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How ticks get a proper foothold

Ticks use specialized pads on their feet to adhere to surfaces, allowing them to walk and search for prey on humans and animals. Their attachment mechanism is reversible and can be folded and unfolded like an accordion.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateJun 19, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers find glass eels use internal compass to find their way home

Glass eel larvae can sense Earth's magnetic field and orient themselves using a biological clock, allowing them to migrate towards the coast. This study sheds light on the mechanisms of eel migration and has implications for our understanding of other species' navigation behaviors.

SourceUniversity of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 12, 2017

New form of carbon that's hard as a rock, yet elastic, like rubber

Researchers created a new form of ultrastrong, lightweight carbon by pressurizing and heating glassy carbon to extreme temperatures. This material has unique properties that make it suitable for various applications, including aerospace engineering and military armor.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalScience Advances·DateJun 9, 2017

Breaking glass in infinite dimensions

A team of researchers, led by Sho Yaida, have found a phase transition in glasses using infinite-dimensional calculations. This discovery could significantly change the properties of glasses at low temperatures, affecting their response to heat, sound and stress.

SourceDuke University·DateMay 30, 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.

Atomic structure of irradiated materials is more akin to liquid than glass

Researchers discover that irradiation-induced disordering in materials differs from vitrification, leading to a more disordered atomic network resembling liquids. This finding has significant implications for material selection in nuclear applications and raises safety concerns.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 23, 2017

Penn researchers quantify the changes that lightning inspires in rock

Researchers at Penn University studied the effects of a lightning strike on granite rock, using X-ray diffraction analysis to determine the mineral content and temperature. The study found that the rock was raised from ambient temperatures to at least 1,700 degrees Celsius, with organic material trapped in the glass layer.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateApr 26, 2017

Nature: 3-D-printing of glass now possible

Scientists at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed a process for 3D-printing glass using stereolithography. The method creates high-purity quartz glass structures with resolutions as low as a few micrometers, enabling complex forms and applications in data technology, biological and medical technologies.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature·DateApr 21, 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.

Making batteries from waste glass bottles

Researchers at UCR's Bourns College of Engineering turned waste glass bottles into nanosilicon anodes for high-performance lithium-ion batteries. The new battery technology stores more energy, charges faster, and is more stable than commercial coin cell batteries.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 19, 2017

How some battery materials expand without cracking

Scientists found that certain electrode materials can accommodate large volume changes by transforming into a glassy phase, making them less prone to cracking. This discovery could lead to the development of longer-lived and higher-capacity batteries.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 12, 2017

Long-awaited rescue for valuable silk tunic

A team of experts led by Prof. Sabine Schrenk and Ulrike Reichert restored a centuries-old silk tunic attributed to Saint Ambrose, freeing it from its heavy glass pane in Milan. The silk fabric was preserved using a custom-made sandwich of wood, glass, and silk tunic.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·DateApr 11, 2017

Innovative sensor can screen toxic drugs, help develop biomaterials, and much more

UCR researchers developed an inexpensive sensor that can weigh microgram-sized biological samples in fluids, expanding applications in toxicity research, plant sciences, and biomaterials engineering. The sensor uses a simple glass tube and off-the-shelf electronics to measure mass, volume, and density of tiny samples.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalPLOS ONE·DateApr 5, 2017

Researchers make flexible glass for tiny medical devices

Brigham Young University researchers have created flexible glass membranes that can bend and flex at the nanoscale. These membranes will enable lab-on-a-chip devices to move small biological particles like proteins, viruses, and DNA, leading to more accurate and rapid disease diagnosis.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 23, 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.

Rice lab expands palette for color-changing glass

Researchers from Rice University's Laboratory for Nanophotonics create electrochromic glass that can change color at low voltages and has a multicolor palette. The glass uses perylene molecules and can produce different colors depending on the applied voltage.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 8, 2017

Scientists develop spectacles for X-ray lasers

Researchers at DESY developed tailor-made corrective glasses to concentrate X-ray beams stronger than ever before. The lenses improved focus by three-quarters and reduced scattered light, enabling more precise measurements and new applications.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 1, 2017

New 'tougher-than-metal' fiber-reinforced hydrogels

Scientists at Hokkaido University have created 'fiber-reinforced soft composites' that combine the flexibility of hydrogels with the strength of glass fibers. These materials are 5 times tougher than carbon steel, making them suitable for various applications such as artificial ligaments and tendons.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 23, 2017
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 find new clues for nuclear waste cleanup

A Washington State University study has improved understanding of challenging nuclear waste by analyzing the chemistry of technetium-99. The research could lead to better cleanup methods, particularly addressing difficult plutonium byproducts.

SourceWashington State University·JournalInorganic Chemistry·DateFeb 23, 2017

Big improvement to brain-computer interface

Researchers at San Diego State University have developed glassy carbon electrodes that transmit more robust signals to restore motion in people with damaged spinal cords. This innovation improves durability and signal quality, enabling better motor function restoration.

SourceSan Diego State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 16, 2017

A new platform to study graphene's electronic properties

Scientists used a new spectroscopic platform to study graphene's electronic properties, revealing a unique energy structure with two cones resembling a sandglass. This discovery could promote future research on stable quantum measurements for new 2D electronics.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 13, 2017

NASA advances first-ever silicon-based X-ray optic

NASA scientist William Zhang has developed a technique to manufacture lightweight, high-resolution X-ray mirrors using single-crystal silicon, reducing costs and improving resolution. The new technology addresses performance goals that have long been unmet in the field of X-ray optics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 7, 2017
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.

Micro-bubbles and frequency combs

Researchers create a frequency comb in the visible spectrum using a micro-bubble resonator, enabling precise optical measurements with low power consumption. The device has potential applications in medical science and optics research.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalOptics Letters·DateJan 30, 2017

Zeroing in on the true nature of fluids within nanocapillaries

A group of researchers at the French National Center for Scientific Research discovered a peculiar state of miscible fluids contained within nanochannels. This phenomenon, known as 'microphase separation,' reveals that binary fluids can form unique homogenous liquid phases only at the microscopic scale.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJan 10, 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.

Water: Finding the normal within the weird

Researchers have figured out a way to study supercooled water in a deeply supercooled range, finding that liquid water can exist all the way down to subzero temperatures. They used a new technique to rapidly heat and cool nanoscale supercooled water films with a laser.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 13, 2016

A nano-roundabout for light

Researchers at Vienna University of Technology have created a nano-roundabout for light signals using an atomic switch, allowing for precise control over the direction of circulation. The system utilizes a bottle resonator and a single rubidium atom to break symmetry and define traffic rules.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2016

Applicability of dynamic facilitation theory to binary hard disk systems

A team of scientists used numerical methods to investigate the glass transition behavior of binary mixtures under supercompressed conditions. They found that the dynamic facilitation theory correctly predicted the relaxation dynamics in these systems, supporting its applicability to hard disk systems at high pressure.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 7, 2016
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.

Model could shatter a mystery of glass

Princeton University researchers have developed a new model that creates a 'perfect glass' that never crystallizes, even at absolute zero. The model considers 2-, 3-, and 4-body interactions to suppress crystallization, revealing unique properties of perfect glasses.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 28, 2016

Lehigh scientists fabricate a new class of crystalline solid

Researchers at Lehigh University have created a new type of synthetic single crystal and bio-inspired materials with unique electronic and optical properties. The team used a subtle laser heating technique to induce atoms to assemble into a rotating lattice without affecting the macroscopic shape of the solid.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 3, 2016

Learning Morse code without trying

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology developed a system that teaches people Morse code in four hours using vibrations felt near the ear. Participants were 94% accurate keying a sentence and 98% accurate writing codes for every letter, even while playing games and feeling the taps without paying attention.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·DateOct 27, 2016

Controlling ultrasound with 3-D printed devices

Researchers have developed a new 3-D printed device that can harness high-pressure ultrasound to manipulate tiny objects like particles, drops or biological tissue. This control enables precise applications in surgery, material analysis and scientific research.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateOct 25, 2016
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.

Graphene cracks the glass corrosion problem

Researchers have demonstrated graphene coating can protect glass from corrosion, preserving transparency and strength. The graphene coating prevents the adsorption of water on the glass surface, reducing dissolution of silicate structures.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 18, 2016

Other people are less attention-grabbing to the wealthy

Research shows that people from higher social classes tend to spend less time looking at others compared to those from lower social classes, a difference rooted in spontaneous cognitive processes. This finding suggests that social class affects how relevant others are to us in terms of our own goals and motivations.

SourceAssociation for Psychological Science·JournalPsychological Science·DateOct 18, 2016
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.

Comet hit Earth during ancient warm period, glassy spherules suggest

Scientists have discovered silicate glass spherules at the Paleocene-Eocene boundary that suggest a comet impact occurred during this time period. The results provide direct evidence for an extraterrestrial impact on Earth, which may have contributed to the observed global warming event.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateOct 13, 2016

Super cement's secret

Scientists create a unique cement semiconductor by introducing electron anions, which transforms its properties from insulator to transparent conductor. The material's glass equivalent has a lower glass transition temperature, allowing for greater control over the formation process.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 29, 2016

Lehigh engineer discovers a high-speed nano-avalanche

Researchers at Lehigh University have discovered a high-speed nano-avalanche in glass, which can lead to more energy-efficient manufacturing and applications. The phenomenon involves transformations in glass under intense electrical and thermal conditions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateAug 24, 2016
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.

Study shows wood windows are cooler than glass

A new study reveals that transparent wood windows provide better thermal insulation and consistent natural lighting than glass, eliminating glare. The material's channels direct sunlight through the wood, creating a uniform indoor lighting experience.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateAug 16, 2016

Your brain on Google Glass

Researchers at Drexel University used functional near-infrared spectroscopy to measure brain activity while participants navigated a college campus with Google Glass. They found that users had higher situation awareness and lower mental workload than those using an iPhone, but also experienced cognitive tunneling.

SourceDrexel University·JournalFrontiers in Human Neuroscience·DateAug 11, 2016

Optical magnetic field sensor can detect signals from the nervous system

Researchers have developed an optical magnetic field sensor that can detect ultra-small magnetic fields from the nervous system. The sensor uses a gas of caesium atoms and measures electrical impulses without contact, offering new possibilities for medical diagnoses.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateJul 15, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Stem cell treatment for Lou Gehrig's disease may be safe

Researchers found that transplanting human stem cells into the spinal cord was done safely, but did not slow down the progression of the disease. The treatment resulted in temporary side effects, including pain and swelling, but no conclusive evidence of effectiveness was found.

SourceAmerican Academy of Neurology·JournalNeurology·DateJun 29, 2016

Wearable technology gets good ratings from plastic surgeons

A recent study published in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery found that plastic surgeons gave high ratings to Google Glass for comfort and overall satisfaction, with average scores of nearly four out of five for photo and video quality. However, some limitations were noted, including difficulties with capturing images during surgery.

SourceWolters Kluwer Health·JournalPlastic & Reconstructive Surgery·DateJun 29, 2016
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.

Decoding the glass 'genome' contributes to new functional materials

Researchers developed a way to predict glass compositions and their properties, enabling faster development of new products such as lighter windows for more fuel-efficient cars. The 'glass genome' model uses computer simulations to explore possible combinations of materials, optimizing them for industrial production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJun 22, 2016

Glass now has smart potential

Australian researchers have developed a method to embed light-emitting nanoparticles into glass without losing their properties. The new 'hybrid glass' combines nanoparticles' luminescence with glass' transparency and versatility, opening up possibilities for ultra-high-tech applications like biological sensing and 3D displays.

SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateJun 7, 2016

Nanocars taken for a rough ride

Researchers at Rice University tested nanocars in ambient conditions, finding they stuck to surfaces due to hydrophobicity. The vehicles slowed down as molecules absorbed from the air created obstacles that acted like sticky foam, eventually trapping them.

SourceRice University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateJun 1, 2016

Spin glass physics with trapped ions

Researchers demonstrate how state-of-the-art quantum simulations with trapped ions can be used to solve complex problems like number-partitioning. By applying a strategy known as quantum annealing, they show a faster solution than other methods.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 27, 2016

MIT course challenges students to reinvent 3-D printing

A recent MIT course has successfully challenged students to redesign the fundamentals of 3-D printing, leading to innovative projects such as printing custom jewelry, cable organizers, and even molten glass. The course's outcomes have also led to patents and entrepreneurial efforts, accelerating innovation in design and manufacturing.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateMay 11, 2016
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.

The art -- and science -- behind treasured Japanese porcelain

Researchers have created a simple process for producing high-quality red paints in traditional Japanese-style ceramics like akae. By mixing hematite, frit powder, and a solvent three times with a mortar and pestle, artisans can now easily replicate the distinctive color of these prized ceramics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 4, 2016

New fabrication and thermo-optical tuning of whispering gallery microlasers

Scientists at OIST have developed a new method to fabricate glass microlasers, called whispering gallery microlasers, which are tiny optical devices that create intense light with one color or wavelength. The new technique allows for quick and easy fabrication of smaller devices for biosensing and optical communications.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 3, 2016

Researchers develop magnifying smartphone screen app for visually impaired

A new smartphone application allows users to control a magnified screen projected onto Google Glass using head movements, improving navigation and orientation. The technology has shown a 28% reduction in trial time compared to conventional manual scrolling.

SourceMass Eye and Ear·JournalIEEE Transactions on Neural Systems and Rehabilitation Engineering·DateApr 22, 2016

What screens are made of: New twists (and bends) in LCD research

Scientists have discovered a tightly wound spiral molecular arrangement in liquid crystals, which could improve LCD performance and help unravel its formation. The study uses a pioneering X-ray technique to confirm the twisted structure, revealing unusual optical properties that warrant further research.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 18, 2016

Coding and computers help spot methane, explosives

Researchers at Duke University have developed a new technology using coded apertures to improve the performance of mass spectrometers, enabling portable devices to detect environmental hazards in the field. The innovation could lead to miniaturized mass spectrometers for detecting trace amounts of methane and explosives.

SourceDuke University·JournalJournal of Mass Spectrometry·DateApr 14, 2016
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.

Voice-controlled nutrition tracker may aid weight loss

A new web-based prototype of a speech-controlled nutrition-logging system has been developed to make meal logging easier. The system allows users to verbally describe the contents of a meal, and automatically retrieves pertinent nutritional data from an online database.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·DateMar 24, 2016