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Anticorrosion coating sets new benchmark

Researchers created a sulfur-selenium alloy that outperforms traditional coatings in protecting steel from corrosion and oxidation. The material's self-healing properties allow it to recover from scratches and damage, making it suitable for infrastructure applications.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2021

How to force photons to never bounce back

Researchers at EPFL have created a topological insulator that allows microwave photons to survive unprecedented levels of disorder and obstacles. This discovery holds great promise for advances in science and technology, particularly in the development of next-generation communication systems and photonic processors.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature·DateOct 13, 2021

Stress can be good for you

UNSW researchers stabilize a new intermediate phase in a room-temperature multiferroic material under stress, boosting electromechanical response by double its usual value. This breakthrough has exciting implications for next-generation devices and provides a valuable technique for international material scientists.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Perovskite solar cells: Defects trap charge carriers - and release them again

Researchers have characterized five different defect types in perovskite solar cells, revealing that a large proportion of defects release trapped charge carriers. This finding may explain the high efficiencies of MAPI perovskites and paves the way for optimizing these materials with improved stability.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 7, 2021

Connecting the dots between material properties and qubit performance

Scientists discovered structural and surface chemistry defects in superconducting niobium qubits that may cause loss. The study pinpointed these defects using state-of-the-art characterization capabilities at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials and National Synchrotron Light Source II.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalCommunications Materials·DateSep 30, 2021

New nanomaterial for treatment of skin infections

Researchers at IOCB Prague have developed a novel antibacterial material called NANO-LPPO that can prevent infection and facilitate treatment of skin wounds. The material combines lipophosphonoxins with a nonwoven nanotextile, which releases active substances in response to bacterial presence.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 30, 2021

Researchers mimic how water and wind create complex shapes in nature

Researchers at Aalto University created intricate shapes like letters by manipulating tiny metal balls with vibrating plates and energy fields. The smart algorithm efficiently guided the particles to achieve desired shapes, inspired by natural phenomena like wind and water.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 22, 2021
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.

Finding new alloys just became simpler

Researchers developed a theoretical model to predict the strength of millions of alloys at high temperatures. Experiments confirmed the predictions, highlighting the importance of edge dislocations in determining yield strength in complex high-entropy alloys.

SourceUniversity of Groningen·JournalNature Communications·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 16, 2021

New meat analogue developed by Lithuanian scientists – healthier, more flavours and environmentally friendly

Researchers from Kaunas University of Technology and the University of Helsinki have developed a nutritious meat analogue using fermented okara, which can help alleviate digestive problems due to its probiotics. The product contains less salt and saturated fats than real meat while maintaining protein levels.

SourceKaunas University of Technology·JournalEuropean Food Research and Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 16, 2021

Novel polymer can boost performance of organic and perovskite solar cells

Researchers synthesized a new conjugated polymer using two chemical reactions, showing it outperforms traditional methods in organic and perovskite solar cells. The Stille reaction pathway yielded superior results with efficiencies of up to 15.1% in photovoltaic devices.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2021

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study reveals the emergence of magnetism in a 2D organic material due to strong electron-electron interactions in its unique star-like atomic-scale structure. The findings have potential applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2021

New opportunities for light-powered battery and fuel cell design

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that ultraviolet light can modulate oxide ion transport in a perovskite crystal at room temperature. This enables the enhancement of future battery and fuel cell functionality by increasing energy storage and output efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateSep 8, 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.

Mapping the evolution of materials

Lehigh University researchers are developing a model to understand the impact of grain growth on material properties. The project aims to create new materials informatics methods, innovative stochastic differential equations, and models of grain growth to improve material performance and reliability.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 8, 2021

This rainbow-making tech could help autonomous vehicles read signs

Researchers have discovered a new material that can produce beautiful optical phenomena, including concentric rainbows. The technology has potential applications in aiding autonomous vehicles in recognizing traffic signs, particularly in real-world conditions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateAug 31, 2021
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.

Pusan University Researchers Develop ‘Super-Flexible’ Electroluminescent Devices

Researchers from Pusan University developed a super-stretchable, deformable, and durable material for 'super-flexible' alternating current electroluminescent devices. The material was successfully applied in devices that functioned with up to 1200% elongation, displaying stable luminescence over 1000 cycles.

SourcePusan National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 26, 2021

Synthetic tissue model with blood vessels

Scientists create a cell culture system where blood vessels can grow within a framework made of synthetic materials. The team investigates material properties that promote blood vessel formation and refines the model to improve its performance, paving the way for growing implantable tissues.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 22, 2021

Aided eye: Neural network helps augment 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials

Researchers from Skoltech and KU Leuven used machine learning to reconstruct 3D micro-CT images of fibrous materials, overcoming the difficulties faced by humans in analyzing these complex materials. The team employed GANs to fill a gap in available inpainting tools, enabling precise material analysis and simulation.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalComputational Materials Science·DateAug 18, 2021
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.

Striking gold: A pathway to stable, high-activity catalysts from gold nanoclusters

A team of researchers at Tokyo University of Science has developed a stable and highly active photocatalyst from gold nanoclusters. By removing the protective molecules around the nanoclusters, they were able to increase their catalytic activity and stability, opening up new possibilities for hydrogen generation and other applications.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2021

NSF grant kicks off Center for Adapting Flaws into Features

The Center for Adapting Flaws into Features will explore chemical defects to optimize material properties, with a focus on creating better catalysts and electronics. The team aims to develop new approaches towards transformative technologies by leveraging advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and data science.

SourceRice University·DateAug 3, 2021

Manganese could make luminescent materials and the conversion of sunlight more sustainable

Researchers at the University of Basel have developed new luminescent manganese complexes with promising properties, including improved efficiency and stability. These findings offer a potential solution for more sustainable energy production and could lead to the creation of water-soluble variants for medical applications.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Bonding's next top model -- Projecting bond properties with machine learning

Researchers developed a machine learning model to predict bond characteristics, such as binding energy and Fermi energy, based on individual component parameters. The model achieved accurate predictions across various systems, offering potential benefits for material design and development in fields like catalysis and nano clusters.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateJul 19, 2021
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.

DNA barcoding of animal tool materials

Researchers employed DNA barcoding techniques to identify plant species used by wild New Caledonian crows to fashion complex hooked stick tools. The study found that Mimusops elengi was the primary raw material used, providing insights into variation in crows' preferences and plant availability.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 12, 2021

Graphene-based nanozyme helps to detect L-cysteine in serum

A novel graphene-based nanozyme was developed using Ganoderma lucidum extract polysaccharides, enabling high sensitivity and selectivity detection of L-cysteine in serum. The study published in Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry demonstrated improved stability and dispersion of the nanozyme in water.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAnalytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry·DateMay 31, 2021

DNA-based material with tunable properties

Researchers have created DNA-based materials with tunable properties, which can be controlled by adjusting the level of supercoiling. These materials have potential applications in drug delivery and tissue regeneration.

SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 28, 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.

Skoltech researchers developed an enriched method for increasing the capacity of next-generation metal-ion battery cathode materials

Researchers at Skoltech have developed an enriched approach to boost the capacity of next-generation metal-ion battery cathode materials, applicable to lithium-ion and alternative batteries. The scalable method uses reducing agents, which can be recycled after use, making it suitable for large-scale applications.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateMay 17, 2021

New boost in quantum technologies

Researchers at the University of Stuttgart have successfully identified promising quantum bits in two-dimensional materials. The discovery enables robust generation, reading out, and control of quantum bits, paving the way for a new boost in quantum technologies.

SourceUniversitaet Stuttgart·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 6, 2021

Neural nets used to rethink material design

Rice University engineers have developed a new technique using neural networks to predict the evolution of microstructures in materials, which can be used to design new materials with desired properties. The method has been shown to speed up computations significantly, making it easier to create novel materials.

SourceRice University·JournalPatterns·DateApr 30, 2021

Better solutions for making hydrogen may lie just at the surface

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory found that tuning the surface of lanthanum cobalt oxide perovskites with strontium enhances their activity and stability for the oxygen evolution reaction. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient and cost-effective methods for producing hydrogen fuel.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateApr 9, 2021
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.

Streamlining the process of materials discovery

Researchers at KAIST develop M3I3 Initiative to speed up materials development using multiscale/multimodal imaging and machine learning. The team creates a quantitative model using machine learning and presents a future outlook for advancements in materials science.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 4, 2021

Polarized photovoltaic properties emerge

Scientists have found a way to create polarity and photovoltaic behavior in non-photovoltaic 2D materials by arranging them in a special way. The resulting effect is different from traditional solar cells and shows promise for future solar panel improvements.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateApr 1, 2021

Virtual lab finds the right AI tool for each chemistry problem

Researchers at NC State University developed a virtual laboratory to determine the most suitable AI tools for addressing various chemical synthesis challenges in flow chemistry systems. By simulating over 600,000 experiments, they found the best AI-guided decision-making strategies, reducing the time and reagents required by 97.5%.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemical Science·DateMar 22, 2021
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.

The expanding possibilities of bio-based polymers

Scientists from the Kleij group have created a new method for preparing biobased polyesters by transforming a terpene, β-elemene. The resulting polymer can be tailored through post-modification reactions to achieve desired properties.

SourceInstitute of Chemical Research of Catalonia (ICIQ)·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMar 2, 2021
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.

Virtually unlimited solar cell experiments

Osaka University researchers employed machine learning to design new polymers for photovoltaic devices, virtually screening over 200,000 candidate materials. They found promising properties consistent with predictions, leading to potential breakthroughs in functional material discovery.

SourceOsaka University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 1, 2021

When foams collapse (and when they don't)

Researchers at Tokyo Metropolitan University used high-speed video microscopy to observe individual foam collapse events. They found that cracks in films lead to a receding liquid front, sweeping up the original film border and releasing droplets that break other films.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalSoft Matter·DateFeb 27, 2021

Quickly identify high-performance multi-element catalysts

Researchers from Ruhr-Universität Bochum and University of Copenhagen developed an approach to predict optimal composition and confirm accuracy with high-throughput experiments. The strategy enables identification of complex mechanisms at surfaces consisting of five chemical elements, overcoming limitations of previous catalysts.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 17, 2021

How does incident solar radiation affect urban canyons?

Researchers developed a numerical model to predict the upward-to-downward reflection ratio of glass bead retro-reflective materials in urban canyons. The study found that retro-reflectivity increases from morning to noon, then decreases, contributing to UHI mitigation and reduced building energy consumption.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalUrban Climate·DateJan 25, 2021
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.

Battling COVID-19 using UV light

Researchers at the University of New Mexico have found that combining certain polymers and oligomers with UV light can almost completely kill the coronavirus. This method provides a fast-acting and highly effective coating that reduces virus concentrations by five orders of magnitude.

SourceUniversity of New Mexico·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 9, 2020

"Game changer" perovskite can detect gamma rays

Researchers at EPFL have developed a perovskite material that can detect gamma rays with high efficiency, meeting the requirements for simple, reliable, and cheap detectors. The material, made of methylammonium lead tribromide crystals, shows high clarity and can be grown from abundant and low-cost raw materials.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 9, 2020
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.

Oddly satisfying metamaterials store energy in their skin

Purdue University scientists have created a patterned sheet of domes that can store energy in its skin, enabling strong mechanical tasks and programmable data processing. The technology has potential applications in flexible robotics and mechanical computing, where energy storage and efficient processing are crucial.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Science·DateDec 2, 2020

Miniscule robots of metal and plastic

Scientists create miniscule robots with plastic chassis and magnetic metal wheels, powered by rotating magnetic fields, opening up applications for delivering medications and treating aneurysms.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2020

New process narrows the gap between natural and synthetic materials

Researchers at EPFL create composite polymers with unique properties by encapsulating monomers in compartments and using UV radiation to polymerize them. The resulting material is exceptionally strong and can withstand heavy loads without damage.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateNov 19, 2020

Coating plastics by porous nanofilm

Researchers from Tohoku University developed a new method for creating MOF thin films with designable pores, opening up its use for humidity sensing, gas sensing and resistive switching devices. The 'layer-by-layer' method involves sequential immersing of substrates into ingredient solutions.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 9, 2020
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.

Germanium telluride's hidden properties at the nanoscale revealed

Researchers studied Germanium telluride crystals at the nanoscale to understand its ferroelectric properties and their potential applications in non-volatile spintronic devices. The study found two distinct types of boundaries surrounding ferroelectric nanodomains with sizes between 10 to 100 nanometres.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 6, 2020

Researchers unravel the secrets of how natural stone glows in the dark

Scientists at the University of Turku discovered that titanium is key to hackmanite's glow and developed a material with a longer afterglow. The study reveals complex composition differences in natural minerals and their role in luminescence, offering valuable insights for synthetic materials development.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 3, 2020
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.

Air stable intrinsically stretchable color-conversion layers for stretchable displays

Researchers at Seoul National University have developed an air-stable color conversion layer using perovskite nanocrystals and a flexible polymer matrix, enabling the creation of stretchable displays that can be bent, stretched, and attached to the skin. The new material has shown improved stability and photoluminescence intensity unde...

SourceSeoul National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 4, 2020

The right formula for scaling production of promising material to decontaminate water

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a method to fabricate large quantities of Molybdenum Disulfide (MoS2) in a controlled and tunable dimension, making it an attractive material for water treatment and various applications. The process reduces production costs by 3,000 times compared to previous methods.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 21, 2020

Secret of plant dietary fibre structure revealed

Researchers at UQ and KTH discovered how plant cell walls balance rigidity with flexibility, thanks to a family of polymers called hemicelluloses. This breakthrough has wide applications in nutrition, medicine, agriculture and more.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 17, 2020

Shedding light on the development of efficient blue-emitting semiconductors

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a highly efficient blue-emitting semiconductor material Cs5Cu3Cl6I2, which can produce white light while reducing energy consumption. The new material has unique properties that make it more stable and eco-friendly than existing alternatives.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 17, 2020