A team of researchers at Chalmers University of Technology has developed a new way to produce hydrogen gas without the use of platinum, a scarce and expensive metal. The process uses sunlight and tiny particles of electrically conductive plastic to efficiently produce hydrogen.
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Researchers from Chiba University have discovered a way to reduce platinum requirements in water electrolysis by adding purine bases, increasing hydrogen evolution reaction activity by 4.2 times. This development could make hydrogen production far more affordable and lead to cost reductions and improved energy conversion efficiency.
A team of Chinese scientists has developed a high-performance iron-based catalyst for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), which could potentially reduce reliance on scarce and expensive platinum. The new design enables record efficiency and long-term durability, achieving an oxygen reduction overpotential as low as 0.34 V.
Scientists have developed a novel palladium-based nanosheet catalyst that matches platinum's performance in hydrogen production, making it a promising low-cost alternative. The discovery demonstrates excellent durability and stability, aligning with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.
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A team of researchers at SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory and Leiden University identified the cause of platinum electrode corrosion in water electrolyzers. Using high-energy-resolution X-ray spectroscopy techniques, they found that platinum hydride formation is responsible for the degradation.
Hydrogen and carbon monoxide adsorb onto platinum atoms in nanoscale voids, with hydrogen diffusing faster due to smaller size. The team's findings highlight the importance of engineering voids for next-generation sensors and gas separation.
Researchers at UC Davis created nanoislands with trapped platinum clusters, demonstrating improved hydrogenation catalytic activity and stability. The confinement of metal clusters on a tiny island of cerium oxide supports the production of stable catalysts for the chemical industry.
Researchers developed an automated analytical method to analyze single atom catalysts, which could lead to more efficient fuel production and sustainable energy. The new tool, called MS-QuantEXAFS, automates the analysis process, reducing time from days to months.
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A new study has developed a platinum-based catalyst that can efficiently convert CO2 into valuable chemicals, with improved stability in acidic media. The catalyst, PtNPs@Th, was created by encapsulating thionine molecules within platinum nanocrystals, resulting in enhanced catalytic activity and corrosion resistance.
Researchers analyzed data from 11,797 adults with advanced solid cancers and found no difference in mortality rates during the shortage period. Prescription rates for cisplatin and carboplatin fell less than three percent overall, with alternative therapies helping mitigate the crisis.
Researchers have developed a new platinum-nickel core-shell catalyst that exhibits significant boosts in activity and durability, making it a promising solution for sustainable energy applications. The catalyst's excellent performance is attributed to its core-shell design and improved surface strain.
Researchers at Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology developed a new fuel cell catalyst made from platinum and magnesium, significantly improving efficiency and longevity. The catalyst surpasses US Department of Energy's 2025 performance targets, demonstrating its high efficiency and long-term stability.
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Researchers have discovered that a platinum nanoparticle catalyst can assemble and disassemble itself during reaction and post-reaction conditions. This reversible process may offer clues to the catalyst's stability and recyclability, with potential benefits for controlling long-term stability.
A study models China's hydrogen-fuel industry and finds that platinum constraints could limit the country's expansion of hydrogen fuel use, especially if current supply chains are disrupted
Researchers have decoded the multiple oxidation processes at the platinum-electrolyte interface in high-temperature PEM fuel cells using tender X-ray studies. The results show that variations in humidity can influence some of these processes to increase the lifetime and efficiency of fuel cells.
The study elucidates the role of interfacial cations in oxide formation on Pt surfaces, suggesting that selecting optimal cations can control surface oxidation and improve electrode durability. This finding is crucial for developing high-performance and stable Pt electrocatalysts for next-generation electrochemical devices.
Researchers have identified a protein, NPEPPS, that enables cisplatin-resistant cancer cells to become responsive to treatment. This discovery could increase patient eligibility and make platinum-based therapies more effective.
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Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a novel electrochemical process to extract precious metals, including gold and platinum group metals, from discarded electronics and low-grade ores. This method uses less energy and fewer chemical materials than current methods, producing high-purity metals with minimal waste.
Researchers created Elenagen, a novel DNA immunotherapy for deadly ovarian cancer, which significantly enhances standard chemotherapy and provides clinical benefits. The study shows that Elenagen delays disease progression in patients with stage III and IV platinum-resistant ovarian cancer.
A new bifunctional water electrolysis catalyst made from ruthenium, silicon, and tungsten enables the efficient production of high-purity green hydrogen. The catalyst demonstrates exceptional durability in acidic environments, making it an attractive alternative to traditional precious metal catalysts.
Researchers at University at Buffalo have discovered a way to create strong and effective fuel cell catalysts that approach the performance of platinum. By adding hydrogen to the fabricating process, they were able to balance durability and efficiency, potentially making fuel cells more affordable and polluting-free.
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Researchers investigate the impact of cathode catalyst layer platinum loading on PEMFC electrode-membrane assembly durability. Low Pt content impairs oxygen reduction activity but doesn't affect degradation mechanisms.
Researchers at City University of Hong Kong have developed a new class of near-infrared-activated photo-oxidants that can effectively kill cancer cells without requiring oxygen. The discovery offers a promising direction for developing anti-cancer drugs and could overcome existing limitations of photodynamic therapies.
A new catalyst designed by researchers at City University Hong Kong and tested by Imperial College London could boost renewable energy storage. The catalyst uses single atoms of platinum to produce an efficient but cost-effective platform for water splitting, paving the way for cheaper hydrogen production.
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A microscopic crack in platinum grew and then 'healed' itself by getting shorter after repetitive stretching, confirming Dr. Michael Demkowicz's 2013 prediction. The experiment used nanocrystalline metals with a small grain size, which allows for microstructural features to interact with cracks.
A KAUST-led team has developed a proton-mediated approach that produces multiple phase transitions in ferroelectric materials, potentially leading to high-performance memory devices. The method enables the creation of multilevel memory devices with substantial storage capacity, operating below 0.4 volts.
Scientists at Chalmers University of Technology have created a new method for removing mercury from concentrated sulphuric acid, reducing levels by more than 90%. This innovation could lead to reduced mercury emissions and the production of high-purity, non-toxic products in industries such as mining and metal refining.
Researchers at EPFL have developed a novel imaging technique using cryogenic transmission electron tomography and deep learning to visualize the nanostructure of platinum catalyst layers in fuel cells. This breakthrough reveals the heterogenous thickness of ionomer, a crucial component that influences catalyst performance.
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Researchers at Tokyo University of Science have developed a novel platinum nanocluster catalyst that exhibits 2.1 times higher oxygen reduction reaction activity than commercial catalysts. The study reveals that the high activity is due to the electronic structure of surface Pt atoms, which is suitable for ORR progress.
The increasing adoption of electric vehicles will significantly raise the global demand for battery-grade critical metals, leading to supply chain disruptions. By mid-century, the need for lithium could more than double, while nickel demand is expected to eclipse other critical metals.
Researchers have developed a practical method to generate green hydrogen using natural enzymes, which contain only earth-abundant elements. The new approach enables the efficient production of green hydrogen from sunlight, making it a promising solution for decarbonizing transportation and industries.
A novel method has been developed to produce platinum-based alloy nanoparticles for efficient hydrogen fuel cells. The nanocatalysts exhibit enhanced power performance and stability, with high specific rated power of 5.9 kW/g Pt, surpassing 2025 targets set by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Researchers at UCF have developed single-atom platinum catalysts that reduce the amount of precious metals needed in catalytic converters. These improvements can enhance catalytic performance while minimizing environmental harm.
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Researchers have developed a nano-scale platinum-cobalt alloy to reduce the need for rare and expensive platinum in hydrogen fuel cells, enhancing performance and stability. The new alloy achieves superior results at lower costs, paving the way for wider adoption of fuel-cell technology.
Scientists have created a new method to stabilize precious metals as catalysts, enabling efficient use of expensive materials in various applications. The approach involves dispersing metal atoms within nanometer-sized islands of cerium oxide, which provides high surface area and stability.
Researchers at Kyushu University counted electric charges in individual platinum nanoparticles down to the electron level, revealing net charge with high precision. This breakthrough enables better understanding and development of catalysts for breaking down pollutants.
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Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a new catalyst that uses carbon dioxide to produce propylene more efficiently than existing methods. The catalyst also captures and converts carbon dioxide into useful resources. This breakthrough contributes to the carbon neutralization of the petrochemical industry.
Researchers at KAUST have found that molybdenum plays a central role in electrochemical hydride transfer, a process for producing valuable chemicals or carbon-free fuels. The discovery could enable more sustainable production of sustainable fuels and chemicals.
Researchers use trace amounts of liquid platinum to create efficient chemical reactions at low temperatures, extending earth's reserves and offering CO2 reduction solutions. The liquid catalyst is over 1,000 times more efficient than its solid-state rival.
A Phase 3 clinical trial is investigating the effectiveness of a combination of two immunotherapy drugs, nemvaluekin alfa and pembrolizumab, compared to standard chemotherapy for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer. The trial aims to provide a novel treatment option with better efficacy and safety profiles.
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A team of researchers has developed a unique catalyst that breaks down plastics into valuable molecules at an increased rate without sacrificing desirable product chains. The catalyst's activity and selectivity can be independently controlled, allowing for faster and more efficient plastic upcycling processes.
A new hydrogen fuel cell has been developed using an iron catalyst, which could make green energy more accessible and affordable. The innovation allows for a significant reduction in the cost of one of the primary components, making it a viable alternative to fossil fuels.
Researchers at Clemson University and SSSIHL discovered a novel way to combine curcumin and gold nanoparticles to create an electrode that efficiently converts ethanol into electricity. The discovery brings replacing hydrogen as a fuel cell feedstock one step closer, with potential applications in sensors and supercapacitors.
Researchers have solved a long-standing puzzle in surface physics, explaining how individual atoms of a catalyst capture molecules to transform them. The breakthrough reveals that both the catalyst and its anchor material assume energetically unfavorable states for a short time to facilitate the reaction.
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A new method to produce hydrogen from water has been discovered, using cobalt and manganese as catalysts. This breakthrough could lead to a cleaner and more sustainable hydrogen economy, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Cornell University chemists have developed a class of nonprecious metal derivatives that can efficiently power cars and generate electricity with minimal greenhouse gas emissions. The breakthrough could enable wider deployment of hydrogen fuel cells, replacing combustion engines and reducing waste.
A study published in Applied Economics analyzed the relationship between precious metal commodities and equity markets, revealing that gold and aluminum are the most desirable metals for investment. The research also found that copper and zinc have the largest spillovers on global equity indices.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have developed a novel catalyst that significantly improves the efficiency of propylene production. The catalyst utilizes carbon dioxide efficiently and exhibits high selectivity, stability, and long-term reusability.
The new sensor grids offer 100 times higher resolution than existing technology, allowing for more precise identification of seizure origins and preservation of healthy brain tissue. Longer term, the technology holds potential for permanent implantation to improve life quality for people with paralysis or neurodegenerative diseases.
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By introducing defects, researchers created chemically active hBN that can hold precious metal atoms, enabling cost-effective catalysts and potential applications in energy storage and sensors. This breakthrough challenges the long-held assumption that inert materials cannot be activated.
Researchers at MIT and UNH find that binary neutron star mergers produce two to 100 times more heavy metals than neutron star-black hole mergers. The study suggests that binary neutron stars are a likely cosmic source for gold, platinum, and other heavy metals.
Researchers at Hokkaido University have designed a highly stable platinum-gallium catalyst that can support propylene production at very high temperatures, making it suitable for a month. The 'doubly decorated' catalyst is alloyed with lead and calcium, which blocks side reactions and improves stability.
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Researchers have created tables of responses for gold and platinum to extreme pressure, providing a standard for future researchers to calibrate the responses of other metals. The data generated by these experiments can aid in understanding exoplanets, planetary impacts, and moon formation.
Researchers investigated individual platinum atoms and small clusters on special zeolite supports, finding they are significantly more active than larger clusters in splitting oxygen. Platinum clusters also dominate CO oxidation, while individual atoms enable efficient methane combustion.
Researchers from NUS Cancer Science Institute have discovered a link between high levels of DNA repair protein RAD51 and platinum chemotherapy resistance in ovarian cancer patients. This finding could help identify patients who may require novel immunotherapy approaches to improve treatment outcomes.
The study, led by Caicun Zhou, found that sintilimab-gemcitabine/platinum improved progression-free survival over placebo-gemcitabine/platinum. The results demonstrated a 46.4% reduction in disease progression or death risk.
Cornell University researchers developed micron-sized shape memory actuators that enable atomically thin materials to fold themselves into 3D configurations. These tiny machines can hold their shape even after voltage is removed, enabling potential applications in nano-robots and smart materials.
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Researchers uncovered dynamic details of a platinum-based catalyst's active site, resolving earlier conflicting reports. They found that only certain platinum atoms play an important role in the chemical conversion, which may lead to designing more efficient and cost-effective catalysts.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology discovered that doping platinum thiolate nanometal clusters with silver increases photoluminescence by 18 times. The team found that the silver ion stabilizes the complex structure, maintaining a highly ordered tiara-like arrangement and enhancing phosphorescence.
Researchers have discovered a way to produce nanoribbons of TMDs, which are more abundant and cheaper than platinum, boosting their catalytic efficiency. The new catalyst could make hydrogen production more economical and play a key role in the transition away from fossil fuels.