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Beyond the WIMP: Unique crystals could expand the search for dark matter

Researchers propose a new particle detector design using doped gallium arsenide crystals that can scan for dark matter signals at lower energies. The technology has the potential to detect particles in the mass range measured in millions of electron volts, expanding the search for dark matter.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateMar 20, 2018

Piezomagnetic material changes magnetic properties when stretched

Researchers at UC Davis discovered a piezomagnetic material that alters its magnetic properties when subjected to mechanical stress. This finding has potential applications in detecting strain within materials, such as aircraft components, and could lead to new ways of investigating superconducting properties.

SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 16, 2018

New tool for the crystallization of proteins

A new method has been developed to crystallize membrane proteins of any type or size, allowing researchers to elucidate their structure. The technique uses lipid-water mixtures to create self-assembled channels that enable large proteins to be crystallized.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 5, 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.

Naked-eye detection of solvent vapor

Scientists at University of Tsukuba create effective fluorescent sensor for detecting solvent vapor, utilizing a branched molecule called a dendrimer. The sensor can distinguish between various solvents through changes in emission color and intensity.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalChemical Communications·DateFeb 28, 2018

Chemical waves guide scientists to catalysts of the future

Researchers at TU Wien observed chemical waves on polycrystalline catalyst surfaces, creating fascinating spiral wave structures. The team learned that the orientation of crystal grains determines the frequency and movement of these waves, providing insights into superior catalytic characteristics.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 19, 2018

Breaking local symmetry: Why water freezes but silica forms a glass

Research at The University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science reveals that water and silica diverge when cooled due to differences in atomic arrangement. Water's strong orientational order leads to easy crystallization, whereas silica's weak ordering results in supercooling and glass formation.

SourceInstitute of Industrial Science, The University of Tokyo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateFeb 13, 2018
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.

Scientists observe nanowires as they grow

Researchers at DESY's X-ray source PETRA III have observed the growth of gallium arsenide nanowires for the first time, providing new insights into their shape and crystal structure. The study reveals a second component contributing to the growth process, allowing wires to gain width independently of the VLS mechanism.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNano Letters·DateFeb 8, 2018

Scientists crack structure of enzyme complex linked to cancer

Researchers at UC Riverside have solved the crystal structure of an enzyme that plays a key role in DNA methylation, a process linked to various diseases including cancer. The breakthrough provides important information for understanding de novo DNA methylation and its implications for gene expression and cell differentiation.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalNature·DateFeb 7, 2018

Researchers solve a materials mystery key to next-generation electronic devices

A team led by Chang-Beom Eom at the University of Wisconsin-Madison has directly observed a two-dimensional hole gas, a counterpart to the two-dimensional electron gas. The discovery is crucial for advancing oxide electronics materials, which could enable new concepts and applications in fields like computing and communication.

SourceUniversity of Wisconsin-Madison·JournalNature Materials·DateFeb 5, 2018
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

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

Structural insight into the molecular mechanism of PET degradation

Researchers at KAIST have identified a novel molecular mechanism for polyethylene terephthalate (PET) degradation, revealing superior degradability of PET. A new variant with enhanced PET-degrading activity was also developed using structural-based protein engineering.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalNature Communications·DateJan 30, 2018

Prediction of titanic nitride proved unsinkable

Researchers have successfully synthesized cubic, semiconducting titanium nitride (Ti3N4) with excellent mechanical and wear resistance properties. The material has a larger band gap than expected and is expected to exhibit improved optoelectronic properties, making it suitable for electronic devices.

SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalPhysical Review Materials·DateJan 24, 2018

Scientists develop a new material for manipulating molecules

Scientists have developed a novel porous material with controlled porosity, which can store and separate molecules. This breakthrough material has the potential to improve catalysis, gas adsorption, and electronic conductivity, marking a significant turning point in various scientific fields.

SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalScience·DateJan 17, 2018

International study identify the process of rock formed by meteors or nuclear blasts

Researchers from Brazil, China, and Italy developed a model to map the phases of coesite formation, a polymorph of silica that occurs under high pressure. The study uses atomic computer simulation to describe the interactions among atoms and the transformations resulting from pressure changes.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 16, 2018
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

Glucagon receptor structure offers new opportunities for type 2 diabetes drug discovery

Scientists at SIMM have determined the crystal structure of the human glucagon receptor in complex with a glucagon analogue, providing insights into its activation mechanism. The study reveals significant conformational changes in the linker region and extracellular loop that facilitate peptide binding and initiate receptor activation.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJan 3, 2018

Scientists describe the structure of a prospective luminesce substance

Researchers describe a new, rare earth metal hydroxide compound with unique phosphor properties, potentially replacing traditional methods and reducing toxic emissions. The discovery has far-reaching implications for industrial applications and sustainable technology.

SourceSiberian Federal University·JournalChemistry - A European Journal·DateDec 15, 2017

Catching radical molecules before they disappear

Researchers from the Institute for Basic Science synthesized four new kinds of stabilized radicals with ferromagnetic properties, opening doors to applications in rechargeable batteries and molecular spintronics. The oxime radicals were stabilized using N-heterocyclic carbenes, a breakthrough in synthesizing organic radicals.

SourceInstitute for Basic Science·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 13, 2017

Tumors heat up

Scientists improve photothermal properties of bismuth sulfide nanorods by adding gold nanodots, increasing heat generation in tumor cells under near-infrared light irradiation. This leads to enhanced inhibition of tumor growth with no toxic side effects.

SourceWiley·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateDec 11, 2017

The molecular structure of a forest aroma deconstructed

Researchers have accurately determined the molecular structure of alpha-pinene in its gas phase. This breakthrough analysis can help scientists better detect and understand how alpha-pinene reacts with other gases in the atmosphere, producing pollutants and particles that affect health and climate.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalThe Journal of Chemical Physics·DateDec 7, 2017
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.

Structure of primary optogenetic tool revealed

An international team determined the 3-D structure of channelrhodopsin 2, a membrane protein used in optogenetics to control nerve cells. The study reveals how light manipulation can mimic nerve impulses, enabling fast and harmless cell activation.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 27, 2017

Enhancing the quantum sensing capabilities of diamond

Scientists create dense ensembles of quantum spins in diamond with high resolution, enabling enhanced sensors and resources for quantum technologies. Nitrogen-Vacancy (NV) defects are used to measure magnetic fields and quantum computing, thanks to their unique properties such as long coherence times at room temperature.

SourceThe Hebrew University of Jerusalem·JournalApplied Physics Letters·DateNov 22, 2017

X-rays reveal the biting truth about parrotfish teeth

A study by scientists at the Department of Energy's Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory has revealed a unique chain mail-like woven microstructure in parrotfish teeth that enables their remarkable bite and resilience. This structure also provides a blueprint for creating ultra-durable synthetic materials.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalACS Nano·DateNov 15, 2017

How ice in clouds is born

Scientists have found that water droplets in clouds can turn to ice more rapidly than previously predicted, with a disordered ice structure forming under certain cloud conditions. This discovery reconciles theoretical models of clouds with observations of freezing rates, helping cloud modelers understand better their observational data.

SourceUniversity of Utah·JournalNature·DateNov 8, 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.

Crystals in a pink X-ray beam

A new experimental setup allows for serial crystallography using broad-spectrum X-rays at synchrotron sources, enabling the study of proteins with smaller samples and shorter exposure times. This method reduces unwanted scattered radiation, making it possible to determine protein structures with high precision.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalNature Communications·DateNov 3, 2017

Opening the Van der Waals' sandwich

Engineers at Tohoku University created a system to measure the van der Waals' bonding force between crystal layers, increasing its strength seven times. This breakthrough enables more durable gallium selenide crystals for advanced technologies.

SourceAmerican Institute of Physics·JournalJournal of Applied Physics·DateOct 31, 2017
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.

New property found in unusual crystalline materials

Scientists have found a new mechanism of deformation at the boundaries of coherent twin crystal boundaries, which can increase material strength while preserving ductility. This discovery could lead to designing strong nanostructures and devices that respond to specific stress levels.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalNature Communications·DateOct 25, 2017

High field magnet at BER II: Insight into a hidden order

Researchers have discovered a new magnetic phase transition in a uranium-ruthenium crystal at extremely high magnetic fields. At around 21.6 Tesla, the magnetic moments of uranium atoms point alternatingly up-up-down in opposite directions, forming an uncompensated antiferromagnetic order.

SourceHelmholtz-Zentrum Berlin für Materialien und Energie·JournalPhysical Review B·DateOct 20, 2017

Key psychiatric drug target comes into focus

A team at UC San Francisco and UNC Chapel Hill has determined the crystal structure of the dopamine receptor D4 at an incredibly high resolution. This breakthrough allows researchers to design a new compound that tightly binds only to D4, potentially leading to more effective psychiatric drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of California - San Francisco·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 2017

Key psychiatric drug target comes into focus

Researchers at UNC-Chapel Hill and UCSF have solved the crystal structure of a specific dopamine receptor called D4 at an incredibly high resolution, allowing them to design a new compound that tightly binds only to D4. This breakthrough could lead to more precise psychiatric drugs with fewer side effects.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina Health Care·JournalScience·DateOct 19, 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.

NIH awards $6.5 million to Berkeley Lab for augmenting structural biology research

The NIH has awarded a $6.5 million grant to Berkeley Lab to integrate existing synchrotron structural biology resources, establishing the ALS-ENABLE center to guide researchers in determining biological structures. The initiative will provide rapid response crystallography, high-quality small-angle X-ray scattering, and specialized cry...

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·DateOct 16, 2017

Magma chambers have a sponge-like structure

Researchers at ETH Zurich found that supervolcano magma chambers contain a mixture of liquid and crystalline magma. The chambers may exhibit a sponge-like texture, with a mesh structure of crystallised rock and pores containing molten material.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature Geoscience·DateOct 5, 2017

Scientists from MSU proposed a way of increasing the efficiency of solar batteries

Researchers from MSU found that changing the ratio of components in light-absorbing perovskite layers influences film structure and solar cell efficiency. By studying intermediate compounds formed during crystallization, they discovered a key factor affecting perovskite crystal shape and solar cell performance.

SourceLomonosov Moscow State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateOct 5, 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.

Chemists teach computer program to model forces between atoms accurately

A team of researchers used machine learning to model the behavior of aluminum and uranium in different phases at various temperatures and pressures. The study improved upon previous results in terms of speed and accuracy, enabling further work with only promising materials.

SourceMoscow Institute of Physics and Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 3, 2017

Superconductivity found in thin films of titanium oxide

Scientists at Tokyo Tech have reported superconductivity in two types of higher titanium oxides grown as ultrathin films. The materials exhibit a high transition temperature of up to 7.1 K, making them promising for fundamental physics and potential applications in faster computers.

SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalScientific Reports·DateOct 2, 2017

Atomistic simulations go the distance on metal strength

The team demonstrated that direct atomistic simulations can predict metal strength, revealing crystal defects and twinning mechanisms. This research provides a wealth of observations on fundamental mechanisms of dynamic response and quantitative parameters needed for strength models.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory·JournalNature·DateSep 27, 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.

Ultra-light aluminum: USU chemist reports breakthrough in material design

Researchers computationally designed a new, metastable, and lightweight form of aluminum with a density of 0.61 gram per cubic centimeter, making it lighter than water. This discovery opens up potential applications in spaceflight, medicine, wiring, and more fuel-efficient automotive parts.

SourceUtah State University·JournalThe Journal of Physical Chemistry C·DateSep 21, 2017

Novel small antibody fragment: A valuable tool in crystallography

Researchers at Osaka University developed a novel chimeric antibody fragment to aid in the structural determination of 'uncrystallizable' target proteins. The Fv-clasp design improved production compatibility and stability while maintaining binding ability, enabling successful crystallization of biologically important proteins.

SourceOsaka University·JournalStructure·DateSep 20, 2017

Defects in next-generation solar cells can be healed with light

Defects in perovskites can be permanently healed with light and humidity, accelerating the development of cheap and high-performance solar cells. The process involves exposure to light, oxygen, and controlled humidity levels, which create a protective shell that locks in improvements.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalJoule·DateSep 6, 2017
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.

Nagoya-led team flips the switch on ferroelectrics

Researchers at Nagoya University have created a way to manipulate the domain structure of lead zirconate titanate films, a crucial step for future electronic and electro-mechanical devices. By controlling the switching of domains, they can potentially accelerate the development of next-generation technologies.

SourceNagoya University·JournalScientific Reports·DateAug 28, 2017

Faster, more precise, more stable: Study optimizes graphene growth

The Technical University of Munich has optimized graphene growth through chemical vapor deposition (CVD), creating highly pure and stable crystals. The breakthrough allows for mass production of graphene, which can be used in various applications such as electronics, displays, and electrodes.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalAnnalen der Physik·DateAug 25, 2017

Engineering team images tiny quasicrystals as they form

Researchers have successfully formed and imaged tiny quasicrystals using silica nanoparticles, revealing a non-periodic yet ordered structure. The team used transmission electron microscopy to capture the growth process, which was influenced by varying concentrations of chemical compounds and mechanical stirring.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 17, 2017
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.

Riding the wave: Pioneering research tames nanoquakes

Scientists develop a phononic crystal structure that can steer and guide surface acoustic waves, or 'nanoquakes,' in devices. The breakthrough could pave the way for lab-on-a-chip biosensors and earthquake protection.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 2, 2017

The nitty-gritty behind how onions make you cry

Researchers determined the crystal structure of a key enzyme in onion cells and developed a chemical mechanism explaining LF synthesis. The discovery reveals why people tear up when chopping onions, shedding light on this common culinary conundrum.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Chemical Biology·DateAug 2, 2017

A semiconductor that can beat the heat

Researchers at Berkeley Lab have discovered a unique thermoelectric material, cesium tin iodide, that can block most heat transfer while preserving high electrical conductivity. This rare pairing has potential applications in electronic cooling, turbine engines, and other fields.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJul 31, 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.

Formation of porous crystals observed for the first time

Researchers at University of Bristol observed the formation of a crystal gel and discovered new mechanisms for creating sponge-like nanoporous crystals. The process resembles ice crystal growth in clouds and can lead to materials for catalytic, optical, sensing, and filtration applications.

SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalNature Methods·DateJul 31, 2017

New strategy to design mechano-responsive luminescent materials

Hokkaido University researchers have designed a novel mechano-responsive luminescent material that changes color in response to mechanical stimuli. The material, composed of gold and isocyanide complex, transforms into chiral or achiral crystals under different conditions, altering its emission properties.

SourceHokkaido University·JournalJournal of the American Chemical Society·DateJul 25, 2017

Microwaves reveal detailed structure of molecular motor

Researchers used microwave spectroscopy to analyze the structure of a single molecular motor, revealing its stator, rotor, and axle. The study provides insight into the motor's dynamics and opens up possibilities for studying nano-machines in action.

SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalAngewandte Chemie International Edition·DateJul 12, 2017

Breakthrough tool predicts properties of theoretical materials

Researchers at UNC Chapel Hill developed a new methodology called PLMF to predict properties of new metals and materials using machine learning. The tool was able to fill in missing values for existing materials, allowing scientists to test new ideas before synthesis.

SourceUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel Hill·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 11, 2017

New studies of ancient concrete could teach us to do as the Romans did

Researchers studied 2,000-year-old Roman concrete using X-rays and electron microscopy, discovering a natural chemistry that strengthens the material over time. The findings suggest a recipe for modern concrete with less environmental impact could be inspired by the ancient Romans' use of volcanic ash, lime, and seawater.

SourceDOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory·JournalAmerican Mineralogist·DateJul 3, 2017
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.

New technique 'sees' radioactive material even after it's gone

Researchers have developed a new technique that can characterize nuclear material in a location even after the material has been removed. By analyzing changes in valence electrons, they can determine the presence, strength, and type of radioactive material present.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalHealth Physics·DateJul 3, 2017

How do impurities move in tungsten?

A research group at National Institutes of Natural Sciences has developed a high-speed automatic search method for the migration path of impurity atoms in materials with polycrystalline structures, enabling the investigation of collective migration and its impact on plasma confinement. This method uses molecular dynamics and parallel c...

SourceNational Institutes of Natural Sciences·JournalNuclear Materials and Energy·DateJun 30, 2017