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Terahertz radiation source: Compact and simple

A novel, simple, and extremely compact terahertz radiation source has been developed at TU Wien, enabling high intensities and small size. The technology uses resonant-tunnelling diodes and can be used in various applications such as material testing, airport security control, radio astronomy, and chemical sensors.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2022

Ultra Safe Nuclear licenses ORNL method to 3D print advanced reactor components

The Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory has developed a novel method for 3D printing refractory materials into complex shapes needed for advanced nuclear reactor designs. USNC plans to incorporate this technology to boost their mission to develop safe, commercially competitive, and simple nuclear energy equipment.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 10, 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
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.

Researchers detect two-dimensional kagome surface states

Scientists have successfully detected two-dimensional kagome surface states in the material RV6Sn6, offering a new approach to investigating intrinsic physics of kagome lattices. The detection was achieved using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) with real-space resolution.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 6, 2022

Mass production of revolutionary computer memory moves closer with ULTRARAM™ on silicon wafers for the first time

Researchers have successfully demonstrated ULTRARAM¼trade mark computer memory on silicon wafers for the first time, combining non-volatility with speed and energy-efficiency. The technology outperforms previous incarnations, offering data storage times of at least 1000 years and fast switching speeds.

SourceLancaster University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 2022

Traditional Xuan paper inspires development of new high-haze transparent film

A team from University of Science and Technology of China discovered the microscopic mechanism behind traditional Xuan paper's high strength and toughness. They developed a high-performance, high-haze transparent film with excellent properties, including high light transmittance, flexibility, and thermal stability.

SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalACS Materials Letters·DateJan 6, 2022

Heat conduction important for droplet dynamics

A team of engineers found that thermal conduction is the most prominent form of heat transfer during droplet impact on smooth surfaces, influencing cooling efficiency and droplet behavior. Heat conduction also affects droplet dynamics on rough surfaces, leading to lower heat transfer rates.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalExperimental Thermal and Fluid Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 6, 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.

The first topological acoustic transistor

Harvard researchers create first topological acoustic transistor, utilizing sound waves to control flow on and off. The device demonstrates scalable and controllable 'acoustic switches' with potential applications in efficient noise reduction, ultrasound imaging, and more.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJan 5, 2022

Newly developed injectable, adhesive surgical gel to prevent scar tissue

Researchers developed an injectable, adhesive surgical gel that prevents postoperative adhesions and improves wound healing. The gel, dubbed HAD, was tested in rats and rabbits with promising results, showing a significant reduction in inflammation and mortality rates.

SourceGuangdong Engineering Research Center for Translation of Medical 3D Printing Application·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateDec 23, 2021

‘Wonder material’ phosphorene nanoribbons live up to hype in first demonstration

Researchers have successfully incorporated phosphorene nanoribbons into new types of solar cells, achieving an efficiency above 21%, comparable to traditional silicon-based solar cells. The unique properties of PNRs, including improved hole mobility, enable the creation of high-performance optoelectronic devices.

SourceImperial College London·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 20, 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.

MIT engineers produce the world’s longest flexible fiber battery

Researchers have created a rechargeable lithium-ion battery in an ultra-long fiber that can be woven into fabrics, enabling self-contained wearable electronic devices. The 140-meter long fiber battery demonstrates the potential for practical applications in various fields, including communications, sensing, and computational devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials Today·DateDec 20, 2021

Professor Li Faxin’s group develops world's first DMA for hard materials

The Li Faxin Research Group at Peking University has developed the world's first dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) suitable for hard materials. This instrument measures Young's modulus, shear modulus, and internal friction under variable temperature conditions, offering accurate and quick analysis of material properties.

SourcePeking University·JournalScripta Materialia·DateDec 17, 2021

Selective separation could help alleviate critical metals shortage

Researchers at MIT developed a selective separation process using sulfidation to target rare metals like cobalt in lithium-ion batteries. The approach reduces energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional liquid-based separation methods.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 17, 2021

Scientists create stable materials for more efficient solar cells

Researchers developed a new process to produce stable formamidinium perovskite (FAPbI3) materials, which can be used to make more efficient and stable solar cells. The novel approach uses lower temperatures and eliminates additives, making it suitable for large-scale production and flexible solar cell applications.

SourceQueen Mary University of London·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 15, 2021
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.

Soft semiconductors that stretch like human skin can detect ultra-low light levels

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology created soft flexible photodetectors that are up to 200% stretchable and can detect fainter light levels than conventional devices. The breakthrough material has potential applications in medical wearable sensors, implantable devices, and intelligence systems.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·TypeObservational study·DateDec 15, 2021

UCF researchers’ ethanol fuel cells offer new alternative to power cars, technology

The University of Central Florida researchers have developed an alcohol-based power source for cars and other technology that uses less fuel and produces fewer emissions compared to traditional fossil fuels. The ethanol fuel cell has achieved a maximum power density and operation time of over 5,900 hours, making it a promising alternat...

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 13, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

NTU Singapore scientists give new lease of life to e-waste plastics

Researchers at NTU Singapore have developed a new use for e-waste plastics by repurposing them as an alternative to laboratory cell culture containers. The team found that over 95% of human stem cells seeded on e-waste plastics remained healthy after a week, comparable to cells grown on conventional plates.

SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateDec 13, 2021

The Wikipedia of perovskite solar cell research

A new database has been launched to systematically record findings on perovskite semiconductors, featuring over 42,000 individual data sets and analysis tools for interactive exploration. The FAIR principles guide the preparation of the data, enabling easy searching with modern algorithms and artificial intelligence.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalNature Energy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateDec 13, 2021

A step toward “living biotherapeutics”

The coating protects bacteria during the freeze-drying and manufacturing process, allowing them to be used therapeutically. The researchers tested the coating on a strain of E. coli and another species that aids in digestion of plant starches.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 10, 2021

Ethiopian monuments 1,000 years older than previously thought

A Washington State University research team used advanced radiocarbon dating to determine the age of ancient stone monoliths in southern Ethiopia's Gedeo zone. The findings push back the construction date by a millennium, shedding light on the region's culture and trade networks.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of African Archaeology·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 9, 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.

Reconstructable uterus-derived materials help uterine factor infertility

Researchers have created reconstructable uterus-derived materials (RUMs) to aid in the recovery of damaged uteruses. The materials, which can be formed into different states and shapes, prevent intrauterine adhesion and promote angiogenesis, endometrial regeneration, and muscle collagen rebuilding.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2021

Detective work on the fuel cell

Scientists have developed a unique measurement technique to study oxygen exchange pathways on pristine SOFC cathode surfaces, revealing that different materials follow the same mechanism. This breakthrough enhances understanding of defects and optimizes material performance.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2021

Steam disinfection of baby bottle nipples exposes babies and the environment to micro- and nanoplastic particles

A new study uses a microspectroscopic technique to measure micro- and nano-sized plastics in steam-disinfected silicone-rubber baby bottle nipples. The research found that these fine particles can be released into the environment and ingested by babies, posing health risks.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeObservational study·DateNov 29, 2021

World-first product will be a lifesaving traffic stopper

Researchers at University of South Australia are developing a world-first product to design traffic lights that absorb kinetic energy, stopping them from crumpling when hit by a vehicle. The technology has the potential to reduce road safety-related costs and injuries worldwide.

SourceUniversity of South Australia·DateNov 29, 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.

Researchers light the way for organic glow-in-the-dark materials

Researchers from OIST and Kyushu University have developed a method to generate a glow-in-the-dark light using organic materials. The new method produces emissions that last for over one hour at room temperature, improving performance by tenfold compared to previous work.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 29, 2021

Stretchable pressure sensor could lead to better robotics, prosthetics

Researchers have developed a new pressure sensor that can be stretched up to 50% while maintaining its sensing performance, enabling advanced robotics and prosthetic applications. The sensor is sensitive enough to detect the pressure of small objects and responds rapidly to changes in pressure.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2021

Origami, kirigami inspire mechanical metamaterials designs

Researchers categorize origami- and kirigami-based mechanical metamaterials into six groups based on folding and cutting patterns. Hybrid designs offer great potential for shape morphing and real-world applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateNov 23, 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.

Requests for anti-racism classroom curricula increased following recent police brutality events

A study found a significant increase in requests for anti-racism books and materials following police brutality events and BLM protests, particularly among teachers of younger students. The demand for inclusive curriculum materials also rose sharply, with over $3.4 million worth of books acquired for half a million students.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalManagement Science·DateNov 22, 2021

Peeking into a chrysalis, videos reveal growth of butterfly wing scales

Researchers at MIT observed the intricate choreography of butterfly scales forming during metamorphosis, revealing a shingle-like pattern and nanometer-high ridges. The findings could inform the design of new materials like iridescent windows and waterproof textiles.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021

DIY radiative cooler developed to serve as a research standard

Scientists from UCLA develop a do-it-yourself radiative cooler using household materials, achieving moderate to large temperature drops. The design's reproducibility and low cost make it an attractive standard for research settings.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Photonics for Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
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.

Sandia cooks material-storage containers to assess fire safety

A team at Sandia National Laboratories tested specially designed stainless-steel containers for fire safety and found they did not split open even when heated to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The containers developed small pinholes instead, allowing superheated gas to escape without pressurizing the container.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateNov 16, 2021

Making solar energy even more sustainable with light-powered technology

A new process has been identified to accelerate the use of low-cost materials, transforming the energy sector with potential to replace silicone-based solar panels. The dynamic dimeric copper complexes offer a novel combination of fast charge transport and efficient redox mechanisms.

SourceNewcastle University·JournalChem·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 16, 2021

Turning the sticky to slippery

A new coating developed by researchers at the University of Illinois Chicago uses thermoresponsive properties to create a hygroscopic slippery layer that prevents harmful substances from coming into contact with surfaces. This technology delays ice and frost formation, outperforming commercial products by up to ten times.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateNov 16, 2021

Combining pressure, electrochemistry to synthesize superhydrides

The study found that applying an electrical potential can stabilize high-temperature superconducting superhydrides at much lower pressures than previously thought. This new method could lead to the creation of new materials with broad applications in consumer and industrial sectors.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 15, 2021
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.

Sustainable, biodegradable, vegan glitter – from your fruit bowl

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a sustainable, non-toxic, and vegan glitter made from cellulose nanocrystals. The material is biodegradable, plastic-free, and free from carcinogenic effects, offering a promising alternative to traditional cosmetics.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 11, 2021

World record broken for thinnest X-ray detector ever created

Researchers have developed the world's thinnest X-ray detector, made from tin mono-sulfide nanosheets, which could enable real-time imaging of cellular processes. The detectors possess high photon absorption coefficients and rapid response times, making them suitable for studying soft X-rays.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2021

Feeling the heat: Fusion reactors used to test spacecraft heat shields

Researchers used fusion reactors to test spacecraft heat shield materials, achieving conditions similar to those encountered during high-speed atmospheric entries. The experiments demonstrated improved accuracy in modeling heat shield behavior, offering promise for developing advanced materials necessary for future missions.

SourceAmerican Physical Society·DateNov 8, 2021
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.

Working through a mental bloch

Researchers at UC Santa Barbara successfully reconstructed a Bloch wavefunction from physical measurements, shedding light on electron behavior in materials. The team's method, using a terahertz laser and infrared excitation, overcomes previous challenges in measuring wavelike properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2021

Laboratory will illuminate formation, composition, activity of comets

Researchers created a laboratory to simulate comets in space-like conditions, measuring their properties and evolution. The CoPhyLab chamber allows scientists to compare samples and track gas evaporation and particle loss, providing insights into comet formation and solar system history.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateNov 3, 2021

An artificial material that can sense, adapt to its environment

Researchers at University of Missouri and University of Chicago develop an artificial material that can respond to its environment, make decisions, and perform actions not directed by humans. The material uses a computer chip to control information processing and convert energy into mechanical energy.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 2, 2021

Stabilized blue phase crystals could lead to new optical technologies

Stabilized blue phase crystals could lead to new optical technologies with better response times. By using a core and shell structure, researchers were able to trap chiral liquid crystal in a 'blue phase' state, allowing for perfect, uniform crystals that can be controlled and predicted.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalACS Nano·TypeImaging analysis·DateNov 2, 2021
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.

Researchers discover predictable behavior in promising material for computer memory

A team of researchers from Georgia Tech has discovered that zirconium dioxide antiferroelectric material exhibits predictable behavior when miniaturized, following a familiar law similar to ferroelectrics. This finding could lead to the design of more effective memory components and has implications beyond memory applications.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·TypeObservational study·DateNov 1, 2021

SMART researchers discover new way to generate light through use of pre-existing defects in semiconductor materials

SMART researchers have discovered a practical method to overcome current challenges in the manufacture of indium gallium nitride (InGaN) LEDs with considerably higher indium concentration. The new approach uses intrinsic defects in semiconducting materials to form quantum dots that emit long-wavelength light.

SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalACS Photonics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 26, 2021
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

‘Smart bandage’ may help solve a major problem when treating chronic wounds

A new 'smart bandage' has been developed to track wound moisture levels wirelessly, enabling doctors to monitor wounds without removing the bandage. The technology could help improve wound healing rates by detecting optimal moisture levels, reducing the risk of disruption to the healing process.

SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 25, 2021

Innovative design of titanium alloy with supreme properties by 3D printing

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong created a new titanium-based alloy using additive manufacturing, boasting unprecedented structures and properties. The alloy exhibits high tensile strength, excellent work-hardening capacity, and is up to 40% lighter than stainless steel, making it suitable for various structural applications.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 22, 2021
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Unmasking the magic of superconductivity in twisted graphene

Researchers discovered a resemblance between magic graphene's superconductivity and high-temperature superconductors, shedding light on the mysterious ceramic compounds. The study provides evidence for unconventional superconductivity in magic bilayer graphene.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

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