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Hybrid ‘super foam’: tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable

Researchers at Texas A&M University and DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory developed a hybrid foam with a 3D-printed plastic skeleton, offering tunable, lightweight and ultra-durable properties. The composite combines ordinary foam with plastic struts, allowing it to absorb more energy and withstand greater forces.

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.

Fascinating archaeological find becomes a source of knowledge

A Bronze Age sword from Bavaria was analyzed at Berlin X-ray source BESSY II to gain insights into the region's material craftsmanship. The study provides valuable information on the tools and techniques used during the Middle Bronze Age in southern Germany.

An open source breakthrough in hemodynamics

Researchers have developed an open-source pressure myography tool, HemoLens, which reduces the cost of vascular research to $750 from $40,000. The tool uses affordable manufacturing processes and customizable components, making it easier for researchers to study vascular function.

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.

Seeking mathematical beauty in imperfect crystals

Researchers from The University of Osaka have devised new mathematical models to describe the mechanics of crystal defects. Using differential geometry, they provided a robust and rigorous framework for understanding these phenomena.

Brain tumor growth patterns may help inform patient care management

Researchers developed a technique to measure brain tumors' mechanical force, distinguishing between tumors that push against the brain or invade surrounding tissue. This measurement can help clinicians inform patient strategies to alleviate symptoms and predict outcomes of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

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.

A new super metal stands strong, no matter the temperature

Researchers at POSTECH developed a nickel-based high-entropy alloy that maintains strength and ductility across a wide temperature range from -196°C to 600°C. This stability is attributed to the presence of nanoscale precipitates, which inhibit deformation and accommodate stress through consistent slip behavior.

The right moves to reign in fibrosis

Researchers at WashU have developed a method to manipulate the mechanical side of fibrosis, a complex condition that can lead to scarring and breathing difficulties. By controlling the direction of tension forces, they aim to prevent or treat fibrosis and develop personalized treatment plans for patients.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Innovative battery electrode made from tin foam

Researchers at HZB have developed a highly porous tin foam that can absorb mechanical stress during charging cycles, making it an interesting material for lithium batteries. The study showed that the morphology of the tin electrodes changes significantly due to inhomogeneous absorption of lithium ions.

Breaking the pattern: How disorder toughens materials

Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania and Aarhus University found that introducing just the right amount of disorder can increase the toughness of certain materials by 2.6 times. This discovery opens up new possibilities for widespread use of so-called mechanical metamaterials.

Revolutionizing dental surgery with AI

Dental implant surgeries require optimal mechanical stress levels for successful bone healing and long-term implant success. Researchers are developing a hybrid biomechanical model using machine learning to provide precise, patient-specific predictions of mechanical stress.

Women’s pelvic tissue tears during childbirth unstudied, until now

A new research project funded by a $600,000 grant is exploring the mechanics behind episiotomies, with the goal of developing safer and more effective surgical practices. The study uses advanced experimental techniques and computational simulations to understand how incisions spread and potentially lead to tears.

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Brain test shows that crabs process pain

Researchers at the University of Gothenburg have conducted a groundbreaking study on shore crabs, revealing that they possess pain receptors and neural reactions in response to painful stimuli. The findings provide conclusive evidence for the existence of pain in crustaceans, highlighting the need for more humane treatment methods.

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.

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.

Under pressure: how cells respond to physical stress

Researchers at UNIGE have discovered how yeast cells respond to physical stress on their membranes. Cryo-electron microscopy revealed that specific lipid domains can stabilize and trigger cellular responses to mechanical stimuli. This study sheds light on the role of membrane compartmentalization in cell survival.

Study: Under extreme impacts, metals get stronger when heated

Researchers at MIT found that copper can be as strong as steel when struck by a super-high velocity object, contradicting decades of studies. The new discovery could lead to new material designs for extreme environments, such as hypersonic aircraft and equipment for high-speed manufacturing processes.

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.

The double-fanged adolescence of saber-toothed cats

Researchers found that baby teeth alongside permanent saber teeth provided stability and protection during the growth process. The 'double-fang' stage lasted up to 30 months, allowing young cats to experiment and learn how to hunt without damaging their sabers.

BESSY II: How pulsed charging enhances the service time of batteries

A recent study found that pulsed charging improves lithium-ion battery stability and lifespan. The study, led by Philipp Adelhelm, demonstrated that high-frequency pulsed current reduces ageing effects and structural changes in the electrode materials, leading to a doubled cycle life with 80% capacity retention.

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.

Keeping cells together – how our body resists mechanical stress

Researchers discovered that tight junctions regulate conformation change of ZO-1 protein in response to mechanical force, enabling cells to resist stress. This finding highlights the importance of tight junctions in maintaining body integrity under mechanical stress.

Ice-ray patterns: A rediscovery of past design for the future

A study discovers that traditional Chinese ice-ray lattice designs can provide unique stiffness and strength under asymmetric loads, offering an alternative to conventional gridshells. The research also explores the potential of integrating complex geometry into facade design and micro-scale material design.

Generative model unveils secrets of material disorder

Scientists at National University of Singapore developed a hybrid generative machine learning model to explore structural disorders in complex materials. The model unveiled pathways to material disorder, shedding light on factors affecting piezoelectric response. It also found evidence that domain boundaries maximize entropy.

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Soft, living materials made with algae glow under stress

A team of researchers developed soft yet durable materials that glow in response to mechanical stress, using single-celled algae and a seaweed-based polymer. The materials demonstrate inherent simplicity, no electronics needed, and can be used as mechanical sensors or soft robotics, while also being resilient and self-sustaining.

Strength is in this glass's DNA

Researchers fabricate a pure form of glass and coat specialized pieces of DNA with it to create a material stronger than steel but incredibly lightweight. This novel technology has inspired innovative applications in drug delivery, electronics, and more.

New research explores durability of 2D hybrid materials

Researchers investigated the fatigue behavior of 2D hybrid organic-inorganic perovskites (HOIPs), discovering they can survive over one billion cycles, outperforming most polymers under similar loading conditions. The study provides insights into designing and engineering these materials for long-term mechanical durability.

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.

The sacrifice within – how collagen’s weak bonds help protect tissue

Scientists at Heidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies discovered that collagen's weak sacrificial bonds rupture before the main structure, protecting tissue from excessive force. This mechanism helps to localize damage and promote recovery by dissipating mechanical stress and reducing oxidative stress in the body.

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

Stability of perovskite solar cells reaches next milestone

Researchers have developed a chemical variation that significantly improves the stability of perovskite thin films in solar cells, achieving efficiencies of up to 24.6%. The new coating, b-pV2F, wraps around individual microcrystals like a soft shell, reducing thermal stress and increasing efficiency.

A rough start can lead to a strong bond

Researchers at The University of Tokyo have developed a cheap and simple method to bond polymers to galvanized steel, resulting in lightweight and durable materials. The process involves pre-treating the steel with an acid wash and dipping it in hot water, creating nanoscale needle structures that allow for strong mechanical linkages.

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.

Through thick and thin: X-rays track the behavior of soft materials

Scientists explore the dynamics of soft materials like toothpaste and hair gel using X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS). The technique reveals microscopic dynamics and helps understand properties like viscosity and elasticity. Insights gained can aid in designing consumer products, nanotechnologies, and drug delivery systems.

Understanding friction, the unavoidable enemy

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh unveiled the first visualization of friction at the atomic level, showing that it occurs regardless of surface smoothness. This discovery could lead to better lubricants and materials to minimize friction and wear in machinery.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Colorfully detecting stressed-out polymer films, gels before they break (video)

A team of researchers has designed a compound with 'wings' that makes polymers change color when stressed, allowing for the detection of stress before breakage. The new probe is more accurate in detecting mechanical stresses in both polymer gels and films, paving the way for tougher gel materials and nanoscale tension probes.

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.

Study identifies potential target for osteoporosis treatments

Scientists have identified connexin (Cx) 43 hemichannels on the surface of bone cells as a potential new target for medications to treat osteoporosis and other conditions that cause bone loss. The study, published in eLife, reveals how these channels play a crucial role in responding to mechanical stress and building stronger bones.