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Copper-bottomed deposits

Scientists at Université de Genève studied over 100,000 combinations to establish a model predicting the amount of copper present in deposits. The researchers found that factors such as magma depth and duration determine the quantity of copper, with optimal conditions ranging from 20 km depth and 2 million years injection time.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalScientific Reports·DateMar 15, 2017

Behavioral biology: Ripeness is all

Researchers discovered that spotted-wing flies use senses of smell, touch, and taste to choose ideal nursery sites. They prefer firm texture and volatile chemicals emitted by freshly ripened fruits.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMar 10, 2017
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.

Dressing a metal in various colors

Researchers at DGIST have developed a technology to coat metals with several nanometers of semiconducting materials, enabling various color changes through thin-film interference. This breakthrough allows for the production of colors such as yellow, orange, blue, and purple on demand.

SourceDGIST (Daegu Gyeongbuk Institute of Science and Technology)·JournalNanoscale·DateJan 16, 2017

Scientists trace 'poisoning' in chemical reactions to the atomic scale

Researchers used a combination of measurements to gather detailed information on problematic carbon-based deposits in catalysts, known as coke. They found that uneven distribution of aluminum in zeolite catalysts caused coke buildup, which blocks chemical reactions vital to fuel production and other processes.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 23, 2016
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Nanostructures made of pure gold

Researchers at TU Wien have successfully created nanostructures made of pure gold using an additive direct-write lithography technique. The new method allows for the fabrication of three-dimensional gold structures, which are essential for various applications in electronics and sensor technology.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateNov 4, 2016

Efficiency plus versatility

A new method of micron-scale surface chemical patterning was developed at UCSB, allowing for the creation of engineered surfaces with patterned polymer brushes. This technology reduces processing time and adds versatility to design, making it suitable for industrial applications.

SourceUniversity of California - Santa Barbara·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateOct 12, 2016

Ultra-thin ferroelectric material for next-generation electronics

Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a ultra-thin ferroelectric material called hafnium oxide (HfO2) that exhibits ferroelectricity below 450°C, making it compatible with silicon-based semiconductors and suitable for applications in novel random-access memory and transistors.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 12, 2016

Location matters in the self-assembly of nanoclusters

Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a theoretical framework to understand the relationship between capture zones and the formation of nanoclusters. The study highlights the importance of subtle spatial details in the nucleation process, which is crucial for controlling nanostructure properties.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 6, 2016
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.

Exploring one of the largest salt flats in the world

A recent research report reveals that water and solutes flowing into the Salar de Atacama salt flat originate from an unexpectedly large portion of the Andean Plateau. The deposit, 3,900 feet thick, drains an area four or five times larger than the topographic watershed, posing fundamental questions about hydrologic and solute budgets.

SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateJul 26, 2016

Tiniest imperfections make big impacts in nano-patterned materials

Researchers found that small imprecisions in surface lattice sites can affect the density of deposited particles, leading to less efficient deposition processes and lower ultimate coverage. This study suggests that a certain degree of relaxation may be more effective in improving dense structures.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateJun 28, 2016

Researchers trace Mercury's origins to rare meteorite

Geologists at MIT traced Mercury's cooling history, finding the planet cooled dramatically in half a billion years. The team used data from NASA's MESSENGER spacecraft to analyze lava deposits and found that older deposits had distinct chemical compositions.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalEarth and Planetary Science Letters·DateJun 27, 2016

Solar cells for greener and safer energies

Researchers at ICFO have developed a solution-processed, semi-transparent solar cell based on AgBiS2 nanocrystals, which are non-toxic and abundant. The cells achieved power conversion efficiencies of 6.3%, competing with current thin film technologies, and offer potential as a low-cost alternative to traditional solar cells.

SourceICFO-The Institute of Photonic Sciences·JournalNature Photonics·DateJun 20, 2016
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Thin-film solar cells: How defects appear and disappear in CIGSe cells

Researchers observed defects forming during CIGSe solar cell fabrication and found that excess copper helps reduce defects. The study suggests that the copper-rich phase plays a crucial role in eliminating defects, regardless of temperature.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateApr 22, 2016

Making electronics out of coal

Researchers at MIT have successfully created simple electrical heating devices using coal, showcasing its potential for various high-tech uses. The team characterized the chemical, electrical, and optical properties of four different types of coal, revealing a range of conductivities that can be tailored to specific applications.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateApr 19, 2016

New use for X-rays: A radar gun for unruly atoms

Researchers discover a new way to view complex groups of atoms in motion using coherent X-rays, revealing voids and nanocolumns that form during thin film production. This technique improves the quality of commercial applications such as solar panels and drug delivery systems.

SourceUniversity of Vermont·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 31, 2016
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.

Aviation and volcanic ash: Don't build your model on sand!

Researchers develop empirical model to estimate risks of volcanic ash on jet engines, finding that sand-based tests are unsuitable due to underestimated damage. The new model takes into account the chemical composition of ash, providing a more realistic assessment of aviation hazards.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 14, 2016

Stretchable electronics that quadruple in length

EPFL researchers have developed conductive tracks that can be stretched up to four times their original length and still maintain conductivity. The new metallic and partially liquid film has a wide range of possible applications, including artificial skin, connected clothing, and on-body sensors.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateFeb 29, 2016

New technique to find copper deposits

Researchers at the University of Exeter have developed a new technique to identify copper deposits in magmatic rocks by analyzing their chemical composition. The method, which was tested on a major porphyry discovery in Chile, has shown promising results and could lead to the discovery of new valuable metal deposits.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Geoscience·DateFeb 1, 2016
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.

Catastrophic medieval earthquakes in the Nepal

A team of scientists has discovered that strong medieval earthquakes in Nepal triggered massive debris flows that reshaped the landscape over a distance of more than 60 kilometers. The study used 14C radiocarbon dating to determine the timing of sediment deposits and found that they coincide with documented large earthquakes in the reg...

SourceGFZ GeoForschungsZentrum Potsdam, Helmholtz Centre·JournalScience·DateDec 16, 2015

New industrial possibilities for nanoporous thin films

Researchers at KU Leuven have developed an alternative production method to create nanoporous thin films, expanding their industrial possibilities. These materials can be used as catalysts, absorb large amounts of material, and store gases, opening up new applications in fields like nanoelectronics.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalNature Materials·DateDec 14, 2015

For faster, larger graphene add a liquid layer

Researchers at Oxford University have developed a scalable technique to produce millimetre-sized graphene crystals in minutes, compared to hours using current methods. The new approach creates a liquid layer that smooths out nanoscale valleys, allowing for larger flakes of high-quality graphene.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 15, 2015
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

Characteristic pattern of protein deposits in brains of retired NFL players who suffered concussions

A new imaging tool found a strikingly similar pattern of abnormal protein deposits in the brains of retired NFL players with concussions, which may help identify brain disorders like CTE. The study also shows differences in brain imaging patterns between concussed athletes and healthy individuals.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 6, 2015

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step

Asphaltene analysis takes a giant step with the development of an indirect method that detects and measures particles as small as 100 nanometers. This technique can accurately quantify asphaltene precipitation and account for water presence, offering valuable insights into preventing clogs in oil production lines.

SourceRice University·JournalEnergy & Fuels·DateFeb 24, 2015
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.

Scientists prove possibility of 'impossible' dust transition in turbulent flow

Researchers from MIPT and Weizmann Institute of Science discover possibility of negative turbophoresis, where impurity particles move against turbulence direction. The study presents new type of phase transition, depending on particle inertia, which can either localize or delocalize in turbulent flows.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateNov 5, 2014

Mineralization of sand particles boosts microbial water filtration

Researchers found that microbial activity increases with mineral deposits on sand particles in rapid sand filters, removing impurities like iron and ammonia. The study refutes the conventional assumption that minerals interfere with microbial colonization, suggesting potential improvements in drinking water production.

SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateOct 10, 2014

Future flexible electronics based on carbon nanotubes

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) show promise as a successor to silicon for smaller, faster and cheaper electronic devices. A new method improves their reliability and performance by coating them with PVDF-TrFE, a fluoropolymer that mitigates impurities and defects.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateSep 23, 2014
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.

Toward optical chips

Researchers at MIT have developed a new method to build MoS2 light emitters that can be tuned to different frequencies, essential for optoelectronic chips. This breakthrough could lead to more energy-efficient and flexible displays.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNano Letters·DateSep 18, 2014

The future face of molecular electronics

Researchers identify picene as a potential candidate for small-scale electronics due to its high carrier mobility and chemical stability. A thin layer of picene molecules attached to a silver surface maintains its structure and function.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 16, 2014

Humans have been changing Chinese environment for 3,000 years

Researchers link massive flooding in China to human-caused environmental degradation and flood-mitigation efforts dating back 3,000 years. The Yellow River's levee system was built over 2,900-700 years ago to control erosion, but it ultimately made periodic floods worse.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·DateJun 19, 2014

Better catalysts for the petrochemical industry

Researchers from ETH Zurich have identified a new class of zeolite catalysts that can withstand the formation of hydrocarbon deposits, which clog pores and block active sites. The key to their improved performance lies in the internal structure of the catalysts, with well-connected nano-sized channels and numerous openings.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMay 28, 2014
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.

Superabsorbing design may lower manufacturing cost of thin film solar cells

Researchers at NC State University developed a 'superabsorbing' design that improves light absorption efficiency of thin film solar cells by decreasing semiconductor material thickness. The design, which looks like an onion, can absorb up to 90% of available solar energy using just a 10nm thick layer of amorphous silicon.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 26, 2014

Mercury and ozone depletion events in the Arctic linked to sea-ice dynamics

A new study establishes a link between Arctic sea ice dynamics and the region's changing atmospheric chemistry, potentially leading to increased amounts of mercury deposited in sensitive ecosystems. The pumping effect created by opening and closing sea ice leads forces down additional mercury to restart chemical reactions.

SourceDesert Research Institute·JournalNature·DateJan 15, 2014

Supervolcanoes discovered in Utah

The discovery of supervolcanoes in southern Utah reveals massive eruptions that buried a vast region, affecting areas from central Utah to Nebraska. This research has significant implications for understanding geological history and the impact of volcanic activity on ecosystems.

SourceBrigham Young University·JournalGeosphere·DateDec 9, 2013
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.

New way to dissolve semiconductors holds promise for electronics industry

Researchers have discovered a novel liquid that can dissolve nine types of key semiconductors at room temperature and normal air pressure. The finding holds promise for improving electronic applications such as solar cells by creating low-cost, semiconducting thin films.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateNov 13, 2013

Understanding what makes a thin film solar cell efficient

Scientists at Empa have developed a new manufacturing technique for high-efficiency CIGS solar cells, achieving a record-breaking energy conversion rate of 20.4%. This improvement enables CIGS cells to compete with polycrystalline silicon cells, marking a significant advancement in the field.

SourceSwiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (EMPA)·JournalNature Materials·DateNov 5, 2013

Scripps Florida scientists develop new process to create artificial cell membranes

Researchers at Scripps Florida Institute have developed a highly programmable platform for creating synthetic cellular structures with complex membrane compositions. The approach enables the assembly of multi-layered membranes resembling the cell nucleus envelope, offering new insights into biological function and evolution.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature Chemistry·DateOct 1, 2013

With carbon nanotubes, a path to flexible, low-cost sensors

Researchers at TUM have developed a new family of electronic devices using carbon nanotubes, enabling rapid gas detection and low power consumption. These sensors can be integrated into food packaging to gauge freshness or built into electronic skin for robotic applications.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalCarbon·DateSep 25, 2013

Mathematical models help locate raw materials

Raimon Tolosana-Delgado's mathematical models help understand rock formation and sediment development, crucial for predicting raw material locations. The prize recognizes his work on developing general models applicable to various raw materials, which could improve exploration and extraction efficiency.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf·DateAug 26, 2013
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.

Thin-film diamonds

Researchers at Advanced Diamond Technologies successfully created thin films of boron-doped diamond at low temperatures, potentially enabling a wider range of applications for electronic devices. The new method expands the possibilities for depositing high-quality diamond coatings without damaging sensitive electronics.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateJul 3, 2013

Printing tiny batteries

A team of scientists at Harvard University and the University of Illinois successfully printed tiny lithium-ion microbatteries using 3D printing technology. The batteries have comparable electrochemical performance to commercial batteries but are much smaller in scale.

SourceWyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard·JournalAdvanced Materials·DateJun 18, 2013

Building a better capacitor with custom nanorods

Researchers at Michigan Technological University have developed a method to create manganese dioxide nanorods with the optimal crystal structure, enabling high-power and long-lasting capacitors. The nanorods can be used in various applications, including energy storage and solar cells.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalACS Nano·DateApr 16, 2013

Peel-and-Stick solar panels from Stanford engineering

Researchers have successfully developed the world's first peel-and-stick thin-film solar cells, vastly expanding the potential applications of solar technology. The breakthrough allows for flexible and decal-like solar panels that can be attached to various surfaces without losing efficiency.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalScientific Reports·DateDec 20, 2012

Penn researchers find new way to prevent cracking in nanoparticle films

University of Pennsylvania researchers have found a new way to prevent cracks in nanoparticle films by using a technique called spin-coating to create uniform coatings. This method could be a game-changer for industries that rely on these films, such as electronics and solar cells.

SourceUniversity of Pennsylvania·JournalNano Letters·DateOct 15, 2012
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.

Researchers demonstrate cheaper way to produce NFO thin films

Researchers have demonstrated a less-expensive way to create textured nickel ferrite (NFO) ceramic thin films, which can easily be scaled up for manufacturing needs. The new technique allows for the creation of NFO thin films with an aligned crystalline structure, maximizing their magnetic properties.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateSep 24, 2012

Walls of lunar crater may hold patchy ice, LRO radar finds

The LRO radar has detected small patches of ice in the walls of Shackleton crater, with estimates suggesting they could make up at most 5-10% of the material by weight. This finding supports the possibility that permanently shadowed lunar craters are sites for water accumulation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalGeophysical Research Letters·DateAug 30, 2012

Diamond-based materials brighten the future of electronics

Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have discovered a new pathway for creating nanocrystalline-diamond thin films that can significantly improve the performance of certain types of integrated circuits. By reducing thermal budget, these materials can sustain higher current densities, leading to more efficient electronic devices.

SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalNano Letters·DateMar 12, 2012

Nanoshell whispering galleries improve thin solar panels

Researchers at Stanford University have created tiny hollow spheres of photovoltaic nanocrystalline-silicon that harness physics to trap light, improving the performance of thin solar films. The nanoshells significantly increase light absorption over a broader spectrum of light.

SourceStanford University School of Engineering·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 7, 2012
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.

Playing RFID tag with sheets of paper

Researchers in France have developed a way to deposit thin aluminum RFID tags on paper using thermal evaporation, reducing the cost of RFID tagging. This approach could enable single printed sheets or flyers to be tagged and open up RFID tagging to more systems.

SourceInderscience Publishers·JournalInternational Journal of Radio Frequency Identification Technology and Applications·DateFeb 6, 2012