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Heavy water expands energy potential of carbon nanotube yarns

The study found that using heavy water in the electrolyte solution significantly increased energy output from the yarns, with up to 2.5 times higher peak electrical power and 1.8 times more energy per stretching cycle. The energy conversion efficiency reached 9.5%, higher than any other previously reported twistron harvester operating ...

Understanding sustainable textiles through climate-adapted traditional crafts

Researchers from Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology have catalogued the science behind Bashofu textiles, which have kept Okinawans cool for over 500 years. The study reveals the unique properties of Musa balbisiana var. liukiuensis fibers, including a honeycomb structure that effectively leads sweat away from the skin.

Global fashion giants unite to combat textile microfiber crisis

Leading fashion brands and textile manufacturers have joined forces to address the microfiber pollution crisis through a comprehensive study. The project, led by Fashion for Good and Northumbria University, tested 24 fabric types and revealed complex challenges within the textile supply chain, including potential contamination levels.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Reinventing fiber-based pressure sensors

Researchers from Shinshu University have developed a unique fiber-based pressure sensor that can detect small changes in pressure, enabling fine-tuned tactile sensing. The fibers exhibit a multi-wall structure that increases resistance when compressed, making them ideal for applications such as soft robotics and wearable devices.

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.

Forensics study helps investigators draw new clues from bloodstains

A new study has provided insights into how blood stains cotton fabrics, allowing investigators to gather additional information from forensic evidence. The researchers found that the number and spread of 'fingers' in the bloodstain correlate to the velocity of the blood spatter, with faster-moving blood leaving more prominent tendrils.

4 advances that could change fabric — and the clothing you wear

Recent advances in textile technology have led to the development of new fabrics that incorporate desirable scents, antimicrobial coatings, and smart technologies. These innovations aim to improve the comfort and functionality of clothing, while also addressing emerging consumer needs such as sustainability and health.

Ancient golden silk revived from the Korean sea

A team of Korean researchers has successfully recreated a golden fiber akin to that of 2,000 years ago using the pen shell cultivated in Korean coastal waters. The breakthrough reveals the scientific basis behind its unchanging golden color and demonstrates the potential of eco-friendly materials.

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.

Renting clothes for sustainable fashion – niche markets work best

Researchers found that clothing rental companies in niche markets, such as sportswear, are more successful and sustainable. They identified key business models, including membership, subscription, and individual rental, and emphasized the importance of collaborations with suppliers and manufacturers.

Touchless tech: Control fabrics with a wave of your finger

Scientists develop wearable human-computer interface using magnetic field sensing electronic textiles that can be integrated into everyday clothing. The technology allows users to control devices with a wave of their finger, revolutionizing electronic textiles and improving durability.

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.

Reconstructed garments from Faras on display in Berlin

Archaeologists and designers collaborated to recreate five historical outfits based on Faras Cathedral wall paintings. The reconstructed garments featured traditional dyeing techniques and natural pigments, showcasing the cultural heritage of medieval Nubia.

Study calls for city fashion waste shakeup

A study published in Nature Cities analyzed textile waste in various cities, finding that most donated clothes are exported or thrown away. Experts call for a change in how cities handle fashion waste, suggesting the need for local recycling and reuse facilities.

Fighting microplastics for a cleaner future

Researchers at Texas A&M University have developed a method to break down condensation polymers in plastics using solvents and liquid organic hydrogen carriers, producing aromatic compounds that can be used as fuels. This breakthrough has potential implications for the sustainability of the chemical industry and reducing global warming.

Unraveling the physics of knitting

Researchers have developed a mathematical theory of knitted materials, enabling the creation of programmable textiles with adjustable elasticity. The study, led by Georgia Tech physicists, explores the relationships between yarn manipulation, stitch patterns, and fabric behavior to expand knitting's applications beyond clothing.

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.

NC State researchers use machine learning to create a fabric-based touch sensor

Researchers at NC State University developed a fabric-based touch sensor that can control electronic devices through touch, utilizing machine learning algorithms to improve accuracy. The device, integrated into clothing, activates and controls functions like mobile apps, passwords, and video games with gestures on the sensor.

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.

Rivers contain hidden sinks and sources of microplastics

Researchers found an average of 41 microplastic particles per square meter per day settled from the atmosphere, while sediment samples contained denser particles with higher population densities. The study suggests clothing is likely the prominent source of microplastics to the Ganges River system.

Hartshorn salt and “baking” solves a serious environmental problem

A breakthrough solution has been discovered to recycle blended fabrics like polyester/cotton using a simple technique involving heat, non-toxic solvent, and household ingredient. This environmentally friendly approach can recover cotton on a scale of hundreds of grams while preserving the plastic component.

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.

Fiber optic smart pants offer a low-cost way to monitor movements

New smart pants based on fiber optic sensors can track various types of physical activities in the clinic or at home, detecting signs of distress. The sensing approach achieved 100% accuracy in classifying activities and has several advantages, including low-cost and reliability.

Artificial muscle fibers could serve as cell scaffolds

Researchers designed and tested textile fibers that can change shape and generate force like a muscle, showing promise for use as cell scaffolds. The findings suggest the fibers could be used to develop 3D models of living, moving systems in the human body.

A popular compostable plastic doesn’t break down in the ocean

A new study finds that popular compostable plastics like PLA don't biodegrade in marine environments, instead persisting unchanged. The research highlights the need for standardizing tests to see if materials promoted as compostable or biodegradable actually break down in natural environments.

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.

Braided current collectors

Researchers at Fudan University have developed braided current collectors that increase the energy density of fiber lithium-ion batteries. The new design improves ion transport within the electrode, increasing charge density and reducing obstruction to lithium ion transport.

Upcycling method turns textile trash to functional coatings

A new method allows researchers to break down old clothing chemically and reuse polyester compounds to create functional coatings. The process, known as controlled crystallization, enables the creation of fire-resistant, anti-bacterial or wrinkle-free coatings that can be applied to various fabrics.

Researchers design battery prototype with fiber-shaped cathode

A team of researchers at North Carolina State University has created a zinc-ion battery prototype with a fiber-shaped cathode, which can power a wrist watch. The team used graphene oxide and manganese dioxide materials to create a yarn-shaped battery that is strong, flexible, and electrically conductive.

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.

Stab-resistant fabric gains strength from carbon nanotubes, polyacrylate

Researchers have developed a new composite fabric that combines conventional aramid with carbon nanotubes and polyacrylate to create puncture-resistant materials. The new material outperforms existing fabrics in simulated stabbing tests and could be useful in military and civilian applications.

Study finds harmful PFAs don’t actually prevent furniture stains

A new study published in the AATCC Journal of Research found that per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in furniture fabrics have limited effectiveness in preventing stains. The researchers tested six PFAS-finished and three non-PFAS-finished fabrics, finding that only fabric type affected coffee stain performance.

Researchers separate cotton from polyester in blended fabric

North Carolina State University researchers have found a way to separate blended cotton and polyester fabric using enzymes, which could lead to more efficient recycling of the fabric's component materials. The process requires multiple steps, but can effectively separate cotton from polyester in under 48 hours.

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.

Shrinking from the heat

Researchers at Aalto University have developed new textiles that change shape when heated, providing adjustable aesthetics and potential applications in health monitoring and thermal insulation. The innovative fabrics use liquid crystalline elastomers, which can respond to heat, light, or other stimuli.

Powering wearable technology with MXene textile supercapacitor ‘patch’

Researchers at Drexel University have developed a wearable textile supercapacitor patch that can charge in minutes and power programmable electronics for almost two hours using MXene material. The innovative design enables seamless integration of technology into fabric, paving the way for health care technology applications.

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.

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.

‘Smart’ coating can be precisely applied to make fabric into protective gear

Dartmouth College researchers have developed a durable copper-based coating that can precisely be integrated into fabric to create responsive materials for protective equipment, environmental sensors, and smart filters. The coating responds to toxic gases in the air by converting them into less toxic substances trapped in the fabric.

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.

Engineers weave advanced fabric that can cool a wearer down and warm them up

Researchers developed a fabric with nano-scale threads containing phase-change materials to regulate body temperature. The textile combines electrothermal and photothermal coatings for enhanced thermal regulation. It has the potential to alleviate heat or cold stress in workers and travelers, offering improved comfort and safety.

Underwater movement sensor alerts when a swimmer might be drowning

Researchers created a breathable underwater movement sensor by applying a thin, slippery coating to conductive fabric, enabling the detection of swimmers in distress. The smart system wirelessly alerts a smartphone app when a swimmer stops moving, indicating potential drowning.

High levels of PFAS detected in school uniforms

A peer-reviewed study detected PFAS in all 'stain-resistant' school uniforms tested from nine popular brands, with concentrations as high as those in outdoor clothing. The presence of PFAS in school uniforms poses a risk to children's health through skin absorption and inhalation.

Meta Quest 3 512GB

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

Study finds high levels of PFAS in school uniforms

A recent study published in Environmental Science and Technology Letters found high levels of PFAS in school uniforms sold in North America, with 65% of samples tested containing fluorine. The concentrations were highest in cotton uniforms, which may be treated with toxic chemicals.

Powering an ‘arm’ with air could be mighty handy

Researchers at Rice University have developed a pneumatic robotic arm powered by compressed air that can grasp objects and go, using textile-based energy harvesting system. The device is designed for individuals with disabilities and can produce equivalent of 3 watts of power, outperforming other energy harvesting strategies.

Fast-growing poplars can release land for food production

Researchers at Stockholm University have developed a novel value chain to produce textile fibers and biofuel from fast-growing poplars. This sustainable approach enables the conversion of marginal land from cotton to food production, minimizing water consumption and supporting global food security.