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Study finds surface texture of gallium nitride affects cell behavior

Researchers at North Carolina State University have determined that the surface texture of gallium nitride (GaN) materials can influence the health of nearby cells. The study found that altering the surface texture of GaN materials, such as making them rough or smooth, can cause metabolic changes in cells.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalRSC Advances·DateOct 14, 2016

Modeling the contractive behavior of soft clay in a heating test

Researchers at Nagoya Institute of Technology develop new thermo-elastoplastic model to accurately describe soft clay contraction due to heating. The model reveals that non-uniform heating fields can cause non-uniform stress and strain fields, leading to volume contraction.

SourceNagoya Institute of Technology·JournalUnderground Space·DateOct 7, 2016
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.

Lowering the heat makes new materials possible while saving energy

Researchers at Penn State developed a cold sintering process (CSP) that combines ceramic and plastic materials at lower temperatures than traditional methods. The process allows for densification of materials to over 95% of their theoretical density in just 15 minutes.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateOct 5, 2016

Containing our 'electromagnetic pollution'

Researchers at Drexel University discovered that a few-atoms-thin titanium carbide material called MXene can effectively block electromagnetic radiation. The material's high electrical conductivity and two-dimensional structure make it ideal for shielding devices without adding significant weight.

SourceDrexel University·JournalScience·DateSep 8, 2016

'Materials that compute' advances as Pitt engineers demonstrate pattern recognition

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh have demonstrated pattern recognition in hybrid materials that can be integrated into clothing or used as a sensory skin for robots. The materials, powered by chemical reactions, recognize distorted patterns and can inform doctors about hand injury recovery or monitor cardiovascular activity.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScience Advances·DateSep 2, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shrinking the inside of an explosion

Researchers developed a miniature tabletop test device to study explosions with unprecedented accuracy, revealing key dynamics of hot spots. The new instrument helps control hot spots, crucial for safer explosives.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateAug 30, 2016

New electrical energy storage material shows its power

A Northwestern University team has developed a nanomaterial that can store large amounts of electrical energy like a battery and charge rapidly like a supercapacitor, promising to improve electric car efficiency. The material's stability allows for 10,000 charge/discharge cycles, making it suitable for commercial applications.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 24, 2016

Using nature's recipe to create mother of pearl

Scientists have developed a new method to synthesize mother of pearl, mimicking nature's process using an organic matrix and mineralization. The resulting synthetic nacre has similar mechanical properties to its natural counterpart, making it a promising material for various applications.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateAug 18, 2016

Shining a light on damage within polymers

Researchers develop a simple, single-component fluorescence system that glows in response to microscopic damage, allowing for early detection. The method works for various materials and types of damage, including small cuts, and could reduce inspection costs.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateAug 17, 2016

Transmitting energy in soft materials

Soft materials can store and release elastic energy using bistable beams, allowing for signal propagation without dissipation. The developed system enables transmission of mechanical signals through long distances in autonomous soft systems.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 8, 2016
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.

Putting the pressure on platinum

Hokkaido University researchers have synthesized a platinum-based superconducting material with unique crystal structure, which becomes superconducting at 10 GPa but returns to non-superconductive state at 15 GPa. The high-pressure synthesis method holds promise for further exploration of unknown phases in various materials.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 5, 2016

Carbon nanotube 'stitches' make stronger, lighter composites

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to reinforce composite materials using carbon nanotubes, resulting in substantially stronger and more resistant materials. The stitched composites were found to be 30% stronger and withstood greater forces before breaking than existing composite materials.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalComposites Science and Technology·DateAug 3, 2016

Self-healing textiles not only repair themselves, but can neutralize chemicals

Researchers developed self-healing polyelectrolyte coatings that can repair themselves and neutralize chemicals, protecting users from toxic substances and hazardous environments. The coatings are thin, micron-sized and can increase material strength while being reusable and rewearable after laundering.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 25, 2016
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

Printable prosthetics

Researchers at FAU and Fachhochschule Lübeck developed custom-fit prosthetics using 3D scanning and printing, suitable for local production with recycled materials. The first prototypes have been printed and are being tested for longevity and stress resistance.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·DateJul 15, 2016

Extracting the content of single living cells

Researchers at ETH Zurich have developed a new method for extracting the content of single living cells, enabling scientists to study individual cells at the molecular level. The technique allows for precise extraction of intracellular material, preserving live cells for repeated sampling and analysis.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalCell·DateJul 14, 2016

UNIST engineers octopus-inspired smart adhesive pads

A team of scientists from Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) and UNIST created an octopus-inspired smart adhesive pad to mimic the suction cups on octopuses' tentacles. The pad uses thermally responsive polymer to create suction, allowing for strong bonding and detachment in wet conditions.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 12, 2016

UNIST professor selected as recipient of SGL Carbon Award

Dr. Rodney S. Ruoff has been recognized with the SGL Carbon Award for his pioneering discoveries in carbon science, including the understanding of nanostructures and 2D materials. His work has greatly accelerated industrial developments in graphene-based materials and electrical energy storage systems.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·DateJul 11, 2016
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.

Loofah-based material could give lithium batteries a boost

Researchers developed a 'blocking' layer of porous carbon from loofah sponges to stabilize cathodes and improve lithium-sulfur, selenium, and iodine batteries. The new material helped prevent cathode dissolution over 500 to 5,000 cycles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 15, 2016

EU project helps boost 'organic' electronics

The EU-funded EXTMOS project develops new organic semiconductor materials and additives for low-cost, flexible, wearable electronic devices. The project aims to accelerate material development through virtual testing and collaboration across multiple disciplines.

SourceUniversity of Bath·DateJun 14, 2016

DFG to fund 20 new collaborative research centers

The Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) will establish 20 new Collaborative Research Centres (CRCs), receiving €174 million in funding. The CRCs will investigate various topics, including quantum systems and the adaptability of plants.

SourceDeutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft·DateJun 13, 2016
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.

'Breaking me softly:' UCF fiber findings featured in Nature

A University of Central Florida researcher has found a means of controlling materials at the nanoscale, enabling the creation of new-generation manufacturing processes. By exploiting necking phenomena in cold-drawn fibers, Abouraddy's team has opened up possibilities for customized materials with futuristic attributes.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalNature·DateJun 6, 2016

Understanding the mechanics of the urinary bladder

Researchers review bladder mechanics, focusing on material testing and theoretical modeling to improve understanding and diagnosis of urinary disorders. They highlight the need for more accurate models to simulate bladder behavior and predict outcomes.

SourceWorld Scientific·JournalTECHNOLOGY·DateMay 20, 2016

Gentle strength for robots

Researchers have developed a soft actuator that allows robots to move freely without harming humans. The actuator uses hyperelastic membranes and electric fields to control movement, enabling robots to give way in case of doubt, making them suitable for applications where human safety is a concern.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 18, 2016
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.

Badges acknowledging open practices significantly increase reported data

A new study found that badges acknowledging open practices significantly increase reported data and materials sharing, making research findings more accessible and reliable. The initiative, which awards badges to publications meeting specific sharing criteria, has been shown to improve the quality and availability of research data and ...

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·DateMay 12, 2016

Numerical simulations of tensile tests of red blood cells

Researchers used numerical simulations to investigate the effect of red blood cell hold position on strain field during tensile testing. The results show significant variations in deformed geometry and strain distribution, highlighting the importance of considering hold position in RBC tensile test interpretation.

SourceBentham Science Publishers·JournalMicro and Nanosystems·DateApr 15, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Generation of tailored magnetic materials

Scientists at Université de Genève successfully manipulate the magnetic properties of LaNiO3 and LaMnO3 oxides to create tailored materials. By controlling the interactions between these materials, they can now develop artificial structures with specific magnetic properties.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 15, 2016
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.

Simulations 'sharpen' their tools

Physicists validate numerical simulation methods using 40 methods and 15 software packages, confirming high precision. The study's results aim to improve accuracy in theoretical speculation.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalScience·DateApr 6, 2016

Learning Japanese ancient characters with your smartphone

The KuLA application enables users to study hentaigana and cursive-style kanji using images from Japanese historical books. Researchers can utilize these resources more effectively, bridging the knowledge gap in pre-modern materials between Japan and international studies.

SourceOsaka University·DateApr 6, 2016

Record-breaking steel could be used for body armor, shields for satellites

Researchers developed a record-breaking steel alloy that can withstand impact without deforming permanently, with an elastic limit of 11.76 giga-Pascals. The material's unique structure allows it to be both hard and non-brittle, making it suitable for various applications.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 5, 2016
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.

New metallic glass bounces

Researchers have created a new metallic glass with an unusual chemical structure that makes it incredibly hard and yet elastic. The material can withstand heavy impacts without deforming and retains most of its original strength.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalScientific Reports·DateApr 4, 2016
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.

More innovation, less perspiration

Andrea Young's grant will support the development of nano-SQUID-on-tip, a device that measures thermal, magnetic, and topographic properties of materials. This tool enables correlation of physical and magnetic structure on relevant length scales, crucial for nanoscale device performance.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·DateMar 10, 2016

Accelerating discovery in materials science

The Materials Innovation Platforms (MIPs) program aims to accelerate materials research and development, enabling the discovery of new materials, techniques, and instrumentation. The program focuses on crystal growth, oxide and 2D materials, and will advance a focused research area of national importance.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateMar 9, 2016

Warming up optoelectronic research

A team of US/UK physicists has developed a new material that can control excitons at room temperature, making it easier to manipulate these bound pairs of electrons and electron holes. This breakthrough could lead to the creation of new optoelectronic devices for commercial applications.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 7, 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.

Carbon nanotubes improve metal's longevity under radiation

Researchers have found that adding carbon nanotubes to aluminum can slow down the breakdown process caused by radiation exposure, allowing it to last longer. The new material has been shown to retain its strength and resilience even after prolonged irradiation, with reduced embrittlement and pores.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Energy·DateMar 2, 2016
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.

Ruby red improves in the microwave oven

Researchers tested a new way to treat colour problems in rubies by using microwaves. The study found that the microwave treatment led to visible changes in the gemstones' colour and structure.

SourceSpringer·DateMar 2, 2016

OLED displays and solid-state lightings in mass production, coming soon

A team led by Prof. Tae-Woo Lee at POSTECH has fabricated highly-efficient solution-processed fluorescence organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) using pure-organic thermally-activated delayed-fluorescence (TADF) emitters. This breakthrough reduces the need for precious metals, lowering production costs.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 1, 2016