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Engineering living 'scaffolds' for building materials

Engineered living materials use living cells as scaffolds to create composite materials with unprecedented control and versatility. The team engineered a bacterium to attach nanomaterials to its cell surface, creating stable hybrid living materials with emergent properties.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateMar 14, 2019

Dental fillings could last twice as long

A new dental filling material made with thiourethane could significantly extend its lifespan, reducing the need for frequent fillings and related complications. The material has been shown to be two times more resistant to breakage than standard fillings.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 4, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Avoiding the crack of doom

Researchers at NIST have developed a new imaging technique that can observe the effects of strain at the single-molecule level, allowing for better design of composite materials. The technique uses super-resolution optical microscopy to track the alignment of molecules in response to applied force.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateFeb 25, 2019

Fabric the reinforcer

Scientists at NUST MISIS have developed composite materials for aircraft brakes using carbon fabrics, demonstrating better resistance to crack propagation than existing materials. These advancements aim to improve the reliability and safety of aircraft operation while reducing maintenance costs.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalEngineering Fracture Mechanics·DateFeb 19, 2019

Laser-induced graphene gets tough, with help

Researchers at Rice University have developed composites of laser-induced graphene that can be used for wearable electronics, heat therapy, water treatment, anti-icing, and antimicrobial surfaces. The new composites were created by infusing LIG with materials like plastic, rubber, and wood, and show improved mechanical robustness.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 12, 2019

3D printed tires and shoes that self-repair

Researchers at USC developed a new 3D-printed rubber material that can repair itself after damage, reducing manufacturing time and increasing product durability. The material was manufactured using photopolymerization and exhibits self-healing properties through the transformation of chemical groups.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateFeb 5, 2019
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Researchers gain control over soft-molecule synthesis

Researchers at the University of Illinois gained control over soft-molecule synthesis, enabling them to probe how shape, size, and composition influence function in soft materials. This breakthrough could lead to advances in virology, drug delivery development, and new material creation.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 14, 2019

New composite advances lignin as a renewable 3D printing material

Researchers at ORNL created a lignin-nylon composite with improved printability and mechanical properties. The combination of lignin and nylon appears to have a lubrication or plasticizing effect on the composite, increasing room temperature stiffness while decreasing melt viscosity.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 19, 2018

New megalibrary approach proves useful for the rapid discovery of new materials

A new study at Northwestern University has developed a revolutionary tool to rapidly test millions of nanoparticles for specific applications. The novel approach utilizes a combinatorial library, or megalibrary, of nanoparticles and an in situ Raman spectroscopy-based screening technique to identify optimal compositions.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2018

Birth of a hybrid

Researchers from NUST MISIS have developed a new method for producing bulk MAX-phases, which exhibit the properties of both metals and ceramics. The proposed approach allows for quick synthesis in one stage, resulting in high-density materials suitable for high-temperature applications.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalCeramics International·DateDec 14, 2018

Agricultural waste drives us closer to greener transport

Researchers developed a biodegradable and renewable composite material from date palm fibre biomass, showing increased tensile strength and improved impact resistance. The material has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and C0<sub>2</sub> emissions in vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalIndustrial Crops and Products·DateDec 6, 2018
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.

Composite Materials special issue

The special issue explores composite materials' potential for sustainable applications, including biodegradable composites for packaging and recycling of plastic waste.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 1, 2018
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.

Special issue: Gas giant planets

This special issue of Science presents research on Cassini's final transmissions to Earth, revealing new observations and insights into Saturn's atmosphere and rings. The studies found that water, methane, and organic-rich material fall into the planet's atmosphere, modifying its composition and structure.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 4, 2018

Future cars to be made from revolutionary new material

Scientists from the University of Surrey developed a material that combines high stiffness with damping capabilities, allowing it to absorb vibrations. This innovative material could transform the car manufacturing industry, enabling customers to experience little to no vibration during their travels.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 1, 2018
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.

Scientists have discovered how to predict life of implants without animal testing

Researchers from NUST MISIS and TU Dortmund University developed a technology to study orthopedic implants in laboratory conditions close to the human body without involving lab animals. The technology uses biomimetic UHMWPE and synthetic plasma to accelerate wear tests, allowing for predictions of implant life.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateSep 21, 2018

NASA's Parker Solar Probe is about to lift off

Parker Solar Probe will make its journey to the Sun's atmosphere, closer than any spacecraft in history, with a highly elliptical orbit and speeds of up to 430,000 miles per hour. The spacecraft will observe the acceleration of the solar wind and study extreme events on the Sun, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 9, 2018

Gold nanoparticles to find applications in hydrogen economy

Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University, Leibniz University Hannover, and Ioffe Institute create a novel nanocomposite material to harness energy in hydrogen economy. The new structure isolates gold nanoparticles from silicon, increasing efficiency.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalSemiconductor Science and Technology·DateJul 17, 2018
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.

Creature feature: Twisting cracks impart superhero toughness to animals

A team of researchers from Purdue University has found that twisting cracks in certain animal materials make them incredibly strong and resistant to failure. This phenomenon, observed in the mantis shrimp's club, is now being replicated in new composite materials.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures·DateJun 25, 2018

Northwestern researchers achieve unprecedented control of polymer grids

Researchers have developed a two-step process to produce high-quality covalent organic frameworks with crystalline structures, enabling precise control over material properties. These materials have promising potential for water purification, solar energy storage and body armor applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience·DateJun 21, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Game-changing finding pushes 3D-printing to the molecular limit

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed device that stores information reversibly using photoactive molecules and polymers. The technique expands the toolbox of advanced materials available to engineers, enabling complex designs like QR codes or barcodes to be encoded and erased.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 19, 2018

Scientists predict a new superhard material with unique properties

Researchers have discovered a new tungsten boride that surpasses the widely used 'pobedit' material in terms of hardness and fracture toughness. The new compound, WB5, can be synthesized at normal pressure and has potential applications in various fields including drilling and machine building.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateJun 15, 2018

Electronic skin stretched to new limits

A composite hydrogel and MXene material offers unparalleled stretchability, self-healing, and strain sensitivity, opening doors to innovative applications such as wearable electronics, biodegradable patches, and biosensing technologies.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 15, 2018

Turbocharge for lithium batteries

Scientists have developed a new anode material for lithium-ion batteries that can store more energy and charge faster. The hybrid material combines tin oxide nanoparticles with antimony on a graphene base, improving stability and conductivity.

SourceForschungszentrum Juelich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 11, 2018

Self-healing material a breakthrough for bio-inspired robotics

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have created a self-healing material that spontaneously repairs itself under extreme mechanical damage. The material, composed of liquid metal droplets suspended in a soft elastomer, can reroute electrical signals without interruption.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 21, 2018
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.

Can this invasive exotic pest make better materials for industry and medicine?

Researchers at NIST have combined wood pulp and dried-up pieces of an invasive exotic pest to form a new composite material that is flexible, sustainable, nontoxic, and UV light-reflective. The material could be used in various applications, including food packaging, biomedical devices, and building construction.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 4, 2018

UCI simulation technique models material-aging process

Researchers at UCI have developed a numerical method to simulate the molecular aging process in amorphous materials like concrete and glass. This technique could help researchers understand how materials weaken with age and develop materials that maintain their strength indefinitely.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2018
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.

Spider silk key to new bone-fixing composite

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have created a biodegradable composite made from spider silk fibers, which can be used to repair broken load-bearing bones without complications. The new composite shows high strength and flexibility characteristics, making it suitable for treating large leg bones in adults and seniors.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateApr 19, 2018

Army engineers develop technique to make adaptive materials

Engineers at U.S. Army Research Laboratory and University of Maryland developed a technique to control composite material behavior using ultraviolet light, enabling new capabilities for rotorcraft design, performance, and maintenance. The method allows materials to become 93%-stiffer and 35%-stronger after UV exposure.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 17, 2018

Robust and inexpensive catalysts for hydrogen production

Researchers developed alternative catalysts made of cheaper and more readily available materials with equally high efficiency. The study found that the structure and composition of iron-nickel sulphide influence its electrocatalytic properties.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateApr 10, 2018
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.

High efficiency solar power conversion allowed by a novel composite material

A composite thin film made of two different inorganic oxide materials significantly improves the performance of solar cells by optimizing its ability to absorb and convert sunlight into electricity. The material achieves a record power conversion efficiency of up to 4.2%, making it promising for future solar technologies.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalNature Photonics·DateApr 9, 2018

How to cool a smartphone

Scientists at NUST MISIS have developed composites that can efficiently remove heat from electronic devices, potentially replacing traditional materials like fiberglass. The new material has high thermal conductivity and mechanical properties, making it suitable for use in smartphones and other electronics.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·DateApr 3, 2018

Elephant and cow manure for making paper sustainably

Researchers have found a way to upcycle animal dung into paper products using cellulose, which could provide an alternative to traditional wood-based methods. The process involves treating the manure with sodium hydroxide and then bleaching it to produce purified cellulose nanofibers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 21, 2018

Removing heavy metals from water

Researchers have developed a new method for removing heavy metals like lead and mercury from water using metal organic frameworks (MOFs). The MOF composite can quickly and selectively remove high amounts of toxic materials from real-world water samples, down to levels deemed drinkable by health organizations.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 14, 2018
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.

Waterfalls offer insights into how rivers shape their surrounds

A study of waterfalls found that river bed rock composition plays a crucial role in shaping the surrounding landscape over time. The research revealed that changes to the river bed material significantly impact how quickly waterfalls migrate upstream.

SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 6, 2018

Researchers use recycled carbon fiber to improve permeable pavement

A Washington State University research team has developed a technique to greatly strengthen permeable pavements by adding waste carbon fiber composite material. The recycling method reduces energy consumption and chemicals, making it a critical factor for recycling waste materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Materials in Civil Engineering·DateMar 1, 2018

A lithium battery that operates at -70 degrees Celsius, a record low

Researchers in China have developed a battery that can function at -70 degrees Celsius, far colder than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The breakthrough design uses organic compound electrodes with an ester-based electrolyte, enabling it to conduct a charge even at extremely low temperatures.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateFeb 28, 2018
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.

Today's highest quality composite-piezoelectric developed at NUST MISIS

Researchers have created a composite material with the best piezoelectric properties today, overcoming lead content and weight limitations. The material's polymer component offers advantages in manufacturing and application, making it suitable for high-pressure sensing applications.

SourceNational University of Science and Technology MISIS·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2018

New method enables high-resolution measurements of magnetism

Researchers from Uppsala University and collaborating institutions developed a new method to measure magnetism at the atomic level, enabling detailed analysis of magnetic nanostructures. This advancement is crucial for the development of next-generation spintronic components that require functional units only a few nanometers large.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 6, 2018

Taking control at the junction

KAUST researchers have created boron-nitride-based alloys with tunable polarization, a crucial property for computer memory. By varying the atomic composition, they can control the spontaneous polarization and piezoelectric constants of these materials.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 22, 2018
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.

Charge order and electron localization in a molecule-based solid

A team of scientists reports a Verwey-type charge ordering transition in Cs4O6, where molecular O2- entities form well-defined singly charged superoxide and doubly charged peroxide anions. The study sheds light on the mechanism of Verwey-type charge ordering phenomena in mixed-valence compounds.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 19, 2018

New catalyst for hydrogen production is a step toward clean fuel

A new carbon-based nanocomposite with embedded metal ions has shown impressive performance as a catalyst for electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen. The material's high catalytic activity and stability could lead to low-cost and efficient hydrogen production, a key step towards clean fuel.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Cruz·JournalChemSusChem·DateJan 16, 2018

White graphene makes ceramics multifunctional

Researchers at Rice University have developed a new ceramic material that combines the benefits of white graphene with calcium-silicates. The resulting composite has improved strength, toughness, and thermal conductivity, making it suitable for high-performance applications in construction, nuclear power plants, aerospace, and more.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 11, 2018
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.

Materials from arctic shelves are changing the water's composition

Scientists have observed increasing fluxes of shelf-derived materials to the central Arctic Ocean, altering its composition and potentially harming biological productivity. The study provides an estimate of Arctic shelf flux and sheds light on understudied transport processes in the region.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 3, 2018

Vehicles could get 'nerves' that sense damage with new research

Researchers at Clemson University are developing a new type of smart material that can detect damage in vehicles, such as impacts and cracking. This technology has the potential to reduce maintenance costs and improve safety by enabling vehicles to perform self-diagnostic checks and avoid accidents.

SourceClemson University·DateDec 13, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

With 'material robotics,' intelligent products won't even look like robots

Researchers in material robotics envision a future where technology seamlessly integrates into daily life, enabling intelligent products that adapt to our needs. By merging materials science and robotics, the goal is to create robots with 'brains' in their bodies, making them ubiquitous and invisible.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScience Robotics·DateNov 29, 2017