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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Apple iPhone 17 Pro

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter

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

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.

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.

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.

AmScope B120C-5M Compound Microscope

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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...

Osaka University researchers push metals to their limits

Researchers at Osaka University have created a novel metal alloy by adding two metals to generate a unique cross-lamellar microstructure, significantly improving its mechanical performance. The new alloy shows excellent high-temperature strength and could lead to efficiency gains in gas turbines and jet engines.

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

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CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

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