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How do very small particles behave at very high temperatures?

Researchers used advanced imaging techniques to subject small gold particles to extreme temperatures, revealing their remarkable resilience and ability to change shape. The findings have significant implications for nanotechnology applications in catalysis and aerospace.

SourceSwansea University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 5, 2018

A novel test bed for non-equilibrium many-body physics

A novel test bed for non-equilibrium many-body physics has been created using a one-dimensional quantum wire containing a mesoscopic lattice. Researchers were able to control the interactions between electrons and observe the emergence of a band-insulating phase with weak interactions.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 30, 2018
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.

Is glass transition driven by thermodynamics?

The study reveals a clear correlation between structural order and dynamics in supercooled liquids, indicating that glass formation is thermodynamic. The researchers found that the link between slow alpha and fast beta modes has a common structural origin, resolving two issues at once.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalPhysical Review X·DateMar 26, 2018

The Protein Society announces 2018 award recipients

The Protein Society has awarded three researchers with prestigious prizes: Jane and Dave Richardson, Yifan Cheng, and Susan Marqusee. The winners have made groundbreaking contributions in protein structure determination, cryo-EM, and protein folding. Their work has significantly advanced our understanding of biology.

SourceThe Protein Society·DateMar 15, 2018

Researchers create 3-D structure of the nuclear pore complex

The discovery provides insight into the construction and function of the NPC, which spans the double membrane of the nuclear envelope and regulates development and cell growth. The researchers' novel Integrative Modeling approach accurately placed 552 NPC proteins within the channel.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalNature·DateMar 14, 2018

Mastering metastable matter

Researchers created metastable states in an artificial quantum many-body system, observing the switching dynamics between two states. They found that thousands of atoms move through quantum tunnelling during the process.

SourceETH Zurich Department of Physics·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 9, 2018
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.

UCLA researchers develop a new class of two-dimensional materials

A UCLA research team has developed a method to create artificial superlattices comprising ultra-thin two-dimensional sheets with drastically different atomic structures. This allows for the confinement of electronic and optical properties to single active layers, enabling faster and more efficient semiconductors and advanced LEDs.

SourceUCLA Samueli School of Engineering·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2018

Mapping battery materials with atomic precision

Researchers mapped battery materials with atomic precision, finding that surface structure differs from interior and optimizing performance by varying lithium-to-metal ratios. The study used advanced electron microscopy techniques to analyze cathode material structures, revealing new insights into phase transformations and capacity loss.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalEnergy & Environmental Science·DateMar 7, 2018
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.

Metabolic modelling becomes three-dimensional

Researchers have developed the first three-dimensional computer model to represent human metabolic processes. This new tool, Recon3D, integrates structural data on over 4,000 metabolites and nearly 13,000 proteins, allowing for more accurate simulations of metabolic reactions and better understanding of diseases such as Parkinson's.

SourceUniversity of Luxembourg·JournalNature Biotechnology·DateFeb 22, 2018

UT Dallas team's microscopic solution may save researchers big time

A UT Dallas team has addressed a long-standing problem in scanning tunneling microscopes, preventing tip crashes that can damage samples and forfeit valuable time. The breakthrough enables atomically precise manufacturing, leading to innovations in materials science, medicine, and computing.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Dallas·JournalReview of Scientific Instruments·DateFeb 21, 2018

Splitting crystals for 2-D metallic conductivity

By adding oxygen atoms to a perovskite-like crystal material, researchers created 2D electron gas with unique properties. The discovery opens up new possibilities for faster and novel electronic devices, including superconductors and actuators.

SourceTohoku University·JournalACS Nano·DateFeb 20, 2018
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.

Atomic structure of ultrasound material not what anyone expected

Scientists used advanced microscopy techniques to study the atomic structure of PMN, a widely used relaxor material in ultrasound and sonar applications. The findings reveal that atoms are arranged in a gradual gradient, differing from conventional wisdom predictions.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateFeb 20, 2018

Building blocks to create metamaterials

Researchers at Caltech and ETH Zürich created a systematic design method for metamaterials using quantum mechanics. They can engineer materials to manipulate incoming waves, such as bending light or reflecting sound waves. This breakthrough could lead to widespread use of metamaterials in various applications.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalNature Materials·DateJan 17, 2018

Siberian chemists have improved hydrogen sensors

Scientists from Siberian Federal University and Nikolaev Institute of Inorganic Chemistry create active layers in hydrogen detectors using metal phthalocyanines and palladium membranes. This increases the sensor's sensitivity, enabling detection of hazardous gases and aiding in disease diagnosis. The researchers plan to further improve...

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalInternational Journal of Hydrogen Energy·DateJan 17, 2018
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.

The structure of cool

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute and Duke University have made the first determination of TRPM8's atomic structure using cryo-electron microscopy. The findings reveal unexpected binding pocket locations for menthol and other cold-sensing molecules, opening new avenues for drug development.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalScience·DateDec 7, 2017

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Dec. 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a precision de-icing technology that uses high-resolution modeling to identify areas most vulnerable to drivers during hazardous weather conditions. The team also discovered a function of certain microbes that produces a new derivative of vitamin B12, which could enhance the e...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalNature Chemical Biology·DateDec 4, 2017
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.

Nanomaterials

Researchers at LMU München precisely tune carbon dot's properties by introducing nitrogen atoms, enabling diverse applications. The study reveals that the physicochemical characteristics can be simply and precisely controlled, opening up new possibilities for energy conversion and bio-imaging.

SourceLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 15, 2017

RUDN chemists have discovered a new formation mechanism of anti-cancer substances

RUDN University scientists have discovered a new formation mechanism for anti-cancer substances, which can be used to synthesize organophosphorus compounds with specified properties. The researchers found that the reaction does not proceed according to the previously thought Michaelis-Arbuzov reaction mechanism, but rather another way.

SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Organometallic Chemistry·DateNov 3, 2017

Story tips from the Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory, November 2017

Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory developed a method to quickly collect building structure datasets from satellite images, supporting emergency response efforts after hurricanes. They also used neutrons to discover the molecular mechanism responsible for flow in a hydrogen-bonding liquid and studied a semiconducting material...

SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·JournalZeitschrift für Physikalische Chemie/International journal of research in physical chemistry and chemical physics·DateNov 2, 2017

A single photon reveals quantum entanglement of 16 million atoms

Researchers at UNIGE have successfully demonstrated the entanglement of 16 million atoms in a crystal crossed by a single photon, confirming the theory behind future quantum networks. This breakthrough confirms that a vast number of atoms can be entangled and intertwined by a strong quantum relationship.

SourceUniversité de Genève·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 13, 2017

Injecting electrons jolts 2-D structure into new atomic pattern

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have found a way to reversibly change the atomic structure of a 2-D material by injecting electrons, using far less energy than current methods. This process has potential for new electronic memory and low-power switching in ultra-thin devices.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateOct 11, 2017
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.

Bacterial nanosized speargun works like a power drill

Researchers have solved the structure of the 'ready to fire' bacterial speargun, a nano-sized weapon that injects deadly toxins into competitors. The T6SS speargun works by rapidly contracting and pushing out a toxic spear, drilling a hole into target cells with incredible speed.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalNature Microbiology·DateSep 25, 2017

Aeroices: Newly discovered ultralow-density ice

A team from Okayama University in Japan has discovered a new family of ice phases called aeroices, which have the lowest density of all known ice crystals. These ices can be more stable than zeolitic ice at certain thermodynamic conditions under negative pressure.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateSep 5, 2017
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.

Chemical route towards electronic devices in graphene

Researchers at Aalto University developed a chemical method to create graphene nanoribbons with embedded electronic components, including diodes and tunnel barriers. The precision of the structures was achieved through atomic-level control over the chemical reaction process.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 25, 2017
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

The glass transition caught in the act

Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis used a new experimental setup to measure the atomic properties of liquid materials, resolving some long-standing debates about the glass transition. The team found that fragility is related to atomic interactions and structural changes during the transition.

SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalNature Materials·DateJul 17, 2017

Researchers develop dynamic templates critical to printable electronics technology

Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed bio-inspired dynamic templates used to manufacture organic semiconductor materials that produce printable electronics. This technique is also eco-friendly compared with how conventional electronics are made, which gives the researchers the chance to return the favor to nature.

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 13, 2017

Quantum mechanics inside Earth's core

Researchers found that nickel exhibits a distinct anomaly at high temperatures, which may explain the origin of Earth's magnetic field. This discovery challenges conventional theories and provides new insights into the planet's core.

SourceUniversity of Würzburg·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 12, 2017

Figuring out the 3-D shape of molecules with a push of a button

A team of researchers led by Carnegie Mellon University chemist Roberto R. Gil and Universidade Federal de Pernambuco chemist Armando Navarro-Vázquez has developed a program that automates the process of figuring out a molecule's three-dimensional structure, reducing human error and shortening the pipeline of drug discovery.

SourceCarnegie Mellon University·JournalAngewandte Chemie·DateJun 19, 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.

Atomic structure of irradiated materials is more akin to liquid than glass

Researchers discover that irradiation-induced disordering in materials differs from vitrification, leading to a more disordered atomic network resembling liquids. This finding has significant implications for material selection in nuclear applications and raises safety concerns.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateMay 23, 2017

Battling infectious diseases with 3-D structures

An international team of scientists has determined the 3-D atomic structure of over 1,000 proteins that are potential drug and vaccine targets. The experimentally determined structures have been deposited into the World-Wide Protein Data Bank, freely available to the scientific community.

SourceNorthwestern University·DateApr 25, 2017
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.

Finding order and structure in the atomic chaos where materials meet

Scientists have created a model to analyze irregular atomic structures at grain boundaries, where two materials meet. The Polyhedral Unit Model identifies patterns of atomic shapes and can help determine how these structures affect material properties.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·Journalnpj Computational Materials·DateApr 20, 2017

Atomic structure reveals how cells translate environmental signals

The study provides detailed insights into the function of IP3R, a molecular train station controlling cell functions. The new crystal structure reveals how IP3 signals trigger the opening of the Ca2+ channel, shedding light on long-range communication mechanisms.

SourceRIKEN·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017

Creating time crystals

Researchers at Harvard University created a time crystal, a periodic arrangement of atoms across time, using nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond. The discovery offers insights into non-equilibrium quantum systems and may lead to new applications in precision measurement.

SourceHarvard University·JournalNature·DateApr 17, 2017

Computers create recipe for two new magnetic materials

Researchers at Duke University have created two new magnetic materials using high-throughput computational models. The success marks a new era for the large-scale design of new magnetic materials, with potential applications in motors, MRI machines and beyond.

SourceDuke University·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 14, 2017
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.

Researchers gain insight into protein critical to Zika virus reproduction

Scientists have gained insight into the NS5 protein of Zika virus, a crucial enzyme involved in viral replication. The study reveals its structure and function, as well as comparisons with other related viruses, which will aid in the search for compounds to halt virus reproduction.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 10, 2017

The beginning of the end of order

Researchers at the University of Konstanz have proven the existence of Mermin-Wagner fluctuations, which grow logarithmically with system size and prevent crystal formation over long ranges. In contrast, small systems can exhibit crystal formation.

SourceUniversity of Konstanz·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 30, 2017

Atomic 're-packing' behind metallic glass mystery

Researchers have solved a decades-long puzzle about metallic glasses' atomic structure using a new method combining various techniques. The study revealed a hidden amorphous phase within a certain temperature range, linked to metals' ability to form glass and potentially enabling the development of stronger novel materials.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 29, 2017

Researchers create artificial materials atom-by-atom

Scientists at Aalto University have developed a method to arrange individual atoms to engineer electronic properties in artificial materials. The approach enables the creation of designer quantum materials with precise control over atomic structure.

SourceAalto University·JournalNature Physics·DateMar 27, 2017
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.

New enzyme-like tool lets chemists modify hard-to-reach spots on drug molecules

Researchers at Scripps Research Institute have developed a versatile molecule-building tool to create new drugs and chemical products by modifying difficult-to-access sites on target molecules. The new template, which anchors reversibly to heterocycle backbones, eliminates reaction steps and is required in small quantities.

SourceScripps Research Institute·JournalNature·DateMar 8, 2017

New types of structures for cage-like clathrates

Researchers at UC Davis have discovered new types of cage-like compounds called clathrates that can convert waste heat into electricity. The compounds, which trap an atom inside a larger cage, show promise for improving thermoelectric devices.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateMar 6, 2017
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

High-sensitivity cameras reveal the atomic structure of metal-organic frameworks

Researchers at KAUST developed a method for fine-scale imaging of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), visualizing their atomic structures without damage. The high sensitivity of detectors allowed them to acquire images with resolutions as low as 0.21 nanometers, revealing surface and interfacial structures.

SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 20, 2017

Breakthrough in 'wonder' materials paves way for flexible tech

Researchers at University of Warwick developed a new technique to measure electronic structures of two-dimensional materials, paving the way for highly efficient nano-circuitry. This breakthrough could lead to smaller, flexible gadgets and revolutionized solar power with strong absorption and efficient power conversion.

SourceUniversity of Warwick·JournalScience Advances·DateFeb 16, 2017
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.

The ultimate green technology

A team of scientists at the University of Alberta has successfully applied atomic force microscopy to pattern and image electronic circuits at the atomic level. This breakthrough could lead to the development of ultra-fast and ultra-low-power silicon-based circuits, potentially revolutionizing the technology industry.

SourceUniversity of Alberta·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 13, 2017