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Fuel from waste wood

Researchers at TUM have developed a new process for producing ethanol from waste wood and hydrogen, resulting in a lower cost compared to traditional methods. The process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 75% and can be used as a low-carbon fuel alternative.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalFrontiers in Energy Research·DateMar 29, 2022

Vectorial metrics reveal complex optical information

Researchers developed a new framework to extract meaningful vectorial metrics from Mueller matrix elements, providing insights into exotic material characterization and precise cancer boundary detection. The framework establishes a universal metric for calculating different physical properties of target objects.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateMar 29, 2022

Engineering the quantum states in solids using light

A POSTECH research team has developed a platform that can control and measure the properties of solid materials with light. This breakthrough enables the manipulation of quantum states in solids, which can be effectively used in quantum systems.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNature·DateMar 29, 2022

Tracking real-time atomic movement between crystal grains in metals

Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology observe unprecedented atomic processes that dictate mechanical behavior in metals. They develop novel methods to visualize grain boundary sliding, revealing previously unknown movements and accommodating transferred atoms through adjusting grain boundary structures.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 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.

Identifying toxic materials in water with machine learning

Researchers at UBCO's School of Engineering have developed a new, faster method for analyzing toxic waste materials using fluorescence spectroscopy and convolutional neural networks. This method can detect key toxins such as naphthenic acids in oil sands samples, providing a low-cost alternative to current methods.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 21, 2022

Bacteria-shredding insect wings inspire new antibacterial packaging

Scientists developed a natural antibacterial texture inspired by insect wings, killing up to 70% of bacteria. The innovation aims to reduce food waste, particularly in meat and dairy exports, and extend the shelf life of packaged food.

SourceRMIT University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeObservational study·DateMar 21, 2022

UBCO researchers use unique ingredient to strengthen bamboo

Researchers at UBC Okanagan have adapted a plastination technique to strengthen bamboo and reduce its degradation rate, making it more environmentally friendly. The innovation has the potential to significantly reduce non-degradable waste in industries such as construction and packaging.

SourceUniversity of British Columbia Okanagan campus·JournalComposite Structures·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 18, 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.

Catalyst for a greener future

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel catalytic technology that converts non-edible plants into renewable fuels, chemicals and plastics. By pulsing hydrogen gas on and off, they increase the population of active sites on catalysts, allowing reactions to occur up to 10 times faster.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalNature Catalysis·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

‘Self-driving’ lab speeds up research, synthesis of energy materials

Researchers at NC State University have developed a 'self-driving lab' that uses artificial intelligence and fluidic systems to advance our understanding of metal halide perovskite nanocrystals. The technology can autonomously dope MHP nanocrystals, adding manganese atoms on demand, allowing for faster control over properties.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 16, 2022

A fabric that “hears” your heartbeat

A new fabric developed by MIT engineers can detect subtle heartbeat features and the direction of sudden sounds, enabling real-time monitoring of vital signs. The fabric works like a microphone, converting sound vibrations into electrical signals.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateMar 16, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Optimizer tool designs, evaluates, maximizes solar-powered cooling systems

Researchers developed an optimizer tool to design and evaluate solar-powered adsorption cooling systems, achieving higher coefficient of performance with certain material combinations. The study focused on residential home cooling systems but aims to be extended to higher capacity systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Renewable and Sustainable Energy·DateMar 15, 2022

Scientists identify a water-responsive material that functions as a powerful actuator

A research team at the Advanced Science Research Center has identified peptidoglycan as the most powerful actuator material. The new water-responsive muscles can quickly expand and contract in response to water absorption and evaporation, enabling rapid actuation of micro and macro structures.

SourceAdvanced Science Research Center, GC/CUNY·JournalAdvanced Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022

The next generation of robots will be shape-shifters

Researchers at the University of Bath have developed a new coating method for soft robots that allows them to change shape and movement through human-controlled activity. This breakthrough in active matter could lead to the creation of machines governed by individual units that cooperate to determine movement and function.

SourceUniversity of Bath·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 11, 2022
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.

Magnetism helps electrons vanish in high-temp superconductors

Researchers at Cornell University discovered that magnetism is key to understanding the behavior of electrons in high-temperature superconductors. They found that at a critical point, most of the electrons in a particular region vanish, and magnetism explains this phenomenon.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 10, 2022

Press release: Pre-clinical assessment of tobacco-free nicotine pouches demonstrates reduced in-vitro toxicity compared to combustible cigarette smoke in recent study

A recent study published in Applied In Vitro Toxicology found that tobacco-free nicotine pouches exhibit reduced levels of toxicants and biological activity compared to combustible cigarette smoke. The products, manufactured by Imperial Brands, showed substantially reduced genotoxicity and cytotoxicity in three toxicological assays.

SourceImperial Brands·JournalApplied In Vitro Toxicology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 7, 2022
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.

Predicting solar cell performance from terahertz and microwave spectroscopy

Researchers improve solar cell performance predictions by analyzing terahertz and microwave spectroscopy data, enabling more accurate assessments of material quality. This advancement can quickly test new semiconducting materials for their potential suitability.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 4, 2022

Superior Covid protection from better face masks, research shows

A new study by the University of Surrey and University of Bristol found that FFP2 masks filter out Covid-19 virus particles more effectively than cloth masks. The research suggests that using FFP2 masks can significantly improve protection against transmission and reduce the risk of infection.

SourceUniversity of Surrey·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 3, 2022

Surprising semiconductor properties revealed with innovative new method

A new method using a thin oxide film has revealed that oxygen impurities in germanium are responsible for a surprising effect, creating holes in the material and eclipsing its semiconducting properties. This discovery has broad implications for understanding the role of thin oxide films in future semiconductor design.

SourceDOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 1, 2022
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.

Super scintillators enable X-ray detection at an ultralow level

The KAUST team has created a flexible and efficient scintillation film using lead-free metal halides, detecting X-rays at levels 113 times lower than standard medical imaging doses. This breakthrough enhances medical, industrial and security X-ray imaging, offering significant improvements in spatial resolution.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

A new, inexpensive catalyst speeds the production of oxygen from water

Researchers at MIT have developed a new, inexpensive catalyst material that can produce oxygen from water, potentially replacing rare metals and reducing the cost of producing carbon-neutral fuels. The material, made of abundant components, allows for precise tuning and matches or exceeds the performance of conventional catalysts.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 25, 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.

Graphene sensor rapidly detects opioid metabolites in wastewater

A novel graphene-based field effect transistors (FETs) device can detect four different synthetic and natural opioids at once in wastewater. The device uses aptamers to trap opioid metabolites, enabling real-time monitoring with high geographical resolution and low cost.

SourceBoston College·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022

More sensitive X-ray imaging

Researchers at MIT have improved the efficiency of scintillators by up to tenfold and potentially even a hundredfold by creating nanoscale configurations. This could lead to better medical diagnostic X-rays, reduced dose exposure, and improved image quality.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateFeb 24, 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.

New material offers remarkable combo of toughness and stretchiness

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new material with remarkable toughness and stretchiness, comparable to cartilage. The ionogels created by the team exhibit self-healing and shape memory properties, making them suitable for various applications.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022

A possible paradigm shift within piezoelectricity

Researchers have found a new method to induce the piezoelectric effect in materials that are otherwise not piezoelectric. This breakthrough could lead to the development of biocompatible materials with properties similar to common lead-containing materials, and has the potential to expand the design of new electromechanical devices.

SourceTechnical University of Denmark·JournalScience·DateFeb 18, 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.

World-first: Speed of sound used to measure elasticity of materials

Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a groundbreaking technology to measure the microscopic elasticity of materials. By analyzing the speed of sound across the material's surface, they can reveal the orientation and inherent stiffness of small crystals, which is essential for material performance.

SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalActa Materialia·DateFeb 15, 2022

Solar-powered system offers a route to inexpensive desalination

Researchers at MIT and China developed a desalination system that is both more efficient and less expensive than previous methods. The system uses natural convection to draw salt from the water, eliminating the need for wicks or power sources.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 14, 2022

Study performs cost analysis of popular autism interventions

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Kansas has analyzed the cost of two commonly used interventions for students with autism spectrum disorder. The results showed that implementing emerging or ineffective interventions can consume valuable resources without promising positive outcomes. The study's goal was to p...

SourceUniversity of Kansas·JournalExceptional Children·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 14, 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.

New plant-derived composite is tough as bone and hard as aluminum

Researchers at MIT have engineered a composite made mostly from cellulose nanocrystals, which is stronger and tougher than some types of bone, and harder than typical aluminum alloys. The material has a unique brick-and-mortar microstructure that resembles nacre, making it resistant to cracks and plastic deformation.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalCellulose·DateFeb 10, 2022

New soft robot morphs from a ground to air vehicle using liquid metal

Researchers at Virginia Tech created a soft robot that can change shape and return to its original configuration using a liquid metal composite. The material combines kirigami-inspired cuts with a metal endoskeleton embedded in rubber, allowing it to morph into different shapes and functions.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalScience Robotics·DateFeb 9, 2022

Predicting superconductor crystal structures with computer simulations

A team of researchers predicts a new hydrogen compound crystal structure that could achieve superconductivity at high temperatures. The discovery uses computer simulations to identify promising candidates, with one compound showing a transition temperature of 23.3 K at 200 GPa.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry·DateFeb 8, 2022

Amped consortium receives NSF IUCRC planning grant

The Advanced Magnetics for Power and Energy Development (AMPED) Consortium has received a $60,000 planning grant from the National Science Foundation to address the growing need for improved soft magnetic materials and enhanced device applications in emerging energy technologies. The consortium aims to create an interdisciplinary workf...

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateFeb 8, 2022
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.

Rice team’s mask strategy passes muster

The Rice team created an easily manufactured adhesive silicone harness that improves the fit of light surgical masks, making them comparable to N95 and KN95 masks in terms of aerosol droplet stopping. The revised design includes a wider harness along the nose slope for better sealing.

SourceRice University·JournalJAMA Network Open·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2022

Increasing the accuracy of atomic force calculations with the space-warp coordinate transformation

Researchers developed a space-warp coordinate transformation (SWCT) method to accurately calculate atomic forces for elements with high atomic numbers. The study used quantum Monte Carlo simulations and found that the SWCT method reduces computational costs, resulting in more accurate calculations.

SourceJapan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateFeb 6, 2022

New lightweight material is stronger than steel

Researchers at MIT have developed a new material that is stronger than steel and as light as plastic, with potential applications in car parts, cell phones, bridges, and other structures. The material, called polyaramide, self-assembles into sheets and has unique properties, including high elastic modulus and impermeability to gases.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateFeb 2, 2022

Special testing of kidney tissue from deceased COVID-19 donor documents safe transplantation of the organ, Johns Hopkins researchers report

Researchers at Johns Hopkins Medicine have successfully transplanted a kidney from a COVID-19 donor, demonstrating that healthy kidneys from such donors can be safely transplanted. The recipient has shown no signs or symptoms of the virus and has excellent kidney function since the transplant.

SourceJohns Hopkins Medicine·JournalAmerican Journal of Transplantation·DateJan 31, 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.

Rusting iron can be its own worst enemy

Researchers at Rice University found that iron itself plays a role in its own corrosion when exposed to supercritical CO2 and trace amounts of water. Thin layers of 2D materials like graphene can serve as a barrier to prevent corrosion.

SourceRice University·JournalMatter·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 21, 2022

Zeolite nanotube discovery made by researchers at Georgia Tech

The discovery of single-walled zeolitic nanotubes by researchers at Georgia Tech, Stockholm University, and Penn State University has the potential to revolutionize the field of materials science. The team found a unique arrangement of atoms in the zeolite nanotube walls that allows it to form as a 1D tube rather than a 2D or 3D material.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateJan 19, 2022

SUTD sets its sights on chalcogenide nanostructured displays

Researchers from SUTD and A*STAR IMRE demonstrate the use of chalcogenide nanostructures to reversibly tune Mie resonances in the visible spectrum, paving the way for high resolution colour displays. The technology relies on phase change materials, including antimony trisulphide nanoparticles.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Nano·DateJan 19, 2022

WVU engineers seek to re-use waste plastics to make valuable petrochemicals

Researchers at West Virginia University have created a simple microwave catalytic process to upcycle single-use plastics into high-value benzene, toluene, and xylene. This technology aims to increase the recycling rate of plastic waste and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by providing an alternative source of petrochemical materials.

SourceWest Virginia University·DateJan 18, 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.

Controlling how “odd couple” surfaces and liquids interact

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to control the interaction between liquids and solids, allowing for the creation of surfaces with high or low wettability. This breakthrough has potential applications in various industries, including thermal management, protective coatings, and heat pipes.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2022

Bone growth inspired “microrobots” that can create their own bone

Researchers have developed a combination of materials that can morph into various shapes before hardening, similar to the natural process of bone development in the human skeleton. The soft material can be used to create microrobots that can inject themselves into complicated bone fractures and expand to form new bone.

SourceLinköping University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 17, 2022

Tuning the bonds of paired quantum particles to create dissipationless flow

A new graphene-based platform allows researchers to control the interaction strength between electrons and holes, enabling the formation of quantum condensates at room temperature. The platform's tunability enables testing of theoretical predictions about superconductivity and its potential for higher temperature limits.

SourceColumbia University·JournalScience·DateJan 13, 2022

Pusan National University study “cracks” mystery of water-promoted fracture growth on glass

Researchers at Pusan National University discovered that tempered glass is more resistant to water-promoted fracture growth than annealed glass. The study found that water droplets penetrate microcracks in glass surfaces, dissolving silicon-oxygen bonds and degrading mechanical strength.

SourcePusan National University·JournalJournal of the European Ceramic Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Rubber material holds key to long-lasting, safer EV batteries

Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have discovered a promising alternative to conventional lithium-ion batteries made from a common material: rubber. The material, when formulated into a 3D structure, acts as a superhighway for fast lithium-ion transport with superior mechanical toughness.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022

Listening to the leaves: Adding bioinspired veins to foamed polymers

A research team at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology developed a chemical process to mimic trees' vascular systems in foamed polymers, adding structure and enabling directional fluid transport. The team discovered that increasing or decreasing gelation time enables direct control over the foam's cellular structure.

SourceBeckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2022