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NYU scientists bring order, and color, to microparticles

New York University researchers have developed a method to prompt microparticles to form ordered structures, opening the door for improved materials used in consumer products. The technique, centered on DNA-coated colloids, allows for the creation of new compounds with unique properties.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 3, 2015
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Jumping robots blend the best of both worlds

Researchers designed a more efficient jumping robot using 3D printing techniques and combining hard and soft materials. The robot's unique design, inspired by nature, allows for improved durability and control.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJul 9, 2015

Keeping the smells of onions, garlic and other stinky foods under wraps

Researchers create film using zeolites and cellulose to trap sulfur-containing compounds responsible for bad food smells. The material reduces odors to levels undetectable by humans, potentially solving issues with transporting and storing stinky edibles.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJul 8, 2015

Ultra-thin, all-inorganic molecular nanowires successfully compounded

Scientists at Hiroshima University successfully compounded ultra-thin all-inorganic molecular nanowires composed of Mo and Te, exhibiting high activity as an acid catalyst. The wires' diameters were only 1.2 nm, making them a promising material for heterogeneous catalysts, thermochromic materials, and semiconductors.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 8, 2015

The peaks and valleys of silicon

USC Viterbi researchers have developed new layered semiconducting materials that can be adjusted to achieve unique electronic and optical properties. These materials have potential applications in LIDAR systems, infrared thermal imaging technology, and flexible night vision glasses.

SourceUniversity of Southern California·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 26, 2015
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.

What your clothes may say about you

A new polymer-piezoelectric hybrid material has been designed to perform computations based on changes in the environment or movement, potentially responding to human vital signs. The material system is small and flexible, allowing it to be integrated into fabrics or shoes.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalScientific Reports·DateJun 24, 2015

'Pick and mix' smart materials for robotics

Scientists at the University of Cambridge developed a method to combine multiple functions in a single material by integrating structure at the nanoscale. This approach enables the creation of multi-functional artificial muscles that can move, sense, and report on their environment.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 23, 2015

New formula expected to spur advances in clean energy generation

Researchers at the University of Houston have developed a new formula to calculate the maximum efficiency of thermoelectric materials, which could lead to breakthroughs in clean energy generation. The formula takes into account temperature-dependent properties and can determine whether devices are efficient enough to be worth pursuing.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 22, 2015

Silent flights: How owls could help make wind turbines and planes quieter

Researchers have developed a prototype coating for wind turbine blades that mimics the intricate structure of an owl's wing, reducing noise production by up to 30dB. The coating, made of 3D-printed plastic, has shown promising results in wind tunnel tests, potentially leading to more efficient and quieter wind turbines.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·DateJun 21, 2015

Theory turns to reality for nonlinear optical metamaterials

A research team at Georgia Institute of Technology has realized a nonlinear material with opposite refractive indices at the fundamental and harmonic frequencies of light, as predicted theoretically. This discovery has significant implications for controlling light in information processing, sensing, and signal generation.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 15, 2015
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.

Squid inspires camouflaging smart materials

Researchers at the University of Bristol have designed a smart materials system inspired by biological chromatophores, mimicking squid skin's camouflage abilities. The artificial skin, made from electroactive dielectric elastomer, can effectively copy biological patterns and even mimic complex dynamic patterning seen in real cephalopods.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalInterface·DateJun 15, 2015

Surfaces get smooth or bumpy on demand

The research develops a system to produce soft materials with dynamically controllable and reversible surface properties. By manipulating the spacing and shapes of embedded particles, the material's surface can change from smooth to ridged or bumpy, creating complex patterns that could guide fluids.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 11, 2015

Pre-lecture diagrams help students take better notes, learn more

A new study from Washington University in St. Louis found that providing illustrative diagrams before lectures enhances student learning and recall, particularly for students who struggle with organizing information. The research suggests that teachers should consider individual differences in learning skills when presenting material.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalJournal of Applied Research in Memory and Cognition·DateJun 9, 2015

Improving energy storage with a cue from nature

A branching tree-like structure can increase the melting rate of materials for better energy storage. The study's findings could help improve phase change systems, essential for renewable energy sources like wind and sun.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateJun 9, 2015

University of Houston researchers search for new, more efficient materials

Researchers at the University of Houston are working on discovering novel materials to improve superconducting properties, thermoelectric efficiency and microelectronic performance. They aim to develop new materials that can transform electricity generation, transmission and storage, as well as reduce greenhouse gases.

SourceUniversity of Houston·DateJun 8, 2015
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.

Patient information too high for patients' literacy: New research

A study found that over 90% of educational materials for kidney disease patients have literacy levels above an average patient's grade level, making it hard for them to comprehend. This can lead to poor management and higher mortality rates among those with low health literacy.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalAmerican Journal of Kidney Diseases·DateJun 1, 2015

OSU researchers prove magnetism can control heat, sound

Researchers at Ohio State University have confirmed and interpreted experimental findings using OSC services, showing that phonons have magnetic properties. A magnetic field reduced the amount of heat flowing through a semiconductor by 12 percent in simulations performed on the Oakley Cluster.

SourceOhio Supercomputer Center·JournalNature Materials·DateMay 28, 2015

Quantum 'gruyères' for spintronics of the future

Researchers at SISSA propose a new family of materials whose topological state can be directly observed, simplifying the development of spintronics and quantum computing. The discovery uses mathematical models and simulations to identify materials with 'spectacular' features that are easily detected.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 12, 2015

UT Arlington nano-project seeks to uncover new materials, processes

The team aims to create scalable nano-manufacturing processes for functional metamaterials, revolutionizing computing, communication, sensing, and imaging. By manipulating light in ways not possible in natural materials, they seek to overcome current roadblocks towards integrated photonics.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Arlington·DateApr 22, 2015
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.

Researchers use plant oils for novel bio-based plastics

Washington State University researchers have developed a new method to create polyurethane using plant oils, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional polyurethane. The new method allows for the creation of materials with varying flexibility and stiffness, making it suitable for a range of applications., Resea...

SourceWashington State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 14, 2015

Researchers observe new charge transport phenomenon

Researchers at Aalto University and German University of Marburg have discovered a new type of charge transport phenomenon that enables logical operations in microelectronics. The phenomenon involves the transfer of information between an electron hole pair without tunneling, opening up new possibilities for electronics and biology.

SourceAalto University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 2, 2015

Metals used in high-tech products face future supply risks

A Yale study assesses the criticality of all 62 metals, identifying those at risk due to supply shortages and environmental concerns. The researchers found that some metals used in emerging technologies like smartphones and medical imaging may become difficult to obtain.

SourceYale School of the Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 27, 2015
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.

UChicago Materials Research Center receives $20.6 million grant

The UChicago Materials Research Center has received a six-year, $20.6 million grant from the NSF to investigate materials formed far from equilibrium and explore new paradigms for material fabrication and response. The center will support three IRGs addressing fundamental issues in soft materials, active materials, and quantum materials.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·DateMar 26, 2015

Chemists make new silicon-based nanomaterials

Researchers at Brown University have developed a method to create pure, p-type semiconductors from silicon telluride, which could be used in various electronic and optical devices. The materials can take up lithium and magnesium, making them suitable for battery electrodes.

SourceBrown University·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 26, 2015
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.

Professor Federico Rosei receives prestigious honor as mentor

Professor Federico Rosei has received the AVS Excellence in Leadership Award, a first for a scientist working in Canada. He is recognized for his extensive training and mentoring initiatives, which have benefited over 100 young researchers from 30 countries.

SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateMar 23, 2015

Researchers increase energy density of lithium storage materials

Scientists have developed a new storage principle and material that enables the reversible storage of 1.8 Li per formula unit, increasing lithium storage density by up to 420 mAh/g. The new system allows for high packing densities and stable operation, making it suitable for energy supply of devices with high power requirements.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMar 16, 2015

Researchers identify process for improving durability of glass

Researchers at UCLA and Université Pierre et Marie Curie identified a method for manufacturing more durable glass that resists temperature variations and aging. This breakthrough could result in stronger materials for various applications, including display screens, fiber optic cables, windows, and cement.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 10, 2015
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.

New research into materials for tooth fillings

Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have developed a new glass ionomer cement for tooth fillings that is mercury-free and offers improved durability. The material has good biological properties and releases fluoride to prevent cavities, making it a promising alternative to existing composite filling materials.

SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Niels Bohr Institute·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 10, 2015

KAIST develops ultrathin polymer insulators key to low-power soft electronics

Researchers at KAIST developed an ultrathin polymeric insulator using initiated chemical vapor deposition, overcoming limitations of traditional techniques. The resulting insulator enables the creation of low-power, high-performance field-effect transistors on flexible substrates.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Materials·DateMar 9, 2015

Magnetic material attracts attention for cancer therapy

Researchers have discovered a magnetic material that can heat cancer cells to high temperatures without harming healthy tissue. This breakthrough material uses a unique Curie temperature-dependent heating effect that stops quickly and cannot get hotter.

SourceMonash University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateMar 5, 2015
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.

Important step towards quantum computing: Metals at atomic scale

Researchers have found that electric current flows unimpeded through tiny channels on the surface of certain metals, reducing energy losses and enabling novel information processing techniques. This breakthrough has significant implications for the development of new electronic devices and quantum computing systems.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 2, 2015

Can money buy happiness?: The relationship between money and well-being

Research highlights the benefits of experiential purchases, finding that anticipating experiences brings more happiness than waiting for material goods. In contrast, wealth and abundance may undermine appreciation for everyday moments, while temporarily giving something up can provide a route to happiness.

SourceSociety for Personality and Social Psychology·DateFeb 27, 2015

New research predicts when, how materials will act

A Florida State University researcher developed a theory to explain why certain materials behave, using quantum simulations and statistical methods. The study provides confidence levels in material predictions, enabling faster engineering design.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalSmart Materials and Structures·DateFeb 26, 2015

Funding cutting-edge, collaborative research

The National Science Foundation has awarded $56 million in funding to 12 Materials Research Science and Engineering Centers (MRSECs) for multidisciplinary research in materials science. The MRSECs will support collaborative projects across universities, national laboratories, industry partners, and international collaborations.

SourceU.S. National Science Foundation·DateFeb 18, 2015
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.

Researchers glimpse distortions in atomic structure of materials

Researchers have developed a technique to observe minute distortions in the atomic structure of complex materials, influencing their properties. By mapping atomic organization, including distortions, they've found weaker chemical bonds make atoms more susceptible to variations.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 13, 2015

Electronics you can wrap around your finger

Researchers have developed a thin film that maintains electric and magnetic properties even when highly curved, paving the way for wearable devices. The new material improves upon existing materials by reducing leakage current and increasing flexibility.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 10, 2015
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Biomaterial coating raises prospect of more successful medical implants

Researchers develop a novel, bacteria-repelling coating material that attracts healthy cells to medical implants, reducing the likelihood of rejection. The breakthrough could significantly improve the success rate of medical implants, particularly for hip replacements where failure rates remain high.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBiomedical Materials·DateJan 29, 2015

Detecting chemical weapons with a color-changing film

A new thin-film material rapidly changes color in response to chemical nerve agents, offering a potential solution for real-time detection of deadly CWAs. This innovation is based on a distinct color change, a technique that could help save lives and hold aggressors accountable.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateJan 28, 2015

Electronic circuits with reconfigurable pathways closer to reality

Researchers at EPFL have developed a way to control the formation of conductive pathways in ferroelectric materials, allowing for the creation of adaptable electronic circuits. This technology has the potential to miniaturize devices and enable resilient circuits that can function even with damaged components.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 26, 2015
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.

Atomic placement of elements counts for strong concrete

Researchers Rouzbeh Shahsavari and Saroosh Jalilvand found that atomic-level forces affect the mechanical properties of complex particle-based materials, such as concrete. They suggest new ways to fine-tune chemistry to make concrete less prone to cracking and more suitable for specific applications.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJan 14, 2015

Glass for battery electrodes

Researchers at ETH Zurich have discovered a new glass material that can store more energy than traditional lithium-ion batteries. The vanadate-borate glass exhibits improved charging capacity and stability, paving the way for more efficient electric vehicles and longer-lasting portable electronics.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalScientific Reports·DateJan 13, 2015
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

'Mind the gap' between atomically thin materials

Scientists at Penn State have discovered a miniscule vacuum gap that creates an energy barrier for electrons moving between layers of material. This gap is crucial for designing next-generation electronic devices, such as vertical tunneling field effect transistors.

SourcePenn State·JournalNano Letters·DateDec 23, 2014

Intelligent façades generating electricity, heat and algae biomass

A new EU project, LaWin, aims to develop functional façades and window modules that can generate electricity, heat, and algae biomass. The project, coordinated by Jena University, will create an integrated production process for these innovative materials, with the goal of achieving an unmatched readiness to market.

SourceFriedrich-Schiller-Universitaet Jena·DateDec 22, 2014
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.

Research aims to improve hip and knee replacement success

Washington State University researchers are working on a five-year NIH grant project to develop new bone-like coating materials that will allow titanium-based implants to integrate better into the body. The goal is to improve implant success rates, particularly for younger patients and those undergoing revision surgeries.

SourceWashington State University·DateDec 10, 2014

Shaping the future of energy storage with conductive clay

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a conductive clay that can be easily molded into various shapes and sizes, representing a significant shift in the production of electrodes for energy storage devices. The clay's high conductivity and plasticity make it an attractive candidate for use in batteries and supercapacitors.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature·DateNov 26, 2014

Physicists and chemists work to improve digital memory technology

Researchers at University of Nebraska-Lincoln enhance ferroelectric tunnel junction performance, increasing disparity between 'on' and 'off' conditions to improve RAM reliability. The team's graphene-ammonia combination also addresses the challenge of maintaining polarization in thin ferroelectric layers.

SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 24, 2014
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.

Paper electronics could make health care more accessible

Researchers have developed a fast and low-cost method to create flexible electronic sensors on paper using silver nanowire ink. The new technology has the potential to make medical tools more accessible and affordable.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateNov 19, 2014