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Boosting thermoelectric efficiency by 91% with oxygen vacancies

A team of scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology has developed a novel approach to enhance thermoelectric efficiency by controlling oxygen vacancies. By precisely controlling the number of oxygen vacancies in materials, they achieved a remarkable 91% improvement in thermoelectric performance.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalAdvanced Science·DateAug 27, 2025

Researchers boost performance of perovskite lasers by suppressing energy-draining process

A research team at Zhejiang University has demonstrated a simple method to overcome the problem of Auger recombination in perovskite lasers, leading to record-setting performance for near-continuous operation. By suppressing this process, researchers were able to sustain carrier densities required for efficient stimulated emission.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalAdvanced Photonics·DateAug 20, 2025
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

High performance tungsten-doped VO2 polycrystalline films for advanced dynamic radiant thermal management

Researchers have developed highly polycrystalline WxV1-xO2 films that exhibit exceptional dynamic radiative properties, paving the way for innovative thermal management systems. The films can modulate infrared radiation in response to temperature changes, allowing buildings and devices to optimize heat loss or retention adaptively.

SourceSongshan Lake Materials Laboratory·JournalMaterials Futures·DateJul 8, 2025

Improving how we design materials

Advanced computer simulations reveal shear deformations and internal mechanical stresses play a crucial role in grain growth and evolution. This discovery helps explain why real polycrystals behave differently than predicted and offers insights into designing stronger materials.

SourceTechnische Universität Dresden·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 26, 2025
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.

A novel hybrid charge transfer crystal with reversible color-changing property

Scientists have developed a novel CT-ICT system that utilizes a pyrazinacene derivative to facilitate reversible color-changing properties. The system, which co-crystallizes with naphthalene, demonstrates a dramatic color shift from greenish-blue to red-violet.

SourceShibaura Institute of Technology·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2025

Novel machine learning model can predict material failure before it happens

A Lehigh University team developed a novel machine learning method to predict abnormal grain growth in materials, enabling the creation of stronger, more reliable materials. The model successfully predicted abnormal grain growth in 86% of cases, with predictions made up to 20% of the material's lifetime.

SourceLehigh University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateApr 16, 2025

Small changes can dramatically boost efficacy of piezoceramics

By reducing the thickness of a commonly-used piezoelectric ceramic material, researchers at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) show that its efficacy can be dramatically increased, resulting in improved strain values. The team discovered that removing oxygen vacancies in lead-free piezoceramics also boosts electrostrain to 1% or higher.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalNature·DateJan 9, 2025
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.

Mapping the nanoscale architecture of functional materials

Researchers have developed a new X-ray technique called XL-DOT that visualizes crystal grains, grain boundaries, and defects in materials, enabling previously inaccessible insights into functional materials. The technique uses polarized X-rays to probe the orientation of structural domains in three dimensions.

SourcePaul Scherrer Institute·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 11, 2024

Surprise at the grain boundary

Researchers discovered five distinct grain boundary structures composed of different arrangements of icosahedral cage units, enabling dense packing of iron atoms. The formation of these quasicrystalline-like phases can be used to tailor material behavior and make materials more resilient against degradation processes.

SourceRuhr-University Bochum·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 29, 2024

The expansion of turbid drops in water

A team of researchers at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz has developed a new method to study the interior of crystalline drops using monochromatic illumination. This approach exploits the color-dependent scattering of light and reveals the density profile of the drop, including initial rapid expansion due to particle repulsion befo...

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 17, 2024

Researchers at City University of Hong Kong reshape the understanding of grain boundaries

Grain boundaries, common defects in polycrystalline materials, can migrate unidirectionally without a net driving force, exhibiting directionality. This phenomenon, similar to the unidirectional rotation of a Brownian ratchet, challenges traditional views on grain boundary mobility.

SourceCommunications and Institutional Research Office, City University of Hong Kong·JournalScience·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 14, 2024
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GIST researchers develop new defect passivation strategy for perovskite solar cells

A team of GIST researchers developed a new defect passivation strategy for polycrystalline perovskites, leading to improved power conversion efficiency and long-term operational stability. The strategy uses a chemically identical polytype of perovskite to suppress defects in the crystal structure.

SourceGIST (Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 10, 2024

Automated calculation of surface properties in crystals

Scientists create high-throughput automation to calculate surface properties of crystalline materials using established laws of physics. This accelerates the search for relevant materials for applications in energy conversion, production, and storage.

SourceUniversity of Oldenburg·Journalnpj Computational Materials·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 28, 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.

Artificial intelligence unravels mysteries of polycrystalline materials

Researchers at Nagoya University used AI to analyze image data of polycrystalline silicon and discovered staircase-like structures that cause dislocations during crystal growth. The study sheds light on the formation of dislocations in polycrystalline materials, which can affect electrical conduction and overall performance.

SourceNagoya University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateDec 19, 2023

Tunnelling recombination layer boosts efficiency of tandem solar cells

Researchers developed a novel polycrystalline silicon tunnelling recombination layer that significantly enhances the efficiency of perovskite/tunnel oxide passivating contact tandem solar cells, achieving a remarkable 29.2% photoelectric conversion rate and high stability.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Energy·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 14, 2023
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.

Physicists find unusual waves in nickel-based magnet

Researchers found that two outermost electrons from each nickel ion behaved differently, cancelling each other out in a phenomenon called a spin singlet. This led to the discovery of two families of propagating waves at dramatically different energies, contradicting expectations of local excitations.

SourceRice University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2023

Numerical simulation of materials-oriented ultra-precision diamond cutting: Review and outlook

Researchers review numerical simulations for ultra-precision diamond cutting, exploring properties and microstructures of workpiece materials and their impact on the cutting process. The study provides guidelines for numerical simulations to predict machining responses for various materials.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMar 17, 2023

WVU lab’s game-changing high-performance semiconductor material could help slash heat emissions

A team led by Xueyan Song at West Virginia University has created an oxide ceramic material that solves a longstanding efficiency problem plaguing thermoelectric generators. The breakthrough achieved record-high performance, opening up new research directions to further increase performance and enabling large-scale waste heat recovery.

SourceWest Virginia University·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·DateMar 14, 2023
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.

Grain boundaries go with the flow

A team of researchers from Rice University has modeled the dynamics of grain boundaries in polycrystalline materials using a rotating magnetic field technique. The study shows that grain boundaries can change readily in response to shear stress, and voids in these structures can act as sources and sinks for their movement.

SourceRice University·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 3, 2022

Tracking real-time atomic movement between crystal grains in metals

Scientists at Georgia Institute of Technology observe unprecedented atomic processes that dictate mechanical behavior in metals. They develop novel methods to visualize grain boundary sliding, revealing previously unknown movements and accommodating transferred atoms through adjusting grain boundary structures.

SourceGeorgia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateMar 22, 2022
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.

Growing the perfect diamond: Simulations reveal interesting geometric patterns

Scientists have simulated the growth of ultra-thin polycrystalline diamond films with promising results. The two-dimensional simulations revealed interesting geometric structures and shed light on how to create robust materials. The research has implications for biomedical science, quantum devices, and other applications.

SourceOkinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST) Graduate University·JournalActa Materialia·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateFeb 14, 2022

Refuting a 70-year approach to predicting material microstructure

Researchers have found that a conventional model for predicting material microstructure does not apply to polycrystalline materials. They used near-field high energy diffraction microscopy (HEDM) to study grain boundaries, revealing that the model's predictions are inconsistent with experimental data.

SourceCollege of Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University·JournalScience·DateOct 7, 2021

A sharp look into tiny ferroelectric crystals

Scientists have developed a method to precisely map the polarization pattern in thin ferroelectric layers, revealing new insights into the physics of these objects. The technique, combined with machine learning, allows for the spatial resolution of ferroelectric domains below 10 nanometers.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalACS Applied Electronic Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 6, 2021

Scientists first to achieve Wannier-Stark localization in polycrystals

Researchers from Paderborn University and Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research have successfully demonstrated Wannier-Stark localization in polycrystalline substances. This achievement marks a significant step towards developing affordable optical modulators with broad applications in telecommunications and other fields.

SourceUniversität Paderborn·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 29, 2021
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.

Mapping the evolution of materials

Lehigh University researchers are developing a model to understand the impact of grain growth on material properties. The project aims to create new materials informatics methods, innovative stochastic differential equations, and models of grain growth to improve material performance and reliability.

SourceLehigh University·DateSep 8, 2021

New material offers ecofriendly solution to converting waste heat into energy

Researchers have developed a high-performing thermoelectric material that converts heat to electricity with record-high efficiency, making it suitable for widespread industrial applications. The purified tin selenide in polycrystalline form overcomes earlier oxidation problems, enabling the production of low-cost and efficient devices.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalNature Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 2, 2021

Falling in line: The simple design and control of MOF electric flow

A team from Osaka Prefecture University has developed a method to design and control the path of electron flow in a polycrystalline material, enabling high conductivity in a controllable direction. This breakthrough paves the way for the creation of next-generation thin-film smart devices.

SourceOsaka Prefecture University·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry A·DateJul 6, 2021

Transformation toughening of ceramics made crystal clear

Zirconia ceramics exhibit improved toughness due to phase changes, but real-time observation of these changes is challenging. Researchers employ time-resolved X-ray diffraction to visualize transformation toughening during dynamic fracture.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJun 8, 2021

Enantiomorph distribution maps for metals and metallic alloys

Researchers developed a new EBSD-based method to determine enantiomorph distribution in polycrystalline materials, including the chiral elemental structure β-Mn. This simplifies the preparation of materials with defined handedness.

SourceMax Planck Institute for Chemical Physics of Solids·JournalJournal of Mathematical Sciences Advances and Applications·DateJun 3, 2021
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.

Best of both worlds: High entropy meets low dimensions, opens up infinite possibilities

Scientists from Japan and China create new materials by combining high entropy alloys with van der Waals materials, exhibiting superconductivity, magnetic ordering, and strong corrosion resistance. The discovery opens up a wide range of practical applications, including the design of heterogeneous catalysts.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJun 1, 2021

Crystal power

Scientists at Argonne National Laboratory developed a single-crystal electrode that provides a deeper understanding of charge-discharge processes in advanced batteries. The study reveals new information about the cathode chemistry, including the origin of extra capacity and the formation of detrimental phases during cycling.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·DateMay 4, 2020

Pitt engineer Sangyeop Lee receives $500K NSF CAREER Award

Sangyeop Lee, a Pitt engineer, has received a $500K NSF CAREER Award to develop machine learning models that predict material conductive properties. The project aims to create more efficient heat management in electronic devices and energy storage systems.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·DateDec 4, 2019
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.

From crystals to glasses: a new unified theory for heat transport

Researchers from SISSA and UC Davis develop a new methodology that bridges different approaches for crystals and glasses, enabling predictive modelling of heat transport in complex disordered materials. This breakthrough empowers scientists to understand and design heat transport for various applications.

SourceScuola Internazionale Superiore di Studi Avanzati·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 26, 2019

Efficient triplet pair separation in dibenzopentalene derivatives

Researchers found highly efficient triplet pair state separation in polycrystalline films of dibenzopentalene derivatives, exceeding 100% yield. This breakthrough suggests feasibility of converting correlated singlet excited states to two free triplets efficiently for organic solar cells.

SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Chemistry·DateMay 28, 2019
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

Segregation-induced ordered superstructures at general grain boundaries in a Ni-Bi alloy

At randomly selected high-angle general grain boundaries in a nickel-bismuth polycrystalline alloy, researchers found that interfacial reconstruction can form ordered superstructures. These segregation-induced superstructures enrich theories and fundamental understandings of grain boundary segregation and liquid metal embrittlement.

SourceUniversity of California - San Diego·JournalScience·DateOct 5, 2017

Coffee-ring effect leads to crystallization control in semiconductors

Researchers control crystallization patterns in semiconductors by varying film thickness, enabling fine control over crystal orientation and position. This breakthrough facilitates high-quality, tailored polycrystal semiconductors for optoelectronics, photovoltaics and printed electronic components.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalScience Advances·DateMar 3, 2017
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.

Graphene is strong, but is it tough?

Berkeley Lab scientists found that polycrystalline graphene is strong but has low toughness, a property necessary for structural reliability in applications. The researchers developed a statistical model to predict failure in the material, revealing its fracture resistance.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 4, 2016
Meta Quest 3 512GB

Meta Quest 3 512GB enables immersive mission planning, terrain rehearsal, and interactive STEM demos with high-resolution mixed-reality experiences.

NIST finds 'a touch of glass' in metal, settles century-old question

Researchers at NIST have discovered a striking similarity between the behavior of polycrystalline materials like metals and glasses. The findings could lead to better predictions of material failure and improve understanding of crystal formation.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 17, 2009

Just scratching the surface: New technique maps nanomaterials as they grow

Researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developed a measurement technique to map nanomaterials as they grow, enhancing material efficiency. The new method allows for faster discovery of optimal nanomaterial structures, leading to potential breakthroughs in solar panels and magnetic data storage.

SourceRensselaer Polytechnic Institute·DateNov 4, 2008
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.

New research shows why metal alloys degrade

Researchers from the University of Michigan have discovered that metal alloys can degrade due to diffusion, a process where atoms hop through the material, changing its structure. This finding has significant implications for the development of longer-lasting alloys, particularly in electronic materials like solder.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 24, 2008

Single-crystal semiconductor wire built into an optical fiber

A team from Penn State University and the University of Southampton created a single-crystal semiconductor inside an optical fiber, overcoming performance degradation between fibers and devices. The new device enables faster and more efficient electronic signals, opening up potential for next-level applications in various fields.

SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMar 12, 2008

A walk along an interface yields its mobility

Researchers at Colorado School of Mines and Northeastern University report a new computational methodology to quantify interface mobility, overcoming limitations of past studies. The method efficiently addresses the effect of impurities, revealing a more severe impact on interface motion than previously thought.

SourceNortheastern University·JournalScience·DateNov 2, 2006
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.