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Charging drones mid-flight with lasers

Researchers have developed a lightweight receiver that captures energy from laser beams and converts it into electricity, enabling wireless charging of drones in mid-air. The technology uses a perovskite laser cell-thermoelectric tandem device to generate power, overcoming the challenge of battery life for long-duration missions.

SourceCell Press·JournalMatter & Light·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 29, 2026
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.

Triplet energy transfer unlocks multicolor light from insulating nanocrystals

Researchers develop a surface-engineering method that enables efficient electroluminescence from lanthanide nanocrystals, overcoming their insulating nature. The approach promotes fast intersystem crossing and efficient triplet-energy transfer, leading to high-performance light-emitting diode devices with multicolor emission.

SourceResearch·JournalResearch·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateJun 9, 2026

Perovskite nanocrystals in glass for high-efficiency and ultra-high resolution dynamic displays

Researchers develop fluoride-engineered perovskite nanocrystal glass for high-efficiency, full-color emission and ultra-high-resolution holographic displays. The glass matrix enables stable and efficient photoluminescence of PNCs, driving the creation of high-quality dynamic displays.

SourceEditorial Office of Opto-Electronic Journals Group·JournalOpto-Electronic Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 15, 2026
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.

Light bends perovskite crystal lattice, opening way to new devices

Researchers have discovered a photostriction effect in perovskite crystals that reversibly changes shape when exposed to light. This property makes them 'smart materials' that can be tuned to respond to stimuli, potentially leading to new device designs such as sensors or actuators.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 30, 2026

Composing nanomaterials – with AI and chemistry

LMU researchers created a tool that combines automated chemical synthesis, high-throughput characterization, and data-driven modeling to control nanocrystal growth. The Synthesizer platform enables precise predictions of material properties, such as color, brightness, or stability, for applications like LEDs, solar cells, and sensors.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJan 15, 2026

Pressure‑modulated host–guest interactions boost effective blue‑light emission of MIL‑140A nanocrystals

Researchers developed a breakthrough strategy using pressure treatment to enhance blue-light emission of MIL-140A nanocrystals, offering a clean and efficient approach. The study highlights the importance of pore size and guest-ligand compatibility in achieving emission enhancement for high-performance luminescent materials.

SourceShanghai Jiao Tong University Journal Center·JournalNano-Micro Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 24, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Atom-scale stencil patterns help nanoparticles take new shapes and learn new tricks

Researchers have developed atomic-level precision patterning on nanoparticle surfaces using stencils, creating 'patchy nanoparticles' with various shapes and functions. The technique allows for large-scale production of batched particles with intricate designs, enabling the creation of novel materials and metamaterials.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2025

Meet Rainbow: the multi-robot lab racing to discover the next quantum dots

Researchers at North Carolina State University unveiled Rainbow, a self-driving laboratory that autonomously discovers high-performance quantum dots. The system combines advanced robotics and AI to conduct up to 1,000 experiments per day, accelerating materials discovery.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2025
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.

Highly uniform nanocrystals synthesized by liquid crystalline antisolvent

A research team at POSTECH developed a synthesis method that precisely controls the size and shape of perovskite nanocrystals using liquid crystalline antisolvents. The method produces uniformly sized particles without additional purification processes, accelerating commercialization of optoelectronic devices.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 21, 2025

Negative refraction of light using atoms instead of metamaterials

Researchers at Lancaster University have successfully demonstrated negative refraction using atomic arrays, eliminating the need for metamaterials. This achievement paves the way for novel technologies based on negative refraction, including perfect lenses and cloaking devices.

SourceLancaster University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 12, 2025
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.

A tour de force: Columbia engineers discover new “all-optical” nanoscale sensors of force

Researchers create nanosensors that can measure piconewton and micronewton forces remotely using light, enabling multiscale sensing capabilities. These sensors operate in previously inaccessible environments with benign infrared light, revolutionizing technologies from robotics to medicine and space travel.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalNature·DateJan 1, 2025

Novel quantum materials in the spotlight

German physicist Christian Schneider has been awarded a European Research Council Consolidator Grant to study the optical properties of two-dimensional materials. His team plans to develop experimental set-ups to investigate the unique properties of these materials, which could lead to new applications in quantum technologies.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·DateDec 5, 2024

Cooling with light: Exploring optical cooling in semiconductor quantum dots

Optical cooling has been elusive due to challenges in reaching high emission efficiency, but researchers shed light on the phenomenon using a stable 'dots-in-crystal' material. The study demonstrated true optical cooling with a theoretical cooling limit of approximately 10 K from room temperature.

SourceChiba University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 26, 2024
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.

New performance record for eco-friendly nanocrystal solar cells

ICFO researchers have reported on a post-deposition in situ passivation strategy that improves surface passivation, yielding nanocrystal ink films with enhanced optoelectronic properties. This approach has led to the development of ultrathin solar cells with higher power conversion efficiency than their multi-step deposition counterparts.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateOct 24, 2024

Innovating in the corners where atoms meet

Fadi Abdeljawad's team finds that triple junctions, where three nanocrystals meet, are key to maintaining stability and strength of materials. This discovery could lead to designing better nanocrystalline alloys for aerospace and energy industries.

SourceLehigh University·JournalNano Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 16, 2024
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.

Let there be light: Bright future for solar panels, TV screens and more

A breakthrough study by Curtin-led researchers reveals how to make more molecules stick to the surface of tiny nanocrystals, leading to improvements in everyday technology. The discovery could enhance the performance of devices such as LEDs, solar cells and medical imaging systems.

SourceCurtin University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateOct 13, 2024

Ultrasound technology accelerates drying of renewable cellulose nanocrystals

A novel multi-frequency ultrasonic drying technology accelerates the drying of renewable cellulose nanocrystals by up to 50% while minimizing energy consumption. This method demonstrates superior stability in aqueous solutions and aligns with global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·JournalJournal of Bioresources and Bioproducts·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 26, 2024

SNU researchers develop ultra-high efficiency next-generation perovskite light-emitting diodes by strengthening perovskite lattice

Researchers at Seoul National University developed ultra-high efficiency perovskite nanocrystal LEDs by incorporating conjugated molecular multipods to strengthen the lattice and reduce dynamic disorder, leading to improved luminescence efficiency. This achievement is expected to significantly accelerate the commercialization of next-g...

SourceSeoul National University College of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 30, 2024
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.

Quality control: neatly arranging crystal growth to make fine thin films

A team from Osaka Metropolitan University has created a way to control the growth of crystals on metal-organic frameworks thin films, reducing light scattering and resulting in high-quality films. These advanced films are expected to be used as optical sensors, optical elements, and transparent gas adsorption sheets.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalNanoscale·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 21, 2024

A promising new method uses light to clean up forever chemicals

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University propose a room-temperature defluorination method that uses visible light to break down PFAS and other fluorinated polymers into fluorine ions. The method achieved 100% defluorination of perfluorooctanesulfonate within 8 hours of light exposure.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 23, 2024

New research shows a frictionless state can be achieved at macroscale

A revolutionary new paper from SUNY Poly demonstrates macroscale superlubricity using carbon-coated metallic surfaces, reducing friction by up to 99.97% and enabling significant cost savings and environmental benefits. The study's findings have far-reaching implications for various industries.

SourceSUNY Polytechnic Institute·JournalApplied Materials Today·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 15, 2024
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.

Scientists from IOCB Prague are expanding the possibilities of using RNA in gene medicine

Scientists from IOCB Prague have created a novel composite vector nanomaterial for transporting ribonucleic acid (RNA) into cells, ensuring its non-toxicity. This breakthrough aims to overcome the obstacle of nucleic acid vectors' toxicity and pave the way for gene therapy applications.

SourceInstitute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry of the Czech Academy of Sciences (IOCB Prague)·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2024

Revolutionizing transistor technology with triply-degenerate semimetal PtBi2

Researchers successfully integrated PtBi2 flakes as interlayer contact, enhancing transistor performance and meeting stringent demands. The material's unique electronic structure and van der Waals contacts simplify device fabrication, leading to stable long-term performance.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2024
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.

Nanoscale movies shed light on one barrier to a clean energy future

Researchers at Duke University used nanoscale visualization techniques to study corrosion in electrolyzers used to produce green hydrogen. The study reveals that rare metal catalysts break down quickly due to acidic environments, but also identifies potential strategies to minimize these defects and extend the devices' lifetimes.

SourceDuke University·TypeObservational study·DateApr 11, 2024

Aluminum nanoparticles make tunable green catalysts

Rice University researchers have developed a transformative approach to harnessing the catalytic power of aluminum nanoparticles by annealing them in various gas atmospheres at high temperatures. This allows for modifying the structure of the oxide layer, making the nanoparticles versatile tools for different applications.

SourceRice University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 5, 2024

Spontaneous curvature the key to shape-shifting nanomaterials

Scientists have identified spontaneous curvature as the factor determining how ultra-thin materials transform into useful tubes, twists, and helices. This process mimics nature's design and could lead to breakthroughs in creating chiral materials with exceptional properties.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2024
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.

Experiment could test quantum nature of large masses for the first time

A new experiment could test whether relatively large masses have a quantum nature, resolving the question of whether quantum mechanics works at a larger scale. The proposed experiment exploits the principle of measurement-induced collapse to observe changes in motion.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalPhysical Review Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 16, 2024

Revolutionizing stable and efficient catalysts with Turing structures for hydrogen production

Researchers from City University of Hong Kong developed a novel strategy to engineer stable and efficient ultrathin nanosheet catalysts using Turing structures. This approach effectively resolves the instability problem associated with low-dimensional materials in catalytic systems, enabling efficient and long-lasting hydrogen production.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 8, 2024

Watching electrons at work

The study reveals that excited electrons in perovskites cause a shift towards increased symmetry in the crystal lattice. This attractive interaction between excitons could be exploited to enhance electron transport and improve solar cell performance.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Physics·TypeObservational study·DateDec 4, 2023
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.

Incheon National University researchers push the limits of gas sensing technology

The researchers propose a hybrid organic–inorganic gas sensor design that enhances gas sensing performance while maintaining sensing speed. The proposed design outperforms conventional sensors in terms of chemical sensitivity to NO2, showcasing impressive durability and higher potential for long-term installation.

SourceIncheon National University·JournalChemical Engineering Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 9, 2023

Copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals transform infrared light conversion

Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed copper-doped tungstic acid nanocrystals that can harness all-solar energy, including infrared light. The nanocrystals exhibit enhanced photothermal and photo-assisted water evaporation characteristics, making them suitable for various applications.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2023
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.

New study unveils nanocrystal shines on and off indefinitely

Researchers at Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology have made a breakthrough in creating ultra-photostable avalanching nanoparticles that can perform unlimited photoswitching. This achievement has significant implications for fields like optical probes, 3D optical memory, and super-resolution microscopy.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalNature·DateMay 31, 2023

Ligand-nanocrystal interactions under visible light irradiation

Researchers at Ritsumeikan University demonstrate quasi-reversible displacement of organic ligands on nanocrystal surfaces under visible light irradiation. This finding opens up new avenues for enhancing the tunability and functionality of inorganic materials with aromatic molecules.

SourceRitsumeikan University·JournalACS Nano·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 24, 2023

Unlocking the power of photosynthesis for clean energy production

University of Rochester researchers create a groundbreaking system mimicking photosynthesis using bacteria and nanomaterials to produce clean-burning hydrogen fuel. The innovative approach replaces fossil fuels in the process, offering an environmentally friendly alternative.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2023
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 develop flexible sweat sensor based on photonic cellulose nanocrystal

A sustainable, insoluble, and chiral photonic cellulose nanocrystal patch enables calcium ion (Ca2+) sensing in sweat. The researchers developed a simple method to fabricate CNC-based hydrogels, which exhibit freeze resistance, strong adhesion, good biocompatibility, and high sensitivity to Ca2+.

SourceDalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy Sciences·JournalSmall·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMay 8, 2023

Self-driven laboratory, AlphaFlow, speeds chemical discovery

Researchers developed a self-driven lab, AlphaFlow, that uses AI to optimize complex chemical reactions and discover new materials. The system significantly reduces the time needed to develop new chemistries from months to hours.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 15, 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.

Researchers use lead recycled from car batteries to make photodetectors

A team of researchers developed an efficient strategy to recycle lead from discarded car batteries, creating a new market for recycled lead in high-tech equipment. The resulting photodetectors show excellent stability and fast response speeds, with potential applications in optical communication, chemical analysis, and imaging.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateFeb 2, 2023

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.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 27, 2023

Researchers uncover mechanisms to easily dry, redisperse cellulose nanocrystals

A team of Penn State researchers discovered a way to render cellulose nanocrystals highly redispersible in aqueous mediums while retaining their functionality. This breakthrough enables the easy storage and transportation of these bio-based nanomaterials, which are valuable for water treatment, packaging, and electronics.

SourcePenn State·JournalBiomacromolecules·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023

Scientists fabricated highly long-life Li-S batteries based on multifunctional separators functionalized by porous mediators

Researchers fabricated Li-S batteries with ultra-long cycle life over 2000 cycles via multifunctional separator design. The novel hollow and hierarchically porous Fe3O4 nanospheres effectively regulate LiPSs behavior, achieving high sulfur utilization and excellent electrochemical performances.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 15, 2022
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.

Understand anisotropy dependence of damage evolution and material removal during nanoscratch of MgF2 single crystals

The study investigates the anisotropy dependence of damage evolution and material removal behaviors in ultra-precision machining of MgF2 single crystals. The research team developed a stress field model, revealing that plastic deformation and cleavage fracture mechanisms were activated depending on the crystal orientation.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateDec 12, 2022

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