Ihlefeld's research focuses on developing universal, pure, and smooth thin films for transistors in high-temperature environments. His innovation aims to enable the design of new microelectronics with ultra-thin insulating materials.
SourceUniversity of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateOct 23, 2020
Researchers at UTA are developing new concrete materials that have longer lives and leave less environmental impact. The team aims to extend the life of environmentally friendly concrete by using a new type of external additive, potentially reducing its carbon footprint and cost.
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have developed a new method to pinpoint cracks in metals long before they cause disasters. By testing metals at a microscopic scale, they can rapidly inflict repetitive loads and track damage progression into cracks.
SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalScience·DateOct 8, 2020
High-speed cameras reveal intricate behavior of metal alloy samples under extreme stretching. Researchers discovered that a well-established magnetism model can accurately predict material deformation, offering new insights into the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect.
SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateOct 7, 2020
Researchers developed a new spectroscopy method, 'omnidirectional photoluminescence (ODPL) spectroscopy,' to test materials for electric cars and solar cells. The technique can detect defects and impurities at low temperatures.
SourceTohoku University·JournalApplied Physics Express·DateOct 5, 2020
Researchers at KIST and Jeonbuk National University created a new type of two-dimensional material that generates up to 40% more power than traditional materials when subjected to static electricity. This innovation enables the development of self-powered touch sensors that can recognize touch signals without electricity.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalNano Energy·DateOct 5, 2020
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
The University of Queensland's dipstick technology can extract genetic material in 30 seconds and provide a full molecular diagnosis in 40 minutes. This method has the potential to be used for affordable, rapid COVID-19 testing in various settings.
SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalNature Protocols·DateOct 5, 2020
Materials scientists at UC San Diego create a 3D-printing method that allows for the creation of shapes with varying degrees of stiffness and actuation. The breakthrough enables the manufacture of soft robots, artificial muscles, and wearable devices with improved properties.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 25, 2020
The center is focused on quantum devices and biosensing, creating materials with exceptional optical properties. Researchers are also exploring new crystal chemistry techniques to develop sustainable energy materials.
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
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.
Researchers at Harvard SEAS developed a new lattice design inspired by marine sponge skeletons, achieving higher strength-to-weight ratios than traditional designs. The diagonal reinforcement strategy improves structural strength without adding material, paving the way for innovative infrastructural applications.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 21, 2020
Northwestern University researchers developed new design principles for spin-based quantum materials that can enhance the efficiency of ultrafast, low-power electronics. The study identified key criteria for creating non-volatile, energy-efficient materials with long-lived persistent spin textures.
SourceNorthwestern University·JournalMatter·DateSep 18, 2020
Researchers at the University of Melbourne have created a new microscopy technique that allows direct observation of the magnetic properties of ultrathin 2D materials, such as graphene. The findings reveal that these materials are weakly magnetic and can be easily demagnetized.
SourceUniversity of Melbourne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateSep 18, 2020
Scientists at Norwegian University of Science and Technology have found a way to control the conductivity of materials without affecting other properties. This breakthrough enables the creation of multifunctional devices using the same material.
SourceNorwegian University of Science and Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 16, 2020
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 at Skoltech predicted high-entropy alloys with improved mechanical properties, such as hardness and fracture resistance, in the W-Mo-B system. The study aims to develop new hard materials that can withstand higher temperatures or pressures.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateSep 4, 2020
The modular mask combines barrier filtration with stretchable fabric, holding it in place without frequent adjustments. Prototypes have withstood 20 washings without shrinking or losing shape, addressing the fundamental flaw in existing reusable cloth masks.
SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the Textile Institute·DateSep 3, 2020
A team of researchers, led by the University of Texas at Austin, has cracked the code of a scientific anomaly that enables ultra-fast battery energy storage systems. They found metal compounds with up to three times the energy storage capability compared to common materials.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Materials·DateSep 2, 2020
Researchers developed a layered glass material allowing for acoustic propagation without air ventilation. The decorated window comprises ordinary glass, resulting in an inexpensive and optically transparent material.
SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 1, 2020
Scientists at HKU and Stanford University develop a new data storage method that uses quantum geometry to store information. This technology reduces energy consumption by over 100 times compared to traditional methods, making it ideal for emerging in-memory computing and neural network computing.
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Physics·DateSep 1, 2020
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 from University of Cambridge and Liverpool have identified a new degradation mechanism for electric vehicle batteries, leading to the development of strategies to improve battery lifespans.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 25, 2020
Scientists at Mainz University prove that information can be stored electrically in antiferromagnetic materials. By using currents instead of magnetic fields, they improve the efficiency of writing operations, paving the way for applications such as smart cards and ultrafast computers.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateAug 24, 2020
Researchers at ETH Zurich and EPF Lausanne have identified 13 possible 2D materials that can be used to build ultra-scaled field-effect transistors, potentially surpassing conventional silicon-based technology.
SourceNational Centre of Competence in Research (NCCR) MARVEL·JournalACS Nano·DateAug 17, 2020
Researchers successfully bound two negatively charged electron-like particles using photons, creating a novel form of matter called a Photon Bound Exciton. This discovery enables the creation of novel artificial atoms with designer electronic configurations.
SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 17, 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.
Researchers at KIST and KAIST developed a technology to fabricate liquid crystals with multiple layers, which can exhibit diverse optical characteristics. This new material may potentially replace color shifting ink in preventing forgery of bank notes and ID cards.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 14, 2020
Researchers at Linköping University have developed new materials by combining nanocellulose with metal nanoparticles, resulting in antibacterial properties, color-changing abilities, and the ability to generate heat. The materials can be used for various applications, including sensors and energy-based uses.
SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 10, 2020
A new study tests the effectiveness of different types of masks in preventing the spread of droplets that contain SARS-CoV-2 virus particles. The findings suggest that professional-grade N95 masks, surgical or polypropylene masks, and handmade cotton masks may block much of the spray produced when wearers speak.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 7, 2020
Researchers develop a new class of materials that can seamlessly transfer a compound's bright fluorescence to a solid state, overcoming a long-standing barrier. The breakthrough has potential applications in solar energy harvesting, bioimaging, and lasers.
Research reveals that a marketing claim of reducing negative product properties can be interpreted in two ways, leading to improved or negative evaluations. Consumers with an incremental mindset view these claims positively, while those with an entity mindset perceive them negatively.
SourceAmerican Marketing Association·JournalJournal of Marketing·DateAug 3, 2020
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.
Researchers created a personal cooling fabric that efficiently transfers heat away from the body while allowing sweat to evaporate. The new material, made from nanofibrous membranes coated with boron nitride nanosheets, has high thermal conductivity and potential uses in solar energy collection and electronic device management.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 29, 2020
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a way to enhance superconductivity in materials by layering molybdenum sulfide with molybdenum carbide, increasing conductivity by 50% to 6 Kelvin. This breakthrough could lead to more efficient energy transmission and storage.
SourcePenn State·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 29, 2020
Researchers demonstrate that nanoscale infrared imaging can identify materials up to 100 nm below the surface. The technique distinguishes surface layers from subsurface layers, enabling direct identification without modeling.
SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 23, 2020
Researchers at Drexel University have discovered a new MXene material that can absorb electromagnetic interference rather than just deflecting it. The material, titanium carbonitride, is up to 3-5 times more effective at blocking EMI than copper foil, offering a sustainable solution for containing electromagnetic pollution.
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.
Scientists at Oldenburg University have developed a new technique to observe chemical processes during battery operation. The team used scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) to track changes on the lithium anode's surface, revealing how dendrites form and limit durability.
SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·JournalChemElectroChem·DateJul 20, 2020
The new method enables a wider range of materials with better control over their thermal and mechanical properties. Researchers used a mixture of two monomers to create materials tailored for various applications, including tires.
SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJul 16, 2020
Researchers at JILA have developed an ultraviolet laser technique to probe materials down to 5 nanometers thick, revealing surprising discoveries about material behavior. The study found that very thin materials can be up to 10 times softer than expected, and certain dopings can disrupt atomic bonds, affecting strength.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateJul 15, 2020
Researchers at ANU have developed a novel organic semiconductor material that can be bent into any shape, promising faster and more flexible electronic devices. The material is made of just carbon and hydrogen, making it biodegradable and recyclable, which could reduce e-waste.
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 have created a new material that mimics the strength and toughness of mother of pearl, with layers of aragonite stacked in an intricate herringbone pattern. The material is almost twice as strong and four times as tough as previous nacre mimics, making it suitable for sustainable medical uses.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJul 15, 2020
A team of researchers at POSTECH has developed a new type of semiconductor memory that uses a two-dimensional layered structure material, which can operate stably at low power consumption. The material, CsPb2Br5, showed improved stability and performance compared to traditional materials, with memory characteristics maintained over 140°C.
SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateJul 13, 2020
The UC San Diego lab funded by the grant will focus on developing new materials with improved properties for medical diagnostic tests, therapeutics, and decontamination. The center will also provide opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students to work together and chart new avenues for innovation in materials science.
SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·DateJul 9, 2020
Researchers have developed a rapid stress test to assess coral thermotolerance, allowing for the identification of resilient corals that can survive ocean warming. The 'Coral Bleaching Automated Stress System' (CBASS) enables on-site testing within 18 hours, compared to months in a laboratory.
SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalGlobal Change Biology·DateJul 8, 2020
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.
A team of researchers from Harvard SEAS developed materials that can control and mold a balloon into pre-programmed shapes using kirigami sheets. The system enables expansion in some places and constricting it in others, allowing for the creation of complex shapes.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 8, 2020
Researchers at Kiel University have observed rapid electronic changes in tungsten ditelluride using laser pulses, which could enable ultra-fast optoelectronic switches. The team used time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy to visualize the changes in the material's electronic structure, revealing new insights into its unusual properties.
SourceKiel University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 7, 2020
Researchers reviewed the manufacturing methods and applications of hybrid materials made from cellulose nanocrystals. These materials exhibit excellent mechanical, thermal, and physico-chemical properties, making them suitable for various applications, including sensors, catalytic converters, and medical devices.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalProgress in Materials Science·DateJun 26, 2020
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.
Spin-gapless semiconductors (SGSs) bridge zero-gap materials and half-metals, exhibiting fully spin-polarized electrons and holes. Dirac type SGSs show extremely high electron mobility, enabling dissipationless edge states for ultra-fast electronics.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·DateJun 26, 2020
Researchers analyzed the Venus flytrap's biomechanical properties using digital 3D image correlation methods and finite element simulations. They found that the trap snaps shut when under prestress, and only traps with three tissue layers can close correctly.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 23, 2020
A novel pretreatment strategy has been developed to resolve the issue of silicon anode materials in lithium-ion batteries. The technology enables simple and safe processing for large-scale production, resulting in high initial battery efficiency and increased energy density.
SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJun 22, 2020
A team of Brown University researchers has developed a new ceramic material that doubles the toughness of traditional solid-state lithium ion batteries. The material combines graphene and ceramic to improve mechanical properties while maintaining electrical functionality.
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.
New research by Brown physicists reveals that impurities can disrupt the order of a system and cause melting to begin before predicted by theory. The findings provide insight into the solid-liquid transition, which remains poorly understood despite being familiar phenomenon.
SourceBrown University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 15, 2020
The study successfully minimizes thermal conductivity by designing and fabricating an optimal nanostructure-multilayer material through materials informatics. The researchers created a superlattice structure that maximizes wave interference of lattice vibrations to regulate thermal conductivity at near room temperature.
SourceJapan Science and Technology Agency·JournalPhysical Review X·DateJun 12, 2020
Researchers at UNSW Sydney synthesized ultra-thin carbon-based materials using liquid metals and organic fuels at room temperature, a first for this method. The ultra-smooth surface of the liquid metals templates atomically-thin carbon-based sheets, which can be used in various applications including battery storage and solar cells.
SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 10, 2020
Scientists at the University of Illinois have detected fractional electronic charges in topological insulators, a breakthrough that could lead to more efficient and robust devices. The discovery was made using specially designed microwave resonators, which allowed the researchers to measure the signature of these fractional charges.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalScience·DateJun 9, 2020
The German Research Foundation has approved a new Collaborative Research Center (CRC/Transregio 288) 'Elastic Tuning and Response of Electronic Quantum Phases of Matter' at Mainz University. Researchers will investigate quantum materials with properties that can be controlled by mechanical deformation.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·DateJun 8, 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.
A new discovery enables researchers to directly visualize unlabeled nanoscale objects with deep sub-wavelength separations, advancing the field of optical microscopy. This breakthrough has significant implications for applications in semiconductor wafer inspection, nanoparticle sensing, material characterization, and biosensing.
SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateJun 5, 2020
Scientists at the University of Warwick created a method called MeniFluidics to control cellular patterns, enabling the creation of arbitrary patterns and opening doors for tissue engineering and bio-art. This breakthrough could lead to innovations in antibiotic resistance and biofouling prevention.
SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalACS Synthetic Biology·DateJun 5, 2020
Researchers from the University of Houston have reported a structural supercapacitor electrode made from reduced graphene oxide and aramid nanofiber that is stronger and more versatile than conventional carbon-based electrodes. The new material offers promise for longer battery life and higher energy at a lighter weight.
SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 4, 2020
The DFG is funding three Collaborative Research Centres at TU Dresden to develop new classes of synthetic two-dimensional materials and novel design strategies for carbon concrete structures. The research focuses on controlling material properties, manufacturability, and sustainability.
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 developed smart e-glasses that wirelessly monitor brain waves, body movements and UV intensity while acting as sunglasses. The device allows users to control a video game with eye motions and can potentially aid in digital healthcare or virtual reality applications.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 27, 2020
Researchers propose new way to test structural stability of predicted 2D materials, correcting earlier mistakes. The new approach considers finite-size portions of materials for added stability criteria.
SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics·DateMay 27, 2020
Researchers visualized solid electrolyte interphase formation on battery-grade materials using in situ atomic force microscopy. They found SEI was thicker and stronger than on HOPG, providing new insights into battery interface structure and evolution.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 27, 2020
Researchers from NUS created a library of atomically thin 2D materials by intercalating metal atoms between transition metal dichalcogenide monolayers. The new materials have ferromagnetic properties and can be used to explore a wide range of physical properties.
SourceNational University of Singapore·JournalNature·DateMay 26, 2020