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Anti-dust tech paves way for self-cleaning surfaces

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin developed a new method to create dust-resistant surfaces using nanocoining and nanoimprinting techniques. The resulting surfaces can clean themselves due to their tightly packed pyramid-shaped structures, which prevent dust particles from sticking to the material.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateFeb 22, 2023

Engineered wood grows stronger while trapping carbon dioxide

Rice University scientists have developed a method to engineer wood that traps carbon dioxide while increasing its strength. This process involves removing lignin and hemicellulose from the wood and replacing them with metal-organic framework particles, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional materials.

SourceRice University·JournalCell Reports Physical Science·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 16, 2023

High thermal conductivity of cubic silicon carbide finally demonstrated

A research group led by Osaka Metropolitan University has proven that 3C-SiC exhibits high thermal conductivity, equivalent to the theoretical level. The crystal purity and quality of the material were found to be key factors in unlocking its high thermal conductivity.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 14, 2023

Research reveals thermal instability of solar cells but offers a bright path forward

Researchers reveal thermal instability of halide perovskite solar cells due to surface treatment with large positively charged ions. However, their work also provides a direction for engineers to improve the stability of this technology, potentially leading to more efficient and stable solar technologies.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Shellac-based coating makes pulp materials suitable for food without use of petroleum based polymers or metals

Researchers have developed a shellac-based coating to improve the gas barrier properties of moulded pulp materials, making them suitable for food packaging. The coating, combined with nanofibrillated cellulose, provides superior water resistance and thermal stability, while preserving environmental sustainability.

SourceSociety of Chemical Industry·JournalPolymer International·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 7, 2023

Streamlining the situation

Researchers at UCSB discovered that a single parameter, air bubble length, determines the performance of superhydrophobic surfaces. A longer air pocket can significantly reduce drag and overcome surfactant effects.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 2, 2023

Breaking the temperature barrier of hydrothermal carbonization of lignocellulosic biomass

Researchers from Tsinghua University develop a new strategy to decouple temperature and pressure in hydrothermal carbonization, breaking the temperature limit. This process produces high-quality carbon microspheres with abundant oxygen-containing functional groups and good thermal stability, suitable for various applications including ...

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalGreen Energy & Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 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.

How to develop better rechargeable aluminum batteries?

Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology have developed new cathode materials using borophene to overcome the limitations of traditional aluminum anodes. The study reveals that coordination with chlorine ions enhances electron transfer, leading to increased capacities and improved cycling performance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Stanford scientists illuminate barrier to next-generation battery that charges very quickly

Researchers at Stanford University have developed a new understanding of how nanoscale defects and mechanical stress cause solid electrolytes to fail. By studying over 60 experiments, they found that ceramics often contain tiny cracks on their surface, which can lead to short circuits during fast charging. The discovery could pave the ...

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 30, 2023

Quantum sensors see Weyl photocurrents flow

A team of researchers led by Boston College Assistant Professor Brian Zhou developed a new quantum sensor technique to image and understand the origin of photocurrent flow in Weyl semimetals. They found that the electrical current flows in a four-fold vortex pattern around where light is shined on the material.

SourceBoston College·JournalNature Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2023

Two technical breakthroughs make high-quality 2D materials possible

A team of researchers has made two technical breakthroughs to grow high-quality 2D materials, overcoming challenges such as securing single crystallinity and preventing irregular thickness. Their method enables the growth of single-domain heterojunction TMDs at wafer scale, paving the way for next-generation electronics.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 18, 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.

Blocking radio waves and electromagnetic interference with the flip of a switch

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a thin film device that can dynamically control electromagnetic wave shielding using MXene materials. The device can convert from shielding to quasi-electromagnetic wave transmission by electrochemical oxidation, making it suitable for various security applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023

AI discovers new nanostructures

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have successfully discovered new materials using artificial intelligence and self-assembly. The AI-driven technique led to the discovery of three new nanostructures, expanding the scope of self-assembly's applications in microelectronics and catalysis.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalScience Advances·DateJan 13, 2023
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Artificial nerve cells – almost like biological

Researchers at Linköping University developed an artificial neuron that closely mimics biological nerve cells, with 15 out of 20 neural features replicated. The 'conductance-based organic electrochemical neuron' uses ions to control electronic current and demonstrates biorealistic behavior.

SourceLinköping University·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 12, 2023

Converting temperature fluctuations into clean energy with novel nanoparticles and heating strategy

A team at City University of Hong Kong has developed a novel approach to converting environmental temperature fluctuations into clean chemical energy using pyroelectric catalysis. By combining pyroelectric materials with localized plasmonic heat sources, the researchers achieved significantly faster and more efficient pyro-catalytic re...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

‘Smart’ coating can be precisely applied to make fabric into protective gear

Dartmouth College researchers have developed a durable copper-based coating that can precisely be integrated into fabric to create responsive materials for protective equipment, environmental sensors, and smart filters. The coating responds to toxic gases in the air by converting them into less toxic substances trapped in the fabric.

SourceDartmouth College·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 9, 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.

Bayesian inference massively cuts time of X-ray fluorescence analysis!

Researchers developed a new method using Bayesian estimation to reduce X-ray fluorescence analysis time from 7 seconds to 3 seconds per measurement point, saving up to 11 hours for large-scale elemental distributions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalSpectrochimica Acta Part B Atomic Spectroscopy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 6, 2023

Electronic bridge allows rapid energy sharing between semiconductors

Electrons play a key role in facilitating rapid heat transfer between layers of 2D semiconductor materials, allowing for efficient energy dissipation in futuristic electronic devices. The study provides new insights into the behavior of atomic motions and electronic pathways in nanoscale junctions.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Nanotechnology·DateJan 4, 2023

CityU scientists discover a novel photophysical mechanism that has achieved record-breaking efficiency for organic photovoltaics

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel device-engineering strategy to suppress energy conversion loss in organic photovoltaics, achieving PCE over 19%. The discovery enables OPVs to maximize photocurrent and overcome the limit of maximum achievable efficiency.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 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.

Strong and biodegradable

Scientists have created a new polyester material that combines mechanical stability with high biodegradability, making it an attractive alternative to traditional plastics. The innovative material, called polyester-2,18, was shown to degrade in lab experiments and pass industrial composting standards.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateDec 20, 2022

University of Missouri researchers design new heart health wearable

Researchers at the University of Missouri are developing a wearable heart monitor using a breathable material with antibacterial and antiviral properties. The device will track heart health via dual signals, providing continuous monitoring for early detection of heart disease.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·DateDec 5, 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.

Making sense of coercivity in magnetic materials with machine learning

Researchers developed a new approach to analyze coercivity in soft magnetic materials using machine learning and data science. The method condenses relevant information from microscopic images into a two-dimensional feature space, visualizing the energy landscape of magnetization reversal. This study showcases how materials informatics...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 1, 2022

Quantum algorithm of the direct calculation of energy derivatives developed for molecular geometry optimization

A new quantum algorithm allows for the direct calculation of energy derivatives, a crucial step in molecular geometry optimization, using only one query on a quantum computer. This breakthrough enables the computation of energy derivatives with respect to nuclear coordinates in a single calculation.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 29, 2022

Cutting-edge tool to expand nanoscale study of material deformation

Researchers at Lehigh University have received a $1.2 million NSF grant to purchase a new plasma focused ion beam system for studying material deformation at the nanoscale. The system enables in situ mechanical testing and EBSD analysis, allowing for detailed study of microstructural elements and

SourceLehigh University·DateNov 28, 2022

NIST finds a sweet new way to print microchip patterns on curvy surfaces

Researchers have found a way to transfer precise micro Patterns onto unconventional surfaces, including curved surfaces and fibers. This technique, called REFLEX, could open up new possibilities for the development of new materials and microstructures in fields such as electronics and biomedical engineering.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 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.

Story tips: Genetic markers for autism, hiding in plain sight; Recyclable composites help drive net-zero goal; Evaluating buildings in real time; Nanoreactor grows hydrogen-storage crystals

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered genetic markers for autism, developed recyclable composites to drive the net-zero goal, and created a tool for real-time building evaluation. Additionally, they have made significant progress in growing hydrogen-storage crystals using a novel nano-reactor material.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 17, 2022

Next generation material that adapts to its history

Researchers at Aalto University developed a new material that changes its electrical behavior based on previous experience, effectively giving it adaptive memory. The material responds differently to varying magnetic field strengths, which affects its conductivity and allows for bistability and rudimentary learning-like properties.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 15, 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.

Forseeing failure

A new theory predicts metal failure limits and onset point of cracking based on initial cyclic stress. Researchers developed a method to analyze slip bands and material properties to provide quantitative insights.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalScience·DateNov 9, 2022

New quantum phase discovered for developing hybrid materials

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University have discovered a unique phase transition in crystals that combines crystalline and amorphous characteristics. This finding has significant implications for developing hybrid materials with improved properties for use in extreme environments, such as outer space.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPhysical Review B·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 8, 2022

Artificial intelligence deciphers detector "clouds" to accelerate materials research

Researchers used AI to automate the process of analyzing X-ray snapshots of materials, accelerating the technique by ten times on its own and 100 times with improved hardware. The new method can extract information from a range of previously inaccessible materials, including high-temperature superconductors and quantum spin liquids.

SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalStructural Dynamics·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 7, 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.

Physicists shed new light on unanswered questions about glass-liquid transition

Researchers discovered that glass can undergo a rapid formation of localized liquid regions with higher mobility, leading to a mixed state where parts are liquid and others are glassy. This finding adds new pieces to the description of the complex glass-liquid transition process.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalNature Physics·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateNov 3, 2022

Self-folding origami honeycombs pave the way to sustainable protective packaging

Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology created a novel method to produce self-folding origami honeycomb structures using paper sheets, which can provide excellent protection against shocks and compression. The developed technique has potential applications in packaging, agriculture, and other fields.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalMaterials & Design·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 1, 2022

A cooler approach to making new materials that can stand the heat

Lehigh University researchers have developed a new fabrication method for high-entropy alloys that can operate in extreme temperatures. The process uses lower temperatures and a different reaction route to achieve a more homogenous microstructure, potentially leading to the development of more efficient materials for aerospace and indu...

SourceLehigh University·DateNov 1, 2022

Electron liquids on the cutting edge

Researchers have controlled a one-dimensional electron fluid to an unprecedented degree, discovering new properties of Tomonaga-Luttinger liquids in two-dimensional materials. The team's findings could pave the way for more robust quantum computers with enhanced fault-tolerance.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 27, 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.

New era of two-dimensional ferroelectrics

Researchers review emerging field of 2D ferroelectric materials with layered van-der-Waals crystal structures, offering new properties and functionalities not found in conventional materials. These materials show easily stackable nature, making them attractive as building blocks for post-Moore's law electronics.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalNature Reviews Materials·TypeLiterature review·DateOct 27, 2022

The next wonder semiconductor

Cubic boron arsenide's high thermal conductivity and surprising long-lasting 'hot' electrons make it a promising material for photovoltaic and light detection applications. Researchers visualize the charge movement in single crystals using scanning ultrafast electron microscopy, revealing new transport properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalMatter·DateOct 25, 2022

Intermetallic palladium-zinc alloy: a corrosion-resistant, highly active, low-cost electrocatalyst!

Researchers have developed an intermetallic palladium-zinc alloy with high corrosion resistance and improved catalytic activity. The alloy's unique structure creates a protective skeletal shell around the zinc atoms, preventing leaching and increasing its durability as an electrocatalyst for ethanol oxidation reactions.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalResearch on Chemical Intermediates·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 18, 2022

Polyester chemistry highlights possible role of microdroplets in the origin of life

A new international collaboration has explored the suitable conditions for polyester microdroplet synthesis and assembly, revealing that they can form in much wider conditions than previously understood. The research suggests that polyester microdroplets could have played a role in chemical evolution on early Earth.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalMacromolecular Chemistry and Physics·DateOct 18, 2022

Physicists probe 'astonishing' morphing properties of honeycomb-like material

Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a novel phenomenon in a type of quantum material that can change its electrical properties under specific conditions. The material, known as Mn3Si2Te6, exhibits colossal magnetoresistance when exposed to certain magnetic fields, allowing it to behave like a metal wire.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2022
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.

Heat-proof chaotic carbides could revolutionize aerospace technology

Scientists at Duke University have engineered materials capable of producing tunable plasmonic properties while withstand extremely high temperatures. The new high-entropy carbides can achieve improved communications and thermal regulation in aerospace technologies, including satellites and hypersonic aircraft.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 11, 2022

Engineers develop a new kind of shape-memory material

A new category of shape-memory materials made of ceramic, rather than metal, has been discovered by MIT researchers. The ceramic material can actuate without accumulating damage and withstand much higher temperatures than existing metals, making it suitable for applications such as actuators in jet engines.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateOct 5, 2022

Some everyday materials have memories, and now they can be erased

Researchers at Penn State developed a method to erase memories in disordered solids, allowing for new opportunities in diagnostics and programming of materials. The study provides insight into how memories form in these materials and demonstrates a way to 'read' and erase them.

SourcePenn State·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 5, 2022

High-quality growth

Assistant Professor SUZUKI Hiroo and colleagues have developed a method to grow highly crystalline TMDCs, such as MoS2 and WS2, using chemical vapor deposition in a stacked substrate configuration. The technique produces samples with large domains and optimal photoluminescence characteristics.

SourceOkayama University·JournalACS Nano·DateOct 5, 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.

Hackmanite changes color also upon exposure to nuclear radiation – memory trace from radiation enables new applications

Researchers at the University of Turku discovered that hackmanite changes color when exposed to nuclear radiation, retaining a memory trace that allows it to be reused. This unique property enables the development of reusable radiochromic films for measuring radiation doses and mapping dose distribution.

SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalMaterials Horizons·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 29, 2022

New technique allows researchers to scrape beyond the surface of nanomaterials

Scientists at Drexel University have created a new secondary-ion mass spectrometry technique to study the atomic layers of MXenes and MAX phases. The technique allows for deeper understanding of the materials' structure and composition, leading to breakthroughs in their properties and potential applications.

SourceDrexel University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

Researchers uncover how to 3D-print one of the strongest stainless steels

A team of researchers from NIST, UW-Madison, and Argonne National Laboratory identified key compositions that enable consistent 3D-printing of 17-4 PH stainless steel with favorable properties. The new findings could help producers cut costs and increase manufacturing flexibility.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalAdditive Manufacturing·DateSep 22, 2022

New software platform advances understanding of the surface finish of manufactured components

Scientists developed a software platform to analyze surfaces, creating digital twins that predict material properties like adhesion and durability. The contact.engineering platform standardizes procedure and facilitates open science, allowing users to share measurements and collaborate.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalSurface Topography Metrology and Properties·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 19, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Research improves upon conventional LED displays

Researchers have developed a new display technology using quantum dots that can increase the efficiency and lifespan of LED displays. The new technology uses a single layer of quantum dots as the emissive layer, which can reduce voltage loss and improve light extraction efficiency.

SourceTsinghua University Press·JournalNano Research·DateSep 8, 2022

Major leap for stable high-efficiency perovskite solar cells

Scientists at Linköping University have made a breakthrough in developing stable high-efficiency perovskite solar cells. They created an ion-modulated radical doping method for Spiro-OMeTAD, which eliminates the trade-off between efficiency and stability.

SourceLinköping University·JournalScience·DateSep 6, 2022

Tiny crystal vases

Scientists at the University of Tsukuba developed a method to produce uniform, hollow vessel-shaped crystals through spontaneous crystal growth. The crystals have hexagonal symmetry and can be used as tiny containers for nanotechnology experiments.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalScience·DateAug 24, 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.