A team at the University of Michigan has developed a material that boosts magnetostriction, allowing for more energy-efficient computing devices. The material could lead to significant reductions in electricity requirements and improve magnetic sensors for medical and security devices.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 12, 2021
Researchers developed a scanning quantum sensing microscope that maps local electric fields with a spatial resolution of ~10 nm and sensitivity close to an elementary charge. The technique allows for reversible control of single NV's charge states, enabling the purification of NV's electrostatic environment.
SourcePeking University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 11, 2021
A new treatment method for cerebral aneurysms uses a biocompatible embolization material that fills the aneurysm at high rates and maintains structural stability. The innovative material exhibits excellent biocompatibility and can safely prevent rupture, reducing financial burden and risks associated with current coil embolization.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 10, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Scientists at Graz University of Technology are producing biodegradable materials from wood components to combat climate change. They aim to create plastic-free and recyclable paper packaging with improved barrier properties.
Researchers have designed new materials with tailored properties by combining different components, offering targeted design options for future functional materials. They discovered a physical effect that enables tuning the color of lighting technologies in a simple way.
SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 6, 2021
Scientists at Salk Institute successfully transformed tobacco and corn husks into silicon carbide (SiC) while sequestering up to 50,000-fold more carbon from seed to lab-grown plant. The process retains about 14 percent of the plant-captured carbon, offering a potential solution for climate change mitigation.
SourceSalk Institute·JournalRSC Advances·DateMay 6, 2021
Tufts University researchers develop a silk-based leather material with similar texture and flexibility to real leather, using sustainable sources and environmentally friendly chemical processes. The material can be printed into various patterns and textures and is biodegradable.
SourceTufts University·JournalMaterials & Design·DateMay 5, 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.
A team of researchers from CNRS has uncovered the earliest human burial site in Africa, dated to approximately 78,000 years ago. The discovery at Panga ya Saidi in Kenya reveals a complex funerary treatment involving a shroud and potential ritual participation from the child's community.
A team of researchers developed a unique scaffolding material for engineered tissues that can be fine-tuned to mimic natural tissue properties. This allows for the creation of customized replacement skin, cartilage, or other tissue for patients, with potential applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering.
SourceWashington State University·JournalBioprinting·DateMay 4, 2021
A team of researchers from the University of Rochester and Delft University of Technology has developed a novel, environmentally-friendly material made of algae that can be used in various applications. The material is tough, resilient, eco-friendly, biodegradable, and scalable to produce.
SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMay 3, 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.
Researchers at the University of California - Santa Barbara have identified a major cause of limitations to efficiency in hybrid perovskite solar cells. A study found that missing hydrogen atoms in the organic molecules can cause massive efficiency losses due to unwanted energy dissipation, resulting in lower photovoltaic performance.
SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 29, 2021
Researchers have developed a new semiconductor material that can conduct electricity more efficiently than before, using inexpensive chemicals like dimethyl sulphoxide and hydrobromic acid. The material has the potential to improve solar cells, mobile phones, and wearable electronics, with costs 5000 times lower than existing materials.
SourceTata Institute of Fundamental Research·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 26, 2021
A research team has successfully used neutrons to non-destructively detect internal stress in complex 3D-printed components. The innovation could lead to energy-saving gas turbines by optimizing production processes and reducing destructive stresses.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalJournal of Applied Crystallography·DateApr 26, 2021
Researchers developed an anti-icing material that removes condensed water through self-propelled droplet jumping, inspired by wheat leaves. The material remains ice-free in temperatures as low as -50 °C and under high humidity, making it suitable for various environmental conditions.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 26, 2021
Researchers created a soft mechanical metamaterial that can compute digital logic computations using binary inputs and outputs. The material thinks by reconfiguring its conductive polymer network in response to mechanical force and electrical signals.
SourcePenn State·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 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.
Researchers from TU Graz and FSU Jena discovered three opposing driving forces controlling the self-assembly of functionalized molecules at interfaces. A design principle using machine learning was established to predict structures and properties. This breakthrough enables the easy assembly of desired interfacial properties on demand.
SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 19, 2021
David C. Martin, a University of Delaware professor, is advancing novel polymeric materials to integrate electronics with human brain tissue. He has been named a Materials Research Society Fellow for his work on conjugated polymers for interfacing electronic biomedical devices with living tissue.
A team from TU Wien and Cubicure has developed a novel 3D-printed material called 'Digory' that can be used as a substitute for ivory in restoring art objects. The new material is processed in a hot, liquid state and hardened with UV rays to create a deceptively authentic-looking ivory substitute.
SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalApplied Materials Today·DateApr 14, 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.
Researchers at the University of Sydney have made a breakthrough in understanding ferroelectric fatigue, a major cause of electronic device failure. By observing the degradation process at the nanoscale, they hope to inform the design of longer-lasting devices with better endurance.
SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2021
A team of scientists has created a reusable, biodegradable sponge made from sunflower pollen that can absorb oil contaminants from contaminated water sources. The pollen sponge outperforms commercial oil absorbents in terms of absorption capacity and reusability.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 7, 2021
Researchers at Cornell University have developed a new type of battery that uses aluminum, offering up to 10,000 error-free cycles and potentially replacing lithium-ion batteries. This innovative technology could provide a safer and more sustainable alternative for energy storage, addressing the challenges of intermittent solar energy.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Energy·DateApr 5, 2021
Researchers have developed a kirigami technique to fabricate complex 3D nanostructures with unprecedented ease. By strategically introducing cuts to a uniform structural film, the team can create sophisticated three-dimensional structures that can change shape in response to environmental changes.
SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 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.
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
Researchers at HZDR have created a novel method for growing magnetic thin-film materials that host skyrmions, tiny magnetic vortices promising for high data storage and processing capacities. The new process involves rapid heating with brief flashes of light to prevent undesired crystal phases, resulting in stable skyrmion formation.
SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 31, 2021
Researchers from Skoltech have created a theoretical method to study electronic properties of 2D materials like silicene under high pressure. This approach could help create pressure sensors using these materials, which are promising candidates due to their unique properties.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 31, 2021
Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed an organic material that uses less energy to dry air, enhancing the efficiency of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The polyimide-based dehumidifiers can bring down the cost of HVAC systems, which currently cost thousands of dollars.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalJournal of Membrane Science·DateMar 30, 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 at NIMS and RIKEN successfully synthesized the longest bottlebrush polymer ever made, reaching a length of 7 μm. This achievement has significant implications for the development of flexible and low-friction polymeric materials.
SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 25, 2021
The team developed a spontaneous patterning method that mimics biological processes, producing resins with regular ridges and controlled height and spacing. By adjusting the initial temperature of the solution, they created materials with patterns of color and stiffness, paving the way for creating new 'smart' materials.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 24, 2021
Researchers have developed a bioinspired nanopaper that can change its stiffness and strength with an electrical switch, mimicking the defense mechanism of sea cucumbers. The material, made from cellulose nanofibrils, becomes soft and flexible when electricity is applied, and regains its original properties when the current stops.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2021
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are using Bayesian optimization frameworks to combine multiple information sources and develop a more complete picture of underlying processes. This approach aims to reduce production time and costs by predicting the needed composition and processing for specific designs.
SourceTexas A&M University·JournalActa Materialia·DateMar 24, 2021
Researchers at NIMS demonstrated a record-high transverse thermopower using a composite of thermoelectric and magnetic materials. The hybrid structure generated +82 μV/K positive and -41 μV/K negative thermopowers, more than 10 times larger than the previous highest recorded thermopower.
SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 23, 2021
A novel technique has been developed to explore the fine structure of barium titanate, a perovskite titanate that could potentially replace lead titanate in sensors. The study found similar orbital hybridization between titanium and oxygen, as well as between barium and titanium electrons, contributing to polarization reversal.
SourceHiroshima University·JournalActa Materialia·DateMar 11, 2021
Researchers have developed adaptive microelectronics that can position themselves, manipulate biological tissue, and respond to their environment. These innovative devices use microscopic artificial muscles and sensor signals to adapt to complex anatomical shapes.
SourceChemnitz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·DateMar 10, 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.
Researchers at Pohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH) have discovered the mechanism behind catalyst transformation, revealing a pathway for improved fuel cell performance. The study found that PBMO catalysts exhibit enhanced stability and conductivity when transforming from perovskite to layered structures.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 10, 2021
A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has developed a novel material produced by bacteria that can effectively separate water from oil. The material consists of cellulose nano-fibers created by the bacteria Gluconacetobacter hansenii, which are then used to filter out the oil from an oily mixture.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalLangmuir·DateMar 9, 2021
Researchers have created a new type of 2D material, called a van der Waals heterostructure, which can be rolled up into a thin cylinder. This unique structure holds promise for miniaturized electronics, such as diodes and other devices. The discovery was made by a team of Penn State and University of Tokyo researchers.
Researchers directly observed the evolution of coherence energy scale in a strongly correlated material, clarifying the principle behind it. The study used ARPES and first-principle calculation to verify the kink behavior of electronic band structure, linked to Hund's coupling and coherence energy scale.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 8, 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.
Rice University's Carbon Hub has awarded seed grants to six research projects aiming to transform the oil and gas sector into a leading provider of clean hydrogen energy and solid carbon products. The selected teams will investigate various applications, including cement reinforced with carbon fibers, urban smog reduction, and replacin...
A team of scientists has created a novel material with unique properties, exhibiting half-auxetic behavior under both strain and compression. This discovery could lead to breakthroughs in sensing and magneto-optics technologies.
SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 5, 2021
Researchers at Columbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science have developed a new technique to control optical nonlinearity in 2D materials. The twistoptics approach enables giant nonlinear optical responses in small volumes, leading to compact laser systems and potential applications in quantum computing, spectroscopy,...
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 4, 2021
A team of researchers at POSTECH has successfully developed a high-energy-density cathode material that can stably maintain charge and discharge for over 500 cycles without the expensive and toxic Co metal. This breakthrough enables long-distance electric vehicle travel.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Energy Letters·DateMar 4, 2021
Researchers at Tomsk Polytechnic University have developed a method to create high-strength, electrically conductive composites using laser-driven integration of metals into polymers. The new method offers improved mechanical stability and potential applications in flexible electronics, photocatalysis, sensors, and biomedical products.
SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 2, 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.
Researchers have made a significant advance in understanding oxygen-redox processes involved in lithium-rich cathode materials, proposing strategies to mitigate limitations and increase energy density. The breakthrough offers potential routes to more reversible high-energy density Li-ion cathodes.
SourceThe Faraday Institution·JournalNature Energy·DateMar 1, 2021
Graphene Flagship researchers have developed molecular bridges to overcome defects in transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD) flakes, increasing carrier mobility tenfold. This breakthrough enables the mass production of conductive inks for printed electronic devices, opening up new possibilities for flexible electronics and wearables.
SourceGraphene Flagship·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateFeb 25, 2021
Researchers at Duke University are developing new super-hard materials using chaotic atomic structures, which can enhance stability and strength in a wide range of applications. The team aims to create a material that can solve the friction stir welding problem with steel, revolutionizing ship construction and defense equipment.
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.
Researchers developed novel hydrogel-based 4D materials that can change shape in response to physiological stimuli, supporting high cell densities and mimicking natural tissue development. These materials have potential for bioengineering blood vessels, organs, and studying biological processes involved in early development.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Chicago·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateFeb 24, 2021
Scientists have developed a smart material that responds to environmental stimuli, such as mechanical pressure or stretching, and can be used to create autonomous grippers. The material's unique properties make it ideal for use in soft robots performing complex tasks or locomotion.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 24, 2021
A UC San Diego engineer is developing a research platform to study new materials that melt at temperatures higher than 4000 degrees Celsius. The team aims to increase the melting point of materials by mixing large numbers of different atoms together, reducing the driving force for the solid to melt.
Researchers developed a new sodium-ion conductor that enhances stability in higher-voltage oxide cathodes, resulting in improved efficiency and lifespan. The material, NYZC, can last over 1000 cycles while retaining 89.3% of its capacity, outperforming other solid-state sodium batteries.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2021
Researchers at USC Viterbi School of Engineering used living bacteria to create new materials with superior mechanical properties. These materials exhibit exceptional strength, fracture resistance, and energy dissipation, making them suitable for aerospace panels, vehicle frames, body armor, and defense applications.
SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 22, 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.
Researchers identified 126 substances that can harm children's health, including phthalates, flame retardants, and fragrances. The study recommends prioritizing phase-out of these chemicals and developing benchmarks for safe use in toy materials.
Engineers at the University of California, Riverside developed a flexible film that combines excellent electromagnetic shielding with ease of manufacture, promising for high-frequency communication technologies. The film, made from a polymer matrix filled with bundles of quasi-one-dimensional van der Waals materials, demonstrates excep...
SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 22, 2021
Petroleum engineers at Samara Polytech created a test facility that recreates physical parameters of a deposit located at different depths. The facility allows for the simulation of pressure and temperature conditions, enabling the accurate determination of rock mechanical properties such as hardness, elasticity, and plasticity.
SourceSamara Polytech (Samara State Technical University)·JournalConstruction of Oil and Gas Wells on Land and Sea·DateFeb 18, 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.
A University of Cambridge study found that the fit of a face mask is more important than its material in providing protection against COVID-19. The researchers discovered that even high-performance masks can perform no better than cloth masks if not fitted properly, highlighting the critical role of proper seal in ensuring effectiveness.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 11, 2021
Researchers at NTU Singapore have created a new material that can flex and bend 40 times more than its competitors, opening the way to better micro machines. The hybrid material generates electricity effectively when bent, potentially recharging batteries in gadgets from everyday movements.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 8, 2021
Researchers from NUS developed an ultra-thin material with unique properties that could achieve faster and more energy-efficient memory chips. They created 'whirling' nano-structures in anti-ferromagnets, which are stable structures that can be moved at whirlwind speeds, enabling new types of information bits.
SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature·DateFeb 4, 2021
Researchers have developed a hyperspectral imaging technique to visualize and test two-dimensional materials at the nanoscale. This allows for the identification of new properties and potential applications, including more-efficient energy transmission and solar- and wind-powered vehicles.
SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 4, 2021
A new piezoelectric material developed by Penn State researchers remained effective at elevated temperatures, allowing for the creation of self-powering sensors and energy harvesters. The material performed well beyond 482 F (250 C), enabling potential applications in aerospace, automotive, and wearable devices.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateFeb 3, 2021
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.
Researchers from the University of the Basque Country have developed a novel non-destructive analytical strategy to characterize Martian samples. The proposed method utilizes Raman spectroscopy to identify molecular compositions and geochemical properties of unknown samples.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalTalanta·DateFeb 3, 2021
Researchers found that silver nanoparticles in antimicrobial plastic can form in foods and beverages, especially in sweetened products. The study suggests that long-term storage of these packaged items could lead to the transfer of silver ions into food and drinks, potentially harming human health.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 3, 2021