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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 create groundbreaking cotton quality model to aid farmers

MSU researchers developed a new cotton quality module as part of the GOSSYM application, simulating plant growth and yield. The tool can predict crop growth, yield, and fiber quality, providing valuable insights for farmers to maximize income and resiliency in the face of climate change.

SourceMississippi State University·JournalField Crops Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2024

World record 402 Tb/s transmission in a standard commercially available optical fiber

A team at NICT set a new world record for data-rate transmission in a standard optical fiber, reaching 402 Tb/s and increasing the aggregate bandwidth to 37.6 THz. The demonstration used novel technologies to access new wavelength regions, enabling future optical communication infrastructure to meet growing demands.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2024
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Drug delivery via textile fibers

Researchers developed medical fibers with a liquid core to administer painkillers, antibiotics, and insulin precisely over time. The fibers can be controlled to release drugs at specific rates, making them suitable for various applications, including surgical suture material and wound dressings.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalPolymer·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 25, 2024

Unraveling the physics of knitting

Researchers have developed a mathematical theory of knitted materials, enabling the creation of programmable textiles with adjustable elasticity. The study, led by Georgia Tech physicists, explores the relationships between yarn manipulation, stitch patterns, and fabric behavior to expand knitting's applications beyond clothing.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 4, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

This sound-suppressing silk can create quiet spaces

A team of researchers from MIT created a lightweight, compact, and efficient mechanism to reduce noise transmission using a sound-suppressing silk fabric. The fabric uses vibrations to cancel out unwanted sounds in two different ways, one for small spaces and another for larger areas like rooms or cars.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 7, 2024

Microplastic ‘hotspots’ identified in Long Island Sound

A study by Staffordshire University has pinpointed microplastic pollution 'hotspots' in Long Island Sound using a new scientific method. The technique identified two primary and two secondary hotspots, with potential similarities between areas of high shipping traffic and higher microplastic concentrations.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalRegional Studies in Marine Science·DateApr 10, 2024
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

How do manufacturing choices affect microfibre shed?

A study by researchers at the University of Leeds found that changes to fibre composition and yarn spinning system significantly reduce microfibre release. Current product specifications do not include these details, making it challenging for brands to make informed choices about garment sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 5, 2024

Industrial societies losing healthy gut microbes

A new study reveals that humans are losing important cellulose-degrading microbes in their gut microbiome, especially in industrial societies. The loss of these microbes is linked to a shift away from fiber-rich diets, which are essential for maintaining a balanced intestinal flora.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 18, 2024

Completely recycled viscose for the first time

Scientists at Lund University have successfully developed a method to recycle cotton textiles into viscose fibers, a common component of clothing. The process involves treating old cotton with zinc chloride solution and then dissolving it in sodium hydroxide, producing high-quality viscose fibers.

SourceLund University·JournalCellulose·DateMar 6, 2024
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.

Injectable water filtration system could improve access to clean drinking water around the world

Researchers at University of Texas at Austin developed a portable and affordable water filtration system that can catch up to 100% of particles larger than 10 nanometers. The device uses low-cost, sustainable materials and is easy to use, making it an attractive solution for improving freshwater availability in remote regions.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJan 23, 2024

Modified soft material promises better bioelectronics

Scientists have developed a new biocompatible material that can conduct electricity efficiently in wet environments and interact with biological media. The modified PEDOT:PSS enables the creation of organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) with high performance and excellent characteristics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2024

The Future of fashion: Waste is the new cotton

Researchers propose using waste materials like agricultural residues and old cotton textile waste to produce regenerative textiles. The study evaluates the potential of these waste sources for textile applications, identifying soybean, wheat, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane residues as suitable candidates.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 2024

A novel strategy for extracting white mycelial pulp from fruiting mushroom bodies

A team of researchers at Shinshu University has successfully extracted mycelial pulp and fibers from fruiting mushroom bodies using sunlight, preserving their intricate mycelial structures. The fibers show excellent formability and potential applications in packaging materials, textiles, and soundproofing.

SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Piezo composites with carbon fibers for motion sensors

Researchers at Tohoku University have engineered a novel device combining piezoelectric composites with carbon fibers, transforming kinetic energy into electricity for efficient motion sensing. The new device has been tested to withstand over 1000 stretches and surpasses other materials in terms of energy output density.

SourceTohoku University·JournalSmall·DateDec 28, 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.

New conductive, cotton-based fiber developed for smart textiles

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a single strand of fiber that combines the flexibility of cotton with the electric conductivity of polyaniline. The newly created material showed good potential for wearable e-textiles, including detecting hazardous exposures and tracking human vital signs.

SourceWashington State University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·DateDec 11, 2023
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.

Mimicking a bird’s sticky spit to create cellulose gels

Using a small bird's nest-making process, researchers developed a nontoxic method for making cellulose gels that can be used in applications such as tunable drug delivery. The process also works with bamboo and other lignin-containing plant fibers.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Composites and Hybrid Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Study shows forensic evidence can survive underwater for weeks

A new study has found that forensic fibers can survive underwater for several weeks, contradicting previous beliefs. This discovery could significantly aid in investigations, as police may now be able to search for fibre evidence even after extended exposure times.

SourceStaffordshire University·JournalForensic Science International·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2023

Rivers contain hidden sinks and sources of microplastics

Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 25, 2023
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.

Nanoscale material offers new way to control fire

Researchers developed a nanoscale material technique called inverse thermal degradation (ITD) to control high-temperature flames and tune material properties. By regulating oxygen access, ITD allows for smoldering rather than bursting into flames, producing carbon tubes with desired characteristics.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 14, 2023
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.

The looming 840,000 tonne waste problem that isn’t single-use plastics

A new recycling method for carbon and glass fibre composites has been developed by researchers at the University of Sydney, which can reduce energy use by 70% and preserve mechanical properties. The approach ensures increased material recovery and improved energy efficiency compared to previous methods.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 3, 2023

The invisible plant technology of the prehistoric Philippines

Researchers identified evidence of 39,000-year-old plant technology at Tabon Cave in the Philippines, revealing that prehistoric communities used fiber technology for textiles and cordages. This study pushes back the antiquity of fiber technology in Southeast Asia, highlighting the technological skill of prehistoric groups.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateJun 30, 2023

Basis for skin and organ production: Researchers from Graz University of Technology revolutionize production of biocompatible microfibers

A new method for producing biocompatible microfibres with controlled size and shape has been developed at Graz University of Technology, significantly accelerating production and reducing costs. This breakthrough enables the potential for accelerated production of autologous skin and organs, which could be a game-changer for burn victi...

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 26, 2023

High-power, high-energy, all-fiber Mamyshev oscillator

Researchers have developed an all-fiber Mamyshev oscillator that produces high-energy ultrafast pulses, exceeding previous records. The device achieves a single pulse energy of 153 nJ and average power of 3.4 W with sub-100 fs pulse widths.

SourceUltrafast Science·JournalUltrafast Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 17, 2023
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.

World’s first standard cladding diameter 19-core optical fiber with record transmission capacity

Researchers have created a 19-core optical fiber with a standard cladding diameter, achieving a record transmission capacity of 1.7 petabits per second over 63.5 km. This design uses randomly coupled multi-core fibers and MIMO digital signal processing to minimize power consumption.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2023

No need for a leaky mode at the picometer level for microtapers

Researchers from Zhejiang University have developed a compact spectrometer that integrates multiple taper tips for hyperspectral imaging. The spectrometer utilizes complex leaky modes speckles projected from a curved microfiber taper tip to uniquely determine the wavelength of the input signal.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·JournaleLight·DateMay 9, 2023

Cigarette butts leak deadly toxins into the environment

A University of Gothenburg study reveals that cigarette filters contain thousands of toxic chemicals and microplastic fibers, which are lethal to aquatic larvae. The researchers urge a complete ban on filters to prevent hazardous waste from entering the environment.

SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalMicroplastics and Nanoplastics·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023
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.

Synthetic biology meets fashion in engineered silk

Scientists have created a method to produce synthetic spider silk with eightfold higher yields than previous methods, making it a promising material for sustainable clothing production. The new silk fibers retain the desirable properties of enhanced strength and toughness while being lightweight.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 20, 2023

Stab-resistant fabric gains strength from carbon nanotubes, polyacrylate

Researchers have developed a new composite fabric that combines conventional aramid with carbon nanotubes and polyacrylate to create puncture-resistant materials. The new material outperforms existing fabrics in simulated stabbing tests and could be useful in military and civilian applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 19, 2023

Researchers clear the way for well-rounded view of cellular defects

A recent study has investigated how cells divide in fibrous environments, revealing the impact of extracellular matrix shape and fiber number on mitotic errors. By re-creating and studying lattice structures, researchers have gained a deeper understanding of cellular dynamics and its connection to disease biology.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2023

Research sheds light on bamboo paper conservation

Researchers investigated bamboo paper's moisture absorption behaviour under different ageing patterns, finding that ageing doesn't alter water adsorption but reduces effective adsorption sites. Storage humidity conditions around 50% RH are recommended to maintain the paper's stability.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of Cultural Heritage·DateMar 29, 2023

Researchers separate cotton from polyester in blended fabric

North Carolina State University researchers have found a way to separate blended cotton and polyester fabric using enzymes, which could lead to more efficient recycling of the fabric's component materials. The process requires multiple steps, but can effectively separate cotton from polyester in under 48 hours.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalResources Environment and Sustainability·DateMar 20, 2023
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.

Chung-Ang University researchers fabricate novel flexible supercapacitors on paper

Chung-Ang University researchers develop a novel flexible supercapacitor platform with vertically integrated gold electrodes in a single sheet of paper. The design shows low electrical resistance, high foldability, and good mechanical strength, making it suitable for wearable devices.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

A bridge between hydrophobicity and hydrophilicity of flax fiber: A breakthrough in the multipurpose oil-water separation field

Researchers developed functional flax fibers with UV-induced switchable wettability for multipurpose oil-water separation. The fibers exhibited hydrophobicity, which could be switched to hydrophilicity through UV irradiation and recovered upon storage in dark environments.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2023

Potential for profits gives Rice lab’s plastic waste project promise

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

Fiber discovery could shape better gut health

A team of scientists has discovered that changing the structure of psyllium fibre can promote healthy gut bacteria and reduce gas formation. The findings have significant implications for people with fiber intolerances and irritable bowel conditions.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Navigating complex biological systems with smart fibers

Researchers at Tohoku University developed flexible polymer-based actuatable fibers with integrated shape-memory alloy wires and biochemical sensing composite materials. The technology enables high-precision operations, closed-loop control, and diagnostic capabilities for soft robotic fields and minimally invasive surgical tools.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Engineering Materials·DateFeb 8, 2023

The optical fiber that keeps data safe even after being twisted or bent

Physicists at the University of Bath developed an optical fiber that uses topology to enhance its robustness, protecting light from environmental disorder. This design allows for scalable structure preservation over long distances, making it suitable for future quantum networks.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 2023
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.

Microplastics deposited on the seafloor triple in 20 years

Researchers found that microplastic mass sequestered in seafloor sediments mimics global plastic production from 1965 to 2016. The study revealed a tripling of microplastics deposited on the seafloor since 2000, with accumulation rates mirroring global use of plastics.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022

New 3D-printing ink could make cultured meat more cost-effective

Researchers have developed an edible plant-based ink derived from food waste to create cost-effective scaffolds for culturing meat. This innovation could significantly reduce the cost of large-scale cultured meat production, making it more affordable and environmentally friendly.

SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 15, 2022

World's first demonstration of optical transmission and switching of 15-mode multiplexed signals on a field-deployed multi-mode fiber network

Scientists successfully transmit and switch 15-mode multiplexed signals over a 6.1 km long multi-mode fiber ring in Italy, demonstrating a new approach to increasing fiber network capacity. This achievement is significant for future communication systems beyond 5G.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022
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.

Plant fibers for sustainable devices

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have discovered that plant-derived cellulose nanofibers exhibit high thermal conductivity, potentially replacing environmentally damaging synthetic polymers. The discovery was made using a novel method to align the fibers, allowing for efficient heat transfer.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2022

Flexible thermochromic fabrics enabling dynamic colored display

Researchers developed flexible thermochromic fibers that can change color and pattern in response to environmental signals. The fibers were used to create a dynamic colored display fabric with QR code, which was successfully recognized, enabling applications in social contact, information security, and wearable human-computer interaction.

SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Optoelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 3, 2022