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Unbreakable glass inspired by seashells

McGill University scientists created a new glass and acrylic composite material mimicking nacre for exceptional strength and durability. The material is three times stronger and five times more fracture-resistant than regular glass, with potential applications in phone screens and other industries.

SourceMcGill University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 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.

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

Plastics aren’t what we think. New study finds they’re a tad rubbery, paving the way for better products

Researchers at the University of South Florida discovered that glassy polymers, or plastics, have a soft, rubbery layer on their surface that can be controlled. This breakthrough could lead to improved properties such as adhesion and scratch resistance in materials like automobile paint and cellphone screens.

SourceUniversity of South Florida·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021

Lunar samples solve mystery of the moon’s supposed magnetic shield

Researchers at the University of Rochester found that lunar samples do not show signs of magnetization from a magnetic shield. The lack of magnetization suggests that the moon has never had a prolonged dynamo field. Without this protection, solar wind implanted volatiles like helium 3 in the lunar soil.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2021

Through the thin-film glass, researchers spot a new liquid phase

Scientists have created a new type of liquid in thin films of glass, which forms a high-density glass with distinct structures, akin to graphene and diamond. This breakthrough enables the development of new materials with improved properties, leading to potential advancements in various industries.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 26, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.

Heisenberg under the microscope

Researchers from the University of Vienna and TU Wien have successfully controlled a large glass sphere's motion at the quantum level using control engineering methods. The experiment, published in Nature, demonstrates the potential for combining quantum physics and control engineering to enable more precise experiments.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalNature·DateJul 14, 2021
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.

Nano-scale borate bioactive glass: Next generation material for skin-healing

Researchers developed a nano-scale borate bioactive glass (Nano-HCA@BG) with enhanced biological performance, reducing toxicity and improving biocompatibility. The material accelerates wound cell migration and collagen synthesis, promoting faster healing.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJul 6, 2021

Shifting sands, creeping soils, and a new understanding of landscape evolution

A new study published in Nature Communications finds that sand grains are in constant motion, challenging prevailing theories. Researchers used optical interference data to observe individual sand particles at rest and found they behave like glass, with creeping soil rates controlled by disturbances such as heat or tapping.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 23, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Condensing by turning toward the crowd

A new mechanism of condensation has been discovered in self-propelled particles, where they turn and move toward dense regions to accumulate. This finding challenges the traditional understanding of condensation, which relies on attractive forces between molecules.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 20, 2021

New research shows: Antoni van Leeuwenhoek led rivals astray

Researchers from Rijksmuseum Boerhaave Leiden and TU Delft used neutron tomography to examine a highly magnifying specimen without damaging it. The findings reveal that Van Leeuwenhoek's lenses were made using a common production method, contradicting long-held assumptions about his 'secret' technique.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 14, 2021

Domino-like crystallization of glass

The study reveals that thick and rough solid-liquid interfaces facilitate rapid crystal growth by breaking up disorder. Disordered states are inherently unstable mechanically, leading to a domino-like chain reaction of crystal growth.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 12, 2021
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.

Diversity and universality of jamming

The study reveals that random close packing of spheres exhibits common universal critical properties, despite the diversity of its details. The researchers showed that jammed states are marginally stable and can be described under a unified framework.

SourceOsaka University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 6, 2021

Against presbyopia

A team of researchers from UPV, UV, and AIKEN Foundation has created the first fully transparent trifocal corneal inlay that allows good eyesight for people with presbyopia at multiple distances. The inlay is designed to be compatible with laser refractive surgery and may offer an alternative to glasses or contact lenses.

SourceUniversitat Politècnica de València·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 26, 2021

Photoexpansion: Bio-based polyesters hard film

Researchers at Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology discover a phenomenon called photoexpansion in hard plastic films, which exhibits convex deformation under UV light due to cis isomerization. The study reveals the unique deformation mechanism of bio-based polycinnamate films, offering potential for precise control of ph...

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 22, 2021
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.

Glass injection molding

A team of researchers at the University of Freiburg has developed a process for injecting glass into molds, allowing for high-throughput production of transparent glass components. This new technology combines polymer and glass processing, enabling quick and cost-effective replacement of complex polymer structures with glass.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience·DateApr 9, 2021

Injection molding transparent glass like a plastic

Researchers have developed a novel approach for injection molding transparent fused silica glass at lower temperatures. This innovative process enables the production of high-quality glass components using conventional injection molding techniques, offering improved industrial efficiency.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 8, 2021

Glass nanopore pulls DNA like spaghetti through a needle

Researchers at UC Riverside developed a technique to capture cell-free DNA from fluid samples using an electric charge, making it easier to detect and diagnose cancer. The glass nanopore system can accumulate DNA near the surface, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio and potentially detecting mini lipid-based droplets released by tumors.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNanoscale·DateApr 6, 2021
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.

Smart glass has a bright future

Research demonstrates that smart glazing windows can decrease energy consumption for lighting and temperature control by up to 35 percent, while reducing CO2 emissions by up to 30 percent. The technology also optimizes natural daylight in a room, reducing reliance on artificial lighting.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateApr 1, 2021

Scientists create armour for fragile quantum technology

A team of scientists has developed a protective coating made from ultrathin gallium oxide to shield 2D materials from damage. This innovation enables the use of extremely thin materials in electronics, promising lower energy consumption and increased efficiency.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 8, 2021
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.

GSA Bulletin articles published ahead of print in January

New research on fault networks, metamorphism, and sedimentary rocks provides insights into geological processes in Australia and North America. Studies analyze the evolution of complex fault systems, deformation patterns, and regional tectonics.

SourceGeological Society of America·JournalGeology·DateJan 29, 2021

How does incident solar radiation affect urban canyons?

Researchers developed a numerical model to predict the upward-to-downward reflection ratio of glass bead retro-reflective materials in urban canyons. The study found that retro-reflectivity increases from morning to noon, then decreases, contributing to UHI mitigation and reduced building energy consumption.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalUrban Climate·DateJan 25, 2021

Spreading the sound

Researchers developed a new theoretical model explaining the spread of vibrations in disordered materials, showing that sound waves lose coherence on shorter length scales. This discovery may lead to the design of heat- and shatter-resistant glass for smartphones and tablets.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 15, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Refined process enables high-strength thin glass

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have developed a refined process for thermally tempering thin glass, removing limitations on strength. The new method uses a liquid coolant to create a thermal gradient, enabling the production of high-strength glasses without thickness restrictions.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateJan 7, 2021

Neither liquid nor solid

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have discovered a new state of matter called liquid glass, which exhibits complex behavior. The particles in liquid glass are able to move but not rotate, leading to local clusters that obstruct each other and prevent an ordered state from forming.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2021

What lessons can medicine learn from Father Christmas?

Doctors suggest Father Christmas's skills can inform medical practice, such as taking breaks, staying hydrated, and empowering team members to raise concerns. They also emphasize the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and situational awareness in high-pressure situations like Christmas Eve deliveries.

SourceBMJ Group·JournalThe BMJ·DateDec 16, 2020

A theory as clear as glass

Scientists at the University of Tokyo used molecular dynamics calculations to simulate glass-forming ability of metallic mixtures. They found that even small changes in composition can disrupt crystallization and lead to glassy states upon cooling. This breakthrough may lead to a universal theory of glass formation and cheaper, more re...

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 11, 2020

Bend, don't break: new tool enables economic glass design

A new tool allows architects to design curved glass façades using an interactive, data-driven approach. The software uses deep neural networks to predict glass panel shapes and fabricability, enabling efficient optimization of designs while balancing economic, aesthetic, and engineering criteria.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·JournalACM Transactions on Graphics·DateDec 7, 2020
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.

African trade routes sketched out by mediaeval beads

Researchers from Université de Genève analyzed 16 glass beads found in Mali and Senegal, discovering they were made of Egyptian, Levantine coast, and Middle Eastern glass. The study sheds light on sub-Saharan Africa's extensive trade networks with Europe and Asia during the region's early development.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 2, 2020

Fingerprints and grip control

A study reveals that fingerprints facilitate grip by controlling friction through the interaction of sweat glands and moisture. The researchers found that fingerprint ridges effectively block sweat glands when in contact with a surface, resulting in maximum friction.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 30, 2020

Surprises in 'active' aging

Physicists from the University of Göttingen used computer simulations to investigate aging in living glassy systems, finding that persistent particle activity drives aging. This discovery has potential consequences for biological processes such as wound-healing and cancer metastasis.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 18, 2020
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.

Looking inside the glass

A team of researchers from The University of Tokyo used electron spectroscopy and computer simulations to study the internal atomic structure of aluminosilicate glass. They found intricate structures that have not yet been analyzed by scientists, including complex coordination networks among aluminum atoms within phase-separated regions.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·DateNov 16, 2020

Novel glass materials made from organic and inorganic components

Researchers have successfully developed a new class of hybrid glass materials that combine the properties of organometallic networks with those of conventional glasses. These materials exhibit improved mechanical properties, such as impact and fracture toughness, and can be tailored for specific applications.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 16, 2020

NTU scientists develop energy-saving 'liquid window'

The NTU researchers developed a 'smart window' by placing hydrogel-based liquid within glass panels, reducing up to 45% of heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning energy consumption. The 'liquid window' is also around 30% more energy efficient than commercially available low-emissivity glass.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalJoule·DateNov 5, 2020
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

Finally, a way to see molecules 'wobble'

Researchers at the University of Rochester have developed a way to visualize molecules in 3D, showing their position, orientation, and wobble. This technology, called CHIDO, could shed light on biological processes involved in diseases like COVID-19.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 22, 2020

High pressure is key for better optical fibers

Researchers from Hokkaido University and the US used computer simulations to show that high pressure can reduce light scattering in silica glass fibers by over 50%. This could enable longer distance data transmission without amplification, revolutionizing global communication.

SourceHokkaido University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateOct 19, 2020
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.

Magnitude and impact of Ilopango volcanic eruption

Researchers pinpointed the date of the Ilopango volcano's Tierra Blanca Joven eruption, identifying its impacts on climate and society. The eruption is believed to have cooled the atmosphere by 0.5 °C for a few years, with effects largely limited to the local region.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 28, 2020

A clearer view of what makes glass rigid

The University of Tokyo researchers employed a new computer model to simulate amorphous solids and their strength. They found that the internal network of force-bearing particles is responsible for giving glass its rigidity.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 25, 2020

Engineers produce a fisheye lens that's completely flat

The researchers designed a single flat piece of glass with microscopic structures to manipulate light and produce crisp, 180-degree panoramic images. The new design enables ultra-wide-angle lenses to be integrated into smartphones, laptops, and medical imaging devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 18, 2020

Shining a light on disordered and fractal systems

The team used terahertz-frequency light to probe the vibrational modes of lysozyme, discovering that its glassy and fractal nature explains the anomalously large vibrations. The study may lead to improvements in industrial glass manufacturing by understanding disordered materials.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalPhysical Review E·DateSep 14, 2020
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.

Decorating windows for optimal sound transmission

Researchers developed a layered glass material allowing for acoustic propagation without air ventilation. The decorated window comprises ordinary glass, resulting in an inexpensive and optically transparent material.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 1, 2020

A new lens on the world: Improving the metalens with liquid crystal

Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have developed a new class of metalenses that can be reconfigured using liquid crystals, allowing for the creation of flexible and tunable lenses. This innovation holds promise for revolutionizing optics and enabling new scientific and technological endeavors.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 20, 2020

Smartphones are lowering student's grades, study finds

A Rutgers University study found that relying on the internet for homework is hurting students' long-term retention and resulting in lower grades. Students who use their smartphones to find answers tend to forget the information and perform worse on exams.

SourceRutgers University·JournalEducational Psychology·DateAug 18, 2020

Glass blowing inspires new class of quantum sensors

A team of scientists, led by RMIT University, has developed a new class of quantum sensors using high-performance diamond particles embedded in conventional glass fibers. This breakthrough enables the creation of cheap quantum sensor networks for applications such as underwater monitoring and mining.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAPL Materials·DateAug 12, 2020
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.

Rare glassy metal discovered during quest to improve battery performance

Researchers at Idaho National Laboratory and University of California San Diego discovered a rare glassy metal during studies on lithium recharging. The discovery could lead to improved battery life and new applications for glassy metals, which are difficult to produce but offer powerful material properties.

SourceDOE/Idaho National Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 11, 2020

Fabrication advance: Spray-on clear coatings for cheaper smart windows

Researchers at RMIT University developed a simple method for making ultra-thin, cost-effective transparent electrodes that can block heat and conduct electricity. The new spray-on coatings rival current industry standards and could simplify the fabrication of smart windows and low-emissivity glass.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateAug 5, 2020