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Helical conducting polymers go viral

Scientists from the University of Tsukuba have created a method to grow conducting polymers with magnetic properties using harmless virus particles as templates. The resulting polymer networks exhibit helical antiferromagnetic behavior, opening doors for applications in biosensors and virus detection.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of Polymer Science

Tokyo researchers take a look beneath the skin of surfactant onions

Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science used microscopy to examine surfactant onion layers, discovering they contain defects. Their findings are crucial for designing effective therapeutic carrier systems.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Research
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.

Computational discovery of complex alloys could speed the way to green aviation

Researchers have identified a complex alloy system that can be strengthened and made more ductile using quantum-mechanical modeling. This breakthrough may lead to more efficient engines, lowering fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions in the aviation industry.

SourceDOE/Ames National Laboratory·JournalPhysical Review Letters

Durable and yet degradable

A team of researchers at the University of Konstanz has developed a new method for producing polyethylene with added polar groups, which enhances its degradability while maintaining its durability. The new plastic exhibits slow chain degradation in simulated sunlight, unlike conventional polyethylenes.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalScience

Researchers identify conformers of ethyl peroxy radicals

A research group has identified conformers of ethyl peroxy radicals using vacuum ultraviolet photochemistry, providing important data for online detection of peroxy radicals and their isomers. The results show that the gauche conformer has a favorable Franck-Condon factor in ionization transitions.

SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPhysical Chemistry Chemical Physics

New synthesis process paves way for more efficient lasers, LEDs

Researchers at North Carolina State University have developed a new synthesis process that increases the number of holes in p-type III-nitride semiconductor materials, leading to more efficient LEDs and lasers. This breakthrough could also help address the long-lasting problem called the 'green gap' in LED technology.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·TypeExperimental study

Nanotwinned titanium forges path to sustainable manufacturing

Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have discovered a new path forward for processing titanium. Cryo-forging at ultra-low temperatures produces extra-strong nanotwinned titanium with improved strength and ductility. The material maintains its structure and properties at extreme temperatures, demonstrating its versatility.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

First controllable nanoscale gas-liquid interface fabricated

Scientists develop a method to precisely control gas-liquid interfaces at the nanoscale, enabling precise enrichment of target molecules. The technology has potential applications in various fields, including chemical and biological processes.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalNano Letters·TypeNews article

AI predicts extensive material properties to break down a previously insurmountable wall

Researchers used machine learning to analyze core-loss spectroscopy data, revealing connections between spectral data and material properties. The study successfully predicted intensive and extensive material properties, enabling high-throughput development of new materials.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalAdvanced Intelligent Systems

A sunny outlook for solar

Researchers found that defects in both organic and inorganic perovskites cause comparable levels of recombination, but the organic molecule in hybrid perovskites actually decreases efficiency due to hydrogen loss. The study suggests all-inorganic materials have potential for outperforming hybrids.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalCell Reports Physical Science
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.

Molecular mixing creates super stable glass

Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a new type of super-stable glass by mixing up to eight different molecules. This breakthrough material exhibits ultralow fragility and superior glass-forming ability, making it suitable for applications in display technologies, renewable energy, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience Advances

Bridging optics and electronics

Researchers at Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences have developed a simple spatial light modulator made from gold electrodes covered by a thin film of electro-optical material. This device can control light intensity and pixel by pixel, enabling compact, high-speed, and precise optical devices.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Communications

Refuting a 70-year approach to predicting material microstructure

Researchers have found that a conventional model for predicting material microstructure does not apply to polycrystalline materials. They used near-field high energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) to study grain boundaries, revealing that the model's predictions are inconsistent with experimental data.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience
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.

Metallic complexes made from cyclic molecules

Scientists from Kanazawa University and the University of British Columbia have developed a comprehensive overview of synthesizing polymetallic complexes via macrocycle routes. This approach enables precise control over structure and function, leading to promising applications in catalysts, sensors, and single-molecule magnets.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalChemical Society Reviews

Revealing the secrets of ground beetle wing casings

A team from The University of Tsukuba used microscopy techniques to analyze the microstructure of the ground beetle's wing casing, revealing a unique helical structure that creates optical effects. This finding has significant implications for the development of new biomimetic materials with enhanced performance.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalMicron

Unprecedented view of a single catalyst nanoparticle at work

Researchers use high-intensity X-rays to study a single catalyst nanoparticle's surface changes during chemical reactions. The study reveals how the surface composition affects activity, shedding light on industrial catalytic materials.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalScience Advances

Effective deconstruction of polyurethane by catalyst based on earth-abundant metal

A novel manganese-based catalyst has been developed to efficiently deconstruct commercial and end-of-life polyurethane (PU) materials into monomeric building blocks. This process enables the creation of virgin polymeric material with the same characteristics as the original material, promoting a circular plastic economy.

SourceAarhus University·JournalChemSusChem·TypeExperimental study
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.

Connecting the dots between material properties and qubit performance

Scientists discovered structural and surface chemistry defects in superconducting niobium qubits that may cause loss. The study pinpointed these defects using state-of-the-art characterization capabilities at the Center for Functional Nanomaterials and National Synchrotron Light Source II.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalCommunications Materials

From recycling to upcycling: A smarter way of dealing with plastic

Researchers at RMIT University have developed a clean and cost-effective way to upcycle used plastic into high-value products such as carbon nanotubes and clean liquid fuel. The two-step process converts organic waste into charcoal, which is then used as a catalyst to upcycle the plastic.

SourceRMIT University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management

Microscopic metavehicles powered by nothing but light

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created microscopic metavehicles that can be controlled and maneuvered using light. By layering an optical metasurface onto a particle and using a light source to control it, the vehicles can move in complex patterns and even transport other objects.

SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study

Color coding molecular mirror images

Scientists at Kanazawa University have discovered a new method for determining the chirality of amines, which involves reactions with 'color indicator' molecules that produce different colors depending on the enantiomer present. The approach enables easy naked-eye differentiation between enantiomers and could be used to quantify enanti...

SourceKanazawa University·JournalScience Advances

Nano-scale discovery could help to cool down overheating in electronics

Researchers at CU Boulder have discovered a way to cool down ultra-small heat sources by packing them closer together, using computational simulations to track the passage of heat. The findings highlight the challenges of designing efficient electronic devices and could lead to faster cooling in future tech.

SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling
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.

Star attraction: Magnetism generated by star-like arrangement of molecules

A new study reveals the emergence of magnetism in a 2D organic material due to strong electron-electron interactions in its unique star-like atomic-scale structure. The findings have potential applications in next-generation electronics based on organic nanomaterials.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Future Low-Energy Electronics Technologies·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study

Interfacing stretchable circuits for deformable devices and displays

A research team at POSTECH has developed a stretchable anisotropic conductive film that connects flexible electronic devices. The film enables high-resolution circuits connection, low-temperature processing, and production scalability for deformable devices and displays.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalScience Advances

Mapping the evolution of materials

Lehigh University researchers are developing a model to understand the impact of grain growth on material properties. The project aims to create new materials informatics methods, innovative stochastic differential equations, and models of grain growth to improve material performance and reliability.

SourceLehigh University
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 opportunities for light-powered battery and fuel cell design

Researchers from the University of Tsukuba have discovered that ultraviolet light can modulate oxide ion transport in a perovskite crystal at room temperature. This enables the enhancement of future battery and fuel cell functionality by increasing energy storage and output efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Materials Today

Ultrafast electronic control of magnetic anisotropy by mid-infrared light

A team of researchers from Osaka University and international partners used intense mid-infrared laser pulses to alter magnetic anisotropy in a weak ferromagnet. They found that electronic excitation, rather than lattice heating, was responsible for the ultrafast change, enabling faster spintronics devices. This breakthrough has signif...

SourceOsaka University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeExperimental study

This rainbow-making tech could help autonomous vehicles read signs

Researchers have discovered a new material that can produce beautiful optical phenomena, including concentric rainbows. The technology has potential applications in aiding autonomous vehicles in recognizing traffic signs, particularly in real-world conditions.

SourceUniversity at Buffalo·JournalApplied Materials Today

A solid favor for researchers: A new way to investigate the electric double layer effect

Scientists at Tokyo University of Science develop a new methodology to investigate the elusive electric double layer (EDL) effect in all-solid-state batteries. The study reveals that the EDL effect is dominated by the electrolyte's composition and can be suppressed through charge compensation, leading to improved performance.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalCommunications Chemistry·TypeExperimental study
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Pusan University Researchers Develop ‘Super-Flexible’ Electroluminescent Devices

Researchers from Pusan University developed a super-stretchable, deformable, and durable material for 'super-flexible' alternating current electroluminescent devices. The material was successfully applied in devices that functioned with up to 1200% elongation, displaying stable luminescence over 1000 cycles.

SourcePusan National University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study

Weakly-bonded salt is a key ingredient for high-purity Li@C60 film

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba successfully grow a Li@C60 film on a copper surface, studying its molecular orbitals and enabling transport of electrons. The new method uses a salt with a larger, less strongly bound anion to form a stable monolayer.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
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.

Using bioinspired microvasculature to control material properties

The researchers created a new vascular metamaterial that can be reconfigured to modify its thermal and electromagnetic properties. The microvasculature is made using 3D printing technologies, allowing engineers to create networks of tiny tubes in various shapes and sizes.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Materials Technologies·TypeExperimental study

Woven nanotube fibers turn heat into power

Researchers have developed a new material that can convert heat into energy, with potential applications in textiles and electronics. The woven nanotube fibers show promise as building blocks for fiber and textile electronics, and could also be used to cool sensitive electronics.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study

A holistic approach to materials for the next generation of electrical insulation

New nanocomposite materials with high thermal conductivity are being developed to address the challenges of electronic devices and infrastructure. These materials can withstand extreme temperatures, mechanical stress, and moisture while retaining the advantages of polymers.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalProceedings of the IEEE
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.

Pusan National University scientists report single-step synthesis of solid-state sensors for detecting explosives

Researchers have successfully synthesized AIE-active nanoparticles in a single step, producing fluorescent sensors that can detect nitroaromatic compounds with high sensitivity. The novel solid-state sensors show quenching of fluorescence emission on contact with PA, enabling fast and accurate detection of explosives.

SourcePusan National University·JournalDyes and Pigments·TypeExperimental study

New solvents to break down plant cellulose for bioethanol

Researchers at Kanazawa University have developed new solvent mixtures containing positive and negative charges to break down plant cellulose for bioethanol production. These solvents are more environmentally friendly and reduce toxicity compared to current methods, enabling the conversion of unused biomass into fuel.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers

A universal intercalation strategy for high-stable perovskite photovoltaics

A team of scientists from Kanazawa University has discovered that adding CsI to the MAPbI3 perovskite structure greatly increases its stability and efficiency. The addition resulted in power conversion efficiencies as high as 18.43% and improved device performance.

SourceKanazawa University·JournalNano Energy

NSF grant kicks off Center for Adapting Flaws into Features

The Center for Adapting Flaws into Features will explore chemical defects to optimize material properties, with a focus on creating better catalysts and electronics. The team aims to develop new approaches towards transformative technologies by leveraging advanced microscopy, spectroscopy, and data science.

SourceRice University

Cracking the code of crack propagation in rubberlike materials

Researchers from The University of Tokyo Institute of Industrial Science have identified the origin of a phenomenon that occurs when rubber materials under stress rapidly break. Their simplified step-loading model replicates the non-monotonic mechanical behavior observed in these materials, shedding light on the velocity jump phenomenon.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review Materials
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GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.