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Artificial intelligence meets materials science

A Texas A&M engineering team uses machine learning and AI to develop an autonomous framework for discovering new materials. The system can adaptively pick the best models to find optimal materials, reducing the time and cost of research.

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.

Scientists design new material to harness power of light

Researchers at UMass Lowell have created a new class of metamaterial that can change the color of light, enabling on-chip optical communication. This technology could lead to smaller, faster, and more efficient computer chips with wider bandwidth and better data storage.

NUS researchers offer solution in fight against fake graphene

A lack of production standards in the graphene market has led to inferior products being sold as high-grade. NUS researchers developed a reliable method for testing graphene quality, finding that most samples contained less than 10% real graphene flakes.

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.

Quantum systems: Same, but different

Two experiments at TU Wien and Heidelberg University demonstrate that disequilibrium processes in quantum systems belong to universality classes, behaving identically. This allows for indirect study of inaccessible quantum systems like the Big Bang.

Spaced-out nanotwins make for stronger metals

Varying nanotwin spacing produces dramatic improvements in metal strength and work hardening rates. Researchers created composites with different nanotwin boundary spacings, resulting in stronger materials than their constituent components.

Mechanics of birds' nests subject of NSF research

Experts aim to understand how birds create resilient nests using twigs, leaves, and other materials, with potential applications in building, packaging, self-repairing, and shock-absorption. By studying the collective mechanical interactions of disordered filaments, they hope to develop new technologies inspired by nature.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Greater than the sum of its parts

Scientists have developed a comprehensive model of electrochemistry that combines existing theories to predict previously unexplained behavior. The Unified Electrochemical Band-Diagram Framework enables the prediction of material properties and behavior in any electrode, including batteries, supercapacitors, and catalysis.

Enzyme-powered protocells rise to the top

Researchers have successfully assembled enzyme-powered artificial cells that can oscillate in water column using catalase-generated gas bubbles. The protocells use glucose oxidase as a fuel source, enabling buoyant motion and self-sorting capabilities.

Better way found to determine the integrity of metals

A new AI model developed by researchers at the University of Waterloo can accurately detect atomic structures in metals, leading to greater confidence in determining their integrity. The system uses deep learning and generates images of defects to produce a highly effective algorithm for identifying various types of crystal structures.

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.

The audiovisual integration of material information in preverbal infants

Researchers found that infants aged 4- to 8-months hold a primary cerebral representation of audiovisual integration in their right hemisphere, with the number of processed materials increasing with experience. This study sheds light on the trajectory of acquiring general knowledge about objects.

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.

'Stealth' material hides hot objects from infrared eyes

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison have developed a new stealth material that can hide hot objects from infrared detectors. The material, made with black silicon, absorbs approximately 94% of infrared light and can be used to trick infrared cameras.

New material for splitting water

Researchers have discovered a new class of materials that can harness sunlight to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. Cs2BiAgCl6 and Cs2BiAgBr6 are promising photocatalytic materials due to their ability to absorb visible light and generate sufficient energy to split water.

'Surgery in a pill' a potential treatment for diabetes

Researchers have developed a pill that can temporarily coat the intestine to prevent nutrient contact and lower blood sugar spikes in preclinical study. The engineered compound, LuCI, was found to alter nutrient contact and lower blood glucose response after a meal, with benefits lasting only a few hours.

Researcher creates 3D printed multimaterial with programmed stiffness

A new method of microscale 3D printing allows switching between materials of different modulus without cross contamination, enabling programmable morphing and morphing capability in various applications such as aircraft wing structures and microrobotics. The technology can create materials with tailored stiffness and toughness.

New way to predict caries progression

Researchers have discovered that an increase in certain substances in oral fluid can indicate caries development. They found a way to prevent the disease by analyzing changes in saliva composition, enabling early detection and treatment.

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.

Sticky situation: New process turns wood scraps into tape

Researchers at the University of Delaware developed a novel process to convert lignin, a common wood byproduct, into high-performance adhesive tape. The new process performs just as well as commercially available products and uses a sustainable material.

One-step, 3D printing for multimaterial projects developed by WSU researchers

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a one-step 3D printing process for multimaterial projects, allowing for faster production and reduced manufacturing steps. The technology enables the creation of complex products with multiple parts in one operation, reducing the need for adhesives and joint connections.

'These could revolutionize the world'

Vanderbilt University researchers have discovered a way to produce cheap and small carbon nanotubes from air, which are supermaterials stronger than steel and more conductive than copper. This breakthrough could steer the conversation towards using these materials in future technology, rather than just focusing on reducing emissions.

Investigation seeks to create self-assembling materials

Researchers explore creating self-assembling microscopic particles to manufacture materials in space with tailored nanostructures. The ability to create self-assembling and potentially self-repairing materials could be key to surviving deep space destinations.

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.

RIT faculty wins NSF award for research on novel ultraviolet photonic

Rochester Institute of Technology faculty Jing Zhang has received a CAREER award from the National Science Foundation to develop high-efficiency ultraviolet light sources. Her research could advance applications in photolithography, 3D printing, environmental purification systems and chemical sensing.

Strain improves performance of atomically thin semiconductor material

Researchers at UConn improved the performance of an atomically thin semiconductor material by stretching it, a technique that could lead to faster computer processors and more efficient sensors. The study, published in Nano Letters, found a 100-fold increase in photoluminescence when the material was subjected to strain.

Cloaking devices -- it's not just 'Star Trek' anymore

Acoustic cloaking technology has been developed by researchers at Penn State University, which uses metamaterials to bend sound waves around an object, making it appear invisible to underwater instruments. The team successfully tested their design using a 3-foot-tall pyramid structure in an underwater research tank.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Plant breeders balance shared innovation, revenue

Researchers recommend developing best practices for revenue sharing, increasing funding for public programs, and establishing professional standards for sharing plant breeding materials. This can support the development of low-return, high-value crops that benefit both farmers and society as a whole.

Valleytronics discovery could extend limits of Moore's Law

Researchers have discovered a new material that can absorb and selectively reemit light, providing a platform to understand how information is stored and processed in valleytronics devices. This breakthrough could enable the development of operational valleytronic devices with increased computing power and data storage density.

A reimagined future for sustainable nanomaterials

Researchers have created a database to screen for environmentally sustainable nanomaterials, allowing designers to weigh performance characteristics like toxicity and antimicrobial activity before developing products. The tool aims to reduce unintended consequences and promote sustainable nanotechnologies.

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.

A polymer that puts plastic on a better path toward recyclability

Researchers have developed a family of synthetic polymers that can be repeatedly recycled with great efficiency. These new polymers overcome the challenges faced by existing biodegradable plastics and mechanical approaches to reusing plastic, offering a highly desirable chemical recycling method.

Army researcher uses math to uncover new chemistry

A U.S. Army Research Laboratory researcher has developed a mathematical approach to design chemical compounds, reducing complexity and leveraging machine learning. This method could lead to the discovery of new materials with unique properties.

Scientists use machine learning to speed discovery of metallic glass

A team of scientists has developed a method to discover new metallic glass alternatives using machine learning and accelerated experiments, reducing the discovery time from decades to hours. The approach enables researchers to quickly narrow down potential materials and get immediate feedback from AI models.

Artificial intelligence accelerates discovery of metallic glass

A team of scientists has developed a machine learning algorithm that can quickly identify new blends of ingredients for metallic glass, accelerating the discovery process by 200 times. The method uses data from thousands of experiments to pinpoint potential materials and has significant implications for the future of materials science.

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.

The raw power of human motion

KAUST researchers create triboelectric nanogenerators that capture mechanical energy from human movements and convert it into electricity. They also engineer a wearable self-powered bracelet that can store converted energy for operating electronic devices.

A chameleon-inspired material that stiffens and changes color

Researchers have developed a polymer-based material that stiffens and changes color, mimicking the dynamic properties of skin. The material combines rigid-while-flexible and soft-while-stiff properties, shifting towards blue or red colors when elongated or condensed.

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.

New approach to measuring stickiness could aid micro-device design

Brown University engineers developed a new method of measuring the stickiness of micro-scale surfaces, which could aid in designing and building micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The technique uses thermal vibrations to calculate work of adhesion, allowing for the evaluation of material properties and surface textures.

Snake-inspired robot uses kirigami to move

A team of researchers developed a soft robot that uses kirigami to achieve locomotion, gripping the ground like snakeskin. The robot's surface transforms into a textured surface as it stretches, allowing it to crawl without rigid components.

TACC, DOD engage in four-year transformational design project

Researchers will explore new mathematical and computational foundations to transform traditional design processes, leveraging massive compute power. TACC provides a comprehensive platform for developing computational methods, creating data visualizations, and analyzing large experimental data sets.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

'Sodium-scooter' delivers

Researchers developed a low-temperature reaction to replace sulfur with tellurium in MoS2, creating new properties in the 2D material. The 'sodium-scooter' catalyst enables conversion at 525°C, lower than previous temperatures.

Ultrafine fibers have exceptional strength

Researchers at MIT have developed a process to produce ultrafine fibers with exceptional strength and toughness, exceeding existing materials in specific modulus and specific strength. The new gel-electrospun polyethylene fibers have similar degrees of strength but are much tougher and have lower density.

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.

Biofilms as construction workers

Researchers at Technical University of Munich use biofilms to guide microorganisms in creating tailor-made templates for new materials. This process utilizes light, heat, and other stimuli to control the movement of microbes, enabling the creation of complex networks with natural structures.

Crafty crows know what it takes to make a good tool

New Caledonian crows manufacture hooks from plant stems, with techniques influenced by material properties and cutting methods. Deeper hooks are more efficient, but experienced birds may avoid making them due to increased time and effort required.

Nanomaterials: How to separate linear and ring-shaped molecules

Researchers developed an automatized strategy to separate circular molecules from their linear counterparts using microfluidic channels decorated with attractive spots. This separation technology is crucial for analyzing topology in biological systems and developing new materials.

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.

New method benchmarks organic mixed conductors

Researchers at Northwestern University developed a novel framework to benchmark and compare the performances of organic mixed conductors. By using electrochemical transistors, they evaluated the strengths and weaknesses of 10 newly developed materials, identifying top-performing conductors for specific applications.

Beyond good vibrations: New insights into metamaterial magic

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have discovered that the shape and repetitive organization of building blocks within metamaterials affect refraction, contradicting previous assumptions. This finding has significant implications for the development of devices such as invisibility cloaks and perfect lenses.

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.