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Researchers create distortion-resistant energy materials to improve lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at Tohoku University's Advanced Institute for Materials Research developed distortion-resistant energy materials for lithium-ion batteries, improving efficacy and cost-effectiveness. The cathode design utilizes 'interfacial orbital engineering' to neutralize Jahn-Teller distortions, achieving near-perfect cycling stability.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateFeb 25, 2026
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.

Manganese gets its moment as a potential fuel cell catalyst

Researchers at Yale and Missouri developed manganese-based catalysts that effectively convert carbon dioxide into formate, a potential key contributor of hydrogen for fuel cells. This breakthrough addresses the challenge of producing cost-efficient ways to produce and store hydrogen.

SourceYale University·JournalChem·DateJan 8, 2026

Climate-friendly metals from deep-sea ores

Researchers at Max Planck Institute present efficient and low-CO2 process to extract copper, nickel, and cobalt from deep-sea ore nodules. The method generates significantly less waste and deforestation compared to traditional land-based mining.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2025

Manganese is Lyme disease’s double-edge sword

Researchers have discovered that manganese is both an armor and a weakness for the Lyme disease bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. Exploiting this vulnerability could lead to new therapeutic strategies for treating the disease.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 13, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Common metal, unusual power

A novel manganese(I) complex has been developed, combining a record-breaking excited-state lifetime with simple synthesis, offering a powerful and sustainable alternative to noble metal complexes. The complex exhibits strong absorption and overcomes the challenges of tedious synthesis and short lifetimes of excited states.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 27, 2025

BESSY II: Building block of the catalyst for oxygen formation in photosynthesis reproduced

Researchers at HZB and HU Berlin have discovered a high-spin manganese centre, crucial for molecular oxygen formation in natural photosynthesis. The discovery, made possible by BESSY II's unique experimental capabilities, sheds light on the complex process of photosynthesis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 20, 2025
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.

Biotin may shield brain from manganese-induced damage, study finds

Researchers found that biotin supplementation reverses neurotoxicity in human nerve cells, improving mitochondrial function and reducing cell loss. Biotin metabolism was identified as a modifier of manganese-induced neurodegeneration, offering potential therapeutic strategy for Parkinson's disease

SourceUniversity of Rochester Medical Center·JournalScience Signaling·DateJan 21, 2025

Mechanism of cobalt-manganese catalysts deciphered

Researchers deciphered the role of manganese in cobalt-manganese catalysts, which have a high activity and stability over time. The catalysts' surface transforms during the reaction, with manganese dissolving and redepositing, leading to improved performance.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateOct 16, 2024
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.

Manganese cathodes could boost lithium-ion batteries

Researchers at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have developed a new process for creating manganese-based cathodes that can store and deliver energy efficiently. This breakthrough could lead to more sustainable and cost-effective lithium-ion batteries.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateSep 25, 2024

Rare earth single atoms enhance manganese oxide's electrochemical oxygen evolution

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a novel approach to enhance the efficiency of the oxygen evolution reaction by introducing rare earth single atoms into manganese oxide. This leads to unprecedented improvements in OER performance, making it a suitable alternative to traditional catalysts like ruthenium dioxide.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalNano Energy·DateAug 28, 2024

New approach to identifying altermagnetic materials

Researchers developed a new method to identify altermagnets using X-ray magnetic circular dichroism (XMCD) and theoretically predicted its fingerprint. The approach was successfully applied to manganese telluride (α-MnTe), revealing the material's hidden fingerprint of altermagnetism, which could accelerate spintronics applications.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 14, 2024

Tracking down toxic metals from tobacco smoke

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory identified 28 trace metals in secondhand and thirdhand tobacco smoke, including cadmium, arsenic, and chromium. The study found that the predicted indoor air concentration for these metals exceeded California's cancer risk guidelines, highlighting the need to understand their contrib...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 21, 2024
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.

New findings point to an Earth-like environment on ancient Mars

Research team finds evidence of habitable conditions on ancient Mars using ChemCam instrument on NASA's Curiosity rover, highlighting the presence of manganese-rich sandstones and a shoreline deposit. The discovery suggests larger processes occurred in the Martian atmosphere or surface water, pointing to the need for further study.

SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeImaging analysis·DateMay 1, 2024

Longer-lasting and more sustainable green hydrogen production

Researchers at RIKEN have improved the stability of a green hydrogen production process by using a custom-made catalyst, increasing its lifetime by almost 4,000 times. The breakthrough uses earth-abundant materials, making it more sustainable and potentially cost-effective for widespread industrial use.

SourceRIKEN·JournalNature Catalysis·DateApr 26, 2024

Critical minerals recovery from electronic waste

Researchers at PNNL have developed a simple, water-based solution to separate and purify rare earth elements from e-waste. The new process uses the unique properties of metals to form solids at different rates, resulting in nearly pure minerals recovered in hours rather than days.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalRSC Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2024
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.

USTC develops rechargeable, non-aqueous manganese metal battery

The USTC team created a rechargeable, non-aqueous manganese metal battery with halogen-mediated electrolyte, achieving high Coulombic and Faraday efficiencies. The battery demonstrated stable cycling for over 700 hours and showed excellent multiplicity performance.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalJoule·DateMar 15, 2024

Molecular manganese complex as superphotooxidant

Scientists have created a new molecular system based on manganese that can oxidize various organic substrates and emit NIR-II light after excitation. The complex has two different photoactive states, one of which is extremely oxidizing and exists only briefly, while the other is moderately oxidizing and longer-lived.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Chemistry·DateFeb 9, 2024

BESSY II: Local variations in the atomic structure of High-Entropy Alloys

A new study at BESSY II has provided deeper insights into the ordering processes and diffusion phenomena in High-Entropy Alloys. The team analysed samples of a Cantor alloy, revealing local atomic structures using element-specific EXAFS and Reverse Monte Carlo analysis.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2024
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.

New recipe for efficient, environmentally friendly battery recycling

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new method for recycling metals from spent electric car batteries using oxalic acid. The method allows for the recovery of 100% of aluminum and 98% of lithium, minimizing waste and utilizing an environmentally friendly ingredient.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalSeparation and Purification Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 17, 2023

Novel battery technology with negligible voltage decay developed at CityU, a world’s first

A breakthrough in battery technology has been achieved by City University of Hong Kong, overcoming the persistent challenge of voltage decay in lithium-ion batteries. The new development stabilises a unique honeycomb-like structure within the cathode material, resulting in longer-lasting and more efficient batteries.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2023

It's easier to get valuable metals from battery waste if you ‘flash’ it

Researchers at Rice University have developed a high-yield, low-cost method for reclaiming metals directly from mixed battery waste. The new process uses the 'flash' technique to separate critical metals, reducing energy and acid consumption by up to 100-fold and lowering carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 27, 2023

Massachusetts drinking water may contain unsafe levels of manganese

A new study found that manganese concentrations in a Massachusetts community's drinking water often exceeded recommended guidelines, posing a risk to children and vulnerable communities. The study suggests the need for an enforceable primary drinking water standard for manganese to better protect public health.

SourceBoston University School of Public Health·JournalJournal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology·TypeCase study·DateJul 10, 2023
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.

XFELs show the final milliseconds of oxygen formation

Researchers have visualized the crucial final step of oxygen formation in Photosystem II, a protein complex that powers photosynthesis. The study provides new insights into the interaction between the protein environment and the Mn/Ca cluster, shedding light on the mechanism behind water-splitting and oxygen production.

SourceUppsala University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2023

Manganese in Central Valley water threatens fetuses and children

A UC Riverside-led study finds nearly half of domestic well water users in the Central Valley live in disadvantaged communities with high manganese contamination rates. The highest concentrations are found in private, untreated well water systems, posing health risks to fetuses and children.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateApr 5, 2023

New biosensor reveals activity of elusive metal that’s essential for life

A new biosensor developed by Penn State researchers offers dynamic insights into manganese's role in biological systems, opening doors to new research applications. The sensor's capabilities may lead to breakthroughs in understanding photosynthesis, host-pathogen interactions, and neurobiology.

SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 9, 2023
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Chung-Ang University researchers fabricate novel flexible supercapacitors on paper

Chung-Ang University researchers develop a novel flexible supercapacitor platform with vertically integrated gold electrodes in a single sheet of paper. The design shows low electrical resistance, high foldability, and good mechanical strength, making it suitable for wearable devices.

SourceChung Ang University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 6, 2023

New models shed light on life’s origin

Researchers studied lithospheric fluids billions of years ago to infer the presence of metals that could have supported life. Manganese was found to be a likely candidate, while copper was not detected in high concentrations. The study provides new insights into the origin of life and will inform future experiments.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalScience·DateFeb 10, 2023

Tailor-made metal complexes for medical diagnostics and therapy

Researchers at Heidelberg University developed tailor-made metal complexes with exceptional stability, suitable for use in medical imaging and potential applications in personalized precision medicine. The complexes exhibit improved MRI efficiency compared to existing substances.

SourceHeidelberg University·JournalJACS·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 6, 2023

Nanoplastics unexpectedly produce reactive oxidizing species when exposed to light

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis found that nanoplastics from polystyrene can produce reactive oxygen species when exposed to light, which can harm wildlife and the aquatic ecosystem. The study suggests that smaller particle sizes of nanoplastics may be more reactive and decompose faster under light.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2023

Experimentalists: Sorry, no oxygen required to make these minerals on Mars

Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis found that manganese oxides can be formed without atmospheric oxygen under Mars-like conditions. The study, published in Nature Geoscience, used kinetic modeling to show that halogens like chlorate and bromate can convert manganese into minerals thousands of times faster than by oxygen.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 22, 2022
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.

From cell walls to photosynthesis: How does manganese get to where it needs to go in plants?

A team of researchers from Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg has discovered a transport pathway for manganese in plants and the role that BICAT3 plays in this process. The protein is responsible for transporting manganese to where it needs to go in plant cells, leading to improved crop growth.

SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalPLANT PHYSIOLOGY·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2022

High entropy alloys: Structural disorder and magnetic properties

Researchers probed local structure and magnetic properties of a Mn-rich Cantor alloy using EXAFS and XMCD techniques. The results show complex magnetic ordering with coexistence of different phases, consistent with macroscopic behavior.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2022
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.

Green hydrogen: Faster progress with modern X-ray sources

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin for Materials and Energy are utilizing X-ray absorption spectroscopy to investigate oxygen evolution in electrocatalysis. This study aims to improve the efficiency of green hydrogen production by developing more stable and cost-effective catalysts.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2022

This new, more sustainable method for recycling lithium-ion batteries could help meet electric vehicle demand

Researchers at University of Toronto Engineering use supercritical carbon dioxide to recover lithium, cobalt, nickel and manganese from end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. The process matches conventional extraction efficiency while using fewer chemicals and generating less secondary waste.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·DateOct 5, 2022

Study shows potential of Southern cattail for phytoremediation of areas contaminated by mine tailings

Researchers found that the Southern cattail plant can scavenge up to 34 times more manganese from contaminated soil than other plants. The study suggests its potential for sustainable rehabilitation of areas affected by iron mine tailings, demonstrating its high efficiency in phytoremediation.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateSep 15, 2022

Arctic mercury levels drop during the depths of the winter

Researchers found a 33% drop in total mercury concentrations in the Barents Sea during the polar night, attributed to a scavenging process involving manganese particles. This decrease in surface levels may lead to increased toxic mercury formation in sediments and potentially more methylmercury in Arctic food webs.

SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2022
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.

Understanding how rechargeable aqueous zinc batteries work

A team of scientists from the University of Illinois Chicago discovered that hydrogen ions, not zinc, cause damage to manganese dioxide in rechargeable aqueous zinc-manganese batteries. This finding challenges existing knowledge about the charging mechanism and opens up new strategies for improving battery sustainability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Towards High-Quality Manganese Oxide Catalysts with Large Surface Areas

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a novel synthesis procedure to produce high-quality manganese oxide nanoparticles with large surface areas. The new approach enables the creation of ultra-small nanoparticles with excellent catalytic performance, outperforming previously reported methods.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2022

Process to customize molecules does double duty

Researchers at Rice University have developed a chemical process that can add two distinct functional groups to single alkenes, a breakthrough in drug design and materials science. The process uses manganese catalysts and photocalysts to enable radical ligand transfer, allowing for the creation of unique molecules.

SourceRice University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022

Smog clears on car exhaust catalyst design

Researchers at KAUST developed a new exhaust catalyst concept that can effectively remove NOx from vehicle emissions, resolving an ongoing debate over additive atoms in the catalyst mix. The team identified the ideal atomic recipe to catalytically remove NOx from diesel car tailpipes.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2022
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.

The material that could save industries heat

Scientists at Tohoku University have discovered a compound that can reversibly store and release large amounts of low-grade heat. The birnessite-type layered manganese dioxide with crystal water compound has shown better performance compared to other compounds for heat storage purposes.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 4, 2022

Aquatic plants can be effective in removing contamination of estuary by iron mine tailings, study shows

Researchers found that T. domingensis absorbed more iron than H. tiliaceus, making it a promising phytoremediation technique for rehabilitating contaminated water and soil. The study's findings could help mitigate the environmental damage caused by the 2015 iron mine tailings dam disaster in Brazil.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateMar 31, 2022

Construction workers at risk of unintentionally exposing families to multiple toxic metals

A new study reveals that construction workers are at high risk of tracking multiple toxic metals into their homes, including arsenic, chromium, and lead. The study found a range of factors, such as lack of work lockers and poor hygiene practices, can impact metal concentrations in home dust.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalEnvironmental Research·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 18, 2022

New meta-analysis explores potential environmental causes of ALS disease

A new meta-analysis of available literature on ALS disease has identified a group of seven environmental chemicals as correlates with increased risk of developing ALS. Exposure to these chemicals, including BMAA and heavy metals, may be contributing to the disease burden in certain regions.

SourceArizona State University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 25, 2022
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.

Stretchy, washable battery brings wearable devices closer to reality

Researchers at the University of British Columbia have developed a flexible and washable battery that can withstand repeated use and laundry cycles. The battery's construction creates an airtight seal and uses safer chemistry, making it suitable for wearable devices worn next to the skin.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 2021