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3 discoveries spark awareness of fireworks’ environmental impact

Recent studies have analyzed the residues of fireworks, providing insights into their potential impacts on human health and the environment. The research also highlights the need for better management of pyrotechnics' fallout, including litter, particulate matter, and airborne compounds.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateJul 1, 2026

Explosive evaporation unlocks new possibilities in 3D printing and chemical analysis

Researchers have discovered two thresholds for the behavior of charged water droplets on frictionless surfaces, enabling finer control over electrospray processes and opening up opportunities for nanofabrication. The study's findings may also lead to greener scientific techniques.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 1, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Research progress in pump-probe experiments at high-intensity laser facilities

Researchers conducted pump-probe experiments to clarify the reaction mechanism and dynamic process of high explosives. The studies employed advanced techniques like dynamic flyer imaging, X-ray diffraction, and ultrafast dynamics, enabling the investigation of internal deformation, phase transition, and ultrafast dynamics.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalEnergetic Materials Frontiers·DateDec 10, 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.

An innovative addition to the chemist’s ‘toolbox’

Researchers at the University of Missouri have developed a new type of nanoclay material that can be customized to perform specific tasks. This breakthrough could lead to advances in fields such as medical science, environmental science, and more.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalACS Applied Engineering Materials·DateJul 24, 2023

Blowing up medieval gunpowder recipes

The study of medieval gunpowder recipes reveals that the evolution of the perfect powder was a slow trial-and-error process. Researchers analyzed energies released during combustion and found that certain additives made gunpowder stronger, while others had no energetic advantages but might have served other purposes.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateSep 22, 2021

Pusan National University scientists report single-step synthesis of solid-state sensors for detecting explosives

Researchers have successfully synthesized AIE-active nanoparticles in a single step, producing fluorescent sensors that can detect nitroaromatic compounds with high sensitivity. The novel solid-state sensors show quenching of fluorescence emission on contact with PA, enabling fast and accurate detection of explosives.

SourcePusan National University·JournalDyes and Pigments·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2021
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.

Hubble sets sights on an explosive galaxy

The Hubble Space Telescope has observed multiple supernovae in the spiral galaxy NGC 4051, revealing Type Ic supernovae produced by massive star core collapse. These events are scattered throughout the center and spiral arms of the galaxy.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 14, 2019

What else can molecular perovskite do?

Researchers have designed molecular perovskite-based energetic materials with improved explosive performances, including high detonation heat, velocity, and pressure. The new materials also exhibit increased thermal stability and low impact sensitivity, making them suitable for military devices and civil industry.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateMar 27, 2018

Army researchers make explosive discovery

US Army Research Laboratory scientists improved chemical yield of diaminoglyoxime (DAG) synthesis by 80%, increasing material production per reaction. The new method reduces heat release, minimizing explosion and combustion hazards.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalOrganic Process Research & Development·DateJan 18, 2018
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.

Eruptions explosive and effusive

Rhyolitic magmas exhibit varying viscosities, influencing eruption styles. The Munich researchers found minor chemical constituent variations impact viscosity and destructiveness.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature·DateDec 13, 2017

Scientists designed an instrument to identify unexploded artillery shells

Researchers at the University of Helsinki designed an instrument that can detect and identify explosive materials in unexploded artillery shells using prompt gamma neutron activation analysis. The instrument achieves a precision better than 1% within 30 minutes, allowing for non-destructive detection.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 12, 2017

'Sniffer plasmons' could detect explosives

Researchers propose a graphene-based spaser that can detect small amounts of explosives and toxic chemicals using surface plasmons. The device's construction involves a graphene layer, enabling subwavelength light focusing and increasing sensitivity beyond conventional optical devices.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateAug 15, 2016
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.

MIT develops nontoxic way of generating portable power

Researchers at MIT have developed a new battery system that harnesses heat and uses no toxic materials, with efficiency improvements of over 1,000 times. The technology, based on carbon nanotubes, shows promise for powering small devices and has potential applications in fields such as energy storage and aerospace.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 14, 2016

New material lights up when detecting explosives

Scientists have created a material that turns fluorescent when detecting explosives in its vicinity. This discovery could lead to improved e.g., airport security measures. The new material consists of molecules held together by weak bonds, which are easily influenced by their surroundings and can be used to detect explosives.

SourceUniversity of Southern Denmark·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateFeb 4, 2016

Imaged 'jets' reveal cerium's post-shock inner strength

Researchers used X-ray phase contrast imaging to study the formation and evolution of jets in cerium metal after shock waves were generated by impact systems. The study found that the yield stress of cerium could be estimated using jet heights and velocity histories, providing insight into material strength.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJan 27, 2016
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.

Improved fuel structure reduces explosive qualities

A new material with extremely long polymer chains has been developed to reduce fuel misting and consequential explosiveness. The polymers can break apart when sheared during flow but reassemble into super-long chains needed to prevent misting, resulting in significant reductions in misting and explosiveness.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 1, 2015

Mimics do not substitute for the 'real thing' for bomb-sniffing dogs

Researchers at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis found that bomb-sniffing dogs trained on pseudo-explosives could not reliably detect real explosives and vice versa. The study suggests that the exceptional sensitivity of a dog's nose and its temperament cannot be replicated with pseudo-explosive training.

SourceSpringer·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateNov 24, 2014

Better bomb-sniffing technology

Researchers have created a new material that can detect explosives and toxic gases in seconds, offering four advantages over current detectors: sensitivity, accuracy, speed, and cost-effectiveness. The breakthrough could lead to flexible solar panels and improved public safety.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 4, 2014

Nano-sized chip 'sniffs out' explosives far better than trained dogs

A new electronic chip with nano-sized chemical sensors can detect miniscule concentrations of hazardous materials in the air, surpassing even the most advanced detection dogs. The breakthrough technology has been tested on various explosives and shows great promise for providing a safer world.

SourceAmerican Friends of Tel Aviv University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2014
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.

Boosting the sensitivity of airport security screening

Researchers have found a way to enhance the detection of explosives on surfaces, allowing for more accurate and effective airport security screenings. By adding functional groups to swab materials, they can collect smaller amounts of explosive residue, making it easier to detect even tiny traces.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateNov 14, 2012
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Taking the edge off a pipe bomb -- literally

The Semi-Autonomous Pipe Bomb End-cap Remover (SAPBER) is a low-cost device that can disassemble pipe bombs while preserving forensic evidence. It has been tested in operational scenarios and shown to be effective and easy to use, marking a new era in capability for dealing with pipe bombs.

SourceUS Department of Homeland Security - Science and Technology·DateAug 16, 2012

New chemical sensor makes finding landmines and buried IEDs easier

A chemical sensing system developed by UConn researchers can detect ultra-trace levels of explosive vapors and buried explosives using a fluorescent nanofiberous film. The system has excellent sensitivity against common interferences and can detect elements at levels as low as 10 parts per billion (TNT).

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 2, 2012

New NIST SRM supports the fight against terrorist bombings

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has released a new standard reference material (SRM) to aid in detecting two explosive compounds used by terrorists. The SRM contains meticulously measured concentrations of PETN and TATP, allowing researchers to test and validate their detector designs.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateMay 30, 2012
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A revolutionary breakthrough in terahertz remote sensing

A new, all-optical system using terahertz wave technology can identify unique 'fingerprints' of hidden materials, enabling detection of explosives, chemical and biological agents, and illegal drugs from a distance. The technique uses laser-induced fluorescence to convey information about target materials.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 11, 2010

Explosives go 'green'

LLNL scientists have successfully added unique green solvents to an explosive called TATB, improving crystal quality and chemical purity. This breakthrough aims to create safer explosives with reduced violent reactions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateAug 28, 2008
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.

Explosives at the microscopic scale produce shocking results

Researchers from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and MIT have created a quantum molecular dynamics simulation of a shocked explosive, revealing its chemical decomposition and transformation into a semi-metallic state. The study provides new insights into the microscopic properties of explosives during detonation.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature Physics·DateDec 10, 2007

Fast, accurate detection of explosives on airport luggage possible

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a method to detect trace quantities of hazardous materials, including explosives, on surfaces such as luggage and skin. The portable device can analyze samples within seconds, making it potentially useful for security screening in public places.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·DateSep 30, 2005

Using radio waves to find contraband

Nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) uses low frequency radio waves to detect explosives and narcotics. The technique is effective for land mine detection, as it targets the explosives within the mine.

SourceOffice of Naval Research·DateOct 29, 2001
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.

Research to give authorities new tool in tracking terrorists

Researchers have developed a new technique that can detect explosive residues 10 times lower than existing methods, making it easier for authorities to identify the source of suspicious explosions. The technique may also help track the origin of explosives and manufacturer companies.

SourceUniversity of Florida·DateJun 27, 2000

A new type of explosive detector

A new laser-based explosive detector can detect minuscule explosives emissions from landmines, offering an alternative to sniffer dogs. The detector uses an ultra-smooth cube of silica crystal with a single curved face and measures the 'ring-down time' of a laser pulse as it passes through the crystal.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateOct 19, 1999

Bombs Away

Researchers have developed a system that detects trace amounts of TNT in seafloor sludge, enabling the identification of unexploded bombs. This technology could save time and resources in cleaning up sites contaminated with live explosives.

SourceNew Scientist·JournalThe New Scientist·DateJun 10, 1998
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.