Researchers have identified specific materials that can effectively block harmful space radiation on Mars, including plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers. The findings provide crucial insights for designing protective habitats and spacesuits, paving the way for safer long-duration Mars missions.
SourceNew York University·JournalThe European Physical Journal Plus·DateAug 23, 2024
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.
Research shows that pulses are associated with significant health-related outcomes in American children, including improved shortfall nutrient intakes and diet quality. Children consuming 2 servings of pulses daily have significantly higher dietary fiber, potassium, and choline intake.
SourceThe Ginger Network·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2024
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
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.
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
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
Researchers have developed a method to print adaptive and eco-friendly sensors directly onto biological surfaces, including human skin. The new approach uses 'electronic spider silk' that can conform to surfaces while providing high-quality sensor performance.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Electronics·DateMay 24, 2024
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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
A new study outlines the effects of temperature, humidity, and moisture content on molded fiber products' mechanical properties. The research provides mathematical models to describe these changes, helping improve MFP design and application.
SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 24, 2024
Researchers use carbon nanotubes to prevent cracking in multilayered composites, improving resistance by up to 60%. This innovation could lead to safer and more durable aircraft with advanced composite materials.
SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 16, 2024
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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
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 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
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.
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 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
Researchers discovered a single bacterium transferred genetic material to mussels, enabling their ability to make durable fibers. These fibers, similar to spider silk, could inspire the development of tough polymer fibers for more sustainable materials.
SourceMcGill University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 8, 2023
Researchers from NICT and partners demonstrated a record-breaking data-rate of 22.9 petabits per second using a single optical fiber, more than double the previous world record. The achievement showcases the potential for ultra-large capacity optical communication networks.
SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2023
A study by Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona found that all aquatic species in river mouths are contaminated with microplastics. Molluscs were the most affected, and nanoplastics posed a greater risk to aquatic organisms due to their ability to pass through cellular membranes.
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.
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
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
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
Researchers successfully produce full-length spider silk proteins using genetically modified silkworms, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic commercial fibers. The production of spider silk fibers is six times tougher than Kevlar used in bulletproof vests.
SourceCell Press·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 20, 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.
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
A £1.75m project led by Professor Chenyu Du aims to develop new processes for recovering polyester and cellulose from mixed cotton and polyester fibres. The goal is to create a roadmap towards net-zero for the textiles industry, reducing plastic waste and increasing recycling rates.
Researchers at NUS create a novel spinning process to produce strong, stretchable, and electrically conductive soft fibres at room temperature and pressure. The method combines biomimicry with gel solution formulation to overcome conventional challenges.
SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature Electronics·DateJul 9, 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.
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
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
AnalySwift will develop DATC, a design tool for engineers to analyze lightweight structures made from advanced tailorable composites. The tool aims to improve NASA's capabilities in designing and analyzing aerospace structures, reducing the need for costly physical experiments.
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
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.
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
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
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
Scientists studied water's interactions with cellulose, discovering it can form layered shells that control chemical reactions and physical properties of the material. The work aims to design better cellulose-based products using water's properties for applications like drug delivery and electronics.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed a chemical process to disassemble epoxy composite materials from wind turbine blades, extracting intact glass fibres and high-quality epoxy resin building blocks. The process has potential applications for circular economies in the aerospace, automotive, and space industries.
SourceAarhus University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 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.
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
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
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
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
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 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
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
Direct incorporation of a metasurface in a laser cavity enables spatiotemporally modulated laser pulses. Giant nonlinear saturable absorption allows pulsed laser generation via Q-switching process.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateFeb 23, 2023
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
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.
A new webcast on Grow: Plant Health Exchange presents an overview of the physiological drivers of yield in cotton. The presentation discusses factors influencing each driver and results from research with advanced breeding lines.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateFeb 8, 2023
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
Researchers at UT Dallas have developed novel carbon nanotube yarns called twistrons, which generate electricity when stretched or twisted. The new version has a higher energy conversion efficiency of up to 22.4% for tensile and torsional energy harvesting.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023
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.
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
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
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
CSU researchers created the first successful soft robotic gripper capable of manipulating individual droplets of liquid, enabling precise and lossless liquid cleanup work. The innovative device is lightweight, inexpensive, and can be used for hazardous liquid cleanup scenarios.
SourceColorado State University·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 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.
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
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