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New scientific method can now tell real Van Goghs from fakes

A new study introduces a method that analyzes microscopic texture to distinguish authentic artworks from forgeries. The technique uses fractal dimensions to capture subtle patterns created by an artist's brushwork, resulting in a unique signature for each artist.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalSurface Topography Metrology and Properties·TypeImaging analysis·DateJun 11, 2026

The boundaries of drainage basins shifted faster during past episodes of climate change, according to a new theory by Ben-Gurion University geologists

Researchers have presented a unique time-dependent record of drainage divide migration rates, showing that episodes of rapid shift coincide with past climate changes in the Negev over the last 230,000 years. This discovery accelerates our understanding of how climate affects the Earth's surface.

SourceBen-Gurion University of the Negev·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeObservational study·DateMar 10, 2025
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.

It takes a cool microscope and antifreeze to really look at ice

Scientists directly observe the precise shape of ice at its interface with liquid for the first time, revealing a flat surface with occasional steps. They also found that the ice is harder than previously estimated, using antifreeze and advanced microscopy.

SourceKobe University·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 9, 2024

New technique from Brown University researchers offers more precise maps of the Moon’s surface

The study enhances shape-from-shading technique to create detailed models of lunar terrain with higher resolutions and faster production speeds. Researchers use advanced computer algorithms to automate the process, resulting in more accurate maps that show subtle features and variations of lunar surface terrain.

SourceBrown University·JournalThe Planetary Science Journal·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 29, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalIcarus·DateFeb 21, 2024

Turning waste into treasure: Second-tier structure matters for regulating liquid spreading dynamics

Researchers have developed a simplified surface design that enables liquid directional steering on the same surface as conventional designs. The new surface topography features dual reentrant curvatures and microgrooves, which regulate liquids' spreading dynamics. This innovation simplifies fabrication and opens up practical applications.

SourceInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·JournalInternational Journal of Extreme Manufacturing·DateMay 10, 2023

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateApr 25, 2023
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.

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.

SourceSPIE--International Society for Optics and Photonics·JournalJournal of Optical Microsystems·DateNov 1, 2022

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.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Astronomy·DateSep 29, 2022

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.

SourceHiroshima University·JournalIEEE Access·DateSep 26, 2022

New software platform advances understanding of the surface finish of manufactured components

Scientists developed a software platform to analyze surfaces, creating digital twins that predict material properties like adhesion and durability. The contact.engineering platform standardizes procedure and facilitates open science, allowing users to share measurements and collaborate.

SourceUniversity of Pittsburgh·JournalSurface Topography Metrology and Properties·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 19, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalThe Cryosphere·DateAug 22, 2022

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 17, 2022

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.

SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Applied Nano Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 17, 2021
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.

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.

SourcePohang University of Science & Technology (POSTECH)·JournalNano Letters·DateJan 8, 2021

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.

SourcePurdue University·JournalAdvanced Materials Interfaces·DateApr 9, 2020

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.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 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.

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.

SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 17, 2020

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.

SourceAnglia Ruskin University·JournalFood Quality and Preference·DateJan 9, 2020

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.

SourceUlsan National Institute of Science and Technology(UNIST)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 17, 2018

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.

SourceDrexel University·JournalJournal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials·DateMay 21, 2018
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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

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.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·Journalnpj Biofilms and Microbiomes·DateMay 16, 2017

Tooth wear sheds light on the feeding habits of ancient elephant relatives

Researchers have reconstructed the feeding habits of ancient elephants in China over the last two million years using tooth wear analysis. Sinomastodon and Stegodon coexisted before Sinomastodon's extinction, while Elephas showed a more catholic feeding habit incorporating both grazing and browsing.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalQuaternary International·DateJul 28, 2016

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalJournal of Experimental Biology·DateDec 17, 2015

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 8, 2015
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.

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.

SourceIOP Publishing·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateJun 30, 2015

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·DateJun 11, 2015

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.

SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·DateMay 22, 2015

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'.

SourceInternational School of Advanced Studies (SISSA)·JournalCurrent Biology·DateJan 23, 2015

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 24, 2014
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.

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.

SourceBoston University College of Engineering·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2013

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.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature·DateNov 20, 2013
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.

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

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.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 28, 2012

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.

SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·DateApr 24, 2012
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.

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

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

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.

SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateSep 12, 2007

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.

SourceNational Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)·JournalApplied Optics·DateJul 14, 2005
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.

'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.

SourceInstitute of Materials·JournalMaterials World·DateJun 2, 1999