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'Peel-and-go' printable structures fold themselves

Researchers at MIT's CSAIL developed a printer-ink material that expands after solidification, allowing the creation of self-folding devices. The technique enables the custom manufacture of sensors, displays, or antennas with three-dimensional shapes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 13, 2017
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

NIST, NFL, GE and Under Armour announce grand prize winner in Head Health Challenge III

A team of materials designers led by Dynamic Research Inc. won the grand prize of $500,000 for developing a novel material with an unusual geometric structure that can absorb or mitigate force within helmets and other protective gear, reducing impact by over 70%. The winning entry has potential to support innovation and stimulate the m...

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·DateSep 6, 2017

Why does rubbing a balloon on your hair make it stick?

Scientists at Case Western Reserve University have discovered that tiny holes and cracks in materials can control electric charge through friction. The findings could lead to better adhesion for agricultural pesticides, paints, and other applications, while also preventing damage from static electricity.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateAug 29, 2017

The breaking point

Researchers developed a new theory to understand how cracks propagate, revealing a nonlinear relationship between forces and material response near the crack's edge. This discovery may lead to better understanding of material failures and development of new strategies for protecting the environment.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateAug 23, 2017

A tougher tooth

UCSB researchers developed a new type of dental composite inspired by mussel mechanisms to adhere to surfaces. The material provides an extra layer of durability, potentially leading to longer-lasting fillings and crowns.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 21, 2017

Harvard researchers develop tough, self-healing rubber

Researchers have created a new type of rubber that can self-heal, offering potential applications in durable tires, wearable electronics, and medical devices. The hybrid rubber combines covalent and reversible bonds to achieve its unique properties.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateAug 16, 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.

Researchers clarify mystery about proposed battery material

A team at MIT has carried out detailed tests that resolve the questions surrounding a compound called lithium iodide, a possible solution to some of the lithium-air battery's problems. The study finds that LiI can enhance water's reactivity and interfere with charging, but suggests ways to suppress these reactions to make it work better.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateAug 16, 2017

Fundamentals of water repellency revealed at VTT

Researchers at VTT have discovered the frictional mechanism behind water repellency on inclined surfaces. By understanding this phenomenon, they can predict sliding of drops off surfaces and develop hydrophobic materials with improved wettability.

SourceVTT Technical Research Centre of Finland·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 14, 2017

Materials governed by light

Hybrid materials combining organic and inorganic components show promise for various applications, including optics and biomedicine. The materials display enhanced photophysical properties, such as anisotropic response to polarized light and artificial antenna effects.

SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateAug 4, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

An end to cavities for people with sensitive teeth?

Researchers develop a new material with nanohydroxyapatite and green tea polyphenol EGCG to combat tooth sensitivity. The material plugged dentin tubules, released EGCG for 96 hours, and prevented biofilm formation, showing low toxicity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 2, 2017

Getting closer to porous, light-responsive materials

Researchers developed a light-responsive crystalline material that overcomes previous challenges in creating 'photoresponsive' materials. The material changes its porous nature when exposed to light, allowing for repeatable and reversible changes.

SourceKyoto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 26, 2017

We have a quorum

Researchers at Pitt Engineering have created synthetic materials that mimic the behavior of living organisms, enabling self-recognition and self-regulation in devices. The findings were published in PNAS and demonstrate potential applications for mechano-responsive materials with tunable self-awareness.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 25, 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.

High-temperature superconductivity in B-doped Q-carbon

Scientists have discovered a novel way to create superconductors at higher temperatures using boron-doped Q-carbon, with a transition temperature of 57K. This breakthrough could lead to practical applications in fields like energy and transportation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJul 24, 2017

Researchers find path to discovering new topological materials

A team of researchers has found a way to determine whether a crystal is a topological insulator and predict its structure and composition. This discovery reveals that topological materials are much more common than previously believed, with thousands of new candidates identified.

SourcePrinceton University·JournalNature·DateJul 19, 2017
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.

Study suggests route to improving rechargeable lithium batteries

Scientists discovered that smooth surfaces are key to preventing dendrites from forming in solid electrolyte lithium batteries, a breakthrough that could enable safer and more efficient battery technology. By eliminating the need for liquid electrolytes, researchers aim to double a battery's energy capacity.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateJul 13, 2017

Accessing DNA in the cell's powerhouse to treat disease

A team from Kyoto University developed a synthetic compound that can bind to mitochondrial DNA, suppressing a gene associated with nerve and muscle disease. The compound, MITO-PIP, caused a 60% to 90% reduction in the expression of a key gene involved in mitochondrial metabolism.

SourceKyoto University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 11, 2017

Breakthrough tool predicts properties of theoretical materials

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill developed a new methodology called PLMF to predict properties of new metals and materials using machine learning. The tool was able to fill in missing values for existing materials, allowing scientists to test new ideas before synthesis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Future materials are becoming 'topological'

Researchers discovered a new class of topological materials, consisting of wolfram and tellurium atoms, which exhibit two-dimensional insulation and edge spin currents. This breakthrough enables the creation of spintronic devices with increased data transmission capacity and reduced power consumption.

SourceElhuyar Fundazioa·JournalNature Physics·DateJul 11, 2017

Dissolvable device could make closing surgical incisions a cinch

A new dissolvable device made from polyethylene glycol and dihydroxyacetone has shown promise in preventing intestinal damage during surgical incisions. The flexible material can be left behind in the abdominal cavity, protecting vital structures until the final sutures are made.

SourceWeill Cornell Medicine·JournalActa Biomaterialia·DateJul 10, 2017

2-D layered devices can self-assemble with precision

A team of Penn State researchers has created 2D layered devices that can self-assemble at atomistic precision, enabling the production of high-efficiency devices such as flexible electronics and energy storage systems. The devices feature minute spacing between layers, which is crucial for achieving optimal performance.

SourcePenn State·JournalCarbon·DateJul 5, 2017

New technique 'sees' radioactive material even after it's gone

Researchers have developed a new technique that can characterize nuclear material in a location even after the material has been removed. By analyzing changes in valence electrons, they can determine the presence, strength, and type of radioactive material present.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHealth Physics·DateJul 3, 2017
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.

Ahead of the curve

Researchers at IST Austria have developed a new method to create self-actuating, smooth, and free-form objects called CurveUps. These objects are made up of tiny tiles sandwiched between pre-stretched latex layers that transform into a continuous shell during the process.

SourceInstitute of Science and Technology Austria·DateJun 27, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Sea sponges stay put with anchors that bend but don't break

Researchers found that the internal structure of sea sponge anchors, known as basalia spicules, allows them to bend up to 2.4 times before breaking, enabling them to securely attach to the seafloor. The study's findings may lead to the development of new materials with similar properties.

SourceBrown University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateJun 22, 2017

Plant inspiration could lead to flexible electronics

Scientists developed a graphene-based aerogel that meets the needs for flexible electronics by mimicking the structure of the powdery alligator-flag plant. The material is strong, resilient, and supports 6,000 times its own weight.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Nano·DateJun 21, 2017
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Special journal issue showcases Aalto University's materials research

Researchers investigated electronic materials for micro-electronics, opto-electronics and quantum technologies, developing flexible thermoelectric zinc oxide thin films on cotton textiles. Aalto University's expertise in cutting-edge materials science is highlighted, with publications cited more often than the world average.

SourceAalto University·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateJun 14, 2017
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.

Control of material crystallization by agitation

A team at Osaka University found that agitating amorphous materials at a certain frequency accelerates crystallization, indicating a new method for controlling the formation of crystalline materials. The study used colloidal systems to model atomic materials and identified a specific vibrational mode facilitating crystallization.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 8, 2017

New method allows real-time monitoring of irradiated materials

Researchers at MIT have developed a new technique that allows for continuous, high-precision monitoring of materials exposed to high-radiation environments. This method could significantly speed up the development of new materials for nuclear reactors, enabling real-time diagnostic systems to monitor damage over time.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMay 30, 2017

Conch shells may inspire better helmets, body armor

Researchers at MIT developed a composite material inspired by conch shells, showing 85% better crack propagation prevention than traditional materials. The 3-tiered structure combines strength and toughness, allowing for individualized, personalized helmets and body armor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 26, 2017
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

Sorghum: Health food, sweetener and now, clothing dye

Researchers develop practical wool dye from sorghum husks, offering UV protection and fluorescence, while reducing waste disposal. The dyes showed good colorfastness even after multiple washes and ironing cycles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMay 24, 2017

Solar cells more efficient thanks to new material standing on edge

Researchers developed a new perovskite material that overcomes water sensitivity, creating stable and efficient solar cells with a ten percent efficiency rate. The material's ability to self-organize in an edge-standing structure increases electron circulation, improving energy conversion.

SourceLund University·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 23, 2017

Wafer-thin magnetic materials developed for future quantum technologies

Researchers at the University of Basel and Paul Scherrer Institute have produced a wafer-thin ferrimagnet by arranging phthalocyanine molecules on a gold surface in a checkerboard pattern. The material exhibits two-dimensional magnetic properties, making it suitable for applications such as sensors and quantum computing.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 22, 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.

Electrostatic design of materials: TU Graz demonstrates a fundamentally new approach

The Graz University of Technology team uses computer simulations to propose a fundamentally new concept for controlling electronic properties of materials. Collective electrostatic effects are used to intentionally manipulate material properties, demonstrating its potential in solar cells and three-dimensional materials.

SourceGraz University of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 12, 2017
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.

Can the motion of checking your smartwatch charge it?

Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) convert movement into electricity, and daily body motion can power wearable devices. Researchers found that arm motion can cover the energy consumption of a smartwatch and even smartphones.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalAPL Materials·DateMay 10, 2017

Laser pulses reveal the superconductors of the future

Researchers discovered a class of materials that can exhibit superconductivity at room temperature due to innovative laser techniques. This breakthrough opens up new perspectives for the development of high-temperature superconductors with applications in electronics, diagnostics, and transport.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Physics·DateMay 9, 2017

Elusive atomic motion captured by electron microscopy

Scientists at Linköping University have directly observed dislocation-pipe diffusion, a phenomenon that has eluded materials scientists for decades. The movement of atoms between layers of a thin film was captured using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMay 9, 2017

Water-repellant material sheds like a snake when damaged (video)

Scientists have developed a water-repellent material that molts like a snake's skin when damaged, revealing another hydrophobic layer beneath. This material has the potential to be used in various applications such as rain gear, medical instruments and self-cleaning car windows.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 3, 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.

Healthy housing for refugees in extreme climates

A global study will investigate thermal, air quality and social conditions in refugee camps to inform the design of shelters that moderate extremes of temperature and ensure privacy, comfort and dignity. The project aims to create a manual for aid agencies providing guidelines on shelter design, construction and context.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateMay 2, 2017

A fast, non-destructive test for 2-dimensional materials

Researchers at Penn State have developed a fast, non-destructive optical method for analyzing defects in 2D materials. This new technique uses fluorescent microscopy to identify defects and correlates the results with visual confirmation under transmission electron microscopy.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·DateMay 2, 2017

Stenciling with atoms in 2-dimensional materials possible

Scientists at Penn State report breakthroughs in stenciling 2D materials with atomic precision, enabling new chip functionality and overcoming substrate effects. The simple technique involves exposing photoresist to UV light and washing away exposed areas, allowing precise placement of high-quality materials.

SourcePenn State·Journal2D Materials·DateMay 1, 2017

Thin layers of water hold promise for the energy storage of the future

The study found that the material with atomically thin layers of water stored energy more efficiently than the regular material, wasting less energy as heat. This breakthrough holds promise for future energy-storage technologies, such as thinner batteries and faster renewable-based power grids.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalChemistry of Materials·DateApr 28, 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.

Finding order and structure in the atomic chaos where materials meet

Scientists have created a model to analyze irregular atomic structures at grain boundaries, where two materials meet. The Polyhedral Unit Model identifies patterns of atomic shapes and can help determine how these structures affect material properties.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateApr 20, 2017

Building a better battery

A University of Houston graduate student has been awarded a NASA fellowship to identify new materials for next-generation batteries. He plans to use a combined computational and experimental approach to investigate solid-state electrolyte materials for lithium batteries.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateApr 20, 2017

USC Viterbi researchers develop new class of optoelectronic materials

Researchers have developed a new class of semiconductor materials that can be used as light absorbers in solar cells, potentially using one hundred times less material than silicon. These materials have superior performance, reduced toxicity, and show promise for developing high-performance optoelectronic devices.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 10, 2017

Federico Rosei receives IEEE Canada's Outstanding Engineer Award

Professor Federico Rosei, Director of INRS Centre Énergie Matériaux Télécommunications, receives the 2017 IEEE Canada Outstanding Engineer Award. He is recognized for his important contributions to Canadian electrical and electronics engineering.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateApr 10, 2017

Explosive material: The making of a supernova

Researchers discovered that massive stars can exhibit instability for several months before a supernova explosion, creating a dense gas shell around themselves. This insight came from analyzing data collected by the Palomar Transient Factory telescope network.

SourceWeizmann Institute of Science·JournalNature Physics·DateApr 9, 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.