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Scalable platform sheds light on how cancer spreads

A new platform called ATLAS enables researchers to generate large quantities of cancer cell clusters that accurately model metastasis. Using ATLAS, the Rice team gained insights into the mechanisms that enable cancer clusters to survive in the bloodstream during the metastatic process.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Healthcare Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 26, 2026
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.

Scientists engineer unsinkable metal tubes

Researchers at the University of Rochester create a new process to turn ordinary metal tubes unsinkable by etching micro- and nano-pits on their surface, making them superhydrophobic. The tubes stay afloat in water, even when damaged or submerged for extended periods.

SourceUniversity of Rochester·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJan 27, 2026

A sticky solution for enhanced pesticide deposition

Researchers have developed a novel pesticide delivery system using Liquid Marbles (LMs) that can enhance droplet deposition on plant surfaces. The LMs, coated with biodegradable hydrophobic particles, follow a unique mode of deposition that increases wettability and reduces waste, up to 50%.

SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalJournal of Colloid and Interface Science·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 4, 2025

Record-speed waves on extremely water-repellent surfaces

Researchers from Aalto University have created a synthetic surface inspired by lotus leaves and found that plastronic waves travel along the surface at speeds up to 45 times faster than capillary waves. The discovery could lead to new applications in biotechnology, materials science, and pharmaceuticals.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2025
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.

Physicists explain—and eliminate—unknown force dragging against water droplets on superhydrophobic surfaces

Researchers from Aalto University have identified the previously unidentified physics at play when water droplets move on superhydrophobic surfaces. By adapting a novel force measurement technique, they eliminated the drag-like force and proposed a solution to improve the performance of hydrophobic surfaces.

SourceAalto University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 16, 2024

Staying dry for months underwater

A team of researchers has developed a stable, long-lasting superhydrophobic surface with a plastron that can last for months underwater. The surface repels blood and prevents the adhesion of marine organisms, making it valuable for biomedical applications such as reducing infection after surgery.

SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Materials·DateOct 4, 2023
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.

An all-in-one surface design of copper nanowire assemblies to achieve ~100% defrosting efficiency

Scientists create a design that enables simultaneous presentation of photothermal, thermal conductive, and superhydrophobic properties, achieving record-high defrosting efficacy. The innovative assembly enhances de-icing and defrosting efficiency, reducing overall defrosting durations by 2-3 times.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateAug 28, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Researchers develop new slippery surfaces for photocontrol of droplets

Researchers have created a new slippery surface, LICS, that can rapidly generate surface charges and regenerate its state upon exposure to near-infrared radiation. This allows for precise control over droplet manipulation in various applications, including biomedical domains.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience Advances·DateAug 25, 2022

Water can’t touch this sanded, powdered surface

Rice University researchers create a technique to make surfaces superhydrophobic by combining sanding with powder materials, resulting in water-repelling properties. The treatment also exhibits excellent anti-icing properties, slowing down freezing and reducing ice adhesion strength.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2022

UCF researchers create water-repellent nanomaterial inspired by nature

Researchers at UCF's NanoScience Technology Center created a new nanomaterial that repels water and stays dry even when submerged underwater. The discovery has the potential to develop more efficient water-repellent surfaces, fuel cells, and electronic sensors.

SourceUniversity of Central Florida·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2021

Scientists use bacteria as micro-3D printers

Researchers at Aalto University have developed a technique to guide bacterial colonies into creating highly customized three-dimensional objects made of nanocellulose. The objects show great potential for medical use, including supporting tissue regeneration and replacing damaged organs.

SourceAalto University·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 10, 2020

Biphilic surfaces reduce defrosting times in heat exchangers

Researchers have developed biphilic surfaces that significantly improve defrosting efficiency on heat exchangers. The unique surface design enables the removal of frost and slush from superhydrophobic regions before complete melting, reducing cleaning time and energy consumption.

SourceUniversity of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering·JournalMatter·DateJul 29, 2020
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Super water-repellent materials are now durable enough for the real world

Researchers at Aalto University have created an armour-plated superhydrophobic surface that can withstand sharp and blunt objects while maintaining its world-record effectiveness in repelling liquids. The surface features a honeycomb-like structure of tiny inverted pyramids, protecting the fragile chemical coating from damage.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature·DateJun 3, 2020

New method for removing oil from water

Researchers at the University of Bonn have developed an environmentally friendly technology to remove oil from water. Textiles with special surface properties passively skim off the oil and move it into a floating container without using chemicals.

SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalPhilosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London (A )·DateFeb 3, 2020

Physicists shed new light on how liquids behave with other materials

Physicists have made significant breakthroughs in understanding how liquids behave with other materials, including finding super-repellant substrates that can repel water. Their findings provide a comprehensive framework for tailoring material properties, which has important implications for various physical and biological systems.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 15, 2019

Porcupinefish inspires sturdy superhydrophobic material

Scientists have created a durable and flexible super-water-repelling material by drawing inspiration from the spiky yet flexible skin of the porcupinefish. The material retains its water repellency after being repeatedly bent or twisted, making it suitable for applications such as self-cleaning, anti-icing, and corrosion prevention.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateSep 18, 2019
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.

Jumping drops get boost from gravity

Using superhydrophobic surfaces and vertical condensers, the team found that combining surface tension and gravity increases condenser efficiency. This method sheds moisture more efficiently than relying solely on jumping droplets or gravity, benefiting power plants and other heat exchange systems.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalJoule·DateMay 28, 2019
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.

Water-repellent surfaces can efficiently boil water, keep electronics cool

Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that superhydrophobic materials can boil water efficiently when air and vapor are removed from the system. This breakthrough enables highly effective boiling, allowing for improved cooling of high-power electronics and enhancing thermal management technologies.

SourcePurdue University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 30, 2018

Creating surfaces that repel water and control its flow (video)

Researchers created a new coating technology that allows for better control over the flow of water on superhydrophobic materials. By etching paths into coatings, scientists were able to guide water droplets along designated paths without leaving behind a wet trail.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 13, 2017

New microscope sets a record for visualizing surface wetting properties

Aalto University researchers developed Scanning Droplet Adhesion Microscopy (SDAM) to understand and characterize the wetting properties of superhydrophobic materials. The microscope is 1,000 times more precise than current techniques, enabling the creation of wetting maps that reveal microscopic defects on surfaces.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 27, 2017

Cicada wings may inspire new surface technologies

Researchers studied cicada wings to understand their water-repelling ability, discovering that habitat is not a good predictor of superhydrophobicity. The team found that life cycles and species relatedness are better predictors of this extreme water-repelling ability.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 2, 2017
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.

Gas gives laser-induced graphene super properties

Rice University scientists discovered that laser-induced graphene can be made either superhydrophobic or superhydrophilic by adjusting the gas used in its formation. This property allows for applications such as separating water from oil and de-icing surfaces.

SourceRice University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateMay 15, 2017

Water-repellant material sheds like a snake when damaged (video)

Scientists have developed a water-repellent material that molts like a snake's skin when damaged, revealing another hydrophobic layer beneath. This material has the potential to be used in various applications such as rain gear, medical instruments and self-cleaning car windows.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalLangmuir·DateMay 3, 2017

A self-healing, water-repellant coating that's ultra durable

Researchers at University of Michigan developed a self-healing, water-repellent coating that's hundreds of times more durable than its counterparts. The coating can heal itself chemically and physically, making it ideal for applications like waterproofing vehicles, clothing and ship hulls.

SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateApr 4, 2017
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.

Environment-friendly hydrophobic coating made with salt particles

Researchers at Pohang University of Science and Technology have developed an environmentally friendly method to apply a superhydrophobic layer using commercially available salt particles, polydimethylsiloxane, and water. This coating exhibits ultrahydrophobic characteristics similar to the 'lotus effect', allowing for applications in a...

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalApplied Surface Science·DateNov 9, 2016

How water flows near the superhydrophobic surface

Scientists investigate how water flows near superhydrophobic surfaces, finding that liquids can exhibit unusual properties like hydrodynamic slip. The research uses an atomic-force microscope to measure the slip length and develop new theories for these systems.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalSoft Matter·DateOct 13, 2016

Waste not: Edible wax coating slicks liquids with ease

Researchers at Colorado State University have developed a superhydrophobic coating made from edible waxes, allowing liquids to be easily slicked away. The coating is nontoxic and safe for use in food packaging.

SourceColorado State University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateAug 3, 2016

Bouncing droplets remove contaminants like pogo jumpers

Droplets on a surface can catapult away contaminants without superhydrophobic coatings, inspired by pogo jumping. Researchers at Duke University and the University of British Columbia investigate this mechanism to develop more durable self-cleaning systems.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 5, 2016
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.

Superhydrophobic coating protects without the price

Researchers at Rice University and Swansea University have developed a new class of superhydrophobic nanomaterials that are inexpensive, nontoxic, and can be applied to various surfaces via spray- or spin-coating. The coating is equivalent in performance to commercial coatings that employ hazardous fluorocarbons.

SourceRice University·JournalACS Applied Materials & Interfaces·DateDec 9, 2015

How to cut a vortex into slices

Physicists from Lomonosov Moscow State University develop theory for creating artificial turbulence in microchannels using superhydrophobic surfaces. The approach enables efficient mixing and separation of liquids, promising applications in chemistry and biomedical research.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalPhysical Review E·DateJun 3, 2015

ORNL superhydrophobic glass coating offers clear benefits

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a superhydrophobic glass coating that can be customized to repel water, fog, and dirt, while also suppressing light reflection from glass surfaces. The coating has potential applications in solar panels, lenses, optical instruments, and other products.

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Materials Chemistry C·DateMay 11, 2015

Smooth sailing: Rough surfaces that can reduce drag

Researchers have found that properly designed rough surfaces can reduce skin-friction drag in turbulent conditions. The study models fluid flow between two surfaces covered with tiny ridges, which trap air bubbles and create a hydrodynamic cushion.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateJan 17, 2014
Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Nano-cone textures generate extremely 'robust' water-repellent surfaces

Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered that cone-shaped nanotextures produce significantly better water-repellency than cylindrical pillars. The unique shape prevents the contact line from getting pinned to the nanotexture, keeping surfaces dry even under pressure.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 21, 2013

Researchers make droplets dance

Scientists from Aalto University and Paris Tech have created a new model system for reversible switching between static and dynamic self-assembled structures. By using periodically oscillating magnetic fields, they demonstrated that droplet patterns can transform into more complex and dynamic ones.

SourceAalto University·JournalScience·DateJul 22, 2013

Cicadas get a jump on cleaning

Researchers discovered cicadas can use jumping droplets to remove contaminants from their wings, offering an alternative to conventional self-cleaning methods. This phenomenon works without relying on external forces or gravity.

SourceDuke University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 29, 2013
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.

A new look at wetting models: Continuum analysis

Researchers propose a continuum-based model that illustrates contact line pinning at phase interfaces between materials, differing from traditional Wenzel and Cassie models. The study shows the macroscopic contact angle depends solely on the triple contact line's properties.

SourceScience China Press·DateNov 27, 2012

Nature inspires new submarine design

Researchers studied the water boatman's hind wings, which exhibit superhydrophobicity, playing a crucial role in its swimming, breathing, and balance. The study reveals that the insect's wing surface contains low surface energy materials, creating a hierarchical structure that enables it to swim freely and escape easily from water.

SourceScience China Press·JournalChinese Science Bulletin·DateJun 16, 2012
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Not just for raincoats

The study reveals a miniature version of the 'water hammer' effect, which causes pressure spikes in water droplets on textured surfaces. This insight could lead to the design of more effective superhydrophobic surfaces for various applications, including energy efficiency improvements.

SourceNorthwestern University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateFeb 8, 2011

Dr. Chang-Hwan Choi honored with prestigious Young Investigator Award

Dr. Chang-Hwan Choi has been recognized with the Young Investigator Program award for his work on efficient anti-corrosion surfaces. His research focuses on nano-engineering of superhydrophobic surfaces to enhance durability and functionality in light metal applications, addressing significant corrosion protection needs for the U.S. Navy.

SourceStevens Institute of Technology·DateApr 8, 2010

Scientists glimpse nanobubbles on super nonstick surfaces

Brookhaven National Laboratory scientists have created a super nonstick surface that repels water due to the presence of nanobubbles. The surface was made by creating a regular array of nano-cavities on an otherwise flat surface, which traps tiny air bubbles and prevents water from wetting it.

SourceDOE/Brookhaven National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 25, 2010

Mushrooms, water-repellants more similar than you might think

Researchers capture high-speed footage of tiny water droplets jumping off a man-made surface, similar to the ejection of spores from certain mushrooms. The phenomenon has applications in energy harvesting and thermal management, offering an efficient mechanism for removing condensate.

SourceDuke University·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateOct 26, 2009
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.

Nanojewels made easy

Scientists at Arizona State University have developed a simple way to make colorful nanocrystals using colloid chemistry methods. The process involves placing nanoparticles in a drop of water on a superhydrophobic surface and letting it dry, resulting in opalescent colors. This method has the potential to create new materials for photo...

SourceArizona State University·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJul 30, 2008