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Water heals a bioplastic

A team of researchers developed a self-healing bioplastic from squid proteins, which can be repaired with warm water. The material exhibits improved durability for applications such as medical implants and fiber-optic cables.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 1, 2015

Economic assessment shows e-waste recycling is an industry worth billions

A recent study assesses e-waste recycling's economic potential and finds it worth billions of euros, with potential revenues expected to rise from €2 billion in 2014 to €3.5 billion by 2020. The recycling industry also aims to reduce environmental pollution by conserving virgin resources.

SourceElsevier·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateAug 17, 2015

Two spin liquids square off in an iron-based superconductor

A new study reveals an iron-telluride material develops superconductivity without long-range electronic or magnetic order, with a competing disordered magnetic phase. The researchers found that the ordering is extremely local and fleeting, similar to a liquid-like behavior.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 5, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Twin volcanic chains above a single hotspot with distinct roots

Researchers from GEOMAR Helmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel found that the Tristan-Gough hotspot changed composition about 70 million years ago, forming parallel but geochemically distinct volcanoes. The team suggests a huge lens of material in the lower mantle, called LLSVP, as a possible explanation.

SourceHelmholtz Centre for Ocean Research Kiel (GEOMAR)·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 27, 2015
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.

Sweeping lasers snap together nanoscale geometric grids

Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a new technique to create multi-layered, self-assembled grids with fully customizable shapes and compositions. The result enables the production of high-tech coatings, improved solar cells, and touchscreen electronics.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2015

Mantis shrimp inspires new body armor and football helmet design

Researchers have discovered that the mantis shrimp's dactyl club can filter out certain frequencies of shear waves, making it an effective material for body armor and athletic gear. The study aims to develop synthetic materials with similar filtering properties for various industries, including aerospace and automotive.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateJun 17, 2015

New composite material as CO2 sensor

Scientists have developed a new type of sensor using a composite material that interacts with CO2 molecules, changing its conductivity depending on the concentration. The sensor can measure CO2 concentrations over a wide range without requiring high temperatures or energy.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 8, 2015

Taking aircraft manufacturing out of the oven

Aerospace engineers at MIT have developed a carbon nanotube film that can heat and solidify composites without massive ovens, using only 1% of the energy. The technique has been tested on common carbon-fiber materials and found to produce composites with similar properties as traditionally manufactured materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 14, 2015
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.

Carbon nanotube computing?

Researchers at Durham University and the University of São Paulo discovered a correlation between single-walled carbon nanotube concentration and computational capability in composite materials. The emerging field of 'evolution-in-materio' uses natural evolution principles to train materials to mimic electronic circuits.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateApr 7, 2015

Winter hack: Textured rubber that grips slick, icy surfaces

Researchers have created a textured rubber material that provides better traction on ice, offering a potential solution for slip-resistant winter boots. The material, made of glass fibers embedded in a compliant rubber, was developed to reduce incidents of pedestrian slips and falls on icy surfaces.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 17, 2015

Maps predict strength of structures

Rice researchers Rouzbeh Shahsavari and Navid Sakhavand have created universal maps that predict the properties of natural and biomimetic platelet-matrix composites. The maps are dimensionless and can be applied to materials built with nanoscale blocks as well as brick walls, or bigger.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2015

Researchers increase energy density of lithium storage materials

Scientists have developed a new storage principle and material that enables the reversible storage of 1.8 Li per formula unit, increasing lithium storage density by up to 420 mAh/g. The new system allows for high packing densities and stable operation, making it suitable for energy supply of devices with high power requirements.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 16, 2015

New research into materials for tooth fillings

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new glass ionomer cement for tooth fillings that is mercury-free and offers improved durability. The material has good biological properties and releases fluoride to prevent cavities, making it a promising alternative to existing composite filling materials.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 2015
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.

New method allows for greater variation in band gap tunability

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a novel method to control the electronic band gap in complex oxide materials without altering their composition. This can lead to better performance in electro-optical devices and new energy-generation materials.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2015

Chemists control structure to unlock magnetization and polarization simultaneously

Researchers at the University of Liverpool have successfully controlled a material's structure to generate both magnetisation and electrical polarisation, two contradictory properties. This breakthrough has significant implications for low-energy information technology applications, such as efficient information storage and logic devices.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2015

A repulsive material

Researchers develop new hydrogel with electrostatic repulsion properties, inspired by articular cartilage and maglev trains. The material easily deforms under shear forces but resists compressive forces.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature·DateDec 30, 2014

Composite materials can be designed in a supercomputer 'virtual lab'

Researchers developed a 'virtual lab' to study nanocomposites, allowing for prediction of material properties based on chemical composition and processing conditions. The simulations revealed how polymers and clay particles interact, enabling the development of improved composite materials.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 9, 2014
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.

Scientists craft atomically seamless, thinnest-possible semiconductor junctions

Researchers have developed the thinnest-possible semiconductor junctions, made in sheets only three atoms thick, allowing for flexible and transparent computing, LEDs, and solar technologies. The discovery enables new kinds of transistors, LEDs, nanolasers, and solar cells to be developed within a single atomic plane.

SourceUniversity of Washington·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 26, 2014

New Milky Way maps help solve stubborn interstellar material mystery

A team of astronomers has created new maps of the interstellar medium in the Milky Way, revealing clues about the composition and distribution of mysterious complex molecules. The findings could provide insights into how stars form and the conditions that lead to their creation.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateAug 14, 2014
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.

Learning how things fall apart

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to study bonding failures in materials, revealing the crucial role of moisture in setting the stage for failure. The findings could lead to the design of more durable composites and prediction of their strength under specific conditions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2014

Carbon-fiber epoxy honeycombs mimic the material performance of balsa wood

Researchers developed cellular composite materials with unprecedented light weight and stiffness using epoxy-based resins and 3D printing techniques. The materials mimic balsa wood's mechanical properties and offer improved performance over commercial 3D-printed polymers and polymer composites.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 25, 2014

Nanoengineers develop basis for electronics that stretch at the molecular level

Researchers have made breakthroughs in developing flexible and stretchable electronic materials that can conform to non-planar surfaces without wrinkling. These materials have potential applications in energy harvesting, biomedical devices, wearable electronics, and consumer electronics.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateMay 2, 2014
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Faster dental treatment with new photoactive molecule

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have developed a new Germanium-based photo initiator that hardens dental fillings faster. This innovation increases the hardening depth from 2 mm to 4 mm, making dental treatment more efficient.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 30, 2014

Repeated self-healing now possible in composite materials

Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a vascular network system that heals fiber-reinforced composites autonomously through polymerization of healing chemistries. This technology overcomes long-standing challenges in composite materials, enabling repeated self-healing and increasing structural reliability.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 15, 2014

Iowa State scientist developing materials, electronics that dissolve when triggered

Researchers have developed degradable polymer composite materials suitable for electronic components and a degradable antenna capable of data transmission. The technology, called transient electronics, allows for devices to self-destruct or degrade over time, eliminating the need for permanent storage or disposal.

SourceIowa State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 3, 2014
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.

A new material for solar panels could make them cheaper, more efficient

Researchers have created a new ceramic material that can harness energy from visible and infrared light, not just ultraviolet light. The material has shown significant improvement over today's classic ferroelectric material, absorbing six times more energy and transferring a photocurrent 50 times denser.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateDec 11, 2013

Morphing material has mighty potential

Researchers develop composite material that can change shape in response to temperature, enabling applications such as dynamic scaffolds and implantable materials. The material's reversible properties make it suitable for biomedical applications where shape changes need to be repeated.

SourceRice University·JournalSoft Matter·DateDec 9, 2013

Citrus fruit inspires a new energy-absorbing metal structure

Researchers have developed a novel aluminum hybrid with enhanced impact resistance, mimicking the strength of pomelo fruit peels. The composite exhibits superior tensile strength and ductility, making it suitable for safety materials in various industries.

SourceSpringer·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateDec 3, 2013
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.

A step closer to composite-based electronics

A new study demonstrates that electrical resistivity in composite materials follows a staircase-like pattern with increasing conducting particle concentration. The findings, published in European Physical Journal B, use percolation theory to explain the discrete series of resistances observed.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal B·DateNov 25, 2013

Overcoming brittleness: New insights into bulk metallic glass

Researchers have discovered a new class of bulk metallic glasses that exhibit enhanced fatigue endurance, thanks to a unique staircase-like fracture mechanism. This breakthrough paves the way for widespread adoption in industries such as smartphones, biomedical implants and aerospace engineering.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2013

Monitoring material changes in the hostile environment of a fusion reactor

Researchers at MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center have developed a novel diagnostic instrument that can remotely map the composition of material surfaces inside a magnetic fusion device. This new approach promises to provide scientists with insights into the dynamic interaction between fusing plasma and its surrounding materials.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 13, 2013
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Mixing nanoparticles to make multifunctional materials

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have created a method for combining different types of nanoparticles to produce large-scale composite materials. By using DNA-based assembly methods, they can control and optimize the properties of newly formed materials.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateOct 20, 2013

New model should expedite development of temperature-stable nano-alloys

Researchers from NC State University have developed a theoretical model that can predict the grain size of nanomaterial alloys at elevated temperatures. The model allows for targeted alloy design without trial-and-error, enabling the development of temperature-stable nano-alloys.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 16, 2013
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.

Shining a little light changes metal into semiconductor

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have created a new class of materials that change their electronic properties when exposed to light. The composite material combines gold nanorods and zinc oxide, leading to improved performance in solar cells and potential applications for sensitive sensors.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 5, 2013

Butterfly wings + carbon nanotubes = new 'nanobiocomposite' material

Researchers have developed a nanobiocomposite material by combining the natural properties of Morpho butterfly wings with carbon nanotubes, showing promise for wearable electronic devices and sustainable energy applications. The new hybrid material exhibits high electrical conductivity and self-cleaning capabilities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 28, 2013

Researchers unravel secrets of mussels' clinginess

Researchers have unraveled the secrets of mussels' clinginess, discovering that their byssus threads can withstand impact forces nine times greater than stretching in one direction. The unique distribution of stiffness along the threads enables them to absorb nutrients while minimizing damage from waves.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2013
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.

Controlling friction by tuning van der Waals forces

Scientists have found that the thickness of sub-surface layers affects frictional forces between two materials, allowing for new ways to control friction. By carefully designing layer structures, friction can be reduced by up to 30%.

SourceSaarland University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJul 19, 2013

An easier way to make a topological insulator for advanced electronics

Physicists at U-M create topological insulators by doping bismuth telluride with thallium, enabling control over electrical conductivity and unique surface properties. The new approach reveals the properties of the surface states, opening doors to applications in quantum computing and Majorana fermions.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalPhysical Review B·DateJul 18, 2013

Newly discovered flux in the Earth may solve missing-mantle mystery

Researchers at MIT have identified a hidden reservoir of lead-laden rocks in the Earth's mantle, which would make the planet's composition more similar to meteorites. This discovery could help explain the Earth's origins and provide insights into its evolution through history.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJul 17, 2013
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Printing artificial bone

Researchers at MIT develop approach to print synthetic materials with fracture behavior similar to natural bone, using computer-optimized designs and 3-D printing. The new material exhibits a fracture resistance of up to 22 times larger than its strongest constituent material.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 17, 2013

UNL team's discovery yields supertough, strong nanofibers

The University of Nebraska-Lincoln materials engineers developed exceptionally thin polyacrilonitrile nanofibers that are both strong and tough. This breakthrough could lead to lighter, safer products in various fields, including aerospace and body armor.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 24, 2013

New material gets itself into shape

Scientists have created a composite material that can bend and twist in response to external stimuli like temperature or moisture. This programmable plasticity enables the material to take on various shapes, making it suitable for applications such as self-shaping ceramic parts and biodegradable implants.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 16, 2013

Light yet safe contender for city streets

The Visio.M project aims to develop a safe and efficient electric vehicle with a lightweight carbon fiber body structure. The design incorporates innovative materials and technologies, such as a monocoque chassis and ultra-lightweight gears, while maintaining the highest level of safety protection.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·DateJan 30, 2013
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.

Penn metamaterials experts show a way to reduce electrons' effective mass to nearly 0

Using metamaterials, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have developed a theory for creating materials where electrons have nearly zero effective mass. This concept could lead to faster circuits with unique properties. The team's idea was inspired by the similarities between electromagnetic waves and quantum mechanics, and t...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 18, 2012

Cork the key to unlocking the potential of graphene

Researchers have successfully formed graphene into useful three-dimensional structures by mirroring the structure of cork, enabling record-breaking strength and elasticity. The breakthrough, published in Nature Communications, has opened up new avenues for investigations of graphene's potential applications.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 4, 2012

Predicting material fatigue

Scientists have created a novel concept for self-reporting materials that utilize zinc oxide tetrapod crystals to detect internal damages in composite materials. The resulting composite material exhibits improved strength and emits light when exposed to UV light, providing a visual warning of potential failure.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 29, 2012

Tiny pores in graphene could give rise to membranes

Researchers have found that graphene membranes contain tiny pores, allowing small molecules to pass through while blocking larger ones. This discovery opens up new possibilities for creating membranes that can filter microscopic contaminants from water or separate specific types of molecules from biological samples.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 23, 2012
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.

New techniques stretch carbon nanotubes, make stronger composites

Scientists from NC State University have developed a method to align carbon nanotubes in composite materials, resulting in significantly improved tensile strength, stiffness, and thermal conductivity. The new technique enables the creation of ultrastrong and multifunctional composites suitable for aerospace and sports applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMaterials Research Letters·DateOct 15, 2012

Super-strong, high-tech material found to be toxic to aquatic animals

Researchers warn of CNTs' potential harm to environment and human health due to toxicity in aquatic organisms like mussels, worms, and crustaceans. The study calls for proper waste management and monitoring to minimize risks associated with composite materials manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateAug 22, 2012
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.