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New UTSA study shows wearable technology also contributes to distracted driving

A recent UTSA study found that wearable technology, including Google Glass and smart phones, can cause significant distraction while driving. Despite a perceived marginally reduced risk with wearable devices, the study reveals that texting or using these technologies increases the danger of accidents.

SourceUniversity of Texas at San Antonio·JournalApplied Ergonomics·DateApr 23, 2018

The secret behind a choice cuppa or a perfect pint -- a mathematician

Professor William Lee's research uses mathematical modeling to investigate topics such as Guinness bubbles and filter coffee machines. His work has led to the development of a mathematical model for coffee brewing that can aid machine design, and he is now exploring the link between strength and flavor in espresso.

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·JournalAmerican Journal of Physics·DateApr 13, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Is glass transition driven by thermodynamics?

The study reveals a clear correlation between structural order and dynamics in supercooled liquids, indicating that glass formation is thermodynamic. The researchers found that the link between slow alpha and fast beta modes has a common structural origin, resolving two issues at once.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 26, 2018

Generation of a stable biradical

Chemists at JMU successfully generate solid compounds with twisted boron-boron double bonds, resulting in unusually stable biradicals that can be studied without rushing.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2018

Golden touch: Next-gen optical disk to solve data storage challenge

Scientists have developed a new type of high-capacity optical disk that can hold data securely for over 600 years, addressing the world's data storage problem. The technology enables a significant leap in capacity and lifespan compared to traditional hard disk drives.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 22, 2018
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.

Glass matters

The chemical topology of silica surfaces can significantly impact the effectiveness of various chemical processes, including catalysis, filtration, and nanofabrication. Researchers found that hydrophilic silanol groups attract water molecules, forming a barrier that reactants must overcome to proceed with the desired process.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 12, 2018

So much depends on the velocity of tiny droplets cast upward

Researchers have created a model predicting the velocity and height of jet aerosols produced by bubbles in seawater and sparkling wine. The study found that viscosity is crucial in determining aerosol production, with optimal bubble sizes ranging from 10-20 microns.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Fluids·DateMar 8, 2018

UBC researchers invent new method to create self-tinting windows

Researchers at UBC developed a simple technique to create smart windows with dynamic tinting, reducing energy losses by switching between clear and tinted states. The new method reduces production costs compared to conventional glass windows, making it more feasible for commercial use.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalChem·DateMar 8, 2018

The shapes of water

Researchers at Arizona State University have observed a previously unseen property of water, where it changes from one liquid to another under super-cooling and specific conditions. This phenomenon, known as a liquid-liquid phase transition, was only seen in computer simulations until now.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience·DateMar 8, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Smart glass made better, and cheaper

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new type of smart glass that is more transparent in its transparent state and more reflective in its reflective state. The panels, made from two sheets of plastic separated by a thin cavity, can switch between allowing light in and blocking it out with just the press of a button.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalOptics Express·DateMar 7, 2018

Method to predict drug stability could lead to more effective medicines

Researchers have developed a new method to predict drug stability, which could lead to the creation of more effective medicines. The technique uses optical and mechanical measuring techniques to determine when and how a solid will crystallise, a process that can affect a drug's solubility in water.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry B·DateMar 5, 2018

Clever coating opens door to smart windows

Researchers at RMIT University developed an ultra-thin coating that automatically regulates temperature in buildings, reducing energy consumption and emissions. The self-modifying coating can block heat during summer and retain heat inside when it's cold, leading to significant environmental benefits and financial savings.

SourceRMIT University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 25, 2018

Clocking electrons racing faster than light in glass

Scientists at Tata Institute of Fundamental Research and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory discovered that electrons traveling faster than light in glass live much longer than expected, lasting over 2000 times longer than the exciting laser pulse.

SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Researchers create fiber optic sensors that dissolve in the body

The new bioresorbable optical fiber Bragg gratings can be used to sense pressure at joints or act as tiny probes that can safely reach and assess the heart and other delicate organs. The sensors could also improve laser-based tumor removal techniques by delivering accurate real-time temperature sensing.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 5, 2018

Study sheds light on alternative, more convenient method of cell preservation

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new method of cell preservation using desiccation, which shows promise as an alternative to cryopreservation via liquid nitrogen. The method involves removing water from cells, resulting in a stable solid that can be stored in conventional freezers or refrigerators.

SourceOregon State University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateJan 25, 2018

Physicists have learned to change the wavelength of Tamm plasmons

Researchers from Siberian Federal University and L. V. Kirensky Institute of Physics predicted the structure to control Tamm plasmon wavelength using external fields or heating. They achieved a hybrid Tamm plasmon by incorporating a liquid crystal layer in a multilayer mirror, enabling color change through heating or electrification.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalJournal of the Optical Society of America B·DateJan 24, 2018

Researchers find first evidence of sub-Saharan Africa glassmaking

Archaeologists at Rice University have discovered glass production in sub-Saharan Africa, challenging previous theories about the origins of glass technology. The findings suggest that glass was widely traded across West Africa and had a significant impact on regional dynamics.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of Archaeological Science·DateJan 18, 2018

Gorilla Glass debuts in car windshields

Chemically toughened glass is being explored for use in car windshields, providing strength and durability while reducing weight and cost. This new material has potential applications in wearable electronic devices, hurricane-resistant windows, and pharmaceutical vials.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJan 17, 2018
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)

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

Magnetic liquids improve energy efficiency of buildings

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena developed smart windows that can change light permeability with a button press, while also harnessing solar heat. These 'large-area fluidic windows' offer a cost-effective alternative to traditional air conditioning systems and daylight regulation.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalAdvanced Sustainable Systems·DateJan 17, 2018

Study: Pulsating dissolution found in crystals

German researchers observed pulses of dissolution in dissolving crystals, marked by waves spreading from etch pits and screw dislocations. These findings challenge the long-held assumption that dissolution is a continuous process.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 15, 2018

Physicists build muscle for shape-changing, cell-sized robots

Researchers have developed a robot exoskeleton that can rapidly change its shape in response to chemical or thermal changes, enabling the creation of autonomous micron-scale machines. The graphene-based bimorph technology allows for the production of tiny robots with electronic, photonic and chemical payloads.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 3, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

The origin of water's unusual properties found

Scientists use x-ray lasers to map out water's fluctuations between two liquid states as it cools. Water behaves strangely compared to other substances, with density and specific heat responding oppositely to pressure and temperature changes.

SourceStockholm University·JournalScience·DateDec 21, 2017

Researcher uses Westminster Abbey windows to shine light on glass myth

A team of researchers has found that cathedral glass transitions to a liquid much faster than previously thought, contradicting the long-held myth that it is thicker at the bottom due to viscosity. The discovery could have significant implications for our understanding of glassy materials and their properties.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of the American Ceramic Society·DateDec 18, 2017

Researchers compute their way to the center of the Earth

A team of researchers used JUQUEEN supercomputer to simulate the structure of silicate glasses at ultra-high pressures, gaining insights into the Earth's formation and its impact on our surface. They found that oxygen atoms are more compressible than silicon atoms under high pressure, leading to different glass structures.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 18, 2017
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.

Glass with switchable opacity could improve solar cells and LEDs

Scientists at the University of Pittsburgh developed glass with high levels of haze and light transmittance, making it suitable for improving solar cell efficiency. The glass can be switched from hazy to clear by applying water, potentially leading to cost-effective smart windows.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateDec 11, 2017

Shatter-proof mobile phone screens a step closer with ANU research

ANU researchers have made significant progress in developing shatter-proof mobile phone screens, shedding light on the structure of glass and its resistance to fractures. The study's findings could also inform ways to produce glass suitable for storing nuclear waste more effectively.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 11, 2017
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.

Brittle starfish shows how to make tough ceramics

Researchers discovered a unique process to create highly resistant lenses using calcite nanoparticles, mimicking the brittle starfish's ability to produce super-tough glass. This breakthrough could lead to improved materials for optical lenses, automotive turbochargers, and biomaterial implants.

SourceEuropean Synchrotron Radiation Facility·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2017

Pop the bubbly and hear the quality

Researchers investigated the sounds made by champagne bubbles to determine if they could infer bubble size and ultimately assess wine quality. By analyzing acoustic properties, they found that bubble size distribution can be obtained from simple measurements, potentially aiding in quality assurance testing of sparkling wines.

SourceAcoustical Society of America·DateDec 5, 2017

Deducing the properties of a new form of diamond

Researchers at Clemson University used a simple computer model to calculate the elastic properties of amorphous diamond, a new form of diamond with varying fractions of sp3-bonded carbon. The results show that this new substance retains desirable mechanical properties similar to crystalline diamond.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 30, 2017
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Discovery points the way to better and cheaper transparent conductors

Researchers have identified a factor limiting the conductivity of fluorine doped tin dioxide, a material used in touch screens, solar cells, and energy efficient windows. The discovery could lead to coatings with up to five times higher conductivity, reducing cost and enhancing performance.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 27, 2017

Researchers develop flexible, stretchable photonic devices

Researchers have created a method to make photonic devices that can bend and stretch without damage, using a specialized glass called chalcogenide. These flexible devices could be used in various applications such as skin-mounted monitoring devices, diagnostic systems, or as connectors for electronics.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 8, 2017
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.

Drinking glasses can contain potentially harmful levels of lead and cadmium

Researchers found high levels of lead and cadmium in 139 and 134 cases, respectively, on drinking glass products, including tumblers, beer and wine glasses. The study highlights the need for safer alternatives and greater industry awareness of toxic substances used to decorate glassware.

SourceUniversity of Plymouth·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateNov 5, 2017

Chip-based sensors with incredible sensitivity

Penn State electrical engineers create microchip-based sensors for multiple applications, including motion, temperature, pressure and biochemical sensing, using innovative on-chip glass microspherical shell whispering gallery mode resonators.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 2, 2017
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount

Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.

Making glass invisible: A nanoscience-based disappearing act

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory developed a method to reduce surface reflections from glass surfaces to nearly zero by etching tiny nanoscale features into them. This achievement could enhance solar cell efficiency, improve electronic display use, and support high-power laser applications.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 30, 2017

Understanding how electrons turn to glass

A Japanese team has gained a deeper understanding of the electronic processes guiding liquid-to-glass transitions. By studying an organic metal material with 'frustrated' electrons, they revealed that rapid cooling can create glass-like states similar to conventional glasses.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScience·DateOct 23, 2017

Solution to mysterious behavior of supercooled water

The study reveals that anomalous molecular motions in supercooled water lead to the breakdown of Stokes-Einstein behavior, with regions forming hydrogen bonds heterogeneously. The findings provide insights into the physical implications of this anomaly, which could help explain dynamic behaviors in glassy materials.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 23, 2017
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.

Solid or liquid? Researcher proposes a new definition of glass

A Brazilian scientist proposes a new definition of glass as a non-equilibrium, non-crystalline state of matter that appears solid on a short time scale but relaxes towards the liquid state. This definition challenges traditional views of glass as a solid and highlights its unique properties.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Non-Crystalline Solids·DateOct 19, 2017

Studies of 'amorphous ice' reveal hidden order in glass

A new study reveals that amorphous ice, formed when water is cooled to low temperatures, exhibits a previously undetected internal pattern known as disordered hyperuniformity. This finding may help explain water's unique properties and challenge the definition of glass.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 3, 2017

Unexpected discovery leads to new theory of liquid streaming

Researchers at the University of Houston have made an unexpected discovery that leads to a new theory of liquid streaming. The researchers generated a liquid stream using a pulsed laser and found that gold nanoparticles played a crucial role in creating the phenomenon, which they called acoustic streaming.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 27, 2017
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.

How fingers interact with surfaces

Researchers used high-resolution imaging to monitor finger contact formation with glass and rubber surfaces. Contact area and friction coefficient increased over time, with soft surfaces forming contacts faster due to non-hydration limits.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 25, 2017

New technique accurately digitizes transparent objects

A new imaging technique enables precise digitization of clear objects and their surroundings, useful for movie production, virtual reality, and material design. The method uses a robotic arm to record camera locations and combine photographs with CT scans, allowing for pixel-by-pixel comparison and accurate material properties analysis.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateSep 21, 2017

2017 Science in Society Awards winners announced

The 2017 Science in Society Journalism Awards honored winners for their investigative reports on topics such as the world's most expensive fish, corporate-funded research, and antibiotic resistance. The awards aim to encourage critical work that considers social effects and ethical problems associated with scientific findings.

SourceNational Association of Science Writers·DateSep 8, 2017
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.

Perovskite solar cells go single crystal

Researchers have successfully grown single crystalline films of perovskite CH3NH3PbI3 on electron-collecting substrates, exhibiting excellent photovoltaic properties. The resulting devices achieve high efficiency rates, closing the gap with traditional silicon-based solar cells and offering a promising solution for renewable energy.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateAug 28, 2017

The breaking point

Researchers developed a new theory to understand how cracks propagate, revealing a nonlinear relationship between forces and material response near the crack's edge. This discovery may lead to better understanding of material failures and development of new strategies for protecting the environment.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 23, 2017

The critical point in breaking the glass problem

Researchers from University of Bristol and Johannes Gutenberg Universität Mainz have found a critical point in the glass transition, enabling reconciliation of mutually incompatible interpretations. The study suggests that the thermodynamic and dynamic interpretations are different reflections of the same underlying phenomenon.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review X·DateAug 14, 2017

Lunar dynamo's lifetime extended by at least 1 billion years

Researchers from MIT and Rutgers University found evidence of an active lunar dynamo that generated a magnetic field lasting at least 1 billion years longer than previously thought. The study suggests two possible mechanisms that powered the moon's ancient core, shedding new light on the phenomena that produced the lunar dynamo.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 9, 2017

Smart windows that go from clear to dark in under a minute

The researchers created prototypes of conductive glass with metal ions that spread out over the surface, blocking light in response to electrical current. This technology has the potential to transform homes, businesses, cars, and more by reducing energy consumption and costs.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·DateAug 9, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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

Artificial light from digital devices lessens sleep quality

A new study by University of Houston College of Optometry researchers found that wearing blue-light blocking glasses before bed increased nighttime melatonin levels by 58% compared to non-blocking glasses. Participants reported improved sleep quality, faster falls asleep, and longer sleep durations.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalOphthalmic and Physiological Optics·DateJul 28, 2017

Taking technology to the next level

The CUDOS research group has created compact, mass manufacturable optical circuits by integrating nonlinear glasses with silicon-based material. This breakthrough enables faster data processing and opens up opportunities for miniaturizing photonics devices, from laptops to smartphones.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence for Ultrahigh bandwidth Devices for Optical Systems (CUDOS)·JournalOptica·DateJul 25, 2017

3-D imaging of surface chemistry in confinement

Researchers at EPFL's Laboratory for Fundamental BioPhotonics have developed a microscope that can track three-dimensional spatial changes in molecular structure and chemistry of confined systems. The study reveals a remarkable spread in surface reactivity, even on small portions of a capillary, shedding light on the chemical reactivit...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalScience·DateJul 20, 2017

Miniature technology, big hope for disease detection

Researchers at Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University developed a new printing method to create effective disease detection tools using microfluidic bioassay devices. The device is about the size of a postage stamp and can detect multiple biomarkers for complex diseases like cancer.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·DateJun 30, 2017
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.

Sea sponges stay put with anchors that bend but don't break

Researchers found that the internal structure of sea sponge anchors, known as basalia spicules, allows them to bend up to 2.4 times before breaking, enabling them to securely attach to the seafloor. The study's findings may lead to the development of new materials with similar properties.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJun 22, 2017