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MIT engineers design recyclable elastic yarn

Researchers have created a new, recyclable yarn that mimics the properties of spandex-based yarns, offering an alternative to non-recyclable stretchy garments. The yarn is made from a form of plastic and can be melted down and reused multiple times without losing its strength and flexibility.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateJul 27, 2026
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Machine learning accelerates search for longer-lasting materials for solar cells

Researchers used machine learning to analyze thousands of automated experiments and accurately predict how new material compositions will respond to heat, identifying the most promising materials. This approach gives scientists a roadmap for developing more durable perovskite solar cells that can withstand real-world operating conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 22, 2026

New design approach may help slash the price of ultra-durable concrete

A team of researchers at Penn State developed a new design approach to reduce the cost of ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) by optimizing metallic fibers, which currently make up 70% of the material's price. The new design can help produce stronger and more environmentally friendly concrete while reducing costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalCement and Concrete Composites·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 26, 2026

How do you study the world's smallest materials?

New instruments promise precise measurement and manipulation of tiny nanomaterials used in manufacturing, aerospace and medicine. Researchers can now study the smallest heavy metals with water filters, developing more resilient structures.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalNature Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 23, 2026
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.

Cut it with a twist: Cutting changes kirigami material mechanics

Kirigami researchers create twisty structures for flexible robotic components and soft actuators, exploiting geometrical design to enable rotation under stretching. The unique mechanical properties of these kirigami materials offer new potential applications in robotics and engineering.

SourceThe University of Osaka·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 7, 2026
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.

Fungi transform unrecyclable building waste into low-carbon insulation

Researchers at the University of Bath discovered that a fungus can break down hard-to-recycle construction waste and turn it into sustainable insulation. The resulting biomaterial has comparable thermal performance to conventional insulation products with significantly lower carbon emissions.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 18, 2026

Grejtak earns STLE Early Career Award

Tomas Grejtak has been selected for the Early Career Award from the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers (STLE) for his research on wear, friction, and material deformation. The award recognizes his contributions to advancing the field of tribology and improving machine efficiency.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMay 18, 2026

Hmeidat, Hubbard named outstanding manufacturing engineers

Researchers Nadim Hmeidat and Amber Hubbard have been honored with the 2026 Outstanding Young Manufacturing Engineer Award from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) for their contributions to advanced manufacturing research and engineering innovation.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMay 13, 2026

AI-powered lab discovers brighter lead-free nanomaterials in 12 hours

A new autonomous laboratory named PoLARIS has identified brighter, lead-free light-emitting nanomaterials in just 12 hours. By analyzing the optical properties and adjusting variables, PoLARIS has improved the brightness of these materials, enabling faster discovery of safer optical nanoplatelets for various applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2026
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.

Hybrid ‘super foam’: tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable

Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalComposite Structures·DateMar 6, 2026

LIST tech wins "Oscars" of the composites world

LIST's patented infrared welding process enables rapid assembly of thick carbon-fibre-reinforced thermoplastic components, reducing weight, costs and environmental impact. The innovation is estimated to reduce CO2 emissions by 12.5 tonnes per wing rib.

SourceLuxembourg Institute of Science and Technology·DateJan 29, 2026

ORNL to partner with Type One Energy, UT on world-class facility to validate next-gen fusion

The Oak Ridge National Laboratory is partnering with Type One Energy and the University of Tennessee to establish a world-class high-heat flux facility in East Tennessee. The facility will evaluate how materials react under extreme conditions in a fusion device, accelerating the development of plasma-facing components and enabling the ...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeNews article·DateJan 21, 2026
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.

New method allows scientists to 3D-print structures within cells

Researchers have developed a new method to print custom microstructures directly into living cells, enabling the study of biological functions and instilling enhanced properties. The breakthrough uses light-sensitive materials and laser polymerization to create structures within cells.

SourceWiley·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 14, 2026

An alternative to BPA passes toxicity and sustainability standards set by EU innovation guidelines

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have identified three bisphenols with negligible estrogenic effects, suitable for replacing BPA in consumer products. The safe and sustainable alternatives are made from renewable resources and demonstrate thermal stability and mechanical properties comparable to BPA-based plastics.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 4, 2025
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.

Cool comfort: beating the heat with high-tech clothes

Researchers from the University of South Australia have developed a lightweight breathable fabric that reflects 96% of the sun's rays, keeping skin temperature 2-3.8 degrees celsius lower than bare skin. The innovative material actively releases warmth while keeping the skin dry.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·JournalNano Research·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 19, 2025

UBCO researchers apply body preservation technique to wood

Researchers test plastination on Western red cedar to create a strong and durable composite material, reducing water absorption by nearly 60% and increasing surface hydrophobicity. The technique offers a powerful alternative to traditional wood preservatives without compromising environmental performance.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalMaterials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 5, 2025

Muscle tissue from a 3D printer – produced in zero gravity

Researchers at ETH Zurich have successfully produced muscle tissue using a new biofabrication system called G-FLight in microgravity. The process enables rapid production of viable muscle constructs with similar cell viability and muscle fibers as those printed under gravity.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 31, 2025
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.

Engineers developing new protective coating for spacecraft

UT Dallas researchers are developing a material to protect spacecraft from atmospheric drag and erosion, which can damage vehicles in space. The new coating has shown promising results, withstanding atomic oxygen conditions better than those in space.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·DateOct 20, 2025

Researchers demonstrates substrate design principles for scalable superconducting quantum materials

A study by NYU Tandon and Brookhaven National Laboratory shows that crystalline hafnium oxide substrates can provide guidelines for stabilizing the superconducting phase in vanadium silicide films. The researchers found that hafnium oxide offered greater chemical stability and suppressed unwanted secondary phases.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2025

ORNL leads three INFUSE projects solving fusion challenges

The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has been awarded $6.1 million to lead three research collaborations tackling fusion energy challenges. The projects focus on advanced materials, plasma diagnostics, and simulation technologies to accelerate the development of fusion energy.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateSep 15, 2025
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.

ORNL receives 2025 SAMPE Organizational Excellence Award

The Society for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering has awarded Oak Ridge National Laboratory the 2025 SAMPE Organizational Excellence Award. The award recognizes ORNL's extraordinary contributions to advanced materials and processes, enabling breakthroughs in industries such as aerospace and automotive.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateSep 11, 2025

Clean hydrogen’s iridium problem? Solved in an afternoon

Researchers have discovered a new material that matches or exceeds the performance of commercial iridium-based materials, but at a fraction of the cost. The breakthrough was achieved using a powerful new tool called a megalibrary, which rapidly screened vast combinations of metals to find a suitable alternative.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 19, 2025
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.

Mizzou researchers shine UV light on the future of computer chips

Researchers at the University of Missouri have created a more efficient method for manufacturing computer chips using ultraviolet-enabled atomic layer deposition (UV-ALD). This approach reduces the number of manufacturing steps, saving time and materials, while also minimizing the use of harmful chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateJul 29, 2025

The challenge to define true surface topography

Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh, University of Freiburg, and Saarland University launched a global challenge to measure and describe surface topography. The results showed that current industry-standard methods are limited and that more precise measurements are needed to accurately predict surface behavior.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalTribology Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 26, 2025

You only get one brain! The best helmet material for protecting your noggin

Studies compare three helmet materials (ABS, fiberglass, and aluminum alloys) for reducing traumatic brain injury risk in elite athletes. ABS is sufficient for training and recreational sports, while fiberglass or aluminum alloys are recommended for elite athletes due to their unique benefits.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 15, 2025
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Robotic probe quickly measures key properties of new materials

A fully autonomous robotic system developed by MIT researchers can measure important material properties like photoconductivity, increasing the speed and precision of research. The system uses machine learning and robotics to analyze new semiconductors and optimize the development of more powerful solar panels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 4, 2025

Better images for humans and computers

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a novel solution for image sensors, utilizing lead halide perovskite to capture every photon of light. This allows for improved color recognition and higher resolution, as well as advantages in hyperspectral imaging.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025

New 3D printing method enables complex designs and creates less waste

MIT engineers developed a new resin that turns into two different solids depending on the type of light, enabling the creation of complex structures with easily dissolvable supports. This method speeds up the 3D-printing process and reduces waste by allowing for recycling and reuse of the supports.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateJun 4, 2025

Researchers discover a more eco-friendly approach to study light and matter interaction – could revolutionize development of emerging technologies

Researchers at the University of Turku developed a simple, eco-friendly approach to fabricate optical microcavities, allowing for precise study of polaritons and potential applications in ultra-efficient lasers and quantum optics. This innovation makes quantum and photonics research more accessible and energy-efficient.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 13, 2025
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.

New microscope reveals heat flow in materials for green energy

Scientists have developed a new microscope that accurately measures directional heat flow in materials. This advancement can lead to better designs for electronic devices and energy systems, with potential applications in faster computers, more efficient solar panels, and batteries.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 8, 2025

Cracking the code: deciphering how concrete can heal itself

A synthetic lichen system developed by Texas A&M researchers enables concrete to heal itself without outside intervention. This innovation uses cyanobacteria and filamentous fungi to produce crack-filling minerals, setting it apart from previous self-healing concrete endeavors.

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalMaterials Today·DateMay 7, 2025

Affordable hydrogen fuel production using surface reconstruction strategy

Researchers at Tohoku University developed a surface reconstruction pathway to produce durable non-noble metal-based cathodes for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance, paving the way for affordable commercial production.

SourceAdvanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR), Tohoku University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateApr 25, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Woodn't that be nice

A team of researchers at Kyoto University has developed a simple but effective method for detecting early wood coating deterioration, which can extend the life of wooden structures and improve sustainability. The approach combines mid-infrared spectroscopy with machine learning to predict the extent of deterioration, allowing for early...

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of Clinical and Translational Hepatology·TypeObservational study·DateApr 17, 2025
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.

Breakthrough in low-power neuromorphic computing: novel 2D phase-transition memristor achieves ultrafast and energy-efficient switching

Researchers developed a novel 2D phase-transition memristor leveraging intrinsic ion migration to overcome existing device limitations. The device achieves record-low power consumption, ultrafast switching speed, and exceptional endurance, making it suitable for high-speed computing applications.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience Bulletin·DateApr 11, 2025

Printed skin to replace animal testing

Researchers from TU Graz and Vellore Institute of Technology have developed a 3D-printed skin imitation with living cells to test nanoparticles from cosmetics. The skin imitation mimics human skin's three-layer tissue structure and biomechanics, made possible by hydrogel formulations printed together with living cells.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalSTAR Protocols·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 3, 2025
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Runaway battery improves safety

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a simple and cost-effective method to test lithium-ion battery safety, enabling researchers to quickly screen battery effects on safety factors such as materials, design, storage conditions, and degradation. The innovative method uses miniaturized batteries that are intentionally un...

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 2, 2025

New material gives copper superalloy-like strength

Researchers developed a Cu-Ta-Li alloy with exceptional thermal stability and mechanical strength, combining copper's conductivity with nickel-based superalloy-like properties. The alloy's nanostructure prevents grain growth, improving high-temperature performance and durability under extreme conditions.

SourceLehigh University·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025
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.

Chi, Advincula named Materials Research Society Fellows

Materials Research Society elects Miaofang Chi and Rigoberto “Gobet” Advincula as Class of 2025 Fellows for their outstanding work on novel electron microscopy methods, advanced polymers, and nanostructured materials. New Fellows will be recognized at the MRS spring meeting in April 2025.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·DateMar 24, 2025