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The fine-tuning of two-dimensional materials

Scientists at Penn State have developed a new understanding of why synthetic 2D materials often perform orders of magnitude worse than predicted. By using oxygen-terminated substrate surfaces, they enhanced the photoluminescence intensity and carrier lifetime of molybdenum disulfide by 100 times.

SourcePenn State·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 28, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Helium ions open whole new world of materials

Researchers at QUT have developed nano 'sieves' that can separate molecules up to 10,000 times finer than a human hair. The discovery opens the door to early detection of cancer through blood tests and creation of smart materials with novel functions.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 26, 2018

Combating sulphuric acid corrosion at wastewater plants

Researchers from Graz University of Technology have developed a holistic solution using geopolymer concrete to resist microbial induced concrete corrosion (MICC), a common issue in wastewater treatment facilities. This approach has shown promising results in reducing the lifespan of damaged systems and extending their service life.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalWater Research·DateFeb 23, 2018

Crop-saving soil tests now at farmers' fingertips

Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new method for soil pathogen analysis that is portable, fast and inexpensive. This breakthrough technology allows farmers to detect disease-causing pathogens in their soil quickly and make informed decisions about treatments or management changes before planting.

SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of Visualized Experiments·DateFeb 23, 2018

With computation, researchers identify promising solid oxide fuel cell materials

A team of University of Wisconsin-Madison engineers has discovered new materials that could enable solid oxide fuel cells to operate at lower temperatures, increasing efficiency and reducing costs. The researchers used quantum mechanics-based computational techniques to screen over 2,000 candidate materials, yielding a list of 52 poten...

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateFeb 22, 2018

When proteins shake hands

Researchers from Jena University successfully created protein nanofibres with defined properties by combining two different proteins through a self-assembly process. The hybrid fibres can be used as components in biosensors, drug delivery particles, optical probes, or bone cements.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 20, 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.

Contacting the molecular world through graphene nanoribbons

Researchers have developed graphene narrow stripes to use as electrical wires and a method to precisely contact individual molecules. The discovery has enabled direct atomic precision contacting, leading to the creation of a single-molecule magnetic device.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2018

System draws power from daily temperature swings

A novel system, called a thermal resonator, converts daily temperature swings into electrical power. The device takes advantage of the ambient temperature fluctuations that occur during the day-night cycle, making it suitable for remote sensing systems without requiring batteries or other power sources.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 15, 2018

Stacking on the graphene

Researchers at Tohoku University have fabricated two types of trilayer graphene with different electrical properties. The ABA-stacked graphene exhibits excellent electrical conductivity, while the ABC-stacked graphene displays semi-conducting properties. These findings hold implications for the development of novel electronic devices.

SourceTohoku University·JournalNPG Asia Materials·DateFeb 9, 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.

Repetition key to self-healing, flexible medical devices

Scientists at Penn State have created materials that can conduct protons, a process used in fuel cells, and are biocompatible. The protein-based proton conductors show promise for developing implantable medical devices without batteries.

SourcePenn State·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateFeb 8, 2018

Liquid crystal molecules form nano rings

Scientists have discovered a way to create materials with new properties by inducing liquid crystals to form ordered rings in nanopores. This self-assembly process allows for the design of nanomaterials that can be controlled through temperature, enabling novel applications in organic semiconductors.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 6, 2018

Photoreversible molecular switch changes the physical property of thermoresponsive polymer

Scientists at Yokohama National University developed a photoresponsive molecular switch that enables the control of sol-gel transitions in thermoresponsive polymers. The azobenzene-containing ionic liquid triggers reversible physical property changes upon light irradiation, showing tunable sol and gel states.

SourceYokohama National University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateFeb 1, 2018

Skin-inspired coating that's as hard as teeth and can heal itself

Researchers have developed a smart coating that mimics the structure of human skin, offering a balance between strength and self-healing capabilities. The coating, composed of polyvinyl alcohol and tannic acid, can heal itself like skin when cut and also kill bacteria.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 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.

Federico Rosei becomes Academician of the World Academy of Ceramics

Dr. Federico Rosei, a renowned professor and researcher, has been invited to join the prestigious World Academy of Ceramics as an Academician in recognition of his groundbreaking work on nanoscale functional materials. His research has led to significant advances in solar, optoelectronic, and biomedical technologies.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateJan 31, 2018

Research boosts efficiency and stability of optical rectennas

Researchers have improved optical rectenna efficiency by two-fold, using air-stable diode materials. The devices can convert electromagnetic fields at optical frequencies to electrical current, enabling low-power applications like temperature sensors.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateJan 26, 2018

Ultralow power consumption for data recording

Researchers at Tohoku University have developed a new phase change material, Cr2Ge2Te6, that achieves a significant reduction in power consumption for data recording in phase change memory (PCRAM). The material exhibits an inverse resistance change and combines low operation energy, high data retention, and fast operation speed.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 24, 2018
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.

Crystal clear

The KAUST team has developed a methodology for acquiring atomic-resolution images of beam-sensitive materials, such as metal organic frameworks, using transmission electron microscopy. This enables the precise alignment and determination of defocus values, reducing the procedure to a near-routine process.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience·DateJan 18, 2018

Research into terahertz signals and friction-optimized metals

Scientists at KIT create friction-optimized metal alloys using a unique approach that combines friction experiments with non-destructive testing methods, data science algorithms, and high-resolution electron microscopy. The goal is to develop materials with tailored friction and wear behavior, which could lead to significant energy sav...

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·DateJan 17, 2018

Insulating with microscopic bubbles

Researchers from Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA) have developed a new insulating material using microscopic bubbles, creating an ultra-insulating brick called Aerobrick. This innovation outperforms traditional insulation methods by up to 35%.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalEnergy Procedia·DateJan 16, 2018

How mantis shrimp pack the meanest punch

Researchers at UC Riverside have discovered a unique structure in the mantis shrimp's club that protects it from self-inflicted damage, enabling the development of ultra-strong materials. The club's striated region wraps around the club to prevent catastrophic cracking, similar to hand wraps used by boxers.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 16, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Biofilms as construction workers

Researchers at Technical University of Munich use biofilms to guide microorganisms in creating tailor-made templates for new materials. This process utilizes light, heat, and other stimuli to control the movement of microbes, enabling the creation of complex networks with natural structures.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 19, 2017

Particle size matters for porous building blocks

Rice University scientists found that porous particles of calcium and silicate show potential as building blocks for various applications. When assembled into micron-sized sheets and pellets, the arrays held up better under pressure, with bigger individual nanoparticles being 120% tougher than smaller ones.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 18, 2017

Columbia engineers create artificial graphene in a nanofabricated semiconductor structure

Researchers have successfully engineered artificial graphene in a nanofabricated semiconductor structure, offering more versatile properties than natural graphene. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new electronic switches, transistors, and storage methods based on exotic quantum mechanical states.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateDec 12, 2017
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.

Solar power advances possible with new 'double-glazing' device

Researchers at the University of Warwick have developed a new 'double-glazed' solar power device that uses gas to transport electrical energy, unlike existing solar panels. This innovative approach could lead to improved solar power generation methods and open up new possibilities for advanced photovoltaics.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalJoule·DateDec 7, 2017

UChicago scientists craft world's tiniest interlinking chains

Researchers successfully created a molecular chain composed of freely rotating loops, a significant breakthrough after decades of failure. The new technique could lead to the development of materials and machines with unique properties, such as improved flexibility and tunability.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalScience·DateDec 6, 2017

New nanowires are just a few atoms thick

Researchers at MIT, Cornell, and King Abdullah University developed a technique to create long, thin MoS2 channels in WSe2. The discovery could lead to more efficient solar cells and the assembly of atom-scale electronic components.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 4, 2017
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.

Microwave-based test method can help keep 3-D chip designers' eyes open

Researchers at NIST develop a new approach to testing multilayered, three-dimensional computer chips using microwaves. This method provides real-time insight into material performance and defects, potentially reducing electromigration issues and improving chip stability.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateNov 28, 2017

Spin current from heat: New material increases efficiency

Physicists at Bielefeld University discovered a new material that can generate magnetic signals, known as 'spin currents', from heat, increasing efficiency. The researchers tested various combinations of thin films and found that materials with special electronic structures produced stronger spin currents.

SourceBielefeld University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 20, 2017
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.

Breakthrough could launch organic electronics beyond cell phone screens

Researchers at Princeton University have developed a new approach to increase the conductivity of organic semiconductors, which could lead to more widespread use of organic electronics. The breakthrough involves using a ruthenium-containing compound that adds electrons to the semiconductor, increasing its conductivity by about a millio...

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 17, 2017

'Ion billiards' cue novel material synthesis method

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a novel material synthesis method that utilizes protons to introduce ions into host materials. This liquid-free process enables the homogenous introduction of various ions, such as lithium and sodium, into tantalum sulfide, maintaining its crystallinity.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 16, 2017

Counterfeits and product piracy can be prevented by security features, such as printed 3-D microstructures

Researchers at KIT have developed innovative fluorescent 3D structures to improve counterfeit protection in products like bank notes, pharmaceuticals, and car spare parts. These new security features can be easily integrated into various applications to prevent product piracy and counterfeiting.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateNov 15, 2017

Soft magnetic material characterizations get a harder look

Soft magnetic materials are crucial for designing efficient electric machines, but current characterization methods are inadequate for applications like traction drives. Researchers offer improvements to guide the selection of the most suitable material.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAIP Advances·DateNov 14, 2017

Synthetic circuits can harvest light energy

Researchers at MIT and Harvard created a light-harvesting material that can absorb and transfer energy along precise pathways. The synthetic material uses densely packed clusters of pigments organized on DNA scaffolds to mimic natural photosynthetic structures.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 11, 2017
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.

Cool textiles to beat the heat

Researchers have developed a new material for clothing that can cool people down without external energy needed, using a nanocomposite thread made from boron nitride and polyvinyl alcohol. The fabric is more efficient at moving heat away from the body than pure polyvinyl alcohol or cotton fabrics.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 8, 2017

Computer system finds 'recipes' for producing materials

A new AI system can analyze a large dataset of research papers to extract recipes for producing specific materials. The system can identify paragraphs containing recipes and classify words within those paragraphs according to their roles, allowing scientists and engineers to access detailed instructions for material production.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateNov 6, 2017

An Arctic example: How scientific collaboration can foster international stability

The Agreement on Enhancing International Arctic Scientific Cooperation aims to improve movement of researchers and equipment, share data and metadata, and transfer traditional knowledge across territories. Effective implementation will balance national interests with common goals for the benefit of all stakeholders in the region.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2017
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.

Gold nanoantennas help in creation of more powerful nanoelectronics

Scientists used gold nanoparticles with molybdenum disulfide to study strain occurring when a semiconductor contacts a conductor at the nanoscale. They demonstrated localized strain of 1.4% using Tip-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, a unique technology that combines optical and atomic force microscopy.

SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalNano Letters·DateNov 1, 2017

Learning from mussels

A team of UCSB researchers created a dry polymeric system that maintains its stretchiness while becoming stiffer and tougher with the addition of iron coordination bonds. The material has potential applications in coatings and impact-resistant materials.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateOct 26, 2017
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.

Ancient asteroid impact exposes the moon's interior

Scientists have discovered that the moon's mantle is composed of orthopyroxene, not olivine, contrary to previous assumptions. This finding challenges models for the formation and evolution of the Moon and its differences from Earth.

SourcePurdue University·JournalGeology·DateOct 10, 2017

New methods tackle a perplexing engineering concept

Researchers at the University of Illinois developed guidelines to understand auxetic materials that become thicker when stretched, applicable for protective sports equipment, body armor and biomedical devices. The new tools aim to democratize auxetic design, making it accessible to engineers from novice to advanced experience levels.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateOct 9, 2017

Glowing news for organic materials

Researchers at Kyushu University have successfully demonstrated persistent luminescence from organic materials, achieving long-lived emission lasting over an hour. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including bio-imaging and safety applications.

SourceKyushu University, OPERA·JournalNature·DateOct 2, 2017
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.

Magnetic electrodes increase solar cell efficiency

Researchers at CIC nanoGUNE developed a photovoltaic device using magnetic materials as electrodes, increasing efficiency by 14%. The device produces alternating current directly, eliminating the need for transformers. Further improvements are being pursued to build more efficient solar modules.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalScience·DateSep 29, 2017

Appearance of anisotropic electrical property in oriented material

The study reveals that the anisotropic Qf value is caused by anisotropic electron conductivity and anisotropic bonding strength in the superstructure. The researchers achieved a five-fold increase in Qf parallel to the c-axis compared to perpendicular to it.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalAdvanced Powder Technology·DateSep 29, 2017
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.

Materials research science and engineering center receives $15.6 million grant

The Northwestern University Materials Research Science and Engineering Center has received a six-year, $15.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation to advance world-class materials research, education, and outreach. The center will support interdisciplinary research groups focusing on reconfigurable nanoelectronic materials...

SourceNorthwestern University·DateSep 20, 2017
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.

Tough stuff: Spider silk enhanced with graphene-based materials

Researchers enhanced spider silk with graphene-based materials, boosting its mechanical properties by up to three times the strength and ten times the toughness. The modified silks show promising applications in high-performance or biodegradable textiles such as parachutes or medical dressings.

SourceGraphene Flagship·Journal2D Materials·DateSep 13, 2017