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Materials may lead to self-healing smartphones

Researchers have created a self-healing material that can stretch up to 50 times its original size and automatically stitch itself back together within a day. The material, which uses ion-dipole interactions, could potentially be used to repair smartphones and other electronic devices.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·DateApr 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.

New type of sensor material developed

Researchers at Hokkaido University have created a nickel complex that changes color and magnetism when exposed to methanol vapor. The material exhibits vapochromic properties, making it suitable for chemical sensing applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 28, 2017

Fledgling stars try to prevent their neighbors from birthing planets

Researchers at Imperial College London found that a weak star's light can cause significant material loss from a protoplanetary disc. The study of the IM Lup system revealed that the disc will lose about 3,300 Earth's worth of material over its lifetime.

SourceImperial College London·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateMar 22, 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.

3-D printing turns nanomachines into life-size workers

Researchers at Dartmouth College have developed a 3D printing method to transform microscopic nanorings into smart materials that perform work at human-scale. The new technique enables the creation of complex smart devices beyond current grasp, with potential applications in soft robots and other tasks.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateMar 22, 2017

New gel-like coating beefs up the performance of lithium-sulfur batteries

Researchers at Yale University have created a new material that can be applied to any sulfur cathode, improving battery stability and cycle life. The gel-like coating increases the number of cycles to over 1,000, making it suitable for high-energy-density batteries.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 21, 2017

Revealing the microscopic mechanisms in perovskite solar cells

Researchers have confirmed that doping spiro-OMeTAD with LiTFSI prevents holes from getting trapped, allowing them to move freely and generate electrical current. This process was observed using electron spin resonance spectroscopy and demonstrated a two-order-of-magnitude increase in the number of electron spins.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 21, 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.

Researchers offer overview of composite metal foams and potential applications

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed composite metal foams with enhanced properties, including reduced armor-piercing bullet penetration and effective radiation shielding. The new data provides a comprehensive overview of the materials' performance in various tests, including high-speed impacts and cyclic loading.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Engineering Materials·DateMar 13, 2017

Conquering metal fatigue

A team of researchers at MIT has developed a novel material with a laminated nanostructure that reduces metal fatigue, allowing it to deform without spreading microcracks. This breakthrough could lead to improved structural components in industries such as aerospace and automotive.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateMar 9, 2017

How low can you go? New project to bring satellites nearer to Earth

A new European Union-funded project will develop satellites that can operate at lower altitudes, revolutionizing remote sensing technology. The project aims to create smaller, cheaper satellites with improved image quality, utilizing advanced materials and electric propulsion systems.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·DateMar 3, 2017
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.

3-D printing with plants

Researchers at MIT have created a new system for 3D printing with cellulose acetate, a renewable and biodegradable alternative to traditional plastics. The new process allows for customization and functionalization of the printed parts, making it suitable for various applications including medical devices and sustainable products.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·DateMar 3, 2017

The lord of destruction

Professor Erik Bitzek aims to investigate the interactions between cracks and material defects to improve understanding of breaking processes in metals, intermetallic compounds, and semiconductors. He seeks realistic results through micromechanical models and fracture tests to develop novel, fail-safe materials.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateMar 2, 2017

Materials that emit rainbows

Researchers at Osaka University create tri-color changing materials that exhibit efficient thermally activated delayed fluorescence and enable the production of high-performance OLEDs devices. The materials display a range of colors in response to temperature and pressure, showing promise for applications such as pressure- and temperat...

SourceOsaka University·JournalChemical Science·DateFeb 27, 2017

New pop-up strategy inspired by cuts, not folds

Researchers at Harvard SEAS use kirigami cuts to create 3D structures from flat sheets by stretching and buckling material. The pop-up pattern and mechanical properties can be controlled by varying the cut orientation.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 24, 2017
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 pave the way for ionotronic nanodevices

Researchers at Aalto University have visualized the effect of oxygen ion migration on complex oxide materials, leading to uniform and reversible changes in electrical resistance. This finding could pave the way for the development of resistance-switching random access memories.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 23, 2017

Waste silicon sawdust recycled into anode for lithium-ion battery

Scientists have developed a method to recycle unwanted Si sawdust into high-capacity and durable LIBs with capacities up to 3.3 times larger than conventional graphite. The proposed recycling process has the potential to be mass-produced at a reasonably low cost.

SourceTohoku University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 20, 2017

Atomic force imaging used to study nematodes

Researchers at KFU's bionanotechnology lab used atomic force microscopy (AFM) to create 3D images of nematode cuticles. The study revealed new insights into the surface anatomy of Caenorhabditis elegans, a widely used model organism in genetics and biology research.

SourceKazan Federal University·DateFeb 17, 2017

Looking for the next leap in rechargeable batteries

Researchers created a new membrane that improves the cycle life of lithium-sulfur batteries by reducing the shuttling of dissolved polysulfides. The MCM layer preserves energy density without losing capacity over time, leading to 100% capacity retention and up to four times longer life compared to batteries without it.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·DateFeb 17, 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.

Deadly spider's unique spinning technique could inspire tougher materials

Researchers discovered that brown recluse spiders use a micro looping technique to make their threads stronger than other spiders, with the added benefit of preventing premature breakage. This technique could lead to new fibre technology inspired by the spider's silk, potentially improving impact absorbing structures in space travel.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalMaterials Horizons·DateFeb 15, 2017

Record-breaking material that contracts when heated

Nagoya University researchers have developed a new class of composite materials with negative thermal expansion, offering potential solutions for industrial applications. The reduced ruthenate ceramic material shrinks by up to 6.7% when heated, making it more than double the current record-holding material.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 8, 2017
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.

Penn researchers are among the first to grow a versatile 2-dimensional material

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have successfully grown a single layer of tungsten ditelluride, a unique two-dimensional material with predicted topological electronic states. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in quantum computing, as these materials may enable intrinsically error-tolerant forms of computation.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·Journal2D Materials·DateFeb 8, 2017

New insights into the forms of metal-organic frameworks

Researchers developed a novel strategy to synthesize various metal-organic materials, including double-shell hollow MOMs. This approach enables control over particle sizes and shapes, critical for optimizing porous material performance in catalysis, adsorption, and separation processes.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 24, 2017

New metamaterial can switch from hard to soft -- and back again

Researchers at the University of Michigan have developed a novel metamaterial that can switch between being hard and soft, maintaining its properties despite repeated changes. This breakthrough enables potential applications in various fields, including car safety and rocket technology.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 23, 2017

Study: Technological progress alone won't stem resource use

Researchers at MIT found no evidence of dematerialization in 56 materials and goods, despite technological improvements. Despite increased efficiency, consumer demand for products continues to outpace material usage.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalTechnological Forecasting and Social Change·DateJan 19, 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.

Discovery could lead to jet engines that run hotter -- and cleaner

Researchers at Ohio State University have discovered a way to deactivate nano twins in superalloys, strengthening their high-temperature properties. This technique, called phase transformation strengthening, eliminates alloy deformation by half, enabling turbine engines to run cleanly and efficiently.

SourceOhio State University·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 17, 2017

Dressing a metal in various colors

Researchers at DGIST have developed a technology to coat metals with several nanometers of semiconducting materials, enabling various color changes through thin-film interference. This breakthrough allows for the production of colors such as yellow, orange, blue, and purple on demand.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 16, 2017

First experimental proof of a 70 year old physics theory

Researchers have demonstrated the magnetic behavior of iron trithiohypophosphate (FePS3) crystals, providing the first experimental proof of Onsager's 1943 prediction. The team used Raman spectroscopy to measure magnetism in 2D FePS3 monolayers and found consistent patterns with bulk samples.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 3, 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.

Studies lead to use of melanin as material for bioelectronic devices

Melanin, a natural compound found in mammals, has been successfully synthesized using a novel route that enables its use in sensors and other applications. This breakthrough material is promising for developing miniaturized implantable devices capable of altering and controlling electrical signals in the human body.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateDec 20, 2016

First experimental evidence of 3-D aromaticity in stacked antiaromatic compounds

Researchers at Nagoya University have synthesized stable antiaromatic nickel norcorroles and investigated their interactions, revealing face-to-face interactions that form a triple-decker structure with aromatic characteristics. The resulting materials exhibit nonlinear optical properties and potential applications in optoelectronics.

SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 15, 2016
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.

Researchers work to improve the lifecycle of materials

The researchers created synthetic materials that can react to their environment, recover from damage, and even self-destruct once their usefulness has come to an end. They developed microcapsules that contain a healing agent released automatically when exposed to specific environmental changes.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalNature·DateDec 14, 2016

Measuring radiation damage on the fly

Researchers developed a method to continuously assess the aging of materials in high-radiation environments, speeding up testing and reducing material replacement. Transient grating spectroscopy induces acoustic waves that reveal subsurface defects, allowing for real-time monitoring without physical contact.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review B·DateDec 13, 2016

Sawdust reinvented into super sponge for oil spills

Researchers at PNNL have chemically modified sawdust to make it exceptionally oil-attracting and buoyant. The material absorbs up to five times its weight in oil and stays afloat for at least four months, ideal for cleaning oil spills in the Arctic.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·DateDec 12, 2016

Graphene-infused silly putty detects human respiration, spider footsteps

Researchers created graphene-infused G-putty, a highly sensitive material that detects heart rates through skin and individual spider footsteps. The unique substance surpasses conventional strain sensors in sensitivity, with potential applications in various fields.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2016
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.

FSU professor designs new material to better store hydrogen fuel

Jose Mendoza-Cortes, a Florida State University researcher, has designed new materials that can store hydrogen fuel more efficiently. These porous materials of transition metals allow for lower energy expenditure and increased hydrogen storage capacity, making them suitable for practical use in vehicles.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateDec 1, 2016

Throwing new light on printed organic solar cells

Scientists at the University of Surrey achieved record power conversion efficiencies for large area organic solar cells, outperforming traditional inorganic solar cells. The innovative cells can be printed in different colors and shapes, making them ideal for powering devices on-the-go, such as Internet of Things applications.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalAdvanced Electronic Materials·DateNov 30, 2016

New solution for making 2-D nanomaterials

Researchers have developed a method to dissolve layered materials in liquids, producing single layers of 2D nanomaterials that can be applied over large areas at low costs. The new approach enables the creation of scalable solutions for various industrial applications.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalNature Chemistry·DateNov 21, 2016

Researchers discover new material to improve de-icing

A new material, MAGSS, can be applied to any surface to repel ice, outperforming existing technology in extreme environments. It has a lower freezing threshold than current technology, potentially improving safety in aviation and energy infrastructure.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 10, 2016
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.

Spin liquid on a peak

Scientists from OIST Graduate University have modelled a spin liquid, showing disorder can co-exist with order in magnetic materials. The discovery offers exciting possibilities for new discoveries in physics and paves the way for finding real magnets in multiple states at once.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalPhysical Review B·DateNov 8, 2016

Researchers use graphene templates to make new metal-oxide nanostructures

Researchers have developed a method for creating crumpled metal-oxide films using graphene templates, resulting in enhanced properties such as higher charge-carrying capacity and increased reactivity. This process allows for the introduction of wrinkle patterns on metal oxides, overcoming previous limitations.

SourceBrown University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 7, 2016

Physicists induce superconductivity in non-superconducting materials

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a novel method to induce superconductivity in calcium iron arsenide, a non-superconducting compound. This breakthrough demonstrates a concept proposed decades ago and offers a new direction for finding more efficient and less expensive superconductors.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 31, 2016

Next-generation smartphone battery inspired by the gut

Researchers at the University of Cambridge have developed a prototype of a next-generation lithium-sulphur battery, inspired by the cells lining the human intestine. The new design overcomes a key technical problem hindering commercial development and offers a fivefold energy density boost compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 26, 2016
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.

Researchers find way to tune thermal conductivity of 2-D materials

Researchers found an unexpected method to control the thermal conductivity of two-dimensional (2-D) materials by introducing disorder through lithium ions. This approach allowed for a significant increase in the material's thermal anisotropy ratio, making it more efficient at dissipating heat in electronic devices.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 21, 2016

Today's self-taught typists almost as fast as touch typists

A recent study by Vanderbilt University researchers found that self-taught typists can type almost as quickly and accurately as touch typists, as long as they can see the keyboard. This challenges traditional typing techniques taught in schools, which may not be effective for nonstandard typists.

SourceVanderbilt University·DateOct 18, 2016

Sheffield researchers identify greater environmental risks in 'green' material

Sheffield researchers found that replacing lead zirconate titanate with potassium sodium niobate poses significant environmental risks due to heavy metal and radioactive material releases. The study's life cycle analysis revealed harmful effects on air, water, and land quality prior to material use.

SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 17, 2016
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.