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateSep 21, 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.

Plastic can be sustainable

A research project at Friedrich Schiller University Jena aims to develop recyclable plastic materials that can be recycled and reused. The team, led by Prof. Ulrich S. Schubert, plans to study fibre-reinforced materials and nanocomposites with potential applications in aircraft, tennis rackets, and other industries.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateSep 8, 2020

Movement of early Solar System material

A study of meteorites formed in the outer Solar System finds a mix of materials from inner and outer systems, suggesting Jupiter's formation may have trapped dust. The discovery could indicate that material transport between inner and outer systems was halted by Jupiter's formation.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 7, 2020

Scientists to discover the unique ductile properties of aluminum

Researchers from Peter the Great St.Petersburg Polytechnic University produced a metal with increased ductility, three times higher than specified in standard. This discovery can change component design and improve material performance for industries like Aerospace.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalMaterials & Design·DateAug 26, 2020

Artificial materials for more efficient electronics

Scientists have created a novel artificial material made of thin layers of nickelates, which can accurately control electronic properties and develop energy-efficient devices. By refining the layers to eight atoms, the entire sample behaves like a single material with one large jump in conductivity.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 18, 2020
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.

Sustainable biosynthetic transparent films for plastic substitute

A team of researchers from China has developed a sustainable, ultra-strong and transparent film made from living bacteria. The film, inspired by nacre, exhibits unique optical properties and excellent mechanical strength, making it a potential substitute for plastics in packaging and electronics.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalMatter·DateAug 14, 2020

New way to check the quality of nanomaterials like graphene

A new method developed by researchers at the University of Sussex provides detailed information about the size and thickness of graphene particles. This technique is a non-destructive, laser-based approach that allows for statistical mapping of nanosheet populations in materials.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateAug 12, 2020
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.

New material mimics strength, toughness of mother of pearl

Researchers have created a new material that mimics the strength and toughness of mother of pearl, with layers of aragonite stacked in an intricate herringbone pattern. The material is almost twice as strong and four times as tough as previous nacre mimics, making it suitable for sustainable medical uses.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 15, 2020