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A Stone Age child buried with bird feathers, plant fibers and fur

A unique Stone Age burial site in Finland uncovered a child between 3-10 years old, accompanied by bird feathers from a waterfowl or falcon, as well as dog or wolf hairs. The discovery provides valuable insights into ancient burial habits and the use of soil analysis to trace plant and animal remains.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 2, 2022

Engineers weave advanced fabric that can cool a wearer down and warm them up

Researchers developed a fabric with nano-scale threads containing phase-change materials to regulate body temperature. The textile combines electrothermal and photothermal coatings for enhanced thermal regulation. It has the potential to alleviate heat or cold stress in workers and travelers, offering improved comfort and safety.

SourceShinshu University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022
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.

Improving wearable medical sensors with ultrathin mesh

Scientists at Shinshu University created an ultrathin fiber-mesh thermistor that improves the performance of wearable medical sensors. The new technology provides overheat protection, gas-permeability, and transparency, making it suitable for on-skin or implantable devices.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

Ahead of the curve: an optical fiber sensor for measuring deviations in the spine

Researchers developed a novel three-core optical fiber sensor to accurately measure both the magnitude and direction of spine curvature. The sensor offers advantages like low cost, high sensitivity, and small size, making it a promising tool for doctors to diagnose problems in spine curvature.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalOptical Engineering·DateSep 27, 2022

New nanocomposite films boost heat dissipation in thin electronics

Scientists developed a cellulose nanofiber-carbon fiber composite film with excellent in-plane anisotropic thermal conductivity, improving heat dissipation in thin-film devices. The material also exhibits recyclability and can be reused after burning the cellulose matrix.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2022
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.

Fast-growing poplars can release land for food production

Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a novel value chain to produce textile fibers and biofuel from fast-growing poplars. This sustainable approach enables the conversion of marginal land from cotton to food production, minimizing water consumption and supporting global food security.

SourceStockholm University·JournalJoule·DateAug 17, 2022

Scientists have created optical fibers with unusual properties

Researchers at Ural Federal University develop infrared optical fibers with high transparency and low optical losses, suitable for applications in space, laser surgery and medical imaging. The fibers retain their properties even when exposed to ionizing radiation.

SourceUral Federal University·JournalOptical Materials·DateAug 8, 2022

Tunable single-mode lasing on a high-Q resonator

The researchers achieved ultranarrow linewidths and wavelength tunability in the lithium niobate microlaser, enabling applications like lidar and metrology. The single-mode lasing is realized through simultaneous excitation of high-Q polygon modes at both pump and laser wavelengths.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 20, 2022

A major step forward for organ biofabrication

Bioengineers from Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences create first biohybrid model of human ventricles with helically aligned beating cardiac cells, increasing blood pumping efficiency by up to 50%. The model was made possible using Focused Rotary Jet Spinning (FRJS), a new method of additive textile manu...

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalScience·DateJul 8, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Boron nitride nanotube fibers get real

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created the first heat-tolerant, stable fibers from boron nitride nanotubes using a wet-spinning process. The fibers assemble themselves into liquid crystals, making them easier to process and suitable for large-scale applications in aerospace, electronics, and energy-efficient materials.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022

A biological super glue from mistletoe berries?

Researchers discovered mistletoe viscin can be stretched into thin films or assembled into 3D structures, showing its potential as a wound sealant or skin covering. The material's reversible adhesive qualities make it highly versatile for diverse applications.

SourceMcGill University·JournalPNAS Nexus·DateJun 14, 2022
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 better wig — with chemistry

Researchers developed a nanocomposite coating method using Langmuir-Blodgett technology to improve wig durability, reducing UV damage, breakage, and static electricity. The new coating provides better coverage than previous methods and can be scaled up for mass production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 13, 2022

Nanostructured fibers can impersonate human muscles

Researchers created a new fiber that performs like a muscle actuator, outperforming existing options in efficiency, flexibility, and strain handling. The fibers can be easily made and recycled, opening up potential applications in prosthetic limbs, robotic arms, and self-closing bandages.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJun 3, 2022
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.

Tangle no more, nanotubes

Researchers develop less-corrosive solutions using methanesulfonic acid, p-toluenesulfonic acid and oleum acids to separate and process nanotubes. The new method enables scalable production of advanced materials with excellent electrical and mechanical properties.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022

Disposable masks could be used to improve concrete

Researchers at Washington State University found that incorporating old mask materials into cement mixtures creates stronger, more durable concrete. The mixture is 47% stronger than commonly used cement after a month of curing.

SourceWashington State University·JournalMaterials Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Over half a million dollars for space telecommunications research

A team of researchers led by Prof. Federico Rosei is developing high-power active optical fibers doped with erbium and ytterbium for ultra-fast satellite communications. The goal is to convert heat dissipated by the fibers into electrical energy, enabling near real-time Earth observation imaging.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateApr 5, 2022

UBCO researchers use unique ingredient to strengthen bamboo

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have adapted a plastination technique to strengthen bamboo and reduce its degradation rate, making it more environmentally friendly. The innovation has the potential to significantly reduce non-degradable waste in industries such as construction and packaging.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2022

Could we make cars out of petroleum residue?

Researchers at MIT have developed a way to create lightweight fibers out of petroleum residue, offering advantages over traditional carbon fiber materials. The new process uses heavy waste material left over from refining, reducing production costs and enabling the creation of load-bearing applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 18, 2022
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 fabric that “hears” your heartbeat

A new fabric developed by MIT engineers can detect subtle heartbeat features and the direction of sudden sounds, enabling real-time monitoring of vital signs. The fabric works like a microphone, converting sound vibrations into electrical signals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2022

Discovered: An easier way to create "flexible diamonds"

A team of scientists led by Samuel Dunning has developed an original technique to predict and guide the ordered creation of strong, yet flexible, diamond nanothreads. The innovation allows for easier synthesis of the material, which has potential applications in space elevators, ultra-strong fabrics, and other fields.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022
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.

Researchers at the GIST develop design scheme for fiber reinforced composites

Researchers at GIST have developed a new approach for designing fiber reinforced composites, which can simultaneously optimize the macrostructure and microscale fiber densities. This method, based on multiscale topology optimization, enables the creation of functionally graded composites with improved strength-to-weight ratios, benefit...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022
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.

Healing nerves on spider silk

Researchers have produced double-sided spider silk fibers that can attract nerve cells and stimulate their growth. The fibers were created using a biotechnological approach and modified with different proteins to make one side more attractive to cells, while the other side could be used to attach factors or substances.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 4, 2022

Seeing inside cells with an integrated nanowire probe

Researchers developed a multifunctional microfiber probe for real-time monitoring of cellular molecules and changes in cell morphology. The nanowire probe enabled sensitive detection of refractive index distribution in single living cells during apoptosis.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJan 18, 2022

Clothes dryers are an underappreciated source of airborne microfibers

A pilot study reveals that a single dryer can discharge up to 120 million microfibers annually, exceeding washing machine releases. Microfibers from natural and synthetic fabrics are released through friction in the dryer, posing environmental concerns.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·DateJan 12, 2022
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.

MIT engineers produce the world’s longest flexible fiber battery

Researchers have created a rechargeable lithium-ion battery in an ultra-long fiber that can be woven into fabrics, enabling self-contained wearable electronic devices. The 140-meter long fiber battery demonstrates the potential for practical applications in various fields, including communications, sensing, and computational devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Today·DateDec 20, 2021

Studying the fabrics of the past to understand the ageing of the eco-materials of the future

The study of four Baroque-era paintings reveals that flax fibres from fabrics a few hundred years old have undergone more degradation than those from thousand-year-old Egyptian mortuary linens. The researchers used various high-resolution optical analysis methods to analyse the fibre structure without degrading the samples.

SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalJournal of Cultural Heritage·DateDec 10, 2021
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.

Under arrest: Using nanofibers to stop brain tumor cells from spreading

A team of researchers from Japan has developed a platform using nanofibers to capture and control the migration of brain tumor cells, including glioblastoma multiforme. The study found that varying fiber densities can slow or speed up cell movement, leading to the creation of 'cell traps' that can restrict tumor cell growth.

SourceUniversity of Fukui·JournalACS Applied Bio Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021

How long can fiber reinforced polymer sustain concrete structures? Scientists answer

A 13-year-long study finds that fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) coatings can sustain concrete structures for extended periods. The study tested FRP and glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) systems under various environmental conditions, revealing significant impact on bond behavior.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalComposites Part B Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021
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.

Scientists explore method to produce composites with ‘shape memory’

Researchers investigated glass fiber-reinforced epoxy-based flat laminates with pultrusion, a fast and versatile composite manufacturing process. The study found significant promise for structural applications of these 'shape memory' composites in various industries.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComposites Part A Applied Science and Manufacturing·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 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.

Synthetic biology enables microbes to build muscle

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have developed a method to produce synthetic muscle protein using microbes, which can be spun into fibers with exceptional toughness and strength. The resulting material has potential biomedical applications, such as sutures and tissue engineering.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2021

Aided eye: Neural network helps augment 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials

Researchers from Skoltech and KU Leuven used machine learning to reconstruct 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials, overcoming the difficulties faced by humans in analyzing these complex materials. The team employed GANs to fill a gap in available inpainting tools, enabling precise material analysis and simulation.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateAug 18, 2021

Mathematical model of thermoplastic composite helps design and certify highly reliable structures

Researchers at Skoltech developed a mathematical model for thermoplastic composite materials, reducing conservatism in strength calculations. The model allows for virtual testing of structures, minimizing manufacturing costs while ensuring safety and quality requirements.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalInternational Journal of Pressure Vessels and Piping·DateAug 10, 2021
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.

Demonstration of World Record: 319 Tb/s Transmission over 3,001 km with 4-core fiber

Researchers from NICT demonstrated a world record 319 Tb/s long-haul transmission of wideband S, C and L-bands signal using 552 PDM-16QAM channels in a 4-core optical fiber. The system enabled transmission distance over 3,001 km with both erbium and thulium doped-fiber amplifiers and distributed Raman amplification.

SourceNational Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT)·DateJul 12, 2021

Bringing chemical production and manufacturing together

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a small, flexible, and cost-effective acrylonitrile modular reactor that can produce feedstock near geographically distributed carbon fiber plants. This technology aims to improve access to affordable feedstock for carbon fiber producers by reducing energy costs.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJul 8, 2021
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.

Acoustic solutions made from natural fibers can reduce buildings' carbon footprints

Aalto University researchers discovered that wood-based pulp fibers are well-suited for making acoustic materials. These natural fibers have positive environmental impacts compared to traditional acoustic materials, absorbing significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and producing more energy-efficient products.

SourceAalto University·JournalFrontiers in Built Environment·DateJun 2, 2021

New optimization approach helps design lighter carbon fiber composite materials

A new design method for optimizing fiber orientation and thickness simultaneously reduces the weight of carbon fiber reinforced plastics by more than 5% while maintaining its strength. The approach, developed by researchers at Tokyo University of Science, enables higher load transfer efficiency compared to traditional methods.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalComposite Structures·DateMay 24, 2021

Covid-19 mask study finds layering, material choice matter

A recent study from Georgia Institute of Technology found that the type of material and number of fabric layers used in homemade masks significantly affect Covid-19 exposure risk. The best-performing materials for masks were blackout drapery and sterilization wrap, which provide an overall filtration efficiency of about 50% for submicr...

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAerosol Science and Technology·DateApr 2, 2021

NTU Singapore scientists design 'smart' device to harvest daylight

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have designed a smart device that harnesses sunlight to illuminate underground spaces. The device uses an acrylic ball and plastic optical fibre to focus sunlight onto a cable, which is then transported to underground locations to provide light.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalSolar Energy·DateMar 31, 2021
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.

Big breakthrough for 'massless' energy storage

The new battery has an energy density of 24 Wh/kg, ten times higher than previous prototypes, and a stiffness of 25 GPa. This breakthrough paves the way for 'massless' energy storage in vehicles and consumer electronics.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy and Sustainability Research·DateMar 22, 2021

Researchers develop improved recycling process for carbon fibres

A new recycling method for carbon fibre composites has been developed by researchers from the University of Sydney, maintaining 90% of their original strength. The process uses a two-phase approach, including pyrolysis and oxidation, to preserve the functionality of carbon fibres.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateMar 7, 2021

Low-loss single-mode hybrid-lattice hollow-core photonic crystal fiber

Researchers have developed a new type of photonic crystal fiber with a hybrid Kagome-tubular lattice structure, achieving ultralow loss and single-mode operation. The fiber's cladding design significantly reduces confinement loss and ensures robust single-mode performance.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 21, 2021