Researchers found long-lasting PFAS in 27 out of 39 paper straws tested, with bamboo straws also contaminated. The study highlights the potential harm of seemingly eco-friendly alternatives to plastic drinking straws.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalFood Additives & Contaminants·TypeObservational study·DateAug 24, 2023
Researchers from Osaka University and others have used topological data analysis and machine learning to predict the properties of amorphous materials. The study employed a method combining persistent homology and machine learning to accurately predict the energies of disordered structures composed of carbon atoms at varying densities.
SourceOsaka University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 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.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals unusual patterns of small and large particles in a model liquid, which can affect the formation of ideal glass. The findings raise doubts about whether this model liquid can be considered an ideal glass-forming liquid.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 7, 2023
Forensic scientists at West Virginia University have developed a systematic approach to compare pieces of trace evidence, including duct tape, using a novel method. The technique evaluates fracture edges and demonstrates physical fit, providing a foundation for evaluating error rates and improving accuracy in crime scene investigations.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalForensic Chemistry·DateAug 2, 2023
Researchers develop new method to visualize glass transformation into supercooled liquid, confirming unusual separation between liquid domains. The technique allows for direct comparison between computational models and physical reality, shedding light on the glass transition process.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 13, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Lead-free Cs3MnBr5 anti-perovskite nanocrystals embedded in glass matrices enable tunable emission and ultra-stable X-ray imaging. The results achieve exceptional X-ray detection limits, spatial resolutions, and dose irradiation stability.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 10, 2023
Researchers have figured out why some air-filled fibre designs work so much more efficiently than others. Dr Leah Murphy and Emeritus Professor David Bird from the University of Bath developed a theoretical understanding of the relationship between fibre structure and leakage loss.
SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalOptica·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 3, 2023
Researchers at DTU Health Tech created a multi-levelled scaffold that enables near-perfect bone healing in just eight weeks, without using growth factors or endocrine factors and cells. The scaffold combines essential bone minerals with mechanical properties matching human bone compressive strength.
SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 27, 2023
Researchers developed a pilot study to address the issue of thermal discomfort in social housing projects. They proposed replacing conventional windows with fully openable tilting windows, monolithic expanded polystyrene walls, and green-tinted tempered glass, which can reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalSustainability·DateJun 21, 2023
Scientists at KTH Royal Institute of Technology created the smallest glass structure by 3D printing with sub-micrometer resolution. The new method eliminates thermal treatment requirements, enabling customized applications in medical machinery, robotics, and telecommunications.
SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2023
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.
Chemical engineers have created a new technique for shaping glass into intricate 3D forms using origami and kirigami. By combining folding and heating, they can produce transparent glass with complex shapes and layered textures.
High-entropy metal telluride superconductors exhibit unique properties due to structural disorder and atomic vibrations. The discovery sheds light on the coupling between electrons and lattice vibrations, potentially leading to exotic superconductivity mechanisms.
SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalMaterials Today Physics·DateMar 25, 2023
A research group has developed a family of eco-friendly glass fabricated from biologically derived amino acids or peptides. The proposed glass is biodegradable and biorecyclable due to its unique combination of functional properties, including excellent optical characteristics and good mechanical properties.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 17, 2023
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.
Researchers have developed a smart contact lens capable of implementing AR-based navigation using a novel electrochromic display technology. The device uses Prussian blue to display directions to the user in real-time, overcame limitations of existing AR devices.
SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateMar 9, 2023
Scientists at the University of Jena have solved a decades-long puzzle by studying quartz samples under extreme pressure. They discovered that characteristic lamellae, which are often used to detect asteroid impacts, form when quartz transforms into a more tightly packed phase under high pressure.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023
A £5.4 million project, backed by Innovate UK, aims to develop a new value chain to convert industrial waste gases into sustainable materials for consumer products. The consortium, including Unilever and BASF, will seek to demonstrate how the UK can cut 15-20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
A new method for measuring bifacial solar panel performance has been developed by the University of Ottawa SUNLAB team. The study proposes a characterization method that considers external effects of ground cover like snow, grass, and soil, providing a way to accurately test panel performance indoors.
A new optical coating system combines antifogging and antireflective properties, enhancing the performance of lidar systems and cameras. The technology, developed by Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Optics and Precision Engineering, has been tested in laboratory tests and has shown promising results.
Meta Quest 3 512GB
Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.
Researchers at CELIA have developed a laser drilling method that creates elongated, crack-free micro-holes in glass. This breakthrough allows for high-aspect ratio holes with smooth inner walls, enabling new applications in microelectronics.
SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 29, 2022
Researchers developed a Sr-Nd isotope baseline for the Silk Road regions, enabling accurate provenance of plant-ash glass. The study confirmed multiple origins of the glass, including Central Asia and Mesopotamia.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateDec 8, 2022
A team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has developed a new algorithm, metadynamics, that can navigate high-dimensional energy landscapes to find low-energy configurations. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize fields such as protein folding and machine learning.
SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 5, 2022
Researchers at University of Notre Dame developed a transparent coating for windows that can block heat and save energy. The coating, called transparent radiative cooler (TRC), allows visible light in while keeping other heat-producing light out, reducing electric cooling costs by one-third in hot climates.
SourceUniversity of Notre Dame·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateNov 29, 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.
Researchers identified five genetic variants that progressively increase the risk of becoming nearsighted with more schooling, especially for university-level education. These findings provide new insights into biological pathways causing nearsightedness and its interaction with lifestyle factors.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Genetics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2022
Researchers develop a new way to manufacture high-efficiency diffraction gratings using reactive ion-plasma etching, achieving near-theoretical unpolarized diffraction efficiency of 94.3%. The process enables robust and durable gratings suitable for harsh environments.
SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Astronomical Telescopes Instruments and Systems·DateNov 10, 2022
Researchers discovered that glass can undergo a rapid formation of localized liquid regions with higher mobility, leading to a mixed state where parts are liquid and others are glassy. This finding adds new pieces to the description of the complex glass-liquid transition process.
SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2022
New research shows that Viking beadmakers in Denmark used sophisticated methods to upcycle old Roman glass mosaics into glass beads. The findings reveal a circular economy approach, where glassmakers reused valuable materials to reduce waste and conserve resources.
SourceAarhus University·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateOct 3, 2022
A team of researchers led by Prof. Shinya Hosokawa analyzed the atomic configurations of Pd42.5Ni7.5Cu30P20, a champion bulk metallic glass, and found its characteristic configurations that lead to its excellent glass-forming ability.
SourceKumamoto University·JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids·TypeObservational study·DateSep 25, 2022
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.
Researchers aim to improve and expand Enzymatic Construction Material (ECM), a sustainable alternative to traditional concrete that can repair cracks and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The grant will also support programs to inspire girls' interests in engineering and construction, addressing the industry's gender gap.
SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 13, 2022
KAUST researchers created a more efficient solar-cell module by redesigning its optical design, reducing power conversion efficiency loss in real-world applications. The new module achieved an efficiency increase from 25.7% to 26.2% due to refractive-index engineering.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateAug 22, 2022
Scientists at Giessen University used high-performance computing to understand the optical response of cluster glass, a material that generates bright, clear white light. The study verified the experiment through simulation and showed the link between the observed properties and molecular structure.
SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2022
Researchers have developed a method to create colorful solar panels by applying a thin layer of photonic glass, which reflects selective colors based on microscopic zinc sulfide spheres. The new technology results in energy efficiency improvements of up to 21.5% while maintaining color and durability.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 15, 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.
Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technique for creating polymers with controlled molecular weight and high optical activity. The discovery uses a combination of living cationic polymerization and asymmetric cationic polymerization, resulting in optically active polymers with unique properties.
SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 8, 2022
Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology have developed a novel anode material consisting of black glasses grafted silicon microparticles, which shows great promise in enhancing lithium-ion battery performance and energy storage. The material exhibits high lithium diffusion ability, reduced internal resistance,...
SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateAug 7, 2022
Researchers have created a new glass-ceramic that emits light in response to mechanical stress, enabling potential applications for monitoring stress in artificial joints and structures.
SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJul 26, 2022
Physicists observe unique behavior in neodymium material when heated, where magnetic spins form a static pattern; this phenomenon is counterintuitive and rare in nature. The discovery may lead to new information storage or computational concepts.
SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 4, 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.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have successfully developed a novel Vacuum Ultra-Violet (VUV) meta-lens, which can generate and focus the VUV light. The focused VUV light source enables nanolithography, material processing, and advanced manufacturing applications.
SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022
Researchers developed a method to improve the dynamic behavior of bolted connections by pasting a thin GFRP plate, increasing bearing strength and reducing fracture behavior. The study aims to create safer, more secure and lighter building structures with longer lifespans.
SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPolymer Composites·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 14, 2022
By using the shape of colloids, researchers can create building blocks for new materials with interesting properties. The study's findings show that the density of the structure can be lower than expected, leading to the possibility of creating strong but lightweight materials.
SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 27, 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 Arizona State University have developed a new technique called evanescent scattering microscopy (ESM), which allows for the visualization of proteins and other vital biomolecules with unparalleled clarity. This label-free imaging method reduces light-induced heating and requires no fluorescent dye or gold coating, making...
SourceArizona State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 28, 2022
Researchers are developing innovative ways to reuse automotive glass, crushing it into small pieces and purifying the polyvinyl butyral (PVB) for industrial use. This approach aims to reduce waste and conserve resources as the demand for automotive glass continues to grow.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateApr 27, 2022
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore have successfully used recycled glass as a replacement for sand in 3D printing concrete mixtures. The new method offers a more environmentally sustainable way of building and construction, reducing waste and pollution.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJournal of Building Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022
Scientists at the University of Freiburg have developed a novel process for 3D printing small and complex components made of transparent glass. Using Glassomer materials and Computed Axial Lithography, they can create structures with thicknesses as low as 50 micrometers in just a few minutes.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience·DateApr 19, 2022
Researchers at Ural Federal University improved the composition of borate glasses by adding heavy metal oxides, significantly increasing their density. The new glass samples showed good results as radiation shielding material in low and medium energy gamma radiation.
SourceUral Federal University·JournalProgress in Nuclear Energy·DateApr 18, 2022
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.
A new generation of thin triple-pane windows has made significant strides in energy efficiency, cost, and availability. The latest research shows that these next-generation windows can improve the energy efficiency performance of windows by up to 40%, boosting the total insulating value of a home exterior.
SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2022
Aston University researchers have developed a technique to boost antimicrobial properties of bioactive glass, which could reduce infections and antibiotic prescriptions. The new approach combines metal oxides, significantly improving bacterial kill rates over single oxides alone.
SourceAston University·JournalACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 24, 2022
Rice University scientists have developed a method to extract rare earth elements from fly ash, bauxite residue, and electronic waste using flash Joule heating. This process improves yields and reduces the use of strong acids, making it a more sustainable solution for recycling these materials.
SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 9, 2022
Researchers at Pusan National University discovered that tempered glass is more resistant to water-promoted fracture growth than annealed glass. The study found that water droplets penetrate microcracks in glass surfaces, dissolving silicon-oxygen bonds and degrading mechanical strength.
SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers at INRS have developed a bioactive coating that mimics bone tissue using chitosan, collagen, and copper-doped phosphate glass. The coating promotes healing and reduces the risk of rejection, paving the way for improved orthopaedic implant success.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateDec 22, 2021
Researchers developed a material that automatically responds to changing temperatures, switching between heating and cooling. The glass can regulate both solar transmission and radiative cooling, reducing energy consumption up to 9.5% or ~330,000 kWh per year.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 16, 2021
Researchers have synthesized a new form of carbon glass with three-dimensional bonds, the hardest known glass material. The discovery has potential for mass production and opens up new possibilities in devices and electronics.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021
Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science used computer simulations to study the aging mechanism that can cause an amorphous glassy material to turn into a crystal. By removing tiny irregularities in local densities, they found that it prevents atomic avalanches that trigger ordered structure formation.
SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 17, 2021
Scientists at NTU Singapore develop a new electrochromic window material that can block up to 70% of infrared radiation while allowing 90% of visible light to pass through. The material is designed to be energy-efficient and durable, with improved performance compared to existing technologies.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Omega·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 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.
Researchers found that borosilicate glass was crucial for synthesizing amino acids and other prebiotic organic compounds. The study suggests that the emergence of life on Earth may be more abiotic than previously thought.
SourceSpanish National Research Council (CSIC)·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2021
Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a method to produce unbreakable screens using liquid-phase sintering of lead halide perovskites and metal-organic framework glasses. This breakthrough could revolutionize the display industry with virtually indestructible displays.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2021
A new model by a SwRI-led team applies geologic evidence to understand how oxygen levels in the Earth's atmosphere evolved. The results indicate that large impacts may have contributed to the scarcity of oxygen, delaying its oxidation.
SourceSouthwest Research Institute·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 21, 2021
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.
A UNSW-led study analyzing 10 years of citizen science data found that almost half of marine debris can be linked to land-based sources. Plastic accounts for 84% of the rubbish found on Australian beaches, with a significant portion coming from external sources such as stormwater drains near capital cities.
SourceUniversity of New South Wales·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 18, 2021
Rice materials scientists develop a method to print arbitrary 3D shapes, creating micro-scale electronic, mechanical and photonic devices. The process involves two-photon polymerization and doping with rare earth salts for photoluminescent properties.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2021
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
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.
Researchers at Friedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena have created a way to melt normally unmeltable metal-organic framework compounds, or MOFs, into glasses. This process enables the production of glass components for various industrial applications, including energy and environmental technology.
SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021
A new study by LIGO reveals a new type of mirror coating made of titanium oxide and germanium oxide reduces background noise in mirrors by a factor of two. This allows for an eight-fold increase in the volume of space that can be probed, enabling more frequent detection of gravitational waves.
SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2021