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HPC helps identify new, cleaner source for white light

Scientists at Giessen University used high-performance computing to understand the optical response of cluster glass, a material that generates bright, clear white light. The study verified the experiment through simulation and showed the link between the observed properties and molecular structure.

SourceGauss Centre for Supercomputing·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 16, 2022

Overcoming a major manufacturing constraint

Researchers characterize material properties of IP-Q using Raman spectroscopy and nanoindentation, revealing elastic parameters and their effects on acoustic behavior. The study optimizes elastic parameters for TPP-fabricated structures, benefiting applications in life science, mobility, and industry.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateAug 12, 2022
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.

Stiff, achy knees? Lab-made cartilage gel outperforms the real thing

Researchers at Duke University have created a lab-made cartilage substitute that is stronger and more durable than natural cartilage. The hydrogel material can withstand even more stress from pulling and squishing, with improved strength and durability compared to previous methods.

SourceDuke University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022

Ultra-thin but tough implantable material could treat spinal cord injury and Parkinson’s disease

Researchers from Griffith University and UNSW Sydney developed a robust and functional material system that overcomes the challenges of long-term implantation in biofluids. The system consists of silicon carbide nanomembranes as the contact surface and silicon dioxide as the protective encapsulation, showing unrivalled stability.

SourceGriffith University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 10, 2022

Building on the moon or Mars? You'll need extraterrestrial cement for that

Scientists at the University of Delaware have developed a new type of cement that can be used to build structures on the moon or Mars. The geopolymer cement is made from clay-like topsoil materials found on these planets and has been shown to be durable enough for vertical launch pads.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateAug 10, 2022

Study obtains superconductivity at higher temperature than usual

Brazilian researchers used computer simulations to investigate the superconducting behavior of a dimolybdenum nitride monolayer, finding that it became superconductive at relatively high temperatures and showed strong correlation with strain applied.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalNanoscale·DateAug 10, 2022
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.

New programmable materials can sense their own movements

MIT researchers developed a method to create 3D-printed materials with tunable mechanical properties and embedded sensors, enabling real-time feedback on movement and interaction. The sensing structures use air-filled channels that deform when moved or squeezed, providing accurate feedback for robotics and wearable devices.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 10, 2022

Wind has caused 479 injuries, 28 deaths in bounce houses since 2000

New research from the University of Georgia found at least 479 people were injured and 28 died worldwide in more than 130 bounce house accidents due to weather events. Basic precautions such as securing bounce houses could have prevented many accidents.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalBulletin of the American Meteorological Society·DateAug 9, 2022

Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology scientists improve the power output of triboelectric nanogenerators with carbon particles

Researchers at Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology improve triboelectric nanogenerators by using mesoporous carbon spheres to enhance charge transport and surface charge densities. The device achieves a 1300-fold higher output current, enabling potential sustainable energy harvesting.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalSmall Methods·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 9, 2022

Combining techniques to create more environmentally friendly, heat resistant, and transparent plastics

Researchers at Nagoya University have developed a new technique for creating polymers with controlled molecular weight and high optical activity. The discovery uses a combination of living cationic polymerization and asymmetric cationic polymerization, resulting in optically active polymers with unique properties.

SourceNagoya University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 8, 2022

Complex coacervate droplets as a model material for studying the electrodynamic response and manipulation of biological materials

Stabilized coacervate droplets can be steered using an electric field, allowing for controlled manipulation and delivery of biomolecules like enzymes. The technology has potential applications in drug delivery and other encapsulation technologies, as well as explaining the stability of biological condensates.

SourceUniversity of Houston·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 4, 2022
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.

Ditching the toothbrush for whiter teeth, fewer cavities (video)

Researchers develop a safe and effective way to whiten teeth without damaging enamel, breaking apart cavity-forming biofilms. The treatment uses a hydrogel activated by green light to kill 94% of bacteria in biofilms and prevent cavities from forming on teeth.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 3, 2022

Huddersfield researchers secure funding to illuminate chemistry

Huddersfield researchers are working on a new project to develop novel and sustainable molecular materials that harness light to drive useful chemical reactions. The project aims to address the limitation of using rare and expensive elements like ruthenium and iridium in current applications. By exploring the intrinsic properties of li...

SourceUniversity of Huddersfield·DateAug 3, 2022
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.

Destroying tumor cells: Targeted immunotherapy using injectable materials

Researchers at TIBI developed a minimally invasive method for targeted delivery of immunotherapeutic treatments, resulting in slower tumor growth and higher activation of T-cells. The injectable gelatin biomaterial containing silicate nanoplatelets showed sustained drug release and controlled ICI delivery.

SourceTerasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2022

Engineers repurpose 19th-century photography technique to make stretchy, color-changing films

Researchers developed a new printing technique that applies a 19th-century color photography method to modern holographic materials, producing large-scale images on elastic materials with structural color. The team's results enable the creation of pressure-monitoring bandages, shade-shifting fabrics, or touch-sensing robots.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateAug 1, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

One more slice to drive the solar stack

Inserting magnesium fluoride between perovskite and electron-transport layers reduces charge recombination and enhances performance, leading to a 50 millivolt increase in open-current voltage and a stabilized power conversion efficiency of 29.3 percent.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience·DateJul 27, 2022

Computer simulations aid scientists in gauging battery performance

Researchers at IISc used widely-used computational techniques to predict and verify migration barrier values in lithium-ion batteries. They propose robust guidelines to choose accurate frameworks for testing materials. The study found SCAN functional had better accuracy overall, while GGA was faster but less accurate.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateJul 25, 2022

The best semiconductor of them all?

Cubic boron arsenide overcomes silicon's limitations, providing high electron and hole mobility and excellent thermal conductivity. The material has been shown to have a significant potential in various applications where its unique properties would make a difference.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateJul 21, 2022
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.

Silk offers an alternative to some microplastics

Researchers at MIT develop a biodegradable system based on silk to replace microplastics added to agricultural products, paints, and cosmetics. The new material is made from widely available and less expensive silk protein, which can be dissolved using a scalable water-based process.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalSmall·DateJul 21, 2022

Reducing energy consumption: A new test system for passive cooling materials

Researchers at the University of Bayreuth have created a test system to characterize and compare passive cooling materials, overcoming challenges in determining their performance. The system mimics key factors influencing passive cooling performance, allowing for reproducible tests under identical conditions.

SourceUniversität Bayreuth·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeNews article·DateJul 18, 2022

Rensselaer researchers learn to control electron spin at room temperature to make devices more efficient and faster

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute have successfully controlled electron spin at room temperature, a crucial step towards developing more efficient and faster devices. The discovery uses a unique ferroelectric van der Waals layered perovskite crystal to harness the Rashba or Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling effect.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·JournalNature Photonics·DateJul 14, 2022

Strain-sensing smart skin ready to deploy

The new system, S4, offers a high-resolution view of stressed specimens comparable to or better than established technologies like DIC. It also overcomes optical challenges posed by cement in concrete, providing a reliable strain measurement technology.

SourceRice University·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 14, 2022

Eco-friendly sound absorbers from seaweed

Researchers have created a biodegradable seaweed-derived film that effectively absorbs sounds in the range of human voices, traffic, and music. The agar-based composite films outperform traditional acoustic foams in terms of sound-absorbing qualities.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJul 14, 2022
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.

Soft but tough: Biohybrid material performs like cartilage

A new biohybrid composite material demonstrates improved elasticity and fracture energy compared to existing zwitterionic materials, making it suitable for regenerative medicine applications. The material's biocompatibility allows it to recruit cells and support tissue regeneration.

SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 11, 2022

Thin mica shows semiconducting behavior, say scientists in new study

Researchers observe a significant increase in electrical conductivity when mica is thinned down to few molecular layers, exhibiting semiconductor-like behavior. The findings suggest that thin mica flakes have the potential to be used in two-dimensional electronic devices with exceptional stability and durability.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalPhysical Review Applied·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 7, 2022

Towards autonomous prediction and synthesis of novel magnetic materials

A team of researchers from Tokyo University of Science has developed an efficient integrated materials synthesis system for automatic discovery of new functional magnetic materials. Using artificial intelligence and computational science, they identified promising materials five times more efficiently than traditional trial-and-error a...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalScience and Technology of Advanced Materials Methods·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 7, 2022

WVU researchers won’t hit snooze on mattress recycling needs

A team of WVU researchers has developed a biodegradable composite material using cotton fibers from recycled mattresses, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics. The new material will be created through 3D printing and can be used to produce various consumer products, such as beverage straws and disposable packaging.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateJul 6, 2022

A four-stroke engine for atoms

Scientists have found a new phenomenon where an atomic switch has to be switched back and forth four times to return to its original state. The spin of gadolinium atoms performs one full rotation during this process. This discovery opens up possibilities for material physics and could potentially be used to store information.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 6, 2022
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.

These energy-packed batteries work well in extreme cold and heat

Researchers at the University of California San Diego have developed temperature-resilient lithium-ion batteries with high energy density, compatible with high-temperature operation. These batteries could enable electric vehicles to travel farther on a single charge in cold climates and reduce overheating in hot climates.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022

Turning up the heat to unlock Cas13's potential

A heat-loving bacterium's Cas13 protein enables specific detection of SARS-CoV-2 and other viruses in a one-pot assay. The technology has been patented and clinically validated, with the aim of mass production and commercialization.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 3, 2022

Laser writing may enable ‘electronic nose’ for multi-gas sensor

Researchers at Penn State have created a highly customizable microscale gas sensing device using laser writing and responsive sensor technologies. The device enables the simultaneous detection of multiple gases, including disease indicators and pollutants, in various environments and substrates.

SourcePenn State·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022
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.

Singapore team develops new technology that upcycles old, expired solar panels into heat-harvesting electricity materials

A team of scientists from A*STAR and NTU Singapore have developed technology to transform expired solar cells into enhanced thermoelectric material, which harvests heat and converts it into electricity. The technology achieved a record-high thermoelectric figure of merit of 0.45 at 873 K.

SourceAgency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022

Advances in lithium niobate photonics

Lithium niobate photonics has developed rapidly, enabling compact devices with high performance. Thin film lithium niobate (TFLN) structures have shown significant improvements in refractive index contrast, paving the way for more integrated photonic devices.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateJun 23, 2022

Boron nitride nanotube fibers get real

Researchers at Rice University have successfully created the first heat-tolerant, stable fibers from boron nitride nanotubes using a wet-spinning process. The fibers assemble themselves into liquid crystals, making them easier to process and suitable for large-scale applications in aerospace, electronics, and energy-efficient materials.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022
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.

A case of internal observation using X-ray CT, aiming to discover the vibration damping mechanism

The study used synchrotron radiation X-ray computed tomography (CT) to observe internal nonuniform deformation of a material in several dozens mm. They found that performing deformation evaluations at both macroscale and microscale can provide insights into the vibration damping mechanism of rubber materials.

SourceToyohashi University of Technology (TUT)·JournalPolymer Testing·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 23, 2022

Topological superconductors: fertile ground for elusive Majorana ('angel') particle

Researchers investigate the search for Majorana fermions in iron-based superconductors, which could enable topological quantum computing and ultra-low energy electronics. The existence of Majorana zero-energy modes in topological superconductors makes them a promising candidate material for realizing these technologies.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalMatter·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 22, 2022

Atomic displacements in high-entropy alloys examined

Scientists investigated the local structure of a high-entropy Cantor alloy using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, revealing structural relaxations in chromium atoms and no evidence of secondary phases. The study correlated these findings with macroscopic magnetic properties.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalJournal of Alloys and Compounds·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 22, 2022
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.

University of Illinois researchers derive new theory on behavior of new class of materials

Researchers have derived governing equations that describe the macroscopic mechanical behavior of elastomers filled with liquid inclusions directly from their microscopic behavior. This work enables a wide range of novel materials with unique mechanical and physical properties.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalJournal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids·DateJun 21, 2022

New CityU exfoliation technique “recovers” biomaterial’s piezoelectricity

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong developed a simple exfoliation method to prepare ultrathin films of small intestine tissues, which exhibit piezoelectricity. The team's findings reveal the hierarchical structure of collagen fibers as the key to generating the piezoelectric effect.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 20, 2022
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.

Solving the puzzle of 2D disorder

An interdisciplinary team of Northwestern University researchers has developed a new method to determine the fingerprint of neighboring disorder in 2D materials. This method enables a universal curve that characterizes disorder potentials, leading to improved performance in transistors and gas sensors.

SourceNorthwestern University·Journal2D Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2022

New material paves the way for remote-controlled medication and electronic pills

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have invented a material that uses electrical signals to separate biomolecules, paving the way for efficient production of biomedicines. The material's ability to function in biological fluids with buffering capacity enables remote-controlled drug release and reduces energy consumption.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 15, 2022

Ink could enable devices powered by heat

Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a thermoelectric coating that converts low-grade heat into electrical power, with potential to replace batteries in wearables and IoT devices. The coating can be applied to any surface that generates heat, enabling efficient energy harvesting.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 14, 2022
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.

A better wig — with chemistry

Researchers developed a nanocomposite coating method using Langmuir-Blodgett technology to improve wig durability, reducing UV damage, breakage, and static electricity. The new coating provides better coverage than previous methods and can be scaled up for mass production.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 13, 2022

Insight into the mystery of magnetism

FeRh, a metal with antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic phases, has its phase transition kinetics measured using ultrafast techniques. The study reveals new insights into the ultrafast dynamics of magnetic materials.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 13, 2022
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.

Theory proves local equilibrium at interfaces

A new theory developed by researchers at the University of Chicago proves the existence of local equilibrium at interfaces, which are regions where materials interact and connect. This finding has significant implications for understanding and engineering systems with multiple components.

SourceUniversity of Chicago·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 8, 2022

UQ discovery paves the way for faster computers, longer-lasting batteries

University of Queensland scientists have discovered a way to make molecular switches work at room temperature, paving the way for more efficient and environmentally friendly technologies. This breakthrough could lead to advancements in MRI scans, sensors, carbon capture, and hydrogen fuel cells.

SourceUniversity of Queensland·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Towards indoor lighting-powered thin-film, flexible solar cells with piezophototronics

Ritsumeikan University researchers create a novel thin-film flexible piezoelectric-photovoltaic device that can generate electricity from indoor lighting. The device's performance is improved through strain-induced polarization in the ZnMgO layer, increasing open-circuit voltage and overcoming charge recombination issues.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalNano Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 8, 2022

Lithium-ion batteries that last longer in extreme cold

Researchers developed a bumpy carbon-based material that maintains rechargeable storage capacity down to -31 F, improving lithium-ion batteries' performance in freezing temperatures. The new material enables electric cars to drive longer and reduces the risk of battery failure in extreme cold.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Central Science·DateJun 8, 2022

Earth-abundant solar pixels found to produce hydrogen for weeks

Researchers have discovered a way to create devices that mimic natural photosynthesis, producing fuels like hydrogen instead of sugars. The breakthrough uses bismuth oxyiodide, a non-toxic semiconductor material that can produce clean hydrogen from water over weeks.

SourceSt. John's College, University of Cambridge·JournalNature Materials·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 7, 2022

Insulation from wood research proves better than existing plastic-based materials

Researchers developed a wood-based insulating material that offers superior thermal performance to existing plastic-based materials. The new aerogel-integrated wood material is created without adding additional substances and has the potential to replace fossil-based aerogels for energy efficiency and sustainable development.

SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateJun 3, 2022
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.