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Halting a wave in its tracks

By pairing two waveguides, one with an ill-defined topology and another with a well-defined one, researchers created a topological singularity that can halt waves in their tracks. This phenomenon has potential applications in energy harvesting and enhancing nonlinear effects.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMay 23, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Korea Maritime and Ocean University scholars find key to reducing defects in multimaterials

Researchers from Korea Maritime and Ocean University have developed a way to synthesize high-performance functionally graded materials with minimized defects. By controlling the mixing gradient of component materials, they improved mechanical properties and eliminated interfacial cracks.

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalJournal of Materials Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 18, 2022

How to build an ‘explainable AI’ framework to speed up the innovation process

A team from the University of Missouri is using artificial intelligence to accelerate the discovery process in materials science. By integrating machine learning algorithms and AI into traditional laboratory processes, they aim to reduce time and cost while increasing the rate of material development. Associate Professor Derek T. Ander...

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMay 17, 2022

Traveling to the centre of planet Uranus: Materials synthesis research and study in terapascal range for the first time

A research team from the University of Bayreuth has successfully generated and analyzed materials under compression pressures of over 1 terapascal, a breakthrough that could deepen our understanding of matter. The study reveals the synthesis and structural analysis of novel rhenium compounds in the terapascal range.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalNature·TypeNews article·DateMay 11, 2022

The 4D-printed beetle that changes color when it gets wetter

A researcher at Eindhoven University of Technology has successfully printed a 4D-beetle that changes color when it gets wetter. The beetle uses iridescent properties and is made from liquid crystal technology, which allows it to respond to external stimuli like humidity.

SourceEindhoven University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 6, 2022
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.

‘Polaroids’ help scientists detect hazardous ice on airplane plating

Researchers from Skoltech and others develop a simplified method using polarized light to identify icy areas on aircraft plating. This enables lab assistants to accurately measure the time it takes for ice to form, reducing the risk of accidents by up to 90%.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalCold Regions Science and Technology·DateApr 28, 2022

In Einstein’s footsteps and beyond

Researchers discovered near-zero index materials where light's momentum becomes zero, altering fundamental processes like atomic recoil and Heisenberg's uncertainty principle. These materials could enable perfect cloaking and have potential applications in quantum computing and optics.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalLight Science & Applications·DateApr 27, 2022

Electronics can grow on trees thanks to nanocellulose paper semiconductors

Osaka University researchers have created a nanocellulose paper semiconductor with 3D network structures that can be tuned for use in various sustainable electronic devices. The treatment process allows for heat-induced conductivity without damaging the nanostructure, enabling flexible macro-scale structures and detailed designs.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2022
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.

‘Dative epitaxy’: A new way to stack crystal films

Researchers have developed a novel method called 'dative epitaxy' for growing thin layers of crystals made from different materials on top of each other. This technique allows for the formation of special chemical bonds to fix crystal orientation, overcoming limitations of conventional and van der Waals epitaxial techniques.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 20, 2022

Ag3PO4 catalyst facilitates propylene oxide electrooxidation

Researchers developed an Ag3PO4 catalyst with high selectivity and activity for the electrooxidation of propylene into propylene oxide. The (100) facets of the Ag3PO4 cubes displayed superior catalytic activity due to the polarization of propylene, facilitating breaking of π bonding and C-O bond formation.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 18, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers engineer electrically tunable graphene devices to study rare physics

A team of researchers has developed a tunable graphene-based platform to study exceptional points, which exhibit unique properties when light and matter interact. The breakthrough could lead to advancements in optoelectronic technologies and potentially contribute to the development of 'beyond-5G' wireless technology.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalScience·TypeNews article·DateApr 7, 2022

Elastic fields stretch the understanding of chiral molecular crystals

A team of researchers at The University of Tokyo has created a model that reveals the role of emergent elastic fields in chiral molecular and colloidal crystals. The findings provide a potential switch for developing new electro- and magneto-mechanical devices.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2022

Optimizing the Mitigation of Heavy Metal Pollution in Biochar-treated Soils with Machine Learning

Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 29, 2022
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.

Enhancing the electromechanical behavior of a flexible polymer

A Penn State-led team of researchers developed a flexible polymer with enhanced electromechanical behavior, resulting in a 60% increase in electricity generation efficiency. The material's properties were improved by deliberately introducing chemical impurities through doping and stretching the polymer to align molecular chains.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience·DateMar 24, 2022

UBCO researchers use unique ingredient to strengthen bamboo

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have adapted a plastination technique to strengthen bamboo and reduce its degradation rate, making it more environmentally friendly. The innovation has the potential to significantly reduce non-degradable waste in industries such as construction and packaging.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 2022

On the hunt for ultra-thin materials using data mining

A German-American research team predicts twenty-eight novel 2D materials with remarkable electronic and magnetic properties. The study utilizes a vast materials database to identify candidates for spintronic applications in computing and smartphones.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalNano Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 10, 2022

Discovered: An easier way to create "flexible diamonds"

A team of scientists led by Samuel Dunning has developed an original technique to predict and guide the ordered creation of strong, yet flexible, diamond nanothreads. The innovation allows for easier synthesis of the material, which has potential applications in space elevators, ultra-strong fabrics, and other fields.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 2, 2022
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.

Spintronics: Innovative crystals for future computer electronics

Researchers at Goethe University Frankfurt have grown crystals with rare-earth atoms that exhibit surprising fast magnetic properties. The team found that the strength of these reactions can be adjusted by choosing different atoms, opening up possibilities for optimizing spintronics components.

SourceGoethe University Frankfurt·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

Stronger materials could bloom with new images of plastic flow

Scientists captured high-resolution images of an aluminum single-crystal sample transitioning from elastic to plastic state, allowing them to predict material behavior within 5 trillionths of a second. The study could lead to the design of stronger materials for high-temperature nuclear fusion experiments and spacecraft shields.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 25, 2022

Researchers at the GIST develop design scheme for fiber reinforced composites

Researchers at GIST have developed a new approach for designing fiber reinforced composites, which can simultaneously optimize the macrostructure and microscale fiber densities. This method, based on multiscale topology optimization, enables the creation of functionally graded composites with improved strength-to-weight ratios, benefit...

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 24, 2022

World-first: Speed of sound used to measure elasticity of materials

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a groundbreaking technology to measure the microscopic elasticity of materials. By analyzing the speed of sound across the material's surface, they can reveal the orientation and inherent stiffness of small crystals, which is essential for material performance.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalActa Materialia·DateFeb 15, 2022
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.

Formaldehyde levels in fabrics on the Ghanaian market

Researchers investigated formaldehyde levels in Ghanaian market fabrics, finding some exceeded standard limits before and after washing. Washing significantly reduced formaldehyde levels, emphasizing the importance of pre-use washing to minimize health risks.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalCurrent Materials Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2022
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.

Supercomputer and quantum simulations solve a difficult problem of materials science

A Japanese research team successfully estimated the bending energy of disiloxane molecules with state-of-the-art quantum Monte Carlo method, overcoming previous simulation challenges. The method's self-healing property reduced basis-set dependence and bias, enabling accurate results without dependence on parameter choices.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateFeb 4, 2022

2D materials under the microscope

Researchers review current research on 2D materials, highlighting their potential for quantum light sources and integrated circuits. The scientists also discuss recent advances in hybrid devices and scalable quantum photonic technologies.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalNature Reviews Physics·DateJan 31, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Power at sea: towards high-performance seawater batteries

A team of scientists from Korea Maritime and Ocean University has developed a novel synthesis route to produce a high-performance co-doped anode material for rechargeable seawater batteries. This breakthrough enables the creation of efficient and sustainable maritime applications, including emergency power supply for coastal nuclear pl...

SourceNational Korea Maritime and Ocean University·JournalCarbon·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 31, 2022

Stirring a superfluid with a laser

Scientists at Osaka University have successfully manipulated nanoparticles suspended in superfluid helium using optical tweezers, opening the way for new cryogenic applications and potential visualization or control of vortices. The research may help better understand interactions between quantum fluids and classical nanomaterials.

SourceOsaka University·JournalOptica·DateJan 20, 2022

Bone growth inspired “microrobots” that can create their own bone

Researchers have developed a combination of materials that can morph into various shapes before hardening, similar to the natural process of bone development in the human skeleton. The soft material can be used to create microrobots that can inject themselves into complicated bone fractures and expand to form new bone.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 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.

Listening to the leaves: Adding bioinspired veins to foamed polymers

A research team at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology developed a chemical process to mimic trees' vascular systems in foamed polymers, adding structure and enabling directional fluid transport. The team discovered that increasing or decreasing gelation time enables direct control over the foam's cellular structure.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Organic aggregates: new insights on white light

Research reveals organic aggregates can emit polychromic and white light with high efficiency, opening up new avenues for OLEDs and encryption. However, more work is needed to fully understand the underlying mechanisms and improve performance.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJan 11, 2022

SMART researchers discover novel way to perform ‘general inverse design’ with high accuracy

Researchers from Singapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART) have discovered a way to perform 'general inverse design' with high accuracy. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with specific characteristics and properties, paving the way for revolutionizing materials science and industrial applications.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022
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.

Engineers develop new software tool to aid material modeling research

Researchers developed propSym to calculate fundamental constants of solids, reducing redundant components and improving material modeling. The open-source software is adaptable to various physical properties, aiming to lower the entry barrier for analytical modeling.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateJan 5, 2022

How the Matterhorn sways

Researchers have discovered that the Matterhorn sways at a frequency of 0.42 Hertz, oscillating roughly in a north-south direction, with similar frequencies in an east-west direction. The mountain's summit experiences amplified vibrations up to 14 times stronger than the reference station at its base.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·TypeObservational study·DateDec 22, 2021

Developing bioactive coatings for better orthopaedic implants

Researchers at INRS have developed a bioactive coating that mimics bone tissue using chitosan, collagen, and copper-doped phosphate glass. The coating promotes healing and reduces the risk of rejection, paving the way for improved orthopaedic implant success.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·DateDec 22, 2021
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.

UTEP receives $917K grant to advance semiconductor technology

The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $917,000 grant from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research to develop advanced materials for national defense, power electronics, and security. UTEP students will perform cutting-edge research on gallium oxide-based semiconductors.

SourceUniversity of Texas at El Paso·DateDec 15, 2021

Some polycrystal grain boundaries feel the heat more than others

The study found that certain grain boundaries in strontium titanate exhibit enhanced thermal expansion, leading to potential material failures. This discovery highlights the importance of grain boundaries in material properties and has implications for selecting suitable materials for various applications.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 2, 2021
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.

Stable and moveable; is hexagonal boron nitride the universal foundation?

Researchers from Osaka University have successfully grown high-quality magnetite thin films on a hexagonal boron nitride substrate without compromising the film's properties. This breakthrough enables the development of flexible spintronics devices with preserved electronic and magnetic properties.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021

New ultrahard diamond glass synthesized

Researchers have synthesized a new form of carbon glass with three-dimensional bonds, the hardest known glass material. The discovery has potential for mass production and opens up new possibilities in devices and electronics.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Developing high-performance MXene electrodes for next-generation powerful battery

Scientists from City University of Hong Kong successfully developed battery-like electrochemical Nb2CTx MXene electrodes with stable voltage output and high energy density. The findings break the performance bottleneck of MXene devices, exhibiting superior rate capability, durable cyclic performance, and high energy density.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2021

Graphene-like 2D material leverages quantum effects to achieve ultra-low friction

Researchers discovered a graphene-like material called magnetene that exhibits ultra-low friction, contrary to predictions based on Van der Waals forces. Quantum effects play a crucial role in its behavior, making it suitable for use in micro-electro-mechanical systems and implantable devices.

SourceUniversity of Toronto Faculty of Applied Science & Engineering·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 17, 2021
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.

After 70 years, advanced carbon-based magnetic material finally synthesized

Osaka University researchers have successfully synthesized a stable, crystalline nanographene with predicted magnetic properties, opening the door to revolutionary advances in electronics and magnets. The breakthrough uses a simplified model system called triangulene, which has long been elusive due to polymerization issues.

SourceOsaka University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 15, 2021

No more moving parts: Liquid-metal enabled chemical reactors

Researchers at UNSW have developed liquid metal enabled continuous flow reactors that can produce materials with tuneable system performance and controlled material quality. The systems rely on surface tension to pump fluids, eliminating the need for mechanical parts.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 12, 2021

Tread lightly: ‘Eggshell planets’ possible around other stars

Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis have discovered a new type of exoplanet known as 'eggshell planets,' which are likely to have little topography and no plate tectonics. These planets may resemble the lowlands on Venus, with vast expanses of lava but little high-standing terrain.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Geophysical Research Planets·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 10, 2021
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.

Physicists discover how particles self-assemble

A team of physicists has discovered how DNA molecules self-organize into adhesive patches between particles in response to assembly instructions. This breakthrough enables the creation of materials with tailored structures and customizable properties.

SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2021

Ensuring accuracy in 3D-printed jet engine parts

A team of engineers at the University of Arizona is using machine learning methods to monitor and mitigate defects in additive manufactured metal parts designed for use in extreme environments. The system combines data processing, process optimization, materials analysis, and machine learning to predict defects.

SourceUniversity of Arizona College of Engineering·DateNov 1, 2021

Durable and yet degradable

A team of researchers at the University of Konstanz has developed a new method for producing polyethylene with added polar groups, which enhances its degradability while maintaining its durability. The new plastic exhibits slow chain degradation in simulated sunlight, unlike conventional polyethylenes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience·DateOct 28, 2021

The secret of ultralight but stiff sandwich nanotubes

Researchers from the University of Groningen and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory created ultra-lightweight yet extremely stiff porous materials by stacking carbon tubes with a strutted tube-in-tube structure. This innovative design enables new applications in micro-electromechanical systems and other small devices.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 26, 2021
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.

Nanotwinned titanium forges path to sustainable manufacturing

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new path forward for processing titanium. Cryo-forging at ultra-low temperatures produces extra-strong nanotwinned titanium with improved strength and ductility. The material maintains its structure and properties at extreme temperatures, demonstrating its versatility.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021