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SwRI tackles pre-ignition challenges in hydrogen-fueled engines

Researchers at SwRI have developed a reliable testing methodology to study stochastic pre-ignition in hydrogen-fueled internal combustion engines. The methodology provides insight into lubricant-initiated pre-ignition events and supports further work on mitigation strategies and commercial lubricants.

SwRI’s H2-ICE consortium launches second phase, H2-ICE2

The SwRI H2-ICE2 consortium aims to refine the performance and efficiency of hydrogen internal combustion engine vehicles. The two-year program will test the vehicle's capabilities under various real-world conditions, with a focus on commercial viability.

Extremely low friction thanks to new solid state lubricant

Researchers at TU Wien developed COK-47, a powdery solid substance with remarkable capabilities, by combining organic and inorganic chemistry. In humid environments, the material forms a tribofilm that ensures extremely low friction, making it highly interesting for industry applications.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Revolutionary lubricant prevents friction at high temperatures

Researchers at Virginia Tech have discovered a new solid lubricating mechanism that can reduce friction in machinery at extremely high temperatures. The novel coating has the potential to make components from rockets to semiconductors more safe, durable, and cost-effective.

New cooling system works on gravity instead of electricity

Researchers at KAUST have developed a new cooling system that extracts water from the air using gravity, eliminating the need for electricity. The system can double the rate of water collection compared to alternative technologies and offers significant energy savings.

Plant proteins could be radical alternative to oil-based super lubricants

Researchers from the University of Leeds and international partners have created an oil-free super-lubricant from potato proteins, achieving near zero friction. The material uses natural protein building blocks with a lower carbon footprint, opening doors for sustainable biomedical applications and low-calorie foods.

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Women with breast cancer take sexual health into their own hands

A study published in PLOS ONE found that 35% of women with breast cancer used self-discovered or peer-recommended techniques to enhance their sexual function. These techniques fell into four main domains: pain reduction, intimacy and relationship enhancement, desire and arousal enhancement, and emotional coping.

Sex after menopause doesn’t need to hurt

A comprehensive review reveals that postmenopausal dyspareunia is a common condition with various causes, including lack of estrogen, cancer treatments, and musculoskeletal problems. Effective treatments are available, such as lubricants, vaginal estrogen, and fractional CO2 laser treatments.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

What can we do about all the plastic waste?

Scientists at US national laboratories are developing new chemical recycling methods to make sustainable, high-quality plastic materials. They aim to transform plastic waste into valuable chemicals and reduce plastic pollution, paving the way for a circular economy.

Lubricants for stainless steel

Researchers at the University of Sheffield have discovered that epoxy-functionalized nanoparticles can significantly reduce friction on stainless steel surfaces. The nanoparticles adhere strongly to metal surfaces due to chemical adsorption, leading to a notable reduction in friction. This finding has potential implications for next-ge...

Study opens door to new class of slippery, water-loving surfaces

Researchers developed hydrophilic slipper surfaces that are both extremely slippery and water-attracting, countering conventional wisdom. These SLIC surfaces have potential applications in biomedical technologies and condensers, where they offer anti-fouling properties and improved efficiency.

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.

Understanding friction, the unavoidable enemy

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh unveiled the first visualization of friction at the atomic level, showing that it occurs regardless of surface smoothness. This discovery could lead to better lubricants and materials to minimize friction and wear in machinery.

Chung-Ang university researchers pioneer new way to manipulate microdroplets

Scientists at Chung-Ang University have pioneered a novel method for controlling microdroplet motion on solid surfaces using near-infrared light. This approach allows for more precise control than traditional thermal techniques and opens up new possibilities for applications in microfluidics, drug delivery, and self-cleaning surfaces.

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.

2D nanomaterial MXene: The perfect lubricant

Researchers from TU Wien and international partners discovered MXene's exceptional properties as an ultra-durable dry lubricant, reducing friction to one sixth and withstanding 100,000 movement cycles without issues. Its heat resistance and independence from atmosphere and temperature make it suitable for various industrial applications.

'Climbing droplets' could lead to more efficient water harvesting

Researchers create liquid-lubricant surface that encourages tiny water droplets to move spontaneously into larger droplets, enhancing water harvesting. The 'coarsening droplet phenomenon' facilitates rapid collection of water droplets, clearing surfaces for new condensation.

UH geologists discover powerful 'river of rocks' below Caribbean

A team of researchers from the University of Houston found that the asthenosphere, a hot and softer layer beneath tectonic plates, is flowing vigorously, driving plate motions. This 'river of rocks' has been actively flowing for eight million years, shaping the Earth's surface and influencing earthquakes.

Talc and petroleum jelly among the best lubricants for people wearing PPE

Researchers from Imperial College London found that non-absorptive creams and powders like talcum powder and coconut oil-cocoa butter mixtures are most effective in providing long-lasting skin protection for PPE wearers. These products create a protective layer between skin and PPE, reducing friction and shear injuries.

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.

Fish, seaweed inspire slippery surfaces for ships

A team of researchers from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology and Pohang University of Science and Technology developed a lubricant-infused slip surface to reduce friction in ships. They found that larger open areas lead to a more slippery surface, while lid thickness has little effect on slip.

A novel salvinia-like slippery surface

Researchers develop Salvinia-like slippery surface with stable water/air contact line, exhibiting increased stability against pressure and impact. The surface also enhances the mobility of water drops and reduces hydrodynamic drag.

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.

Keeping things moving

A team of researchers has developed a strategy to produce renewable lubricant base oils from non-food biomass and fatty acids, offering a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional lubricants. The new method uses catalysis to synthesize the base-oils with tunable properties, making them suitable for a wide r...

From lotion to ocean liner

Researchers at RiKarbon create a bio-based oil from plant scraps and natural oils to replace petroleum-based products in cosmetics, lubricants, and renewable energy. This eco-friendly oil reduces carbon footprint and minimizes pressure on petroleum resources, offering a sustainable solution for industries.

Nanodiamonds are forever

The Argonne team discovered that sulfur diffusion breaks down nanodiamonds into onion-like carbon, creating a superlubricant with friction 10 times lower than some nonstick coatings. The new lubricant can be used in various industries, including wind turbines and magnetic disc drives.

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.

Bioinspired slick method improves water harvesting

Scientists at UT Dallas created a surface that can capture and direct water droplets from fog and air vapor, rapidly directing them into reservoirs via lubricated microgrooves. The 'hydrophilic directional slippery rough surfaces' (SRS) use hydroxy functional groups to efficiently capture water droplets.

Help from the stomach for dry eyes

Researchers have developed a new contact lens coating made from a molecule found in pig stomach mucus, which can prevent tissue damage caused by dry eyes. The coating is long-term protective and requires no repeated applications, offering an alternative to existing hyaluronic acid products.

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.

Argonne technology wins 2016 TechConnect National Innovation Award

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a graphene-nanodiamond lubricant that reduces friction to nearly zero, allowing for increased efficiency and reduced wear in industries such as wind turbines and computer hard disks. The technology has shown promise in reducing friction by six times and wear by ten thousand time...

Computer simulation discloses new effect of cavitation

Researchers discovered a new formation mechanism of cavitation bubbles by simulating the influence of oil-repellent and oil-attracting surfaces on passing oil flows. The study found that alternating surface properties can lead to cavitation, which may have both positive and negative effects on materials.

Leaving on a biofueled jet plane

Researchers at EBI create a new process to produce drop-in aviation biofuels with superior cold-flow properties, density and viscosity. The process yields jet fuel or lubricant base oils with up to 80-percent net life-cycle greenhouse gas savings.

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.

Using nature as a model for low-friction bearings

Researchers developed a low-friction two-component lubricant inspired by biological lubrication, achieving a 90% reduction in friction compared to traditional polymer brushes. The new process has potential applications in piston systems, axle bearings, and hinges.

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.

Water is no lubricant

Researchers used the Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometer to examine the role of water in single olivine crystals at the near-atomic scale. The study found that water has a much lower effect on the mechanical weakening of olivine, challenging earlier concepts about its lubricating properties.

New design could improve condenser performance

Researchers at MIT have developed a new surface architecture that significantly improves the performance of condensers, turning steam back into water in powerplants. The design boosts hydrophobic surfaces, allowing droplets to move 10,000 times faster and increasing efficiency.

Study examines effect of water-based and silicon-based lubricant

Researchers at Indiana University found that using lubricant during sex significantly increases women's ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction. The study also showed that water-based lubricants are associated with lower rates of genital pain and fewer genital symptoms overall.

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.

IRMA: Research on lubricant safety very past due

New research from the Microbicide Trials Network indicates that some lubricants have toxic effects on cells and rectal tissue. The study's findings support IRMA's calls for safer lubricant options, emphasizing the importance of condom use with compatible lubricants to prevent HIV transmission.

Use of lubricants with anal sex could increase risk of HIV

Research suggests that using lubricants during receptive anal intercourse can increase the risk of rectal sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV. A study involving nearly 900 men and women found that those who used lubricants were three times more likely to have a rectal STI.

Green industrial lubricant developed

A team of researchers has developed an environmentally-friendly lubricating grease based on ricin oil and cellulose derivatives, providing a 100% biodegradable alternative to traditional industrial lubricants. The new formula offers improved environmental performance and is easier to process than conventional greases.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Researchers discover inhibitor of infection by HPV

Researchers have discovered a potent inhibitor of HPV infection in the compound carrageenan, found in sexual lubricants and baby food. The study suggests that carrageenan could be effective in preventing HPV-related genital disease, complementing existing vaccines and treatments.

Additives may save energy for cooling big buildings

Researchers at NIST have developed a method to improve the efficiency of water chillers in large commercial buildings. By adding small amounts of oil additives to refrigerants, they claim to increase cooling capacity similar to a heat pump.

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.

Tiny machines need even tinier lubricants

Researchers have found that alcohols, which are not typically considered good lubricants, can work effectively in tiny machines. The discovery could lead to the development of gas-delivered liquid thin films that regenerate sensors and allow recycling of air bag mechanisms, improving efficiency and reducing power dissipation.

Cooking oils boost low sulfur diesel fuel and engine lubricant performance

Researchers at Penn State have discovered that adding as little as 10% vegetable oil to diesel fuel reduces friction and wear, achieving similar performance to high-sulfur diesel. The team's tests also showed that oxygen-treated vegetable oil mixtures can meet current emission regulations with minimal oil usage.

Better metal forming: Magnetic pulses 'bump' metal into shape

Researchers at Ohio State University have created a new method for shaping metal using magnetism, eliminating the need for industrial lubricants. The 'bump forming' technique increases the depth of metal parts by up to 47% while reducing production costs and environmental impact.