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Working out makes hydrogels perform more like muscle

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 22, 2019

New fiber-shaped supercapacitor for wearable electronics

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.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Materials·DateApr 18, 2019

Building starch backbones for lab-grown meat using Lego pieces

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.

SourcePenn State·JournalFood Hydrocolloids·DateMar 26, 2019
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.

Dietary fiber helps clump material in your gut

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.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateFeb 20, 2019

Fiber sensors may leave the jacket on

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.

SourceBar-Ilan University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJan 28, 2019
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Fossilized slime of 100-million-year-old hagfish shakes up vertebrate family tree

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.

SourceUniversity of Chicago Medical Center·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 21, 2019

Penn engineers 3D print smart objects with 'embodied logic'

By using stimuli-responsive materials and geometric principles, researchers have designed structures that can determine their response to the environment through physical and chemical changes. These 'embodied logic' systems can switch between multiple configurations in response to pre-determined environmental cues, enabling complex mec...

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 15, 2019

Agricultural waste drives us closer to greener transport

Researchers developed a biodegradable and renewable composite material from date palm fibre biomass, showing increased tensile strength and improved impact resistance. The material has the potential to reduce fuel consumption and C0<sub>2</sub> emissions in vehicles.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalIndustrial Crops and Products·DateDec 6, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Visualizing 'unfurling' microtubule growth

Microtubules form scaffolding for cell movement and division. Researchers at UC Davis discovered the mechanism behind their assembly, using an animation to illustrate TOG domains driving tubulin polymerization.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·DateNov 13, 2018

New air-filled fiber bundle could make endoscopes smaller

Researchers have created a new air-filled optical fiber bundle that can improve endoscopes used in medical procedures like minimally invasive surgeries. The technology allows for higher resolution images at double the wavelength range, enabling diagnostic procedures not possible with current endoscope technology.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateOct 24, 2018

ASU team unravels key mysteries of spider silk

A team of scientists at ASU has explained the fundamental mystery of spider silk's mechanical strength and elasticity. By studying hierarchical micellar nanoparticle structures, they developed a molecular level model of spider silk protein fiber formation.

SourceArizona State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 23, 2018

Carbon fiber can store energy in the body of a vehicle

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered that carbon fibers with small crystals have good electrochemical properties, making them suitable for structural batteries. This innovation could reduce vehicle weight by up to 50% and increase energy storage capacity, while also enhancing safety.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalMultifunctional Materials·DateOct 18, 2018

Bigger proteins, stronger threads: Synthetic spider silk

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis engineer bacteria to produce biosynthetic spider silk with improved tensile strength and toughness, exceeding previous records. The new silk's molecular weight positively correlates with its strength, suggesting potential for further increases.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateAug 20, 2018
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.

Biomimetic micro/nanoscale fiber reinforced composites

Scientists develop a new assembly strategy to mimic the hierarchical structure of natural materials, resulting in high-performance composites with excellent damage tolerance. The proposed approach is eco-friendly, scalable, and programmable.

SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateAug 10, 2018

NTU and Harvard scientists discover fat-blocking effect of nanofibers

Researchers from NTU and Harvard found that adding nano-sized cellulose fibers to food reduced fat absorption by up to half in laboratory and animal experiments. The discovery could aid in the global battle against obesity by reducing fat absorption, a strategy reinforced by existing knowledge on high-fibre diets.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 8, 2018
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.

Optical fibers that can 'feel' the materials around them

Researchers at EPFL have developed a new method to identify the material surrounding an optical fiber by generating a sound wave within the fiber. This technique allows for non-invasive detection of changes in temperature and pressure, with potential applications in structures such as bridges and gas pipelines.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 31, 2018

Creature feature: Twisting cracks impart superhero toughness to animals

A team of researchers from Purdue University has found that twisting cracks in certain animal materials make them incredibly strong and resistant to failure. This phenomenon, observed in the mantis shrimp's club, is now being replicated in new composite materials.

SourcePurdue University·JournalInternational Journal of Solids and Structures·DateJun 25, 2018

Preserving a painter's legacy with nanomaterials

Researchers developed a nanomaterial treatment that strengthens aging canvas fibers and surface, increasing flexibility. This alternative method could replace conventional treatments, helping preserve iconic artworks like Van Gogh's paintings.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMay 23, 2018

World's strongest bio-material outperforms steel and spider silk

Researchers at DESY's PETRA III facility have created a novel, ultra-strong bio-material made from cellulose nanofibres. The material boasts exceptional tensile stiffness of 86 GPa and strength of 1.57 GPa, outperforming steel and even dragline spider silk.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 16, 2018
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.

Step aside Superman, steel is no competition for this new material

Researchers have created a new material made from specially arranged nano-sized cellulose fibers that surpasses steel in strength. The material's unique structure and organization have led to significant improvements in its mechanical properties, making it suitable for various load-bearing applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 9, 2018

Scientists make strong, super-tough carbon sheets at low temperature

Scientists have developed high-strength, super-tough carbon sheets by chemically stitching together platelets of graphitic carbon at low temperatures. The material's mechanical properties exceed those of current carbon fiber composites, offering potential cost savings and improved performance for various applications.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 7, 2018

Spider silk key to new bone-fixing composite

Researchers at the University of Connecticut have created a biodegradable composite made from spider silk fibers, which can be used to repair broken load-bearing bones without complications. The new composite shows high strength and flexibility characteristics, making it suitable for treating large leg bones in adults and seniors.

SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateApr 19, 2018
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.

Elephant and cow manure for making paper sustainably

Researchers have found a way to upcycle animal dung into paper products using cellulose, which could provide an alternative to traditional wood-based methods. The process involves treating the manure with sodium hydroxide and then bleaching it to produce purified cellulose nanofibers.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateMar 21, 2018

Researchers use recycled carbon fiber to improve permeable pavement

A Washington State University research team has developed a technique to greatly strengthen permeable pavements by adding waste carbon fiber composite material. The recycling method reduces energy consumption and chemicals, making it a critical factor for recycling waste materials.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Materials in Civil Engineering·DateMar 1, 2018

When proteins shake hands

Researchers from Jena University successfully created protein nanofibres with defined properties by combining two different proteins through a self-assembly process. The hybrid fibres can be used as components in biosensors, drug delivery particles, optical probes, or bone cements.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 20, 2018

Scientists successfully test new, safer titanium plate for bone tissue repair

Researchers at Shinshu University have successfully tested a new, safer titanium plate for bone tissue repair, eliminating the need for plate extraction and associated surgical risks. The titanium fiber plates share a similar measurement of stiffness with natural bone, reducing the risk of embrittlement.

SourceShinshu University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 7, 2018
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.

Novel 3-D printing technique yields high-performance composites

Researchers at Harvard developed a novel 3D printing method that enables control of short fibers in polymer matrices, resulting in enhanced strength, stiffness, and damage tolerance. This breakthrough has broad applications in materials engineering.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

Nanotube fibers in a jiffy

Researchers have created a method to rapidly align and twist carbon nanotubes on a slide, producing short, high-strength fibers. The technique reduces production time from hours to minutes, enabling quicker testing and analysis of the fibers' properties.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 11, 2018

Bio-based compound offers a greener carbon fiber alternative

Researchers have developed a new process to manufacture acrylonitrile, the precursor to carbon fiber, from renewable biomass. The bio-based process produces less heat and toxic byproducts than traditional methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin, Texas Advanced Computing Center·JournalScience·DateJan 9, 2018

Ultrafine fibers have exceptional strength

Researchers at MIT have developed a process to produce ultrafine fibers with exceptional strength and toughness, exceeding existing materials in specific modulus and specific strength. The new gel-electrospun polyethylene fibers have similar degrees of strength but are much tougher and have lower density.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Science·DateJan 5, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.

Building better silk

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to create reconstituted silk that is more than twice as stiff as its natural counterpart. The material has potential applications in medical sutures, scaffolding for new skin or other biomaterials, and sensing devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2017

Video of blood clot contraction reveals how platelets naturally form unobtrusive clots

A Penn study reveals the physical mechanism of how platelets contract and shrink blood clots, which can inform new ways to diagnose and treat conditions like ischemic stroke and deep vein thrombosis. The research found that contracting platelets cause clots to shrink by bending and shortening individual fibrin fibers.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 8, 2017

Nanotube fiber antennas as capable as copper

Researchers at Rice University developed nanotube fiber antennas that match the performance of traditional copper antennas but weigh significantly less. The flexible fibers offer practical advantages for aerospace and wearable electronics applications, where weight and flexibility are crucial factors.

SourceRice University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

Stiff fibers spun from slime

Scientists discover that velvet worm slime consists of a mix of proteins and fatty acids, forming nanoglobules that harden into stiff filaments when exposed to shear forces. These fibers have tensile stiffness similar to Nylon and can be dissolved in water again within hours.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 18, 2017

A new way to test body armor

Scientists at NIST have developed a new way to test high-performance fibers used in body armor, revealing critical damage mechanisms that lead to degradation. The technique uses positron beam analysis to characterize fiber structure, enabling the creation of more comfortable and effective vests.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Polymer Science·DateOct 17, 2017
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.

Material mimics 3-D camouflage abilities of an octopus

Researchers have created a 2-D material that can morph into a 3D structure and change color to blend in with its environment. The material mimics the skin of an octopus, featuring erector muscles that rapidly form shapes to achieve camouflage.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 12, 2017

'Naturally' glowing cotton yields dazzling new threads

Researchers have developed a method to infuse cotton fibers with fluorescent and magnetic properties, eliminating the need for chemical treatments. This breakthrough could enable the creation of sustainable fabrics with desirable properties.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateSep 14, 2017

Researchers raise health concerns about off-road vehicles and inhalation of asbestos

Researchers warn that off-road vehicles can produce airborne asbestos and erionite, posing a risk to children and others. The study highlights the need for precautions, such as wearing safety masks and goggles, when using ORVs in areas with naturally occurring asbestos deposits.

SourceCincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center·JournalInternational Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health·DateAug 30, 2017

Spinning plant waste into carbon fiber for cars, planes

A team of researchers has successfully transformed lignin, a component of plant cell walls, into strong and durable carbon fibers. The new material, made by blending lignin with polyarylonitrile, shows promise for reducing the carbon footprint of the automobile industry.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateAug 23, 2017
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.

Nanomaterials help spiders spin the toughest stuff

Researchers have successfully enhanced spider silk's strength and toughness by incorporating carbon nanotubes or graphene. The resulting silk boasts up to three times the strength and ten times the toughness of regular material.

SourceIOP Publishing·Journal2D Materials·DateAug 14, 2017

A plastic planet

A new study led by Roland Geyer estimates that over 8 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced since the 1950s, with most becoming waste after four years. The research provides a global analysis of plastic production and fate, highlighting the need for sustainable materials management.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 20, 2017

Strange silk: Why rappelling spiders don't spin out of control

Researchers have discovered that dragline silk from golden orb weaver spiders dissipates energy when twisted, preventing it from spinning uncontrollably. This property makes it an attractive material for biomimetic fibers with potential uses in violin strings, helicopter rescue ladders and parachute cords.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 7, 2017

When the rubber hits the road: Recycled tires create stronger concrete

Researchers developed a more resilient type of concrete using recycled tire fibres, reducing crack formation by over 90% compared to regular concrete. The new concrete has potential to shrink the tire industry's carbon footprint and reduce construction emissions.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalMaterials and Structures·DateJun 13, 2017

Study: Use of prefabricated blood vessels may revolutionize root canals

Researchers at OHSU developed a process to engineer new blood vessels in teeth, creating better long-term outcomes for patients. This innovation eliminates the need for synthetic biomaterials and restores biological response, potentially leading to improved tooth survival rates.

SourceOregon Health & Science University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 12, 2017
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.

Mussels add muscle to biocompatible fibers

Researchers at Rice University have created hydrogel strings using a compound found in mussels, allowing for controlled growth of cells on surfaces. The aligned fibers promote ordered cell growth, making it possible to direct cell growth from one location to another.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 9, 2017

Bamboo inspires optimal design for lightness and toughness

Researchers at Hokkaido University found that bamboo's natural fiber distribution is optimized for maximum flexural rigidity while minimizing wood volume. This study sheds light on the potential of biomimetics in developing lightweight and tough materials.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2017

Mountains of waste could lead to new US manufacturing, jobs

A Texas A&M research team has discovered a way to produce good quality carbon fiber from lignin, a structural part of plants that piles up as waste. The breakthrough could lead to the creation of new products like tennis rackets and cars, generating jobs and rural economic growth.

SourceTexas A&M AgriLife Communications·JournalGreen Chemistry·DateMay 15, 2017

Researchers develop recycling for carbon fiber composites

A new chemical recycling method has been developed to recycle carbon fiber composites, which are difficult to break down or recycle. The method uses mild acids and low temperatures to break down the thermosets, preserving the carbon fibers in a useful form that can be easily reused.

SourceWashington State University·JournalPolymer Degradation and Stability·DateMay 2, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Touch-sensitive, elastic fibers offer new interface for electronics

North Carolina State University researchers have developed elastic, touch-sensitive fibers that can detect strain, twisting, and touch. The fibers use liquid metal alloy to store electric charge, enabling different electronic signals based on touch location.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 4, 2017