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Lehigh scientists extend the reach of single crystals

Researchers at Lehigh University have made a breakthrough in creating single crystals from glasses, which could enable the use of disordered materials in high-tech applications like lasers and LEDs. The new method uses a novel heating strategy to convert glass into a single crystal without unwanted crystals forming.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 21, 2016

Google glass meets organs-on-chips

Researchers at Brigham and Women's Hospital developed a wearable device to monitor and control organs-on-chips, a platform for testing drug compounds. The system uses Google Glass for hands-free control and monitoring, enabling high-accuracy predictions of physiological responses.

SourceBrigham and Women's Hospital·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 18, 2016

Experimentation and largest-ever quantum simulation of a disordered system explain quantum many-particle problem

Physicists have successfully simulated a disordered quantum system on the largest supercomputers, providing new insights into the many-particle problem. The researchers used controlled experiments and computer simulations to study the behavior of materials such as high-temperature superconductors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 14, 2016

Tunable windows for privacy, camouflage

Tunable windows can change transparency in under a second using geometry and silver nanowires. The technology is simpler and potentially cheaper than existing methods.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalOptics Letters·DateMar 14, 2016
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.

K-Glass 3 offers users a keyboard to type text

Researchers at KAIST developed K-Glass 3, a smart glasses device with a low-power multicore processor enabling convenient typing and screen pointing. The device features stereo vision and deep-learning algorithms, allowing users to enjoy enhanced AR experiences.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·DateFeb 26, 2016

Solar cells as light as a soap bubble

Researchers at MIT have developed a new approach to making solar cells, resulting in the thinnest and lightest complete solar cells ever made. The new process enables the creation of ultra-thin, flexible solar cells that can be integrated into various materials or surfaces, opening up new possibilities for portable electronic devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalOrganic Electronics·DateFeb 26, 2016

Eternal 5D data storage could record the history of humankind

Scientists at University of Southampton have developed a new form of eternal data storage that can record the history of humankind for billions of years. The technology uses nanostructured glass and can store unprecedented amounts of data, including major documents from human history.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·DateFeb 15, 2016

Graphene leans on glass to advance electronics

Scientists use soda-lime glass to create resilient and high-performing graphene, improving technologies from solar cells to touch screens. The sodium in the glass enhances electron density in the graphene, overcoming challenges in achieving this balance.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 12, 2016

UBC researchers discover new glass technology

Researchers at UBC's Okanagan campus discovered a way to enhance the amount of light coming through glass by coating small pieces with thin layers of metal. This breakthrough may enable integration of electronic capabilities into windows, making them 'smart' and energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 11, 2016
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.

Baby physics

Infants as young as a few months can understand the physical properties of liquids, including loose cohesiveness and changes in shape with movement. This 'naïve physics' knowledge is evident even when faced with unexpected behaviors, such as liquids getting trapped on grids or solids passing through them.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPsychological Science·DateFeb 10, 2016

NASA team demonstrates loading of Swedish 'green' propellant

A NASA team has successfully demonstrated the handling and loading of a new Swedish-developed green propellant that is more powerful than traditional hydrazine. The demonstration marks an important step towards replacing hazardous materials with safer alternatives in space travel.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 4, 2016

Nature Materials: Smallest lattice structure worldwide

Researchers from Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT) have developed the world's smallest lattice structure made of glassy carbon, with struts and braces less than 200 nm in diameter. The structure boasts higher specific strength than most solids and has potential applications as electrodes, filters, or optical components.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 2, 2016

Glass-based ultraviolet absorbers act as 'biological shields'

A special metal oxide glass created by researchers in China can effectively protect living cells and organic dyes from UV radiation damage. The glass uses self-limited nanocrystallization to block damaging ultraviolet rays and has high optical transparency.

SourceOptica·JournalOptical Materials Express·DateJan 20, 2016
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' metallic glue may stick it to soldering and welding

Metallic glue made from nanorods sets at room temperature and requires little pressure to seal, offering high thermal and electrical conductivity. The technology has multiple applications in the electronics industry, potentially replacing traditional solders and thermal grease.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 8, 2016

Tooth fillings of the future may incorporate bioactive glass

Researchers at Oregon State University have made promising findings about the use of bioactive glass in composite tooth fillings, showing a significant reduction in bacterial penetration. The study suggests that bioactive glass could help slow down secondary tooth decay and provide minerals to replace those lost due to tooth decay.

SourceOregon State University·JournalDental Materials·DateDec 22, 2015

Clues on the development of magnetic sensors with pure spin current

A team from Osaka University successfully detected magnetic fluctuations using pure spin current, which can probe spin properties in a sensitive manner without net charge current. This discovery could lead to the development of more efficient and low-energy consumption electronic devices.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 16, 2015

Nanoscale one-way-street for light

Researchers at TU Wien developed a nanoscale device that allows light to propagate in only one direction, breaking the symmetry of traditional optics. By coupling alkali atoms to ultrathin glass fibers, they achieved high transmission rates for light traveling in one direction while blocking it in the other.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review X·DateDec 14, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Telepathology consultations benefit patients in China

A study by UPMC and KingMed Diagnostics researchers found that international telepathology consultations significantly improved patient care in China, altering treatment plans for over half of cases. The consultation service expanded access to pathology expertise, facilitating the diagnosis of rare malignancies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh Schools of the Health Sciences·JournalJournal of Pathology Informatics·DateNov 30, 2015

Watching cement dry could help dental fillings last longer

Researchers have identified 'sweet points' in dental cement where it regains elasticity before hardening, allowing for longer-lasting fillings. This breakthrough could lead to better applications of fillings and easier treatment options for patients.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 9, 2015

Forming glass shapes: Lowering the 'softening temperature' via electric field

Researchers at Lehigh University and the University of Colorado Boulder discovered that an electric field can lower the softening temperature of glass, allowing for significant energy savings in traditional forming approaches. This phenomenon has potential applications in micro- and nano-forming operations and high-precision nanostamping.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 3, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nanoquakes probe new 2-dimensional material

A team of researchers from UC Riverside and the University of Augsburg developed a technique to analyze novel two-dimensional semiconductors by creating high-frequency sound waves on lithium niobate substrates. This allows for the detection of changes in electric properties of the material when illuminated with laser light.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 26, 2015

Microscopic animals inspire innovative glass research

Researchers at the University of Chicago have discovered a new type of glass by studying the properties of microscopic animals, including tardigrades. The team found that these creatures can create glassy molecules under extreme conditions, leading to potential breakthroughs in electronic devices and material science.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 3, 2015

Molten glass 3-D printer produces optically transparent glass

A new additive manufacturing technique prints molten glass at high temperatures to produce strong, optically transparent glass objects. The modular printer allows for customization of the printed glass parts, opening up opportunities for high-value applications in industries such as aerospace.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·Journal3D Printing and Additive Manufacturing·DateAug 25, 2015
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.

Improving insulation materials, down to wetting crossed fibers

Researchers study the behavior of liquids trapped between two parallel fibers, discovering that spreading is controlled by three key parameters: liquid amount, fiber orientation, and distance between them. This insight could lead to cheaper materials with better insulation properties.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateJul 1, 2015

Liquids on fibers -- slipping or flowing?

Researchers at Saarland University have found that liquid films on fibers can slip faster than flow along the fiber, leading to faster droplet formation. The team's study has important implications for designing novel fiber coatings for water harvesting applications.

SourceSaarland University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 1, 2015
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.

Research redefines the properties of faults when rock melts

Geoscientists investigated fault slip processes using friction experiments, revealing the flow properties of frictional melt control fault movement. The study calls for viscoelastic theory over simple Newtonian analyses to describe molten rock along faults.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 30, 2015

Physicists shatter stubborn mystery of how glass forms

Scientists have described the molecular-level process of glass formation, combining two decades-old theories to predict bulk behavior, surface flow, and the elusive glass transition. The new theory has implications for developing nanomaterials with conductive properties and calculating pharmaceutical uptake.

SourceUniversity of Waterloo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 29, 2015

Crossing a critical threshold in optical communications

Scientists from Lehigh University, Japan and Canada demonstrate the 'world's first fully functioning single crystal waveguide in glass' for all-optical data transmission. The breakthrough enables compact and multifunctional photonic integrated circuits with high density of components and opportunities for new technologies.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2015

Martian glass -- window into possible past life

Researchers from Brown University have detected deposits of glass within impact craters on Mars, suggesting that it could preserve signs of life. The study found large glass deposits in several ancient yet well-preserved craters, including Hargraves near Nili Fossae trough.

SourceBrown University·JournalGeology·DateJun 8, 2015
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.

ORNL superhydrophobic glass coating offers clear benefits

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a superhydrophobic glass coating that can be customized to repel water, fog, and dirt, while also suppressing light reflection from glass surfaces. The coating has potential applications in solar panels, lenses, optical instruments, and other products.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateMay 11, 2015

How Rhode Island Hospital used Google Glass to diagnose skin conditions

The study tested Google Glass for real-time dermatological consultations in emergency departments, finding that patients preferred video consultations over phone calls. The device allowed doctors to appreciate the gestalt of skin eruptions and interact with each other remotely, improving diagnosis accuracy.

SourceLifespan·JournalJAMA Dermatology·DateApr 13, 2015

A glass fiber that brings light to a standstill

Researchers have successfully slowed down light to 180 km/h using a glass fiber, allowing for the storage of photons and potentially enabling quantum communication over long distances. This breakthrough technology uses cesium atoms coupled to an ultrathin glass fiber to transfer photon information in a controlled manner.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalOptica·DateApr 8, 2015

Sea sponge anchors are natural models of strength

A team of Brown University engineers found that the unique internal structure of sea sponge spicules contributes to their remarkable anchoring ability. The pattern of decreasing layer thickness from center to edge enhances the spicule's strength and stability, potentially inspiring new engineering designs.

SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Discovery could yield more efficient portable electronics, solar cells

A team of chemists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison has developed a method to precisely order molecules in organic glasses, leading to more efficient and durable portable electronic devices and potentially new generations of solar cells. This breakthrough could result in displays that produce more light using less energy.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 23, 2015
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.

Optical fibers light the way for brain-like computing

Researchers have developed speciality glass optical fibres that can mimic the brain's neural networks and synapses, enabling faster signal transmission speeds and lower power consumption. This breakthrough could pave the way for scalable brain-like computing systems.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMar 10, 2015

Researchers identify process for improving durability of glass

Researchers at UCLA and Université Pierre et Marie Curie identified a method for manufacturing more durable glass that resists temperature variations and aging. This breakthrough could result in stronger materials for various applications, including display screens, fiber optic cables, windows, and cement.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2015

An explosive quartet

Astronomers spot four images of a distant supernova in a massive galaxy cluster, bending light due to gravitational lensing. The discovery provides insights into dark matter's distribution and helps refine estimates of its amount.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015
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.

Untangling DNA with a droplet of water, a pipet and a polymer

Researchers at KU Leuven developed a simple and effective way to untangle DNA using a 'rolling droplet' technique. The method involves injecting genetic material into a droplet of water and dragging it over a glass plate covered with a sticky polymer, resulting in longer and straighter DNA strands that can be studied under a microscope.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 27, 2015

Silver-glass sandwich structure acts as inexpensive color filter

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a technique to transform silver into any color of the rainbow using a 'sandwich-like' structure. By adjusting the glass thickness, different colors can be produced. The filter also acts as an absorber for specific wavelengths, making it suitable for optoelectric devices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Photonics·DateFeb 13, 2015
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.

Is glass a true solid?

Researchers used computer simulations and information theory to study glass's behavior. They discovered that atoms in the glass organize into icosahedral configurations, which increase in size over time, suggesting that glass can become a true solid.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 22, 2015

Glass for battery electrodes

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new glass material that can store more energy than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The vanadate-borate glass exhibits improved charging capacity and stability, paving the way for more efficient electric vehicles and longer-lasting portable electronics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2015
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.

Atoms queue up for quantum computer networks

Scientists at the University of Copenhagen have developed a novel method to measure and control the number of atoms on an ultra-thin glass fiber, with an accuracy of just eight atoms. The technique allows researchers to capture up to 2,500 cesium atoms while minimizing loss, which is crucial for future quantum computer networks.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 5, 2015

Intelligent façades generating electricity, heat and algae biomass

A new EU project, LaWin, aims to develop functional façades and window modules that can generate electricity, heat, and algae biomass. The project, coordinated by Jena University, will create an integrated production process for these innovative materials, with the goal of achieving an unmatched readiness to market.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateDec 22, 2014

NTU Singapore invents smart window that tints and powers itself

Researchers at Nanyang Technological University have developed a self-tinting smart window that requires zero electricity to operate. The window can darken or brighten in response to environmental changes, promising significant savings on cooling and lighting costs.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 16, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Particles, waves and ants

Researchers found that the time spent by a drunken sailor on a square with streetlamps is constant regardless of the lamp density. This effect also applies to light waves in disordered media, rubber balls rolling across a plank, and even ant paths, revealing a universal phenomenon.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2014

Glassy protein solution may cause eyesight deterioration

Researchers at Lund University discover that proteins in the lens of the eye convert from a fluid to a glassy state, leading to reduced mobility and potential cataract formation. This transition may be responsible for age-related long-sightedness.

SourceLund University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 26, 2014
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.

New study shows women have higher risk of injury than men

A new study published in Addiction found that women are at a higher risk of injury from acute alcohol consumption compared to men. The risk increases more rapidly for women, becoming twice the risk to men around 15 drinks and three times the risk around 30 drinks.

SourceWiley·JournalAddiction·DateNov 3, 2014

Two photons strongly coupled by glass fiber

Scientists at Vienna University of Technology have successfully created a strong interaction between two single photons using an ultra-thin glass fiber. This technique enables the creation of maximally entangled photon states required in quantum teleportation and light-transistors for quantum computing.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Photonics·DateNov 2, 2014