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.
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
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
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
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.
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.
Researchers have developed glasses with improved radiation protection characteristics using bismuth borate materials. The new samples show better performance than commercial analogs and could provide a safer alternative to lead-based glasses.
Researchers created nano-scale borate bioactive glass, which effectively reduces biological toxicity and promotes skin repair. The material accelerates wound healing by slow-releasing essential elements and promoting collagen deposition.
SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·DateJul 13, 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.
A new theoretical model can reliably predict the properties of compounds at low temperatures using only two adjustable parameters. The model reproduces experimental data for thirty different systems, including simple glasses and complex organic compounds.
SourceKazan Federal University·JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids·DateJul 12, 2021
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
A five-nanometer-thick layer of silver and copper outperforms conventional indium tin oxide in OLED displays, freeing up 20% more light. This innovation enables devices to maintain brightness while using less power, extending battery life and making displays more energy-efficient.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 25, 2021
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.
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
Scientists studied how many bubbles form in beer when poured into a glass. They estimated between 200,000 and 2 million bubbles can be released from a half-pint of lager before it goes flat.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Omega·DateApr 21, 2021
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
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
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
Researchers developed a new material that fills a crucial gap in the electronic material library. The ultrathin beta-tellurite oxide has high mobility and is highly transparent, enabling fast and efficient devices.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Electronics·DateApr 5, 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.
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
Researchers have created a highly efficient red-emitting phosphor using glass crystallization, overcoming the limitations of traditional LEDs. The new phosphor enables the production of high-power warm white lighting with excellent optical properties.
SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 17, 2021
Researchers demonstrate that nanoscale features of substrates influence cell behavior through adsorbed proteins, which restructure themselves and electrostatically interact with the material. The study sheds light on how biomaterials respond to interfacial layer characteristics.
SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 11, 2021
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.
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
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
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
Researchers discovered that glass frogs wave their hands and feet to increase visibility in loud environments. This behavior is a unique form of visual communication among tropical frog species.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalBehaviour·DateJan 15, 2021
A new laser-based process allows for the 3D printing of intricate glass parts with high precision and resolution. The technique uses multiphoton polymerization, which enables the creation of complex shapes without layer-by-layer buildup.
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 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
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
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.
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
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.
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
New research on glass beads from archaeological sites in Mali and Senegal suggests a more intricate network of trade exchange during the emergence of Sahelian states. The findings shed new light on medieval commerce, revealing previously unknown regional connections.
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
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.
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
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
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
Researchers at Tokyo University of Science create a novel strategy to produce moth-eye nanostructures and transparent films, overcoming previous scalability issues. The resulting film exhibits remarkable optical properties, including low reflectance and increased transmittance.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalMicro and Nano Engineering·DateNov 4, 2020
Researchers at Penn State have developed an ultra-thin and energy-efficient photodetector on glass, paving the way for commercialization of 'smart glass' technology. The technology can be applied in various industries, including manufacturing, transportation, and healthcare.
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.
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
Researchers at Princeton University developed a unique installation, LightVault, using robotic strength and precision to reduce resource use. The structure's doubly curved design improved its structural efficiency by reducing material requirements.
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.
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
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
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
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.
Researchers at NIST create nanoparticles that can trap, emit specific colors, and alter polarization, allowing for precise control over the intensity of transmitted light. This technology has potential applications in improving optical communications and making currency harder to counterfeit.
SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalOptica·DateSep 4, 2020
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
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
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
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.
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 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
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