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Forest fires linked to tens of thousands of avoidable deaths

A new study quantifies the contribution of agricultural and forest fires to poor air quality in Southeast Asia, finding that preventing these fires could reduce premature deaths by an estimated 59,000 annually. The region's poorest communities are disproportionately exposed to air pollution from these fires.

SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalGeoHealth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 8, 2021

New material could mean lightweight armor, protective coatings

Researchers at the U.S. Army's Institute for Soldier Nanotechnologies identified a new material that absorbs impact more efficiently than steel, Kevlar, aluminum and other materials of comparable weight. The nanoarchitected material features impressive properties like exceptional lightness and resilience.

SourceU.S. Army Research Laboratory·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 19, 2021

Repairs using light signals

A smart microparticle developed by FAU researchers can identify defective components in electrical appliances using light signals. The particles measure component identity and temperature history, allowing for faster and more accurate repairs.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJul 15, 2021
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Ultralight material withstands supersonic microparticle impacts

Researchers have developed an ultralight material made from nanometer-scale carbon struts that provide toughness and mechanical robustness. The material withstood microparticle impacts at supersonic speeds without tearing, outperforming other impact-resistant materials of comparable weight.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJun 24, 2021

Single-particle studies point the way toward next-generation light displays

Scientists demonstrated spatial distribution of circularly polarized light emitted by micro-spherical molecular assemblies, shedding light on helical molecular structures and chirality. This finding may inspire new versatile tools for studying molecular structure to enhance computer displays and everyday technologies.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 8, 2021
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.

Pollen-sized technology protects bees from deadly insecticides

A Cornell University-developed technology provides an antidote for deadly pesticides that kill wild bees and cause beekeepers to lose around a third of their hives every year. The antidote delivery method has now been adapted to effectively protect bees from all insecticides, and inspired a new company, Beemmunity.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Food·DateMay 28, 2021

Stormwater could be a large source of microplastics and rubber fragments to waterways

Researchers found that stormwater can carry high concentrations of microplastic particles, including microscopic fibers and black rubbery fragments, into water bodies. A proof-of-concept experiment showed that a rain garden can capture up to 98% of these microparticles, suggesting a potential solution to reduce microplastic pollution i...

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS ES&T Water·DateMay 26, 2021

Unique method to fabricate freeform structures of thermoplastics in microparticulate gels

Researchers at Singapore University of Technology and Design have developed a unique method to fabricate freeform structures of thermoplastics in microparticulate gels. This innovation uses immersion precipitation of polymer inks in microparticulate gels, enabling the creation of mechanically strong components without support materials.

SourceSingapore University of Technology and Design·JournalACS Applied Polymer Materials·DateApr 8, 2021

Tunable smart materials

Researchers at Osaka University developed tunable microparticles that self-assemble into structures with adjustable properties. The study's findings may lead to the development of smart sensors and self-healing materials. By controlling the proportion of particle types, scientists can modify the shape of the resulting clusters.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 22, 2021

Plastic pollution is everywhere. Study reveals how it travels

A Princeton University study has revealed the mechanism by which microplastic particles, like Styrofoam, move through porous media, allowing them to accumulate in food and water sources. The research found that microplastics get stuck when traveling through soil but later break free and continue moving substantially further.

SourcePrinceton University, Engineering School·JournalScience Advances·DateNov 13, 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.

Marine biology -- Sponges as biomonitors of micropollution

A research team led by Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München found that marine sponges can accumulate microparticles, including plastics and textile fibers, in their tissues. The study suggests that sponges could serve as useful bioindicators for monitoring microscopic pollutants in the seas.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalEnvironmental Pollution·DateOct 23, 2020

Helping drug-delivering particles squeeze through a syringe

Researchers at MIT have developed a computational model that analyzes factors such as particle size and shape to determine optimal design for injectability. The model achieved a sixfold increase in successful injection rates, paving the way for microparticle delivery of cancer immunotherapy drugs.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalScience Advances·DateJul 8, 2020
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.

Chirality-assisted lateral momentum transfer for bidirectional enantioselective separation

Researchers design an experiment to demonstrate chirality-dependent optical lateral force on microparticles, achieving robust bidirectional sorting and reversible optical lateral forces. The study opens new avenues for direct detection and sorting of microparticles with imperceptible chemical differences.

SourceLight Publishing Center, Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics And Physics, CAS·DateMay 25, 2020

Distortion isn't a drag on fluid-straddling particles

A team of researchers found that drag forces experienced by particles straddling interfaces between un-mixable fluids are less affected by the shape of the distortion. The study's discovery could have implications for self-assembling properties of various species, including nano- and microparticles, proteins, and other molecules.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal E·DateMar 18, 2020
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.

Heat and light create new biocompatible microparticles

Researchers at Duke University have developed a method to create new shapes of biocompatible microparticles by applying heat and light to proteins. These particles can be tailored for various applications such as drug delivery, diagnostics, and tissue engineering.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 12, 2020

Tracking thermodynamic fundamentals

Researchers at Kiel University successfully measured entropy in complex plasmas using video microscopy and laser technology. They found that the thermodynamic fundamentals are fulfilled, leading to new insights into strongly coupled systems.

SourceKiel University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateDec 18, 2019
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.

Protective microparticles shield and deliver micronutrients to people

A team of scientists has created a new microparticle-based platform that can preserve and deliver micronutrients such as iron. The particles address issues with preservation, which have hindered treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in developing countries.

SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateNov 13, 2019

Distribution of highly radioactive microparticles in Fukushima revealed

Scientists have created a quantitative map of radioactive cesium-rich microparticle distribution in Fukushima soils, shedding light on their origin and environmental impact. The study suggests three regions of particular interest, with varying levels of microparticle abundance and radioactivity.

SourceUniversity of Helsinki·JournalChemosphere·DateOct 16, 2019

Unique sticky particles formed by harnessing chaos

Researchers at NC State University have developed soft polymer microparticles with hierarchical branching on the micro- and nanoscale, exhibiting strong adhesion and structure-building properties. These materials, inspired by gecko feet, have potential applications in various fields such as gels, pastes, foods, nonwovens, and coatings.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 14, 2019

Gene therapy for blood disorders

Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a novel approach to gene therapy using microparticles that deliver gene-regulating material to hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. This technology could potentially treat inherited blood disorders such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia by altering the genetic defect in t...

SourceUniversity of Delaware·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 4, 2018
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.

What happens when materials take tiny hits

Researchers at MIT used high-speed imaging to study the effects of tiny particles striking metal surfaces. They found that a brief period of melting upon impact plays a crucial role in eroding surfaces, challenging the industry rule that higher velocities always lead to better results.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 29, 2018

See-through film rejects 70 percent of incoming solar heat

Researchers at MIT have developed a heat-rejecting film that can be applied to windows to reflect up to 70% of the sun's incoming heat. This innovative material could significantly reduce air conditioning costs and energy consumption, particularly in hot cities like Hong Kong.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalJoule·DateNov 8, 2018
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.

Automatically periodical

Researchers found that random packings of disks always form a periodic structure, achieving higher densities than random arrangements. The probability of a channel not being periodic decreases exponentially with increasing fill level, regardless of container width.

SourceFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 4, 2018

Custom silicon microparticles dynamically reconfigure on demand

Scientists at Duke University have developed custom silicon microparticles that can assemble, disassemble, and reassemble on demand. The particles were engineered to exhibit various behaviors, including synchronization of motion and reversible assembly/disassembly, in response to different electric fields.

SourceDuke University·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 3, 2018

Cactus roots inspire creation of water-retaining material

Scientists have developed a material that mimics cactus roots' ability to absorb and retain vast amounts of water with minimal evaporation. The material, called CRIM, can absorb water nearly 930 times faster than it loses through evaporation.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Macro Letters·DateApr 11, 2018
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.

Semiliquid chains pulled out of a sea of microparticles

Researchers at the University of Warsaw have developed a method to form colloidal chains by pulling out individual particles from a suspension using an electrode. The chains are held together by a thin layer of liquid, and their flexibility is influenced by the type of liquid used.

SourceUniversity of Warsaw, Faculty of Physics·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 20, 2017

Researchers control soft robots using magnetic fields

A team of engineers has developed a technique to control soft robots using magnetic fields, enabling the creation of devices with complex functions and simple designs. The new method involves embedding iron microparticles in liquid polymer mixtures and applying magnetic fields to induce chain formation.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateMar 29, 2017
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.

Researchers identify how inflammation spreads through the brain after injury

A new mechanism by which inflammation can spread throughout the brain after injury has been identified. The findings may explain chronic and long-lasting inflammation that occurs after traumatic brain injury and could transform understanding of brain injury and disease.

SourceUniversity of Maryland School of Medicine·JournalJournal of Neuroinflammation·DateMar 14, 2017

Scientists have 'scared away' microparticles with laser light

Researchers have developed a method to manipulate microparticles using laser light, creating fast waterflows that allow for efficient surface cleaning without damaging the material. The technique also enables the assembly of micro- and nanoparticle patterns at solid-liquid interfaces with high precision.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 10, 2016

The vascular bypass revolution

Swiss researchers have created a gel containing microparticles that inhibits cellular over-proliferation and reduces the risk of obstruction reoccurrence after vascular bypass surgeries. This innovation enables controlled release of a drug, improving outcomes for patients by reducing failure rates from 50% to potentially near-zero.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalJournal of Controlled Release·DateJun 10, 2016

New oral drug effective treatment for ulcerative colitis, researchers say

Researchers at Georgia State University develop an oral drug using microparticles and natural herbal molecules to target colon inflammation in ulcerative colitis. The curcumin-loaded microparticles show potential as a scalable drug carrier for efficient clinical treatment of this chronic gastrointestinal disease.

SourceGeorgia State University·DateSep 16, 2015
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.

Brazilian company doubles shelf life of pasteurized fresh milk

Agrindus and Nanox developed a technology that extends the shelf life of grade A pasteurized whole milk from seven to 15 days by incorporating silver-based microparticles into rigid plastic bottles. This innovation doubles the shelf life, benefiting logistics, storage, quality, and food safety.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·DateAug 3, 2015

NYU scientists bring order, and color, to microparticles

New York University researchers have developed a method to prompt microparticles to form ordered structures, opening the door for improved materials used in consumer products. The technique, centered on DNA-coated colloids, allows for the creation of new compounds with unique properties.

SourceNew York University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateAug 3, 2015

Microscopic sonic screwdriver invented

Researchers at University of Bristol invent a microscopic acoustic vortice that can grip and spin small particles, opening new possibilities for biological cell sorting and water purification. The device uses sound waves to rotate particles, with larger objects being drawn into the core and spinning at high speeds.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMay 28, 2015
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.

Engineering a better way to rebuild bone inside the body

A new technology uses microparticles of heparin to bind and deliver the potent protein BMP-2, reducing unwanted bone formation and increasing efficiency. The study found that the microparticles maintained high bioactivity and released growth factor slowly over time.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalBiomaterials·DateMay 29, 2014
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.

Exchange rate behaves like particles in a molecular fluid

A study published in Physical Review Letters reveals that exchange rate fluctuations can be modeled using the principles of statistical physics. The research demonstrates that market orders and transactions influence price movements in a manner similar to the impact of thermal agitation on particles in a fluid.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateMar 13, 2014

Microparticles show molecules their way

Scientists have developed novel microparticles with structured surfaces that can selectively load various molecules, opening up potential for cancer therapy and artificial manufacture of biological tissues. The microparticles are suited for technical applications such as manufacturing of micromachines and nanorobots.

SourceKarlsruher Institut für Technologie (KIT)·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateFeb 21, 2014

Heart attack damage slashed with microparticle therapy

Researchers have developed a microparticle therapy that targets inflammatory cells causing damage after a heart attack, reducing lesion size by 50%. The therapy has potential to transform treatment of cardiovascular disease and could be translated for clinical use within two years.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJan 15, 2014
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.

U. of Illinois researchers measure near-field behavior of semiconductor plasmonic microparticles

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a new technique to measure nanometer-scale infrared absorption in semiconductor plasmonic microparticles. This allows for direct observation of plasmonic behavior within microparticle infrared antennas, enabling confirmation of theoretical models and design parameters.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateApr 22, 2013

Injecting life-saving oxygen into a vein

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have developed tiny gas-filled microparticles that can be injected into the bloodstream to quickly oxygenate blood. The infusion restored blood oxygen saturation to near-normal levels within seconds, even in animals with blocked airways.

SourceBoston Children's Hospital·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateJun 27, 2012

Study reveals turn 'signals' for neuron growth

Researchers at UC Irvine and UT Arlington discovered how spinning microparticles can guide nerve fiber growth, enabling directed growth of neuronal networks on a chip. The study shows promise for treating spinal or brain injuries by directing regenerating axons to their destinations.

SourceUniversity of California - Irvine·JournalNature Photonics·DateDec 19, 2011
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.

By 'putting a ring on it,' microparticles can be captured

Researchers at Harvard University have developed a method to trap and hold tiny microparticles using a silicon-based circular resonator. This technique uses optical forces to confine particles stably for up to several minutes, enabling the potential for all-optical chip manipulation.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNano Letters·DateJul 20, 2010