Researchers from Kanazawa University create a new, high-performance carbon fiber material by chemically modifying Kraft lignin, reducing its weight while maintaining mechanical strength. The resulting composite exhibits almost 3-fold improvement in mechanical strength compared to unmodified Kraft lignin.
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.
A recent study published in Risk Analysis suggests that Effective Fiber Mask Programs (EFMPs) can help communities balance economy and curb community spread. By using non-woven materials like cotton batting, the effectiveness of cloth masks can be improved by up to 90% against aerosol particles.
Scientists at the University of Jena have developed a novel material platform by integrating 2D materials with glass fibers, enabling novel applications in sensors and non-linear optics. The breakthrough allows for the direct growth of 2D materials on optical fibers, overcoming laborious transfer processes.
A team of scientists developed wearable LiFi based on electroluminescence-photodetection bifunctional fibers enabled by perovskite QDs. The fibers possess a narrowest luminescence spectrum and can simultaneously transmit and receive information.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at UQ and KTH discovered how plant cell walls balance rigidity with flexibility, thanks to a family of polymers called hemicelluloses. This breakthrough has wide applications in nutrition, medicine, agriculture and more.
A new study reveals that microfibers from synthetic clothing released during washing exceed the amount entering waterbodies, with approximately 176,500 metric tons released annually. The majority ends up on cropland, highlighting the need for emission prevention and reduced wastewater treatment.
A novel process for fabricating special optical fiber has been developed by Brazilian researcher Cristiano Cordeiro, simplifying the conventional method that requires costly equipment. The new process can be completed in under an hour and is significantly cheaper, enabling more researchers to produce their own optical fiber.
Researchers at Rice University have developed carbon nanotube fibers that are stronger than Kevlar and conductive like copper. The fibers have doubled in strength and conductivity every three years, a trend spanning nearly two decades.
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 develop versatile materials by mixing silk fabric with synthetic polymers, offering improved properties for human body tissues. The composites show hardness and stiffness compatible with bone, making them potentially more resilient yet comfortable than metal structures.
A new study by Texas A&M University researchers demonstrates the use of cellulose nanocrystals to uniformly coat carbon nanotubes on carbon-fiber composites, resulting in increased strength and resistance. This innovative method enables the design of stronger, more efficient composite materials from the nanoscale.
A team of researchers at the University of Johannesburg has developed a natural fibre-reinforced polymer hybrid nanocomposite material using plantain fibers and carbon nanotubes. The resulting composite exhibits improved tensile and flexural strength compared to epoxy resin alone.
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.
A new study reveals fibre-catching devices can significantly reduce microplastic particles in wastewater, with some devices reducing fibres by up to 78%. The research suggests that designing garments to last longer and shedding less fibres is crucial for long-term environmental benefits.
Researchers at KIST developed a flame-retardant carbon fiber-reinforced composite material using plant-originated tannic acid. The new method allows for the recovery of over 99% of the composite material through dissolution in water, eliminating toxic substances generated during recycling.
Researchers characterized carp scales using X-ray imaging, revealing a toughening mechanism called adaptive reorientation. The study's findings may inspire the design of advanced synthetic materials.
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology create unique micro-springs from natural polysaccharide fibers with self-assembling twisted microstructures. The sacran fiber behaves like a mechanical spring under humid conditions, enabling fast bending and stretching responses to changes in humidity.
Osaka University researchers have developed a new method to create nanocellulose films with multiple axes of alignment using liquid-phase 3D-patterning. This technology has the potential to lead to affordable and energy-efficient optical materials, including smartphone displays.
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Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers developed a method to create affordable and stronger car materials using graphene-reinforced carbon fibers. The process reduces production cost by up to 67% while increasing strength by 225%. This technology has the potential to improve safety and reduce costs in vehicle production.
Researchers have discovered that single molecular nanowires outperform bundles in transporting energy with minimal losses. Coherence, which enables delocalized energy movement across multiple molecules, is lost in bundled fibers due to strain, hindering efficient energy transfer.
A recent study used fiber optic cables to capture seismic signatures of the Rose Parade, capturing the vibrations of marching bands and floats. The technique, called distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), revealed distinct signals from the parade, including harmonic frequencies corresponding to even-stepping marching bands.
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GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers have developed a material that can desalinate water up to 40 times faster than other materials, using electrostatic forces to attract salt ions. The porous carbon fibers have high surface areas and electrical conductivity, making them suitable for applications such as batteries and cars.
Researchers at Shinshu University developed electrospun manuka honey nanofibrous wound dressings with antimicrobial properties. The composite mats demonstrated effectiveness against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial strains, promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration.
A six-millimetre-long cord fragment discovered in Abri du Maras, France, dates back to between 41,000-52,000 years ago and features a three-ply cord made from natural fibres. The discovery suggests that Neanderthals may have possessed advanced cognitive abilities, including mathematical concepts and basic numeracy skills.
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Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers successfully demonstrated high-capacity transmission of 172 terabit/s over 2040km using a standard outer diameter coupled-3-core optical fiber. This achievement more than doubles the current world record and paves the way for early adoption in backbone high-capacity transmission systems.
Researchers demonstrate the potential for using existing optical fibers as seismic sensors, providing high-resolution maps of shallow subsurface and validating a new technique. The approach has great potential for use in large earthquake-threatened cities with extensive networks of buried optical cables.
Scientists developed an OLED with bright 1.5 μm electroluminescence due to enhanced Er emission through compositing an organic phosphorescent iridium complex with a separated organic erbium complex molecule.
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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers explore alternative materials to improve optical fiber's data transmission capabilities, as telecom demands grow. They discovered fluoride glass can transmit light over a wider range of wavelengths, but it is more expensive and brittle.
Researchers created an electrospun fiber blending protein and polymer, demonstrating gradual protein release. The study showcases the versatility of blended mats for biomedical applications like burn dressings, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.
A team at NIST has developed a tool to monitor changes in composite materials, allowing for the measurement of damage that occurs as they age. This technology enables early warning systems for structures like wind turbines and aerospace components.
Researchers at the Beckman Institute developed a technique to create chemically cross-linked carbon-nanotube-based fibers, significantly improving their electrical and mechanical properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of high-performance supercapacitors with potential applications in fields like aerospace.
Scientists at the University of Tsukuba have identified two key enzymes, Sulf1 and Sulf2, critical for the normal development of the corticospinal tract (CST) in mice. The CST is a group of neuronal fibers connecting each side of the brain to the opposite side of the spinal cord, essential for voluntary motor movements.
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
Researchers have developed a multi-layered nano-barrier that bonds with carbon fibre reinforced polymers (CFRPs) to eliminate moisture absorption and expansion issues. This innovation enables the creation of high-precision instrument structures for future space missions.
Researchers have developed unique polymer fibers with high tensile strength and toughness, making them suitable for industrial applications such as textiles, medical technology, and aerospace engineering.
A new device uses acoustic focusing to gather microplastics in water, promising a practical solution to the pollution problem. The device collects particles of different sizes and types with high efficiency, showing promise for future improvements.
Researchers developed graphene-integrated composites to improve strength and properties of fibre-reinforced composites. These materials can withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, and lightning strikes, making them suitable for aerospace and automotive industries.
Scientists are exploring the use of fiber optic cables as earthquake sensors due to their potential for accurate seismic data collection. Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) technology uses internal flaws in fibers to detect changes in temperature, strain, or vibrations caused by seismic waves.
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 at VTT created an optical fibre from cellulose, suitable for measuring moisture levels in buildings. The cellulose-based fibre absorbs and releases water, allowing for accurate measurements.
The University of Texas at Arlington is conducting pioneering research on concrete pipes reinforced with synthetic fibers to test their strength and durability. The project aims to develop longer-lasting pipes that can last for over 100 years, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
The researchers developed a method to print silica optical fibers using additive manufacturing, eliminating the need for precise core centering. This allows for the creation of complex fiber designs and applications, such as fiber optic sensors, with reduced costs and improved longevity.
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Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
The 6-month study aboard the ISS will evaluate the ability of Lamborghini's carbon fiber materials to withstand extreme conditions, including temperature fluctuations, radiation exposure, and vacuum. The research aims to develop technologies and devices that could be used on Earth and in space.
Scientists have discovered a novel cooling method using twistocaloric yarns, which can cool materials by up to 4.7 degrees Celsius in a single cycle. This technology has the potential to replace traditional vapor-compression refrigeration systems with more energy-efficient and sustainable alternatives.
A team of researchers from the University of Oxford has discovered that silk's cryogenic toughness is due to its nano-scale fibrill structure. This finding has significant implications for the development of new materials and composites for extreme cold conditions such as space.
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.
A new filter developed at the University of Exeter can degrade and dissolve plastic microfibres released during washing, which account for over a third of ocean microplastics. The smart filter catches microfibres and uses enzymes to break them down into safe compounds.
A Brazilian research group, supported by FAPESP, has developed a nanostructured titanium oxide material through electrospinning and atomic layer deposition. The material exhibits high surface area and reacts with UV light to degrade organic matter.
Researchers developed biomimetic hierarchical helical nanocomposite macrofibers with improved strength, elongation, and toughness. They used bacterial cellulose nanofibers and sodium alginate to create a new class of strong and tough nanocomposite fiber materials.
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.
A team of seismologists from Caltech is tracking thousands of tiny aftershocks in the Ridgecrest region using a novel fiber optic network. This technique involves shooting light down unused fiber optic cables, which act as individual seismometers, allowing for unprecedented detail on the evolution of earthquake sequences.
Researchers at MIT develop fiber-based system that can contract and expand like a muscle, producing surprisingly strong pulling forces. The fibers can be manufactured in batches up to hundreds of meters long and are extremely lightweight and quick-responding.
A team of researchers successfully validated an optimized composite material structure created using additive manufacturing, resulting in a stiffer and stronger material. The structure features a curved deposition line pattern, which was found to be the most optimal for achieving maximum stiffness and strength.
Researchers at Kanazawa University found that electron beam irradiation improves the mechanical properties of short-carbon-fiber reinforced thermoplastics. The treatment strengthens and lengthens carbon fibers, reducing the negative effects of crosslinking and increasing recyclability.
Ali Gooneie simulates atoms and molecules to explain material properties like smooth surfaces, flexibility, heat-conductivity, and insulation. His research uses the finite element method to predict macroscopic properties of composite materials.
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.
Researchers used genetic maps to identify genes controlling fiber length in Sealand cultivars, which improved fiber quality while maintaining or increasing yields. This breakthrough could help breeders overcome the yield vs quality challenge in cotton breeding.
MIT engineers have developed thin polymer films that conduct heat better than many metals, including steel and ceramic. The films, which are thinner than plastic wrap, exhibit high thermal conductivity due to the untangled molecular structure of polyethylene.
Researchers created hydrogels that mimic muscle properties through mechanical training, producing strong, soft, and fatigue-resistant materials for medical implants and engineering applications. The trained hydrogels demonstrate improved tensile strength, soft flexibility, and high water content.
Researchers designed a novel fiber electrode to improve electron supply and ion accessibility, achieving high specific capacitance and rate capability. The amphiphilic core-sheath structure enhances interactions between functional groups and PANI molecules, resulting in greater pseudocapacitance utilization.
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 Penn State and the University of Alabama developed a technique to spin starch fibers using Lego pieces, creating potential scaffolds for lab-grown 'clean' meat. The starch fiber mats have been optimized for better alignment and strength, making them suitable for biomedical applications.
A new study from Caltech reveals that dietary fiber plays a role in clumping gut particles, which may affect drug absorption and microbial populations. Longer fibers promote physical aggregation of particles, providing a potential mechanism for controlling particle behavior in the gut.
Guoliang Liu's lab creates uniform porous structures in carbon fibers, enabling high loading of pseudocapacitive materials like MnO2. This results in a balance between high energy density and sustained high charging and discharging rates, overcoming industry challenges.
For the first time, researchers have created carbon fibers with uniform pores, enabling greater surface area and improved energy storage. This breakthrough, achieved using block copolymers, opens up new possibilities for designing functional materials.
Researchers at Bar-Ilan University have successfully mapped liquids outside coated optical fibers, enabling sensing applications beyond the lab. The use of a polyimide coating overcomes the protective barrier previously hindering sensor performance.
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
Scientists at Lobachevsky University developed a new method for producing acrylonitrile copolymers, which can serve as precursors for high-strength carbon fibers. The method uses controlled Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (ATRP) and produces narrowly dispersed copolymers with specified molecular weights.
A 100-million-year-old hagfish fossil provides critical evidence of the evolutionary history of these enigmatic creatures. The discovery helps place hagfish in a more accurate position within the vertebrate family tree, suggesting a closer relationship with lampreys than previously thought.