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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.

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.

Little groundwater recharge in ancient Mars aquifer, according to new models

A new study using computer models and simple calculations found that ancient Mars' southern highlands aquifer had a miniscule .03 millimeters of groundwater recharge per year on average. This is significantly lower than the annual rate of groundwater recharge for Earth's aquifers, suggesting a different water regime on Mars.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

How to land on a planet safely

Researchers developed a model to describe the interaction between a rocket plume and planetary surfaces, providing insights into erosion and contamination. The simulation estimates plume shape, temperature, and pressure, as well as material eroded or displaced, for safer landing sites and spacecraft design.

Overcoming the optical resolution limit

Researchers from the University of Kassel developed an approach to extend the limits of interferometric topography measurements for optical resolution below small structures. Microsphere assistance enables fast and label-free imaging without requiring extensive sample preparation.

New evidence for liquid water beneath the south polar ice cap of Mars

A team of researchers has found new evidence for the presence of liquid water beneath Mars' south polar ice cap using spacecraft laser-altimeter measurements and computer model predictions. The findings agree with earlier radar data interpretations and provide independent confirmation of the existence of subglacial liquid water.

Study finds tactile impressions add product value

A study conducted by researchers at Hiroshima University found that smartphone users are willing to pay a premium for different surface textures on their phone covers. The study's findings suggest that the commercial viability of surface texture has not been empirically examined, but could be an important aspect of product design.

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.

A historical perspective on glacial retreat

A team of researchers from ETH Zurich and WSL reconstructed the topography of all Swiss glaciers in 1931 using stereophotogrammetry. They found that the glacier volume halved between 1931 and 2016, with some glaciers losing mass at varying rates depending on factors like altitude, snout shape, and debris coverage.

Controlling how “odd couple” surfaces and liquids interact

Researchers at MIT have developed a method to control the interaction between liquids and solids, allowing for the creation of surfaces with high or low wettability. This breakthrough has potential applications in various industries, including thermal management, protective coatings, and heat pipes.

Creating good friction: Pitt engineers aim to make floors less slippery

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh aim to reduce workplace accidents by creating a predictive model of friction based on floor-surface topography. They will use advanced techniques such as scanning electron microscopy to measure small-scale features that affect shoe-floor friction.

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.

A CARE-ing route to advanced nanoelectronics

Osaka University researchers developed an ultra-thin film of magnetite with superior crystallinity and conductive properties, overcoming challenges in spintronics technology. The discovery enables the film to undergo a temperature-dependent resistivity change, crucial for implementation in quantum computing technologies.

Nanocrystals that eradicate bacteria biofilm

Researchers developed nanocrystals with a unique surface texture that increases mobility and generates reactive oxygen species lethal to bacteria. The system is effective in killing embedded bacteria resistant to antibiotics and can be easily controlled.

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.

Now metal surfaces can be instant bacteria killers

Researchers at Purdue University have developed a technique that uses laser-texturing to create nanoscale patterns on metal surfaces, instantly killing bacteria and viruses. The technology has potential applications in medical devices such as orthopedic implants and wearable patches for chronic wounds.

Twin-chain hydrogels for cleaning artwork

Researchers developed twin-chain hydrogels for cleaning artworks, improving efficacy on rough surfaces and reducing pigment loss. The new tool was successfully tested on Jackson Pollock paintings, demonstrating superior cleaning capabilities compared to conventional methods.

The origins of roughness

Scientists discovered that all materials develop identical statistical properties when exposed to mechanical deformation, leading to self-affine surface roughness. This finding explains the observed universality of surface roughness across different scales and materials.

Food textures affect perceptions of healthiness

A study found that people perceive biscuits with different textures as healthy or unhealthy, influencing tastiness and purchasing likelihood. The research suggests using non-healthy looking textures to overcome the perception that healthy is not tasty.

Understanding surface science to manufacture quality cosmetics

A research team studied liquid penetration on rough surfaces, providing key findings for everyday products like cosmetics and industrial applications. The study identifies five variables controlling cavity-filling rates, required for liquids to penetrate cavities in surfaces.

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.

What can snakes teach us about engineering friction?

Researchers at Drexel University have found that snake skin's unique texture and micro-structure create a distinct friction profile, which can be used to inform the design of textured surfaces. By studying over 350 species of snakes, they have developed a framework for creating 'smart surfaces' with new frictional capabilities.

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.

Bacteria harness the lotus effect to protect themselves

Researchers have discovered that bacterial biofilms adapt their surface texture to repel water, similar to leaves. The structure of these biofilms is influenced by nutrient supply, with some behaving like lotus leaves and others like rose petals.

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.

Snake bellies help scientists get a grip

Researchers studied three species of snakes to understand how their unique belly shapes aid in climbing. Brown tree snakes have sharp-edged keels that allow them to grip and propel themselves up trees efficiently, a trait also seen in some corn snakes but not boa constrictors.

Bubble, bubble ... boiling on the double

New analysis reveals that excessive bubble formation limits heat transfer, leading to overheating and equipment damage. The study identifies optimal surface texturing to improve boiler efficiency and plant safety.

Friction reduction breakthrough is no snake oil

Researchers have developed a surface texture inspired by snake skin that reduces friction by 40% in tests of high-performance materials. The discovery has significant implications for the reliability of mechanical components in machines such as cars and robots, particularly in dusty environments.

Surfaces get smooth or bumpy on demand

The research develops a system to produce soft materials with dynamically controllable and reversible surface properties. By manipulating the spacing and shapes of embedded particles, the material's surface can change from smooth to ridged or bumpy, creating complex patterns that could guide fluids.

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.

New computational technique advances color 3D printing process

Researchers developed a new method called computational hydrographic printing that physically aligns surface color textures onto 3D surfaces with unprecedented precision. This breakthrough enables the customization of complex surfaces with specific colors and patterns.

The brain's electrical alphabet

Researchers found that the brain encodes part of the information at very fast time scales, with pulses transmitted over tens of milliseconds, and another part at slower timescales. The study demonstrated a new 'spike timing code' on a millisecond scale, complementing the existing 'spike rate code'.

Morphable surfaces could cut air resistance

MIT researchers have developed smart morphable surfaces that can change their surface texture to reduce drag and improve efficiency. By mimicking the effect of golf ball dimples, these surfaces can cut air resistance in half at lower speeds, with a reduction in drag very similar to that of golf balls.

BU, MIT team engineers add new wrinkles to waterproofing

A team of engineers from BU and MIT have engineered a wrinkled surface that sheds liquid much faster than a smooth one, reducing contact time by 37%. The innovative approach uses surface texture to reshape drops as they recoil, making surfaces stay drier longer.

Researchers break a theoretical time barrier on bouncing droplets

Researchers have found a way to reduce the contact time of water droplets on surfaces by at least 40%, potentially aiding in ice prevention and wing efficiency. The breakthrough could also have implications for ecology and industry, including reducing corrosion and improving turbine blade efficiency.

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.

Lotus leaf inspires fog-free finish for transparent surfaces

Researchers create superhydrophobic coatings to repel water and fog from glass and other transparent materials. The coatings offer improved anti-fogging and light transmittance properties, paving the way for clearer windshields, windows, and solar cells.

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.

Mysterious 'monster' discovered by amateur paleontologist

An amateur paleontologist has discovered a massive, roughly elliptical shape with multiple lobes, totaling almost seven feet in length, which is believed to be a biological organism. The team plans to reconstruct the timeline of the fossil's life and burial events to better understand its origins.

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.

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.

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 pin down spin of surface atoms

UC Berkeley physicists have successfully measured the spin of an individual atom on a surface, a key achievement for both quantum computing and spintronics. By employing low-temperature spin-polarized scanning tunneling spectroscopy, researchers were able to determine the spin of isolated adatoms atop cobalt nanoislands.

NIST finds rough spot in surface measurement

Researchers at NIST found a significant difference between white light interferometric microscopes and phase shifting interferometers in measuring surface roughness, with discrepancies peaking at 100 nanometers. The study evaluated five instruments from three vendors and compared them to stylus profiling instruments.

'Edge Of Light' Showing Up The Cracks And Defects In Aircraft Panels

The 'Edge of Light' scanner uses light reflection to create a high-resolution map of surface topography, detecting deformation between rivets caused by corrosion. This technology has the advantage over existing NDI technology, allowing for non-destructive inspection and potential applications in forensic studies and forgery detection.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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