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New laser setup probes metamaterial structures with ultrafast pulses

Engineers at MIT have developed a new laser-based technique to probe metamaterial structures with ultrafast pulses, enabling the dynamic characterization of microscale metamaterials. The LIRAS system excites and measures vibrations in hundreds of miniature structures within minutes, accelerating the discovery of optimal materials for a...

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 15, 2023

Seeking stability to support sustainable outdoor solar cells

Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed organic solar cells with record efficiencies and discovered a link between molecular structure and outdoor stability. The study found that fluorine-bearing functional end groups and long hydrocarbon side-chains enhance outdoor stability, protecting the cells...

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalJoule·DateNov 5, 2023
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.

In a surprising finding, light can make water evaporate without heat

A team of researchers at MIT has discovered a process where light can directly cause evaporation without heat, exceeding the thermal limit. This phenomenon could explain natural phenomena like fog and clouds, and enable new approaches to desalination.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 1, 2023

New database shines spotlight on decades of solar mirror research

A new database containing thousands of solar mirror samples offers valuable insights into degradation trends over decades. The Solar Mirror Materials Database (SMMD) provides natural and accelerated exposure data for accelerating test development, design optimization, and manufacturing guidance.

SourceDOE/National Renewable Energy Laboratory·JournalJournal of Solar Energy Engineering·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 31, 2023

Novel biomaterial delivers medication directly to fish gut

A novel biomaterial developed at the Federal University of São Paulo can deliver medication directly to the gastrointestinal tract of fish, enhancing the efficacy of conventional drugs. The material is administered orally in powder form and has shown high penetration into epithelial cells without cytotoxic effects.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalBiomaterials Advances·DateOct 11, 2023
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.

Portable laboratory devices can detect SARS-CoV-2

A portable laboratory device can rapidly detect SARS-CoV-2 RNA from environmental surfaces, holding promise for scenarios where access to testing labs is challenging. The device uses a compact centrifuge and PCR technology to provide highly sensitive on-site detection.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalMicrobiology Spectrum·DateOct 4, 2023

Wearable sensor to monitor ‘last line of defense’ antibiotic

Researchers have developed a wearable sensor patch capable of continuously monitoring vancomycin levels, a critical antibiotic used to treat severe bacterial infections. The sensor system detects changes in vancomycin concentration using aptamers and gold wires, providing real-time measurements for effective treatment.

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·JournalBiosensors and Bioelectronics·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 3, 2023

Modelling of adhesive technology sheds new light on prehistoric cognition

A study using computational modelling reveals that Neanderthals required advanced cognitive traits to produce birch bark tar, including understanding, information processing, and communication. The findings suggest that prehistoric tar making likely involved complex upscaling techniques and group collaboration.

SourceDelft University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateSep 25, 2023

Researchers unveil new flexible adhesive with exceptional recovery and adhesion properties for electronic devices

Researchers have developed a new flexible adhesive with improved recovery capabilities and high adhesive strength, enabling applications in foldable displays and medical devices. The adhesive demonstrated remarkable stability under repeated deformation and strain, making it suitable for fields requiring flexibility and optical clarity.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateSep 19, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Portable device instantly detects illegal drugs with 95% accuracy

A new portable device invented by researchers at the University of Bath can detect synthetic cannabinoids like Spice on various materials, including paper and fabric, with high accuracy. The device is expected to be rolled out across the UK within months and may eventually be available globally.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalAnalytical Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2023
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.

Ultrathin nanotech promises to help tackle antibiotic resistance

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a nano-thin superbug-slaying material effective against drug-resistant bacterial cells. The black phosphorus-based nanotechnology achieved comparable results to antibiotics in eliminating infection and accelerating healing.

SourceRMIT University·JournalAdvanced Therapeutics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023

The sweet physics of saltwater taffy

Researchers investigated the rheology of saltwater taffy, finding that oil droplets and air bubbles govern its properties. The study revealed that emulsifiers like lecithin can create a chewier product by promoting smaller droplet formation and preventing recombination.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateSep 12, 2023

‘Brainless’ robot can navigate complex obstacles

Researchers at North Carolina State University have created a soft robot that can navigate simple mazes without human or computer guidance. The new robot has an asymmetrical design, allowing it to turn and move in arcs, enabling it to navigate complex and dynamic environments.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2023

Early findings suggest clinical and lab-based approach critical to tracking head and neck cancer recurrence

Researchers found that patients with HPV-positive cancers develop recurrent disease significantly later than those that were HPV-negative, and also are more likely to spread to the lungs. A new, highly sensitive blood test has been developed to detect cancer earlier, using a framework for combining routine blood testing and imaging.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalOral Oncology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2023
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.

3D-printed ‘living material’ could clean up contaminated water

Researchers have developed a sustainable solution to clean contaminated water using 3D-printed 'living material' containing genetically engineered bacteria that produce an enzyme to transform organic pollutants. The material's surface area and geometry optimize bacterial growth and decontamination efficiency.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 5, 2023

Sharing best practice for radiative cooling

Researchers propose standardized criteria for radiative cooling performance evaluation to improve reliability and comparability. The technology uses the sky as a heat sink to achieve cooling below ambient temperatures.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Sustainability·DateAug 29, 2023
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.

Common wristbands ‘hotbed’ for harmful bacteria including E. coli, staphylococcus

A study by Florida Atlantic University found that nearly all wristbands (95%) are contaminated with harmful bacteria, including E. coli and staphylococcus. The study suggests using metal types like gold and silver, which had little to no bacteria, and recommends regular sanitizing of wristbands, especially after gym activities.

SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalAdvances in Infectious Diseases·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 16, 2023

A more holistic and efficient way of testing PPE

A team at Sandia National Laboratories has created a new way of testing personal protective equipment (PPE) that is faster and more comprehensive. They developed two human models: one for the face and another for the entire head, allowing for more realistic testing of mask performance. The new method also includes automated donning and...

SourceDOE/Sandia National Laboratories·DateAug 2, 2023

While resolving a key asthma challenge, Hamilton researchers also create a new method to detect proteins in body fluids and other materials

Researchers at McMaster University developed a new rapid test that can quickly identify eosinophils, key drivers of severe asthma, in complex biological samples. The test uses DNAzymes to track protein signatures and is designed to be simple and adaptable for mass manufacturing.

SourceMcMaster University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2023

Screening tests for dense breasts—AI, mammography, ultrasound

A commercial AI tool did not provide additional benefit to mammography with supplementary ultrasound in patients with dense breasts. Mammography with supplementary ultrasound showed higher accuracy, specificity, and lower recall rate compared to AI alone or combined with US.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJul 28, 2023
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.

New robot boosts solar energy research

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new robot called RoboMapper that can conduct experiments more efficiently and sustainably to develop new semiconductor materials. The robot automates the process of testing multiple samples simultaneously, reducing time and energy consumption by nearly 10 times.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalMatter·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 25, 2023

AJR on sociodemographic factors and screening CTC among Medicare beneficiaries

Lacking Medicare coverage for screening CTC may contribute to greater income-based differences in its use compared to other recommended screening strategies or diagnostic CTC. Medicare coverage of CTC could reduce income-based disparities for individuals avoiding optical colonoscopy due to invasiveness or complication risk.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 19, 2023

Staying sharp: Researchers turn to an everyday shop tool to study how materials behave

A team of researchers at Texas A&M University is developing a new method for understanding metal behavior under extreme conditions using metal cutting, a traditional manufacturing tool. The process involves shearing or deforming the metal to extreme levels under high rates and can provide fundamental information on material strength an...

SourceTexas A&M University·JournalProceedings of the Royal Society A Mathematical Physical and Engineering Sciences·DateJul 18, 2023

Rice engineers’ storage technology keeps nanosurfaces clean

Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of storage container that effectively prevents surface contamination for at least six weeks. The technology relies on an ultraclean wall with tiny bumps and divots, which attracts VOCs in air inside the containers.

SourceRice University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023
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.

Fast, automated, affordable test for cement durability developed at U of I

Researchers developed a fast and affordable test to predict cement durability using computer vision, which can analyze water droplet absorption on surfaces. The new test is less tedious than current methods and could help the cement industry improve quality control.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·Journalnpj Materials Degradation·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2023

All-in-one device for hemorrhage control

A new device combines rapid hemorrhage management, infection control, and sensing capabilities for long-term monitoring. The device features a tunable biodegradation rate and can detect bleeding in real-time using a nanowire-based capacitive sensor.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 28, 2023
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.

Switch to MR angiography for PE mitigated impact of recent contrast shortage

The study found that preferential use of pulmonary MRA for diagnosing PE in the general population helped conserve iodinated contrast media. This substitution reduced iodine usage by approximately 27 liters during the specified time period, which is a noteworthy benefit considering the shortage's impact.

SourceAmerican Roentgen Ray Society·JournalAmerican Journal of Roentgenology·TypeObservational study·DateJun 22, 2023

Accelerating aerial image simulations for optimal lithography

A research team from Taiwan has found a way to massively speed up aerial image simulations using wavelength scaling and fast Fourier transformation. The new algorithm improves computation speed by 4000-5000 times while maintaining only a slight intensity deviation.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Micro/Nanopatterning Materials and Metrology·DateJun 21, 2023

Discovery of white dwarf pulsar sheds light on star evolution

Scientists have discovered a rare type of white dwarf pulsar, shedding light on stellar evolution and the origin of strong magnetic fields. The newly detected pulsar, J1912-4410, has a size similar to Earth but a mass at least as large as the Sun.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalNature Astronomy·DateJun 15, 2023

This salty gel could harvest water from desert air

Researchers at MIT have developed a superabsorbent material that can soak up record amounts of moisture from the air, even in dry conditions. The material is made by infusing hydrogel with lithium chloride and has shown to absorb and retain unprecedented amounts of water vapor.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 15, 2023
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.

‘Heat highways’ could keep electronics cool

Researchers have developed a new nanocomposite film using electrospinning that can dissipate heat more efficiently, potentially keeping tiny electronics cool. The film's unique design acts as a 'highway' to direct heat away from the device.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·DateJun 6, 2023

You can make carbon dioxide filters with a 3D printer

Researchers at NC State University have developed a novel method for creating CO2 capture filters using 3D printing. The filters, made from a hydrogel material infused with the enzyme carbonic anhydrase, captured 24% of CO2 in a gas mixture and retained 52% of its performance after over 1,000 hours. This technology has potential applic...

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalGels·DateMay 31, 2023

High-quality 2D films could be one-drop away

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technology to fabricate high-quality nanosheet films in about one minute. The method uses an automated film-forming process that produces neatly tiled monolayer films with no gaps between the nanosheets.

SourceNagoya University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMay 19, 2023
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.

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin awarded a National Institutes of Health grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes to prevent ventricular arrhythmias

The Texas Heart Institute and The University of Texas at Austin receive a four-year, $2.37 million NIH grant to develop injectable hydrogel electrodes for preventing and managing ventricular arrhythmias. Researchers have already demonstrated the feasibility of pacing the heart using the hydrogel in a porcine model.

SourceTexas Heart Institute·DateMay 4, 2023

Deep-learning system explores materials’ interiors from the outside

A new MIT deep-learning system can analyze the internal structure and properties of materials based solely on their surface conditions. The technique uses vast amounts of simulated data to generate reliable predictions, offering a promising solution for engineers seeking non-invasive insights into material properties.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 28, 2023

Study unlocks potential breakthrough in Type 1 diabetes treatment

Rice University scientists developed a screening technique to identify high-performing biomaterials for encapsulating insulin-secreting cells, providing long-term blood sugar level control in diabetic mice. The study's findings have the potential to open the door to a more sustainable and self-regulating way to treat Type 1 diabetes.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2023
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.

Researchers create antimicrobial ‘superfoam’

Developed by University of Georgia researchers, the superfoam conducts electricity, cleans polluted water, and resists blood, microbes, and proteins. Its versatility makes it a valuable resource for clinicians and environmental remediation professionals.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 26, 2023

Using machine learning to find reliable and low-cost solar cells

Using high-throughput experiments and machine learning-based algorithms, researchers forecast the behavior of hybrid perovskites with high accuracy. The study aims to find materials that combine high-efficiency performance with resilience to environmental conditions.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 17, 2023

A new quantum approach to solve electronic structures of complex materials

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and University of Chicago developed a hybrid simulation process using IBM quantum computers to solve electronic structure problems. The new method uses classical processing to mitigate noise generated by the quantum computer, paving the way for future improvements.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Chemical Theory and Computation·DateApr 7, 2023
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Shedding light on mechanisms of electrochemical energy storage

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a new method that combines UV-visible spectroscopy with cyclic voltammetry to track ion movement in batteries and supercapacitors. This breakthrough could lead to the design of higher performing energy storage devices.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2023

Researchers devise new membrane mirrors for large space-based telescopes

Researchers have developed a new way to produce and shape large, high-quality mirrors that can be rolled up during launch and then precisely reshaped after deployment. The resulting mirrors are flexible enough to be used in space telescopes, enabling larger and more sensitive telescopes to be placed in orbit.

SourceOptica·JournalApplied Optics·DateApr 4, 2023

QUT research shows bushfire safe rooms may save lives

Researchers at Queensland University of Technology (QUT) have built and tested a full-scale bushfire safe room that demonstrates excellent heat resistance. The results suggest the shelter could keep people alive for up to two hours in extreme conditions, but further testing is needed to confirm human survivability.

SourceQueensland University of Technology·JournalStructures·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2023

A new view of microscopic processes

Researchers at the University of Missouri are acquiring a new transmission electron microscope (TEM) with a $800,000 grant from the National Science Foundation. The TEM will allow them to conduct experiments in real-time and gain a greater understanding of material structure at an atomic level.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateMar 21, 2023
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.