Add BrightSurf on Google Email

Nanoneedles to increase the capacity and robustness of digital memories

A team of scientists has created a technique using nanoneedles to modify the properties of iron-rhodium alloy, allowing for the creation of antiferromagnetic nano-islands embedded in ferromagnetic matrices. This breakthrough enables the miniaturization of magnetic devices and facilitates the manufacture of more robust and secure memories.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateMay 26, 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.

Renewable energy advance

University of Delaware researchers have developed a technique to visualize the three-dimensional structure of materials in detail while maintaining context. This approach enables scientists to study specific particles on the material's surface and observe how they evolve over time under different conditions.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 26, 2020

Parent-led discussion about mutual strengths benefits parent-teen communication

A new study by Children's Hospital of Philadelphia researchers found that a primary care-based intervention promoting parent-teen communication led to less distress among teens and more positive emotions. The intervention, which included an eight-page booklet with discussion prompts, showed promise in improving adolescent health outcomes.

SourceChildren's Hospital of Philadelphia·JournalThe Journal of Pediatrics·DateMay 19, 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.

Using big data to design gas separation membranes

Columbia engineers apply machine learning techniques to create a method that combines big data and machine learning to selectively design gas-filtering polymer membranes. The study successfully identifies promising materials that surpass current membrane performance limits, paving the way for commercial use.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 15, 2020

New algorithm predicts optimal materials among all possible compounds

A new algorithm, Mendelevian Search, predicts optimal materials by searching through all possible combinations of chemical elements and crystal structures. The method has successfully predicted diamond and several dozen hard and superhard phases, including some new ones.

SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateMay 14, 2020

Designing flexible and stretchable single crystal electronic systems

The study created flexible single crystal electronic systems by using organic semiconductors that can be stretched over 10%, exceeding the elastic limit of most single crystals. This breakthrough could enable new applications in sensors and robotics.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMay 13, 2020

Hayabusa2 reveals more secrets from Ryugu

Researchers studied Hayabusa2's readings from the Ryugu asteroid, finding evidence of solar heating that changed its chemical properties. This discovery sheds light on the early history of the solar system and the formation of asteroids.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateMay 11, 2020
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.

How to manipulate light on the nanoscale over wide frequency ranges

An international team has discovered an effective method for controlling the frequency of confined light at the nanoscale in phonon polaritons. By intercalating alkaline and alkaline earth atoms in van der Waals materials, researchers can extend the range of working frequencies, enabling broader technological applications.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 8, 2020

Research found a new way to make functional materials based on polymers of metal clusters

Researchers at the University of Jyvaskyla and Xiamen University have discovered a novel method for creating functional macroscopic crystalline materials. The material exhibits highly anisotropic electrical conductivity, with significant differences in behavior along its polymer direction versus perpendicular directions. Theoretical mo...

SourceUniversity of Jyväskylä - Jyväskylän yliopisto·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 6, 2020

Heating could be the best way to disinfect N95 masks for reuse

Researchers found that heating N95 masks preserves their filtration efficiency for 50 cycles of disinfection. Heating at 185 F for 20 minutes was the most effective method, while ultraviolet radiation allowed up to 20 cycles of disinfection but could be problematic.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 5, 2020
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

In search of the lighting material of the future

A yellowish solid compound has been found to emit an intense green glow when excited by an electric current, making it a hot candidate for producing OLEDs. The substance's chemical structure allows for high light yields due to its stiff molecule and minimal changes in structure upon excitation.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 1, 2020

'Breathable' electronics pave the way for more functional wearable tech

Researchers at North Carolina State University created ultrathin, stretchable electronic material that is gas permeable, allowing sweat and volatile organic compounds to evaporate away from the skin. This breakthrough enables more comfortable long-term wear for biomedical or wearable technologies.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 30, 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.

New STM technique points way to new and purer pharmaceuticals

Researchers use ultra-thin STM needle to map molecular bonds on surface of materials, enabling precise identification of impurities and halogen bonding. This technique could lead to the production of new pharmaceuticals that are purer than ever.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 30, 2020

MRI scanning assists with next generation battery design

Researchers have developed an MRI scanning technique that enables the detection of sodium metal ions in batteries, providing unprecedented insights into their behavior during operation. This allows for the identification of failure mechanisms and the development of longer life and higher performing batteries.

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 29, 2020
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.

Environment-friendly compound shows promise for solar cell use

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have developed a new lead-free chalcogenide perovskite that could provide a safer and more effective option for solar cells. The compound, barium zirconium sulfide (BaZrS3), is highly resistant to moisture and sunlight, making it an attractive alternative to traditional materials.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateApr 24, 2020

Spider combs tame unruly nanofibers (video)

Researchers created an artificial nonstick surface inspired by spider combs, reducing adhesive forces and handling synthetic nanomaterials. The nanostructure, patterned onto a foil surface, performed almost as well as the natural version in tests against spider silk.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateApr 22, 2020

Under pressure: New bioinspired material can 'shapeshift' to external forces

Researchers at Johns Hopkins University have created a self-adapting material that can change its stiffness in response to applied force, mimicking how human bone adjusts to its environment. This advancement holds promise for developing materials that can self-reinforce damaged areas and accelerate treatment of bone-related diseases.

SourceJohns Hopkins University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2020

KIST develops nanometer-thick electromagentic shielding film using MXene

A Korean research team has developed an ultrathin MXene film with exceptional absolute electromagnetic shielding performance, outperforming any other material reported to date. The film's thickness can be customized to provide 99% electromagnetic shielding efficiency.

SourceNational Research Council of Science & Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 15, 2020
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.

Harnessing the power of electricity-producing bacteria for programmable 'biohybrids'

Researchers have created a material that supports the growth of exoelectrogenic bacteria while efficiently conducting electricity in a controlled manner. By incorporating DNA strands into a nanocomposite scaffold, they can tailor the conductivity and properties of the material by varying the size and sequence of the DNA fragments.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 8, 2020

House cleaning on the nanoscale

The technique successfully removes even the tiniest contaminants down to the atomic scale, achieving an unprecedented level of cleanliness. The research also explored the origins and mechanisms of recontamination at the nanoscale, revealing surface diffusion and airborne contamination.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 8, 2020

New 'law' to explain how glaciers flow over soft ground

Researchers unveil a new slip law to describe glaciers sliding on soft, deformable material, improving models of fast-flowing, marine-terminating glaciers in Antarctica and Greenland. This development enhances the understanding of glacier movement and parameterization for better sea-level rise estimations.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateApr 2, 2020

Artificial intelligence identifies optimal material formula

Researchers at Ruhr-University Bochum used artificial intelligence to predict the structure of thin films, reducing the need for extensive experiments. The team developed a generative model that can generate images of the surface of a layer under specific process parameters, enabling the identification of optimal material formulas.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalCommunications Materials·DateMar 26, 2020
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.

Molecule co-discovered at UL leads to breakthrough on how data is stored

Researchers at University of Limerick's Bernal Institute have helped discover a molecule that can switch between three distinct states, paving the way for low-energy data storage and processing. This breakthrough could have a major impact on the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications.

SourceUniversity of Limerick·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMar 24, 2020

Development of a solid material capable of slowly releasing H2S and NO

Researchers at NIMS developed a solid material that slowly releases hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitric oxide (NO), which can induce physiologically favorable effects. This material will facilitate the medical use of these gases, overcoming storage and concentration difficulties.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 24, 2020

Composite metal foams take the heat, move closer to widespread applications

Researchers at North Carolina State University have demonstrated that composite metal foams can withstand extreme temperatures, passing the simulated pool fire test with flying colors. The material's performance was predicted using a model developed by the team, which showed accurate results within 10 degrees Celsius.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalInternational Journal of Thermal Sciences·DateMar 19, 2020

Semiconductors can behave like metals and even like superconductors

Researchers at Swansea University have discovered that semiconductor materials can behave like metals and even superconductors when their surface crystals are structured in a specific way. This breakthrough could lead to advances in energy-efficient electronic devices with lossless energy transport.

SourceSwansea University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateMar 17, 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.

SUTD develops missing link to circular economy while tackling global waste

Researchers at SUTD develop bioplastic production process using urban waste and bio-inspired engineering, enabling global adoption of sustainable manufacturing. The process reduces energy requirements and transportation costs, using abundant biological polymers like chitin and cellulose.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 13, 2020

New study presents efficient, solution-processed, hybrid tandem solar cells

Researchers have developed a novel technology to maximize the performance of colloidal quantum dot (CQD) solar cells. The new hybrid tandem photovoltaic devices feature CQDs and organic bulk heterojunction photoactive materials, improving photon harvesting and achieving high power conversion efficiency.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 12, 2020

Making more MXene

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a lab-scale reactor system that can produce large quantities of MXene in bulk, preserving its unique properties. The system uses a computerized process to refine the material and ensures consistency, a critical step towards achieving manufacturing standards.

SourceDrexel University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateMar 10, 2020
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.

Spending on experiences versus possessions advances more immediate happiness

A recent study published in the Journal of Experimental Social Psychology found that consumers derive more happiness from experiential purchases than material ones. The researchers recruited over 2,600 adults and monitored their emotions and purchasing behavior, discovering that happiness was higher for those who spent on experiences a...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalJournal of Experimental Social Psychology·DateMar 9, 2020

New material could turn clothing into a health monitor

Researchers have developed a new material that can be woven into fabric to detect slight changes in body temperature, serving as an early warning system for injury or illness. The material, capable of maintaining a pliable disordered structure, can alert someone monitoring the change to potential need for intervention.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateMar 4, 2020

Using molecules to draw on quantum materials

Researchers at INRS and McGill University developed a method to draw molecular patterns on the surface of quantum materials using macrocycles, changing their optical, magnetic, and electrical properties. This technique has potential applications for electronic devices and biosensing.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·JournalACS Nano·DateMar 4, 2020

KITE code could power new quantum developments

Researchers developed open-source software to assist in creating quantum materials, which could vastly increase computing power and reduce energy consumption. The Quantum KITE initiative uses sophisticated computer programmes to predict material properties, enabling the creation of realistic simulations with unprecedented atom numbers.

SourceUniversity of York·JournalRoyal Society Open Science·DateMar 2, 2020

Unique material could unlock new functionality in semiconductors

Researchers synthesized a unique organic-inorganic hybrid crystal with controllable ferroelectricity and chirality, enabling new electrical, magnetic, or optical properties. This discovery could lead to advancements in communication and computing technologies.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 28, 2020
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.

Using light to put a twist on electrons

Physicists have induced and measured nonsymmetrical states in a layered material using circularly polarized mid-infrared light. This phenomenon, known as chirality, can be controlled and enhanced by shining the light beam at specific conditions, demonstrating a new tool for manipulating electronic behavior in materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 26, 2020

Breaking the temperature barrier in small-scale materials testing

Scientists have developed a new method to test microscopic aeronautical materials at ultra-high temperatures, using electron microscopy and laser heating. This breakthrough reduces the time and expense required for such tests, paving the way for the development of new materials for commercial applications.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2020

Study puts spin into quantum technologies

Scientists have successfully demonstrated the ability to control the spin of atom-like impurities in a 2D material, opening up new possibilities for quantum sensing and applications. The discovery has enormous potential for use in nanoscale medical diagnostics, GPS-free navigation, and other fields.

SourceUniversity of Technology Sydney·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 24, 2020

WWI helmets protect against shock waves just as well as modern designs

Biomedical engineers at Duke University found that historical helmets can provide similar protection from blast-induced brain trauma as modern ones. The French Adrian helmet demonstrated superior performance in protecting the brain from overhead blasts, with its crest feature potentially playing a key role.

SourceDuke University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateFeb 14, 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.

'Atomic dance' reveals new insights into performance of 2D materials

Researchers at Northwestern University have developed a new method to visualize the dynamic motion of atoms in atomically thin 2D materials. The technique reveals that sulfur atoms in MoS2 move continuously to vacant areas, causing grain boundaries to separate and leading to material failure.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 11, 2020

Crystal-stacking process can produce new materials for high-tech devices

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and MIT developed a new platform to create stacked-crystal materials with hybrid properties and multiple functions. This allows for infinite combinations of materials, opening doors to new technologies in data storage, sensing, energy, biomedical devices and more.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature·DateFeb 5, 2020
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Mechanism for improvement of photoluminescence intensity in phosphor material

The study analyzed the changes in crystal structure of a red phosphor material due to heat treatment and addition of P2O5 and Eu2O3, revealing its relationship with photoluminescence intensity. The researchers discovered an incommensurate (IC) phase with a complex modulation structure that decreases photoluminescence intensity.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMaterials·DateJan 30, 2020

Graphene Flagship publishes handbook of graphene manufacturing

The Graphene Flagship has published a comprehensive guide to graphene manufacturing and processing, providing a single source of knowledge for researchers and industry. The handbook encompasses over 1,500 references and covers techniques for production and characterisation of graphene-related materials.

SourceGraphene Flagship·Journal2D Materials·DateJan 29, 2020

Researchers advance solar material production

A new production technique for CdTe material uses a high-pressure furnace and produces high-purity crystals in a rapid timeframe, outperforming current methods. The technique also eliminates concerns about explosions and allows for easier doping of the material.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Crystal Growth·DateJan 27, 2020
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Nano-thin flexible touchscreens could be printed like newspaper

Researchers have developed an ultra-thin and ultra-flexible electronic material that could be printed and rolled out like newspaper. The new conductive sheet is 100 times thinner than existing touchscreen materials and so pliable it can be rolled up like a tube.

SourceRMIT University·JournalNature Electronics·DateJan 24, 2020

Designer-defect clamping of ferroelectric domain walls for more-stable nanoelectronics

Researchers at FLEET have made a significant step in solving the primary challenge of information stability in domain-wall nanoelectronic data storage. By introducing designer defects, they were able to clamp down domain walls, effectively preventing ferroelectric domain relaxation and promoting superior polarisation retention.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 21, 2020