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Super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy discovered with potential for aerospace engineering

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have discovered a super-elastic high-entropy Elinvar alloy that retains its stiffness even after being heated to 1000 K. The alloy's unique structure and chemical composition allow it to store a large amount of elastic energy, making it suitable for high-precision devices in aerospace enginee...

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2022

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.

SourceeLife·JournaleLife·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 8, 2022

Novel peroxide-based material emits fluorescence in response to stress

Researchers have synthesized a novel organic peroxide mechanophore that releases fluorescence in response to mechanical stress. The compound, bis(9-methylphenyl-9-fluorenyl) peroxide (BMPF), was incorporated into a polymer network and found to retain its ability to release a fluorescent molecule when subjected to grinding or compression.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 21, 2021
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.

First artificial scaffolds for studying plant cell growth

Plant biologists at Washington University in St. Louis have developed the first artificial scaffolds that can support individual plant cells, mimicking the properties of plant cell walls. The scaffolds demonstrate promising results for studying plant cell adhesion and growth.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 20, 2021

Dynamic twists and loops can enable DNA to modulate its function

A study by researchers at Baylor College of Medicine reveals that supercoiling and looping in DNA can transmit mechanical stress along the backbone, promoting separation of strands and exposure of DNA bases. This phenomenon, known as 'action at a distance,' suggests a new perspective on how DNA activities are regulated.

SourceBaylor College of Medicine·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 28, 2021

Mechanical buckling of petals produces iridescent patterns visible to bees

Research from the University of Cambridge has demonstrated that plants use mechanical buckling to produce intricate petal patterns, which can be seen as iridescence. The findings suggest that this optical effect could play an important role in attracting pollinators like bees.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021

Finding the cause of a fatal problem in rocket engine combustors

Researchers found significant periodic flow velocity fluctuations in fuel injector ignite combustion oscillations, leading to high mechanical stress on the combustion chamber. The findings provide a reasonable answer for why these oscillations occur and have significant implications for preventing fatal damage in critical engines.

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalPhysics of Fluids·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2021

Healing hydrogels

Researchers at the University of Tokyo have developed a novel crystal that allows hydrogels to rapidly recover from mechanical stress, making them suitable for medical applications. This breakthrough could lead to more effective treatments for sports injuries and joint pain.

SourceUniversity of Tokyo·JournalScience·DateJun 3, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Mechanophores: Making polymer crystallization processes crystal clear

Scientists have developed a new method to observe polymer crystallization in real-time, allowing for direct measurement of the rate, extent, and location of crystal growth. This breakthrough enables manufacturers to test polymer materials for specific mechanical properties during crystallization.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 5, 2021

How to cool more efficiently

Researchers from the University of Barcelona, HZDR, and TU Darmstadt investigate the effects of simultaneously exposing alloys to magnetic fields and mechanical stress. They found that certain materials can boost their cooling efficiency by up to doubling it with commercially available neodymium permanent magnets.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·JournalApplied Physics Reviews·DateDec 3, 2020

Taking a shine to polymers: Fluorescent molecule betrays the breakdown of polymer materials

Researchers from Tokyo Institute of Technology developed a method to measure polymer breakdown using a fluorescent molecule, enabling the estimation of resistance to mechanical stress. This breakthrough allows for the evaluation of polymer performance and specificity, paving the way for improved material design.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateNov 24, 2020
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.

Stretched beyond the limits

Scientists discovered that collagen produces harmful radicals when stretched, but these are quickly scavenged by nearby aromatic residues. The study suggests that collagen has evolved as a radical sponge to combat damage and may hold promise for improving tissue repair and transplantation in sports medicine.

SourceHeidelberg Institute for Theoretical Studies (HITS)·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 8, 2020

Feeling the pressure: How blood vessels sense their environment

A novel protein, thrombospondin-1 (Thbs1), plays a crucial role in mechanotransduction in blood vessel walls, enabling cells to adapt to changing mechanical forces. The absence of Thbs1 can lead to weakened blood vessel walls, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 24, 2020

On-demand glass is right around the corner

A team of physicists from Università di Trento created colloidal glasses with controlled unidirectional stress, allowing for the manipulation of mechanical properties. This breakthrough could enable the development of new types of glass for various industrial applications.

SourceUniversità di Trento·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 20, 2020

Using a material's 'memory' to encode unique physical properties

Researchers discovered a way to encode specific physical properties in materials by utilizing their 'memory' of past stresses. This approach allows for the creation of auxetic materials with enhanced mechanical properties, such as improved energy absorption and fracture resistance.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 20, 2019

The 'airbag' that protects cells against stress

Researchers at CNIC have identified molecules that act as an 'airbag' protecting cells from mechanical stress. The study shows how these molecules coordinate changes to protect the cell and prevent damage. Altering their activity could lead to new therapies for diseases related to mechanical stress.

SourceCentro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares Carlos III (F.S.P.)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2019
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.

BFU scientists learned how to manage the properties of amorphous microwires

Researchers at Immanuel Kant Baltic Federal University developed a method to control the static and dynamic properties of amorphous ferromagnetic microwires by adjusting internal mechanical stress. The study improves understanding of these materials and their potential applications in various fields.

SourceImmanuel Kant Baltic Federal University·JournalJournal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials·DateMar 1, 2019

How skin cells protect themselves against stress

Cell biologists at University of Münster create mini-measuring device to analyze molecular forces in desmosomes. They find that desmosomes only experience stress when cells are pulled, and the degree of stress depends on force magnitude and orientation.

SourceUniversity of Münster·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 11, 2018

Researchers develop new devices to test retinal cells

Researchers developed two new devices to mechanically stress human retinal cells, mimicking slow and continuous stress levels as well as high levels of stress. The study found that mechanical stress results in the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, a protein linked to disease initiation and progression.

SourceUtah State University·JournalLab on a Chip·DateOct 24, 2018
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.

Russian scientists created a new method for diagnosing drilling rigs for oil production

Researchers at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University developed a new method of nondestructive testing to diagnose drilling rig elements in oil wells, improving efficiency and reducing repair costs. The method uses mathematical models of fracture mechanics to estimate damage throughout the structure.

SourcePeter the Great Saint-Petersburg Polytechnic University·JournalActa Mechanica·DateOct 11, 2018

Aquaplaning in the geological underground

A study by GFZ scientists found that water pressure at the plate interface zone can lead to 'aquaplaning', initiating earthquakes. The researchers suggest that fluid pressure becomes close to lithostatic at deeper interfaces and lower at shallower ones, triggering catastrophic events.

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalNature Geoscience·DateApr 2, 2018
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.

'Twist and shine': Development of a new photoluminescent sensor material

Researchers developed a new photoluminescent sensor material that retains properties over time and under repeated mechanical stress. The material incorporates a stress-sensing molecule into a common polymer, allowing for efficient triggering of light emission with increasing force.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateApr 17, 2017

Unlocking the secrets of creeping concrete

Researchers discovered that calcium-silicate-hydrates dissolve at high-stress regions and re-precipitate at low-stress regions, leading to 'creep' deformation. This finding could help develop mechanistic models for predicting creep behavior and identifying cementation agents with reduced sensitivity.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateAug 2, 2016

Ferroelectric materials react unexpectedly to strain

Researchers at Northwestern University discovered that layered perovskite ferroelectrics can completely lose their polarization when subjected to too much strain. This unexpected finding opens up new avenues for developing more efficient logic devices and memory elements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 13, 2016

Link between stress fracture injuries and genes found

A study by University of Liverpool researchers found that specific gene variations are associated with stress fracture injuries in healthy, exercising individuals. This discovery may lead to the development of preventative measures and tailored treatments for athletes and military personnel at risk of developing this common sports injury.

SourceUniversity of Liverpool·JournalPurinergic Signalling·DateFeb 9, 2016
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.

For cells, internal stress leads to unique shapes

Researchers found that internal stress on microtubules guides cell-wall component deposition and influences cell shape. The unusual shape of pavement cells represents a balance between maintaining structural integrity and responding to mechanical stress.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·DateApr 16, 2014

UCLA physicists report nanotechnology feat with proteins

Researchers discovered a 'viscoelastic regime' in isolated protein molecules, exhibiting both elastic and viscous behavior. This finding opens up new avenues for understanding complex materials and potentially leading to advancements in protein engineering.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles·JournalPLOS ONE·DateDec 16, 2011

Muscle filaments make mechanical strain visible

Scientists create a new model system to study the effects of mechanical stress on plastics, allowing direct observation of polymer chain reorganization. This breakthrough could lead to improved understanding of material development and properties.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 20, 2010

Scientists show there's nothing boring about watching paint dry

Researchers at Yale University have developed a new method to visualize and analyze the mechanical stress that causes coatings to peel. This discovery has broad applications in physical and biological sciences, as coatings protect almost every surface.

SourceYale University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 10, 2010

See the force: Mechanical stress leads to self-sensing in solid polymers

University of Illinois researchers create force-sensitive polymers that respond to mechanical stress by changing color, allowing for self-sensing and self-reinforcing properties. The polymers use mechanophores to trigger chemical reactions, enabling a range of applications in materials science and engineering.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 2009
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.

Tom Cruise smile comes with a sunburn price

A recent study published in Photochemical & Photobiological Sciences found that UV light-enhanced tooth bleaching causes significant damage to skin and eyes, with fair-skinned individuals at greater risk. Additionally, the treatment was also found to exacerbate existing dental issues, such as exposed grooves on teeth.

SourceRoyal Society of Chemistry·JournalPhotochemical & Photobiological Sciences·DateJan 29, 2009

New stretchable electrodes created to study stresses on cardiac cells

Engineers at Purdue and Stanford universities have developed a new 'stretchable cell culture platform' to study the effects of mechanical stresses on cardiac muscle cells, neurons, and other cells. The device allows for electric stimulation or monitoring while applying stress, enabling researchers to test various cell types.

SourcePurdue University·DateJan 22, 2009

CSIRO unveils a new class of fatty acids

Researchers at CSIRO have identified a new class of alpha-hydroxy polyacetylenic fatty acids with self-assembling and anti-microbial properties. These discoveries could lead to innovative applications in industries such as agriculture, chemistry, and biotechnology.

SourceCSIRO Australia·DateApr 28, 2008

Loma Prieta fault not so weak?

A new study by UC Davis researchers found that the Loma Prieta fault exhibits more stresses and slip directions in its aftershocks than previously thought. The findings suggest a more complex deformation pattern, contradicting previous assessments of the fault's weakness.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalGeological Society of America Bulletin·DateDec 19, 2007
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.

Stretch a DNA loop, turn off proteins

Researchers at UCSD find mechanical tension can switch on/off enzymes acting on DNA, revealing new mechanism for sensing and responding to cell stresses. The study demonstrates a tiny force of one pico-Newton can alter protein activity, sparking potential applications in biotechnology.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalBiophysical Journal·DateDec 5, 2006

Model reduces stress and warpage in polymer composite structures

A new model developed at the University of Illinois predicts residual stresses in polymer-matrix components, enabling accurate prediction of final dimensions and dimensional accuracy. The model combines simulation with optimization methods to reduce product defects and improve manufacturing process.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·DateAug 31, 2000

Why is silicon so brittle?

Scientists use quantum mechanical simulations to explain silicon's fracture anisotropy, which shows cracks prefer certain crystallographic directions. The simulations reveal a key difference in bond breaking behavior between easy and difficult propagation directions.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateJun 26, 2000
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.

To build a better artificial hip, UD prof says, mimic Mother Nature

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a new artificial hip design that reduces stress shielding and prevents bone atrophy in younger patients. The design is based on an analysis of real loading conditions within the human hip region and has been shown to consistently perform better than conventional designs.

SourceUniversity of Delaware·DateOct 21, 1999

Lasershot Peening For Stronger Structures

Researchers develop lasershot peening to enhance material tensile strength and crack resistance, crucial for turbine blades. The surface engineering technique significantly improves fatigue resistance without damaging the material.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateMay 1, 1999