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The problem with microwaving tea

Researchers designed a silver plating to shield microwave waves and create uniform heating in liquids. This resolves the issue of water heated in a microwave not being the same as stovetop-heated liquid, promoting more consistent temperatures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateAug 4, 2020

Photonic amorphous topological insulator

Scientists have experimentally realized amorphous photonic topological insulators, which exhibit robust topological edge states despite lack of periodic atomic lattices. The discovery opens up new avenues for realizing non-periodic photonic topological materials for novel photonic devices.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateJul 27, 2020

Silicon core fishbone waveguide extends frequency comb

Researchers have designed a graded index waveguide that allows the width of a frequency comb to be more than doubled, compensating for material dispersion in silicon. This breakthrough enables the creation of chip-based frequency combs for high-precision spectroscopy and compact spectrometers.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJul 23, 2020

Through the nanoscale looking glass -- determining boson peak frequency in ultra-thin alumina

The study used neutron spectroscopy to measure lattice vibrations in ultra-thin alumina particles, confirming theoretical predictions. The findings have implications for controlling heat transfer through ultra-thin materials, potentially benefiting electronics and future spacecraft designs.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalPhysical Review Research·DateJul 20, 2020
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.

Tuning frontal polymerization for diverse material properties

The new method enables a wider range of materials with better control over their thermal and mechanical properties. Researchers used a mixture of two monomers to create materials tailored for various applications, including tires.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJul 16, 2020

Ultrasonic manipulation of objects in living bodies

A new method uses phased ultrasound to levitate and manipulate objects in living bodies, including solid glass spheres. Researchers believe this technology could be used to guide the clearance of kidney stones or manipulate an ingestible camera.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 6, 2020
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.

Plug-and-play lens simplifies adaptive optics for microscopy

Researchers developed a smart lens that transmits light to correct optical aberrations, improving image quality in biological samples. The device can be easily installed on commercial microscopes, enabling advanced optical techniques like multiphoton microscopy.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 24, 2020

Geometry of intricately fabricated glass makes light trap itself

Scientists at Penn State have fabricated a 'photonic topological insulator' that can mediate interaction between photons and form self-sustaining wave patterns called solitons. This innovation could lead to more efficient lasers, medical imaging, and other photonic technologies.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateJun 22, 2020

Origins of lead glassmaking in Spain

The study reveals that medieval glass production in Spain predates Islamic influence by more than 50 years. Glass fragments from the Rabad of Šaqunda date back to the 8th century and show evidence of local lead production using nearby ore deposits.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2020
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.

Elasticity key to plants and animals' ability to sting

Researchers discovered a correlation between needle or sting length and diameter to ensure strength and elasticity in pointed objects. The study's findings have the potential to optimize syringe needle design and reduce material consumption in nail production.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalNature Physics·DateJun 15, 2020

Scientists iron out the physics of wrinkling

Researchers from OIST discovered that curvature at material edges affects wrinkling, with larger windows reducing wrinkles and strain. A theoretical model was developed to explain findings, which could aid in designing devices with functional wrinkles or reduced wrinkling.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 5, 2020

Climate change an imminent threat to glass sponge reefs

A long-term lab study reveals that climate change is drastically reducing the skeletal strength and filter-feeding capacity of glass sponges. The findings indicate that ongoing climate change could have serious, irreversible impacts on these sprawling reefs in the Pacific Northwest.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 1, 2020

New 'whirling' state of matter discovered in an element of the periodic table

Researchers at Radboud University and Uppsala University have discovered a new type of magnetic behavior in neodymium, where atomic spins form patterns that whirl like a helix but constantly change. This phenomenon, known as a self-induced spin glass, could pave the way for new materials for artificial intelligence.

SourceRadboud University Nijmegen·JournalScience·DateMay 28, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Bristol scientists see through glass frogs' translucent camouflage

Researchers reveal that glass frog translucency acts as a unique form of camouflage, but with a mechanism different from true transparency. The 'edge diffusion' strategy involves a diffuse gradient between the frog's color and its surroundings, making it harder to spot.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 25, 2020

Selfie stick and fishing rod shed first light on ancient reptile

A 145 million-year-old ichthyosaur skeleton was studied using a selfie stick and fishing rod, revealing that Nannopterygius was a widespread species during the Late Jurassic. New discoveries found specimens in UK museums, including Oxford, Cambridge, and Kimmeridge, Dorset, expanding our knowledge of this ancient reptile.

SourceUniversity of Portsmouth·JournalZoological Journal of the Linnean Society·DateMay 21, 2020

Novel tool developed to diagnose and monitor autoimmune disorders

Researchers developed a novel biosensor to diagnose and monitor autoimmune disorders, measuring autoantibody concentration and activity with high sensitivity. The tool enables the creation of new diagnostic criteria and approaches to treatment, offering improved accuracy and reliability.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·DateMay 19, 2020

Coordination polymer glass provides solid support for hydrogen fuel cells

Researchers at Kyoto University have created a coordination polymer glass membrane that functions similarly to liquid-based counterparts but offers improved mechanical and thermal stability. The new membrane enables efficient proton movement under dry conditions, leading to higher voltage production in hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceKyoto University·JournalChemical Science·DateMay 13, 2020

Windows will soon generate electricity, following solar cell breakthrough

Researchers have created next-gen perovskite solar cells that generate electricity while allowing light to pass through, transforming windows into active power generators. Two square meters of solar window can produce the same amount of electricity as a standard rooftop solar panel.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalNano Energy·DateApr 22, 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.

Infants prefer individuals who achieve their goals efficiently

At 15 months, infants take into account the efficiency of others' actions to identify rational individuals and predict preferences. They exhibit a preference for interacting with efficient over inefficient individuals.

SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalJournal of Experimental Child Psychology·DateMar 31, 2020

Scientists find a way to extract color from black

Researchers at University of Birmingham develop technique to control light passing through disordered surfaces, producing vivid colors. The method harnesses random clusters of gold nanoparticles to create a 'transparent cavity' that traps and releases photons with different frequencies, resulting in precise color reproduction.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 27, 2020

Designing lightweight glass for efficient cars, wind turbines

A new machine-learning algorithm helps design lightweight glass compositions that are very stiff, suitable for next-gen materials in vehicles and wind turbines. The goal is to reduce weight while maintaining strength, leading to fuel efficiency improvements.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateMar 26, 2020

Small, precise and affordable gyroscope for navigating without GPS

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a small, precise, and affordable gyroscope that can help drones and autonomous cars navigate without a GPS signal. The device, made from a nearly symmetrical mechanical resonator, is 10,000 times more accurate than existing gyroscopes.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·DateMar 23, 2020
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.

A multi-dimensional optical storage medium: Photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic

Scientists have developed a new photostimuable LiGa5O8: Mn2+ glass ceramic medium for three-dimensional volumetric optical data storage, enabling expanded storage capacity and improved information security. The material's high transparency and controlled crystallization lead to a highly ordered nanostructure with low bit error rates.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMar 6, 2020

Endangered species on supermarket shelves

A study published in Science Advances found nearly 50% of retail eel products in Hong Kong supermarkets contained endangered European eel. The investigation exposed a surprising prevalence of illegally traded glass eels from Europe, posing a significant threat to the species' survival.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 6, 2020
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.

Researchers identify breaking point of conducting material

Researchers at Penn State developed a new method to predict the temperature when plastics change from supple to brittle, which could accelerate the development of flexible electronics. The study found that a simple relationship between chemical structure and glass transition temperature can be used to predict embrittlement point.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2020

New state-of-the-MOF materials

Researchers at Kyoto University have successfully converted crystalline MOFs into glassy or liquid states, demonstrating porosity, ion conductivity, and optical properties. The new materials show promise for heat storage, gas permeation, and catalytic reactions.

SourceKyoto University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 28, 2020

Wine glass size may influence how much you drink in restaurants

A new study from the University of Cambridge found that serving wine in larger glass sizes (370ml) led to increased wine sales, while reducing the size to 250ml resulted in lower sales. The researchers suggest that the perception of a 'standard' glass size plays a significant role in influencing drinking habits.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAddiction·DateFeb 27, 2020

Laser writing enables practical flat optics and data storage in glass

Researchers have developed a new type of birefringent modification using ultrafast laser direct writing in silica glass, enabling ultra-low loss spatially variant birefringent optical elements. These elements can be used for high power lasers, visible and UV light sources, and even multiplexed data storage.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateFeb 19, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

A quantum of solid

Scientists have isolated and cooled a nanoparticle in a solid, achieving macroscopic quantum control for the first time. By removing thermal energy and isolating the particle from its environment, researchers successfully cooled the glass bead to ultra-cold temperatures near absolute zero.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience·DateJan 30, 2020

Storing data in everyday objects

Scientists create 'DNA of Things' technology, storing 3D-printing instructions and other data in everyday objects like plastic rabbits. The method uses DNA molecules, allowing for secure information transfer and hiding in everyday items like glasses or construction materials.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateDec 9, 2019

A new view for glasses

Researchers at The University of Tokyo introduced a new physical model that predicts the dynamics of glassy materials based solely on their local degree of atomic structural order. This theory greatly improves our understanding of how glassy liquids become more viscous on cooling, with potential applications in manufacturing.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 6, 2019

Molecular vibrations lead to high performance laser

Professor Andrea Armani's team has developed a new laser technology that uses surface Raman lasers with monolayer coatings of siloxane molecules, resulting in improved power consumption and reduced toxicity. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications in communications, diagnostics, and defense.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 2, 2019

Glass from a 3D printer

Using stereolithography, ETH Zurich researchers have created glass objects with intricate structures and pore sizes controlled by UV light intensity. The technique allows for the production of complex glass objects, such as those with different types of glass or combined materials.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 27, 2019
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.

Atoms don't like jumping rope

Physicists at the University of Innsbruck have discovered that mechanical vibrations in glass fibers are responsible for heating individual atoms in nanooptical traps. This finding has important consequences for applications, including improved technology and new fields of physics.

SourceUniversity of Innsbruck·JournalPhysical Review X·DateNov 19, 2019

Flawless films of alumina glass flex without fracturing at room temperature

Researchers demonstrate that thin films of amorphous aluminum oxide glass can be permanently bent and pulled under high stress without breaking. The flawless material's high plasticity is linked to its density, with key criteria needed to identify other ductile oxide glasses.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 14, 2019

Historic shadows in a glass house

Researcher Nora Wendl is re-examining the life and legacy of Edith Farnsworth, a pioneering female physician who commissioned Ludwig Mies van der Rohe to build Farnsworth House. By removing Mies-designed furniture, Wendl aims to showcase Farnsworth's own design vision and challenge traditional narratives of modern architecture.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·DateNov 12, 2019
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.

New study uncovers 'magnetic' memory of European glass eels

Researchers found that European glass eels use their magnetic sense to imprint a memory of current direction in the estuary where they become juveniles. This helps them orient in moving water during migration.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·DateOct 17, 2019

Diamonds are forever: New foundation for nanostructures

Researchers at OIST have fabricated a novel glass and synthetic diamond foundation for tiny structures, offering a low-cost and sustainable alternative to current methods. The new substrate enables the creation of miniscule micro- and nanostructures with minimal waste.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalDiamond and Related Materials·DateSep 17, 2019
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.

The secret strength of gnashing teeth

Gnashing teeth's secret strength lies in the microarchitecture of brittle materials, where adding small defects can increase glass strength 200 times over. Researchers developed two models to describe fracture propagation and contact mechanics, paving the way for stronger ceramics, biomedical implants, and building materials.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalMechanics of Materials·DateSep 10, 2019

Robots need a new philosophy to get a grip

Researchers argue that robots must understand the reason behind their actions to work alongside people safely and effectively. This shift in thinking is necessary as automation increases and human-robot interaction grows.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Machine Intelligence·DateAug 12, 2019
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.

Technologies for the Sixth Generation Cellular Network

Scientists at KIT have developed a promising approach to converting data streams between the terahertz and optical domains using ultra-rapid electro-optical modulators. This technology has the potential to reduce technical complexity of future radio base stations and enable terahertz connections with high data rates.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 25, 2019

Cosmic pearls: Fossil clams in Florida contain evidence of ancient meteorite

Researchers discovered fossil clams in Sarasota County that contained dozens of tiny glass beads, likely originating from an ancient meteorite impact. The beads were found to be microtektites, particles formed by the explosive impact of extraterrestrial debris cooling and recrystallizing before falling back to Earth.

SourceFlorida Museum of Natural History·JournalMeteoritics and Planetary Science·DateJul 22, 2019
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Simple 'smart' glass reveals the future of artificial vision

Researchers at University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a method to create pieces of 'smart' glass that can recognize images using optics and artificial intelligence. The glass uses tiny bubbles and impurities to bend light in specific ways, enabling real-time image recognition without power or sensors.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalPhotonics Research·DateJul 8, 2019

Microscopic glass blowing used to make tiny optical lenses

Scientists create miniature cone-shaped lenses, called axicons, using a new micro glass blowing method. The technique enables the production of robust and low-cost glass axicons with high performance vacuum packaging, suitable for integration into biomedical imaging instruments like optical coherence tomography.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateJun 25, 2019
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.