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Researchers turn tracking codes into 'clouds' to authenticate genuine 3-D printed parts

A team at NYU Tandon School of Engineering has developed a method to convert QR codes into complex features hidden within 3D printed parts. The researchers found that this innovation can effectively authenticate genuine parts and prevent counterfeiting, particularly in high-risk sectors such as biomedical and aerospace.

SourceNYU Tandon School of Engineering·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateAug 20, 2018

CityU develops the world's first-ever 4D printing for ceramics

Researchers at CityU developed a novel ceramic ink to print flexible and stretchable ceramic precursors, enabling complex shapes like origami folding. These precursors can undergo self-reshaping after heat treatment, resulting in mechanically robust and high-strength ceramics.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 17, 2018

Stretching beyond limits

Researchers design a functionally graded material to minimize the tradeoff between flexibility and strength, achieving optimal balance in both elasticity and rigidity. This technology has wide applications in various fields, including engineering, medicine, and soft robotics.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·DateAug 16, 2018
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.

Thermal switch discovered in engineered squid-based biomaterials

Scientists have developed a new class of materials inspired by squid DNA that can control thermal conductivity, which could lead to improved fabrics for athletic wear. The materials' thermal conductivity increases dramatically when wet, allowing them to 'flip' a switch and remove heat from the body.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateAug 13, 2018

A love of steel

Steel researcher Peter Felfer receives a 1.5 million euro grant to investigate the damage caused by hydrogen at the atomic level. He aims to build an atom probe that can differentiate between hydrogen in the material and environment.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateAug 8, 2018

New technique uses templates to guide self-folding 3D structures

Researchers at North Carolina State University developed a new technique to control self-folding three-dimensional structures by applying templates to constrain deformation. The technique creates complex shapes without cutting or printing, and can be executed at low temperatures.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateAug 1, 2018

New class of materials could be used to make batteries that charge faster

New class of materials has been identified that can be used to make batteries that charge faster. Lithium ions move through the materials at rates that exceed typical electrode materials, resulting in a much faster-charging battery. The researchers found that these materials, known as niobium tungsten oxides, do not result in higher en...

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature·DateJul 25, 2018
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.

Light-controlled polymers can switch between sturdy and soft

Researchers at MIT have designed a polymer material that can change its structure in response to different wavelengths of light, converting from rigid to softer and self-healing states. The material, composed of polymers attached to a light-sensitive molecule, can reversibly switch between two different topological states.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateJul 18, 2018

Study results may lead to improved diagnostics for breast cancer

Researchers analyzed protein and RNA from routine breast cancer tests to distinguish between cancer and benign lesions, yielding 100% accurate results. This method may also aid in subtyping breast cancer, determining therapy options, and monitoring disease progression.

SourceWiley·JournalMolecular Oncology·DateJul 18, 2018
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.

New study finds folding graphene significantly enhances mechanical performance

Researchers found that folding graphene significantly enhances its mechanical properties, leading to increased stiffness, strength, and toughness in polymer composites. The folded structure can sustain larger bending forces compared to stacked layers, making it an efficient strategy for incorporating large-area monolayer graphene films.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 14, 2018

Want an expensive engagement ring? Looks count

Research suggests that men will purchase more expensive engagement rings when imagining themselves with an attractive woman, while women prioritize larger rings with their less attractive partner. Women who rate themselves as physically attractive also opt for pricier rings.

SourceSpringer·JournalEvolutionary Psychological Science·DateJul 10, 2018

Wetting of surfaces is surprisingly difficult to measure reliably

A group of researchers from Aalto University and Sun Yat-sen University present a rigorous methodology for measuring wetting, proposing a universal procedure for the research community. This approach allows comparison between research groups to promote the development of new wetting materials.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Protocols·DateJul 10, 2018
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.

Making opaque materials totally transparent

Scientists at EPFL have developed a system that allows sound waves to travel across opaque materials without distortion. The tiny speakers can be controlled to amplify or attenuate the sound waves, offsetting the diffusion caused by obstacles and reproducing the original sound exactly on the other side. This technology has potential ap...

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 2, 2018

How smart technology gadgets can avoid speed limits

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology discovered a speed limit for smart technology gadgets that control light and internet traffic. By manipulating individual particles or allowing speciality materials to remain in motion, they can bypass this limit.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 28, 2018

The bizarre world of topological materials

Researchers are investigating topological materials for their potential to improve electronic performance and storage capacity. These materials display unusual stability even under extreme conditions.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJun 27, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Oxide sintering by air pressure control

The study successfully uses an air-pressure control furnace to rapidly synthesize Li2O-Nb2O5-TiO2 solid solutions, achieving material synthesis in a shorter period than conventional electric furnaces. The researchers attribute this success to the oxygen diffusion mechanism involving interstitial oxygen.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalMaterials·DateJun 27, 2018

The audiovisual integration of material information in preverbal infants

Researchers found that infants aged 4- to 8-months hold a primary cerebral representation of audiovisual integration in their right hemisphere, with the number of processed materials increasing with experience. This study sheds light on the trajectory of acquiring general knowledge about objects.

SourceChuo University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 26, 2018

Solar tower exposes materials to intense heat to test thermal response

The Sandia National Laboratories' solar tower facility is conducting a year-round test of the thermal response of various materials to intense heat and cooling. Researchers are using this setup to evaluate material durability for the Air Force, with the goal of establishing material response thresholds after exposure.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateJun 21, 2018

Game-changing finding pushes 3D-printing to the molecular limit

Researchers have developed a 3D-printed device that stores information reversibly using photoactive molecules and polymers. The technique expands the toolbox of advanced materials available to engineers, enabling complex designs like QR codes or barcodes to be encoded and erased.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 19, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

Observation of anisotropic magneto-Peltier effect

Researchers at NIMS and Tohoku University observed an anisotropic magneto-Peltier effect, a phenomenon that manipulates the temperature of magnetic materials through simple redirection of charge current. This discovery has the potential to develop thermal management technologies for energy-efficient electronic devices.

SourceNational Institute for Materials Science, Japan·JournalNature·DateJun 18, 2018

This is what a stretchy circuit looks like

Scientists in China develop a hybrid conductive material that can be bent and stretched at will, making it suitable for wearable electronics and implantable devices. The material, called metal-polymer conductor, is non-toxic and has broad applications for diagnosing and treating diseases.

SourceCell Press·JournaliScience·DateJun 14, 2018

Visual worlds in mirror and glass

Studies found that humans use efficient cues to discriminate between reflective and transparent materials, estimating material states without needing all information. Researchers developed a model correlating closely with human perception, suggesting simple information processing in the brain.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2018

Lead-free, efficient perovskite for photovoltaic cells

A KAIST research team has developed a novel perovskite material, Cs2Au2I6, which exhibits high efficiency and stability compared to conventional organic-inorganic hybrid perovskites. The new material is expected to overcome the limitations of previous perovskite materials, including toxicity issues.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 7, 2018
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.

Future robots need no motors

A novel actuating material system, nickel hydroxide-oxyhydroxide, has been developed at HKU Engineering that can be triggered by visible light and electricity. This material can exert a force equivalent to 3000 times its own weight, making it suitable for various applications in micro-robotics, human assist devices, and medical devices.

SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalScience Robotics·DateJun 4, 2018

Firing up a new alloy

A new alloy is being developed through the testing of a sintering process in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. The investigation uses liquid phase sintering to study the degree of distortion caused by microgravity, with potential applications for space manufacturing and Earth-based industries.

SourceNASA/Johnson Space Center·DateMay 31, 2018

Combining experts and automation in 3D printing

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University have developed an optimization algorithm that combines expert judgment with automation in 3D printing, enabling high-fidelity prints of soft materials. The Expert-Guided Optimization (EGO) method significantly reduces the time and energy required to find optimal print combinations.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalPLOS ONE·DateMay 31, 2018
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 listen for failure in granular materials

Scientists employed passive acoustic vibrations to characterize the vibrational modes of granular materials, revealing a new method to predict failure. The technique measures active vibrational modes' frequencies, providing an acoustic snapshot of the material's overall health.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 29, 2018

A better way to control crystal vibrations

By doping aluminum oxide with neodymium, researchers can control phonon frequencies and speeds, leading to improved thermal conductivity and efficiency in thermoelectric devices. This breakthrough provides a simpler and cheaper way to tune material properties, enabling new applications in solid-state lighting and electronics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 21, 2018

Microscale IR spectroscopy enabled by phase change materials and metasurfaces

Researchers have developed miniaturized infrared filters using phase change materials and metasurfaces, enabling precise measurement of mid-infrared frequencies. These tiny filters can be integrated into smartphones, allowing for real-time monitoring of air quality, food freshness, and health conditions.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalAdvanced Optical Materials·DateMay 11, 2018
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.

Step aside Superman, steel is no competition for this new material

Researchers have created a new material made from specially arranged nano-sized cellulose fibers that surpasses steel in strength. The material's unique structure and organization have led to significant improvements in its mechanical properties, making it suitable for various load-bearing applications.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateMay 9, 2018

UCI simulation technique models material-aging process

Researchers at UCI have developed a numerical method to simulate the molecular aging process in amorphous materials like concrete and glass. This technique could help researchers understand how materials weaken with age and develop materials that maintain their strength indefinitely.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 4, 2018

NIST/NASA study shows one detector doesn't 'fit all' for smoke in spacecraft

A NASA and NIST study found that traditional smoke detectors may not effectively detect smoke particles in space due to unique microgravity properties. The study investigated five common materials used on spacecraft and found that some detectors struggled to detect smaller particles, posing a concern for fire safety.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalFire Safety Journal·DateMay 1, 2018

A reimagined future for sustainable nanomaterials

Researchers have created a database to screen for environmentally sustainable nanomaterials, allowing designers to weigh performance characteristics like toxicity and antimicrobial activity before developing products. The tool aims to reduce unintended consequences and promote sustainable nanotechnologies.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateMay 1, 2018
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.

Discovery of new material is key step toward more powerful computing

Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new inorganic compound that adopts a crystal structure capable of sustaining a quantum spin liquid state. This discovery is a key step toward the creation of next-generation supercomputers, which will solve complex problems efficiently and consume less energy.

SourceOregon State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 26, 2018

Diamond-like carbon is formed differently to what was believed -- machine learning enables development of new model

A team of researchers has developed a new method for modeling the formation of diamond-like carbon at the atomic level, which challenges the prevailing understanding of the process. The approach uses machine learning to simulate thousands of atoms over long periods, revealing a more accurate picture of how the material forms.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 19, 2018

Electrochemical tuning of single layer materials relies on defects

Researchers found that defects in 2D molybdenum sulfide materials can improve their physical and electrochemical properties. By intentionally introducing sulfur vacancies, they can enhance chemical processes like hydrogen evolution from water, leading to increased energy efficiency and reduced costs.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 19, 2018
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.

Harvesting water from fog with harps (video)

Researchers have developed a type of 'harp' to collect fresh water from fog, outperforming traditional mesh devices. The new harp technology consistently collected more water than equivalent meshes at all wire diameters, with the finest wires collecting over three times the amount.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 18, 2018

Thin film converts heat from electronics into energy

Engineers at UC Berkeley developed a thin-film system that can convert low-quality waste heat into electricity, achieving unprecedented energy density and power density. The technology has potential applications in various industries, including electronics and manufacturing.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature Materials·DateApr 16, 2018

When superconductivity disappears in the core of a quantum tube

Researchers use ultra-cold neutral lithium atoms to study conductivity in a one-dimensional quantum tube. They discover an unusual state of matter that retains its insulation regardless of particle interactions, challenging conventional theories about materials.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalPhysical Review X·DateApr 13, 2018

Tiny structures -- huge impact

Researchers at Friedrich Schiller University Jena have successfully created tailored surface structures on curved carbon fibers using laser technology, enabling new applications in composite materials and optical devices. The method allows for precise control over the structure's size and shape, opening up possibilities for improving m...

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalCarbon·DateApr 13, 2018

Smart ink adds new dimensions to 3-D printing

Researchers at Dartmouth College developed a smart ink that allows for the creation of shape-changing and color-shifting objects through 3D printing. The innovation uses intelligent molecular systems to transform the structure and function of the printed material.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateApr 4, 2018
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.

Clara Santato awarded 2018 MRS Communications Lecture

Clara Santato received the 2018 MRS Communications Lecture award for her work on melanin research, which has led to advancements in energy storage/conversion, ion separation/water treatment, and bioelectronics. Her research aims to develop sustainable technologies using natural materials.

SourceCambridge University Press·DateApr 3, 2018

A chameleon-inspired material that stiffens and changes color

Researchers have developed a polymer-based material that stiffens and changes color, mimicking the dynamic properties of skin. The material combines rigid-while-flexible and soft-while-stiff properties, shifting towards blue or red colors when elongated or condensed.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 29, 2018

Majorana trilogy completed

Researchers at Delft University of Technology provide definite proof for Majorana particle existence, showcasing perfect quantization of zero-bias peak. This achievement enables exploration of Majorana quantum computing, with potential applications in topological quantum computing.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 28, 2018

Improving human-data interaction to speed nanomaterials innovation

A new application of data analysis and visualization techniques has been developed to improve the representation of multidimensional materials data. This approach enables scientists to extract useful relationships among properties, facilitating discovery and industrial use in nanomaterials research.

SourceLehigh University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateMar 26, 2018
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.

Designing a new material for improved ultrasound

Researchers at Penn State designed a new material with twice the piezo response of existing commercial ferroelectric ceramics. The material's unique structure increases its dielectric properties and piezoelectric effect, making it suitable for medical ultrasound applications.

SourcePenn State·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 22, 2018

Removing heavy metals from water with MOFs

Researchers developed a water-stable MOF/polymer composite that can remove over 1.6 times its own weight of mercury and 40% of its weight in lead from contaminated water samples. The material was tested in solutions with lead levels similar to those found in Flint, Michigan, and reduced lead concentrations to 2 parts per billion.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateMar 14, 2018

Can pursuing happiness make you unhappy?

A study published in Psychonomic Bulletin & Review found that people who pursue happiness often feel like they do not have enough time, which paradoxically makes them feel unhappy. This effect is due to the pursuit of happiness causing participants to think of time as scarce.

SourceSpringer·JournalPsychonomic Bulletin & Review·DateMar 12, 2018
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.

Riding the (quantum magnetic) wave

Scientists have successfully converted quantum waves into electrical current using an organic-based magnet, paving the way for faster and more efficient electronics. The breakthrough, achieved by researchers at the University of Utah, could lead to new generations of electronic systems that use magnons instead of electrons.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 12, 2018

Direct observation of topology hidden inside materials

A joint research group has successfully observed topology hidden inside materials using soft X-rays. This achievement enables the direct determination of material topology without relying on surface appearance, which is expected to lead to the discovery of more diverse topological electronic phases.

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 7, 2018

New insights could pave the way for self-powered low energy devices

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered the electron transfer mechanism underlying contact electrification, a process that generates electricity through friction between surfaces. The study's findings suggest temperature plays a crucial role in the phenomenon, with performance degrading above 300°C.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 7, 2018
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.